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https://www.wikihow.com/Sew-Organza

How to Sew Organza

To sew organza, use a size 8-11 universal needle and a regular weight cotton thread. You should set your sewing machine to the straight stitch setting so you get a straight, clean line on your fabric. Also, make sure you're only sewing across your fabric one time and in one direction since backstitching can damage organza. As you're sewing, hold the fabric on both sides and apply even pressure to avoid puckering.

Change your sewing machine needle. Your regular needle might be okay for sewing organza, but it is best to check it first. You will need a size 8 to 11 (60 to 75) universal needle for working with organza fabric. You could also try using a small size sharp point needle. These are usually best for sewing with delicate fabrics. Make sure you have changed your needle recently. You should replace your needle after every project or at least after every four hours of sewing with the same needle. Sew with a regular weight cotton thread. You don't need to get a specialty thread to work with organza. Just use a regular weight cotton thread to sew your project. Opt for a color that is close to the color of your fabric to help the stitches blend in. Otherwise, they may stand out and this may look unappealing. For example, if you are using a pale pink organza fabric, then opt for a pale pink thread to match. Set your machine to the straight stitch setting. When sewing with organza, your best bet is to use the straight stitch setting. This is the most basic stitch you can use and it will result in a straight, clean line. Avoid using fancy stitches for organza fabric. After you have your straight stitch seam, you may want to add a zigzag seam next to it towards the outer edge. This can help to reinforce the seam and the seam won't be visible because it will be on the outer edge. Avoid backstitching. It is important to avoid backstitching with organza fabric because this can damage the fabric. Only sew across your fabric one time and in one direction. Make sure that all of your settings are correct before you begin. Also, keep in mind that you cannot use a seam ripper for organza fabrics. Tearing out stitches will damage the fabric. If you make a mistake, then you might need to just get new fabric and start over. Hold the fabric on both sides. To avoid puckering, it is important to place even pressure on both sides of the organza as you sew. Keep one hand behind the presser foot and the other hand in front of it to hold the organza. Keep the fabric taut, but don't stretch it or apply too much pressure or it may tear or affect the stitching. Run tests on a piece of scrap fabric first. Before you start sewing your organza, try testing your stitches on a scrap piece of organza fabric first. This will help to ensure that the stitch you are using will not damage your fabric and give you a chance to adjust your settings before you work on the actual project. Opt for simple designs. Sheers like organza are fancy enough on their own, so it is not necessary to use an intricate design when you are working with them. Instead, opt for simple designs that will showcase the fabric. For example, you might want to avoid things like pleating and intricate draping. Pre-wash your fabric only if necessary. If you anticipate needing to wash it later on, then it is important to do a pre-wash before sewing to ensure that the fabric will not shrink after you sew it. Keep in mind that it is generally best not to wash organza, so if you do not anticipate needing to wash it, then don't pre-wash it. Also, be aware that pre-washing organza will soften the fabric, so it may not provide the same amount of structure before it has been washed. Press the fabric with a dry iron if needed. If your fabric is wrinkled or creased, then you may want to press it before you sew. However, the steam from an iron can leave water spots or cause discoloration to organza fabric. Use a dry iron to press the fabric if needed. Make sure that the iron is on the lowest setting. Hold down the edges when measuring and cutting. Organza is slippery, so it is important to weigh it down to prevent it from moving while you measure and cut it. You can use weights, push pins, or tape to hold down your fabric. Try using double sided tape to attach the organza to your work surface. Keep in mind that pinning can damage the fabric, so use them sparingly, if at all. Use a pencil, pen, or chalk to mark the fabric. Organza can get stained easily, so avoid using a marker or anything else that might not come off the fabric easily. A pencil, pen, or piece of chalk will probably work best for marking. Test out your marking method on a scrap piece of fabric first to see if it will come out easily.

Change your sewing machine needle. Sew with a regular weight cotton thread. Set your machine to the straight stitch setting. Avoid backstitching. Hold the fabric on both sides. Run tests on a piece of scrap fabric first. Opt for simple designs. Pre-wash your fabric only if necessary. Press the fabric with a dry iron if needed. Hold down the edges when measuring and cutting. Use a pencil, pen, or chalk to mark the fabric.

https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-the-Radius-of-a-Circle

How to Calculate the Radius of a Circle

To calculate the radius of a circle by using the circumference, take the circumference of the circle and divide it by 2 times π. For a circle with a circumference of 15, you would divide 15 by 2 times 3.14 and round the decimal point to your answer of approximately 2.39. Be sure to include the units in your answer.

Write down the circumference formula. The formula is C = 2 π r {\displaystyle C=2\pi r} , where C {\displaystyle C} equals the circle's circumference, and r {\displaystyle r} equals its radius. The symbol π {\displaystyle \pi } ("pi") is a special number, roughly equal to 3.14. You can either use that estimate (3.14) in calculations, or use the π {\displaystyle \pi } symbol on a calculator. Solve for r. Use algebra to change the circumference formula until r (radius) is alone on one side of the equation: Plug the circumference into the formula. Whenever a math problem tells you the circumference C of a circle, you can use this equation to find the radius r. Replace C in the equation with the circumference of the circle in your problem: Round to a decimal answer. Enter your result in a calculator with the π {\displaystyle \pi } button and round the result. If you don't have a calculator, calculate it by hand, using 3.14 as a close estimate for π {\displaystyle \pi }. Set up the formula for the area of a circle. The formula is A = π r 2 {\displaystyle A=\pi r^{2}} , where A {\displaystyle A} equals the area of the circle, and r {\displaystyle r} equals the radius. Solve for the radius. Use algebra to get the radius r alone on one side of the equation: Plug the area into the formula. Use this formula to find the radius when the problem tells you the area of the circle. Substitute the area of the circle for the variable A {\displaystyle A}. Divide the area by π{\displaystyle \pi }. Begin solving the problem by simplifying the portion under the square root ( A π ) {\displaystyle {\frac {A}{\pi }})}. Use a calculator with a π {\displaystyle \pi } key if possible. If you don't have a calculator, use 3.14 as an estimate for π {\displaystyle \pi }. Take the square root. You will likely need a calculator to do this , because the number will be a decimal. This value will give you the radius of the circle. Check the problem for a diameter. If the problem tells you the diameter of the circle, it's easy to find the radius. If you are working with an actual circle, measure the diameter by placing a ruler so its edge passes straight through the circle's center , touching the circle on both sides. If you're not sure where the circle center is, put the ruler down across your best guess. Hold the zero mark of the ruler steady against the circle, and slowly move the other end back and forth around the circle's edge. The highest measurement you can find is the diameter. For example, you might have a circle with a diameter of 4 centimeters. Divide the diameter by two. A circle's radius is always half the length of its diameter. For example, if the diameter is 4 cm, the radius equals 4 cm ÷ 2 = 2 cm. In math formulas, the radius is r and the diameter is d. You might see this step in your textbook as r = d 2 {\displaystyle r={\frac {d}{2}}}. Set up the formula for the area of a sector. The formula is A s e c t o r = θ 360 ( π ) ( r 2 ) {\displaystyle A_{sector}={\frac {\theta }{360}}(\pi )(r^{2})} , where A s e c t o r {\displaystyle A_{sector}} equals the area of the sector, θ {\displaystyle \theta } equals the central angle of the sector in degrees, and r {\displaystyle r} equals the radius of the circle. Plug the sector’s area and central angle into the formula. This information should be given to you. Make sure you have the area of the sector, not the area for the circle. Substitute the area for the variable A s e c t o r {\displaystyle A_{sector}} and the angle for the variable θ {\displaystyle \theta }. Divide the central angle by 360. This will tell you what fraction of the entire circle the sector represents. Isolate (π)(r2){\displaystyle (\pi )(r^{2})}. To do this, divide both sides of the equation by the fraction or decimal you just calculated. Divide both sides of the equation by π{\displaystyle \pi }. This will isolate the r {\displaystyle r} variable. For a more precise result, use a calculator. You can also round π {\displaystyle \pi } to 3.14. Take the square root of both sides. This will give you the radius of the circle.

Write down the circumference formula. Solve for r. Plug the circumference into the formula. Round to a decimal answer. Set up the formula for the area of a circle. Solve for the radius. Plug the area into the formula. Divide the area by π{\displaystyle \pi }. Take the square root. Check the problem for a diameter. Divide the diameter by two. Set up the formula for the area of a sector. Plug the sector’s area and central angle into the formula. Divide the central angle by 360. Isolate (π)(r2){\displaystyle (\pi )(r^{2})}. Divide both sides of the equation by π{\displaystyle \pi }. Take the square root of both sides.

https://www.wikihow.com/Wrap-Wontons

How to Wrap Wontons

To wrap wontons, start by dipping your finger in warm water and using it to moisten each edge of a wonton wrapper. Next, place a teaspoon of filling the center and fold the wrapper in half over it to form a rectangle shape. Then, gently push out any air from inside the wrapper before folding it up again from either side of the filling. Finally, re-wet the edges and fold them over again, pinching the wrapper to seal the wonton. Repeat this process with each wrapper until you've used all the filling.

Grab your filling, wrappers, and a bowl of water. To begin, prepare your wonton-wrapping work space. You'll need just four things - a bowl of filling, a bowl of warm water, a set of store-bought wonton wrappers, and a clean, flat area (like a cutting board) to work on. Wontons can have a wide variety of fillings - the exact type of filling you use is up to you. One very common type of filling is made from ground pork and minced shrimp held together with flour or cornstarch. Spices and herbs like garlic and green onions are often added to this filling. Lay your wrapper flat in the center of your work area. Ensure your hands are clean, then dip a finger in your warm water and use it to moisten the edges of the wrapper. This helps the wonton hold together and stay shut during the cooking process. Add filling and fold the wonton in half. Place about a teaspoon of filling (or less) in the very center of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to make a rectangular shape. Press gently to force out any air that's trapped under the fold - you don't want any air bubbles in your wonton. This is because any air that's trapped within the wonton will naturally expand as it's heated during cooking, potentially rupturing the wonton. Don't over-stuff your wonton - this can keep it from cooking thoroughly. A good rule of thumb is that you've over-stuffed your wonton if you can't fold it in half a second time at this point in the process. Fold the wonton back so that its sides overlap. Next, you'll want to fold the wonton back over itself in the direction of the filling. In other words, take the two corners of the rectangle formed by the wrapper that are on the same edge as the ball of filling and fold them over each other to make a circular or crescent-shaped dumpling. Then, dip your finger in the warm water, wet one of the edges you just folded over the other, and re-fold it, pinching to seal the edges together. Repeat as needed. Congratulations - you've just wrapped your first wonton. With practice, this skill will become second-nature. Use the rest of your filling and wrappers to make more wontons in the same way as you formed the first. Cook by boiling, deep-frying, or pan-frying. Alternatively, refrigerate immediately. Place your filling in the center of the wrapper. This wrapping method gives you a wonton that looks a little like a grocery bag with its handles stretched tight. Begin in the same way as you did for the method above. Lay your wrapper down flat in your work area and add about one teaspoon of filling in the very center. Fold one corner inward. Next, grab one of the wrapper's corners and fold it over your ball of filling. The tip of the corner should be at (or even slightly past) the center of the wonton. Moisten the top of this corner of the wrapper with warm water after you've folded it. You don't need to moisten the corner's bottom edge. It will naturally adhere to the filling somewhat, but even this isn't essential for a wonton that holds together. Fold the opposite corner inward. Next, grab the corner that's opposite the one you just folded - in other words, the corner diagonally across from it. Take this corner and gently fold it over the top of the filling and the other corner. The tips of the two corners should overlap slightly. When you fold this second corner over the top, it should gently adhere to the corner underneath because of the water you used to moisten it. Fold the two remaining corners into an upward "point". Next, you'll need to fold the two remaining corners (the other set of diagonal opposites) together. Moisten one (not both) of the remaining corners with warm water. Then, take each corner and fold it neatly over the filling. Bring the two corners together so that they come together flat against one another. The end result should be that these two corners are stuck together pointing roughly upwards over the filling, which is gathered in the bottom. If you need to, you can lightly pinch the two upward-pointing corners together to help them adhere to each other. Congratulations! You're done. Balance a wrapper on a ring made with your finger and thumb. This method makes a wonton that looks like a sack of money or an old-fashioned coin purse. To begin, touch the tip of your index finger to the tip of your thumb to make a small ring (this should look like the "A-OK" hand gesture). Lay your wrapper on top of this ring, centered over the hole. It's not a problem if it droops slightly into the hole. Place your filling in the center of the wrapper. Next, take about a teaspoon of filling (as before) and place it in a ball in the center of the wrapper. Use the spoon you used to scoop your filling to push the filling down through the ring made by your fingers slightly. This should draw the corners of the wrapper inward. Don't push too hard! You don't want to end up with your filling, wrapper, or both on the floor. Close the ring. As you push the filling down, gently bring the edges of the wrapper together by closing the ring made by your fingers. As you do this, the edges of the wrapper should close together above the filling. When you finish bringing the edges of the wrapper together, your wonton should look like a tiny "sack" of filling with its upper edges ruffled up. Dab warm water around the opening and seal. The last thing you want your wonton to do is to come apart while you cook it. To ensure your wonton holds together, dab a little warm water around the opening of the wonton and press the edges together to seal. Because the edges are crumpled up, you may need to re-apply water as needed if you have trouble getting the opening to stay shut. Congratulations! You're done. Lather, rinse, repeat, and enjoy your delicious wontons. Finished.

Grab your filling, wrappers, and a bowl of water. Lay your wrapper flat in the center of your work area. Add filling and fold the wonton in half. Fold the wonton back so that its sides overlap. Repeat as needed. Place your filling in the center of the wrapper. Fold one corner inward. Fold the opposite corner inward. Fold the two remaining corners into an upward "point". Balance a wrapper on a ring made with your finger and thumb. Place your filling in the center of the wrapper. Close the ring. Dab warm water around the opening and seal. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Frankincense-Oil

How to Use Frankincense Oil

Use frankincense oil in your bath to help relieve stress and anxiety. You can also burn some frankincense oil in a vaporizer at your bedside to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. To add more moisture to your skin and help lift and tighten wrinkles, try mixing 1 part frankincense oil with 2 parts baby oil or shea butter and applying it to your face and hands. If you want to make your own toothpaste, combine a few drops of the essential oil with baking soda and water. In order to help heal injuries, dab some frankincense on a minor cut or scrape to prevent infection.

Let the scent relax and comfort you. Frankincense has long been used as part of the practice of aromatherapy, using natural fragrances to counteract a wide range of afflictions. The next time you're feeling depressed or overwhelmed, dab a little frankincense oil on your wrists or burn it in a scent diffuser. The calming effects of the dry, earthy, spicy aroma will help you instantly feel more at ease. Fill the air with frankincense while you work, study or meditate. Essential oils like frankincense just smell good, even if you're not a believer in holistic treatments. Add it to a bath. Squeeze a few drops into a steaming bath and breathe in the rich vapors. As you soak, you'll feel the tension in your muscles fading and your worries slipping away. Frankincense also works wonders as a natural moisturizer, so your skin will feel soft and smooth long after you climb out of the tub. If you prefer a hot shower, try infusing a washcloth or loofah with frankincense oil before you lather up. Enhancing a bath will save you the trouble of applying a moisturizer as a separate step. Use it to get to sleep. Forget about addictive sleep aids and medications that leave you feeling groggy. A less disruptive alternative is to burn some frankincense oil in a vaporizer on your bedside table as you drift off. You're certain to experience a full night of restorative sleep as the pleasant fragrance gently comforts and banishes restlessness. The relaxing floral notes of frankincense can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Try it as a massage oil. Combine frankincense oil with a splash of peppermint, sage or juniper essence for your next couples or self-massage session. Not only will it glide over your skin like velvet, it can actually promote muscular relaxation and help heal damaged tissue at a deeper level. After a few rubdowns, you'll never need to book an appointment at the spa again. Work frankincense oil into sore, aching muscles and joints rather than relying on oral pain relievers. Rub a drop of oil into your temples or between your palms and breathe slowly and deeply when you begin to feel stressed out. Make it a part of your skin care routine. In addition to serving as an excellent moisturizer, frankincense contains compounds that can lift and tighten skin loosened by age, stress or environmental conditions. Blend one part frankincense oil with two parts baby oil or shea butter and rub it on tired eye bags or rough, chapped hands for a rejuvenated appearance. There is evidence that frankincense and other essential oils can help fight wrinkles and other signs of aging. Use a drop of frankincense oil to treat dry, itchy, irritated skin. Include it in your oral hygiene. Mix up your own no-filler toothpaste by combining the essential oil with a teaspoon of baking soda and a couple ounces of water to form a thick paste, or use 2-3 drops of frankincense and peppermint oil diluted in warm water as chemical-free mouthwash. Frankincense has natural antiseptic properties, meaning it will wipe out the germs that congregate in your mouth and keep your teeth and gums looking and feeling healthy. Swish frankincense oil and warm water like hydrogen peroxide if you have bleeding gums or a get a cut in your mouth. Regular use may also help clear up chronic bad breath. Nurse a cold. Save money on expensive over-the-counter cold medicines by using frankincense to alleviate the worst symptoms of an illness. The oil has been shown to reduce swelling, which is useful for curing aches and pains as a result of all types of maladies. When used topically or ingested in small amounts (no more than a few drops at a time diluted in another liquid), it may even act to boost your immune system on its own, making you less likely to get sick in the future. Stir a few drops of frankincense oil into a large bowl full of hot water, drape a towel over your head and inhale the fumes deeply to clear up congestion and reduce inflammation in the lungs. You can also soak a washcloth in a solution of warm water and frankincense oil and lay it across your eyes and nose to ease the throbbing pain of a sinus infection. Help heal injuries. Frankincense's antimicrobial benefits also make it perfect as a topical remedy. Dabbing frankincense oil on a minor cut or scrape will eliminate bacteria and prevent infection without interfering with the healing process. As it dries, it will keep the skin nourished to make scabbing and scarring less noticeable, as well. Massaging frankincense oil over scar tissue, stretch marks or acne can help reduce their appearance over time. Don't apply frankincense oil directly to an open wound. If it's a severe injury, seek immediate medical attention. Soothe an upset stomach. If you happen to be experiencing a stomach ache, excessive gas or bloating or intestinal cramps, have no fear. One or two drops of the essential oil in a few ounces of water or herbal tea is as good for providing quick gastrointestinal relief as any anti-diarrheal medicine. Just down the mixture and feel your discomfort vanish in minutes. To make it go down easier, try adding it to a tablespoon of honey. Make sure the frankincense you're using is pure and free of perfumes or chemical additives before ingesting it. Freshen up a room. Add frankincense oil to a scent diffuser, vaporizer or homemade candle to spread the delightfully musky aroma throughout your home. Its odor-fighting elements can easily overcome the unpleasant stench of pet messes, trash, mildew or mounds of dirty laundry as it calms and relaxes you. Combine 5-6 drops of frankincense oil in a spray bottle with 3 cups of distilled water and 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of baking soda. You can use this natural mixture the way you would an ordinary air freshener. Try placing electric scent diffusers filled with frankincense oil in the wall outlets around your home. Make your own household cleaner. Whisk 10 drops of frankincense oil together with 2 cups hot water, 1 cup white vinegar and ¼ cup baking soda to produce a homemade multi-purpose cleaning solution. Pour this solution into a spray bottle and use it for everything from cleaning your toilets to decontaminating your kitchen counter after handling raw chicken. Frankincense is a natural astringent, meaning it can cut through and help lift dirt, oil and grime from almost any surface. Polishing your furniture or counter tops with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice and frankincense oil will leave behind a polished shine and keep them smelling fresh. Infuse hand soap and other products with frankincense. Buy unscented hand soap, shampoo or facial cream and dress it up with one part potent frankincense oil. You'll be able to clean, soothe and restore vital moisture to your skin and scalp while spending a third of what you normally would on extravagant specialty products. When used correctly, frankincense oil is like a cleanser, a lotion and a perfume all in one. Frankincense is good for clearing pores and strengthening cuticles. Make your own liquid hand soap for kitchens and bathrooms using liquid castile soap base, distilled water and a mixture of essential oils like frankincense, peppermint and lavender.

Let the scent relax and comfort you. Add it to a bath. Use it to get to sleep. Try it as a massage oil. Make it a part of your skin care routine. Include it in your oral hygiene. Nurse a cold. Help heal injuries. Soothe an upset stomach. Freshen up a room. Make your own household cleaner. Infuse hand soap and other products with frankincense.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Eco-Friendly

How to Be Eco Friendly

To be eco-friendly, try to remember to turn off lights and appliances when you're not using them, which will help save energy. You can also use reusable water bottles, grocery bags, and toiletries to cut back on plastic waste. Additionally, consider walking, biking, or using public transportation instead of driving to help reduce gas consumption and carbon emissions. Recycling and reusing things can also reduce how much waste you're producing, so consider reusing plastic bags and containers more than once and recycling or composting things you can't reuse.

Adjust your thermostat to save on heating and cooling costs. Use less energy during the hot summer months and cold winter season by controlling your heating and cooling bills. In the summer, set your thermostat to 78 °F (26 °C) when you're at home and raise the temperature when you're away. In the winter, turn your thermostat to 68 °F (20 °C) and lower it by 5° to 10° when you're sleeping or out of your house. Use fans to cool your home or circulate the warm air from space heaters. To stay warm in the winter, put on a sweater or another layer instead of turning up the thermostat. Replace burned out light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. To avoid unnecessary waste, wait to replace your light bulbs until they've burned out. When you do replace the bulbs, choose Energy Star-qualified light bulbs with the same wattage as the bulbs you're replacing. These use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and they put out 75% less heat. This can save you on cooling costs during the summer. Turn off lights and unplug power strips that you're not using. This is an easy way to reduce energy use. Since some devices can still use energy even when they're turned off, plug your chargers, TVs, and electronic devices into power strips. Turn off these power strips at night to completely cut off energy use. If you need to leave your computer, TV, or game console on, try setting it to sleep mode instead of simply leaving it on. Make your faucets and toilets low-flow. Cut back on water waste by installing flow restrictor aerators inside your faucets and installing a low-flow shower head in your bathroom. This can save 3 to 4 gallons (11 to 15 liters) of water for every minute that water is running. If you're replacing a toilet, look for a WaterSense or low-flow toilet to save thousands of gallons of water a year. Remember to fix leaky faucets or toilets as soon as you notice water dripping. To reduce your water use and heating bill, limit your showers to 5 minutes. If you'd rather take a bath, only fill the tub half to three-quarters full. Wash your clothes with cold water and line dry them. Adjust your washing machine to use cold or warm water instead of hot. Since more energy is spent drying the clothes, skip the machine and hang your washed clothes on a clothesline. If you don't have space for a clothesline or can't hang clothes outside, set up a clothes drying rack that you can use inside. Try running your clothes through an extra spin cycle to remove even more water from the clothes. This will make them dry quicker. Use public transportation. Reduce your gas consumption and carbon emissions by walking, biking, or taking the bus. Keeping cars off of the road in congested cities can also improve the air quality. If you do need to drive somewhere, ask friends if they'd like to carpool so fewer cars are on the road. Use reusable water bottles and coffee mugs. Plastic water bottles and coffee cups create a lot of waste. One of the simplest ways to cut back on this plastic waste is to bring along a container that you can fill up at the fountain or hand to your barista. Many coffee shops even offer discounts if you bring your own cup. Try to choose a sustainable material for your reusable bottle. You can buy them in glass, bamboo, and ceramic. Say no to unnecessary plastic straws, lids, and bags. If you know you're going to buy something that may come with a plastic straw, let them know when you're ordering that you don't need one. Ask businesses not to pack your items in plastic bags. Instead, bring your own reusable shopping bags, especially when you grocery shop. If you frequently order takeout, tell the restaurant or food cart that you want the food packaged in your own containers. This way you won't get plastic utensils, styrofoam or plastic containers, paper napkins, and plastic bags. Buy items packed with paper products instead of cardboard. Choose items that contain minimal packaging that can easily be recycled. For instance, buy powdered laundry detergent in a cardboard box instead of liquid detergent that comes in a large plastic tub. Or buy the item without packaging, if possible. For example, place several apples loose in your cart instead of buying a bag of apples wrapped in plastic with a plastic tie. Choose reusable toiletries. Instead of shaving with disposable razors, invest in a razor that you can purchase new blades for. To cut down on waste, start using reusable pads that you can wear and wash during your menstrual cycle. You can also use menstrual cups for a waste-free period. You can also reduce bathroom waste by avoiding travel-sized items. These usually contain a lot of packaging and plastics that are difficult to recycle. Stop using plastic wrap and plastic containers for food storage. Buy a bento box, tiffin, or lunchbox that you can use to store your lunch. Store leftovers in glass containers instead of plastic bags and cover food with bees wrap instead of plastic wrap. Remember to take jars with you when you grocery shop. You can fill them in the bulk bins to cut down on packaging. Use items more than once. To cut back on waste, don't throw something useful away after a single use. Instead, use it again or find a new way to use it. For example, instead of throwing away a brown lunch bag, save it and use it a few more times. Or cut the bag and lay it flat so you can use the brown paper to wrap something. Once it's outlived its usefulness, recycle it. For example, instead of throwing away wrapping paper and ribbons, use them as materials for a scrapbook. Give away things you no longer need. Ask your friends and family if they're interested in items you don't want to keep. It's a good idea to keep a bag set aside that you can add unwanted items to. When the bag gets full, have friends and family take what they want or take the bag to a charity. Many thrift or second hand stores will give you a discount for your next purchase if you donate items. Save and reuse packaging. Use plastic food containers to store leftovers or keep old bread bags to store baked goods. Keep the waxed bags inside boxes of crackers or cereal and use them to prevent foods from sticking together. For example, lay a waxed bag between layers of prepared hamburgers. Keep empty diaper wipe boxes and store tissues, toys, or crayons in them. Plant small plants in old cans and bottles. Make a garden! Buy things second-hand. If you do need to purchase things such as clothing, housewares, books, or appliances, buy them second-hand instead of ordering them new. This will save resources and packaging. To buy things used, check out: Thrift or antique stores Garage sales Local newspaper listings Neighborhood exchanges Recycle materials that you can't reuse. Check with your sanitation company about what recyclables they accept. Some companies will let you mix recyclables in one bin while other companies want you to sort it. For example, you can mix paper, cardboard, and metal recyclables, but keep glass separate. You can usually recycle cans, paper, cardboard, plastic containers, metals, and glass. Compost food waste instead of sending it to a landfill or incinerator. You would be giving back to the environment and having a compost pile will improve soil for gardens. Avoid composting meat, citrus, tea bags, and fish. You can compost: Grass cuttings and leaves Vegetable scraps Fruit peels and scraps Egg shells Coffee grounds

Adjust your thermostat to save on heating and cooling costs. Replace burned out light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Turn off lights and unplug power strips that you're not using. Make your faucets and toilets low-flow. Wash your clothes with cold water and line dry them. Use public transportation. Use reusable water bottles and coffee mugs. Say no to unnecessary plastic straws, lids, and bags. Buy items packed with paper products instead of cardboard. Choose reusable toiletries. Stop using plastic wrap and plastic containers for food storage. Use items more than once. Give away things you no longer need. Save and reuse packaging. Buy things second-hand. Recycle materials that you can't reuse. Compost food waste instead of sending it to a landfill or incinerator.

https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-First-Day-of-Menstrual-Cycle

How to Determine First Day of Menstrual Cycle

To determine the first day of your menstrual cycle, watch for signs that your period is coming and monitor the length of your cycle. You'll probably notice emotional or physical symptoms around 2 weeks before your period starts. These can include changes in your mood, tenderness in your breasts, and constipation. Then, mark your calendar on the first day of your period so you can remember it in the future. Mark your calendar again on the first day of your next period, which will give you the length of your menstrual cycle. Once you have this information, you'll be able to roughly predict when the first day of your cycle will be. Typically, a menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but it's normal for it to vary by a day or two depending on the person. Remember to see your doctor if you have any health concerns about your period, or if your menstrual cycle is abnormal.

Understand what menstrual cycle is. Menstruation begins in women's life once they reach puberty and become fertile. The menstrual cycle is divided into separate phases (follicular, ovulation and luteal) and the first day of your cycle describes the luteal phase that involves your uterus shedding its blood-rich lining through the vagina, known as menstruation or a period. Menstrual cycles tend to occur every 21 – 35 days in adult women and 21 – 45 days in younger teenagers. The cycle is counted from the first day of your period to the first day of your next period. Menstrual cycle is linked to fluctuations in your estrogen levels, luteinizing hormone and follicular stimulating hormone. During the first half your cycle (follicular phase), your body is estrogen-rich and the uterine lining becomes thickened in preparation for implantation of a fertilized egg. Halfway through your cycle, your ovary releases an egg into your fallopian tube. This phase is known as ovulation. Conception can occur if intercourse happens in the couple days preceding ovulation. If it occurs at the time of ovulation, the chance of pregnancy is small, because their is not enough time for the sperm to travel to the egg. If an egg released during the ovulation phase does not get fertilized and implant within the lining of the uterus, your progesterone and estrogen levels will drop, causing the uterus to shed its thickened lining during the luteal phase. Recognize the first day of your cycle. Understanding the days of your cycle empowers you to make decisions about your health and family planning. To begin determining the first day of your period and the length of your cycle, start by numbering the days of your cycle from the first day of your next period. Day one of your cycle occurs with the start of your period. Thus, mark your calendar with "X" on the day your period starts. Bleeding tends to last three to five days on average, but this may fluctuate on individual basis. On the seventh day of your menstrual cycle, bleeding has usually ceased and your ovaries begin to form follicles in preparation for ovulation. This is the result of an increase in estrogen between days four to seven. Track your periods for a few months. Tracking your period beginning with day 1 of your cycle helps you to learn general trends in your menstrual cycle and determine the first day of your next period. On average, most adult women have a 28 day menstrual cycle. This means there are 28 days between the first days of your periods. However, your menstrual cycle may be slightly shorter or longer (adult women tend to have cycles that run 21 – 35 days. Thus, it is important your track your periods for a few months to determine the length of your cycle. As long as you get regular periods at more or less the same cycle interval, then your menstrual cycle is healthy. You can track your menstrual cycle by making a note on a calendar or, if you prefer, you can also use smartphone apps such as iMensies and Fertility Friend. Determine the first day of your next period. Establishing your cycle length helps you anticipate when you period will start. Once you have tracked your periods and established your cycle length, you can start marking your calendar to determine the first day of your subsequent periods. For example, if your cycle length is 28 days, mark your calendar (starting from the first day of your next period) with an “X” for every 28 days — this will represent the first day of your subsequent periods. If you are taking hormonal birth control pills, you will typically have the 28-day cycle due to the scheduling of the pills. Each pack of pills contains 21 hormonally active pills and seven sugar pills. On the day you run out of hormonally active pills, you typically begin your period. The period lasts the seven days (or less) during which you are eating the sugar pills. If you are taking extended or continuous use hormonal birth control pills, your periods will happen less frequently. Seasonale contains 84 active pills and seven days of inactive pills. In this case you would have a 91 day cycle. Know that premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is normal. Most women experience symptoms one to two weeks before the first day of their period. The symptoms usually go away after you start bleeding. PMS is different for everyone, and it is helpful if you document your symptoms as you track your period. Most women experience at least one PMS symptom as part of their menstrual cycle. Your symptoms can be both physical and emotional. Be aware of changes in your mood. Many women experience crying spells, anxiety, mood swings, or depression before their period starts. You also may experience fatigue and irritability. If changes in your mood do not end after your period starts, or you feel like your daily life is being impacted, you need to see your doctor. 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise and strength training two or more days a week can help with depression and fatigue that you may experience. Notice any gastrointestinal issues. You may experience abdominal bloating, constipation, fluid retention, or diarrhea prior to your period. This can result in weight gain before your period starts. Again, these symptoms should end within four days of your period starting. See a doctor if they continue. You can limit your salt intake and eat smaller, more frequent meals to alleviate some of the bloating and fluid retention. Taking a diuretic can help your body get rid of excess fluid and reduce bloating and weight gain as well. Medications like Pamprin and Midol contain diuretics. Notice any physical changes. Breast tenderness, joint or muscle pain, and headaches are common symptoms. You can take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen to relieve these symptoms. Acne is also a common physical symptom that your period is on the way. Know when to see a doctor. If you experience five or more of these symptoms and find that your PMS is keeping you from doing your usual activities, you may have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Your doctor may prescribe you antidepressants, prescription pain medication, or the Yaz birth control pill to manage your symptoms. Counseling and therapy may also be helpful for dealing with the emotional aspect of PMDD. You should also see your doctor if your symptoms do not go away after your period starts, or you begin to see a change in the frequency or volume of your symptoms. Understand when to talk to your doctor about your periods. If you ever have any health concerns regarding your period, make sure you talk to your doctor. You should also consult your doctor if your menstrual cycle is abnormal or becomes abnormal suddenly. Some factors that should warrant a discussion with your doctor include: If you do not start your period by age 15, you should contact your doctor, as you may have a hormonal imbalance that is affecting the rest of your body as well. If your period is extra painful and you experience very heavy bleeding or bleeding that lasts longer than a week. If your period becomes irregular, delayed, or you have bleeding between established cycles. Recognize amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is the lack of a menstrual period. Women should start having periods by the age of 15 and if you or your daughter has not received their first period by the age of 15, consult your doctor. If you have missed your period for more than three cycles after having regular periods, you may be experiencing secondary amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea may be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome. The most common cause of secondary amenorrhea is pregnancy. Amenorrhea may result if you are unhealthy and your body is not able to support a regular period. This may be because of excessive stress, a hormonal disorder, or an eating disorder. If your amenorrhea is hormonally linked, then your fertility may be at risk. Talk to your doctor right away, especially if you are concerned that you suffer from polycystic ovaries. Find out if you suffer from dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is a condition in which periods are unbearably painful. You may be able to take over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, to ease very painful cramping but if this condition continues, consult your doctor. In teens and younger women, dysmenorrhea is often caused by an excessive amount of prostaglandin. You may be able to regulate the amount of this hormone in your body by eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight most of the time. In more mature women, dysmenorrhea may manifest due to a serious medical condition such as endometriosis, fibroids, or adenomyosis. Recognize abnormal vaginal bleeding. You should know what a normal period feels like if you have had regular periods in the past. Keep an eye out for abnormal bleeding. Talk to a doctor immediately if you have irregular bleeding. Discomfort and bleeding after sex are serious signs of possible medical conditions. Make sure you talk to your doctor if any sexual activity or intercourse results in bleeding. Spotting between periods and heavy bleeding during your period can result in discomfort and are also warning signs that you need to heed. Understand what causes abnormal periods. Different factors can lead to abnormal periods. Maintaining a healthy weight and seeing your doctor about possible illnesses help you to have normal periods. Dysfunctional ovaries can lead to hormonal dysfunction and cause you to have abnormal periods. Polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovarian insufficiency are two examples. Abnormalities in your reproductive structures caused by disease or infection can also cause you to have abnormal periods. Have your doctor check you out for endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or uterine fibroids. High stress, low body weight, and eating disorders take a large toll on your body and can disturb normal menstrual cycle. See a doctor. You should have annual pelvic exams to ensure that any menstrual irregularities are diagnosed as soon as possible. Tracking your period and monitoring your symptoms can help your doctor diagnose you properly and create a treatment plan. Your doctor may prescribe you oral contraceptives or progesterone to treat your menstrual irregularities.

Understand what menstrual cycle is. Recognize the first day of your cycle. Track your periods for a few months. Determine the first day of your next period. Know that premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is normal. Be aware of changes in your mood. Notice any gastrointestinal issues. Notice any physical changes. Know when to see a doctor. Understand when to talk to your doctor about your periods. Recognize amenorrhea. Find out if you suffer from dysmenorrhea. Recognize abnormal vaginal bleeding. Understand what causes abnormal periods. See a doctor.

https://www.wikihow.com/Increase-Blood-Flow

How to Increase Blood Flow

To increase blood flow in your body, take breaks every hour or so to stretch and walk around, which will encourage your blood to flow faster and help you feel more energized. If you have poor circulation in your lower legs and feet, try putting your legs up on an ottoman and a few pillows to get them elevated above your heart. Another great way to get your blood flowing is to massage your body in areas that are tight or tense, since inflammation from tense muscles can interfere with your circulation. Try using a foam roller to “roll” out sore parts of your body, or ask a partner to give you a massage.

Participate in regular exercise at least 3 days a week. Get into the habit of finding activities you enjoy doing. Any type of physical activity that gets your blood pumping is ideal. Try activities like walking, jogging, running or aerobics to get you moving. Walking at a mall may be convenient. Take stretch breaks. Especially if you are working in an office, or sitting in the same position for long periods at a time, taking a stretch break every hour of so can help to increase blood flow. Whether it's touching your toes with your hands, or getting up to take a quick walk and just moving your body, moving your muscles will encourage the blood to flow faster through the tissues, which will in turn help you to feel more energized and alive. Elevate your legs. If you find that you have poor circulation to the extremities (and many people find that their lower legs and feet are most significantly affected), try elevating your legs above the level of your heart. Try putting your legs up on an ottoman or another chair that is higher as the one you are sitting on. You can use a couple of pillows to ensure that your legs are high enough. Try compression stockings. If you find that your lower legs swell over the course of the day, poor circulatory return may be the cause of your problems. In this case, ask your doctor whether he or she recommends "compression stockings," and ask about where you can get them. They help to return the blood from your extremities back to your heart, which can contribute to improved blood flow. Go for a massage. Massage can help not only to increase blood flow in the areas being massaged, but also to clear out any toxins that may be lingering from having had insufficient blood flow to that area. You can also ask your massage therapist about essential oils such as rosemary that may help to improve blood circulation. If you cannot see a professional massage therapist, try doing it yourself. Massage areas of your body that are tight or tense. Inflammation from these muscles can block the pathways that oxygen uses to travel within the body. This often interferes with blood circulation and blood flow. By massaging these muscles, you will release natural occurring toxins within the body and achieve better blood circulation. You can also try using a foam roller as a form of self-massage. Use a foam roller by placing it on the ground and then pressing any sore muscles against it and "rolling." For instance, if a certain part of your leg is tight or sore, such as your IT band or your hamstrings, rest this part of your leg over the foam roller and then roll back and forth to provide a massage to that particular muscle. This can help to stimulate increased blood flow to the area being "massaged" with the foam roller. Improve your diet. Having a healthy diet is key to optimizing your blood flow. This is because, over time, a less healthy diet (containing, for instance, high amounts of processed foods, and one that is high in fat, sugar, and/or salt) can contribute to clogged arteries and overall diminished blood flow. On the other hand, you can improve the health of your arteries and your blood flow by incorporating healthy options like: Vegetables Lean meats Whole grains Healthy fats (such as those found naturally in avocado, fish oil, nuts and seeds). Eat spicy foods. Spicy foods contain capsaicin from hot peppers in them. This chemical increases blood flow throughout the body. This is why many people become flushed when they eat certain spicy foods. Stay well-hydrated. Most experts recommend 8-12 cups of water per day, and more if and when you are exercising (to compensate for lost fluid during exertion). Consuming enough water is key to keeping your blood volume up, which in turn helps to improve circulation. Also avoid too much caffeine and alcohol, as both contribute to dehydration. However, if you notice swelling in your lower legs throughout the day, this is one indication not to consume too much fluid. If this is the case for you, speak to your doctor about appropriate fluid recommendations to maintain a healthy level of hydration. Keep in mind that there are many potential causes of swelling, so it is important to get a diagnosis and follow your doctor's recommendations. Quit smoking. The use of nicotine is a leading cause behind circulation problems. Nicotine constricts your blood vessels and reduces blood flow, which is necessary to help nourish your muscles and organs. Quitting smoking will help to increase the availability of oxygen and other important nutrients to the body. Therefore, if you want to improve your circulation, quitting smoking is an important step to take - not only to improve it right here and now, but to prevent your problems from getting worse down the road. Have a hot bath. Fill the bathtub with steaming hot water, and check the water before attempting to get in. The water should be hot, but should not be scalding hot. Hot water helps to relax tense muscles, and to increase blood circulation. This is because heat vasodilates your vessels (makes them open up more), which will allow for increased blood flow throughout your body. Contrast showers can also increase blood flow. Alternate between hot (100.4 °F (38.0 °C) and cold (64.4 °F (18.0 °C) water each minute for up to 15 minutes to improve your circulation. Try medication. If you have circulation problems caused by a medical problem such as peripheral artery disease, your doctor can prescribe a variety of medications that help with the overall health of your arteries. There are even specialty drugs such as Cilostazol (Pletal) that function specifically to increase blood flow to the limbs. Opt for surgery. In severe cases of impaired blood flow to the limbs, surgery may be used as a last resort. Surgery can help to remove clots or other blockages from the blood vessels that may be diminishing circulation to the point of being dangerous or damaging.

Participate in regular exercise at least 3 days a week. Take stretch breaks. Elevate your legs. Try compression stockings. Go for a massage. Improve your diet. Eat spicy foods. Stay well-hydrated. Quit smoking. Have a hot bath. Try medication. Opt for surgery.

https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-Graphic-Designing

How to Learn Graphic Designing

To learn graphic design, practice drawing every day for at least 30 minutes to build your basic artistic skills. You'll also want to learn about user experience, which is an important part of graphic design, so read books and articles on this topic. In addition to user experience, use textbooks or theory books to teach yourself about principles such as alignment, contrast, balance, color theory, and repetition. If you're serious about pursuing a career in graphic design, try taking art history and visual art classes, such as drawing, painting, or photography. Then, look into certificates, associate's degrees, or bachelor's degrees in graphic design.

Take art history and drawing classes if you're in high school. Any class that focuses on the visual arts, including painting, art history, and photography, will help you develop your artistic skills and broaden your understanding of how art works. If your high school doesn't offer these courses, see if there's a local college that offers courses or summer programs in the arts for high school students. Other high school classes that are useful for graphic design include English courses, computer courses, and even business courses. Opt for free online courses in graphic design if you want to save money. There are lots of websites, video tutorials, and free online programs that will teach you the basic elements of graphic design and help you learn and practice graphic design on your own. Although these methods usually don't have as much structure to them as an in-person class, they won't cost you any money to take. Some websites that offer free graphic design courses include Alison.com, Udemy.com, and Skilledup.com. Some universities, such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, also offer graphic designs courses free online to the public. Enroll in a local certificate or associate's degree program in design. If you'd rather learn graphic design in a structured program or from an in-person instructor, you'd probably be better served completing an entire program in the field. Check with colleges in your area to see if any of them offer short programs in graphic design that you could enroll in. Note that if you're interested in making a career out of graphic design, an associate's degree by itself probably won't be enough to make you a competitive job candidate. Get a bachelor's degree in design if you want this to be a career. Hundreds of schools offer 4-year degree programs in graphic design, both in-person and online. Not only do many lucrative design jobs require you to have a degree in graphic design, but pursuing a bachelor's in the field is a good way for you to network with other designers who can help your career in the long run. Classes in graphic design degree programs typically include courses in studio art, principles of design, commercial graphics, web design, and advertising. You'll most likely also take a number of courses focused on graphics-related computer technology. Your program may also include courses in tangentially related fields, like business and marketing. Practice drawing every day to build your basic artistic skills. Spend at least 30 minutes every day drawing the things around you in as much detail as you can. This will help train both your eye and your hands to produce detailed and impressive art. Your drawings can be as simple as the objects around you or as complex as landscapes you visualize in your head. The important thing is that you spend time every day exercising your artistic ability. If you're a complete beginner, start by drawing simple things like fruit and objects without a lot of detail. Then, progress to more complicated objects and adding more detail to your drawings. Learn about user experience to get better at making usable designs. Read books and articles on graphic design websites that focus on designing apps, websites, and other platforms to be as intuitive for the user as possible. User experience is a very important component of graphic design, so it's equally important to study how to effectively design things with the user in mind. Some books to read about user experience include The Design of Everyday Things and Don't Make Me Think! You can find articles on graphic design on justcreative.com and designshack.net. Study the fundamental ideas in graphic design theory. These include principles like alignment, contrast, balance, color theory, and repetition. Having a firm grasp of these fundamentals will help you know how to make effective and aesthetically pleasing designs in any field of graphic design. Using a graphic design textbook or theory book would be the most effective means of studying these core principles. However, you can also study each one independently through various online resources. Make sure you know how to write for diverse audiences. Practice writing texts for academic audiences (e.g., specialists in a particular academic field), professional readers (e.g., business people or people who do work in that particular field), and the general public (i.e., people with little or no prior knowledge about the topic), using different terminology and grammatical structures for each. Since graphic designers create various designs for a wide range of clients, knowing how to write to different audiences is essential. Although you may think that graphic designers only work with visuals, a lot of design also includes creating written materials (e.g., as part of an infographic or a webpage), so learning how to write is also very important in graphic design. You've probably had practice writing for academic audiences through school, so it'll be more important for you to focus on learning how to write for a general audience. When writing for a general audience, avoid using specialist jargon or overly complicated sentence structures. Stick to commonly used words and phrases that most people will easily understand. Get comfortable with using graphic design software. Acquire and spend time every day using software that designers utilize to create visual, audio, and text designs. A lot of graphic design is done through this kind of software, so it's important to have a working knowledge of at least 1 or 2 software applications. Some of the most commonly used graphic design softwares include Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Focus on typography if you want to specialize in creating text. Typography revolves around the art of setting, arranging, or designing text and thus focuses on making sure the words in a graphic design convey the right message. This field of graphic design may be best for those who enjoy writing as well as drawing in their designs. In typography, 2 of the most important components are typefaces and fonts. Typeface refers to a particular design of type, while font refers to a set of characters that share the same typeface, size, and styling. It's also important in typography to understand the different components of characters, such as serifs, counters, and apertures. Study logo design if you want to use more drawing in your work. Logo designers create logos for companies and individuals that serve to consistently represent a particular brand. Logo designers primarily work with software that focuses on creating visual designs. For example, many logo designers work with Illustrator as their primary design software. Go into web design if you want to build websites that are easy to use. Web design involves both creating visually pleasing websites and designing sites that are easy and intuitive to use. Web design is one of the more popular types of graphic design positions, so this field may be particularly suitable if you're looking to go into graphic design as a career. A good way to get started in web design is to look at those websites you think are especially good-looking or easy to use and analyze what makes them so successful. Choose to study mobile app design if you like working with apps. Much like web design, mobile app design combines the art of creating pleasing visuals with a concentration on user experience, except it focuses on mobile applications instead of websites. This is a good field to specialize in if you like the components of web design but are more interested in creating popular apps. Also like web design, the best way to start thinking about app design is to analyze and critique the apps you use the most. Try to figure out what is it about their visual design or interface that you like so much.

Take art history and drawing classes if you're in high school. Opt for free online courses in graphic design if you want to save money. Enroll in a local certificate or associate's degree program in design. Get a bachelor's degree in design if you want this to be a career. Practice drawing every day to build your basic artistic skills. Learn about user experience to get better at making usable designs. Study the fundamental ideas in graphic design theory. Make sure you know how to write for diverse audiences. Get comfortable with using graphic design software. Focus on typography if you want to specialize in creating text. Study logo design if you want to use more drawing in your work. Go into web design if you want to build websites that are easy to use. Choose to study mobile app design if you like working with apps.

https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-Your-Cheating-Spouse

How to Catch Your Cheating Spouse

If you think your spouse may be cheating, you might be tempted to look through their computer history and cell phone. However, do your best to avoid this since this is a huge breach of trust with possible legal consequences. Instead, watch for changes in their behavior, like hostility or being disinterested in sex. This way, you'll have a reason to confront your spouse and bring up your suspicions with them. If you get concrete proof that your spouse is cheating, or they admit it to you, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor to help you navigate your feelings. While this can be a traumatic experience, try to find comfort in the fact that you're no longer in the dark and you're in control of where your relationship goes from here.

Let your fingers do the walking. The phone is a common thread in all our lives, and it's only becoming more so as time goes on. So it is a pretty sure bet that their Affair d'amour is happening over the wires as well as—well, you can imagine. Perform some phone sleuthing, if you have a good old-fashioned land line. Phone sleuthing is easy. Take a spare to somewhere in the house where he/she rarely goes, and plug it into the phone jack. Unscrew and remove the mouthpiece (ahead of time) so that your sotto voce epithets will not give your sleuthing away. When you hear him/her shout "I've got it, honey" (cause you just know it's him/her ), go to your "war room," and very carefully lift the receiver off the hook. Don't be too gentle: wiggling the buttons will make a clickety sound on the line that will get you busted. Press Record Now. If you're pretty sure your soon-to-be-ex-honey is not going to call up his/her burning biscuit of bliss while you're around, but that he/she may not be able to resist a little sneaky call when he/she thinks you're not looking—or his/her cohort in canoodling may just have to hear his/her lover's voice before he/she goes to bed with "him/her", recording the conversation might work. If you plan ahead, you can tap the airwaves as he/she taps his/her inner Don Juan. If you have a smart phone or a feature phone with a recorder, set the earpiece of the headset next to the microphone, and record the lovey-dovey ramblings for posterity. If the jig is up, and you have what you need, then no need to wait. Confront the louse with his/her toothbrush and an overnight bag, and send him/her out without his/her dessert. If it turns out, however, that the phone was his/her bowling buddy confirming Lane 6 this Thursday, whip up his/her favorite dessert, and serve it up with a smile. Use a baby monitor. This is the cheap, low-tech way of listening in. Of course, if there are no babies in your life at the moment, this can be a bit tricky, but you can get around that. Wait till he/she goes out "shopping" one day, and hit the local gizmo shop. Get a basic baby monitor, a can of spray paint that will blend with where you will put the transmitter, and a roll of matching masking tape (in case the transmitter has blinking LEDs on it). Paint the transmitter (the baby/secret side) with the spray paint. Cover up the microphone hole before you paint so you don't gum up the works, and don't over-paint. You don't want that thing to be stinking up the house. Go to the room where you think she'll be making throaty sounds with her licentious Lothario, and cache the transmitter in a discrete location where she's unlikely to look. Behind some books, or the couch, or if you're really hapless, somewhere in the bedroom or bath. Power it up, and put a portable radio in the room turned down to about human-whisper-and-giggle level. Go into your man cave, and turn on the receiver. Can you hear the radio? If so, you're ready to go. If not, make adjustments until you can hear the transmitter signal clearly. When that phone call comes, and she says "I have to get this... it's work," say, "Okay, honey, I'll be in the man cave surfing the 'Net for..." (You can say almost anything there: after she hears Okay, honey, I'll be... , she'll already have too much adrenaline pumping through her to hear you, anyway.) Go to your room, turn on the monitor, power up your recorder (phone, tape, whatever you've got), and listen to what happens next. Should you hear what you fear, call her a taxi, and send Ruby Roundheels on a one-way ticket to town. Of course, if you hear "Okay, I'll have that report by tomorrow, boss, and I.... wait, what's this... a transmitter? ," you might want to take that taxi yourself. You're going to be in hot water. Record digitally with a digital recorder. There is a range of digital records, from pens, or thumb drives, or even phone look-alikes that are voice activated. That means you can just set one wherever you think your spouse may go for his or her phone fun, and when it happens, the electrical spy will spring into action, like a steel trap. Check that trap at your convenience, and good luck! Break all trust and spy on your honey's personal communications. Direct access of your cheating cherie's phone can reveal a lot—especially texts and tweets. Her close friends will be quite frank with advice and what they think. You may find the texts that are sent give you more insight than the ones received. A regular check will give you an idea of how things are progressing. Watch out for the use of false names so that if an incoming message arrives at an awkward moment, the false name gives nothing away. Check email. Another way he'll schedule snogging sessions with that woman is to send send her emails or chat online. What if every email or conversation that your spouse sends online got mailed to you to read? Software called remote spy software records all of his or her emails, chats, instant messages, web sites visited and keystrokes and then automatically copies this recorded information to your email address. Unless your spouse is very careful, you can also pop onto his or her computer (or phone) when he or she is not around, and look at history, recent applications, and other breadcrumbs to follow the trail of the philandering fink. Maybe a little email planning for the next rendezvous with romance, or some online hot chat logs. The lout who is having the affair will quickly try to prevent you seeing emails through the use of passwords and saving the emails under different file names. To gain access initially, you may try using his typical passwords as a starting point. If that doesn't work, a Google search will easily find specialized software that can hack passwords. Use any tools at your disposal. You can get help from inanimate objects—–they never speak! For instance, there are hidden cameras available in shapes unimaginable! They are so discreet that even you will not be able to make out that a state-of-the-art camera lies within. Hidden spy cameras range from wall clocks to houseplants to table lamps. Install a GPS device. Track where your wayward wife has been lately by using a GPS device. It will show you where she's taken the car, and for how long she stays. Next time she says "I'm working late, honey," you can say "Wow, Motel 9 must love you!" Count the miles. A cheap (free) alternative to GPS tracking is to simply record mileage before and after work. Does this square with the distance your spouse is traveling between work and home? Differences on the odometer can lead to targeted questions which can help you find out what is or is not happening. Pay particular attention to your spouse's friends. Who is being seen the most? Who is contacted the most? Are they your friends as well? When you meet them, keep a real alert on for bad feelings when talking to them. Don't ask direct questions of them. You don't want to ask them to choose who to support. What people don't say is at least as useful as what people do say. Study history. If the call history is blocked, then access the details online via telephone accounts. You will need to use a password to access this. However the chances are the password being used was set up long before the affair started so you probably know it or can second guess it. Look for frequency of use and call time. Are both of these factors increasing, steady or increasing? Knowing this will give you insight on how things are progressing. Watch for changes in behavior. Changes in interests in clothes, appearance, weight loss or gain, coldness, distancing, hostility; refusal to talk about future projects, disengagement from you, disinterest in sex and more noticeably simply everyday affections. Monitor those changes are they increasing or decreasing? It's the changes that give away clues. Look for secrets. Keep an eye out for a hidden phone your spouse may use to avoid detection. Also, check the trash on his or her computer—–often people throw things in the trash, and then don't empty it. Catch him in the act! If you really believe your spouse is cheating on you, yet after monitoring phone calls, emails, and travel details, all you have is a gut feeling, than you need to make an essential decision about how far you are willing to go in pursuit of knowing if your spouse is faithful. Honestly ask yourself why you don't trust your spouse. Do you have any reason, real or imagined, to believe your spouse is, or has been, unfaithful? It doesn't have to stand up to legal standards of proof, but do you have anything to go on beyond your feeling or hunch? It is not uncommon for a partner to self-convince that there is a case of spousal infidelity based merely on circumstances that have been molded into the evidence needed to justify one's own feelings, beliefs, and insecurities. Just because he seems less interested in you doesn't mean he's cheating. Working late or going out with friends might mean only that. It's also not uncommon for couples who have been together for a while to forget why they fell in love because everyday life is a grind and people get comfortable with time, taking one another for granted. Moreover, sometimes work addiction takes over, and your spouse really has become "wed to the job or start-up" and rarely thinks of spending time with you. Make some assumptions. If you think you have real cause to suspect your spouse, then start with the assumption that she is going to take some kind of precautions to remain undiscovered when cheating. She's not going to send emails from the home computer, or call from the home phone. She's not going to claim to be working late and leave for a hotel rendezvous risking your calls going unanswered or being seen leaving work too early She will use normal routines and patterns that you are well used to and simply use that time to have the affair. A sexual affair doesn't require much time or commitment. The two of them meet in the parking lot, hop into one car, head for "their room" at the Motel 9 for a half hour, and are back in time for shopping. She even comes home with purchases consistent with where they were supposed to be. So if you're truly committed to finding the truth, do this: Set things up for the set-up. Get a good camera with a zoom lens and put a GPS tracker on your spouse (clothing/bag, etc.) or vehicle. Hide a voice activated recorder behind your bed. Then, plan a trip out of town for two to four days, and share that information with your spouse. Do your homework and make it look like you're leaving town by sharing details of your trip, while you secretly plan a stay at a hotel just out of town. (If your spouse expects details of your trip, book them, get confirmations to share with your spouse, but cancel at the last hour and stay close to home.) Leave. Make an effort to call your spouse from the airport and when you arrive at your destination. Do this from your cell phone and you can claim to be anywhere. Apologize that you will be working late and might not be able to call that night. Monitor your spouse's GPS activity. If your spouse leaves home for an extended time, go to that location and watch from afar. Follow your spouse (a rental is a good idea), but if you are prone to road rage or other rash acts, think twice about this one. If your spouse simply goes home, park down the street and watch. Repeat as needed. Use the camera if appropriate. Check the recorders just in case you missed something. If you need more time, call the morning you were scheduled to be home and apologize that you have to stay one more night. Cope with a discovery. If you discover something, you can return with the evidence. If not, don't overdo the stay away. Either way, don't let this charade drag on––you'll need to confront your spouse with your evidence or own up to your suspicions in order for the relationship to change, mend or dissolve as needs be. Deal with the aftermath of finding out either way. It isn't pleasant to discover that a spouse has been cheating on you. In fact, it's likely to be devastating as the foundation on which you've based your personal life is totally rocked. Moreover, you may carry feelings of self-loathing for the manner in which you had to sneak about to find out the truth. All in all, the discovery process is harrowing and can leave you feeling raw. Cope with your feelings. If you do get positive, concrete proof that your spouse is cheating, you now have cause to be miserable and unhappy. The fact is that it is better known than not. In time, you'll learn that while this is a traumatic experience, there is a person who deserves you and that it's most definitely not this person. Seek the support of friends, family and perhaps your doctor or a counselor to help you work through what is now a difficult period. Deciding whether or not to leave your spouse is a minefield that only you can decide to navigate, with good support networks to keep you strong. You might find it helpful to start by reading How to mend a marriage after an affair. Realize you may be completely wrong. If you don't find proof of your spouse's infidelity, you now have little reason to believe your spouse is cheating. If you still think your spouse is super careful and sneaky, you have at least discovered how easy it is to set up the conditions to catch your cheating spouse in the not too distant future. However, be absolutely sure that your continuing suspicions are valid; by this stage, you're likely to be ripping apart any trust that once existed in the relationship.

Let your fingers do the walking. Perform some phone sleuthing, if you have a good old-fashioned land line. Press Record Now. Use a baby monitor. Record digitally with a digital recorder. Break all trust and spy on your honey's personal communications. Use any tools at your disposal. Install a GPS device. Count the miles. Pay particular attention to your spouse's friends. Study history. Watch for changes in behavior. Look for secrets. Catch him in the act! Make some assumptions. Set things up for the set-up. Leave. Monitor your spouse's GPS activity. Repeat as needed. Cope with a discovery. Deal with the aftermath of finding out either way. Cope with your feelings. Realize you may be completely wrong.

https://www.wikihow.com/Have-Faith-in-Jesus

How to Have Faith in Jesus

Having faith in Jesus may seem hard at first, but by making time each day for him and accepting guidance from God, you can do it. Set time aside every day to pray to Jesus or God, which will help you make them a part of your life. For example, praise Jesus for his goodness, and ask him to strengthen your faith. You can also study Bible passages, since there are many stories about believers struggling with faith that you can relate to. The books of Romans, 1 and 2, and Corinthians contain letters written by persecuted Christians who kept their faith in hard times. Remember that the Bible teaches that faith is a gift from God, not something you create yourself. That's why it's important to ask for forgiveness from God by praying to him when you have doubts about your faith.

Don't give up on God just because having faith is hard at first. Doubt is a natural human quality, so if you're having trouble in believing in Jesus, it doesn't necessarily mean you're doing anything wrong. Since you can't see God, it can be hard sometimes to trust that He's really there. However, if you have the desire to honor a higher power, then over time, you can start to find God in His magnificent creation—everyone and everything you CAN see. The book of John says that one of Jesus' own followers, a man named Thomas, had trouble believing that he was really seeing Jesus when the two met after Jesus was raised from the dead. If someone who met Jesus face-to-face had trouble with faith, it's only natural that people today would struggle with it too. Ephesians 2:8-9 says: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of ourselves, it is the gift of God.” This means that faith isn't something you have to do or have on your own, but a gift that God gives you to help you believe. Study the historical context around Jesus' life. While there's no direct archaeological proof that Jesus existed, many historical experts do believe that he was a real man. By picturing Jesus as a real person whose words and acts had a unique social and political impact where he lived, it becomes easier to have faith in him. If you really want to dig deep into the historical context around Jesus' life, try reading books like Journal for the Study of Historical Jesus and Studying the Historical Jesus: A Guide to Sources and Methods. Believe that Jesus is God's son who was sent as a sacrifice. The Bible says that Jesus was a man who was killed for his radical teachings about God. He was hung from a cross until he died. Then, 3 days later, the Bible says Jesus rose from the dead and left his tomb, and by conquering death, he created a bridge between sin and God. In order to understand how Jesus' death was payment for our sins, it helps to know that in the Old Testament, people were commanded by God to make sacrifices of their animals and crops in order to attain God's forgiveness. God sent His son Jesus to Earth to take the place of those sacrificial ceremonies, earning forgiveness for all people. John 3:16, one of the most well-known scriptures in the Bible, describes Jesus' role in our forgiveness: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 14:6 reiterates this message: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Acknowledge that you have been guilty of sin at one time or another. Everyone has sinned, which is another word for disobeying one of God's commands. A sin can be something as small as a little fib or as serious as murder. For instance, maybe you exaggerated to one of your teachers or your boss to try to get out of an assignment, you might have been unkind to someone out of anger, or perhaps you disobeyed your parents when you knew they wouldn't find out. However, in order to become a follower of Jesus, you have to admit that you have sinned. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Being a sinner doesn't necessarily mean that you're a bad person; it just means that no one is capable of being perfect. In fact, the Bible says that Jesus was the only person to ever live who never committed a single sin. Because of sin, no one is worthy of an eternal heaven with God. However, He is loving and kind, so He has made it possible to attain that anyway. Romans 6:23 explains, “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Many Biblical scholars believe that in this scripture, “death” means being separated from God in the afterlife.) Understand that God loves you, no matter what you do. The Bible says that God is perfectly good. His rules can seem strict or uncomfortable sometimes, but those rules exist to keep humans safe and happy. However, even when you don't follow those rules, He still loves you and wants you to have a rich, full life in which you honor Him. Hebrews 11:3 explains that although we can not see God, He is the One responsible for creating the world: "By faith, we understand that the worlds were formed by the word of God, so that the things that are seen were not made of things that are visible." Pray to God to ask for forgiveness and confess your faith. Once you start to believe that Jesus is the son of God, and you recognize that you, like everyone else, have sinned, you can pray to God to forgive you for your sins. When you pray to God for the first time telling Him that you want to be a follower of Jesus, this is called the Prayer of Salvation. This prayer is the only thing you absolutely have to do in order to become a Christian, or a follower of Christ Jesus. Try saying something like this: “Dear Lord, I know that I have made mistakes, and I will never be perfect. I want to turn away from sin and follow the teachings of Jesus. Please forgive me for everything I've done wrong, and help me to be a better person and grow every day.” However, you can say whatever you want in your prayer, as long as it truly comes from your heart. 1 John 1:9 says: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Dedicate yourself to a life following God's teachings. It's not enough to tell God you want to turn away from sin. You also have to really make an effort to recognize and overcome the sins that you personally struggle with. This is called repenting of your sins, and it's an important step in every Christian's journey. Becoming a Christian or a follower of Christ is not just Him saving you from hell and letting you enter into heaven once you die, it is you now changing and making a commitment to serve God with your life. Don't worry if you don't get it right all at once. Becoming more like Christ is a lifelong process, so just allow God to lead you as you continue to improve. Be baptized as a symbolical commitment to your new life in God. Baptism is a ceremony in which a person is submerged under water, then raised up again. It symbolizes the death of their old self and the rebirth of their new life in God. The Bible commands all believers to be baptized. However, if you don't get baptized, it won't keep you from going to heaven. In Acts 2:38, Peter says: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." The Holy Ghost is the spirit of God who inhabits His believers and helps to guide them in the ways of right and wrong. In some denominations, you'll be sprinkled with water in a symbolic baptism, rather than submerged under water. Make time each day to talk to Jesus. By spending quiet time each day talking to Jesus, you'll build a relationship with him and you'll learn to start hearing or feeling his guidance in your life. For instance, you may feel led to make certain decisions, or you may simply feel a comforting peace as you meditate on a Bible passage. The closer you feel to God, the easier it will be to have faith in Him when times get hard. During your quiet time, you can read devotionals, study your Bible, pray, write in a journal, or whatever else makes you feel close to Jesus. Some people worship while they're gardening, driving, cooking, or singing, so find what feels most natural and authentic to you. When you're praying, praise Jesus for his goodness, and ask him to strengthen your faith. Then, pay attention to how he reveals himself to you in your daily life. Study Bible passages that deal with people going through hardships. The Bible is full of stories that tell of faithful believers being tested in really difficult times. These stories can help you feel connected to a long line of believers who have had to struggle through heartache, illness, and loss, yet still managed to hold on to their faith in the goodness of God. Early Christians were often arrested and even killed after Jesus' death. Some of the books of the New Testament, like Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Hebrews, are letters written during that time. They show that these believers were afraid, yet still gathered together to share and grow their faith. The apostle Paul was tormented by an unknown affliction, as described in 2 Corinthians. While his specific struggle is never named, he refers to it as a "thorn in his flesh," and his humility and faith are examples of strength that still resonate today. Jesus himself was betrayed by one of his closest friends, and the night before he was killed, he stayed up all night praying. His steadfast faith and determination to fulfill his destiny, described in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, can be a powerful inspiration if you're facing a difficult task. Turn to Jesus for your strength in hard times (but also in good times). As you're praying and reading Biblical passages, ask Jesus to give you the strength to endure whatever you're going through, whether it be depression, illness, difficult family relationships, or heartbreaking loss. No matter what it is, if you ask Jesus to give you peace and help relieve your anxiety, he will comfort you. However, don't only go to God when there is a problem, go to God regularly even if it is just to thank him for what he has done for you. This doesn't mean that Jesus will suddenly solve all your problems, or that you'll never worry about anything again. However, his strength can help make it easier to cope with your troubles. 1 Peter 5:7 says: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Ask Jesus to show you the lessons in your hardships. No matter what you're going through, pray that Jesus will reveal what you can learn from the experience. If you spend time reflecting, reading your Bible, and praying, eventually you will gain wisdom from every difficult time you go through. For example, if you're struggling with grief over the loss of a loved one, you might realize how important it is to spend time with the people who matter the most to you while you still have them. This isn't going to take away your pain, but it can help you become closer to the people in your life. Proverbs 3:5-6 says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Spend time with other people who share your faith. Finding another group of believers can help strengthen your faith and give you a community to rely on when times are hard. You can learn from the wisdom of your fellow believers, and you can also share your own experiences to help others.

Don't give up on God just because having faith is hard at first. Study the historical context around Jesus' life. Believe that Jesus is God's son who was sent as a sacrifice. Acknowledge that you have been guilty of sin at one time or another. Understand that God loves you, no matter what you do. Pray to God to ask for forgiveness and confess your faith. Dedicate yourself to a life following God's teachings. Be baptized as a symbolical commitment to your new life in God. Make time each day to talk to Jesus. Study Bible passages that deal with people going through hardships. Turn to Jesus for your strength in hard times (but also in good times). Ask Jesus to show you the lessons in your hardships. Spend time with other people who share your faith.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Keynote-Speech

How to Write a Keynote Speech

A good keynote speech is inspiring and can set the tone for an entire event. Start your speech with an engaging anecdote to grab your listeners' attention. The story can be from your own experience and should relate to the topic of the event. Then, tell your audience what the purpose of your speech is. You might say something like, “I am here to talk to you today about social responsibility, which is the theme of the conference and the theme of my professional work." Use a little humor and a light-hearted tone to keep the speech engaging and make it more memorable. Make sure to write the speech along the lines of how you normally talk so it sounds natural when read out loud. At the end of your speech, finish with a strong call to action. This part of the speech should compel listeners to do something to help the cause. For example, if you're giving a speech for a humane society, you may encourage listeners to volunteer at their local shelter.

Determine the purpose of the speech. Ask yourself, “Why am I giving this speech?” “What am I trying to say by presenting this speech?” Often, the main purpose of a keynote speech is to reiterate or explore the theme of an event, program, or conference. You may also have knowledge about the theme that you can share in the keynote. If there is a theme of the event, you may use this as your purpose or inspiration for the speech. For example, if the theme of the event is “Social Responsibility,” the purpose of your speech may be to explore your experiences with social responsibility on a professional and personal level. Identify the interests of your audience. Ask yourself, “Who am I speaking to?” “Who is my speech meant for?” Think about the age range of the audience as well as their background and level of expertise. Tailor the speech to suit the audience. For example, if your audience is within an age range of 20-30 and are social responsibility advocates, you may make the speech light, engaging, and full of specialized language that you know your audience will understand. Come up with one to three key points for the speech. A good keynote speech will have at least one to two key points, or takeaways, that the audience can engage with. Write down one to three key points that expand on the main purpose of your speech. These could be one to three terms that you are going to discuss in detail, or one to three ideas. For example, if you are writing a speech around the theme of social responsibility, you may focus on three key points: the history of social responsibility, the current state of social responsibility, and where social responsibility is headed next. Read examples of keynote speeches. To get a better sense of the style, tone, and language of a keynote speech, read good examples online. You can look at a list of the top keynote speeches online or search for keynote speeches presented on popular public speaking sites, like TedTalks. You can find the top keynote speeches of 2016 at https://www.bigspeak.com/best-keynote-speakers-of-2016. Start with an engaging story. One of the best ways to grab your audience's attention is to tell a short, engaging story. Pull a story from your own experiences in the field. Look at current events for a story that relates to the purpose of your speech. Try to tell the story in bullet points, highlighting the key moments in a few sentences. For example, if you are writing a keynote speech on diversity in the classroom, you may tell a story about a student of color that you worked with in your classroom as a teacher. You may also look in the news for a story about a student of color who publicly spoke out about difficulties with diversity in the classroom, preferably a news story based in your area or country. Begin with an interesting fact. Another option is to start with a fact you find interesting or engaging. Pick a fact that may not be known by a lot of people, or by the majority of your audience. You may use a fact from your own research or look for facts from trusted sources that relate to the purpose of your speech. For example, if the purpose of your speech is to discuss social responsibility in the corporate world, you may open with a fact about how consumers tend to buy more if a brand is socially responsible. State the purpose of the speech. In the beginning of your speech, you should also state the purpose clearly and concisely. You may state the purpose right after your opening story or fact. State the purpose by saying, “I am here today to talk to you about…” or “Today, I am going to be sharing…”. For example, your purpose may appear as, “I am here today to talk to you about social responsibility, the theme of this conference and the theme of much of my professional work.” Use humor to add levity. Humor can be a great tool in a keynote speech. Being funny can help to engage the audience and make your speech more memorable. Try to adopt a joking, light tone throughout the speech. Have a balance of funny asides and serious moments. For example, you may make a funny aside that is self-deprecating, such as, “I wasn't always a great teacher. Sometimes, I was known as the fun teacher or the angry teacher. Not always the great one.” Repeat key terms and words. Repetition can be a great way to reinforce your ideas and remind the audience of the key points in your speech. Return to several key terms in your speech so the audience stays engaged. Bring up a point made earlier in the speech so the audience is reminded of the purpose of your speech. For example, you may highlight terms like “unity,” “engagement,” and “social consciousness” in your speech by returning to them at least twice. You may begin the speech by mentioning these terms and then return to them again later in the speech. Write the speech in your natural voice. Don't try to put on a professional or formal tone, especially if it makes you feel awkward or uncomfortable. Try to express yourself like you would to a colleague or a friend. Use language that you use everyday and try to infuse the speech with your natural voice. You will come off more convincing and engaging this way. For example, you may use a funny saying that you use with your students in your classroom in the speech. Or you may use less formal words and terms to keep the tone of the speech conversational. Wrap up the speech with a call to action. End the speech by compelling the audience to take some kind of action. The action could be to think about an idea they may not have considered before or to engage more with certain members of their community. Wrapping up with a call to action will give the audience a clear takeaway. For example, you may have a call to action that refers to the story or fact you used at the beginning of your speech: “Just like my student who reached out to a peer in need, I ask you all now to be vulnerable, to try to reach out to someone in your community who needs help.” Read the speech aloud. Once you have a draft of the speech completed, take the time to read the speech aloud to yourself and to others. Listen to how the speech flows. Notice if there are any awkward sentences or sections. Adjust them so the speech sounds natural and polished. When you read the speech aloud, notice if you skip over any words. You may be able to remove any words you skip over for flow. If you read the speech aloud to others, you can ask them for feedback. Ask them if they found any parts of the speech boring or hard to follow. Be open to getting constructive feedback on the speech so it is at its best. Proofread the speech. Make sure the spelling, grammar, and punctuation in the speech is correct. Try reading the speech backwards to confirm each word is spelled correctly. Circle all the punctuation and confirm it is correct. Correct punctuation is especially important if you are going to read the speech aloud to an audience, as the punctuation will tell you when to pause or take a breath. Often, a comma means pausing in your speech and a period means taking a short breath. Revise the speech for clarity and length. You should also look over the speech to make sure each section is clear and easy to follow. Often, shorter is better so if there are any wordy or overly long sections, try to make them shorter. Look for any words or terms you do not need. If there is a time constraint for the speech, you should also time yourself reading the speech to confirm it is within the limit.

Determine the purpose of the speech. Identify the interests of your audience. Come up with one to three key points for the speech. Read examples of keynote speeches. Start with an engaging story. Begin with an interesting fact. State the purpose of the speech. Use humor to add levity. Repeat key terms and words. Write the speech in your natural voice. Wrap up the speech with a call to action. Read the speech aloud. Proofread the speech. Revise the speech for clarity and length.

https://www.wikihow.com/Adjust-Water-pH

How to Adjust Water pH

If you need to adjust the pH in your fish tank, add peat moss to increase the acidity. If your fish tank's water is too acidic, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda for every 5 gallons of water to raise the pH. Since rapid changes in pH can hurt your fish, make sure to remove them and keep them in a separate tank until the pH is balanced. Most species of fish thrive in neutral water, so aim to keep your tank around a 7 on the pH scale. To adjust the pH in your swimming pool, use either sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid to keep it slightly basic, somewhere between 7.2 and 7.8 on the pH scale. Check your pool's pH from time to time and lower it when needed, since the pH in pool water tends to rise on its own.

Add peat to your fish tank to adjust the pH. Fish are very sensitive to the pH in their water and can die if the water becomes too acidic or too basic. Most species of fish thrive in relatively neutral water, close to 7 on the pH scale. If the water has become too basic, add peat moss to lower the pH. If the water is too acidic, add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of baking soda per every 5 gallons (19 L) of water to raise the pH. Look online or visit a local pet store to find out the specific water-level pH needs of the breeds of fish you have. For example, if you're keeping koi fish, they prefer basic water with a pH range between 7.5 and 8.2. You can purchase clumps of peat at your local pet store. Put 1 clump of peat into a mesh bag, and place this inside of your fish tank's water filter. The peat will lower the acid level over time. Rapid changes in pH can have a harmful effect on your fish. Remove the fish from your tank before adjusting the pH. Test the pH level in your fish tank both before and after making an adjustment. Also test pH before and after altering pH levels in pools or drinking water, as per the relevant section of this article. Change the pH of tap water for your houseplants or garden. Most houseplants thrive when given slightly acidic water, between 5.5 and 6.5. If you've measured your tap water and found that it's basic (or too acidic), you'll need to adjust the water's pH level before watering your plants. Lime or wood ash can be added to a 1 gallon (3.8 L) container of water to raise the pH. To lower the pH, add phosphoric acid or a tablet designed to lower water pH. If you're unsure about the ideal pH level for the specific type of plant you're watering, check online or at a local plant nursery. Some plants are very pH sensitive and need water at an exact pH level. For example, onions thrive when given more basic water at a pH of 6.5-7.0. Consult your local plant nursery to determine the exact amount of pH-altering substances to add. You can also buy lime, wood, ash, and phosphoric acid or other pH-lowering substances at the nursery. If you repeatedly water plants with water outside of the 5.5–6.5 range, they will begin to wither and die. Adjust the pH in your pool. Swimming pools should be maintained at a slightly basic pH, between 7.2 and 7.8. The pH in pools tends to rise on its own, so you'll likely need to lower the pool pH from time to time. Pool manufacturers make chemical substances for this purpose. The 2 most common are sodium bisulfate and muriatic acid. Either substance should be added directly to the pool water. For more detailed instructions on raising or lowering the pH level in your pool, consult the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific model. You can purchase sodium bisulfate (also called “dry acid”) or muriatic acid at any pool supply store. Treat your drinking water if it’s acidic or basic. The water that you drink should be neutral, with a pH value at (or very close to) 7. If you've tested the pH of your drinking water and found that it's acidic or basic, make adjustments to balance the water's pH. If the drinking water is acidic (low pH number), add pH drops or tablets to neutralize the acid. Alternately, if your drinking water is basic (high pH number), add a few drops of lemon juice, which is naturally acidic. If you'd like the pH level to be permanently adjusted, you can have a permanent water filtration system installed. If your water is basic, install a neutralizing filter or a soda ash/sodium hydroxide injection system. If your water is acidic, professionals from a local home-supply store can install an acid-injection system to your house's water supply. Add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of baking soda to an 8 oz (230 g) glass of water. Baking soda is basic, with a pH value of 9. Drop 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of it into a glass of water, and then stir briskly with a spoon or whisk. Keep stirring until all of the crumbs of baking soda have dissolved. Then, measure the water's pH again using a litmus strip. If you started with neutral water (pH 7), the water's pH should have increased up to about 8. Add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of lemon juice to a glass of water. Mix the 2 liquids together using a spoon. Then dip a strip of litmus paper into the water. Wait a few seconds, and note how the pH level of the water has changed. Since lemon juice is acidic, with a pH value of 2, the pH level of a neutral glass of water should have lowered to a 6 or 5. Experiment with various other basic and acidic materials. Many common liquids and dissolvable substances found around the home will alter the pH level of water. Dissolve or mix a small amount of one substance at a time into a glass of clean water, and then test with a litmus strip. If you're performing a science experiment, make a chart on which you can record the pH values of water with different substances added, each to a separate glass of water. Try adding: Coke. Red wine. Milk. Liquid soap or shampoo. Purchase pH testing strips. pH testing strips—also called litmus strips—are thin, small sheets of paper, each about 2 inches (5.1 cm) long by ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) wide. They are coated with a chemical solution which changes color when exposed to basic or acidic substances. pH strips can be purchased at most health-food stores or at any science supply store. You can also purchase pH strips at major online retailers, or at most pet-supply stores. Dip 1 pH strip in a sample of water for 10 seconds. Place about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the pH strip into water. Dip either side; the entire strip is pH sensitive. Be sure to keep a firm hold on one end of the strip, though, so that it doesn't slip into the water you're planning to measure. For example, draw a glass of water from your tap if you're trying to ascertain the pH of the drinking water. Or, if you're trying to adjust the pH level in a fish tank, dip a strip into the water at the top of the tank. Alternately, you can use a water dropper to place 1 or 2 drops of water directly onto the center of the litmus strip. Observe what color the pH strip turns. Once the pH strip has been submerged for at least 10 seconds, pull it out and look at the end. The pH strip will have changed color to indicate the presence of base or acid in the water. If the color of the strip doesn't change immediately, wait a few seconds. Compare the pH strip to a pH color indicator. Your pH testing kit should have come with a color chart. The chart indicates the color that litmus paper will turn when exposed to a basic or acidic substance. Match the color of the pH strip to a color on the chart, and you'll have a good idea of the water's pH. In broad terms, a red litmus strip indicates highly acidic water, yellow indicates mildly acidic, green indicates mildly basic, and purple indicates highly acidic. Gauge pH levels using a digital probe reader for more accurate data. Litmus strips are a quick and effective gauge of pH levels, but are not the most precise method of measurement. A digital probe reader (often called a “pH meter”) is a much more accurate device, which will determine the pH of a liquid to 2 decimal places. To use the pH meter, submerge the tip of the instrument in water until the display shows the pH reading. pH meters are commonly used in science labs and can be purchased or rented through science-supply stores. The pH meter may need to be re-calibrated between each usage. Follow the printed directions included with the meter for best results.

Add peat to your fish tank to adjust the pH. Change the pH of tap water for your houseplants or garden. Adjust the pH in your pool. Treat your drinking water if it’s acidic or basic. Add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of baking soda to an 8 oz (230 g) glass of water. Add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of lemon juice to a glass of water. Experiment with various other basic and acidic materials. Purchase pH testing strips. Dip 1 pH strip in a sample of water for 10 seconds. Observe what color the pH strip turns. Compare the pH strip to a pH color indicator. Gauge pH levels using a digital probe reader for more accurate data.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Your-Joints-from-Cracking-and-Popping

How to Stop Your Joints from Cracking and Popping

If you want to stop your joints from cracking, stay active and stretch daily to keep your joints flexible. Since movement helps distribute the fluid in your joints, which cuts down on cracking, try to exercise for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. To keep all of your joints active, vary your exercises throughout the week, bouncing between activities like weight lifting, yoga, biking, and jogging. One way you can increase the mobility of your joints is to do specific stretches for each part of your body. For example, loosen your neck muscles by tilting your head towards your shoulders and holding it for 30 seconds on each side. For your knees, stand and balance on one foot as you bring the other back near your rear end. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds on each side for 5 sets.

Stretch your neck gently to promote spinal health. If you frequently experience a creaky neck, try facing forward, then tilt your head to the left and bring your ear close to your shoulder. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side. After tilting your head to each side, face forward, then slowly turn your head to the left as far as you comfortably can. Hold it for 30 seconds, then turn slowly to the right and repeat the stretch on that side. To finish up your neck stretches, face forward, then lower your chin toward your chest until you feel a stretch in the back of your neck. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. Perform Y, T, and W stretches to loosen your shoulders. Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent. To perform Y stretches, raise your arms above your head so your body looks like the letter Y. Extend your arms and fingers as far as you can, hold the stretch for 30 seconds, and bring your arms back to your sides. Next, do a T stretch by raising your arms out to your sides so your body looks like the letter T. Extend your arms as far as you comfortably can, hold the stretch for 30 seconds, then bring your arms back to your sides. Finish by bring your arms back to the T position, then bend your elbows with your palms facing toward your head so your arms resemble the letter W. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, then lower your arms to your sides. Try doing 5 sets of 30-second stretches for each pose. Do 5 standing quad stretches per leg. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, then bend your left knee backward to bring your foot near your rear end. Grab your left toe with your left hand, and gently lift until you feel a stretch in your quad, or front thigh muscle. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other leg. Hold the wall or the back of a chair to help keep your balance. Do 5 sets of 30 second stretches on each leg. Try figure 4 stretches to relieve hip popping. Start by lying on your back with your feet flat on the floor and knees bent. Raise your left foot and rest it on your right knee so you left sole faces toward the right. Clasp your hands behind your right thigh, and raise your right leg until you feel a stretch in your hip and buttocks. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, return to the starting position, and repeat the pose on the other side. Do 3 sets of 4 repetitions per leg. Avoid stretching or exercising if you experience pain or swelling. See your doctor if you experience pain or swelling, or if you heard a low-pitched, painful pop during an activity. Popping or cracking joints is usually normal and, for the most part, unavoidable. However, joint pain or swelling could indicate an injury, arthritis, or other issue that might require medical attention. A high-pitched crack without pain is usually just the release of gas bubbles in a joint. A painful, low-pitched pop might be a ruptured tendon, dislocated joint, or stress fracture. Try to exercise for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Aim for a total of 150 minutes of exercise per week. Aerobic exercises, such as walking, light jogging, and cycling are especially beneficial for your joints. Talk to your doctor before you start a new exercise routine, especially if you have a history of heart, bone, or joint issues. Vary your exercises and physical activities. Regular, varied exercise is good for your joints, but repetitive motions can cause chronic injuries. Try to exercise different parts of your body each day. If you have to perform repetitive motions at work, take breaks to stretch every 15 to 30 minutes. To vary your exercise routine, try lifting weights on Monday, going for a jog on Tuesday, yoga or stretching on Wednesday, and ride your bike on Thursday. Walk, cycle, and swim to strengthen your legs. If your knees, hips, and ankles frequently crack, focus on strengthening your leg muscles to reduce the strain on these joints. Go for brisk walks or jogs, ride your bike, swim laps, or use resistance machines at your gym. If you have a history of joint issues, stick to low-impact activities, such as walking and swimming. To minimize joint strain, try to walk on flat, padded tracks instead of hard surfaces and inclines. Perform 10 knee bends during breaks at work. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and arms extended in front of you. Bend your knees and extend your buttocks backward to lower your body by about 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm). Face forward as you bend your knees, keep your back straight, and align your knees with the second toe on each foot. Avoid extending your knees past your toes. Stay down for 1 to 2 seconds, return to the starting position, and do a total of 10 repetitions. Knee bends are a great way to get moving during breaks at work or when you don't have time to go for a walk. Sign up for a yoga or tai chi class. While taking classes will ensure you maintain proper form, you could also look online for instructional videos. In addition to improving joint health and improving flexibility, yoga and tai chi can improve balance and prevent falls. Sit upright with your back supported and feet flat on the floor. Avoid crossing your legs or slouching while you sit. Bend your knees at 90-degree angles, and try to keep them aligned with your hips. Sit up straight, but maintain your back's natural curves, which resemble the curves of the letter S. Try using a lumbar pillow to support the curve in your lower back. Keep a small gap between the edge of your seat and the back of your knees. Maintain good posture throughout the day, whether you're at your desk, driving or walking. Avoid sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time. If you work in an office or have to sit for long periods, try to get up and stretch at least every half hour. Staying in the same position for long periods of time can cause your joints to lock up and creak. When you get up and move around, try doing neck stretches, shoulder stretches, and knee bends. If possible, go for a walk around your office or up and down a hallway. Walk with your chest lifted and knees, hips, and feet aligned. Maintain an upright position as you walk, and avoid slouching or staring down at your phone. Try not to let your ankles roll or allow your knees to collapse inward, and keep your hips from tilting up and down. Point your toes forward as you walk, and keep your knees aligned with your toes when you bend them. Improper walking posture can lead to long-term joint issues. If your knees, ankles, and hips fall out of alignment, you might hear your tendons crack and pop as they rub against bones. Over time, this friction can result in joint damage. Lift objects with your legs instead of your back. Never bend over from your waist and lift objects with your back. Instead, face forward, keep your torso straight, bend your knees and stick your rear end out as you lower yourself toward the ground. Bring the object as close to your body as you can, and raise your body by steadily straightening your legs. Keep your legs in a wide stance when you lower yourself to pick up the object. When you lift, straighten your legs steadily instead of using jerking motions. Engage your abdominal muscles as you lift to maintain your core's stability. Sleep on your side or back instead of your stomach. If you usually wake up with sore, creaking joints, changing your sleeping position might help. Sleeping on your stomach flattens your spine's natural alignment and can cause back pain. Instead, sleep on your side or back, and use pillows to cushion your legs. If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees. If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under the backs of your knees.

Stretch your neck gently to promote spinal health. Perform Y, T, and W stretches to loosen your shoulders. Do 5 standing quad stretches per leg. Try figure 4 stretches to relieve hip popping. Avoid stretching or exercising if you experience pain or swelling. Try to exercise for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Vary your exercises and physical activities. Walk, cycle, and swim to strengthen your legs. Perform 10 knee bends during breaks at work. Sign up for a yoga or tai chi class. Sit upright with your back supported and feet flat on the floor. Avoid sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time. Walk with your chest lifted and knees, hips, and feet aligned. Lift objects with your legs instead of your back. Sleep on your side or back instead of your stomach.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Good-at-Fist-Fighting

How to Be Good at Fist Fighting

To be good at fist fighting, start by learning how to properly form a fist so you can punch effectively without hurting yourself. Tuck your elbows close to your body and throw quick punches, aiming for your opponent's sensitive spots, like the nose or ribs, to make the most impact. Keep your feet moving constantly so your opponent can't anticipate your next move, and be sure to learn how to take a punch so you can recover quickly and strike next!

Get into an active stance so you can move around easily. Keep most of your weight on the balls of your feet and bend your knees slightly so you're able to move around quickly. Turn your body to the side so your dominant side is furthest from your opponent. Keep your hands level with your cheeks so you're able to throw punches quickly while also being able to defend yourself. You can choose to keep your hands in open palms or make fists in your neutral stance. Avoid tensing your body up since you won't be able to maneuver as effectively. You may also stand with your dominant side closest to your opponent, but you may not be able to throw a punch as well. Make tight fists that are in line with your elbows when you punch. Curl your fingers so the tips dig into the center of your palm. Try to make the front of your fist as flat as you're able so you don't hurt yourself when you throw a punch. Wrap your thumb around the bottom of your fist and apply pressure to make your fist tighter. Keep the back of your hand in a straight line with your forearm to keep the wrist locked. Don't wrap your fingers around your thumb since you may end up hurting yourself when you throw a punch. Avoid bending your wrist when you make a fist or else your punch won't be as powerful when it lands and you could get a sprain. Aim for vulnerable areas to hurt your opponent more. The most vulnerable places on the face include the eyes, ears, and nose. If you want the fight to end quickly, direct your punches toward these areas to hurt your opponent and make them less able to fight back effectively. If you have trouble hitting your opponent in the face, try going for their neck or throat to stun them. It's okay to fight dirty if you or someone else is at risk from being hurt. Try kicking your opponent in the crotch or their knees to help take them down faster so you're able to get away. Throw a jab with the arm that’s furthest from your opponent. Start by holding your fists up so they're level with your cheeks. When you throw the punch, quickly extend your dominant arm and twist your palm so it faces down. As your arm goes forward, rotate your dominant shoulder forward to get more power from your punch. Aim for your opponent's nose, eyes, or jaw to stun them. Alternate which hand you jab with to get off multiple, rapid hits. Keep your other hand in front of your face so you can block your opponent if they try to hit you. Practice throwing hooks so your opponent doesn’t see the punch. Hooks are powerful punches that you throw from the side to catch your opponent off guard. Aim for your opponent's cheek or jaw when you throw the punch. Make sure to lock your wrist so the back of your hand stays in line with your elbow to get the most power. Put your hands up with open palms to make it look like you don't want to fight anymore before throwing a hook with the arm you have out in front. This can be a great way to surprise your opponent and stun them. Try a headbutt to stun your opponent. If you're close enough to your opponent, you may be able to land a headbutt in order to daze them. Quickly tilt your neck back before slamming it forward into your opponent's nose or the space between their eyes. Use the top of your forehead since it's the strongest spot and will hurt you the least. Headbutts are illegal in most official fights, such as mixed martial arts. Headbutting someone could also knock them unconscious. Watch your opponent so you can anticipate their movements. Always keep your eyes on your opponent, specifically watching their eyes and their arms. Pay attention to their movements so you can guess where they plan on punching you. If you need to look somewhere else, quickly glance away before returning your gaze back to your opponent. While it's important to always watch your opponent, be aware of your surroundings so you don't get backed into a corner or trip on something. Stand with your body turned to the side to you’re harder to hit. Stand so the non-dominant side of your body faces your opponent with your shoulder out in front. Keep your chest and hips facing toward the side since that gives your opponent fewer opportunities to punch you. Shift your weight onto the balls of your feet so you can easily move around and dodge hits if you need to. Avoid standing with your body square to your opponent since they will easily be able to punch your chest or stomach. Crouch down slightly to make it more difficult for your opponent to hit you. However, keep in mind that when you're crouched, your opponent may be able to kick or knee you in the face easier. Guard your face with your hands and arms so you can block punches. Keep your hands up near your cheeks so you can react quickly when they throw a punch. When you see a punch coming toward your head, raise your forearms in front of your face to block their fist easier. Tense up your arms to brace yourself better and prevent them from making solid contact. Make sure you're still able to see your opponent while you're blocking or else they could get a punch off that you aren't expecting. Tuck your head down when you're expecting a punch to help protect sensitive areas, like your eyes and nose. Push your opponent away to get more distance between you. When your opponent is in between punches or after you land a punch, open your fists and push your opponent away as hard as you can. This can help you get back into an optimal stance and prepare for the next punch while your opponent tries to recover. Aim to push your opponent by their shoulders or chest so you can throw them off balance. Take the opportunity while your opponent's trying to recover to land another punch so you can get a leg up on the fight. Roll your body away from a punch to help deflect it. You won't be able to block every hit, so you will have to take a few punches. When you get hit, twist your body in the direction your opponent's punching so you don't get hit as hard and their fist rolls off your body. Always turn your body away from the hit rather than into it, or else you'll get hurt more often during the fight. If you're unable to turn away completely, you may try ducking from side to side to make it harder for your opponent to hit you. Get out of the fight as soon as you’re able to. There's no reason to stay in a fight if you're able to run away or end it. When your opponent's stunned or recovering from a hit, take the opportunity to get as far away from the fight as you can so you don't get hurt anymore. It's okay to yell out or call for help if you need it. Contact police or law enforcement if you're worried about your safety after the fight.

Get into an active stance so you can move around easily. Make tight fists that are in line with your elbows when you punch. Aim for vulnerable areas to hurt your opponent more. Throw a jab with the arm that’s furthest from your opponent. Practice throwing hooks so your opponent doesn’t see the punch. Try a headbutt to stun your opponent. Watch your opponent so you can anticipate their movements. Stand with your body turned to the side to you’re harder to hit. Guard your face with your hands and arms so you can block punches. Push your opponent away to get more distance between you. Roll your body away from a punch to help deflect it. Get out of the fight as soon as you’re able to.

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

How to Make Crepes

The easiest way to make crepes is to mix 4 eggs and ⅛ tbsps of salt. Alternate pouring 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of flour into the mixture, and whisk until the batter is lump-free. Pour a ¼ cup of batter into a pan on medium-high heat and swirl until the batter coats the skillet. Flip the crepe after 45 seconds and cook the other side for 25 seconds.

Whisk the eggs and salt. Begin by breaking them into a bowl. Use a whisk to break the yolks and lightly beat the eggs so the whites and yolks are just combined. Add the salt and continue whisking until it is incorporated. Alternate the milk and flour. Measure out half a cup of flour and add it to the egg mixture. Whisk it into the eggs until you see just a few small lumps. Now add half a cup of milk to the mixture and whisk until combined. Keep alternating flour and milk until you run out of both. Whisking milk and flour in small parts helps to incorporate the ingredients; otherwise, you would end with lumpy batter. When you are finished adding all the milk and flour, the batter should look smooth. If you would prefer to use low fat milk, you can use that as a substitute. Add the sugar and butter. Finish the batter by whisking in the sugar first, then adding the butter. Continue whisking until the batter is smooth, lump-free, and light yellow. The final consistency should be thin, like whole milk; if it seems more like pancake batter, add another 1/2 cup of milk. Heat the pan. Use a nonstick skillet, a crepe pan, or a regular skillet. Choose a pan that is 8 inches (20.3 cm) in diameter. Place the pan on the stove and turn the burner to medium heat, and let the pan get hot. Spray on nonstick cooking spray or else the crepes will stick to the pan. Pour the batter. Ladle about 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the pan. Using too much batter will result in thick crepes, and you want them to be thin. Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup or a teacup to get the right amount. Swirl the batter. Lift the pan and move your hand in a circular motion to swirl the batter from the center of the pan out around to the sides, so it fully coats the bottom of the pan in one thin layer. If you need to add a bit more batter to coat the pan, do so. Allow the crepe to set. Set the pan back on the burner and let the crepe cook until the top is just a bit moist. Use a spatula to lift the side of the crepe gently; it should lift easily and have a fine lace pattern developing on the other side. That means it is time to flip the crepe. If the crepe still looks wet in the middle, give it a bit more time. Don't overcook the crepe, or the texture will become rubbery. Crepes cook quickly, so it will probably be ready to flip within about 45 seconds. Flip the crepe. Slip the spatula under the crepe so it is supporting the center of the crepe and most of its weight. Carefully turn the crepe over to the other side. Straighten out folds and wrinkles in the crepe to ensure it will cook evenly. It only needs to cook on the other side for about 20 - 30 seconds. Practice makes perfect when it comes to flipping crepes. If you break one, pop it in your mouth and move on to the next. Skilled chefs can flip crepes without using a spatula. Try it if you would like! Remove the crepe from the pan. Carefully slide the crepe from the pan onto a plate, using the spatula to help guide it. Continue making more crepes until you run out of batter. Serve the crepes with classic butter and sugar filling. This is the most popular crepe filling in France. The simple flavors of butter and sugar let the light flavor of the dough shine through. Heat a pat of butter in the skillet. When it begins to sizzle, add a crepe to the pan. Let it cook in the butter for about 45 seconds, and then flip it to the other side. Sprinkle a teaspoon of sugar over the crepe. Fold it in half, then in half again. Place the crepe on a plate and serve. A squirt of lemon juice is also delicious in this simple crepe filling. Experiment with different types of sugar. Brown sugar and powdered sugar are great substitutes for granulated sugar. Serve the crepes with a chocolaty filling. Crepes make excellent desserts for rich chocolaty fillings, too. The process for serving a crepe this way is simple: melt butter in a pan, add a crepe and cook it on one side for 45 seconds, then flip it over. Sprinkle chocolate chips or dark chocolate pieces over the crepe. Fold it in half, then in half again. Set it on a plate and serve. Serve the crepes with a fruity filling. Strawberries, peaches, apples, and plums make delicious crepe fillings, especially when sprinkled with a little powdered sugar. Use either preserves or fresh fruit to stuff the crepes. Serve the crepes with a savory filling. Crepes make a good lunchtime substitute for sandwiches. Melt cheese over a crepe, and then top it with diced ham, asparagus, spinach, or other vegetables. Fold the crepe in half, then fold it in half again, and serve. Sift the flour and salt into a mixing bowl. Then make a well in the center of the flour. Break the eggs into the well. Whisk the eggs and flour together. Next, mix the water and milk in a deprecate bowl. Add the liquid to the flour, a little at a time, whisking to make smooth batter. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter and stir into the batter. Strain if lumpy. Melt more butter in a small frying pan. Get the pan really hot, then turn the heat to medium. Add the batter. You'll need about 3 tablespoons for each crêpe. Tilt the pan so that the batter covers the base. Cook the crêpe for about a minute. Use a spatula to loosen it, then flip it over. Cook the other side for about 30 seconds. Serve immediately. Fill the crêpes with fruit and plenty of maple syrup. Make bananas flambé crepes. This popular dessert is even more delicious when used as a filling for a light, sweet crepe. To make it, all you need is a banana, brown sugar, butter, and brandy. Melt a pat of butter in a saucepan, and then add a sliced banana. Sprinkle it with a few spoonfuls of brown sugar and let it caramelize. When the bananas are brown and crispy, spoon them onto a crepe, pour warmed brandy over it, and use a match to light it on fire to complete the caramelization. This dish is delicious served with chilled whipped cream to offset the heat of the filling. Add cinnamon and nutmeg to give the dish a warm, spicy flavor. Use hazelnut spread sprinkled with nuts or fruit. Chocolaty hazelnut spread is one of the most popular crepe fillings in France and other countries. The spread complements the light flavor of the crepes. Sprinkle the hazelnut spread with chopped toasted nuts if you would like to add some crunch. For a more decadent version of this filling, spread the crepe with melted butter before adding the hazelnut spread. Substitute hazelnut spread for peanut butter if you prefer. Make savory salad crepes. Filling crepes with a savory salad is another popular way to enjoy this confection. Serve salad crepes at a luncheon or as a light dinner. Try these different variations: Chicken salad crepes. Mix cooked diced chicken, mayonnaise, chopped grapes, and salt and pepper. Place a piece of butter lettuce on the crepe, then spoon the chicken salad mixture over the lettuce. Roll up the crepe and serve. Ham salad crepes. Combine diced ham, cheddar cheese, onion, and vinaigrette. Spoon the mixture onto crepes and roll them up to serve. Lentil salad crepes. Mix cooked lentils, chopped celery, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Spoon the mixture onto crepes, garnish them with parsley, roll them up and serve. Make crepes with seasonal vegetables. Crepes are a great dish for vegetables of all types. Cook vegetables that are in season with your favorite herbs and spices and serve them with a complementary cheese. For spring, stuff the crepes with cooked artichokes or asparagus and sprinkle with goat cheese. In summer, try tomato and zucchini crepes with fresh mozzarella and basil. For the fall, fill crepes with cooked pumpkin or acorn squash and serve with melted gruyere cheese. In the winter, fill crepes with sautéed kale or Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, and grated cheddar cheese.

Whisk the eggs and salt. Alternate the milk and flour. Add the sugar and butter. Heat the pan. Pour the batter. Swirl the batter. Allow the crepe to set. Flip the crepe. Remove the crepe from the pan. Serve the crepes with classic butter and sugar filling. Serve the crepes with a chocolaty filling. Serve the crepes with a fruity filling. Serve the crepes with a savory filling. Sift the flour and salt into a mixing bowl. Break the eggs into the well. Add the liquid to the flour, a little at a time, whisking to make smooth batter. Melt more butter in a small frying pan. Add the batter. Cook the crêpe for about a minute. Serve immediately. Make bananas flambé crepes. Use hazelnut spread sprinkled with nuts or fruit. Make savory salad crepes. Make crepes with seasonal vegetables.

https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-and-Treat-Rodent-Ulcers-in-Cats

How to Diagnose and Treat Rodent Ulcers in Cats

To diagnose and treat rodent ulcers in cats, monitor your cat for sores on its lips and mouth, a decreased appetite, pain, and behavioral changes, which are all symptoms of rodent ulcers. If you think your cat has ulcers, it's important that you take it to see a vet for a proper diagnosis. After you visit the vet, give your cat the steroid injections or pills that your vet prescribes to get rid of the ulcers. Your vet may also prescribe antibiotics if your cat's ulcers are infected.

Look for sores on the lips and mouth. Rodent ulcers are characterized by the development of sores or lesions on the lips and mouth of the cat and can sometimes be quite large. The upper lip area is the most common place for sores to develop. Inspect your cat's mouth if you see sores appearing on the upper lip, there will be a loss of tissue with the area appearing red or orange-yellow. The sores may be covered in scabs, or they may bleed and give off a foul odor. An ulcer may recur if the cat has had them before. In rare instances, sores may develop on other areas of the body. Notice if your cat has a decreased appetite. In some cases when a cat is inflicted with rodent ulcers it will stop eating or it will eat less than normal. This is because the lesions on their mouth are sore making it painful to chew food. If you notice your cat has a decreased appetite you should check for sores and take it to the vet. Determine if your cat is in pain. The cat may exhibit signs of pain caused by the rodent ulcers. For example, the cat may hide or become aggressive. If your cat demonstrates any major behavioral changes, including a lack of grooming, you should check for sores and take it to the vet. Ask your vet to examine the ulcers. If your cat has developed sores on its lips and inside its mouth, you should consult your vet for a formal diagnosis. Your vet will be able to diagnose rodent ulcers simply by examining the lesions. In rare instances the veterinarian may need to perform a biopsy to ensure that the ulcers are not cancerous. This typically only happens if the ulcers do not respond to treatment. Treat the ulcers with steroid injections. Steroid injections are the most common way to treat rodent ulcers in cats. Your veterinarian will give the cat an injection in order to treat the ulcer. Depending on the chosen steroid, these injections will be given once every two to three weeks, until the sores have disappeared. Give your cat steroid pills. Rodent ulcers can also be treated by giving your cat prednisone orally. Your veterinarian will prescribe pills that are given orally every 24 hours until the lesions are gone. In order to properly administer the medication, follow the directions provided by your veterinarian. Administer antibiotics. In some instances the ulcers may become infected. If this happens, your vet will likely prescribe an antibiotic in order to treat the infection alongside the lesions. Take the antibiotics as directed by the veterinarian. Try a food that contains essential fatty acids. Some vets believe that essential fatty acids can help relieve stress in cats and reduce allergic reactions in some instances. If you are not feeding your cat a premium food, they may not get enough fatty acid in their diet. Change to a new food that is higher in essential fatty acids or give your cat a supplement, as directed by their vet. Repeat treatments as necessary. Rodent ulcers are typically caused by an allergic reaction. As a result, they may recur if you are unable to determine what is causing the allergy. If the ulcers return, take your cat to the vet and repeat the treatment. Give your cat flea prevention medicine. Some cats will have an allergic skin reaction to fleas. This reaction can cause rodent ulcers to develop. If your vet suspects that fleas may have caused the development of the ulcers, you will need to treat the fleas and prevent future infestations. Talk with your vet about the best treatment and prevention option for your cat. For example, your vet may prescribe Advantage or Frontline Plus which are given monthly and treat and prevent fleas. Change the cat’s food. Some cats have food allergies that could contribute to the formation of rodent ulcers. Your vet can help conduct a food allergy trial to determine if food is causing the ulcers. Once you have discovered the cause, change your cat's food to prevent future outbreaks. Use stainless steel food bowls. The rodent ulcers may be caused by an allergic reaction to plastic or rubber. For example, if your cat eats and drinks from plastic or rubber bowls, you should consider switching to stainless steel bowls. Stainless steel is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Look for sores on the lips and mouth. Notice if your cat has a decreased appetite. Determine if your cat is in pain. Ask your vet to examine the ulcers. Treat the ulcers with steroid injections. Give your cat steroid pills. Administer antibiotics. Try a food that contains essential fatty acids. Repeat treatments as necessary. Give your cat flea prevention medicine. Change the cat’s food. Use stainless steel food bowls.

https://www.wikihow.com/Target-Train-a-Cat

How to Target Train a Cat

To target train your cat, choose an object to be your target, like the eraser end of a pencil, a chop stick, a sticky note, or even your hand. You'll also need some treats that your cat loves that can be broken into small pieces to give as rewards. If you have a clicker, you can use it for additional reinforcement. To start, present the target object about 2 inches from your cat's nose. When it looks at the target, give it a treat and press the clicker. This will make your cat associate the target and the click sound with getting a reward. As you repeat this process, start giving treats only when your cat touches the target, and then start pulling the target away and rewarding your cat for following it. Once your cat has mastered this, you can use the target to coax your cat off of certain surfaces or to get it to go to a particular place, like its bed or into its crate.

Choose an appropriate target. In order to begin target training your cat, you need to select a target. You can use anything from the eraser end of a pencil, a chop stick, a sticky note, or even your hand. Have treats ready. Treats are an important aspect of target training. For example, when you first begin training, each time your cat touches the target they should be rewarded with a treat. This is the primary form of reinforcement. Choose a treat that your cat really enjoys and break it into small pieces. If your cat does not get motivated by food, you could use a nice rub as a reward. Get a clicker. You can also use a clicker while target training. The clicker acts as a secondary form of reinforcement. Eventually your cat will begin to associate the sound of the clicker with the treat. This can help to speed up the training process. Clickers are optional for target training. If you are training a cat that is deaf, you can replace the clicker with a flashlight. This will act as a visible indicator or cue. Set aside time for training. Training sessions with your cat should be fairly brief. Do not try and train your cat for longer than three to five minutes at a time. Stop training sessions before your cat begins to lose interest. That way your cat won't get frustrated with the training process. Find a quiet area. It is always best to train your cat in a quiet area with few distractions. Choose a location, such as the living room, where your cat spends a lot of time and is completely comfortable. This will help you to gain your cat's attention. Present the target close to your cat’s nose. Begin target training by placing the target in front of your cat's nose. It should be about 2 inches (5 cm) away from the cat. Your cat should automatically look at the target. It may even move towards the target. You can put a bit of catnip or wet cat food on the end of the target to help coax your cat to touch the target. Click and treat your cat when they look at the target. When you cat looks at the target, press the clicker and give the cat a small treat. Your cat will begin to associate the target with the treat. While your cat is eating the treat remove the target from view. Present the target again. Once your cat has finished its treat, present the target again. Place the target directly in front of the cat and close to its face. If the cat does not notice the target after a few seconds, remove it from view and then present it again. Click and treat your cat when it touches the target. This time, wait until your cat touches the target with its nose and then give it a treat. Continue to practice target training by placing the target close to your cat and then giving a treat once they touch it. Move the target slightly. Once they have gotten the hang of this skill, you can place the target slightly to the left or right of your cat's face. Similarly, you could position the target slightly above or below your cat's eyesight. Your cat should move and follow the target. Continue to keep the target close to your cat, but position it so that it is not directly in front of your cat's face. Move the target away from your cat. Once your cat has perfected target training at a close range, you can begin moving the target further away. For example, place the target close the cat and then once the cat moves towards the target, pull it further away. The cat should continue to follow the target. Click and treat once they touch it. Once your cat follows and then touches the target, press the clicker and give your cat a treat. Continue to move the target further away. Try placing the target behind the cat, or move it further away from the cat. Continue to train this activity until your cat has mastered the skill of following the target. After a few training sessions, your cat should be able to happily follow the target. Target train your cat to move off surfaces. Target training is an excellent tool for stopping unwanted behaviours. For example, your cat may enjoy sitting on the kitchen counters while you are cooking. In order to stop this behaviour, place the target on the ground. Your cat will jump off the counter in order to touch the target. You can use this to coax your cat off of any type of furniture. Alternatively, you could use a target to get your cat to go to a certain space. For example, you may want them to sleep in their own bed or sit on their cat perch. Lure your cat into a crate with a target. Some cats will hide or try to avoid being placed in their carrier. Once your cat is target trained, you can simply place the target near the door of the carrier and your cat will voluntarily enter. This can make trips to the vet much easier and less stressful for both you and your cat. Give your cat a treat once it enters the carrier and touches the target. You can also coax your cat out of its carrier using a target. Use target training to get your cat comfortable with touch. You may find that your cat is afraid of human touch. This is particularly common among rescue cats. One way to help overcome this is through target training. Once your cat has become comfortable touching a target, replace the target with your hands. Alternatively, you could use your hands as the target right from the beginning. Eventually your cat will associate your touch with a positive reward in the form of a treat. When using your hand as a target, always keep your hand in a predictable position, such as an open palm, closed fist, or extended fingers. Teach your cat to sit. Tricks are not only for dogs. Once your cat has mastered target training, you can begin to teach it tricks. For example, you can teach your cat to sit by holding the target in front of the cat's face and then moving it upwards. Then say “sit.” Your cat should naturally sit as they look upwards at the target. Once sitting, reward the cat with a treat.

Choose an appropriate target. Have treats ready. Get a clicker. Set aside time for training. Find a quiet area. Present the target close to your cat’s nose. Click and treat your cat when they look at the target. Present the target again. Click and treat your cat when it touches the target. Move the target slightly. Move the target away from your cat. Click and treat once they touch it. Continue to move the target further away. Target train your cat to move off surfaces. Lure your cat into a crate with a target. Use target training to get your cat comfortable with touch. Teach your cat to sit.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-to-Know-Yourself

How to Get to Know Yourself

To get to know yourself, write in a journal for a few minutes every day so you can keep track of your inner thoughts and feelings. As you write, ask yourself thoughtful questions, and try to be honest with yourself as you write down the answers. Some of these questions include, “What do you love doing?” “What are your dreams in life?” and “What are some mistakes you've made?” As you read through your journal, you'll start to notice certain hopes, feelings, and regrets emerging that can give you more insight into yourself.

Learn to be honest with yourself. Knowing yourself means recognizing different parts of your identity, personality, and being. The goal is not to criticize yourself but to acknowledge all sides of your personality. Open up to the possibility of learning new things about yourself. When you evaluate yourself, pay attention to the things that make you feel uncomfortable. These emotional signals can tell you if you are trying to avoid a subject. Are you insecure about that characteristic? If so, what can you do to overcome it? For example, if you don't like to look in the mirror, ask yourself why? Are you insecure about your looks? Are you worried about your age? You might consider if this is a fear that you can conquer. Ask yourself thoughtful questions. This knowledge can help you realize what makes you happy or stressed. You can use this information to help you spend more time on activities and goals that are productive for you. Some questions you can ask include: What do you love doing? What are your dreams in life? What do you want your legacy to be? What is your biggest criticism of yourself? What are some mistakes you've made? How do others perceive you? How would you like them to perceive you? Who is your role model? Pay attention to your inner voice. Your inner voice expresses what you feel and believe. When something frustrates or delights you, it responds. Try to tune into that inner voice. What is it saying? How does it perceive the world around you? Go to the mirror. Either out loud or in your head, start describing yourself. Are the descriptions positive or negative? Are they focused on your looks or your actions? Do you talk about your successes or your failures? When you start thinking negatively, stop yourself and ask yourself why you are reacting that way. Shaming or criticizing yourself can be a sign that you are defending against unwanted thoughts. These positive and negative thoughts define how you see yourself. If this personal image does not align with who you want to be, you might take steps to improve yourself as a person or to learn new traits. Write in a journal every day. Journaling helps you recognize your motivations, emotions, and beliefs so that you can make thoughtful adjustments in your life. For a few minutes every day, write down what you did, felt, and thought throughout the day. If you had a negative experience, write down why it affected you. If you made a mistake, identify what you could do better. Look for patterns in your writing. Over time, you may find yourself repeating certain needs and wants. You can write whatever is on your mind. Freewriting can help you unlock subconscious thoughts so that you can identify what is bothering you. Alternatively, you can use prompts to guide your writing. Choose prompts that ask you to describe certain parts of your personality or habits. Incorporate mindfulness into your day. Mindfulness is the act of experiencing the present moment to help you understand your own thoughts and actions. Mindfulness often involves daily meditation , but it includes other practices as well. Most importantly, it's a state of attention to yourself and the world you are experiencing Take a moment and check in with your five senses. What you are touching, tasting, hearing, seeing, and smelling? Avoid eating meals at your computer or TV. Take a break just for eating. Savor the taste, texture, temperature, and sensation of each bite of food. Take a few minutes every day to just pause and observe the world around you. Try to notice as many sensations around you as you can. What do you hear, feel, taste, and smell? When you have an emotional reaction, question yourself. Why do you feel that way? What caused it? Identify your body image. Try to write down a list of adjectives about the way you look. Once you are done, review this list. Are these negative or positive attributes? If you find you have a negative body image, try to come up with ways to love your body. Confidence in your body can transfer to confidence in other parts of your life. Try to change your negative perceptions into positive ones. For example, if you have a mole that you're insecure about, try calling it a beauty mark. Remember that many famous actresses had beauty marks. Consider things that you can reasonably change if they make you truly unhappy. If you're insecure about acne, you might go to a dermatologist or learn to use makeup. Identify the roles that you play. Everybody plays multiple roles in their life based on their personal relationships, work responsibilities, and social interactions. Once you have listed your roles, write down what each one means to you. Some examples of roles include: Parent Friend Team leader Emotional support Mentor/Mentee Confidante Creator Problem solver Write down your VITALS. VITALS is an acronym that stands for values, interests, temperament, activities, life goals, and strengths. In a notebook or word processor, try to define each of these categories for yourself. Values: What is important to you? What characteristics do you prize in yourself and others? What motivates you to complete something? Interests: What types of things are you curious about? What do you do like to do in your free time? What fascinates you? Temperament: Come up with ten words that describe your personality. Activities: How do you spend your day? What are the most and least enjoyable parts of your day? Do you have any daily rituals? Life goals: What have been the most important events of your life? Why? Where do you see yourself in five years? What about in ten years? Strengths: What are your abilities, skills, and talents? What are you really good at? Take an online personality assessment test. While personality tests are not scientific, they do ask questions that force you to consider different aspects of your character. There are many reputable tests that you can take online. These include: Meyers-Brigg Type Indicator Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment Big 5 Personality Assessment Invite commentary from others. While you should not define yourself by what other people say, asking others for their opinion can help you understand things about yourself that you may not have realized. Start by asking loved ones how they would define your personality or characteristics. If you're comfortable, ask your boss, mentor, or acquaintances about how they see your personality. If you disagree with anyone's observations, that's OK! These comments don't define you, and you might find more acceptance from other people. Measure your satisfaction with your results. Once you have evaluated your personality and characteristics, review what you learned to see if you're happy with yourself. Do these values and traits align with who you want to be? If the answer is yes, look for ways to expand or build on these character traits. If the answer is no, try to come up with a set of personalized goals to improve. Use your strengths to help yourself find happiness. For example, if you realized that you're creative and enjoy working with your hands, you might want to take art classes or start a new craft. If you want to improve something, use your knowledge of yourself to create a personalized plan. For example, if you realized you're introverted but want to become more social, you might learn to socialize in small groups. By balancing time to yourself with time with others, you can have an engaging social life that works for you. Practice self-care. If you are overwhelmed with stress and work, it can be hard to find time to reflect on yourself. It's important to take care of yourself both emotionally and physically. By practicing self-care, you'll find yourself more at peace with who you are. Make a habit to exercise daily. You can do twenty minutes of cardio or just take a brisk walk. Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Eat a healthy diet, largely made up of unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Find time every day to relax. You can meditate or do an activity that helps you unwind, like knitting, puzzles, or reading a book. Create a good work-life balance. Don't define yourself solely by your career or your advancement at work. While it is good to take pride in your work, try to carve out space for yourself outside of your job. Avoid bringing work home with you. Take some time each day to focus on other goals, hobbies, and interests. Work is important, but you should also make your well-being a priority as well. Set boundaries at work to make sure that work does not interfere with your other relationships. For example, don't answer non-urgent emails outside of work hours. Establish boundaries in your relationships. Understanding your limits will make you happier in your relationships. Try to identify what types of interactions make you uncomfortable, stressed, or unhappy. Use these to create personal boundaries. Ask yourself what types of situations make you feel uncomfortable. For example, do you dislike crowds? Are there certain jokes that unsettle you? Consider if there is anyone in your life who asks too much of you or makes you do things you don't want to. Identify which requests or demands you're unwilling to do. Set goals that will make you happy. Setting goals will help you achieve what you want out of life. Try to come up with a few goals to help you reach your dreams in life. Aim for goals that will make you happy, not goals motivated by external desires, such as money or prestige. For example, you might start a goal to write 500 words a day. You should do this because you love to write, not because you want to become a famous writer. Your goals can be small and personal if you'd like. For example, you might set a goal to improve your cookie decorating skills by the holidays. If you set a big goal, set a few smaller goals that will help you get there along the way. If your dream is to backpack across Europe, for example, set smaller goals to save money, buy the tickets, and plan the trip. Revise your wants and needs periodically. Every now and then, reflect on your life. Have any of your desires changed? Is there something new in your life that is changing your priorities? Knowing yourself is an ongoing process. Like an old friend, keep checking in on yourself. Read your journal from time to time. This can help you see how your habits or priorities have changed. After major life changes, such as a new job or a move, you may want to re-evaluate how your routines, practices, and desires have changed. If you have certain habits or tendencies that no longer serve your needs or goals, you may want to let go of them. Replace them with more productive activities that will help you reach your goals.

Learn to be honest with yourself. Ask yourself thoughtful questions. Pay attention to your inner voice. Write in a journal every day. Incorporate mindfulness into your day. Identify your body image. Identify the roles that you play. Write down your VITALS. Take an online personality assessment test. Invite commentary from others. Measure your satisfaction with your results. Practice self-care. Create a good work-life balance. Establish boundaries in your relationships. Set goals that will make you happy. Revise your wants and needs periodically.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-UTI-in-Dogs

How to Prevent UTI in Dogs

To prevent UTIs in your dog, provide it with plenty of fresh drinking water to dilute the toxins that can inflame the bladder lining. Additionally, let your dog out every few hours so it can flush the bacteria out of its bladder by urinating. After your dog relieves itself, check its rear end and genitals to make sure they're clean, since contamination from feces or mud is a common source of UTIs in dogs. You can also try asking your vet for a prescription dog food designed to prevent UTIs by raising your dog's pH level.

Keep your dog well-groomed. You need to keep your pet's rear end as clean as possible. UTIs are more common in females than males because of the vulva's shape and proximity to the anus. Because it's so wide, it's a good entry point for fecal contamination from the anus. Whether your pet's male or female, clip the hair around your rear end and genitals. This decreases the chance of feces or bacteria from mud sticking to the dog's private parts. If the dog gets mucky, give him a good bath, making sure to clean the fur by the genitals. Encourage regular urination. The longer urine sits in the bladder, the more chance bacteria have to multiply. Regular urination flushes bacteria out of the bladder, decreasing the chances for an infection. Ideally, your dog should empty his bladder at least every four hours. An adult dog can hold his urine for 8 - 10 hours, but that doesn't make it a good idea. Give your dog plenty of opportunities for comfort breaks. Let the dog out last thing at night and first thing in the morning to minimize how long he has to hold his urine at night. Provide plenty of clean drinking water. Bacteria make toxins that inflame the bladder lining and let the bacteria attach and invade. If your dog drinks a lot, the water dilutes those toxins, decreasing the chances of getting an infection. Make sure all drinking bowls are large, deep, and clean. Make sure there's always water in drinking bowls — never let them go dry! Clean the bowl daily and completely replace the water. If your dog is elderly or stiff on his legs, provide a water bowl in every room. Don't feed your dog orange juice or other "acidifiers. " You may have heard that these are good home remedies for UTIs. In theory, they improve the pH balance in the urine and kill the infection. There is a risk, though, that you'll raise the acid level too high, causing bladder stones instead of a UTI. Stick to a prescription diet instead of home remedies. See a veterinarian for advice on how to proceed. Feed your dog a specialized diet. If your dog is susceptible to UTIs, you might consider asking the vet to prescribe special food. The ideal pH for dog urine is 6.2-6.4. A prescription diet is designed specifically to produce this pH level. If you get prescription kibble, encourage the dog to drink water by leaving bowls in multiple locations, freely available. Wet prescription food will have more moisture than kibble, and help hydrate your dog even more. Wet food containers take up a lot of space, though, and wet food usually results in smellier feces. Watch for increased urgency of urination. This might mean that your dog asks to be let out more frequently. He may also be more insistent, as though every time is an emergency. Increased urgency is a tell-tale sign of UTI. You might also notice repeated urinating behavior (squatting or leg-cocking) without urination. The dog might feel like he or she needs to urinate, but be unable to urinate when let outside. Look for blood in the urine. This might be hard, as dogs usually urinate onto grass. If you suspect your dog might have a UTI, though, watch the urine stream mid-air, before it hits the ground. If it looks like it has blood in it, take the dog to the veterinarian immediately. Have older dogs tested regularly. Older dogs with heath issues like kidney disease or diabetes tend to drink more water to deal with their condition. This can lead to "subclinical infections" due to increased urination. There's bacteria present, but not enough to cause observable signs of discomfort. The only way to test for a subclinical infection is having a vet test a urine sample. Some vets recommend doing this as part of older dogs' regular medical routines. If your dog has a history of subclinical infections, have its urine tested every three to six months. Take the dog to the vet if you suspect a UTI. The "infection" part of UTI signals the presence of an infectious agent like bacteria. This needs medical treatment , so you need to take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. If you can, collect a sample of the dog's urine to take with you, as this may speed up the diagnosis. Have a veterinarian address repeated infections. If you're taking steps to keep UTIs at bay, but your dog keeps getting them, they might be an underlying health problem. This problem may be weakening your dog's immune system or bladder tissue, resulting in increased UTIs. Identifying and treating the problem will reduce the chance of UTI. Ask your vet to run tests to identify potential causes for your dog's problems. This might include: Blood tests: The vet can check for conditions that may make the dog drink more and have weaker urine (kidney, liver disease, diabetes) Imaging: An ultrasound can check for the presence of polyps, bladder cancer, bladder stones, and other issues which can affect the bladder lining. Urine sediment exam: The veterinarian urine sediment under a microscope for crystals that might explain the dog's issues.

Keep your dog well-groomed. Encourage regular urination. Provide plenty of clean drinking water. Don't feed your dog orange juice or other "acidifiers. Feed your dog a specialized diet. Watch for increased urgency of urination. Look for blood in the urine. Have older dogs tested regularly. Take the dog to the vet if you suspect a UTI. Have a veterinarian address repeated infections.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Cannabidiol-(CBD)-to-Help-Sleep

How to Use Cannabidiol (CBD) to Help Sleep

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound found in hemp and marijuana that doesn't cause a high. Some studies show that CBD can help treat anxiety and insomnia. If you'd like to try using CBD to help you sleep at night, get CBD edibles or some CBD oil in tincture form. Avoid vaping or smoking CBD to help you sleep since the effects will wear off too quickly. Always buy your CBD products from a reputable manufacturer that offers a certificate of analysis, which will show how much CBD you're actually getting. Start with a dose around 25 to 30 milligrams, and slowly increase how much you're taking as needed. Take your CBD in the evening before you go to bed. Talk to your doctor before you start using CBD as a sleep aid to make sure it's safe and won't interfere with any medications you're taking.

Speak with your doctor before using CBD. While there are few known side effects of CBD use, you should still check with your doctor before starting. More research is needed to understand exactly how CBD affects the body. Specifically, there is no universal dosage. This depends on your weight, body type, diet, and medications you're on. Discuss this with your doctor to determine the proper product and dosage for you. Use CBD in a tincture or edible form. These two methods are considered the best for receiving a quality sleep. These forms are most likely to keep you asleep longer because your body absorbs the CBD slowly over a period of hours. While you may not fall asleep right away, these are the best options for staying asleep through the night. Tincture is an oil form that is taken orally. Usually, you place a drop of oil under your tongue and let it absorb for about a minute. There are various types of CBD edibles available. Gummy bears are some of the most popular. This option is best if you don't like the taste of CBD oil. Buy from a reputable manufacturer. There is currently little regulation in the CBD market, so some products are of low quality. Investigate the manufacturer for any product you're considering to ensure you're receiving a safe product. There are a few things to consider when buying CBD products. If you're based in the United States, buy products that were grown and manufactured in the US. Hemp plants imported from overseas may have been grown with chemicals or pesticides that are illegal in the US. Also, make sure the CBD was manufactured and grown in the US. Some manufacturers import hemp plants from overseas and use them to produce CBD, meaning the product was technically made in the US. If you're not based in the US, check what chemicals or pesticides were used in growing the hemp plants. Look for products that are pesticide-free. The hemp plant can absorb chemicals like these from the soil. Ask the manufacturer for a certificate of analysis demonstrating the CBD levels in their product. If the manufacturer does not provide this without question, don't buy the product. If possible, buy CBD products from a pharmacy or health store instead of the internet. There is very little regulation on internet CBD products. Avoid vaping or smoking CBD oil. These are not the best options for staying asleep. Vaping or smoking CBD oil makes your body absorb the entire dose at once. This may help you fall asleep faster, but the effects will wear off more quickly and you could wake up in the middle of the night. Vaping CBD has also come under scrutiny for health reasons. Some people have experienced lung infections that may be linked to vaping cannabis. Avoid vaping CBD until more research is done. Check the CBD concentration in any product you use. Whether you use CBD in oil or edible form, always check what the CBD concentration is. This should be listed in milligrams on the label. Using CBD as a sleep aid requires a slightly higher dose, so you have to know the concentration to calculate the correct dose. If a product does not clearly state how much CBD it contains, don't buy it. Remember to get a certificate of analysis from the manufacturer so you know the product is labeled correctly. Start with a 25-30 mg dose in the evening before bed. If you use CBD as a sleep aid, a slightly higher dose is necessary. While some products recommend 10 or 15 mg for everyday use, this dose is too low for help sleeping. Doses of 25 mg or more are required to help you sleep. Start with this dose, and then slowly work your way up if this doesn't bring you relief. Since CBD in oil and edible form works slower, take the dosage 30-60 minutes before bed so your body has time to absorb it. Working your way to higher doses also helps your body get used to CBD if you've never used it before. Also keep the cost in mind. Using CBD in high doses can get very expensive quickly, so keep your use under control. Place a drop of CBD under your tongue if you use the oil form. If you swallow CBD oil, your body will break it down without absorbing most of it. Instead, let it absorb through the membranes in your mouth. Put 30 mg in the bottle dropper and drip the oil under your tongue. Then wait 60 to 90 seconds before swallowing. Rinse your mouth out with water or juice if you don't like the aftertaste. Eat the necessary amount of edibles for a 25-30 mg dosage. All edibles contain different levels of CBD, so check the product to see how much is in each serving. For example, if a serving contains 15 mg, eat 2 servings for the full dosage. Increase this serving gradually as you get used to CBD. It's a good idea to keep the edibles away from your other snacks so you don't absentmindedly eat one when you weren't planning to. Keep CBD edibles away from children since there have not been many studies on how CBD affects them. Use CBD for no longer than a month for help sleeping. Using CBD as a sleep aid should be a short-term solution. Studies suggest that your body will get used to CBD and it will have less of an effect over time. After that, you'll need higher doses for a similar effect, which will get prohibitively expensive. You can take a break for a few weeks and then start on CBD again after your body's tolerance lowers. If you have chronic sleeping problems, speak with your doctor.

Speak with your doctor before using CBD. Use CBD in a tincture or edible form. Buy from a reputable manufacturer. Avoid vaping or smoking CBD oil. Check the CBD concentration in any product you use. Start with a 25-30 mg dose in the evening before bed. Place a drop of CBD under your tongue if you use the oil form. Eat the necessary amount of edibles for a 25-30 mg dosage. Use CBD for no longer than a month for help sleeping.

https://www.wikihow.com/Read-Pedigrees

How to Read Pedigrees

To read a pedigree, follow the lines on the chart to see who is directly related and how. If there's a horizontal line connecting two individuals, that means they were in a reproductive relationship, like a marriage. Alternatively, if there's a vertical line connecting two individuals, it means they're related biologically as a parent and child. Generally, everyone that's in the same row on the chart is part of the same generation. You can also tell someone's sex by the shape around their name. If it's a square, they're male, and if it's a circle, they're female.

Figure out the orientation of the pedigree. Pedigrees can be laid out in a variety of orientations. Assess whether the chart is oriented either vertically or horizontally on the page. Look at the orientation of the words to understand which direction it should be held. Trace lines in the pedigree. The lines on a pedigree can indicate biological or personal relationships. On a pedigree that is oriented vertically, a horizontal line connecting two individuals indicates a reproductive relationship, such as a marriage. A line that connects individuals vertically indicates the biological relationship of parent and child. On a pedigree that is oriented horizontally the vertical lines indicate a reproductive relationship and the horizontal lines indicate the relationship of parent and child. Two short lines crossing a horizontal line typically indicate the end of a committed relationship. Pay attention to rows of subjects to identify specific generations. A pedigree is typically organized so that each generation of people or animals is positioned in a separate row. For example, your subject and all of their siblings will be located on the same row. The subject's parents and all of their siblings will be on the same row. These generational rows will continue on as far back as the pedigree goes. These generational rows are not shown with actual row lines per se. They are just shown through the position of these subjects on the page next to each other. On some genetic pedigrees there may also be roman numerals off to the side that indicate the specific generations. Look for standard symbols. There are a few symbols on a genetic pedigree that are generally used. In particular, there are standard symbols used to distinguish between male and female subjects. If a person or animal is female, they will be represented with a circle. If a person or animal is a male, they will be represented with a square. Whether a square or circle is filled in gives you key information. A filled in circle or square indicates that the presence of a trait. An empty circle or square indicates the absence of a trait. In some cases there will be circles or squares half filled in. This indicates that the person or animal is a carrier of the trait but does not present with it. Look for a key of additional symbols. Pedigrees can use a variety of symbols, depending on what trait they are tracing and what they are being used for. If you do not understand a specific symbol, there should be a key included that explains its meaning. Keys can have explanations of specific symbols, types of lines, and other information that is important for understanding everything on the pedigree. Keys are usually located in a corner of the pedigree. Find a specific person or animal's name and information. If you are using a pedigree to trace lineage, you should start with a specific person or animal and trace backwards. That pedigree also has additional information you can use, such as the person or animal's date of birth. Most animal husbandry pedigree charts are made for dogs and horses that are pure bred. This means that the animal's ancestors were all the same breed or variety of animal. Identify their parents. In order to identify the parents of your main subject on a family tree that is oriented vertically, trace the vertical line moving up off that person. It should go up a short ways and then connect to a bracket that attaches to a female and male. This female and male are the subject's parents. They should be connected to each other with a horizontal line that signifies that they had a reproductive relationship. On a pedigree that is oriented horizontally you will look for a horizontal line that is connected to a bracket that is coming off of your subject. This bracket will connect to the subject's parents. Look for their siblings. After you have identified the main person or animal you are looking at, you can see who their siblings are by looking at other subjects who are also connected to the parents. Go backwards from the parents and see what other subjects they are connected to in the same way as they are connected to your original subject. These are the original subject's siblings. Trace the lines further to identify additional ancestors. Look for vertical lines coming off the parents that are connected to brackets that connect to a male and female. This male and female are the grandparents of your original subject. Above these grandparents will be their parents, your subject's great grandparents. You can continue to look back generations for as far as the pedigree allows you to. Explore other ancestral connections. For every generation you trace back there are a variety of relatives in addition to grandparents. For example, look at the subject's grandparents. Their siblings should be next to them on the pedigree. These people are the grand uncles and grand aunts of your original subject. Determine if there has been inbreeding or diseases passed down. One of the main reasons to read an animal's pedigree is to figure out if it is likely to be healthy in the future. Any inheritable traits that are undesirable in the type of animal you are assessing should show up in its pedigree. For example, if you are considering purchasing a pure bred dog, you want to research the common diseases that type of dog might inherit and make sure there is no history of that disease in its pedigree. You can also establish that there has been no inbreeding pretty easily by looking at an animal's pedigree. Look at the familial relationships and ensure that the previous generations of the animal were not bred to close relatives. Find additional information. Pedigrees often list a variety of information about each person or animal in the chart. For people, pedigrees often include birth, death, and marriage dates. Dogs that are pure bred often come with a pedigree chart. These charts typically contain additional information about the dog, including their birth and death dates, their registration numbers, and any titles they have earned. They may also include DNA and health information. Read the key on the pedigree and identify the oldest generation. If you are looking at a pedigree that traces a specific trait, there should be some information included about what trait it is tracing. To trace the trait, start at the oldest generation. This will allow you to see how it has been passed down through the generations. Look for a roman numeral on the side of the pedigree that shows which generation is number 1. If there are no roman numerals included on the pedigree you can still easily determine the first generation. Look for the subjects that only have a line indicating a reproductive relationship connected to them. This indicates that the subjects below them are their children and their parents are not represented on the pedigree. The pedigree should also give you information about all of the symbols on the pedigree that are not standard. Determine whether the trait has shown up in every generation. By looking at the symbols on the pedigree you can see who has been affected by the trait and who has not. Look for filled in circles and squares to see who has been affected. In some cases, just by looking at who has been affected by a trait you can trace it through every generation. If every generation has an occurrence of a trait then that trait is called dominant. A dominant trait is one that is will always be expressed if it is present in someone's DNA. Analyze the pedigree for recessive carriers. As a genetic trait is passed down, there can be people or animals who carry the trait in their DNA but are not affected by the trait. To determine if someone is likely a carrier of a trait, you need to look at the generation before them and the generation after them. If the generation before this person was affected by the trait and a person after them is affected and has no other relatives that have a history of this trait in their family, then that person is a carrier. Determining who a carrier is can be difficult when a person has several ancestral lines that could be the source of a trait. Determine whether the trait is sex linked. By tracing the relationships in a pedigree and seeing who had a trait and who did not, you can get insight into whether the trait is carried on the sex chromosomes, called the x and the y. Look closely at parent and child relationships and see which parents and children had a trait and which did not. For example, if males of every generation have the same genetic trait, then that trait is likely carried on the y chromosome, which females do not have. If a trait impacts both males and females, it is not linked to sex and is carried on a different type of chromosome. This type of trait is called an autosomal trait.

Figure out the orientation of the pedigree. Trace lines in the pedigree. Pay attention to rows of subjects to identify specific generations. Look for standard symbols. Look for a key of additional symbols. Find a specific person or animal's name and information. Identify their parents. Look for their siblings. Trace the lines further to identify additional ancestors. Determine if there has been inbreeding or diseases passed down. Find additional information. Read the key on the pedigree and identify the oldest generation. Determine whether the trait has shown up in every generation. Analyze the pedigree for recessive carriers. Determine whether the trait is sex linked.

https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Laptop-Computer

How to Build a Laptop Computer

To build a laptop computer, start by choosing a processor that meets your needs based on speed and power consumption. You'll also need to choose a laptop shell, which will contain the motherboard and determine how much memory you'll have. Additionally, find a SO-DIMM memory that's compatible with your motherboard, keeping in mind that faster memory uses up battery life quicker. Then, pick a 2.5 inch hard drive and a long life battery if you'll be moving around a lot with your computer.

Decide what the laptop’s main purpose will be. A laptop for word processing and email-checking will have much different specifications than a laptop for playing the latest games. Battery life is also an important consideration; if you plan to roam around unplugged, you'll want a laptop that doesn't draw much power. Choose a processor that meets your computer’s needs. The shell that you purchase will be dependent on the processor that you want to install, so pick your processor first. Compare processor models to determine which processor offers the best speed versus cooling and power consumption. Most major online retailers will let you compare processors side-by-side. Make sure that you are purchasing a mobile processor, and not a desktop processor. There are two major processor manufacturers: Intel and AMD. There are plenty of arguments for and against each brand, but generally AMD will be less expensive. Do as much research as possible on the processor models you are interested in to be certain it is worth the money. Choose your notebook shell. The notebook shell will determine which parts you can use for the rest your laptop. The shell will come with the motherboard attached already, which will dictate what memory you can use. Take screen size and keyboard layout into account as well. Since the shell is not particularly customizable, you will be stuck with the screen and keyboard you choose. A larger laptop will be more difficult to carry around, and will most likely be significantly heavier. Finding shells for sale can be difficult. Enter “barebones notebook” or “whitebook shell” into your favorite search engine to track down retailers that stock shells. Some laptop manufacturers or suppliers will allow you to choose just the shell. MSI and Eluktronics are some of the few companies that still offer barebone laptops. Purchase memory. Your laptop will need memory to run, and the format of the memory is different than desktop. Look for SO-DIMM memory that will work with the motherboard in your shell. Faster memory will give better performance, but may lead to shorter battery life. Try to get 8 or 16 GB of memory for optimal everyday performance. Pick out a hard drive. Laptops typically use 2.5” drives, as opposed to the 3.5” drives found in desktops. You can choose between a standard 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM drive, or pick a solid state drive with no moving parts. The solid state drive (SSD) will typically be faster and has no moving parts, but they can be more difficult to use over long periods. Solid state drives also come in an NVMe version. NVMe can be more than 7x faster than SATA, and is in a smaller, M.2 form factor. If you want a laptop to roam around, a solid state drive (SSD) would be best, as it will not be physically damaged by impacts as much as a hard disk drive. Get a hard drive with enough space for you to do what you want with the laptop. Most shells don't have space for more than one drive, so it can be difficult to upgrade later. Make sure that there is enough room on the hard drive after the operating system installation (usually between 15-20 GB). Nowadays, most people choose from a 500GB-1.5TB range for laptops. Decide if you need a dedicated graphics card (optional). Not all shells will fit a dedicated mobile graphics card. Instead, the graphics will be handled by the CPU's integrated graphics unit. If you can install a dedicated card, decide if you need one. They are most important for gamers and graphic designers. Find an optical drive (optional). This is becoming more of an optional step as computers advance, since you can install operating systems from USB drives and download most software. If you buy a new laptop today, most do not have an optical drive, as disc memory is now replaced with memory cards and removable drives. Some shells come with drives included. Not all notebook drives fit all shells, so make sure that the drive fits the shell you picked. Choosing whether or not to buy one is easy. Consider whether you use disc memory often. Remember, you can use a USB external optical drive instead of a built-in optical drive. Choose a battery. You will need to find one that has the correct shape and uses the same connector (laptop batteries have multiple pins. The battery contains ICs and the IC notifies the computer on temperature, and notify the computer if the battery is not working and should not be charged, and the battery percentage). If you plan to move it around often, use a long life battery. You will need to try comparing many batteries to find one to buy. Buy one with good reviews. Read reviews on customer's experience with using those batteries. Get the tools. You'll want a set of jeweler's screwdrivers, preferably magnetic. Laptop screws are much smaller and harder to work with than desktop screws. Find a pair of needle-nose pliers to reach any screws that fall into cracks. Keep your screws in plastic baggies until you need them. This will help keep them from rolling away or getting lost. Ground yourself. Electrostatic discharge can quickly ruin computer components, so make sure that you are grounded before assembling your laptop. An antistatic wristband will keep you grounded and they are available for cheap. Turn over the shell so that the bottom is facing up. You will be accessing the motherboard from several removable plates in the back of the unit. Remove the panel covering the drive bay. This panel covers the 2.5” bay that will hold your hard drive. The location varies depending on the shell, but the bay is typically located towards the front of the laptop. Mount the hard drive in the bracket. Most notebooks require the hard drive to be mounted to a bracket that fits around the drive. Use four screws to make sure that the hard drive is secured to the bracket. The screw holes will typically ensure that you have it installed the correct direction. Slide the bracketed hard drive into the bay. Use the grip tape to apply enough pressure to seat the drive. Most brackets will line up with two screw holes once the drive is in place. Insert screws to secure the drive. Install the optical drive. The method will vary depending on your shell, but they are typically inserted from the front of the bay opening, and they slide into SATA connectors. Remove the panel covering the motherboard. This panel will most likely be more difficult to remove than the hard drive panel. You may need to pry it open after removing all of the screws. Install your memory. Once the panel is open, you will have access to the motherboard and memory slots. Insert the SO-DIMM memory chips into their slots at an angle, and then push them down to click them into place. The memory sticks can only be installed in one direction, so don't try to force them in. Install the CPU. There may be a CPU lock around the socket where the CPU is installed. You may need to use a flathead screwdriver to turn it to the “unlocked” position. Turn your CPU over so that you can see the pins. There should be one corner that is missing pins. This notch will line up with the notch on the socket. The CPU will only fit in the socket one way. If the CPU does not seat itself, do not force it, or you may bend the pins, ruining the processor. Once the CPU is inserted, put the CPU lock into the “locked” position. Install the cooling fan (most laptops use centrifugal fans). This fan either cools the CPU or cool the CPU and multiple other parts. Your CPU should have come packaged with a cooling fan. Most fans will have thermal paste already applied to the bottom where it connects with CPU. If the fan does not have any paste, you will need to apply some before the fan is installed. Once the paste has been applied, you can install the fan. The exhaust must line up with the vents on your shell. This part can be tricky as you attempt to line everything up. Don't try to force the heatsink and fan assembly in, but wiggle it in instead. There may be also some mounting bolts to place. If your case includes a bay to place fan dust filter, place a dust filter to prevent dust from clogging the heatsink. Keep the heatsink angled until you find the right position. This will help keep the thermal paste from getting all over your components. Attach the fan's power cable to the motherboard once the fan is installed. If you don't connect the fan, the laptop will overheat and turn off after a few minutes of use. Close your panels. Once you have installed all of the components, you can place the panels back over the openings and secure them with screws. Your laptop is complete! Make sure that the battery is inserted. It is easy to forget the battery in the build process, but make sure that it is inserted and charging properly before booting up the computer. Check your memory. Before you install an operating system, run Memtest86+ to ensure that your memory is working correctly, and that your computer is functioning in general. Memtest86+ can be downloaded for free online, and can be booted from a CD or USB drive. You can also check that the memory you installed is recognized by using the BIOS. Find the Hardware or Monitor section to see if your memory appears. Install an operating system. For self-built laptops, you can choose between Microsoft Windows or a Linux distribution. Windows costs money, but it offers a larger range of programs and hardware compatibility. Linux is free, secure, and supported by a community of volunteer developers. There are many versions of Linux to choose from, but some of the more popular include Ubuntu , Mint, and Debian. It is recommended that you install the latest version of Windows released, as older versions lose support after enough time has passed. If you don't have an optical drive installed, you will need to create a bootable USB drive with your operating system files. Install your drivers. Once your operating system is installed, you will need to install drivers for your hardware. Most modern operating systems will do most of this automatically, but you may have one or two components that need to be installed manually. Most components will come with their drivers on a disc. Use the disc if your operating system cannot find the correct drivers.

Decide what the laptop’s main purpose will be. Choose a processor that meets your computer’s needs. Choose your notebook shell. Purchase memory. Pick out a hard drive. Decide if you need a dedicated graphics card (optional). Find an optical drive (optional). Choose a battery. Get the tools. Ground yourself. Turn over the shell so that the bottom is facing up. Remove the panel covering the drive bay. Mount the hard drive in the bracket. Slide the bracketed hard drive into the bay. Install the optical drive. Remove the panel covering the motherboard. Install your memory. Install the CPU. Install the cooling fan (most laptops use centrifugal fans). Close your panels. Make sure that the battery is inserted. Check your memory. Install an operating system. Install your drivers.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Nursery-Rhymes

How to Write Nursery Rhymes

If you'd like to write your own nursery rhyme, start by choosing a character based on your favorite animal or a special toy. If you like snakes, for example, come up with a couple of simple lines, such as, “Jake the snake/ really loves to shake.” Then, write about something that happens to Jake using techniques like repetition (“Jake loves to slink, slink slink”) to add rhythm and flow. Additionally, don't be afraid to add silly or strange details, such as “Jake ran from a hungry eel/ Looking for a meal,” to make your rhyme fun to read aloud for the reader.

Write about an animal for a fun approach. You may pick your favorite animal or a pet you have at home. Imagine what the animal might do during the day or when no one is watching. For example, you could write about: Your or your child's favorite animal, such as a snake or a lion. One of your own pets. It would be easier for your child to imagine it. A made-up an animal, such as a purple elephant with tiny bird wings. A mythical creature, such as a dragon, griffon, or unicorn. Create a character to help you tell a story in the rhyme. Pick a name for the character, such as a name you like or the name of someone close to you. Then, think about what types of adventures the character might find themselves in. Come up with a short story about what the character does or a situation they find themselves in. For example, you may write about a character named Max, who likes to run fast down the street. Or you may write about a character named Claire who finds herself trapped in a cave. Think ahead to your rhyme scheme and be prepared to change your character's name, if needed. Choose an object to write about if you have a favorite or special one. Pick your favorite toy or an item that has special meaning to you. Or, look around the room and pick an object at random. Then, think about how you might use this object or what you do with the object on a day to day basis. Alternatively, you could imagine what might happen if the object came to life. What would the object do or say? For example, you may choose your favorite stuffed animal or your favorite truck and write about it in the nursery rhyme. Create a different version of an existing rhyme for a more guided approach. Pick a nursery rhyme that you like or find interesting. Then, try writing your own version of it using the same subject matter and structure. Create a version with a different character or topic. Switch the original topic to something you like writing about. For example, you may take a nursery rhyme like “Little Miss Muffet” and change it to a rhyme about "Big Mr. Muffin" or "Small Miss Bloom." Read examples of nursery rhymes to get inspiration. Look at the rhyme scheme of the nursery rhymes to get a better sense of how to use rhyme in your version. Listen to how the nursery rhymes sound when you read them aloud. Notice how the nursery rhymes tell a short story with funny or silly details. You may read nursery rhymes like: “Hickory Dickory Dock” “Little Miss Muffet” “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep” Tell a simple story about your topic. Most nursery rhymes will tell the reader a short story where something happens to a character or topic. The character then reacts to the event and finds a way to address it or deal with it. Your nursery rhyme should present a character or topic and show the reader what happens to them. It should have a beginning, middle, and end, with action or conflict in the middle of the story. For example, you may write a nursery rhyme where your pet snake gets out of its cage and roams around the house, only to scare your mother in the kitchen. Follow a rhyme scheme for a traditional approach. You do not need to rhyme every line, but a simple rhyme scheme can help to give the poem a specific rhythm, especially when read aloud. Most nursery rhymes will follow a rhyme scheme like ABCB, where the last word in the second and third lines rhyme. You can also try a rhyme scheme like AABCCB, where the first two lines and the fourth and fifth lines of the poem rhyme. The second line and the last line will also rhyme. For example, the nursery rhyme “Little Miss Muffet” follows an AABCCB rhyme scheme: “Little Miss Muffet/Sat on a tuffet/Eating her curds and whey/Along came a spider/Who sat down beside her/And frightened Miss Muffet away.” Use repetition to add rhythm and flow. Repetition is a common device in nursery rhymes. It helps key details stick in the reader's mind. You may repeat the name of the main character in your nursery rhyme. You can also repeat an adjective or a detail about the topic. For example, you may use repetition like, “Red chili peppers, hot, hot, hot," or "Max runs, runs, runs." Include alliteration to make the poem sound interesting. Alliteration is where you use the same vowel sounds in a row. It can be a great way to add detail to the poem and give it a good sense of flow. Try using words that start with the same letter and sound for 1-2 lines in the poem. For example, you may use alliteration like “my snake Sara sure likes to slink, slink, slink," or "Madame Maple met a mammoth." Use counting in the poem to teach numbers. Some nursery rhymes like “One, two, buckle my shoes” or “One potato, two potato” use counting to help you remember numbers. It can also be a good way to add a certain rhythm to the poem and follow a set structure. Start at 1 and work you way up to 8, 9, or 10. For example, you may write a nursery rhyme like, “One, two/Sky so blue/Three, four/The birds want more/Five, six/Watch clouds drift/Seven, eight/The moon is late.” Include silly or funny details to the poem to make it memorable. Use your imagination and add in details that seem a little strange or impossible. Don't feel limited by what makes sense or seems logical. Funny or strange details will make the nursery rhyme fun to read aloud for your reader. For example, you may write, “My brother Max/He sure is fast/Runs far from home/Meets a hungry eel/Looking for a meal/Wasn't long before Max ran back home.” Keep the poem within 4-7 lines. Nursery rhymes are usually short, sweet, and to the point. Make sure your rhyme has a beginning, middle, and end within no more than 7 lines total. Focus on keeping the poem concise while also using devices like alliteration, rhyme, and repetition to give the poem some style and personality. If your story is too long, create a collection of rhymes, each being 4-7 lines long. They should all have a beginning, middle, and end, but can tell a longer story when put together. Read the nursery rhyme aloud. Once you have completed a draft of the nursery rhyme, read it aloud several times. Listen to how it sounds. Notice if it rhymes properly and rolls off your tongue easily. Check that it has a simple story that is easy to follow and understand. Share it with others to get their feedback. Show the nursery rhyme to your teacher, your parents, and your friends. Ask them if they find the nursery rhyme funny or entertaining. Find out if they think the nursery rhyme is easy to read and follow. Since this is a nursery rhyme, consider reading it to a baby. If it makes your baby feel happy or calm, you're doing a good job. Revise the nursery rhyme for flow and content. Look for any unnecessary lines or awkward language and tighten them up so the rhyme flows better. Make sure each line flows well into one another and follows a clear rhyme scheme. Once you have revised the nursery rhyme, read it aloud for a final time to ensure it flows well and sounds good.

Write about an animal for a fun approach. Create a character to help you tell a story in the rhyme. Choose an object to write about if you have a favorite or special one. Create a different version of an existing rhyme for a more guided approach. Read examples of nursery rhymes to get inspiration. Tell a simple story about your topic. Follow a rhyme scheme for a traditional approach. Use repetition to add rhythm and flow. Include alliteration to make the poem sound interesting. Use counting in the poem to teach numbers. Include silly or funny details to the poem to make it memorable. Keep the poem within 4-7 lines. Read the nursery rhyme aloud. Share it with others to get their feedback. Revise the nursery rhyme for flow and content.

https://www.wikihow.com/Run-for-Longer

How to Run for Longer

To run for longer, incorporate interval training into your exercise routine, which will help you build stamina. Prioritize training your body to jog for a specified period of time rather than focusing on pace. Varying your cardio by adding biking, swimming, and other non-weight cardio activities can also help you build stamina for running. Train consistently with these techniques in mind and you should start seeing improvements in your endurance.

Take time to warm up and stretch out. It can be tempting to just get on with the running part of running, but properly preparing your body will pay dividends in your results. A proper warm up can also reduce your chance for progress-derailing injuries, such as a pulled hamstring. Warm up your muscles for 10-15 minutes before beginning your workout proper. Start by walking and gradually picking up the pace until you reach a full run. If you choose to stretch before your workout, do it after your warmup, as stretching is more effective on loose muscles. Some advise eschewing stretching before the workout altogether, instead preferring to stretch for 5-10 minutes after the workout when muscles are at their most pliable. Stretch your hamstrings by lying on the ground and raising each leg straight up in the air. This is considered superior to standing toe-touches because it better isolates the hamstring. Hold for 10-30 seconds. Stretch your quadriceps by pulling each leg up behind you while standing. Hold for 10-30 seconds. Employ interval training and plyometrics. Jogging for longer periods requires greater efficiency, in both your body's utilization of oxygen and your body's motion when your feet are on and off the ground. Specific types of training can improve the efficiency of each. Interval training involves running at high speed for short bursts (often 30 seconds to one minute), interspersed with cool-downs of equivalent or slightly longer periods that consist of light jogging or walking. For more detail on an interval training regimen, see How to Increase Your Running Stamina Interval training increases your VO2 max, which is essentially the efficiency in which your body uses oxygen to convert calories into energy. Improving this efficiency through more intense running will benefit your ability to keep up a lighter pace of running for longer times as well. Plyometrics involves using drills such as jumping rope, skipping, one-legged hops, and high-knee sprints to improve explosive power in the legs so that your feet can spend less time in contact with the ground while running. Maximizing the propulsive power while minimizing the contact time (and thus friction) of each step is one key to more efficient running. Focus on time more than pace while jogging. Prioritize training your body to jog for a specified period of time -- a half-hour, hour, or whatever it may be -- before worrying about how much ground you cover in that time. The pace can be picked up further along in the training process. If you are a beginner and/or cannot jog for 30 minutes straight, take brief walking breaks as you go. Don't stop until you reach the 30-minute mark, to train your body to keep moving for that amount of time. Steadily wean yourself off the walking breaks. Find a pace that you feel like you could keep up indefinitely once your training moves beyond the beginner stage. Keeping an easy pace can reduce your risk of injury. Stick to your program. Research various running programs and find one that suits your needs, be it an 8-week beginner plan with a weekly schedule, a 10% weekly increase in mileage, or pacing yourself on 800-meter runs to prepare for a marathon. Programs with a good deal of variety can help moderate injury risk while also combating the boredom that can come from doing the exact same training the exact same way over and again. Such tedium can make it easier to justify skipping one workout, then another, and so on. Vary your cardio training. Jogging for longer periods of time requires increasing your cardiovascular endurance, but to break up the monotony and give your sore shins or other parts a break, switching between jogging and exercises like biking and swimming can be quite beneficial. As a non-weight bearing exercise, swimming can give a break to sore feet, knees, etc., while providing an equivalent cardio workout. It also gives you a chance to exercise your upper body muscles. Bicycling is also easier on the joints than running, and thus can make an effective change of pace. You can also do interval training on a bicycle, mixing bursts of speed with slowdowns just like you do while running. Consider rotating days, jogging one day then biking or swimming the next, especially if you are dealing with joint pain related to running. Be patient but determined. “Slow and steady wins the race,” according to the fabled tortoise, but it also describes the best way to build up your jogging endurance. Injuries are more likely to occur when pushing for results too quickly, and injuries can derail even the best laid training plans. Don't expect immediate results or be frustrated when you can't go from couch potato to marathon-ready in a few weeks. Remind yourself that you are in this for the long haul, and that every little gain benefits not only your endurance but your overall health. That said, if you never push yourself, you'll never move forward in your training. Push yourself to keep going and reach that day's goal, even when you are sore, tired, or just want to quit. Unless you think you may be injured, you do need to push through some pain in order to gain. Hit the weight room. While weight training can benefit joggers seeking greater endurance as well, it is particularly beneficial to sprinters. Unlike jogging, sprinting requires short bursts of maximum effort from the muscles over your entire body. Try to weight train a couple of times per week, perhaps on Tuesdays and Thursdays between sprint training sessions on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, for instance. There is some truth to "no pain, no gain." You need to push yourself in order to build muscle; at the same time, though, don't risk injury by overexertion. Strive to build lean muscle, not to try out for the next "World's Strongest Man" competition. Obviously you want to build up your leg muscles by way of squats, leg presses, and so on. However, you also want to strengthen your abdominal core and shoulders, as arm movement helps propel sprinters forward. Include exercises like sit-ups, leg lifts, and bench and shoulder presses to your workout. Find the right training spot. While jogging simply requires a treadmill, trail, or decent sidewalk, sprint training is more effective in more particular conditions. A running track is the best option for sprint training, since it is flat, marked for distance, and more shock-absorbing for the runner. If a track is unavailable, seek a flat area at least 40 meters long. A grass football or soccer field will be easier on your feet and shins especially, while pavement offers more even footing that might protect against ankle or knee sprains. Mix-and-match or find which works best for your body. Take time to warm up and stretch out. As with distance running training, warm up by starting at a slow pace and steadily increasing to a fast run over several minutes. Consider incorporating dynamic stretches after your warmup. Unlike traditional static stretches, dynamic stretches are done while in motion, such as while walking 20 meters or so. They include stretches like walking on the toes or lifting the knees as high as possible. Dynamic stretching exercises come with names like “Frankensteins” and “Butt-Kickers,” so they obviously are meant to be intense. Done judiciously, for several minutes after warmup and before workout, they do seem to enhance sprinting performance. Do dynamic stretching carefully, as there is a greater risk of injury than with static stretching. Establish good technique. Sprinting requires you to exert maximum energy, so you don't want to waste any of it on flailing arms, improper steps, or increased wind resistance. Try running on the balls of your feet instead of your heels. Not everyone agrees that this technique is more natural or less likely to cause injury, but it does seem to be preferable for sprinting, since it reduces contact time between foot and ground (and thus friction). Don't over-stride. It may feel like a longer stride gets you further ahead faster, but fewer steps means less propulsive power forward. The goal is to take shorter, quicker strides to maximize power and minimize resistance (ground friction and air resistance). Find a comfortable stride that doesn't leave you lunging ahead or leaning forward over your feet. Do try to lean slightly forward, however, as this will make your body more aerodynamic and less affected by wind resistance. Use your arms as well, pumping each one forward and upward in concert with the same-side leg. Keep you elbows slightly bent and hands in a loosely-closed fist. Make sure you keep breathing. People have a tendency to hold their breath when exerting themselves, which is not advisable when your body is starving for oxygen during a sprint. There are varying viewpoints on timing and frequency of breathing during a sprint, so the best advice is probably to find a breathing pattern that feels most natural for you. Don’t try to max out from the beginning. After warming up, don't go straight into sprinting at full speed. Start at what feels like about 70% intensity, then go up to 80%, 90% and full intensity, so long as you do not feel discomfort that might indicate injury. If you have a stopwatch, time out your sprints for 30 seconds. If you're on a track with markers, go for 200 meters (half a lap). If you have neither, count out about 125 steps per sprint. You can increase these numbers as your training progresses. Sprinting depletes the oxygen in your muscles, so it is important to rest between runs. Start out by trying to rest for 3 seconds per second of running (90 seconds after a 30 second sprint). You should rest until your breathing calms to the point where you could make conversation with a fellow runner. Take up to 4 minutes between sprints if necessary. Resting means walking, not sitting, however. Keep your muscles loose. Build up your speed endurance. Once you've established a solid routine of sprint training, you can begin to ramp up your ability to keep up a sprint over greater distances. As might be expected, the main methods are more sprinting time, less recovery time (if necessary), and more intensity. Increase the time of your sprints from 30 seconds gradually up to 1 or even 2 minutes. Try adding 10-15 seconds per sprint per session, for instance. Gradually decrease the time between sprints to 90 seconds, if you typically take longer. Instead of walking to rest between sprints, try doing push-ups, sit-ups, or another strength-training exercise. Do more high-intensity sprinting exercises such as a shuttle run or pyramids. A shuttle run involves placing 7 markers at 5-meter intervals and sprinting to and from each in rapid succession. A pyramid run involves placing 6 markers at 10-meter intervals (50 meters total), then sprinting to the first maker (10 m) and walking the rest (40 m), then running 20 m / walking 30 m, and so on until you run the full 50 meters back and forth. Rest for 90 seconds between sets of either shuttles or pyramids. Try hill sprinting. Find a hill that offers good footing and a manageable steepness, then follow the same procedures as level-ground sprinting. This will be more intense, however, so ramp up your intensity more slowly and allow a little more recovery time. Find steeper hills, go faster, and rest less as you progress. Establish your goals. Be clear as to what you want to achieve by undertaking a running program. It it general fitness? Running in a race? Keeping up with your grandkids in the backyard? Set benchmarks that you can “check off” along the way. For instance, jogging for 30 minutes straight, 45 minutes, and so on, or sprinting 40 yards, 60 yards, and up to 100 yards. Having clearly-stated goals and benchmarks along the way can help keep you motivated to stick to the program. Assess your fitness level. Especially if you are older, out of shape, or have underlying medical conditions, consult with a physician regarding your plans to undertake a running program. A realistic assessment of your current fitness level will help you craft an appropriate program. Don't assume you are too old or too out of shape to run, however. Almost anyone can take on and benefit from a running -- or a run / walk -- program. Equip yourself properly. Running gear is not overly expensive, and investing in the right equipment will make your workouts more efficient and your body less susceptible to injury. Choose running shoes, not cross trainers, basketball shoes, etc. Consider visiting a running store where you can be properly fitted for running shoes. Like a race car with bad tires, the performance of a runner with improper footwear will suffer. Select lightweight, moisture wicking clothing that will keep you cool and dry in warm weather, and lightweight, breathable layers to keep you warm enough in colder weather. Don't skimp on socks, either -- keep your feet cool and dry. Women will need a comfortable sports bra as well. Adopt healthy habits. To get the most out of a running program, you need to fuel your body properly and cut out unhealthy habits that will limit your progress. Running burns a lot of calories, so you want to eat lots of high-energy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains -- basically, the kinds of foods you should be eating more of anyway. Lean proteins like chicken, fish, beans, and lowfat yogurt are also good choices. You don't need to change your diet to be a runner per se; you need to change it to be healthier. Drink lots of water. Hydrate your body before, during, and after workouts. If you smoke, try to quit. This is a good idea no matter what, of course, but smoking damages the heart and lungs, which are essential for running. Set a schedule. Make time for running beforehand instead of trying to squeeze it in each day or week. Each week, lay out a daily schedule for your running program, including the variations in your program, actual workout time, and warm up and cool down time. If you can visualize how each element of your program fits together, it may make it easier for you to internalize that each routine, each session, and each day are interconnected and important. Skipping a run may not be so easy to rationalize, then. Find motivation aids. You will likely begin your program with boundless enthusiasm and then feel it wane as you realize that it takes a long time to achieve results. Find out what helps you stay the course and fight to rise above the plateaus you will hit along the way. Work with one or more partners. Experience the benefits of camaraderie, commiseration, competition, and good old-fashioned peer pressure. Training alongside another runner or a few may offer the pull or the push you need to keep going. Visualize your goal while running. Picture yourself beating your younger brother at the beach sprint during your family vacation this year, or crossing the finish line at the half-marathon. Just stay aware enough that you don't run into something or someone. Try listening to music. Does easy listening or heavy metal get you in the right frame of mind to run? Try different styles and see if any work best for you. But again, don't let music become a dangerous distraction. Sign up for a charity run. The better your progress in training, the more good you will do on race day. Help yourself while helping others.

Take time to warm up and stretch out. Employ interval training and plyometrics. Focus on time more than pace while jogging. Stick to your program. Vary your cardio training. Be patient but determined. Hit the weight room. Find the right training spot. Take time to warm up and stretch out. Establish good technique. Don’t try to max out from the beginning. Build up your speed endurance. Establish your goals. Assess your fitness level. Equip yourself properly. Adopt healthy habits. Set a schedule. Find motivation aids.

https://www.wikihow.com/Play-the-Kazoo

How to Play the Kazoo

To play the kazoo, hold the instrument horizontally with one hand and put your lips around the wider, flattened end. Since the kazoo requires humming instead of blowing, practice humming different syllables like “do,” “who,” “brr,” and “rrr" into the instrument. You should also experiment with different pitches and sounds to figure out what works for you. Next, practice humming songs you like without the kazoo to train your ear to recognize and match the proper pitch. Then, recreate the melody with the kazoo!

Determine your purpose. Do you want to play for fun, for a class, or as a whimsical addition to your band? This will help determine the quality of kazoo that you need. For the most part, the kazoo is a very inexpensive instrument. You can find plastic kazoos at dollar stores, department stores, and toy stores. If you're looking for something of a slightly higher quality or different aesthetic, consider a wooden kazoo. You also might consider a metal kazoo. If you do choose metal, watch for rust, and dry it off each time you play. If you're going to be playing a lot, consider getting a few kazoos, since they are often only a couple of dollars each. This will ensure you have a back up in case one breaks. An electric kazoo is another alternative for musicians and those interested in recording with the kazoo. Choose your color. The kazoo is a whimsical instrument that comes in a rainbow array of colors to match. Pick a fun color that makes you excited to pick up your kazoo and play. Add personalization. Consider putting a small sticker on your kazoo. This is especially great for identification if you'll be using it in a classroom setting, where a lot of people have their kazoos with them. Create a designated case for your kazoo. Even though the kazoo is a relatively inexpensive instrument, you still want to take care of it. If the kazoo doesn't come with a case, use an old, hard shell eyeglass case. You can find these at thrift stores, if you don't have one already. Write your name on your case in permanent marker. Hold the kazoo horizontally. Unlike a larger instrument such as a clarinet, you can use one hand to hold your kazoo. The mouthpiece of the kazoo is the wider, flattened end. Hum into the kazoo. To make sounds with your kazoo, you'll need to hum, rather than blow because humming creates vibration. You should place your mouth on the kazoo as though it were a whistle. To make slightly different types of sounds, try humming different syllables like “do,” “who,” “brr,” or “rrr.” Create pitch with your humming. The kazoo has no frills so you create all of the pitches in a song with your mouth. Practice humming songs you like without the kazoo, first. Then, try humming them with your kazoo's mouthpiece against your mouth. Train your ear. Because all the pitch in your kazoo playing comes from your mouth alone, you'll want to practice hearing and recreating notes. Listen to songs you like, and sing along out loud. Pay attention to trying to match the pitch correctly. Record yourself humming a song on a recorder device or your phone. Then, play the song and your recording at the same time. See how well you matched pitch. Try playing your kazoo along to recorded songs. Set aside time to practice each day. Even though the kazoo is a simple instrument, you won't improve unless you practice. Pick a specific time of day and length of time you want to practice. Set some goals for each practice session. Write them down in a notebook. Your goals could be experimenting with humming techniques or practicing specific songs. Play with friends. Above all, the kazoo is a fun instrument, and you should enjoy playing it. Play your favorite songs for your friends. If you're in a class, practice with other people from your class. If some of your friends play different instruments, consider starting a band for fun.

Determine your purpose. Choose your color. Create a designated case for your kazoo. Hold the kazoo horizontally. Hum into the kazoo. Create pitch with your humming. Train your ear. Set aside time to practice each day. Play with friends.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Travel-Agent-Online

How to Become a Travel Agent Online

To become a travel agent online, start by choosing an area to specialize in since it will make you more competitive, like romantic getaways or corporate traveling. If you're not sure what to specialize in, think about your interests and hobbies or destinations you've been to and use those to help you choose. Once you know what kind of travel agent you want to be, you can register your business and start building a client list. If you don't have a lot of experience, you may want to work as an independent contractor for an online travel agency for a little while to learn the ropes.

Consider what sort of travel agent you wish to be. Resist the urge to instantly become a travel agent for all people interested in all destinations. Due to the limitless competition you will face on the internet, aim to be a sought-after expert, rather than a jack-of-all-trades. Just as a restaurateur must settle on a cuisine, menu, and customer demographic, start thinking about what sort of packages and destinations you would like to offer to which sort of people. Two distinct types of travel agents are “corporate” and “leisure” agents. The former makes arrangements for companies whose personnel who must travel for their work. The latter books personal vacations for individuals. Leisure agents may specialize in terms of themes (such as adventure or romantic getaways), destinations (with a thorough knowledge and plenty of advice for their customers), or clientele (catering to those traveling on a budget or those with unlimited means). Write down your interests. Increase your passion for the job and your chances of success by focusing on areas that already fascinate you. First, jot down your interests in general terms, even if they seem to have nothing to do with travel. Then create a second list of destinations that you loved visiting or would love to go to. Compare the two lists. Try to pair your interests with specific destinations that pertain to them to double your enthusiasm. For example: If fine wine is on your list of interests, pair it with areas on your list of destinations that include wine countries, such as France, Italy, or California. London would be an area to focus on if you have a passion for English literature. If you are obsessed with great white sharks, think about Australia, Baja, and South Africa. Determine your client base. Imagine yourself back in the role of travel agent. Now picture who you would most like to see going off on your dream vacation in your place. Consider not just the destination, but the nature of your dream travel package. Perhaps most importantly, consider how much money you envision your ideal customers spending. Contact other travel agents for quotes to get a rough idea of the going price for the sort of dream trips you would like to offer your own clients. Use this price information to determine what sort of income your clients would need to afford these trips. Factor in any age restrictions that may further narrow your potential client list down. A wine-tasting tour, for example, would most likely eliminate families traveling with children, while cage-diving with sharks might appeal more to younger adults than senior citizens. Create a budget. Set aside money to cover essential equipment for an online business. These items include a phone, a fax machine, a website, and a computer with Internet access and a printer. Also anticipate having to possibly pay fees for the following: Training and certification Registering as a business Use available resources to learn about the industry. If you know anyone who works as a travel agent, treat them to a cup of coffee so you can pick their brain. Visit online forums and message boards that are specific to the industry to see what issues insiders talk about. Join professional networks. Subscribe to publications that are dedicated to the business. GT Trends, Traverse, and YTP Travel Network are prominent professional networks in the industry. Trade-specific publications include Agent@Home, Recommend, Travolution, Travel Agent Central, and Travel Trade. Come up with a name for your business. Since your business will be based online, keep it short so people can remember and search for it easily. Google each name you think of to see if that specific domain name has already been taken and/or if that exact company name has already been registered by another entity. Also take note of the top hits that come up with each search. Even if the name you want is currently free, consider something different if your website is likely to come 50th in a list of other popular searches. For example, let's say that you personally share the same name as Donald Trump. Since a Google search will bury any mention of you online under a million other sites regarding the Don, come up with a business name that does not incorporate your own name in any way. Including the core concept of your speciality in your business name can increase its prominence in keyword searches for those terms. For example, “California Wine Tours” is self-explanatory as well as being the exact phrase someone would Google to find more information about that topic. Register your business. Consult a lawyer and/or tax accountant about which classification best suits your business: sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation. As a small business, you will most likely register as a sole proprietor. In that event, ask your lawyer if local or state laws require you to register a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name with those governments. Such registrations as DBA's are often what is meant by a “travel agent license.” In this sense of the word “license,” you are essentially paying a nominal fee and filling out some paperwork in order to work from a residence, as opposed to taking classes and passing exams in order to earn a driver's license. Separate your personal and business finances. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to use for tax purposes in lieu of your Social Security number. Open a bank account specifically for your business to keep better track of company expenses. If your business needs a credit card in addition to the debit card that comes with your new bank account, apply for a new credit card to be used exclusively for your company. These steps are not strictly necessary to start your business, but will help keep you organized. Utilize your contacts. Review the people in your life. Consider all categories: family, friends, friends of friends, neighbors, classmates, co-workers, passing acquaintances. Ask yourself if there is anyway they can help promote or otherwise assist your business. For example, if you would like to specialize in wine-tasting tours to the Napa Valley and your neighbor's son works at a hotel there, ask for his contact information. Or if you plan to arrange group trips to major sporting events, keep the diehard sports fans in your life in mind as possible links to future customers. Use social media like Facebook and Twitter to link your business to your existing contacts. Increase your visibility. Ask them to like your website and share your posts so others in their network see you in their own feeds. Ask people you know to refer potential customers to you. Encourage them by offering prizes or thank-you gifts for referrals who end up booking trips with you. Consider signing up up with a host agency. Although you are free to start an online travel agency that is totally independent of any other business entity, consider starting as an independent contractor for a host agency instead. Transition into your new career with less stress by utilizing their pre-existing infrastructure. Learn the trade and gain insight into what is needed to construct your own successful business before attempting to start one from scratch. Host agencies will provide: Training Community support Lower overhead Research agencies. There are numerous host agencies out there, so take the time to familiarize yourself with any given one before applying to join. Read customer reviews to see if the company's brand is sought after by the public or avoided at all costs. Visit forums frequented by current and former agents who worked with them to find out what sort of experiences they had. Call each agency to discuss information that may not have mentioned on their website. Ask about: What sort of commission they offer and the method of payment. Which software programs you will need and whether they offer a discount if you purchase the tech through them instead of the open market. The amount of training that is required and what amount of continued education is offered after that. What sort of community support is offered between you, other independent contractors, and the agency itself. Exactly how much you will be charged to sign up, as well as any fees that may be required later on. Determine which is best suited for you. Once you have made contact with agencies and familiarized yourself with their operations, weigh their answers to your questions against your own personal needs. First and foremost, consider those that already offer travel within the niche market that you have decided to specialize in. Additionally, ask yourself the following: Would you rather work for a large company with extensive resources, or a smaller one with DIY spirit and more intimate connections between workers? Are you fine working remotely with people you will never meet, or would you rather work for a local business that occasionally gets together? Does the training that they offer seem to cover everything you need to learn, or do you feel that you will still be overwhelmed afterward? Sign up with the agency. The process for each agency will vary, but expect to pay an application fee. If they offer a training and certification course, the application fee may cover these, or they may be billed separately. Complete the coursework assigned in the specified amount of time to receive certification. Courses may be designed to be entirely online, by correspondence, or a combination of the two. Certification is not a legal requirement to be a travel agent, so if the host agency does not offer their own certification process, you can still apply and possibly be hired. If you wish to work for this specific company and boast about being certified at the same time, you can seek certification through organizations like the Travel Institute.

Consider what sort of travel agent you wish to be. Write down your interests. Determine your client base. Create a budget. Use available resources to learn about the industry. Come up with a name for your business. Register your business. Separate your personal and business finances. Utilize your contacts. Consider signing up up with a host agency. Research agencies. Determine which is best suited for you. Sign up with the agency.

https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Dangerous-Dog-Toys

How to Avoid Dangerous Dog Toys

To avoid dangerous dog toys, start by checking the toy's label for important information on safety and toxicity. The safest toys will be certified as safe for children under three years old, since this means they were tested for toxicity and don't contain small parts that can be swallowed. Also, toys made in North America or Europe are more likely to meet general safety standards than toys made in other countries, which often contain dangerous amounts of lead. Hard hard rubber toys are usually good options, but be sure to examine any toy before giving it to your dog. It's best to stay away from plush items meant for children, which are often unsafe for dogs.

Check the label. You can avoid a lot of hazardous toys by checking the label for important information. The best toys to purchase are those identified and certified as safe for children under three years old, as this means the toy has been tested for toxicity and doesn't contain any easily detachable parts which can be swallowed easily. It's also a good idea to look for the national origin of the toy. Toys made in North America or Europe are more likely to meet general safety standards than those imported in bulk from China or Mexico. Avoid lead-laced toys. While most American-made toys contain only negligible quantities of lead, some imported products have been found to contain over 100 times the amount of lead which is considered safe for ingestion. The toys most likely to carry such elevated levels are those coated in lead paint, so if you must purchase an imported toy, you should avoid those that are painted. If you're suspicious of a toy you already own, you can purchase a home-testing kit to make sure it's safe. Lead poisoning is characterized by symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, and tremors. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, take it to the vet and have them check for dangerous lead levels. Beware of tennis balls. While tennis balls can be a great, affordable way to keep your dog active and engaged, be aware that they can also present a significant safety hazard. Not only can large dogs accidentally swallow or choke on the ball, but studies have found significant levels of lead in them, particularly in those balls labeled as dog toys and not intended specifically for sporting use. You can keep tennis balls in your dog's life by taking some basic safety measures. Buy tennis balls in the sport section of the store rather than the pet section, and discard any ball as soon as it shows signs of tearing. Purchase hard rubber toys. Tug toys, fake chewing bones, and hollow toys made to fill with peanut butter or other treats are frequently made with safe, long-lasting rubber, so they're always a good option for your pet. Tug-of-war can be a good way to exercise your dog and keep it playful, while hollow, treat delivery toys are good toys to keep your dog engaged in a healthy activity while distracting them from destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or paw-licking. Stay away from toys intended for children. Plush toys made for children often have small, hazardous parts like doll eyes, noses, and long threads or ribbons which your dog can choke on or ingest. Avoid potential health problems from these toys by shopping exclusively in pet stores and removing any hazardous features like tags, squeakers, or buttons. Plastic toys for children are also unsafe for dogs. Dogs have sharp teeth which can break and cause bleeding and damage to its teeth and gums, or a dog can swallow or suffocate on a broken plastic toy. Additionally, a harmful chemical compound called DINP has been found in soft plastic toys, so opt for natural latex or rubber over plastic if you're in the market for a chew toy. Inspect stuffed toys manually. Even if you've avoided hazardous children's plush toys and purchased what looks like a good-quality, dog-specific stuffed toy, you should still inspect the toy for defects or other issues. This is because some manufacturing mistakes are inevitable, so things like long sewing needles and other dangerous objects have been found concealed within chew toys. You can perform this manual inspection by feeling and squeezing around the toy before giving it to your dog. Any big or sharp foreign objects should become apparent if you probe carefully. Check with your vet about rawhide. Dogs love rawhide bones, but you should seek expert advice before purchasing any for your dog. Imported and flavored varieties are bound to contain many more chemical additives and processing chemicals, and some bones are small enough to present a choking hazard to your dog. Avoid choosing the wrong rawhide by asking your vet which size and type of bone is appropriate for your dog, and see if they have any specific recommendations. Chewing on rawhide can also be a good way for your dog to clean its teeth naturally, so consider opting for a safe rawhide bone if you're worried about your dog's dental health. Imported rawhide is often a product of the international fur trade, so, if you're anti-fur and animal cruelty, pay extra attention to the label next time you're shopping for rawhide. Keep your dog away from hazardous items in the home. Just because something is not intended to be a toy, doesn't mean your dog won't want to use it as such! Take some time to dog-proof your home by putting away any tempting items such as ribbons, rubber bands, and shoelaces which could be dangerous to your dog. Also remember to keep human food and medications stored safely out of reach. Your dog won't necessarily want to play with these items, but it could get curious and try to eat them. If your dog is super nosy and crafty about getting to forbidden items, install locks on cabinets or buy some locking, pet-proof food bins to keep canine snouts out. Know your dog’s habits. Different dogs approach toys and chewing in different ways: while some immediately try to 'disembowel' a toy and rip it open, others prefer to mouth it peacefully and carry it around, and still others like to tear it into pieces while consuming the dislodged pieces. It's important to know what kind of a chewer your dog is, because it will tell you which toys are appropriate for your dog and how long or when you can let it play. So take some time to observe your dog when you give him different chew toys and see what it does. If your dog likes to rip into toys and pull out the stuffing, be sure not to give it toys that have a squeaker inside. Your dog will find the squeaker and potentially choke on it. Supervise your dog when chewing rawhide or tennis balls. Since rawhide and tennis balls can be easily damaged, you should only give them to your pet when you can be around to supervise. This is particularly important if you have a big dog, as their particularly large jaws and throats make them more susceptible to swallowing and choking on toys. Be particularly wary of any new toys you've brought into the house. Even if you've inspected them for defects or problematic features, be sure not to leave your dog unattended with the new toy until you've witnessed how it works and what your dog does with it. Get rid of damaged toys. Some wear-and-tear to your dog's toys is inevitable, so make sure you keep track of the condition of household toys and that you throw them away when any structural damage becomes visible. If your dog resists when you try to take the worn toy away, try to distract it with a new toy or a treat. Keep an eye on any rawhide bones your dog has been working on and throw them away when it gets short enough to swallow whole. Rotate different toys. You can keep your dog's toys in good condition by putting them in a rotation: give your dog a few toys to play with for a few days or a week, and then put these toys away and substitute them for a few different toys which you've been keeping stored out of sight. Try to keep a mix of toy types in each rotation. For example, have one soft toy, one interactive toy, one chew toy, and one distracting, food delivery toy available at the same time. Clean toys regularly. Rubber, latex, nylon, stuffed, and rope toys can all be cleaned fairly easily, and you should do so fairy often in order to avoid the build-up of harmful bacteria. Just remember that rawhide bones cannot be cleaned, so make sure you don't keep them too long. You can pop nylon and rubber toys in the dishwasher, while stuffed toys can be tossed in the laundry machine and rope toys rinsed and put in the microwave. Just be sure not to use any harsh or fragrant detergents which could irritate your dog's skin or gums.

Check the label. Avoid lead-laced toys. Beware of tennis balls. Purchase hard rubber toys. Stay away from toys intended for children. Inspect stuffed toys manually. Check with your vet about rawhide. Keep your dog away from hazardous items in the home. Know your dog’s habits. Supervise your dog when chewing rawhide or tennis balls. Get rid of damaged toys. Rotate different toys. Clean toys regularly.

https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Shoes

How to Wash Shoes

To wash sneakers or canvas shoes in a washing machine, first remove the laces from your shoes and soak the laces in some soapy water. Take the insoles out if they're removable. Then, place your shoes in the washing machine without anything else, and add 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 mL) of laundry detergent. Wash your shoes on a delicate cycle with cold water, then let them air dry. To hand wash leather, vinyl, or rubber shoes, first remove the laces and soak them in soapy water. Then, scrub the outside of your shoes with a soft-bristled brush, like a clean toothbrush, to remove any dirt and debris. Next, mix some warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Dip your brush in the soapy water and scrub the outside of your shoes. Take the insoles out if they're removable and scrub them too. Finally, wipe your shoes with a dry cloth and let them air dry.

Remove the laces and insoles. You will want to wash your shoes, laces, and insoles separately as this will cut down on the drying time later. You can, however, wash your laces with your shoes in the washing machine, but doing so with your insoles will leave them water-logged for days. Clean your laces. If your laces are real scuzzy, you may want to buy new ones, but you can always try cleaning them by scrubbing them with a soapy brush or putting them in the washing machine with your shoes. Then allow them to air dry completely before putting them on your shoes again. Another way to clean your laces is to simply put or pin them inside a pillowcase, or tie their ends together, and throw them in the washer. This will keep them from getting stuck in the washer's drainage holes. If the laces are white and the shoes are colored, to get the laces as bright as possible you could wash them separately in a normal wash along with other white laundry. Clean and deodorize your insoles. Using a slightly soapy mixture of liquid detergent and warm water, gently scrub your insoles with a soft brush or rag. Afterward, soak up any excess soapy water with a sponge and allow them to air dry completely before placing them back in your shoes. If your insoles still smell, enclose them in a bag with baking soda, shake it around evenly, and leave them overnight. If your insoles still smell, soak them for a few hours in a 2:1 mixture of vinegar and water. Then soak them a while in a mixture of warm water, baking soda, and an essential oil, such as tea tree or pine oil. Clean excess debris and stubborn marks from your shoes. To clean mud or dirt from the shoes, use a dry toothbrush or a soft brush (e.g. a shoe brush) to brush away any that appears on the surface. Clean off other marks (e.g. from plastic areas) using a brush with warm water, and/or cream cleaner on a cloth or paper towel. If a brush doesn't clean all the nooks and crannies, you may need to use a toothpick or cotton swab (Q-tip). Put your shoes inside a pillowcase. Then pin the opening of the pillowcase half-shut with about 3 safety pins, so water can still flow in and out. To wash your laces in the washing machine at the same time, tie the ends together and put them inside the pillowcase with your shoes. You can also substitute a mesh bag in place of a pillowcase. Place the pillowcase inside the washing machine along with one or two towels. They will prevent the shoes from banging around inside during the cycle, which could damage the machine or your shoes. Make sure the towels are old because new towels have lint and dye that might stain your sneakers! Most sneakers are durable enough to be put in the washing machine, but be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions, as companies such as Nike recommend hand-washing only. Add liquid detergent. Powdered detergent can get stuck in your shoes, so use liquid detergent. You can also add some vinegar to remove odors and some pine oil to disinfect them. If you add pine oil, the product should be at least 80% pine oil. Set and run the washing machine. Set your washing machine to the delicate setting, cold temperature, slow or no spin, and no tumble drying. Warm temperatures can warp your sneakers, and the fast spin or tumble dry setting can damage your shoes or washing machine. Remove and air-dry your shoes. Once the washing machine has stopped, remove your shoes from the pillowcase and set them aside to air dry. Putting them in the dryer is not advisable, as the dryer can warp the soles of your shoes. Stuffing your shoes with paper towels or newspapers will help them dry faster as well as maintain their shape. Place your shoes (and laces and insoles) in a moderately lit place to dry. Do not put them somewhere hot (e.g. near a radiator) or in direct sunlight, as this may damage the shoes. It may take several hours or even a couple days for your shoes to dry completely, so plan ahead! If you're in a rush and need to use the dryer, wrap your shoes in a towel and set the dryer to "delicate," checking periodically to make sure your shoes are not getting too warm. Re-lace and wear those "like new" shoes! Once they are completely dry, replace the insoles, re-lace your shoes, and slip 'em on! They should look and smell much better now! Remove and clean the laces. Un-lace your shoes and, with a soapy brush, scrub them on a washboard or draining board. Then allow them to air dry completely before re-lacing them into your shoes. If your laces are real scuzzy, however, you may need to buy new ones. Remove and clean the insoles. With a slightly soapy mixture of warm water and liquid detergent, gently scrub your insoles with a soft brush or rag. Afterward, soak up any excess soapy water with a sponge and allow them to air dry completely before placing them back in your shoes. Remove excess dirt. With a soft-bristle brush, such as a shoe brush or a toothbrush, scrub away the excess debris on the outside of your shoes. You may need to use a toothpick or a Q-tip to get in those hard-to-reach places. Mix a cleaning solution. While there are many shoe-cleaning solutions on the market, a simple mixture of warm water and a little liquid detergent will serve well to create a slightly soapy mixture in order to clean the outside of your shoes. Scrub your shoes. Apply a little of the cleaning solution to a sponge or soft cloth or brush and scrub the outside of your shoes. This may require some effort and a few attempts, depending on the state of your shoes. For tougher-stained areas, let the cleaning solution set for a few minutes, then scrub it away. Remove excess solution. Put some warm water on another sponge or soft cloth or brush, and brush away the remaining solution until it is no longer visible. Air-dry your shoes. Place your shoes (and laces and insoles) in a moderately lit place at room temperature to air dry. Do not put them somewhere hot (e.g. near a radiator) or in direct sunlight, as this may damage the shoes. Putting your shoes in the dryer is not advisable, as the dryer can warp the soles of your shoes. Deodorize your dress shoes. Take baking soda, coffee grounds, or kitty litter product and sprinkle it directly inside your dress shoes. Allow the product to sit in your dress shoes whenever you're not wearing them to keep odors at bay. Simply shake out your dress shoes to remove the product. Another, neater method of odor removal is to put the product in a sachet and to place the sachet in your shoe. You can create your own sachet using a pair of pantyhose: put the product inside and tie or rubber band it closed. Clean your leather dress shoes. If worn daily, leather should be cleaned 2-3 times a week by using a soft cloth and a slightly soapy mixture to clean off the noticeable dust and dirt. Afterwards, apply polish (preferably a natural polish or wax) and rub in with a soft cloth until the desired polish effect is reached. Brush clean your suede dress shoes. If worn daily, suede should be cleaned 2-3 times a week by using a suede brush to brush away dirt and stains. You should spray suede protector on new suede shoes and after every time you clean them, as this will make them more resilient to stains and will make it easier to clean in the future.

Remove the laces and insoles. Clean your laces. Clean and deodorize your insoles. Clean excess debris and stubborn marks from your shoes. Put your shoes inside a pillowcase. Place the pillowcase inside the washing machine along with one or two towels. Add liquid detergent. Set and run the washing machine. Remove and air-dry your shoes. Re-lace and wear those "like new" shoes! Remove and clean the laces. Remove and clean the insoles. Remove excess dirt. Mix a cleaning solution. Scrub your shoes. Remove excess solution. Air-dry your shoes. Deodorize your dress shoes. Clean your leather dress shoes. Brush clean your suede dress shoes.

https://www.wikihow.com/Report-Domestic-Violence

How to Report Domestic Violence

Dealing with domestic violence can be confusing and scary, but it's important to report it to protect yourself and other people in the future. If you're injured, go to the hospital for treatment. If you're not badly hurt, pack an emergency bag and go to stay with a trusted friend or family member. If you don't have anyone to stay with, contact a safe shelter, who can help you find accommodation. Then, call the police as soon as you're safe to do so and tell them exactly what happened. If you have any visible injuries, like bruises, cuts, or torn clothing, take photos of them to use as evidence. The police will help you file a report, which can help you file a restraining order, get a divorce, or prove your story if your partner hurts you again. The more evidence there is of domestic violence, the easier it'll be to bring your partner to justice. You can also call a confidential domestic violence hotline if you need guidance or a sympathetic ear.

Pack an emergency escape bag. Buy a cheap mobile phone, and put all of the people that you need to contact in its memory (friends, family, women's aid numbers, doctors, as well as numbers for your children's services -- school, pediatrician, etc. -- if you have children). Pack documents that show your ownership of any vehicle or property, as well as passports, and other identity information. Obtain a secondary cash card for your bank and add money to it. Pack several changes of clothes. If you have children, pack clothes for them as well. If you take prescription medication, pack it as well, along with the prescription information sheets. Take the bag to a place where you can retrieve it quickly if you have to run. Do not store it at home; it is best to keep it at the house of a trusted friend. If you must keep it at home, make sure that it is well concealed. Form a safety plan. The National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence has a PDF form that will help you develop a plan for what to do if you have to call the authorities. Fill it out and keep a copy in a safe, secure place where your abuser cannot find it. Give a copy to a friend as well. This will ensure that your loved ones will know how to support you when you need it. Call a domestic violence hotline. Domestic violence hotlines, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE), can help you prepare to report domestic violence. The trained advocates at these hotlines are experienced in listening to you and offering advice in how to best care for yourself. Calls to these hotlines are free and confidential and you will never be judged. If your phone or internet use is monitored at home, you can use a computer at a public library to chat with a hotline or call from a friend's phone. Whatever you do, stay safe. These hotlines can also refer you to local women's advocates and shelters. Call emergency services. It's crucial to establish a “paper trail” to help you stay safe from your abuser. Call the police or emergency services like 911. Tell them exactly what has happened, that you do not feel safe, and that it is an emergency. The police are required to arrest suspects under certain domestic situations, which vary by state. When the police arrive, give them all the details of what happened. Include the exact actions and words that your abuser used, if you can remember them. If you have children, let the police know where they are. If you were injured, show the police your injuries or at least describe them. Document the incident. If you can do so safely, keeping copies of damage or injuries from the incident can help you prove your case in court or obtain a personal protective order. Take photos of any visible harm or injury, such as bruises, cuts, torn clothes, etc. Write down what was said, as precisely as you can recall it. Take photos of damage to property, such as destroyed furniture, holes in walls, etc. Make copies of any threatening messages, such as emails, social media messages, or phone calls. Get statements from any witnesses to the event, including your children. Get a copy of the incident report. In most states, the police are required to fill out a “domestic incident report” or other case report. Get a copy of this report as well as your case number. Also get the officers' names and badge numbers. This can be helpful if you need to add information to the report later, or if you need to call witnesses for a court case. Find a safe shelter. If you have pre-arranged with a friend or family member, go to their house. If you have children, take them with you. You can also search for safehouses and women's shelters in your area. A domestic violence hotline may be able to refer you to a safe location. A “safehouse” is usually a secret location that is accessible 24 hours a day so that you can go there at any time you need. These locations are often run by nonprofit organizations and can usually put you in touch with advocates, counseling services, and legal aid. Go to the hospital. If you were injured in any way, go to the hospital. This will not only get you treatment for your injuries, it will further establish official documentation of your abuse. This is vital for prosecutors in criminal cases and will help you obtain a protection order. Tell the staff about any injuries you experienced. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can say how you got the injuries. Remember, people are there to help you, not to judge you. There's no need to feel ashamed or embarrassed. You didn't do anything wrong. Be extra vigilant about any injuries to your head. If you experience memory loss, dizziness, eyesight trouble, vomiting, or headache after an abusive incident, go to the hospital right away. Seek an order of protection. These documents go by several other names, including “personal protection order” and “restraining order.” They are court orders that can help protect you from your abuser, and provide steep penalties for the abuser if s/he attempts to harass you again. They can also help protect your children from the abuser. You must go before the local court (often, the circuit court or county court) to obtain one. Many domestic violence agencies offer assistance in applying for protection orders, filing criminal charges, and other legal aid. Anyone who has been physically, sexually, emotionally, or psychologically abused by someone they have been in a relationship with (including marriage, dating, living or rooming with, or having a child with) can apply for a protection order. Victims of stalking, which is considered another type of domestic violence, may also apply for protection orders. Bring a letter explaining your situation in as much detail as possible to the court. Also bring copies of all the documentation that you can, including police reports, photographs, statements, etc. Provide information about your abuser or stalker. Carry a copy of your protection order with you at all times. This helps police enforce the terms of the order if anyone attempts to violate it. Call the authorities in an emergency. If you hear or see abusive activity that seems immediately threatening, call the police. You can also call the police if at any time you feel afraid for your own safety. Be aware that in some cases, the victim of domestic violence may deny or downplay what has happened out of fear of the abuser. Do not blame or become upset with the person if this happens. If you don't want to call the police but you hear abuse happening, you can “drop by” and ask to borrow something to interrupt the violence. Abusers will often not want to show their true behavior to others. Speak with your loved one first. While it's natural to want to help, calling the police or authorities to report domestic violence if the person being abused doesn't have a safety plan in place can actually create more problems. Talk with your loved one about your concerns and their wishes before you do anything. Choose a safe place away from the person you suspect of abuse. Don't mention your concerns in front of the abusive person -- this could put your loved in even greater danger later. Be honest and supportive with your concerns. Don't make accusations or ultimatums. Offer nonjudgmental support. Many victims of domestic violence don't leave the abusive situation, and each person may have many reasons not to do so. Don't criticize your loved one or act as though you “know” what they need to do. Believe your loved one. Many abusers tell their victims that nobody will believe them or care for them. Tell your loved one that you believe them and are there for them, no matter what. Reassure your loved one that their feelings are normal. It's common for victims of domestic violence to feel confused, embarrassed, depressed, overwhelmed, or frightened about their situations. Offer to help develop a safety plan. Your loved one will need a way to assure safety once the domestic violence has been reported. While many states have “mandatory arrest” laws that arrest suspects of domestic violence, many of these abusers are released and take “revenge” on those who reported them. The National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence has a PDF form that can help you and your loved ones make plans. Keep a copy of your loved one's safety plan at your home. This way you'll know exactly what you can do to help. Agree on a “code word” or signal. Many abusive partners monitor their victims' communications, even on the internet or cellphones. Come up with a signal that your loved one can use to let you know they're in trouble. Keep an emergency bag for your loved one at your home. This should include copies of all important documentation (passports, birth certificates, photo IDs, etc.) as well as several changes of clothes, a prepaid cellphone, money, and any necessary prescription medications. Contact a domestic violence agency. Understanding what your loved one is going through, and knowing the resources available, will help you provide better support. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE for a referral to an agency in your area. Domestic violence agencies generally have advocates who can help the abused person get in touch with the authorities, stay safe, and escape the abusive situation. Remember that you can’t “save” the person. It can be incredibly hard to know that a loved one is the victim of domestic violence and is staying in an abusive situation. However, you have to remember that it is not your place to “save” or “rescue” your loved one. Offer your unconditional support and caring, and let them make their own decisions. Victims of domestic abuse often feel disrespected and without any power in their own lives. By showing that you support your loved one and respect their choices, you are giving them something they may not get from anyone else.

Pack an emergency escape bag. Form a safety plan. Call a domestic violence hotline. Call emergency services. Document the incident. Get a copy of the incident report. Find a safe shelter. Go to the hospital. Seek an order of protection. Call the authorities in an emergency. Speak with your loved one first. Offer nonjudgmental support. Offer to help develop a safety plan. Contact a domestic violence agency. Remember that you can’t “save” the person.

https://www.wikihow.pet/Gauge-Your-Senior-Dog%27s-Quality-of-Life

How to Gauge Your Senior Dog's Quality of Life

To gauge your senior dog's quality of life, keep an eye out for signs that it's in pain, like difficulty getting up or using stairs, squealing or barking when being picked up, or hiding and withdrawing from others. Also, take into consideration how well your dog keeps down food and water and whether or not it's able to move around the house. At the end of the day, if it seems like your dog is suffering and in pain more often than it is happy, it could mean that it has a low quality of life.

See if they have difficulty getting up. If your senior dog has a lot of difficulty standing up after lying down, they may be experiencing joint or arthritic pain in their back. If your senior dog simply refuses to stand, this can definitely be a sign of pain. You should take note of this sign of pain and talk to your veterinarian about treatment options. Observe them walking up the stairs. If your senior dog has trouble climbing the stairs, they may have joint pain in their legs or back. If your senior dog is experiencing a lot of pain from arthritis or other conditions, you should take note of this sign of pain and speak to your veterinarian about treatment options. Sense whether they are withdrawing from life. If your senior dog looks very withdrawn a lot of the time, this may also be a sign of pain. Look to see if your senior dog hides away in the corner when they would normally be interacting with your family. This may be a subtle sign that your dog is in pain. Feel how they react when you pick them up. If your dog shudders, squeals, or barks when lifted, they may be experiencing pain. You should take note of this symptom and talk to your veterinarian about the experience. Look for other signs of pain. Your senior dog may try to hide their pain or cope with it in ways that are hard to notice. However, they may also express themselves forcefully. You can look for the following signs of pain: Whimpering Withdrawal or unusual quietness Unusual aggression in response to being approached Ears held flat against the head Licking of sensitive areas of the body Loss of appetite Not wanting to walk, run or play Stiffness and limping Slowness on walks Strange reactions to touch Personality or other behavioral shifts Do a pain review. Consider how much pain your senior dog is experiencing in their daily life, including in relation to signs such as difficulty moving, walking up the stairs, standing up, or hiding in the corner. If you have observed these or other signs of pain, your dog may be experiencing a lower quality of life. That said, there is no gold standard for measuring pain in animals and your assessment will be largely subjective. Talk to your veterinarian about your observations and reflections on your senior dog's pain and see if they have any suggestions for treatment or other options. You might also consider using a scale to determine your senior dog's quality of life, including in relation to pain, happiness, mobility, and other factors. Learn about the HHHHHMM scale. This scale helps you determine your senior dog's quality of life during emotionally difficult times. It was developed by Dr. Alice Villalobos and gives an objective measure of quality of life by measuring levels of hurt, hunger, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, and more good days than bad. It is best to complete the scale three days in a row in order to ensure you are getting an accurate reading and to consult with your veterinarian about the possible implications of the scale results. Measure your senior dog’s level of pain. To assess hurt or pain, consider the extent to which your senior dog's pain is being successfully managed. If your senior dog is having difficulty breathing or expressing other signs of pain, take notes of these symptoms. Considering the level of pain or hurt your senior dog is experiencing, score the success of their pain management on a range from 1-10 where higher numbers indicate more success in managing their pain. For example, a score of 1 would indicate severe pain and 10 would indicate very successful pain management. Watch for signs of painful urination, which may indicate a urinary tract infection, bladder stones or other conditions. Determine your senior dog’s hunger. If your senior dog is going hungry because of a loss of appetite or inability to eat food, it is a sign of diminishing quality of life. If your senior dog can no longer eat, they may need a feeding tube. Considering the extent to which you are able to manage your senior dog's hunger, write down a score between 1 and 10. Higher numbers indicate less difficulty with hunger. Assess hydration. Consider whether you are able to meet your senior dog's need for adequate hydration. If they are not able to drink water and exhibit signs of dehydration such as dry nose, mouth or gums, you should consult with your veterinarian. If you have run out of options for addressing chronic dehydration and associated symptoms (e.g., dry mouth, vomiting), you should take note of this sign of a diminishing quality of life. Give a score between 1 and 10 to indicate the extent to which your senior dog is managing to stay hydrated. Reflect on whether your senior dog is happy. If your senior dog has limited mobility because of joint problems, perhaps you have made arrangements to give them someplace to lie down closer to the rest of the family. Dogs are social animals so you should make sure you give them the opportunity to be close to the family. If you have tried to lift your senior dog's spirits in various ways but they still look rather glum or unhappy, you should take note of this sign of a diminishing quality of life. Give a score between 1 and 10 to indicate the level of happiness that your senior dog currently experiences, with a higher score indicating greater happiness. Observe mobility. Observe your senior dog's movement around the house and the backyard. If they have trouble moving around the house, you may want to install aids such as dog stairs to help them get up onto beds or couches. If you have taken measures to improve your senior dog's mobility but they still struggle getting around the house or yard, this may be a sign of a diminishing quality of life. Assign a score between 1 and 10 to indicate your senior dog's mobility level, with a higher score indicating greater freedom of movement. Take notes on your senior dog's mobility. If there are particularly difficult situations such as getting into the car or onto the couch, you might be able to use an aid to solve the problem. However, if your senior dog is simply unable to move or rarely moves, it is a sign of a diminishing quality of life. Add up the proportion of good versus bad days. Reflecting on the last week or month, consider whether your senior dog has had more good days than bad days. A bad day might be a day where your senior dog looks depressed, experiences a lot of pain, or has ongoing health issues. A good day might be a day when they look more like their usual self and show signs of playfulness or affection with other family members. If there are far more bad than good days, it is a sign of a diminishing quality of life. You should assign a score of between 1 and 10, with higher scores indicating a better proportion of good to bad days. You could take journal notes on good versus bad days every day for a couple weeks. Then, add up the total number for both good and bad days and compare them in order to make an accurate score. Add up your total score. The total score should be the sum of the individual totals (i.e., 1-10 scores) for hurt (i.e., pain), hunger, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, and more good days than bad. If your total score is above 35, your senior dog still has a good quality of life. If they scored less than 35 points, you should talk to your veterinarian about your senior dog's diminishing quality of life and possible medical options, including euthanasia. Imagine whether your senior dog wants to live. Put yourself in your senior dog's paws. Empathetically imagining yourself as your senior dog, consider whether you would want to continue living. Write down your response in a journal and take it into account in conversations with your veterinarian. Consider whether your senior dog still enjoys life. Empathetically imagine yourself in your dog's paws. Would you still be enjoying life? Write down your response in a journal and take it into account when talking about your senior dog's quality of life with your veterinarian. For example, you could tell your veterinarian: “If I imagine myself as Sam (insert your dog's name), I think I would still enjoy life right now. That may change, but I think I would still be enjoying life.” You could say: “If I imagine myself as Sam (insert your dog's name), I think the pain would be too much to handle and I probably wouldn't be enjoying life anymore.” Reflect on whether your senior dog is ready to go. Empathetically imagine yourself as your senior dog. Thinking about their quality of life score and the pain they experience in their everyday life, consider whether or not they are ready to move on to a better place. Write your response in your journal. If you have family or friends who share your senior dog, you might want to share your reflection on whether or not they are ready to go. See how they feel about it, and then talk to your veterinarian about possible options moving forward. If you think your senior dog is ready to move on to a better place, talk to your veterinarian about euthanasia. If you think your senior dog is ready to go, you could tell your veterinarian: "Imagining myself as Sam (insert your dog's name), I can't believe I would want to keep on living with all of the daily pain, not being able to eat, drink water, or play with friends and family anymore. I think it is time to move on."

See if they have difficulty getting up. Observe them walking up the stairs. Sense whether they are withdrawing from life. Feel how they react when you pick them up. Look for other signs of pain. Do a pain review. Learn about the HHHHHMM scale. Measure your senior dog’s level of pain. Determine your senior dog’s hunger. Assess hydration. Reflect on whether your senior dog is happy. Observe mobility. Add up the proportion of good versus bad days. Add up your total score. Imagine whether your senior dog wants to live. Consider whether your senior dog still enjoys life. Reflect on whether your senior dog is ready to go.

https://www.wikihow.com/Time-Block

How to Time Block

To time block, make a list of your typical workday tasks and how long they usually take you to complete. You'll also want to make a list of your non-work activities and any large projects of breaks you have coming up. Once your lists are complete, block time for your hardest tasks when you're most productive, which is often at the start of the workday. Spend at least 1 hour on your highest-priority task. Then, use your next time block on your next highest priority item, moving through the day in this manner.

Identify your biggest priorities. Think about what's most important for you to work on each day. This could be slowly completing a long-term project, or finishing homework assignments for a class that's super tough. Make a list of your top three work priorities. Make a list of your typical workday tasks. Beyond the bigger stuff, you've probably got tons of other things going on that take up time every day. Write down these smaller tasks, noting about how long they usually take you to complete. This could be answering emails or phone calls, promoting your company on social media, or posting an online comment about a book you're reading for your English class. Make a list of your non-work activities. Think about what's important to you that's not work-related. This could be spending time with your family, going on a date with your special someone, or catching a movie every so often. Don't forget to also note big vacations! Plan to finish tasks, not work by the clock. Don't think about your workday as revolving around a clock. Instead, you should have several tasks that you set aside blocks of time to finish. Once you finish the tasks, you're done with work. So rather than having a random to-do list that you have to finish before five o'clock, you'll have several blocks of time dedicated to completing individual projects one at a time. This doesn't mean you won't still be in a routine. Your blocks of time should be consistent from day to day. Block time for your hardest tasks when you're most productive. For most people, this will be right at the start of the workday. Dedicate a minimum of one hour to your highest-priority task. Start there, and then move through to the next time block in order of priority. For example, if you know you work best before noon, plan to spend the block before your lunch break on your toughest task -- perhaps a budget proposal that's due in six months. Usually, time blocks aren't effective if they last more than a few hours. Block out the rest of the day by tasks. Schedule the rest of the day in shorter blocks dedicated to one task per block. These blocks should go in order of priority, since your energy level will probably go down over the course of the day. You'll also feel better if you know the hard stuff is done as early as possible. If you're the type of person whose energy increases as the day goes on, feel free to reverse the order of the tasks you're tackling. Make the schedule work for you! So, for example, if you've handled the hardest task first thing in the morning, break the afternoon down into two, three, or four blocks of time (each lasting an hour or two). The first could be for mapping out future sales strategies, the next for meetings with your team, and so on. Everyone's schedule will be different. You'll need to decide what's most important for your work on any given day. Handle lowest priority items at the end of the day. Address less complicated issues late in the day, when you're tired and probably not feeling particularly productive or creative. These should be tasks that are relatively mindless or monotonous, and don't require a lot of critical thinking. Lower priority tasks could include answering emails and calls. You should plan to do this at the same time each day. Let your coworkers know that these are your “office hours,” and you'll always be responsive to emails and calls during that time block. Add in blocks for planning. Since time blocking is all about scheduling and advanced planning, you need to make time for that too! Set aside one day each year for annual planning (for long-term projects), an hour each month for monthly planning, and an hour each week for weekly planning. This means that all your scheduling and writing of to-do lists should occur only in the blocks you've set aside for planning. Don't forget to reserve time off. Schedule in time to spend with your family and friends each week. Input a large block of time for a big vacation once or twice per year. Remember to also add blocks for working on your house or cleaning. Schedule an empty block of time each day for flexibility. This doesn't have to be a huge block. Try having a 30-minute block and increase it if you need to. This can be for tasks that overflow beyond their set blocks, or unexpected disasters you have to deal with right away. Use a paper or digital calendar to keep track of your blocks. Especially when you first start out, it may be hard to keep track of your different blocks. Use a calendar app on your smartphone with timers and reminders. You can also buy a large desk calendar and label the days, months, and year with your blocks. Color-code your calendar. Both paper and digital options give you the ability to color-code, and you should take advantage. Label different time blocks in set colors. You can even match this to priority level. Red can be high-priority tasks, yellow moderate, and green low. For paper, use different colored markers or highlighters. For digital, check the settings on the app or software you're using and follow the instructions to color-code. Be open about your schedule with coworkers and family. In order for your schedule to work, other people in your life need to learn to respect it. Consider sending an email to your coworkers about your time blocks so they know what to expect from your workday. You can also tell your family about your plans, and ask them to help you stick to it. Don't expect everyone to mold their schedules to yours. Before you finalize your blocks, make sure your time blocking doesn't cause scheduling problems for someone you work or live with. Commit to the routine for at least a month. Like any routine, you need to commit to time blocking to make it effective. It'll probably feel overly rigid at first, but give it at least thirty workdays. By the end of the month, you'll be able to tell whether it's helped you become more productive. Avoid distractions when working. When you're in the middle of your time blocks, it's important to only focus on the task that's in front of you. Put your phone on silent, minimize background noise, and turn off notifications for your social media and email. Track your productivity to see if time blocking works for you. Time blocking may not be for everyone. Make sure it works for you by seeing if you become more productive once you organize your schedule this way. To track your productivity, note how long tasks usually take you at the beginning and the end of the first month after you put the new schedule in place.

Identify your biggest priorities. Make a list of your typical workday tasks. Make a list of your non-work activities. Plan to finish tasks, not work by the clock. Block time for your hardest tasks when you're most productive. Block out the rest of the day by tasks. Handle lowest priority items at the end of the day. Add in blocks for planning. Don't forget to reserve time off. Schedule an empty block of time each day for flexibility. Use a paper or digital calendar to keep track of your blocks. Color-code your calendar. Be open about your schedule with coworkers and family. Commit to the routine for at least a month. Avoid distractions when working. Track your productivity to see if time blocking works for you.

https://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Your-Emotions

How to Understand Your Emotions

To understand your emotions, start by familiarizing yourself with the basic emotions that all people experience, including happiness, sadness, anger, fear, love, and anxiety. All of these emotions, even the negative ones, play an important role in your life by keeping you safe and motivating you to do things. For example, fear and anxiety might seem like they're all bad, but they actually keep you out of dangerous situations by warning your body that something isn't right. One way you can get more in touch with your emotions is recording your feelings and what caused them in a journal. Over time, you can look for patterns, like common events that always make you emotional. Then, you can use that information to pinpoint your emotional triggers so you can avoid them or work on changing how you react to them.

Understand the origin of emotions. Emotions are programmed responses shaped by evolution. They allow you to navigate your environment in ways that were generally adaptive in the past and are often still adaptive today. For example, emotions like fear evolved over time. When our human ancestors, who had the capacity to experience fear, saw a steep cliff, they behaved more cautiously as they neared the precipice. Because they took more precautions, individuals who experienced fear were more likely to survive than those without fear. The fearful individuals lived long enough to reproduce and gave birth to children with a similar capacity for fear. Evolution selected for both negative emotions like fear and positive emotions such as happiness. Negative emotions deter individuals away from actions that are harmful or costly. On the other hand, positive emotions motivate people towards potentially beneficial actions. Know the basic emotions. Most psychologists agree that there are a set of so-called "basic emotions" with which all humans are endowed. These basic emotions are: anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise. Researchers have since expanded the list of emotions to include contempt, pride, shame, love, and anxiety. There may be more basic emotions than that, but the extent to which they are universally experienced or culture-specific remains up for debate. Labeling your emotions will help you be more aware of them and understand them better. Learn about the role emotions play. Emotions are incredibly important for our survival, our ability to thrive, and our ability to make good decisions. All emotions—even negative ones—help us navigate our world. For example, imagine you woke up one day, and you didn't feel embarrassed or have any sense of shame or social anxiety. You generally did not care at all how you acted in front of other people. Chances are you would lose all your friends if you didn't care how you acted around them. That's because emotions help us to get along with others. Recognize how emotions affect decision-making. Emotions are critically important to our ability to make decisions. Emotions provide value or weight to some information, thereby biasing our decision-making in one direction or another. Several studies have found that people with lesions to parts of their brain that are involved with emotion have impaired decision-making and in some cases impaired moral behavior. The most famous of these cases is Phineas Gage (PG). While working PG was accidentally impaled in the head with an iron rod, damaging a part of his brain involved in the processing of emotion. Miraculously, PG survived the accident, although he was never the same person again. His personality changed drastically. He displayed flat or inappropriate emotion, made horrible decisions, and was miserable to be around. One of the main reasons for this shift in behavior was that the rod had damaged a part of his brain involved in emotion. One group that has trouble in society are psychopaths. One of the key diagnostic criterion for psychopathy is a lack of emotion, something called callous-unemotional traits or a lack of empathy or guilt. Lacking these emotions can lead to antisocial and sometimes criminal behavior, highlighting the importance of emotion to our sense of morality. Know that emotions can become disordered. Just as you could get a disorder of your kidneys or eyes, your emotions can also become disordered. If you think your emotions are potentially disordered, talk to a mental health professional about treatment options. Some of the more common disorders of emotion, or mental disorders in which emotions are affected include: Depression, which involves persistent and long-lasting feelings of sadness and a loss of interest. Anxiety disorders. General anxiety disorder refers to extended and excessive worry about day-to-day occurrences. Schizophrenia can be associated with a lack of emotions or an irritable or depressed mood. Mania, which generally occurs in bipolar disorder, refers to an extended period of abnormally and excessively elevated mood. Manic individuals may also be excessively and persistently irritable. Record when your emotions occur. Once you have a sense of when emotions arise and how they feel, you can take notes on your emotions to further understand them. To learn more about the specific emotions you experience and what triggers them in your life, keep a log of when you feel an emotion and write down what you think triggered it. For example, maybe you felt anger and you recalled that soon before you realized that you had to wait in line for 15 minutes for lunch, and you hate waiting in lines. You can use this information to increase or decrease the emotions that you want or don't want in your life. If you know what makes you angry, you can take steps to avoid situations that trigger that emotion. For example, once you know that you hate waiting in lines, you can only buy a small handful of groceries at a time, so you can use the express lane. Learn what each emotion feels like. People report that different emotions feel different subjectively. While the clearest distinction is that negative emotions feel very different than positive emotions, different negative emotions also feel different from each other. Embarrassment feels different than sadness, which feels different from fear. Learn what anger feels like. Anger is experienced when someone has wronged you in some way. It serves to dissuade them from doing so again in the future. Without an emotion like anger, people might repeatedly take advantage of you. The experience of anger sometimes begins in the back between the shoulder blades and travels upward, along the back of the neck and around the sides of the jaws and head. When experiencing anger you may feel hot and flustered. If you notice sensations like tension, pain, and pressure in your back, neck, and jaws, you may be internalizing your anger. Learn what disgust feels like. Disgust is a response toward repulsive stimuli, often things that can make us physically sick. It functions to protect us from things that could make us ill. It can also be experienced when we find things metaphorically gross - like certain moral violations. Disgust is felt primarily in the stomach, chest, and head areas of the body. You may actually feel sick or nauseous and find yourself closing off your nasal passages and moving away from the revolting stimuli. Understand what fear feels like. Fear is experienced in response to dangerous threats like bears, heights, or guns. It helps us to avoid these things in the moment and to learn to avoid them in the future. Although fear is an evolved emotional response, many of the things we are afraid of are learned. Fear is usually felt primarily in the top half of the body. However, when it involves a fear of heights, fear often involves sensation in the legs. When experiencing fear, your heart may beat faster, you may breathe quicker, your palms may feel sweaty and hot as part of your nervous system kicks into high gear. This response is the so called fight or flight response. Know what happiness feels like. Happiness is experienced in response to things that often have implications for surviving, thriving, and passing on one's genes. Examples of things that make us happy include having sex, having children, succeeding in a valued goal, being praised by others, and being in a nice welcoming environment. While happiness is perhaps one of those most easily recognizable or well-known emotions, is also one of the most difficult to define. It can involve feelings of warmth throughout the whole body, or it can involve a sense of feeling content, safe, or living the good life. Review what sadness feels like. Sadness is experienced in response to a loss that we care about. It is a very painful emotion, which may act to help us to avoid losses in the future or to appreciate what we have when we get something back (such as in the case of a romantic partner). Sadness often begins in the chest and moves upward through the throat and up to the eyes where we see tears. You've probably heard the expression: "She's all choked up." Allowing yourself to cry fully can be a cleansing experience. Paying attention to the physical sensations in these areas and allowing the energy to move, helps us to grieve after a loss and empathize with others' suffering. Know what surprise feels like. Surprise is experienced when something is unexpected but not deemed to be a threat. It is an interesting emotion in that it is relatively neutral in valence compared to the other emotions, which are often felt as positive or negative. Surprise may function to help re-orient attention to novel unexpected things. Surprise is felt primarily in the head and chest. It is experienced in response to the unexpected; it can feel like a bit of a jolt.

Understand the origin of emotions. Know the basic emotions. Learn about the role emotions play. Recognize how emotions affect decision-making. Know that emotions can become disordered. Record when your emotions occur. Learn what each emotion feels like. Learn what anger feels like. Learn what disgust feels like. Understand what fear feels like. Know what happiness feels like. Review what sadness feels like. Know what surprise feels like.

https://www.wikihow.com/Break-Up-a-Deer-Fight

How to Break Up a Deer Fight

The best way to break up a deer fight is by distracting the deer from a safe distance. Using an air horn, shining a bright light, or squirting at them with a water hose are all effective ways to break up the fight without putting yourself in danger. If fighting is a recurring problem near your home, you may want to use a deterrent to keep deer out of your yard. For example, planting pungent herbs or installing a sprinkler system could deter deer.

Stay at least 25 yd (23 m) away from the deer at all times. The deer may perceive you as a threat if you approach them, and they might attack you in self-defense. If they are already fighting when you spot them, getting too close also puts you at risk of injury. Note that 25 yd (23 m) is one-quarter of the length of an American football field, or about 5 to 6 car lengths. Don't break up a fight or get in between 2 deer for any reason. Attempting to break up a deer fight is unlikely to work, and it is extremely dangerous. You could be seriously injured or even killed by trying to intervene in a fight between 2 deer. Male and female deer have very sharp hooves that can easily cut you. A male deer could also cause you serious bodily harm by hitting or charging you with its antlers. Even if you think 2 male deer have gotten their antlers tangled and cannot free themselves, do not intervene! Try to distract the deer before a fight begins. Once 2 deer start fighting, they may be too focused on each other to notice you. Watch for body language cues that a fight is about to start so that you can distract them as soon as possible. Some signs that a deer may be about to attack another deer include: Ears dropped down along the neck Eyes fixed on the other deer Head and neck extended towards the other deer Hair raised along the deer's neck Hips raised Honk your horn at the deer if you’re in a car. If you drive up to 2 deer that are fighting, try honking your horn a few times to distract them. This may be enough to scare both deer off and cause them to lose interest in fighting each other. If you're not in a car, try sounding off an air horn or playing some loud music. Deer are especially frightened of booming sounds, so choose something with a lot of bass. Spray the deer with a hose from a balcony or window. A quick blast of water may be enough to distract the deer. If you have a garden hose that you can get to without approaching the deer, turn it on and aim it at them. Pulse the water at each of the deer a few times to distract them and scare them off. A water gun might also work if you do not have a hose nearby. You may also turn on your sprinklers if you have a sprinkler system installed. Shine a bright light at the deer if it’s dark out. Deer are blinded by bright lights at night, so shining a bright light at the fighting deer may disorient them and cause them to stop fighting. If you are in your car, turn your headlights up to the highest setting and flash them at the deer a few times. If you are at home, flip a light switch on and off a few times to startle them, or point a flashlight at them and turn it on and off a few times. You could also aim a laser pointer at the deer and move it around on the ground near them to distract them. Keep your lawn cut so deer won't be attracted to it. Deer are drawn to tall grass as bedding, so make sure that you mow your lawn at least once per week in the summer to keep it short. If you have ornamental grasses in your yard that deer seem to be attracted to, then you might also consider trimming these. As an extra deterrent measure, try replacing tall, soft grasses with something prickly or hairy, such as foxglove. The deer will not like this and will be unlikely to go near it. Plant pungent herbs and flowers that deer dislike. Deer rely on their sense of smell to navigate their surroundings, so confusing them with scents they don't like is a good way to keep them off your property or out of your garden. Try planting a few of these herbs and flowers around the perimeter of your home to keep deer from coming any closer: Garlic Chives Mint Lavender Bluebell Crocus Daffodil Hyssop Monkshood Mullein Bugleweed Lily of the valley Spray deer repellent in areas that deer frequent. You can purchase commercial deer repellent sprays to use around your home. These sprays have an unpleasant scent, like rotting eggs and garlic. Spray the parts of your yard or garden where deer like to hang out to keep them away. For example, if deer hang out near a specific tree in your yard, spray the trunk of the tree and the surrounding grass. You can also mix up your own deer repellent by combining 1 bar of shredded soap (any bar of soap will do), 4 raw eggs, 2 bunches of chopped chives, 1 cup (400 g) of minced garlic, and 1 US gal (3.8 L) of warm water. Mix everything together well, strain it through a cheesecloth or fine colander, and transfer the cooled liquid to a spray bottle to use as needed. Put up a high fence or an electrical fence to keep deer out. Fencing in your property is a sure way to keep deer out. Just make sure that the fence is at least 8 ft (2.4 m) high since deer can easily jump over shorter fences. If you don't want to install a high fence, then an electrical fence is also a good option. Don't install an electrical fence in areas where pets and children play! This will pose a serious hazard to them. Get a scarecrow to frighten deer away from your home. Deer may also avoid coming near your home if there is something scary looking when they come around. Try putting up a scarecrow, or even a large stone sculpture. The strange object will confuse the deer and make them think twice about coming any closer. For an extra scary addition to your yard, try getting a scarecrow with a motion-activated water hose in it. This will look strange to the deer and also surprise it with a quick blast of water if a deer comes too close. Install a motion-activated sprinkler system to deter the deer. Deer are spooked by sudden noises and water. To protect your home from deer around the clock, try installing a sprinkler system in your yard with a motion detector sensor. This will ensure that any visiting deer will get sprayed with water, and likely scared away as well. If you don't want to install a full sprinkler system, try installing just a few motion-activated sprinklers where deer visit the most.

Stay at least 25 yd (23 m) away from the deer at all times. Don't break up a fight or get in between 2 deer for any reason. Try to distract the deer before a fight begins. Honk your horn at the deer if you’re in a car. Spray the deer with a hose from a balcony or window. Shine a bright light at the deer if it’s dark out. Keep your lawn cut so deer won't be attracted to it. Plant pungent herbs and flowers that deer dislike. Spray deer repellent in areas that deer frequent. Put up a high fence or an electrical fence to keep deer out. Get a scarecrow to frighten deer away from your home. Install a motion-activated sprinkler system to deter the deer.

https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Iceberg-Lettuce

How to Grow Iceberg Lettuce

To grow iceberg lettuce, start by filling a shallow seed tray with soil and sprinkling a few seeds in each cell a few weeks before the last frost. Then, place the tray in a sunny window and keep the soil moist. Next, acclimate the seedlings to being outside by placing them in a sheltered location for 3 hours the first day, then adding 2 more hours each day until they've been outside for a full day. At that point, remove the outer leaves from each seedling and plant them in a 5 inch deep hole with a tablespoon of fertilizer. Finally, water the plants daily for 3 full days.

Plant the iceberg lettuce six to eight weeks before the last expected spring frost. Don't plant the lettuce during the early winter or summer, or it will struggle to grow because of the extreme temperatures. If you don't know when the last expected spring frost is in your area, look it up online. For example, you could search "average last spring freeze dates for Kansas City." Plant iceberg lettuce seeds in a shallow seed tray. Fill the bottom of each cell of the tray with some standard potting soil before you sprinkle a few seeds into each cell. Cover the seeds with with a light layer of potting soil. Place the seed tray indoors in a sunny area. Put the tray by a window or in a bright room where the seeds will get around twelve hours of sunlight. If you don't have much direct sunlight, you can use indoor grow lights as well. Keep the soil the seeds are planted in moist soil. Check the seed tray every day, and water the seeds whenever the soil feels dry. You want the soil to be moist but not soaked. If there's standing water on top of the soil, the seeds could rot. In five to ten days you should see the lettuce beginning to sprout. Use scissors to cut the lettuce sprouts so there’s only one per cell. Once all of the seedlings have sprouted, cut off the extra sprouts at the level of the soil's surface. Let the lettuce grow indoors for six weeks. After six weeks, the lettuce plants should be large enough to transplant outside. Slowly acclimate the lettuce to being outside. After letting the lettuce mature for six weeks, start setting the tray of lettuce outside in a sheltered location for three hours a day. Each day, leave the tray of lettuce outside for two hours longer than the day before. The lettuce plants will be acclimated once they've been left outside for a full day. The entire acclimation process should take around a week. Don't leave the lettuce out at night until they have completely acclimated to the outdoors. This will typically be at the end of the process. It's OK if the weather hasn't completely warmed at this point. Properly acclimating the lettuce will help it develop a resistance to cooler temperatures. You should not plant the lettuce outside, however, until you are certain that there will not be another frost. Dig 5 inch (12.7 cm) holes in a patch of your garden for each seedling. Organize the holes in staggered rows, making the holes 10 inches (25.4 cm) apart. Don't make the patch any wider than 20 inches (50.8 cm). Plant the lettuce in a part of your garden with rich, well-drained soil that has full sun exposure. Add a tablespoon of 5-10-10 fertilizer to each hole. 5-10-10 fertilizer contains 5 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorous, and 10 percent potassium. If you don't have fertilizer, use a handful of compost or dried manure instead. Water the seed tray before you transfer the lettuce seedlings. Don't try to transfer them when they're dry or the soil will crumble and fall off around their roots. Pull the outer leaves off the lettuce seedlings before you transfer them. This will make the plants lighter so their growing roots can support them in the ground more easily. Leave the sprouts at the center of the plants intact; they will go on to form the lettuce heads. Plant the seedlings in the holes. Plant them so they're at the same depth as when they were in the tray. Fill in the holes with soil and gently pack down the soil around the base of the plants with your hands. Lightly water the lettuce seedlings. Continue to water them daily for the first three days after you transplant them. Water the lettuce three to four times a week to keep the soil moist. Don't worry about watering this much if you're experiencing a lot of rain. The goal is to keep the lettuce cool and moist; dried out lettuce may develop a bitter taste or rot. If the surface of the soil looks dry, it hasn't been watered enough. Never water the lettuce more often than this or it might develop rot. You may also want to avoid watering in the evening. Add a 2-3 inch (5.8-7.6 cm) layer of mulch over the soil around the lettuce. Use an organic mulch, like chopped leaves or compost, to keep the lettuce cool and protect it from the heat during the spring and summer. Apply a 5-10-10 fertilizer to the lettuce every three to four weeks. Find a fertilizer at your local gardening center, or use an organic fertilizer like cottonseed meal or fish emulsion. Lightly apply a thin layer of the fertilizer to the soil surrounding the lettuce. If you'd prefer to use a chemical fertilizer, a granular or spray fertilizer works well for outdoor vegetable plants. Cut the lettuce at the soil line to harvest the head. The lettuce is ready to harvest when it's firm and full grown, or about 6 inches (15.24 cm) in diameter. Store the leaves in the refrigerator for 5-10 days. Don't wait too long to harvest your lettuce or it could develop a bitter taste. Lettuce doesn't thrive in hot temperatures. You should make sure to harvest the lettuce before temperatures rise above 80 °F (27 °C).

Plant the iceberg lettuce six to eight weeks before the last expected spring frost. Plant iceberg lettuce seeds in a shallow seed tray. Place the seed tray indoors in a sunny area. Keep the soil the seeds are planted in moist soil. Use scissors to cut the lettuce sprouts so there’s only one per cell. Let the lettuce grow indoors for six weeks. Slowly acclimate the lettuce to being outside. Dig 5 inch (12.7 cm) holes in a patch of your garden for each seedling. Add a tablespoon of 5-10-10 fertilizer to each hole. Water the seed tray before you transfer the lettuce seedlings. Pull the outer leaves off the lettuce seedlings before you transfer them. Plant the seedlings in the holes. Lightly water the lettuce seedlings. Water the lettuce three to four times a week to keep the soil moist. Add a 2-3 inch (5.8-7.6 cm) layer of mulch over the soil around the lettuce. Apply a 5-10-10 fertilizer to the lettuce every three to four weeks. Cut the lettuce at the soil line to harvest the head.

https://www.wikihow.com/Tuck-Jeans-Into-Boots

How to Tuck Jeans Into Boots

If you want to keep the bottom of your jeans clean or you just prefer the look, you can tuck them into your boots. If your jeans are longer than your ankles, fold them inwards once or twice so they bunch up above your boot. Pull your socks up over your jeans to keep them in place, then pull your boots on. If you're going for a polished look, be careful to keep your jeans smooth. Or, for a more rugged style, skip the careful folding and just pull your boots on over your jeans.

Cuff your jeans. If your jeans are long, you'll need to cuff them. They shouldn't extend beyond your ankle, and cuffing them will ensure they bunch up above your boot. This technique works particularly well for pants that are loose at the end, such as flare or boot cut styles. Fold excess denim against your leg. Grab your jeans at the bottom, on the inner seam, and hold them the pant leg away from your leg. In other words, you will be stretching the denim out as wide as it will go. Then, carefully fold that denim vertically against your leg. Now, your jeans should be tight all the way to your ankle. Keep holding them in this fold. Pull socks over your cuffed and folded jeans. Continue using one hand to hold your jeans folded against your leg. Use your other hand to pull a tall sock over your jeans. This sock should be tight, so that it holds your jeans the way they are, keeping them tight against your leg. Put your boots on over your socks. Carefully pull, zip, or tie your boots on over your socks. The socks should hold your folded jeans in place, so that they don't bunch up or slide around in your boots. Voila! No one will know how much denim is expertly tucked away within your footwear. Purchase a pair of mitten clips. If you aren't familiar with these, they are basically little straps that are used to hold mittens onto coat sleeves so that the wearer doesn't drop and lose them. You can sometimes find mitten clips at places like Target and Walmart, but you might have an easier time finding them online. You can purchase packs for cheap on websites like Amazon, or find homemade ones on craft websites like Etsy. Fasten each clip on each side of the hem of your jeans. The actual strap will be running under your foot. Adjust the clips to ensure they are comfortable and aren't rubbing anything. If you are wearing jeans with a bit of flare or extra denim at the end, you can clip any extra denim into the clip to hold it securely. Make sure your clips aren't rubbing against your ankle bones. That will get uncomfortable very quickly. The band should be close to the middle of your foot. Slip on your boot. After your jeans are securely clipped and the band is looped under your foot à la stirrup pants, it's time to put your boots on. These mitten clips will make this task much easier! You won't have to worry about trying to maneuver your boots over your jeans without them bunching up, or awkwardly jamming your hand into your boots to smooth out your jeans. After you've put your boots on, make sure to walk around a bit at home before venturing out of the house. You'll want to make sure the clips are comfortable and positioned correctly! Match your tucking style with your boot style. If you're wearing smooth, crisp leather boots or sleek, over-the-knee boots, or a similar style, it's important to keep your jeans sleek and fitted as well. This helps to create one long, smooth silhouette that will help to elongate your legs and give you a very polished look. However, if you're wearing chunky combat boots, snow boots, slouchy boots, and so on, your jeans don't have to be perfectly tucked. Sometimes, perfectly and pristinely tucked jeans aren't what your boots call for. Jeans that are loosely bunched up around the tops of casual boots will make your outfit look relaxed and trendy. Skip the strategic tucking. Try sliding your boots on without even touching your jeans, and see what happens. You might be surprised at how the jeans can bunch up in a way that makes your outfit look effortless and cozy. Before you go crazy trying to fold your jeans perfectly and strategically maneuver your boot onto your foot, see how it looks if you actually embrace the bunching that happens. Know which jeans work with which boots. At the end of the day, your favorite distressed flares might work with your casual, lace-up combat boots, and your sleek skinny jeans might be the only pair that works with your tall, suede boots. Nothing ruins an outfit quite like baggy, balloon knees over tight boots, so have an idea of which jeans work with which boots. This will save you a lot of adjusting (and a lot of annoyance) throughout your day!

Cuff your jeans. Fold excess denim against your leg. Pull socks over your cuffed and folded jeans. Put your boots on over your socks. Purchase a pair of mitten clips. Fasten each clip on each side of the hem of your jeans. Slip on your boot. Match your tucking style with your boot style. Skip the strategic tucking. Know which jeans work with which boots.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Bhel-Puri

How to Make Bhel Puri

To make dry bhel puri, start by blending green chili, lemon zest, and salt in a food processor. Then, toast some puffed rice in the oven for 10 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. While the rice is in the oven, chop up some unripe mango and red onion. Next, once the rice is done, transfer it to a serving bowl and top it with the chopped mango and onion, the green chili seasoning you blended earlier, and some cilantro, shelled peanuts, bhel sev, puris, and lemon juice. Finally, mix everything together before serving.

Toast the puffed rice for 1 to 2 minutes. Place a skillet on the stove and put 2 cups (50 g) of puffed rice (mumura) into it. Turn the burner to medium heat and stir the puffed rice as it heats. The puffed rice should become crisp, but not burned. Then turn off the burner and let the puffed rice cool before you spoon it into a serving bowl. If the puffed rice you bought is already crispy, you can skip this step. Chop the onions, potatoes, tomatoes, and green chili. Peel an onion and chop it until you get 1/2 cup (75 g). Take a peeled, boiled potato and cut it into ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) chunks. You'll need 1/2 cup (165 g) of the chopped potatoes. Then chop enough tomatoes to get 1/2 cup (100 g). Trim the stem from a green chili and chop it finely. If you dislike any of these ingredients, you can leave them out. Add the vegetables to the rice along with salty wafers and peanuts. Put all of the chopped vegetables into the serving bowl with the puffed rice and add 5 to 6 crunchy salty wafers (paapdi). Toss these on top so you can mix them into the bhel puri. Add 1 tablespoon (7 g) of chopped roasted peanuts as well. If you prefer, break the crunchy salty wafers into pieces before putting them in the bowl. If you can't find crunchy salty wafers, use your favorite type of crackers. Put juice, chutneys, chili powder, and masala in the bowl. Pour ⁄ 2 tablespoon (7.4 ml) of lemon juice into the serving bowl. Spoon in 2 teaspoons (10 g) of tamarind chutney (imli chutney) and 2 teaspoons (10 g) of green coriander chutney. Then sprinkle these spices on top: 1 teaspoon (5.5 g) of salt or to taste 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of red chili powder 1 teaspoon (2 g) of chaat masala Stir all of the ingredients to make the wet bhel puri. Use salad tongs or a large spoon to toss all of the ingredients with the puffed rice. The vegetables and spices should be completely combined. Wait until you're ready to serve the bhel puri before you mix it together. If you're serving the bhel puri with additional crispy wafers, add them now. Garnish the bhel puri with crunchy noodles and cilantro before serving. Scatter 1/2 cup (75 g) of crunchy noodles (sev) and 2 tablespoons (2 g) of chopped fresh cilantro (dhania) over the bhel puri. Serve the bhel puri as a light snack along with your favorite refreshing drink. Since bhel puri will quickly become soggy, avoid storing leftovers. Blend the green chili, lemon zest, and salt. Put the half of a green chili into a food processor and add the zest of half of a lemon. Blend the mixture and then add 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) of salt. Pulse the dry seasoning until the salt is incorporated. Then spread it out on a plate to dry a little as you assemble the rest of the bhel puri. This should make about 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) although you'll only need about 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) for the recipe. Toast 1 cup (25 g) of puffed rice (murmura) in the oven for 10 minutes. Spread the puffed rice on a rimmed baking sheet and preheat the oven to 250 °F (121 °C). Once the oven is hot, put the sheet in and toast the rice until it's crisp. The rice doesn't need to become brown. If the puffed rice you bought is already crisp, you can skip toasting it. Chop the unripe mango and red onion. Peel and cut enough unripe mango to measure 1 tablespoon (10 g). You'll also need to chop enough red onion to get 1 tablespoon (10 g). If you can't find unripe mango, leave it out but add more fresh lemon juice to add a tangy flavor. Put the rice in a serving bowl with the remaining ingredients. Transfer the puffed rice to a serving bowl and put in the chopped mango and red onion. Add 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) of the dry seasoning that you already blended. You'll also need to add: 1 tablespoon (1 g) of chopped cilantro 10 roasted, shelled peanuts 2 tablespoons (19 g) of bhel sev 4 broken puris 2 whole puris A squeeze of fresh lemon juice Mix the dry bhel puri and serve it immediately. Use 2 large spoons or salad tongs to toss ingredients in the serving bowl until they're combined. Although the dry bhel puri won't become as soggy as the wet bhel puri, you need to serve it immediately so the crispy elements don't soften. Avoid storing leftover dry bhel puri because it will become too soggy if it's refrigerated.

Toast the puffed rice for 1 to 2 minutes. Chop the onions, potatoes, tomatoes, and green chili. Add the vegetables to the rice along with salty wafers and peanuts. Put juice, chutneys, chili powder, and masala in the bowl. Stir all of the ingredients to make the wet bhel puri. Garnish the bhel puri with crunchy noodles and cilantro before serving. Blend the green chili, lemon zest, and salt. Toast 1 cup (25 g) of puffed rice (murmura) in the oven for 10 minutes. Chop the unripe mango and red onion. Put the rice in a serving bowl with the remaining ingredients. Mix the dry bhel puri and serve it immediately.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Bok-Choy

How to Cut Bok Choy

To cut bok choy, use a sharp knife to trim and discard the bottom 1/2 to 1 inch of the stem, and pull off and discard any discolored or tough leaves on the outside of the bunch. Gather all of the stalks together and slice off the thick, white stems from the green leaves. This is helpful because the stems will cook at a different speed than the leaves. Hold the knife at a 45° angle over the bok choy and slice the stems and leaves into 1-inch sections.

Choose bok choy with bright green leaves and crisp stalks. Look for heads with bright green leaves — not yellow or brown — and crisp white stalks without holes or discoloration. Avoid any bok choy bunches that look rubbery or dried out towards the stem. Crunchy is good! Bok choy, also known as pak choi, can be found in a number of varieties that offer different flavors, sizes and colors. Varieties with larger leaves tend to work well for salads and soups, while the smaller, narrower heads work well for stir-fries. Buy baby bok choy for a milder flavor. Baby bok choy is a smaller variety of bok choy that is just harvested earlier than mature bok choy. The stems are usually thicker and the leaves are smaller. The flavor is usually pretty similar to regular bok choy, but it often milder and more tender. Baby bok choy is also appealing because you can cook the vegetable whole without needing to break the leaves apart. Store your bok choy in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to 5 days. Place your bok choy in a grocery store plastic produce bag. With the bok choy in the bag, run your hand along the stalk to push the air out of the bag. Twist the end of the bag so it stays shut and store it in your produce drawer in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. Trim and discard the thick base of the bok choy stem. Use a sharp knife to slice off the bottom ⁄ 2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) just above where the base of the leaves connect. Pull off and discard any outside leaves that are discolored or particularly tough. You will be left with several long individual bok choy stalks. Wash the individual bok choy stalks in a bowl of cold water. Separate the leaves and swish them around in large bowl full of cold water. Gently rub the leaves together to remove any dirt. Drain the water from the bok choy using a colander. Alternatively, you can rinse each individual stalk under cold running water in your sink. Dirt tends to collect towards the base of each stalk, so pay special attention to that part. Bunch the stalks together and slice off the white stems. Once all the stalks have been washed, lie them flat on your cutting board. Then, group them together in a bunch and use your knife to separate the thick, white stems from the green leaves. Keeping the stems and leaves separate is helpful because the stems and the leaves tend to cook at different rates, with the stems cooking slower than the leaves. Hold the bok choy in a stable position using a claw-like grip. Grip the bok choy with your fingertips and curl them inwards, pressing only the knuckles of your middle and ring fingers against the knife blade. This grip will protect your fingers. Hold your knife at a 45 degree angle over the bok choy stems. Don't chop the stems by bringing the knife straight down — hold it at a 45 degree angle for a slanted cut across the stem. Slicing at an angle like this works to increase the surface area of each piece, allowing the bok choy to cook faster. Slice the bok choy into 1 in (2.5 cm) sections. Cut the stems into 1 in (2.5 cm) sections beginning at the base and slicing all the way up to the top. Gradually move the hand that holds the bok choy away from the knife as you slice further along the stalk. Then, repeat this process for the leaves. Make your cuts thinner if you're looking to make a stir fry. Cut an individual stalk in half down the middle. Make a long cut down the middle of an individual white stalk to separate it into 2 halves. Lay these halves next to each other flat on your cutting board. If you want thinner rectangle slices, cut your bok choy stalk into thirds. Rectangle cuts can be great if you're looking to saute bok choy stems with other vegetables or meats. Separate the green leaves from the white stem. Slice off the leafy part of the bok choy, leaving mostly thick, white stem. It's fine if you leave some of the smaller leaf sections where the leaves connect to the stem, but try to remove as much of the leaves as you can. Cut the stem into 1 in (2.5 cm) long rectangular pieces. Make horizontal cuts to divide the stem up into bits that are roughly the shape of rectangles. These pieces should be pretty thick. Cut the leaves off of the bok choy. Take an individual stalk of bok choy and cut off the top leafy part. You should be left with the remaining white stem. Diced bok choy is a wonderful addition to soups and salads! Slice the stem vertically into 3 long strips. Use a larger knife to make these longer cuts in 1 smooth motion each. Try to make all the strips about the same width. Cut the strips horizontally into small 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) long diced pieces. Bunch the strips together with your non-dominant hand, and carefully dice them into small pieces starting at the end of the stem. ⁄ 2  in (1.3 cm) long is good, but make the pieces smaller if you want.

Choose bok choy with bright green leaves and crisp stalks. Buy baby bok choy for a milder flavor. Store your bok choy in a plastic bag in the fridge for up to 5 days. Trim and discard the thick base of the bok choy stem. Wash the individual bok choy stalks in a bowl of cold water. Bunch the stalks together and slice off the white stems. Hold the bok choy in a stable position using a claw-like grip. Hold your knife at a 45 degree angle over the bok choy stems. Slice the bok choy into 1 in (2.5 cm) sections. Cut an individual stalk in half down the middle. Separate the green leaves from the white stem. Cut the stem into 1 in (2.5 cm) long rectangular pieces. Cut the leaves off of the bok choy. Slice the stem vertically into 3 long strips. Cut the strips horizontally into small 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) long diced pieces.

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How to Fix the Alignment on a Car

To fix the alignment on a car, start by looking in your car's owner's manual to find the proper alignment settings for your vehicle. Then, measure the toe and camber of your car to determine how far off they are from the specifications listed in your manual. If the camber of your vehicle is off, you'll need to have it fixed by a professional before you adjust anything else. If the toe of your car is off, you can realign it yourself, although the exact method will depend on the type of car you have.

Check your tire pressure. Your tires should be appropriately and evenly inflated before you proceed. Tires that are not properly inflated may actually be the cause of your performance issues, so it's a good idea to check this first. You may not need to do anything else. Additionally, having your tires inflated properly is important for getting accurate reads on the measurements you'll be taking later. Check your specifications. Look in your car's repair manual for details about the proper alignment settings. You should find numbers describing the car's ideal toe, camber, and possibly caster. Write these numbers down. You may not know what these numbers mean yet, but don't worry, this will be explained in parts 2 and 3. For now, just make sure you transcribe them accurately. Check the front end suspension. If your suspension is loose or any parts have worn out, this may also be the cause of your problems. Like tire-pressure issues, problems with your suspension can also throw off your measurements, so it's important to take care of any issues here first. Drive the car onto a flat area, jack up the front end, and place the car on jack stands. Make sure the steering wheel is unlocked. The easiest way to check the suspension once the car is lifted is to grip each wheel and shake it, both horizontally and vertically. If you don't feel much movement, your suspension is probably in good shape. If not, this may be the source of your problem. If the suspension is loose, you must replace any worn parts. This could include bad ball joints, rack, bushings, gear boxes, tie rod ends, or steering pads. Unless you have experience doing suspension work, you will probably need to take your car to a professional mechanic. Determine the proper toe. Toe is the amount by which the wheels are closer (toe-in) or further apart (toe-out) at their front edges than at their rear edges, as viewed from above. Depending on your car, your manual will probably recommend either zero toe (equal distance between the front and back) or slight toe-in, which increases stability. Toe is the source of most alignment problems, and the easiest to correct yourself. Draw a line. With the car still up on the jack, hold a pocketknife, thin piece of chalk, or white pencil against the center of tire tread. Hold your hand very still and have an assistant turn the tire one full turn, creating a line around the circumference. Do the same on the other side. If there is no area on the tire where the tread is flat, you may need to suspend your marking tool with a clamp or similar stabilizer. Lower the car. After you lower the car to the ground, push down on the car above each wheel a few times to allow the car to settle. Roll the car. Push the car forward at least 10 feet with the steering wheel unlocked to make sure the wheels are straight. Stretch a string. With an assistant, take a piece of string or wire and stretch it between the lines on the front of the tires, even with the spindle, and measure the distance on the string. Repeat at the process at the back of each tire. As long as you use string or wire that does not stretch, you can get a very accurate measurement this way. Subtract the differences. If the distance in the front is smaller than in the back, your wheels toe-in. If the measurement in the back is smaller, they toe-out. If they are identical, you have zero toe. Rear toe is also important for control and tire life. It is also important to have your front and rear wheels aligned with one another (e.g. parallel). You can measure your rear toe similarly to the front. If your rear toe is out of alignment, you may need to see a professional mechanic. Rear toe should be adjusted before front toe, so if you find a problem with the rear, don't waste time adjusting the front yourself. Determine the right camber. Camber is the vertical angle of the wheels when looking at the car head on. Wheels that are closer together at the top are considered to have "negative" camber, those closer together at the bottom have "positive" camber.Depending on your car, the manual will probably recommend slight negative camber, as this increases stability. Cut a measuring triangle. Get a piece of stiff cardboard or wood and cut it into a perfect right triangle (one with a 90 degree angle) that is the same height as your wheels. Place the triangle. Starting in the front of the car, put the base of the triangle on the ground, perpendicular to the car, and the other side of the 90 degree angle against the center of one of the wheels. Take your measurement. There will be a gap between your measuring device and your tire, probably at the top. Measure this with a ruler or calipers. This is your camber. Repeat with the other front wheel. The two wheels should be about the same and within the range specified by your manual. If not, your camber may need alignment. Repeat the process in the back. If you think the camber is off, move your car forward or backward enough to spin the tires half a turn, then try measuring again. Problems with camber, front or rear, can affect how your car handles.. At the same time, however, unless your car has been in a serious accident, it is unlikely that your camber will be seriously out of alignment. If your camber does need to be corrected, it should be done before adjusting the toe. Camber cannot typically be corrected at home with ordinary tools, and indeed, for some cars it cannot be adjusted at all without bending or replacing major parts. Unless you have experience with automotive repair and professional tools, do not try to adjust this yourself. Locate your tie rod ends. The tie rods are the connection between your steering system and your wheels. The rod ends are L-shaped parts sometimes found near the inside of the wheel. It's a good idea to look at your car's manual and/or at some pictures on the internet to get a sense of what tie rod ends look like and where exactly they are located on your specific car. Loosen the lock nuts. Between the tie rod and each tie rod end is a nut that holds it in place. You'll need to loosen this nut with a wrench. Be aware that on some vehicles, the driver's side lock nut may be threaded counterclockwise, while the passenger side is threaded clockwise. Depending on your steering system, there may also be a clamp that needs to be removed at each end to make sure the bellows boot is not sticking to the inner tie rod. Consult your manual for details. If it has been a long time since you had an alignment, the threaded parts may be stubborn and require some lubrication, such as WD40, in order to make them turn. Make your adjustments. Depending on the type of steering you have, there are two different ways you can adjust your toe. If you have rack and pinion steering, you should turn the inner tie rod itself. Spinning the rod will adjust the toe in or out. If you have a parallelogram linkage system, there will be adjusting sleeves that you can turn to adjust your toe. These sleeves can be damaged by this process, so be careful. There are special tools for rotating tie rods which can prevent damage. Whichever system you have, make sure to keep in mind that the change you are making to the toe will be distributed across two wheels. Each tie rod should be adjusted 1/2 of the total desired amount of change in or out. Re-check the toe. Tighten your nuts (and clamps, if applicable) back up. Then, recheck the toe using the same procedures you followed in part 2. Readjust as necessary. Unless you are well practiced at this, there may be a certain amount of trial and error to get this right. Test drive the car. Take the car for a drive to verify that any obvious alignment issues have been corrected (e.g. that the car does not pull to one side or vibrate excessively). If your alignment problems persist, you may have a problem that requires a professional mechanic.

Check your tire pressure. Check your specifications. Check the front end suspension. Determine the proper toe. Draw a line. Lower the car. Roll the car. Stretch a string. Subtract the differences. Determine the right camber. Cut a measuring triangle. Place the triangle. Take your measurement. Locate your tie rod ends. Loosen the lock nuts. Make your adjustments. Re-check the toe. Test drive the car.

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How to Get Buff

To get buff, do basic body weight exercises that work multiple muscle groups at the same time, like squats and planks. Alternatively, lift weights to build muscle mass, working your muscles to fatigue but alternating days you work your arms and legs so you don't overwork any part of your body. You can also run, bike, or do another kind of cardio 3-4 times a week for 20-30 minutes, since cardio burns fat. Finally, be sure to fuel your workouts with a high-protein diet, since protein builds muscle.

Decide the areas of your body that are the weakest. Getting buff requires you to build weak muscles to even out your physique. Sign up for a fitness test with a personal trainer at the gym, if you are unsure where you are weak. They can test your aerobic and strength and give you some areas to work on. Set strength and aerobic goals. These will keep your workouts on track and allow you to hit milestones as you change your body's shape. For example, your cardio goal may be to run 2 miles (3.2 km) in 15 minutes. Interval training, using sprints and moderate exertion can help you reach your goal, by running 3 or 4 times per week. For example, your strength goals may be to do 10 push ups in 2 months. These goals will differ greatly between men and women for the most part. Men may want to build more muscle mass, while women may want to build lean muscle mass. The difference is in the execution of your Weightlifting. Include weight loss goals, if they apply to you. You can still get buff and gain muscle mass while losing weight. While Weightlifting speeds up your metabolism, you will need to spend an equal amount of time doing aerobic exercise to burn more fat off your body. Write down your goals. Divide the goals up into 4 or 5 smaller touchstones, so that you can monitor your progress. Create a gym schedule. Try to fit in Weightlifting 3 or 4 times per week with a day of rest in between, cardio at least 3 times per week for 30 minutes and body weight exercises 3 to 4 times per week. Add in stretching to cool down each day. Don't forget to take rest days. If you feel you are doing too much or you are exceptionally tired, take a day for your body to recover. Alternate Weightlifting and cardio days, during the majority of the week. Pay attention to your body so that it can rebuild stronger muscles while you rest. Learn how to do the basic body weight exercises that work more than 1 muscle group at once. These include squats, lunges, planks, side planks, calf raises, push ups and pull ups. Take a barre, core burn, boot camp or TRX band class to learn how to do these exercises with proper form. You should be able to do them on your own, at home or at the gym, after a few classes. Stop lifting weights if you are feeling the work in your lower back. Seek the help of a personal trainer so that you can get alternate exercises. Do body weight exercises 3 to 4 times per week. You can mix in this training with either cardio or Weightlifting days. Do circuits of body weight exercise, giving yourself 30 seconds to rest between sets. Shorter rest times will improve the aerobic burn during this type of strength training. Do 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps. Do these repetitions slowly, pausing at the bottom or top of dynamic movements, so that you can activate different muscles. Increase the difficulty of the exercise, by going further or holding hand weights while you do the exercise. You should aim to increase difficulty every 2 to 3 weeks of consistent work. Start with weight machines. Learn proper form in this easy to use format first, if you have never lifted weights before. Choose an amount of weight that will allow you to do at least 2 sets of 10. People who are aiming to build leaner muscles, rather than muscle mass, may choose to use less weight and do 3 sets of 15 repetitions. Work short and long muscle fibers. After completing a set of repetitions with full range of motion, do a set of half range of motion more quickly. This will work the fast twitch muscles as well as the longer fibers. Target muscle groups on different days. For example, do arms and shoulders on Monday, legs and abs on Tuesday and chest and back on Wednesday. Never work the same areas 2 days in a row. Work your target muscle groups to fatigue. You should reach muscle exhaustion in those groups when you stop lifting. You will build muscle quickly and get buff faster. Increase the weight you lift every 3 weeks. Increase in increments of 5 to 10 lbs. (2.2 to 4.5kg). Start lifting free weights as soon you know how to do proper form. Make sure your body does not sway. Lifting weights without the help of machines can build muscle faster, and it can also be combined with work on weight machines. Add 20 to 30 minutes of cardio exercise 3 to 4 times per week. You will look buffer if you melt off some of the fat on your body. It is difficult to do this with strength training alone. Try interval training. Do 1 to 2 minutes of sprinting, followed by 4 to 5 minutes of moderate intensity exercise. Intervals increase the efficiency of your metabolism, burning more fat. If you choose to do interval training, you will get the same or more benefit in a 20 or 30 minute period of exercise as you would doing 45 minutes to 1 hour of work at the same moderate intensity. Try several cardio machines or sports. Do running, swimming, cycling, speed walking, elliptical and rowing, so that you work different muscles and avoid overtraining. Have a cool down period and stretch after your aerobic exercise. Create a meal plan that adds more protein into your diet. Protein is the building block of muscle, and you should increase your consumption immediately after you work out and in general. Lean proteins that help build healthy muscle include non-fat Greek yogurt, fish, chicken, turkey, lean pork, lean beef, beans, eggs and milk. Restrict your consumption of refined carbohydrates. As you build muscle and your metabolism increases, these will not fill you up for very long. Choose complex carbohydrates like oats, quinoa, whole wheat bread, brown or wild rice and lentils. Eat more produce. You need the vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables to remain healthy. Seek a trainer's help if you feel you need nutritional supplements, but try to provide what you need with your regular diet first. Add a protein-filled snack, like a yogurt smoothie, nuts or chicken wrap after you work out. This will serve to curb hunger while your metabolism is running high.

Decide the areas of your body that are the weakest. Set strength and aerobic goals. Write down your goals. Create a gym schedule. Learn how to do the basic body weight exercises that work more than 1 muscle group at once. Do body weight exercises 3 to 4 times per week. Do circuits of body weight exercise, giving yourself 30 seconds to rest between sets. Do 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps. Increase the difficulty of the exercise, by going further or holding hand weights while you do the exercise. Start with weight machines. Work short and long muscle fibers. Target muscle groups on different days. Work your target muscle groups to fatigue. Increase the weight you lift every 3 weeks. Start lifting free weights as soon you know how to do proper form. Add 20 to 30 minutes of cardio exercise 3 to 4 times per week. Try interval training. Try several cardio machines or sports. Have a cool down period and stretch after your aerobic exercise. Create a meal plan that adds more protein into your diet. Restrict your consumption of refined carbohydrates. Eat more produce. Add a protein-filled snack, like a yogurt smoothie, nuts or chicken wrap after you work out.

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How to Floss With Braces

To floss if you have braces, purchase wax-coated floss, since it's less likely to get stuck to your braces. Then, thread a 12 to 18 inch piece of floss behind the brace wire and slide the floss between your teeth, close to the gums. Next, slide the floss up and down as you pull on it gently to remove plaque and food debris from the space between your teeth. Once you get to the point where it's difficult to keep moving the floss, carefully pull the floss out, and repeat the threading and sliding process for each tooth.

Use waxed floss if possible. When you're flossing with braces, it's important to remember that there are plenty of metal pieces and corners to catch your floss on. Because of this, you'll want to use a thin, wax-coated floss whenever you can. Unwaxed, thread-like floss is much more likely to get stuck to your braces. The amount of floss you should use can vary slightly based on the size of your mouth and your hands. Most dental resources recommend a piece about 12 – 18 inches (30 – 46 cm) long. Thread the floss behind the brace wire. Grab the floss with one hand a few inches from one end. Carefully thread it under or over the main wire of your braces, taking care not to get it stuck. When it's around the wire, pull it through so there's enough slack on either end to grab. A mirror can be a big help here. Be gentle. Do not pull on the brace wire with the floss — you're just trying to get the floss behind it, not to "scrub" the wire itself. Slide the floss between your teeth. Grab one end of the floss in each hand. Wrap the ends around your index fingers for a tighter grip. Adjust the floss so that it runs up the bottom of each index finger to the fingertip. Move one index finger inside your mouth and gently pull the floss so that it goes into the space between your teeth. If you've flossed before, this movement should feel natural. You basically want to move the floss into the gap between the teeth, then push it down into the gap. For some of your teeth, this will probably be a tight fit — this is normal. Slide the floss up and down. Now that the floss is in between your teeth, use your fingers to slide it up and down from the gums to the point where it's difficult to keep moving it. Pull gently so that the floss rubs against the insides of both teeth. You want to "scrub" as much of this inner space as possible — try doing it five times against each surface. This scrubbing motion may seem like it's not "doing" anything, but it is. Flossing isn't just for removing bits of food that get stuck — it's also important for removing plaque, an invisible film of bacteria that can cause decay, pain, and discoloration if it's not dealt with. Carefully pull the floss out. Grab one end of the floss and gently pull until it comes free, taking care not to catch it on your braces. Congratulations — you've just flossed between one set of teeth! Repeat for each tooth until finished. Go down each row of teeth and carefully thread the floss between every set of teeth all the way to your furthest-back molars. When you have "scrubbed" with every set of teeth on the top and bottom of your mouth, you're done. Take your time. Flossing properly when you have braces can take up to three times longer than a normal flossing session, but it's especially important to floss when you're wearing orthodontic devices because these devices can get in the way of cleaning with a brush alone. You may also experience some gum bleeding which is normal due to inflammation which occurs when braces are placed in. Try using a floss threader. Sick of painstakingly flossing with your bare hands? A helpful tool called a floss threader can make it easier to get the floss behind your braces. The threader looks similar to a small plastic needle, and it can be used to floss. Thread a piece of floss into the eye of the threader. It's the same way you would thread a sewing needle. Insert the plastic needle under the archwire of your braces and pull the floss through. Use the floss as you normally would. Now that it's in position, grab the floss in your hands and floss down between the teeth. Pull the floss out and repeat it with the same threader. The threader is useful for making it easier to get the floss into the correct position without scraping up your fingers. Be careful when you apply the pressure to get in between your teeth — go gently with a back and forth movement. Purchase a water flosser. Many dentists and orthodontists today recommend a special tool called a water flosser (or "oral irrigator") to help with flossing. Water flossers are available online, in specialty stores, and even at your dentist's office for about $50 and up (a popular water flosser brand is the WaterPik). Fill the reservoir with water. There is an indicator line to show where the water should reach. Be sure to clean the reservoir regularly — you don't want bacteria to breed. Add also mouthwash to the water to increase the antibacterial protection and prevent gingivitis. Use the water flosser. This tool shoots a narrow stream of water which can be used to remove particles of food and clean between teeth, though dentists don't usually recommend them in place of flossing. They can be really helpful as a complement to flossing, flushing out some of the food that might be in particularly difficult-to-reach places. As an added benefit, water flossing can be used for gum stimulation, restoring proper health and function to gums that are inflamed or receded. Use dental tape. If normal flossing hurts, a smooth and sometimes spongy dental tape might not. Dental tape is a special type of floss that's especially thin and wide — almost like a small ribbon. Dental tape is used in the same way as normal floss, but people who have painful teeth or gums often find it to be more comfortable. Use an interdental brush. Interdental brushes are small, flexible, pointed brushes that have bristles that look similar to a pine tree. Their unique shape makes them perfect for cleaning behind braces — simply insert the brush under the wire and between the teeth, then scrub to clean. Interdental brushes aren't available everywhere, so talk to your dentist or orthodontist if you're interested in getting one. You can also use a bit of toothpaste on the interdental brush for better cleaning. Interdental brushes aren't intended to be used as a replacement for floss. They can't clean between the teeth as thoroughly as floss can. Instead, they're used along with floss to ensure that the area behind the braces receives enough cleaning. Use an orthodontic brush. An orthodontic brush is a special type of toothbrush with V-shaped bristles. These special bristles help it clean behind braces and other orthodontic appliances, making them a big help when it comes to keeping your teeth clean. As with interdental brushes, orthodontic brushes are meant to be used with floss — not instead of it.

Use waxed floss if possible. Thread the floss behind the brace wire. Slide the floss between your teeth. Slide the floss up and down. Carefully pull the floss out. Repeat for each tooth until finished. Try using a floss threader. Thread a piece of floss into the eye of the threader. Use the floss as you normally would. Purchase a water flosser. Fill the reservoir with water. Use the water flosser. Use dental tape. Use an interdental brush. Use an orthodontic brush.

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How to Deal With a Mean Friend

Dealing with a mean friend can get you down, but if you stand up for yourself and tell them how you feel, they may treat you better. If your friend insults you, don't be afraid to defend yourself. Say something like, "That was kind of mean. You shouldn't say stuff like that." Keep in mind that often people are mean because they actually feel insecure themselves. So try not to take their insults too personally. The more you defend yourself against nasty comments, the more they should learn to back off. However, some people aren't self-aware enough accept criticism. If they don't get the message and keep insulting you after you've repeatedly told them to stop, you're probably better off finding friends who treat you right.

Take stock of the things that your friend does that bother you. When you are alone, think about the things you're your friend does and identify the reasons why they bother you. Identifying these issues in the relationship will help you to work out strategies for how to cope and, hopefully, improve the relationship. Does she often cancel plans with you at the last minute? Does she yell at you? Does she flirt with that guy that you like, even after you told her that you like him? If you have trouble identifying exactly what your friend does that bothers you so much, you may want to discuss your friend with another friend or someone else that you trust. Deal with your emotions. After you have identified the things that your friend does that bother you, think about how those things make you feel. It is important to acknowledge the pain and other emotions that your friend has caused you and deal with those emotions in a healthy manner. If you refuse to acknowledge your emotions and deal with them, they may erupt in an unexpected or inappropriate manner. Determine whether or not the problem warrants a confrontation. Confronting your friend will be difficult for you and even more difficult for him or her. Before you decide to confront the person, think about whether or not the issue is a big enough deal to require a confrontation. If you confront the person and the issue is rather minor, you may end up looking like you are nit-picking and that can cause more problems in the relationship. Develop strategies for situations that do not require confrontation. Not all problems are worth confronting your friend about, but you should still prepare yourself to handle common situations that you think may not be worth a confrontation. Having strategies in place can also help you to feel more in control when your mean friend says or does things that upset you. If your friend often cancels plans with you at the last minute, make backup plans to lessen the damage of her canceling on you. If certain topics cause your friend to make rude or insulting comments, avoid discussing those topics with him or her. Wait until your anger has subsided. Don't confront the person while you are still angry or upset. Wait until you have cooled down and vented your feelings to another friend or in writing. Confronting your friend while you are still angry or feeling hurt makes you seem vulnerable and it may affect the results of your confrontation. Plan out your complaint. Write out what you want to say to the person to help guide you when you actually confront him or her. If you think you might get flustered during your conversation, having your main points written out on a notecard may help you when you actually deliver the complaint to him or her. Structure your complaint as a cause and effect statement: “When you _____, it makes me feel _____.” Remember to keep your complaint short and to the point. Do not include any unnecessary details in your complaint. Providing too many details will lessen the impact of your complaint and it may leave your friend confused about the exact purpose of your complaint. If you feel especially nervous about confronting your friend, you may want to practice with another trusted friend to make yourself feel more confident. Confront your friend. When you feel prepared to confront your friend, take a deep breath and deliver your complaint how you practiced it. Keep a low, even tone to your voice and be kind and polite as you confront the person. If you seem calm, your friend will be more likely to respond in a like manner. Don't lose control or retort with insults if your friend becomes irate. If things begin to fall apart, simply thank your friend for hearing your complaint and excuse yourself. In a worst case scenario, you can still control your own behavior and you will feel better knowing that you handled the situation in a mature, intelligent manner. Learn to love yourself. Part of the reason why certain comments that your mean friend makes may bother you so much is because he or she is commenting on things that you are self-conscious about. One of the easiest ways to defend yourself against these types of remarks is to deepen your acceptance of yourself. Learning to love yourself (even your imperfections) is not easy and it will take time, but working on your relationship with yourself can help to protect you against mean comments and behavior. Accept yourself for who you are. Take time each day to appreciate the person you are. Acknowledge your strengths and triumphs (even the small ones.) Forgive yourself when you make a mistake. Don't beat yourself up if you make a mistake, just forgive yourself and move on. Treat yourself well. Don't do things that make you feel uncomfortable or allow others to pressure you into doing things that you don't really want to do. Do things that make you feel happy and fulfilled. Learn to say no. Don't say yes every time someone asks for a favor or wants you to do something with them. Defend yourself. If your friend says something mean to you, let him or her know that those comments were hurtful and that you'd like them to lay off. At first, respond with a casual comment to let your friend know that his or her comments are hurtful. Try saying something like, “Ouch! That was kind of mean. Could you not say things like that to me, please?” If the meanness continues, let him or her know that you are serious by saying something like, “I'm not joking. You are being unnecessarily mean. Knock it off.” Practice delivering these requests until they sound natural. Be firm when you speak and use direct eye contact so that the person sees that you are confident and serious. Be persistent. Don't stop defending yourself just because the behavior continues. The more you practice this type of self-defense, the more your friend will get the idea that their words are hurtful and that you will not tolerate them. Respond calmly and kindly. If your friend yells at you, he or she probably expects you to yell back. And if you do yell back, he or she will yell back louder, and so on. Instead of retaliating in like manner to your friend's anger or meanness, respond calmly and kindly. This unexpected approach will confuse and redirect the behavior. For example, if your friend yells at you for a mistake you made, don't yell back. Respond in a calm, kind voice. Say something like, “I am sorry that what I did upset you, but I don't think it was such a big deal that we can't discuss it reasonably.” Refuse to be insulted, even if it’s passive aggressive or subtle. If your mean friend tends to belittle or speak to you in a condescending tone, respond to this type of behavior by calling him or her out on this behavior. This technique works especially well when others are present who will support your condemnation of this type of negative communication. For example, if your friend says something to insult you (or someone else), try responding with something like, “Come on Jimmy, making remarks like that is beneath you. Show everyone that you are better than that.” Get out of the relationship. If this person is constantly beating you down and refuses to change after you have confronted him or her, your best option is to get out of the relationship. Don't hope in vain for things to change because it is more likely that they will become worse the longer you are attached to the person. If the person is someone you have to see on a regular basis because you go to school together, work together, or something else, try to engage with the person as little as possible.

Take stock of the things that your friend does that bother you. Deal with your emotions. Determine whether or not the problem warrants a confrontation. Develop strategies for situations that do not require confrontation. Wait until your anger has subsided. Plan out your complaint. Structure your complaint as a cause and effect statement: Confront your friend. Learn to love yourself. Defend yourself. Respond calmly and kindly. Refuse to be insulted, even if it’s passive aggressive or subtle. Get out of the relationship.

https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Ball-Joints

How to Check Ball Joints

To check the ball joints in a vehicle with short long arm suspension, look under the car to see if you can find a wear indicator on the bottom of the steering knuckle. If the fitting is protruding, the ball joints should be fine. If your car doesn't have a wear indicator, raise the front end of the car up, then use a dial indicator and rock the wheels to check for play. If the movement is beyond specifications, replace the ball joint.

Look for a wear indicator. While the vehicle is still on the ground, look underneath the car, on the bottom of the steering knuckle attached to the wheel. The most common indicator is a grease fitting that doubles as a wear indicator. That fitting, or boss, will stick out of the bottom of the joint's housing by about half an inch (1.25 centimeters). As it wears the boss will recede into the housing. As long as the boss protrudes out, the joint should be fine. Once the boss is flush with the housing or has receded even further, you'll need to replace the ball joint. This applies to older cars. Most new cars do not have wear indicators, or a grease fitting. If you can't find a wear indicator, or if the indicator doesn't give you a clear enough sign, raise up the car to inspect the joint more thoroughly. Raise the front end of the car. To check a loaded lower ball joint, the manufacturer will recommend that you place a jack under the lower control arm of the front wheel, as close to the ball joint as you can, then raise the vehicle until the wheel leaves the ground. If you don't do this, tension will still be on the ball joint when you jack up the car, making it difficult to move and look for play on the joint. Make sure there is no compression in the suspension when you check the ball joint. If you have control arms of unequal lengths, make sure the upper bump stop doesn't touch the control arm. Rock the wheels and check for play. Make sure your car is jacked securely. The vehicle must be on frame stands when jacked up and you are working on the vehicle. Move dial indicator to the side of the nut or to the side of the spindle and move the wheel in and out to check radial wear. For vertical play, place the dial indicator against the steering knuckle stud nut or the ball joint housing, depending on the manufacturer. Grab the wheel at the top and bottom (12 and 6 o'clock) to lift up and pull down. Move the dial gauge to the side of the nut and grab the tire at the bottom and move it in and out to check radial play of the joint. Read the dial indicator and check against the manufacturer's specifications. If the movement is beyond specifications, replace the ball joint. Experienced mechanics will also just check play by the feel, listening closely for any clicking or easy motion that suggests the ball joint is worn out. Alternatively, you could have a helper look closely at the joint itself to see if it appears loose as you move it. Look for the grease fitting. If your front suspension uses MacPherson struts, look for a wear indicator, which is usually a grease fitting. Grasp the fitting and try to wiggle it. If the fitting moves around inside the housing, you'll need to replace the ball joint. Jack up the car on the front cross-member. Many front wheel drive cars with strut suspensions should not be jacked up using the lower control arm, so it's a good idea to consult your owner's manual before attempting to inspect the joint. In general, you're going to want to jack the car up in the directed place as you normally would, on the crossing member of the frame. Let the MacPherson struts extend as far out as you can before you try to check the wheels for play. Use your hand to check the up-down play on the ball joint. Rock the lower part of the wheel around to see if there is any play in the joint. If there is any play in the joint, it must be replaced. Listen. The ball joint assembly in a vehicle with strut suspension should be silent. Any clicking sound when you move it up indicates it's worn out and not working smoothly as it should. If you notice significant play, you need to change the ball joint. Alternatively, have someone look at the ball joint while you attempt to move it. It'll shudder slightly and look insecure if it needs to be replaced.

Look for a wear indicator. Raise the front end of the car. Rock the wheels and check for play. Look for the grease fitting. Jack up the car on the front cross-member. Use your hand to check the up-down play on the ball joint. Listen.

https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Five-Card-Draw

How to Play Five Card Draw

To play five card draw, start by dealing 5 cards to each player. Next, have each player evaluate their hand to see if they have any winning combinations, such as a full house or straight, and place an initial bet. Then, let each player request new cards to try to get a better hand before placing another round of bets. If you have bad cards and don't want to bet any more, you can “fold” and lay your cards down to remove yourself from the round. Finally, have each player lay down their cards, and give the pot to the person with the best hand.

Memorize the hand ranks. If you're completely new to the poker scene, you have to know the ranking of the hands before anything else. If you don't, you could have a winning hand and not even realize it! So before we tackle anything specific to 5-card, let's establish the hierarchy of hands, starting with the lowest : High card (aka a big fat nothing) One pair Two pair Three of a kind Straight Flush Full house Four of a Kind Straight Flush Royal Flush Five of a kind (if playing with a wild card) Know the gist. So now that you know the hands, how do you play the actual game? Well, for starters, you're trying to make the highest-ranked hand. Here are the basics, and we'll get to specifics in the next section (Setting Up the Game): The dealer deals everyone 5 cards Initial bets are placed Players request new cards, throwing away a portion of their old cards, forming the best hand possible Another round of bets takes place Players still standing show their cards The player with the best hand takes the pot Understand the difference between blind and ante games. 5-card has two possible variants when it comes to beginning any round: blind or ante. It's all a matter of personal preference -- or how your friends feel! In blind games, the person to the left of the dealer is the "small blind." They put up a bet (usually incredibly small and always half of the big blind) before any hands are dealt. The person to left of the small blind is the "big blind" -- they, too, put in a bet before any hands are dealt, though their bet is twice the small blind. Anyone who wants to play the round (after the hands are dealt) has to match the big blind to play. In ante games, everyone has to put a predetermined amount into the pot in order to be dealt any cards. It discourages folding, at least initially. Know how to check, call, raise, and fold. After the dealer has dealt you your five cards and the betting rolls around to you, you have three options: to call, raise, or fold. Everyone has their own strategy as to how to go about this, but here's what they are: Checking is basically betting 0. If no bets have been placed, you can check. But the second someone places a bet, you then must call, raise, or fold. Calling is when you match the bet that's on the table. If everyone has put 10 cents into the pot to play, you put 10 cents into the pot to play. "Raising" is when you increase the amount of money in the pot. If the player to your left put in 10 cents and you put in 15, you have raised the bet 5. Players must then match your bet (call) to stay in play. Folding is when you want out. You throw your cards face down on the table and you're finished for that round, no money won, some lost. Consider wild cards. 5-card is a very fun game, but an extra element of surprise and strategy comes into play when you introduce wild cards. Just make sure everyone agrees on this (and what it is) beforehand. This makes the "5 of a kind" a potential hand -- and the best one at that. Some play deuces wild (2s), while others will take the first card off the deck (after the deal) and play with the remaining three as wild. Still others play with the one-eyed Jack or or a joker inserted into the deck (playing with 53 cards). If you do play with a wild card, decide if there are any restrictions on it; this is known as a "bug." A joker inserted into the deck may only be able to represent an Ace or to finish a straight or flush; it cannot be any random number a player picks. Work with limits. More variations! If you want to exercise some control over the amount of money flowing over the table, you'll incorporate some kind of limit into your game. But you don't have to! It can prevent players from running out of (and thus losing) money, a big spender bullying the others, and things getting out of hand. Again, three options: No limit. Pretty self-explanatory. Limit. You decide what the minimum and maximum bets are -- and these can be different in the initial and second betting rounds. Pot limit. No bet may be greater than what's already in the pot. Talk about playing lowball. Sometimes everyone's hands suck. In that situation, playing lowball is an option -- where you try to get the lowest hand possible. So if and when everyone's gone around the table and no one wants in or everyone is checking, switching to lowball is an option. In this variation, generally Aces switch to low (normally, they're high) and straights and flushes don't count. So the worst possible hand you could have would be A-2-3-4-5. You have no pairs and 5 is your highest card. Womp womp. Grab a handful of friends. 5-card is best played with around 6 people, though 4-8 is good, too, and you could fudge 3 if you absolutely had to. Clear off your dining room table, grab a bowl of chips, and set everyone down. They all know how to play, right? If they don't, show them this page and put them in the corner for 5 minutes. Or let them play cluelessly and take their money before they even realize it! Get something to bet with. If you don't have actual poker chips laying around, you'll need things to bet with and to assign them a correlating value. Anything small that you have a lot of will do just fine. Paperclips? Those are worth 5. And the peanuts? 10. Just make sure you don't eat them absent-mindedly. It's a good idea to have denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5, and 1, though ultimately it's up to you. Do you wanna bet $1000 at a time? Go ahead -- just make sure everyone has the chump change to back it up. And if you are making sure everyone fulfills their bets, state explicitly that 1 is 1 cent or 1 dollar! That makes a bit of a difference. Do your blind or ante. You read that first section, right? Well, do you want to start your game with a blind or an ante? It's all just about the same amount of money in the end. It's just easier to cop out in a blind! If you do choose blind, be sure to rotate it with each round. The dealer, small blind, and big blind should move one space to the left with each deal. So the small blind becomes the dealer, the big blind becomes the small blind, and the next guy to the left becomes the big blind. Capsize? Have the dealer shuffle and cut the deck and then deal to their left. Shuffle that deck up well! No stacking it. And then have the dealer hand the deck to the player on their right to cut it. They then deal the deck, 5 to a player, starting with the player on the left. Who's the dealer? Good question. You could either do it voluntarily, by age, or by a simple, quick who's-got-the-highest-card before play begins. Initiate the first round of betting. Alright, so either your blinds or your antes are established, the first round of cards is dealt, and betting commences. If you're playing blind, begin with the player to the left of the blinds. If you're playing ante, begin with the player to the left of the dealer. Let's say there's players A, B, C, and D. Player A (the one to the left of the dealer) checks. B could check (betting 0), but he bets 5. C then has to either bet 5 (or more), or fold; he folds. D then calls, also betting 5. It comes back to A -- he never put any money in -- who has to call, raise, or fold. He calls. Start the draw round. Now that everyone has either bet or folded, the draw round starts. The players give the dealer the cards they don't want in exchange for the same amount of new cards in return; the hand is still (and always) comprised of 5 cards. The dealer starts with the player to his left, as usual. In some variations, only 3 cards can be tossed away. In some 4, if you have an ace. And in others, all 5 can be thrown in. It's up to you and your friends which variant you want to play. Initiate the second round of betting. Now that everyone has their semi-new hands, betting begins again, starting with the same person as last time. It's the same protocol, only generally the stakes are higher. Let's take our same example from before: If you recall, C has folded and everyone else is in. A puts in 5, B puts in 5, and D puts in 10. A folds, and B "sees" his 10 (putting in 5 more) and raises 15 (20 in total). D calls, putting in 15 more. Begin the showdown! When it's down to two players, it's showdown time. The player who played the last big move (in this case, B) generally exposes his hand first. The second player lays his cards down, too, and the winner sweeps up the pot. The second player can choose to never turn his face cards up if he admits defeat verbally. This can add an element of mystery and strategy -- was he just bluffing the entire time? No one will know. Never reveal your cards, even if you've folded. This is just general poker guideline #1 -- don't do it. If you do reveal your cards, the other players can start to deduce when you fold (and thus when you don't) and what other cards are likely on the table. It can be distracting, too! So just don't do it. It's in your best interest, after all. Really, just don't reveal anything you don't have to. This game is just as much about psychology as it is about luck and strategy! Which brings up the next point. Practice your poker face. Those guys aren't wearing their sunglasses inside just to channel Corey Hart. Keep your face and body unreadable if you can help it. Or fake 'em out, whichever. The people across from you are probably trying to figure out your playing style -- so make it as difficult for them as possible. It's best to just not be ruffled by anything. If you have a good hand, so be it. If you have a bad hand, so be it. If you have an incredibly mediocre hand, so be it. There's no room for feelings in poker, kid. Change up how you bet and draw. It's not uncommon for a newbie poker player to win, partly based on the fact that they don't know what they're doing and haven't developed a tried-and-true strategy; they kind of just go by the seat of their pants. Because of this, their opponents have no idea what to expect. So switch up how you attack the game in two ways: how you bet and how you draw. The betting is pretty straight-foward. Sometimes bet when you have a terrible hand, sometimes don't. Sometimes do outrageous raises, sometimes fold all too easily. Sometimes raise when you can call, sometimes call when you probably should've raised, etc. There's infinite possibilities. The number of cards you draw is actually pretty telling. If you draw one, your opponents probably think you have two pair or you're gunning for a flush or a straight. So even if you'd think about drawing two, this could be a strategy. Or vice versa! Don't hem and haw too much. You can hem and haw a little when placing your bets -- everyone needs a minute once in a while to wrap their brain around the game -- but don't waste everyone's time with each round. The game is a lot more exciting when it keeps going. If you don't have a goldfish's clue as to what to do after a minute, just go for it. It's called the learning process. Be polite. Poker players take their game very seriously. Have you ever walked into a poker tournament and started making noise? You'll be escorted out faster than you can fold 'em. So be polite. Don't cause a stir, be purposefully distracting or obnoxious, and keep to yourself. People are trying to make money here. In general, be quiet when you're out. If you've folded, you have no business getting in on the mix. Just watch, have fun observing, and let the hand play out. You'll learn more from watching than you will any other way. Don't splash into the pot. If you're making a big bet, don't throw your money into the pot; it becomes much, much harder to count that way. Instead, put it in in stacks of 5 or 10. It keeps things clean and simple. Be a gracious winner and loser. Attitudes can easily ruin this game, so don't do it. If you mopped the floor with them, don't rub it in their faces. And if you were the mop, kindly demand a rematch. Same time next week?

Memorize the hand ranks. Know the gist. Understand the difference between blind and ante games. Know how to check, call, raise, and fold. Consider wild cards. Work with limits. Talk about playing lowball. Grab a handful of friends. Get something to bet with. Do your blind or ante. Have the dealer shuffle and cut the deck and then deal to their left. Initiate the first round of betting. Start the draw round. Initiate the second round of betting. Begin the showdown! Never reveal your cards, even if you've folded. Practice your poker face. Change up how you bet and draw. Don't hem and haw too much. Be polite.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Cowhide-Rug

How to Clean a Cowhide Rug

To clean a cowhide rug, never use water since getting a cowhide rug wet can damage it. Instead, vacuum the rug regularly and shake it off outside every once in a while to get rid of dirt and dust that's trapped deep in the fibers. If you accidentally stain the rug, rub a small amount of shampoo into the stain using a damp, but not soaked, sponge. When you're finished, take a damp cloth and wipe away any soapy residue.

Vacuum the rug. Include the rug in part of your regular cleaning routine. It's safe to vacuum your cowhide rug as you would any other rug in your home. Vacuuming the rug can help keep it clean and prevent dirt or stains from building up in the first place. You may also use the hose attachments to vacuum your cowhide rug. However, if the suction is powerful on your vacuum, then you may want to use a dust buster instead. Always vacuum in the direction of the hair. Make sure the brushes are not spinning on your vacuum. Shake the rug off. It can be a good idea to take the rug outside and shake it off once in a while. Although your vacuum may get a lot of dirt and dust out of the rug, shaking it off outside can knock loose anything that might have been stuck deeper in the rug. Shaking the rug off is a simple method that you can use to keep your cowhide rug clean and lasting longer. Try to avoid beating the rug to break dirt loose. Shake the rug with only enough force to remove dirt. Rotate the rug. If your cowhide rug is on the floor, it will be subjected to gradual wear and tear over time. If you never change its position on the floor, it may wear unevenly. This can cause your rug to look off-balance or make it look more worn out than it should be. Always remember to reposition the rug to keep any wearing spread out and even. Brush the rug. Your cowhide rug may benefit from regular brushing to keep it clean and looking great. Brushing can be a good method of removing dirt from all areas of the cowhide rug, cleaning places that a vacuum might miss. Try to include brushing your cowhide rug in your regular cleaning routine to help keep it looking its best. You can use a brush or broom with hard plastic bristles. Try to brush with the direction of the hair, instead of against it. Do not get your cowhide rug wet. Although you may use a slight amount of water to steam clean the cowhide rug, you should never get it wet. If your cowhide rug is ever soaked in water, it may be severely damaged. Always keep exposure to water at a minimum when cleaning your cowhide rug to help keep it in great condition. Sun or air dry your rug if it does get soaked in water. Never put your cowhide rug into a drying machine. Clean up spills quickly. If you have just spilled something on your cowhide rug, you should act quickly to clean it up. Leaving any liquid to soak into the rug will result in stains that are much more difficult to remove. Take these actions as soon as you notice a spill on your cowhide rug to help reduce the staining: Soak the spill up with a towel or sponge. Don t wipe the spill away, as this will only spread it. Try to use only a dabbing motion while absorbing the spill. Scrape away dried matter. You may find that some areas of the spill have dried and left solid material behind. These can be scraped away with the blunt edge of a knife. Use the blunt edge of a knife to gently break up and remove any areas of dried material until only the stain is left. Scrape with the direction of the hair. Do not use the sharp edge of the knife. You might also try using a hard-bristled brush or spoon. Don't scrape or press too hard. Apply only enough pressure to remove the dried material. Use shampoo and water to remove liquid stains. If there is a small stain on your cowhide rug from a spill, you can try using shampoo and water to remove it. The water and mild soapy solution will help to break up the stain and restore your cowhide. Use a damp cloth or sponge to apply the soapy water to the cowhide rug. Make sure to use as little soap as possible and add more only if needed. You can scrub and rub in any direction. Make sure the sponge or towel isn't soaking wet. Don't use any alkaline soaps or shampoos. Finish cleaning the cowhide rug. After you've scrubbed the rug, you will want to remove any soapy residue from it. Take a new cloth and dampen it with only water. Use this damp cloth to gently wipe away any soap or remaining stain. Allow your rug time to dry before placing it back in your room. If the stain is still there, you can try cleaning the rug again to remove what's left. If you can't seem to remove the stain yourself, you may need to have it professionally cleaned. Do not use dry-cleaning or machine washing. Although it may be tempting, using a washing machine or dry-cleaning chemicals will damage your cowhide rug. Remove all stains and spills with gentle hand washing only. Never use a washing machine or dry-cleaning kit on your cowhide rug to remove stains. Scrape away solid matter. If food or grease has fallen on your cowhide rug, remove what you can immediately. However, there is likely to be something left behind that will have stained the rug. Wait for this material to dry before gently scraping it away with the blunt edge of a knife. Don't use the sharp edge of the knife. Remember to scrape with the direction of the hair. You can also use a spoon or hard-bristled brush. Don't scrape too forcefully. Use just enough pressure to break the solid material away from the rug. Dab the area in eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil is thought to break down food or grease stains, allowing you to fully clean the stained area. Gently apply a small amount of eucalyptus oil to the stained area using a cloth. It's important that you only apply a small amount of eucalyptus oil and only apply it to the stained area. Try to gently push the eucalyptus oil into the stain. Avoid scrubbing too forcefully. You can purchase eucalyptus oil online and in some large department stores. Wipe with a damp sponge. After you've dabbed the stained area with eucalyptus oil, you can finish cleaning the stain. Scrub the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove what's left of the stain and the eucalyptus oil. Allow the area to dry and check to see if the stain was removed successfully. If the stain is still visible, apply a small amount of dish soap to the sponge and wipe the area again. Use a damp cloth only. Let your cowhide rug air dry. If the stain is still visible, you may need to have the rug professionally cleaned.

Vacuum the rug. Shake the rug off. Rotate the rug. Brush the rug. Do not get your cowhide rug wet. Clean up spills quickly. Scrape away dried matter. Use shampoo and water to remove liquid stains. Finish cleaning the cowhide rug. Do not use dry-cleaning or machine washing. Scrape away solid matter. Dab the area in eucalyptus oil. Wipe with a damp sponge.

https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Ring-Doorbell

How to Install a Ring Doorbell

To install a Ring doorbell when you don't already have a doorbell, start by positioning the mounting bracket on an exterior wall and using the level tool that came with your installation kit to make sure the mounting bracket is even. Use a pencil to mark the mounting holes on the wall, then set the bracket aside and use the drill bit that came with your installation kit to pre-drill holes in the wall. Then, screw the mounting bracket into the wall using the screwdriver that came with your kit, and push the doorbell into the bracket until it snaps into place. Finish installing your Ring by tightening the 2 screws at the bottom of the doorbell to secure it to the mounting bracket. Once our Ring is installed, download the Ring app on your mobile device, and connect your new doorbell to your Wi-Fi network.

Download the Ring app onto your mobile device. Before you can physically install the Ring Doorbell, you'll need to set up the software to get your device working properly. Start by opening the app store on your phone or mobile device and searching for “Ring.” Ring uses a single free app to connect to all Ring devices. Create a Ring account. Once you've downloaded the Ring app, open the app and select “Set Up a Device.” This will prompt you to create a new account. Follow the prompts to get your new account set up. If you already have a Ring account, select the “Log In” button instead. Select “Setup Device” in the app menu. Once you're logged in, hit the “Setup Device” button. Choose the Ring Doorbell from the list of devices that comes up. There are several Ring Doorbell models currently available, so make sure you choose the correct device from the list! Scan the QR code code to automatically connect your device. You can make the setup process easier by scanning the QR code on the back of your Ring Doorbell. Select the “Scan QR Code” button in the Ring app, which should access your phone's camera and allow you to scan the code. If you can't or don't want to scan the QR code for any reason, you can skip this step and connect the device manually. Name your Ring Doorbell if you have other Ring products. If you have more than one Ring device associated with your account, you can give your doorbell a name to help you distinguish it from your other devices. You can either choose a suggested device name from the menu or create your own. This feature is particularly useful if you have multiple Ring Doorbells at different locations (e.g., one at your front door and one at the back door). Allow the Ring app to access your location. Next, you'll need to specify your home address so that your Ring Doorbell can function properly. The app will attempt to pinpoint your exact location by using the location service on your phone. If the app doesn't find your location accurately, you can manually enter your home address. Push the orange button on your doorbell to start setup mode. Once you've begun the setup process in the app, you'll need to activate the Ring Doorbell to connect it with your wi-fi network and your mobile device. Turn the Ring Doorbell over and find the orange button on the back of the device. Press and release the button to put the doorbell in setup mode. After you push the orange button, you should see a spinning white light around the button on the front of your Ring Doorbell. If you don't see the spinning white ring, you may need to charge your doorbell using the included USB charger. Connect the Ring Doorbell to your wi-fi network. After you put your Ring Doorbell in setup mode, the app should prompt you to connect the device to your wi-fi. Select your wi-fi network from the menu and enter your network password when the app prompts you to do so. The light on the front of your Ring Doorbell will flash 4 times to let you know it has successfully connected to the wi-fi network. Once your Ring Doorbell is connected, the light ring around the front button may begin flashing white. This means your doorbell is updating its software. Don't try to test or use the doorbell until the flashing stops. Press the front button on your doorbell to do a test call. When you've finished connecting your Ring Doorbell, it's time to test it. Do this by pressing the button on the front of the doorbell. You should get a notification on your phone letting you know that the call has successfully gone through. If the app is already open on your phone or mobile device, the app should automatically start a live video feed from the camera on your Ring Doorbell. Line up the mounting bracket where you want to install the doorbell. To begin mounting your Ring Doorbell, select a spot on the exterior wall next to your door at about chest height. Snap the level tool included in your Ring kit into the mounting bracket and place the bracket in the desired position, making sure it is level. Check the bubble in the level tool and make sure it is centered between the 2 lines marked on the level. Mark the positions of the mounting holes with a pencil. Once the bracket is positioned the way you like it, take a pencil and make marks on the wall inside the 4 screw holes at each corner of the bracket. If you need to drill holes or install screw anchors in your wall, remove the bracket and set it aside before proceeding. If pencil doesn't show up on your wall, try using a metallic marker (such as a silver Sharpie) instead. Drill holes at the positions you marked if necessary. If your wall is made of a masonry material, such as brick, concrete, or stone, you'll need to use a power drill and a masonry bit to make holes in the wall at the correct positions. The Ring Doorbell kit includes a masonry bit of the right size for installing the anchors that are also provided with your kit. Once you've made the holes, push the provided screw anchors into the wall by hand or gently tap them in with a hammer or mallet. If you're mounting the doorbell on a wood or vinyl wall, you should be able to install the screws directly into the wall with a screwdriver. Attach the mounting bracket to the wall using screws. Position the bracket over the spots that you marked or the anchors you just installed (if applicable). Use the Phillips-head side of the screwdriver tool included in the Ring kit to screw the bracket into the wall. If the surface of your wall isn't perfectly level, take care not to screw in the bracket so tightly that it becomes bent or warped. This will make it difficult for you to install the Ring Doorbell correctly. Snap the Ring Doorbell into place on the bracket. Once the bracket is mounted, push the Ring Doorbell device in and down until it snaps into place. You may need to use some force to securely attach the doorbell to the bracket. Make sure to remove the level tool before attaching the doorbell to the bracket. Tighten the security screws on the base of the doorbell. Once your doorbell is in place, use the smaller end of the screwdriver tool to tighten the 2 screws at the bottom of the device. This will help lock the doorbell in place on the mounting bracket. Shut off the power to your current doorbell. If you're hardwiring your Ring Doorbell to an existing doorbell system, you'll need to shut off power to the old doorbell to prevent accidental shocks or electrocution. Locate your circuit breaker box and switch off the breaker that supplies power to your doorbell. If your breakers aren't adequately labeled, you may need to experiment a bit to determine which switch controls the power to your doorbell. Remove your old doorbell button. Before you install your Ring Doorbell, you'll need to take the old doorbell off the wall. Unscrew the faceplate and carefully detach the wires that connect your old doorbell button to the chime inside your home. Position the Ring Doorbell mounting bracket over the original wiring. Once the old doorbell is off, put the mounting bracket on the wall so that the wires stick out through the rectangular hole at the center of the bracket. You'll be using the wires to connect the Ring Doorbell to your old doorbell's power supply. To make sure the mounting bracket is level, snap in the small level tool included with your Ring Doorbell kit. Make sure the bubble is centered between the 2 lines marked on the level. Mark the holes at the corners of the mounting bracket. When you're satisfied with the position of the mounting bracket on the wall, use a pencil to make marks in the holes at each corner of the bracket. This is where you'll be installing the screws that will hold the bracket in place. If a pencil doesn't show up on your wall, use a metallic marker instead. Drill holes at the marked locations if necessary. If you have a masonry wall (made of brick, stone, or concrete), use a power drill and the masonry bit included with your kit to make holes at each of the marked locations. You'll also need to push or tap the provided screw anchors into the holes. Before drilling into the wall, remove the bracket and set it aside. Double check that the power to the doorbell is switched off before you do any drilling! Attach the mounting bracket to the wall with screws. Use the Phillips-head side of the screwdriver tool included in your Ring kit to screw the mounting bracket into the wall at the marked locations. If your wall is vinyl or masonry, you should be able to install the screws directly into the wall with the screwdriver. Otherwise, insert the screws into the anchors that you installed using the drill. Take care not to bend or warp your mounting bracket when you screw it in. If your wall isn't completely flat, you may not be able to make the mounting bracket exactly flush with the wall. Wrap 1 wire around each of the 2 screws on the front of the bracket. Once the mounting bracket is secured to your wall, take the 2 wires from the original doorbell and wrap each one around one of the screws at the center of the bracket. You may need to loosen the screws slightly to create space for the wires. It doesn't matter which wire you wrap around which screw. The doorbell should work either way. If you loosened the screws, gently tighten them back down after the wires are in place. Install the included diode if you have a digital door chime. If your door chime is digital, you'll need to install the diode that came with the Ring Doorbell kit in order to get it to work correctly. To install the diode, put the black plastic housing between the 2 screws on the front of the mounting bracket and wrap the wires on either side around each of the screws. In order to get your chime working correctly, you'll need to determine which wire is connected to your doorbell's chime mechanism. You may be able to tell by opening the chime and looking at the wires, which may be labeled and/or color-coded. If you know which wire connects to the chime, position the diode so that the grey indicator on the plastic housing faces that wire. If you chose the wrong wire, you'll need to reinstall the diode facing the other way. Don't install the diode if you have a mechanical door chime. Doing so may damage your doorbell. Snap the Ring Doorbell into place on the bracket. Once all the wiring is in place, push the doorbell in and then down to snap it into place on the mounting bracket. You may need to use quite a bit of force to get the doorbell mounted securely. Make sure you remove the level tool from the mounting bracket before trying to install the doorbell. Tighten the security screws on the bottom of the doorbell. To lock your Ring Doorbell securely into place, tighten the 2 security screws at the base of the device using the screwdriver tool from your Ring kit. Make sure to use the smaller end of the tool for this purpose. Turn the power to the doorbell back on. Once your Ring Doorbell is installed, go back to your breaker box and switch the power back on. Then, go test your new doorbell to make sure it is working correctly! You'll know the Ring Doorbell is correctly wired if the indicator light on the front glows soft white. If you have a digital chime and it doesn't work properly with the Ring Doorbell, you may need to remove the device and flip the diode around.

Download the Ring app onto your mobile device. Create a Ring account. Select “Setup Device” in the app menu. Scan the QR code code to automatically connect your device. Name your Ring Doorbell if you have other Ring products. Allow the Ring app to access your location. Push the orange button on your doorbell to start setup mode. Connect the Ring Doorbell to your wi-fi network. Press the front button on your doorbell to do a test call. Line up the mounting bracket where you want to install the doorbell. Mark the positions of the mounting holes with a pencil. Drill holes at the positions you marked if necessary. Attach the mounting bracket to the wall using screws. Snap the Ring Doorbell into place on the bracket. Tighten the security screws on the base of the doorbell. Shut off the power to your current doorbell. Remove your old doorbell button. Position the Ring Doorbell mounting bracket over the original wiring. Mark the holes at the corners of the mounting bracket. Drill holes at the marked locations if necessary. Attach the mounting bracket to the wall with screws. Wrap 1 wire around each of the 2 screws on the front of the bracket. Install the included diode if you have a digital door chime. Snap the Ring Doorbell into place on the bracket. Tighten the security screws on the bottom of the doorbell. Turn the power to the doorbell back on.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Mesh-Shoes

How to Clean Mesh Shoes

Mesh shoes are notorious for getting dirty, but you can keep your shoes clean by washing them with a mixture of warm water and 1 teaspoon dish detergent. Before you wash your sneakers, remove the laces and stuff them with absorbent cloths that can soak up any extra liquid that leaks in while you clean. You should use a soft-bristled shoe brush or toothbrush to get rid of any dirt stuck to the outside of your shoes. With any excess dirt taken off, dip a soft cloth into your cleaning mixture and scrub the surface of your shoes in a circular motion. After scrubbing your shoes clean, rinse the rag in clean water and scrub your shoes again to remove any soapy residue. Finally, clean the midsoles with disinfectant cleaning wipes before letting your sneakers dry for 24 hours.

Create a mixture of 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) dish detergent and warm water. Pour warm water into a bowl—no more than halfway to give yourself room to dip your rag—and add your dish detergent. Gently stir the detergent in with a spoon to ensure even consistency. Be sure the consistency of your cleaning solution is slightly soapy without being overly sticky or frothy. Never use bleaching agents—they can damage certain types of materials and cause discoloration. Remove your shoe's laces and stuff it with a cloth. After removing your shoe's laces, find a clean, absorbent cloth and stuff it into the shoe—this will absorb extra liquid that leaks in during cleaning. It will also give you some resistance as you scrub the surface of the shoe. Use microfiber clothes for the best absorbency. Stuff your shoes with a paper towel if you don't have an extra cloth. If your laces are dirty, soak them in a separate mixture of 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) dish detergent and warm water. Afterward, scrub them clean with a soft-bristled brush. Brush off exterior dirt on the shoe with a soft-bristled brush. Head to a shoe store and purchase a soft-bristled shoe brush. Hold the brush perpendicular to the shoe and brush away from the surface dirt using short, simple motions and a light amount of pressure. Always use less pressure than you would with a heavier material, such as leather. Swap your shoe brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush for an alternative. Wash your shoes with a soft cloth and the cleaning solution. Dip a soft cloth into your cleaning mixture. Scrub the surface of your shoes with the cloth using circular motions while applying a light amount of pressure. For regions that require more scrubbing, such as embedded dirt and grass stains, dip your brush into the cleaning solution and scrub them clean. Rinse your cloth periodically in a bowl of clean, warm water to get rid of dirt. Rinse your rag and clean the surface of the shoes once more. After cleaning your shoes with your detergent solution, dip the cloth into your rinsing bucket and squeeze it out. Now, scrub the surface of the shoes once more to remove any soapy residue. Be sure to squeeze your rag out once over the cleaning solution to get rid of any excess soap in the cloth. Clean the midsoles of your shoes with disinfectant cleaning wipes. Unlike the top of your shoes, the midsoles—the bottom of your shoes—can handle bleaching agents. Purchase some disinfectant cleaning wipes from a home improvement store and wipe the bottoms clean. Apply a firm amount of pressure and take care to avoid touching the surface of the shoe with your wipes. Never use cleaning wipes on the surface of your shoes. If you don't have cleaning wipes, use a piece of paper towel wet with 3 to 4 drops of bleach. Use a Magic Eraser product if you have any. You can also purchase some from home improvement and big box stores. Air-dry your shoes in a dry, cool place for 24 hours. Find an indoor location like a shed or hayloft or an outdoor location in the shade. Avoid garages, as they typically don't provide enough airflow, and never dry your shoes in a basement. Unstuff your shoes and tie the laces back on when they're done drying. Place an electric household fan toward your shoes to improve airflow and decrease drying time. Remove the laces from your shoes and put them in a sock. Start by removing the laces from the holes at the top of your shoe—closest to your leg—and work your way down to the tip. After you remove your laces, stuff them into a sock—this allows you to clean them separately in the same load as your sneakers. Tie the end of the sock tightly with a lace or elastic band. If your shoes have laces that feed through plastic loops that hold them in place, don't bother removing them. Stuff your shoes into a pillowcase and twist the end. Place all of your shoes into a pillowcase—whichever size accommodates your load—and twist the end tightly to hold it closed. Afterward, fasten the twisted end with a rubber band wrapped around it 2 times or more, depending on the size of the rubber band and the thickness of the twisted end. Fold the twisted end in half before wrapping the rubber band around it to make it snugger. Usually, you can fit 2 to 3 pairs of shoes in a pillowcase. Put as many in as you want, but try not to stuff it too tight. Remember that not all shoe materials can be washed in a washing machine. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Place your shoes and laces into the washer with detergent. Put the pillowcase with your shoes and sock with your laces into the washer. Afterward, stuff the remaining space around the bags with rags to prevent the bags from hitting the walls. Finally, dump in 1 full cup of your favorite laundry detergent. If you have a top washer with a center turbine, wrap its edges with a towel. Wash your shoes on "Delicate" and "Cold. " Turn the load size dial to slightly before the "Medium" and hit the "Cold" button. Now, put the spin mode to "Delicate" on the "Normal" setting. Double-check your settings and then turn the washer on and wait! Always use the "Delicate" or—for older washers—"Knits Gentle" setting for your mesh shoes. This minimizes agitation of the fabric and prevents it from stretching. Air-dry your shoes for 1 day in a cool, dry location. Indoor areas like a hayloft or shed or outdoor locations that provide enough shade are ideal. Never store your shoes in a basement, and avoid garages, as they often don't provide enough airflow. If you have an electric household fan, place it in front of your shoes to decrease drying time and improve airflow. Don't machine dry your shoes—this will likely ruin the mesh material. Remove the shoes from the pillowcase and the laces from the sock before setting them to dry. Tie the laces back onto your shoes when they're done drying.

Create a mixture of 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) dish detergent and warm water. Remove your shoe's laces and stuff it with a cloth. Brush off exterior dirt on the shoe with a soft-bristled brush. Wash your shoes with a soft cloth and the cleaning solution. Rinse your rag and clean the surface of the shoes once more. Clean the midsoles of your shoes with disinfectant cleaning wipes. Air-dry your shoes in a dry, cool place for 24 hours. Remove the laces from your shoes and put them in a sock. Stuff your shoes into a pillowcase and twist the end. Place your shoes and laces into the washer with detergent. Wash your shoes on "Delicate" and "Cold. Air-dry your shoes for 1 day in a cool, dry location.

https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Your-Name-on-a-Passport

How to Change Your Name on a Passport

To change your name on a passport, have a document that shows the certified name change, such as a marriage license, and get a new passport photo taken. Next, choose the correct form, depending on your situation. If less than a year has passed since your passport was issued, use the DS-5504 form. If more than a year has passed, use Form DS-82. Fill out the form, then mail it along with your current passport and new passport photo to the National Passport Processing Center.

Gather required documentation. Filing a name change application requires supporting documentation to get started, and gathering them beforehand can make the process easier. Ensure you have a certified name change document. This may vary depending on your reason for changing your name. For example, if you are changing your passport name due to an error on your passport, including your birth certificate will suffice. If you are changing due to a marriage, divorce, or other reason, be sure to include court documentation. Get a new passport photo taken. This photo must be in color, and 2 X 2 inches in size. These can be taken at a local Walgreens or CVS. Make sure to have your current passport ready. Choose the required form. There are a few forms available to use to apply for a passport name change, depending on your circumstance. If less than one year has passed since your passport was issued, you will use the DS-5504 form. There are no fees in this case. If more than one year has passed since your passport was issued, you must use Form DS-82. In this case, there is a fee ($140 for an adult passport book and card), and it must be enclosed with the form, with personal check and money order being accepted only. Confirm that you are eligible to use the DS-82 form before proceeding. If more than one year has passed you are required to use the DS-82 form, but only if you are eligible. If you are not eligible, you can use the DS-11 form instead. You are eligible for the DS-82 form if you meet the following conditions. You can submit a copy of your most recent passport. You were 16 or over when your latest passport was issued. It has been less then 15 years since your last passport was issued. Your last passport was not lost, damaged, or stolen You can produce name change documentation. Complete the required form. Once you know which form to use, you can find a PDF version of each form on the U.S. Passports & International Travel website. Simply fill in the blank spaces in the form to complete it. Package & mail the completed form with all required documentation. Once the form is complete, place the form, your current passport, a color passport photo, and any other fees or required information (the form you fill out with also state what to include) into a large envelope to mail. If possible, use a Tyvek envelope as it will better protect your contents. Mail all your documentation to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90107, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0107. Remember that e-mailing is not permitted. Wait for your application to be processed. Processing times can vary. The routine processing time is approximately 4-6 weeks, the expedited processing time is 3 weeks, and if your passport is expedited at a U.S. Department of State Passport Agency, it can be completed within as little as 8 business days. There are 28 passport agencies in the U.S. that can provide expedited service, but proof of travel within two weeks is usually required to make an appointment.

Gather required documentation. Choose the required form. Confirm that you are eligible to use the DS-82 form before proceeding. Complete the required form. Package & mail the completed form with all required documentation. Wait for your application to be processed.

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

How to Clean Stucco

To clean stucco, start by mixing 1/2 cup of Borax with 2 tablespoons of dish soap and 2 gallons of water. Next, saturate the wall with a pressure washer on a low setting so you don't damage the stucco. Then, apply the cleaning mixture using a single-pump sprayer, and let it sink in to the surface for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, use a rotating brush head on heavily-stained areas like rust. Finally, work your way downwards from the top of the wall with the pressure washer to remove the cleaner.

Examine the stucco for chips or cracks. Before you clean stucco, you must examine it closely for any flaws. If you wash damaged stucco, water can get into the cracks, causing mold and mildew to grow, among other issues. If you locate chips and cracks in your stucco, don't move forward with cleaning it until you've repaired the damage. You can repair minor damage (small chips, hairline cracks, etc.) yourself. Damage beyond that is best repaired by a professional who is experienced with stucco work. Seal the cracks and chips with caulk. If you find relatively minor flaws in your stucco, seal them yourself using a color-matched exterior acrylic caulk. You can get this caulk at most home improvement stores. It might be difficult to find a caulk that's the exact same color as your stucco, but buy the closest you can get. As long as the repairs are minor, a slightly off-color caulk probably won't stand out. To replicate the texture of the surrounding stucco, try pressing sand or another gritty substance into the surface of the wet caulk. Give the caulk at least a week to dry completely before you attempt to clean the wall. Evaluate the problems areas. What's causing the stains and discoloration on your stucco? Is it dirt and general debris? Or it something else, like mildew or algae? Mildew appears as a black stain that looks a lot like dirt. If the black stain occurs near a place on the wall where water often drips or accumulates, such as under eaves, the black stains you see are most likely mildew, not dirt. If you have green staining, this is algae. You will need to use bleach to clean off micro-organisms like algae and mildew. If you're dealing with significant staining over large areas of wall, consider having a professional clean the stucco. Mix a cleaning solution of concentrated cleaner and bleach. Buy a concentrated cleaner made specifically for use on exterior surfaces. These concentrated cleaners are available at any home improvement store. Look for products that say "professional strength concentrate" and include ingredients like acetic acid and sodium o-phenylphenate. Read the instructions carefully. They will tell you how to mix up the cleaning solution for that particular product. Most concentrated exterior cleaners are activated by adding household bleach and hot water. The bleach activates the solution and also helps to kill micro-organisms like mildew and algae. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves when preparing and using the cleaning solution. Mix a cleaning solution of Borax and dish soap. If you want to avoid bleach, try Borax-based solution instead. Borax is a natural substance that is less toxic than bleach and still effective at killing mold. For this cleaning solution, you'll need three ingredients – hot water, Borax and dish soap. Mix the following amounts in a large bucket: 2 gallons (7.57 L) of warm to hot water 2 tablespoons (29.5 mL) of dish soap 1/2 cup (118.2 mL) of Borax Use a pressure washer to saturate the wall with water. Pressure washers come with different nozzles that spray with varying amounts of water pressure. Stucco is delicate, so attach a low pressure spray tip nozzle to the pressure washer's hose. Saturate the entire wall with water before you begin applying the cleaning solution. To prevent damage, make sure the water hits the wall at a 45 degree angle. The nozzle should be held at least 24 inches away from the wall. Apply the water in an even stream. If you don't own a pressure washer, you can rent one from most home improvement stores for about $75 per day. Spray on the cleaning solution. Fill a single pump sprayer with the cleaning solution. Divide your wall up into workable sections. Use the pump sprayer to squirt the cleaning solution on the first section of the wall. Start at the bottom and work your way up to the top until you've saturated the entire first section of the wall. Focus on areas with heavy stains. Pump sprayers can be purchased at home and garden stores. They come in various sizes – get one with a one to two gallon tank. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for five to ten minutes. This will ensure the cleaning solution penetrates the stains deeply. Spray the section lightly with water once or twice while it soaks in the cleaning solution. Stucco is very porous and will soak up water, so after a few minutes you'll need to add a little more water to keep the detergent activated. If you are dealing with very stubborn mold, algae or mildew growths, you may need to allow the solution to sit for up to 30 minutes. Use a rotating scrub brush attachment on the heavily stained areas. Areas with rust and other heavy stains may need a little extra scrubbing. While the wall is still saturated in the cleaning solution, use a high quality rotating scrub brush attachment to work on the heavy stains. This will loosen up the grime and debris and make it easier to rinse off. If you're dealing with rust, scrub it slowly and carefully. Rinse the cleaning solution off the first section. Attach the low pressure spray tip nozzle onto the pressure washer's hose. Rinse the solution off the first section of the wall, starting at the top and working your way down to the bottom. You will be able to see the dirt moving down the wall once you begin at the top. Follow that line of dirt down with the hose, making sure you guide all of it to the bottom. Rinse the wall thoroughly so that no cleaning solution remains behind. Finish one section completely before beginning the next one. Saturate the next section of the wall with cleaning solution. Repeat the same actions as before and allow the solution to sit for five to ten minutes before you rinse it off with the pressure washer. Continue in this manner, section by section, until you've completed the entire wall. Always rinse off the cleaning solution, working from the top to the bottom, to properly get rid of all the residue. Do a spot check. Examine the stucco carefully. Check to make sure you haven't missed any areas of dirt. If necessary, repeat the application of cleaner and pressure rinsing to remove additional stains. Allow the wall to dry for at least 24 hours.

Examine the stucco for chips or cracks. Seal the cracks and chips with caulk. Evaluate the problems areas. Mix a cleaning solution of concentrated cleaner and bleach. Mix a cleaning solution of Borax and dish soap. Use a pressure washer to saturate the wall with water. Spray on the cleaning solution. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for five to ten minutes. Use a rotating scrub brush attachment on the heavily stained areas. Rinse the cleaning solution off the first section. Saturate the next section of the wall with cleaning solution. Do a spot check.

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

How to Clean Cultured Marble

Soap scum and mineral deposits often build up on cultured marble, but luckily it's pretty easy to clean. Once a day, run a clean, damp cloth over the counter. Then, spray a mild soap or all-purpose cleaner on the marble, and wipe it away with the cloth. If you notice mild buildup or stains, you can do a heavier clean with white vinegar. Rub a rag dampened with vinegar over the counter, then rinse the counter with cold water. If there are any stains left behind, use a cleaner made for marble to remove them.

Wet the surface of the countertop. Run a clean, damp cloth over the surface of the cultured marble to slightly wet it. This helps you avoid damaging the glaze that gives it its shine when you apply the soap or cleaner. If the surface already has lingering water, such as from a shower, you don't need to add more. Apply a mild soap or all purpose cleaner to the surface. You can spray the soap or cleaner directly onto your cultured marble, or you can dampen a clean towel and wipe it over the surface. Choose a water-based cleaner with a neutral pH. It's the safest option for cleaning your cultured marble without damaging the glaze or scratching the surface. Wipe the surface of the cultured marble with the rag. Make circular movements as you wipe away the soap or cleaner. If necessary, apply more soap or cleaner to the cultured marble. Continue wiping with your cloth until the surface is dry. Use a soft cloth to avoid scratching or damaging the surface. Don't use abrasive sponges or cloths. If your cloth is very wet, switch to a clean, dry cloth to remove the remaining cleanser. Avoid using harsh chemicals, which can damage the surface. Harsh chemicals can damage the glaze on your cultured marble, making it appear dull. These cleaners can also cause chemical scuffs and scratches on your cultured marble. Stick to mild soaps and cleaners. Dampen a clean rag with white vinegar. Your rag should be wet through with white vinegar, but excess vinegar should not drip or seep from the rag. Either pour vinegar onto your rag in a sink or dunk your rag in vinegar in a bucket. Wring out the rag lightly over a sink. Too much white vinegar can cause this liquid to spread to areas of the marble that are already clean. Although this can be wiped away easily, wringing out your rag after wetting it can prevent extra work. Vinegar is a great option for removing hard water stains or built up soap scum. Drape the wet rag on top of stains or buildup. Place the vinegar dampened rag over the buildup or stain on your cultured marble. Make sure the rag is flat against the stain and the wet parts of the rag touch it. Allow the rag to remain on top of the buildup or stain for several hours. With especially light buildup or stains, you may be able to wipe these away in one swipe with your vinegar dampened rag. Rinse the treated area with cold water. Remove the vinegar dampened rag from the afflicted area of your marble. Pour cold water from your sink into a cup or small bucket. Use this to douse the treated area of your marble. Wipe up excess liquid with a clean, soft, dry rag. Hot water in some cases can cause stains to stick to surfaces more stubbornly. Using cold water will prevent this from happening. Treat remaining stains or buildup with a cleaning agent. Select a cleaning agent that is intended for marble or similar stone. This product should not have abrasives, which can scratch or compromise the finish of your marble. Follow the label directions on the product for best results. Although proper usage will vary from product to product, in many cases you can combine a product, like Barkeeper's Friend, with a small amount of water to make a paste. Apply this to remaining stains or buildup for a few hours. Generally, by allowing your cleaning product more time to work on the stain, the results will be better. However, this may not be the case with all cleaners. Be sure to check the label. Rinse away the cleaning agent and polish the marble, if desired. Fill your cup with cold water again. Pour it on the cleaned portion of your marble and wipe up excess liquid and remaining dirtiness with a clean, soft, dry rag. After this, your counter should be clean. Polish the marble with a suitable polishing agent, such as countertop wax, and a soft rag or polishing cloth to restore its luster. Treat dark colored stains with hydrogen peroxide. Soak a clean, soft rag with hydrogen peroxide. Wring excess peroxide out of the rag over your sink. Position the rag so its peroxide dampened parts directly touch and cover the stain. Keep the rag on the stain for several hours or overnight. Avoid using this technique if your marble is dark colored. Hydrogen peroxide on dark colors can lead to lightening. Less serious stains may only need 15 minutes to a half hour of time before the stain can be wiped away. Check less serious stains at regular intervals for this reason. If, at a glance, you can tell the stain you are working on will require heavy-duty techniques, you may want to skip the peroxide treatment and move straight to mixing a heavy-duty cleaning solution. Rinse the treated area with cold water. Fill a cup or small bucket with cold water. Pour water onto the treated area of the marble. Use a clean, dry, soft cloth to wipe up standing water and any dirtiness. Heavy-duty stains may remain after cleaning the surface with peroxide, in which case you'll need to mix a heavy-duty cleaning solution. Mix a heavy-duty cleaning solution for remaining stains. In a medium sized bucket, combine ¼ cup (59 ml) baking soda, ¼ cup vinegar, ½ cup (118 ml) ammonia, and 8 cups (1.9 L) of hot water. Agitate the mixture with a kitchen implement, like a spoon, until the ingredients are consistently blended. The mixture will foam slightly. As an alternative to heavy-duty cleaners, you can use paint-thinner or denatured alcohol to remove the stain. However, always test these cleaners in an inconspicuous place on your cultured marble first, as they may damage the surface. Although this cleaning solution is made with household products, it can be harsh on your skin. Wear gloves when using this solution to prevent dry skin and irritation. Apply the cleaning solution with a clean, soft rag. Douse your rag in the heavy-duty cleaning solution. Wring out excess solution over the sink, then lay the saturated rag on the stains. Wait roughly 10 minutes for the stain fighting action of the solution to go to work, then wipe away remaining liquid with a clean, dry, soft rag. Some stubborn stains might require a longer soak time. However, soaking your marble too long in this solution may be harmful to its finish. Cleanse the area with water. Rinse the cleaned area with cold water in the same fashion as previously described. Wipe up water remaining on your marble and any dirtiness with a clean, dry, soft rag. Your cultured marble should now be clean. Avoid harsh cleaners and anything abrasive. Some cleaners may strip your marble of its finish. Check the label of all cleaners to ensure they are suitable for marble. Abrasives in cleaners and abrasive cleaning tools, like scouring pads, steel wool, or scrubbers, can also cause damage to the marble. The surfaces cleaners are intended for should be clearly marked on the label. Abrasives, too, are generally marked on the label. Test cleaning products on an out of view part of the marble. Even if the label says a cleaning product is suited for marble, it's always a good idea to test the cleaner first. Choose an out of sight location on the marble, like under a stationary appliance, and use a small amount of cleaner on the marble. If the finish or color is affected by the cleaner after it dries, refrain from using the cleaner. Soak stubborn stains in bleach. Although bleach is a generally accepted cleaning agent for marble, it's relatively harsh. Only use bleach sparingly to clean your marble. Same as when using vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, dampen a clean, soft rag with bleach, wring out excess, and drape the rag over stains. Only use this technique for marble that is light in color. Bleach may cause discoloration in dark colored pieces. Identify engrained stains in your marble. If you've cleaned a spot time and again with various cleaners, it's likely the stain you are attempting to clean is engrained in the marble. To remove spots like this, the marble will have to be buffed and refinished. For the best results, this should only be attempted by a professional.

Wet the surface of the countertop. Apply a mild soap or all purpose cleaner to the surface. Wipe the surface of the cultured marble with the rag. Avoid using harsh chemicals, which can damage the surface. Dampen a clean rag with white vinegar. Drape the wet rag on top of stains or buildup. Rinse the treated area with cold water. Treat remaining stains or buildup with a cleaning agent. Rinse away the cleaning agent and polish the marble, if desired. Treat dark colored stains with hydrogen peroxide. Rinse the treated area with cold water. Mix a heavy-duty cleaning solution for remaining stains. Apply the cleaning solution with a clean, soft rag. Cleanse the area with water. Avoid harsh cleaners and anything abrasive. Test cleaning products on an out of view part of the marble. Soak stubborn stains in bleach. Identify engrained stains in your marble.

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

How to Make Nutella Ice Cream

To make Nutella ice cream with an ice cream maker, start by whisking 2 eggs in a bowl until they are light and fluffy, then beating in 2/3 cup of sugar until it's evenly distributed. Next, whisk in 3/4 cup of Nutella, 2 cups of heavy cream, and 1 cup of milk. Then, pour the mixture into the bowl of an ice cream maker and let the machine run for 25 minutes, or until the ice cream has a semi-solid consistency. Serve your ice cream right away, or put it in the freezer in an airtight container for 8 hours if you want a firmer texture.

If you're using an ice cream maker, freeze the bowl. Ice cream makers come in lots of different shapes and sizes, but they almost always have a large, removable bowl that can be removed. Put this bowl in a plastic bag, then put the bag in the freezer for about 10 to 24 hours until it is completely frozen. The bag helps prevent freezer burn. This is important because there is a layer of liquid coolant between the inner and outer surfaces of the bowl. Letting it freeze completely ensures the bowl will stay cold as you make the ice cream (since you can't run the machine in the freezer). Whisk the eggs together in a bowl. Use both the whites and the yolks. Beat them with the whisk for about two minutes. Stop when you reach a uniform pale yellow color and a light, fluffy texture. Gradually whisk in the sugar. Add a little at a time over about one minute as you whisk continuously. When the sugar is distributed evenly, you can proceed. Whisk in the Nutella. Use a spatula as needed to get all of the Nutella out of the measuring cup. Continue whisking until the spread is blended evenly with the egg mixture. If Nutella gets stuck to the whisk, use a fork or spatula to pull it off. Add cream and milk. Add each of these a little at a time, whisking as you go. Stir to combine evenly. After this, put your mixture in the fridge while you proceed through the next step. You want your ingredients as cold as possible when you make your ice cream. Assemble the ice cream maker. For most models, this just means taking the bowl out of the freezer and putting it in the machine. You may also need to attach the stirring paddle to the machine or make other connections — consult the ice cream maker's directions for specifics. You shouldn't waste time here — you want to finish before the bowl starts to warm up. A wasted minute or two won't hurt you, but you'll want to move on as quickly as possible. Run the ice cream maker with the liquid mixture inside. Add your chilled ingredients to the mixing bowl, shut the lid (if your machine has one), and turn the machine on. The mixing paddle will begin to turn, churning the liquid ingredients. Now, let the machine run for 20-30 minutes without interrupting. Serve immediately for a soft texture. After 20-30 minutes, check on your ice cream. By this point, it should have gained a semi-solid consistency. If you want soft serve-style ice cream, you can serve it as soon as the ingredients reach a smooth, soft texture. Turn off the machine and spoon into cones or bowls and enjoy. Transfer to freezer for a firmer texture. If you want a more traditional ice cream, transfer the soft serve to an airtight container and store it in the freezer until firm (usually about eight hours). If you've recently finished a carton of store-bought ice cream, you can just rinse and dry the container and use it to store your ice cream. Prepare the liquid ingredients from the recipe above. Making ice cream without the help of an ice cream maker is a little trickier, but the good news is that you don't need to change the main recipe at all. Mix the eggs, sugar, Nutella, cream, and milk according to the directions in the section above. When you have a smooth mixture, transfer it to the fridge to chill while you ready your makeshift ice cream maker. Fill the large bowl with ice and rock salt. You want to add about enough ice to fill the bowl halfway to the top. Chopped ice is best here — the smaller the pieces of ice are, the more evenly they will cool the ice cream. Add the rock salt and stir to combine. At this point, clear enough space in your freezer so that the large bowl can fit in it. The rock salt is important because it lowers the temperature of the water past its normal freezing point, making the bowl colder than it would be with just ice. It also makes the ice melt slightly slower, though you should still work quickly so you can get the ice cream as cold as possible. Press the smaller bowl into the ice. Try to nestle the bowl into the ice so that it is almost buried up to the brim. This will get it as cold as possible. Mix the liquid ingredients in the inner bowl. Carefully pour your ice cream mix from earlier into the smaller, inner bowl. Use a hand mixer set to medium-low to mix the ingredients at a steady pace or simply beat by hand with a whisk. Mix for 10 minutes without stopping. You can cover the inner bowl with a towel to prevent splashing while you mix. Take care that no ice or salt water make their way into the inner bowl — this can ruin the taste. Transfer the entire thing into the freezer. After 10 minutes of mixing, the ingredients probably still won't look like actual ice cream yet. This is OK. Carefully cover the inner bowl with a towel. Place the large bowl (with the small bowl still inside) in the freezer. Chill for 45 minutes. Mix again briefly. After cooling, scrape the surface of the ice cream with a fork or spoon. It should be semi-solid but soft (like pudding). Mix with the whisk or hand mixer again for another 5 minutes. This should leave you with something that resembles soft-serve ice cream. For firmer ice cream, freeze as normal. The ice cream is ready to eat as soon as you think it has a solid-enough texture. If you want firm, traditional ice cream, just transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and let it cool in the fridge for 8 hours or so (as specified in the section above). Top with hazelnuts. Nuts are great for adding a crunchy texture to your favorite ice cream dishes. Hazelnuts are a natural choice for pairing with Nutella ice cream. Shelled and chopped hazelnuts are excellent sprinkled over a bowl of ice cream, but this isn't your only option. For instance, you can use a few whole hazelnuts as a tasteful garnish. While no ice cream dessert is going to be outright good for you , hazelnuts themselves have several health benefits like high fiber and folate content. Serve with cookies. Crisp cookies make the perfect companion for rich, smooth ice cream. Crisp wafer cookies work well — flavors like chocolate and vanilla are natural choices. Other good ideas include: Biscotti Round "straw" cookies (Pirouettes, etc.) Chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos, etc.) Nilla Wafers Make an affogato by pouring espresso over the ice cream. The hazelnut flavor of Nutella pairs excellently with coffee, so this Italian espresso dessert is a special treat. To make an affogato, put a scoop or two of Nutella ice cream in a mug, then make a shot of hot espresso. Pour the espresso over the ice cream and eat immediately for a delicious mix of flavors and temperatures. For added presentation, you can also try topping the ice cream in the mug with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and so on — it's up to you. Build a sundae with your favorite ice creams and toppings. Nutella makes a good centerpiece ingredient in decadent ice cream sundaes. This is your chance to get creative — there are dozens of delicious toppings that can make good choices here. Just a few are below: Whipped cream Caramel Chocolate sauce Fruit Chopped nuts Mint leaves

If you're using an ice cream maker, freeze the bowl. Whisk the eggs together in a bowl. Gradually whisk in the sugar. Whisk in the Nutella. Add cream and milk. Assemble the ice cream maker. Run the ice cream maker with the liquid mixture inside. Serve immediately for a soft texture. Transfer to freezer for a firmer texture. Prepare the liquid ingredients from the recipe above. Fill the large bowl with ice and rock salt. Press the smaller bowl into the ice. Mix the liquid ingredients in the inner bowl. Transfer the entire thing into the freezer. Mix again briefly. For firmer ice cream, freeze as normal. Top with hazelnuts. Serve with cookies. Make an affogato by pouring espresso over the ice cream. Build a sundae with your favorite ice creams and toppings.

https://www.wikihow.com/Peel-Jicama

How to Peel Jicama

To peel jicama, start by washing it under cool water and cutting off the top and bottom. Then, hold the jicama in one hand and place a knife at the base of it with your other hand. Next, with your thumb on the jicama, press the knife upward with your fingers toward your thumb. Before the knife comes into contact with your thumb, move your thumb up higher on the jicama. Continue to bring the knife upward until you reach the top. Then, bring it back down to the base of the jicama and repeat on another section.

Choose fresh jicama at the market. Look for firm tubers that have dry roots. Choose one that is slightly shiny, rather than dull. The skin should be unblemished and should not have bruises. The smaller jicama are younger and sweeter. The larger ones are older and starchier - better for boiling and mashing than eating raw. Choose jicama that are heavy for their size. Lighter ones have probably been sitting too long, and their moisture has started to evaporate. Wash the jicama under a stream of cool water. Use a nylon bristled brush or sponge to remove the dirt before rinsing it again. Place the clean jicama on a cutting board. Use a knife to slice away the top and the bottom of the tuber. Place a vegetable peeler at the base of the fruit. Tuck the blade of the vegetable peeler under the fibrous skin. Pull upward on the vegetable peeler. Take a section of the skin off of the jicama. Rotate the jicama and peel away the skin. Keep peeling until all of the skin has been removed. It's important to get every last bit, since eating the skin can give you a stomach ache. Process the jicama. Cut the jicama into matchsticks or cube it according to the instructions in your recipe. Discard the peel in your compost pile or garbage bin. Jicama is delicious prepared the following ways: Julienned - the matchstick-shaped pieces are for adding to salad and slaw. Cubed and roasted. It makes wonderful oven-roasted fries. Chopped and boiled. Add some butter and salt for a wonderful starchy treat. You can also mash jicama like a potato. Sliced and sauteed. It's a 5-minute side dish that pairs perfectly with any meat or fish. Place the paring knife at the base of the fruit. Your fingers should be curled around the handle of the knife, and your thumb should be resting on the jicama. Use your fingers to push the knife slowly upward toward your thumb. Don't let the blade come into contact with your thumb. The skin should peel off as the knife travels upward. Be careful not to remove too much of the flesh as you cut off the peel. Reposition your thumb a little higher on the fruit. Continue to bring the knife upward. Keep peeling until you reach the top of the fruit. Bring the knife back to the base of the fruit. Peel away another section. Continue until you have removed all of the peel, and discard the peel in your garbage or compost bin.

Choose fresh jicama at the market. Wash the jicama under a stream of cool water. Place the clean jicama on a cutting board. Place a vegetable peeler at the base of the fruit. Pull upward on the vegetable peeler. Rotate the jicama and peel away the skin. Process the jicama. Place the paring knife at the base of the fruit. Use your fingers to push the knife slowly upward toward your thumb. Reposition your thumb a little higher on the fruit. Bring the knife back to the base of the fruit.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Broken-Cork

How to Remove a Broken Cork

If you want to remove a broken cork from a bottle, try to push the cork back into the bottle using your fingers. Then, strain the liquid to get rid of the pieces of cork and pour it into a new container. If that doesn't work, place the bottle in a hard soled shoe, then carefully hit the sole of the shoe on a hard surface repeatedly. Once the cork starts to come out of the bottle, you should be able to pull it out with your fingers.

Grab a hard-soled shoe or a towel. This method is best saved as a last resort as you will be hitting the bottle on a hard surface like a wall or tree. You should not try this method on drywall or any weak structure. The pounding could break or damage your walls or furniture. This method is very dangerous as you can easily break the bottle, causing the glass to shatter. The glass can injure you severely. Proceed with extreme caution. Hit the bottom of the bottle. Wrap the bottom of the bottle in the towel or place inside the opening of a hard-soled shoe. Then carefully hit the bottom of the bottle onto your hard surface. The shoe should be sturdy like a dress shoe. It should have a solid, flat heel. If you have a towel, make sure to wrap the towel evenly so that the part of the bottle hitting your hard surface is as flat as possible. Hit the bottle on your surface with a slow and consistent rhythm. The force of your motion and the movement of the liquid will slowly begin to push the cork upward out of the bottle. Twist the rest of the cork out of the bottle. Once the cork has begun to emerge from the bottle, grab it with your fingers and pull it out. Don't keep hitting the bottle when you see that you can grab the cork. If you hit the bottle on the surface and force the cork out, your liquid will come spraying out after it. Even when pulling the cork out, you may want to give your wine or champagne a few minutes to settle before pulling out the cork. It may spray when you remove the cork. Enjoy your wine or champagne. Once you have finally removed your cork, you can now sit back and enjoy a hard earned drink. This method of popping out the cork should be saved for last. It is recommended that you push the cork through the bottle before attempting this method. Grab a lengthy wood screw. A sheet metal screw will work, too. It also helps to grab a hammer and a screwdriver. For this method you need a screw that's long and sturdy enough to act as a corkscrew. If you have a corkscrew, this will be your best bet as it's designed to pull the cork out of the bottle. However, it's assumed here that you don't have one. Twist the screw into the broken cork. You will need to gently, but firmly insert the screw into the broken cork by twisting it down. If you have a screwdriver it could be useful here for inserting the screw without pushing the cork further down. If you notice the cork is being pushed down, stop. Try creating a small hole with the point of a knife for the screw to go into. Insert the screw until it is far enough into the cork so that it won't pop out. But you also need to leave enough room for the claws of the hammer to grab the screw. Try not to drive the screw through the cork if you can. Doing so can make it harder to pull the cork out of the bottle. Place the hammer’s claws around the screw. Once you have the screw, at least, 0.4 inches (10 mm) or so into the cork, begin pulling up the screw. Instead of pulling straight up, the hammer should work like a fulcrum. Like you would with certain corkscrews, you want to apply a downward force on the handle of the hammer to lift the screw and cork up. Pull the cork out. Push down on the hammer's handle to act as a lever to pull the screw upward taking the cork with it. If using the hammer as a fulcrum doesn't work and it looks like the cork is going to break, then try pulling straight up. You may also have to use your fingers and grab the head of the screw and pull up with force. Take your time and move slowly. The cork will be weakened from breaking. Grab a knife. Use a sharp knife that is thin enough to get into the opening of the bottle. For this method, you'll have better luck if you use a flat knife and not a serrated one. The flat knife will be able to smoothly slide into the cork without as much resistance as a serrated knife. Insert the knife into the cork near the cork’s edge and the neck of the bottle. Push the knife about 1 inch (25 mm) into the cork. Don't push the knife into the center of the cork. You need to get it in on the edge so that when you turn it you can make larger turns. You're not unscrewing the cork as much as you're turning the knife and cork together. This motion is more like turning a door knob than unscrewing a bottle cap. Turn the knife. Pull up as you turn the knife. Be very careful here as you will now need to grip the flat part of the knife's blade. Wear gloves if you have some to protect your fingers. Start turning the knife, very slowly, around the mouth of the bottle. The knife should be angled at roughly forty-five degrees to give it leverage. You may have to try wedging the blade of the knife between the bottle and the cork, depending on how much cork you have to work with. Twist the cork out. Once you're able to pull the cork up enough to get a good grip with your fingers, remove the knife. As soon you don't the need the knife as a wedge to pull up the cork, put it down and remove the remainder of the cork with your fingers. Then, enjoy your wine or champagne. Remove any debris from the cork. Pushing the cork down into the bottle is the easiest way to get to your drink, but it's also the messiest to deal with. If your cork has broken and you can't pull it out using other methods, you can always push it in. Before you go pushing the cork into the bottle, make sure to remove any debris that you can from the cork. You will always end up with some, but try to make it easier on yourself and get rid of as much as possible. Make sure to do this somewhere you are ok with possibly wine or champagne squirting out of the bottle. You should not be wearing any clothing you like for this method. The pressure that you release when pushing the cork down into the bottle may cause some of the liquid to spray out. Push the cork into the bottle. Using your fingers, push the cork down until it falls into the bottle. You will now have access to your drink, but there is also a cork and some debris in the wine or champagne. Quickly strain the liquid. Pour your wine through a coffee filter or strainer. After the cork lands in the bottle, use a coffee filter to strain out the residual cork pieces. If you have a glass coffee pot like a Chemex with paper filters you can pour your wine from your bottle into the container. The filter will catch all the cork debris and let the liquid pass through. You can also use any paper filter over any type of container. Pour the wine into a new container. You can rinse the bottle and pour the wine back in using a funnel. You may want to use another container, though. If most of the cork is still in the bottle, you can also just pour the wine into a decanter. Then, enjoy. Once you push a cork into a bottle, you won't be able to easily remove it. It's best to store your liquid in a new bottle.

Grab a hard-soled shoe or a towel. Hit the bottom of the bottle. Twist the rest of the cork out of the bottle. Enjoy your wine or champagne. Grab a lengthy wood screw. Twist the screw into the broken cork. Place the hammer’s claws around the screw. Pull the cork out. Grab a knife. Insert the knife into the cork near the cork’s edge and the neck of the bottle. Turn the knife. Twist the cork out. Remove any debris from the cork. Push the cork into the bottle. Pour your wine through a coffee filter or strainer. Pour the wine into a new container.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Apple-Butter

How to Make Apple Butter

To make apple butter in a slow cooker, cook your apple slices with apple cider vinegar on “high” for 8 hours. Then, turn down the heat to “low” and cook for another 10 hours. Next, add your sugar and spice mixture, give it a good stir and cook for 4 more hours. When it's finished, remove the apple butter from the cooker and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes. If you want extra smooth apple butter, puree it in a blender of food processor before refrigerating.

Wash, peel, core, and quarter the apples. Wash the apples first, then peel them. After this, you can core them using an apple corer, and then cut them into quarters. If you don't own an apple corer, you can cut them into quarters first, then cut the core away with a knife. Put the apples and apple cider into a large pot, bring it to a boil, then simmer it over low heat for 20 minutes. Put the apples into a large pot first, then add the apple cider. Turn the heat up to high, and let the cider come to a boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low, and let the apples and cider simmer for 20 minutes. Add the sugar and spices, return to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Stir in the sugar and spices, then turn the heat back up to high. Let the mixture come to a boil. As soon as the cider starts to boil, reduce the heat to low, and let the apples simmer for 30 minutes. For a twist, try 1½ cups (300 grams) of brown sugar and ½ cup (115 grams) of white sugar. If you'd like the apple cider to be sweeter, you can add up to 4 cups (900 grams) of sugar. Let the mixture cool for a bit, then mash or purée the apples. Once the apples are soft, take the pot off the stove, and let the mixture cool down a little. You can then mash the apples using a potato masher, or purée them in a blender or food processor. Return the mixture to the pot, and continue cooking it over low heat until it thickens, about 1 hour. The longer you cook it, the thicker it will become. You don't want the apple butter to be too thick, however; the mixture should be reduced by about 40 to 50%. The apple butter may splatter. Consider keeping a splatter screen of sorts over the pot to keep your kitchen clean. Pour the apple butter into jars, leaving ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters) of space. Wipe the mouths of the jars with a clean towel, then put the lids on. Store the jars in the fridge. Wash, peel, core, and quarter the apples. Wash the apples first, then peel them. After this, you can core them using an apple corer, and then cut them into quarters. If you don't own an apple corer, you can cut them into quarters first, then cut the core away with a knife. Cook the apples and apple cider vinegar in a crock-pot on "high" for 8 hours. Place the apples into a crock-pot or slow cooker. Pour in the apple cider vinegar, and cover the crock-pot with a lid. Set the heat on high, and let the apples and vinegar cook for 8 hours. Turn the heat down to low, and cook for another 10 hours. You can open up the crock-pot and give the mixture a stir, but you need to leave the lid on while it is cooking. Stir in the sugars and spices, and cook for 4 more hours. Add the white sugar and brown sugar. Then add the ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground allspice. Give everything a good stir, then put the lid back on. Cook the mixture for 4 more hours. Blend or purée the apple butter, if desired. If you want your apple butter to be extra smooth, take it out of the crock-pot, and let it cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before puréeing it in a blender or food processor. Pour the apple butter into jars, leaving ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters) of space. Wipe the mouth of the jars clean before putting the lid on. Store the apple butter in the fridge. Wash, peel, core, and cut the apples. Wash and peel apples first. After that, you can core them with an apple corer, and then cut them into quarters. If you don't have an apple corer, cut them into quarters first, then slice the cores away with a knife. Mix together the sugars, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl. Stir the sugars, spices, vanilla extract, and salt together until everything is evenly blended and no lumps or clumps remain. This will ensure that the apples get coated with an even amount of everything. For a milder flavor, use just 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves. Omit the vanilla. For a more flavorful apple butter, try: 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. For a sweeter apple butter, use 1 cup (225 grams) of white sugar and 1 cup (200 grams) of light brown sugar. Put the apples into a crock-pot or slow cooker, then pour the sugar mixture over them. Use a wooden spoon or a rubber spatula to stir everything together. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the crock-pot so that the apples at the bottom get coated with the sugar mixture too. Cover the crock-pot with a lid, and cook the apple mixture on high 1 hour. This will jump-start the cooking process. Don't worry if your apples haven't turned to "butter" by the time the hour is up. Cook the apples over low heat for 9 to 11 hours, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and brown. Once the initial hour is up, open up the crock-pot and give the apple mixture a stir. Then, cover the crock-pot again, reduce the heat to "low," and cook for another 9 to 11 hours. From time-to-time, open up the lid, and give the apples a stir. Cook the apples uncovered for 1 more hour over low heat. This will help any excess liquid evaporate, and give you a nice, thick apple butter. If you'd like, you can stir the apple butter with a whisk to make it smoother. Blend or purée the apple butter, if desired. If the apple butter is still not smooth enough for you, take it out of the crock-pot and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Pour it into a blender or food processor, and pulse it until it is smooth. Pour the apple butter into jars, and store them in the fridge. Leave ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters) of space in each jar. Wipe the mouth with a clean towel, then screw the lid on tightly. Store the apple butter in the fridge. Finished.

Wash, peel, core, and quarter the apples. Put the apples and apple cider into a large pot, bring it to a boil, then simmer it over low heat for 20 minutes. Add the sugar and spices, return to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Let the mixture cool for a bit, then mash or purée the apples. Return the mixture to the pot, and continue cooking it over low heat until it thickens, about 1 hour. Pour the apple butter into jars, leaving ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters) of space. Wash, peel, core, and quarter the apples. Cook the apples and apple cider vinegar in a crock-pot on "high" for 8 hours. Turn the heat down to low, and cook for another 10 hours. Stir in the sugars and spices, and cook for 4 more hours. Blend or purée the apple butter, if desired. Pour the apple butter into jars, leaving ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters) of space. Wash, peel, core, and cut the apples. Mix together the sugars, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl. Put the apples into a crock-pot or slow cooker, then pour the sugar mixture over them. Cover the crock-pot with a lid, and cook the apple mixture on high 1 hour. Cook the apples over low heat for 9 to 11 hours, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and brown. Cook the apples uncovered for 1 more hour over low heat. Blend or purée the apple butter, if desired. Pour the apple butter into jars, and store them in the fridge. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-Cold-Sore-from-Growing

How to Stop a Cold Sore from Growing

To stop a cold sore from growing, hold an ice cube against it to ease irritation and then cover it with petroleum jelly. While you're treating it, avoid irritating your cold sore by resisting the urge to touch it, pick it, or scratch it. Touching the sore makes it more likely for the virus to spread to other parts of your body. If you frequently suffer from cold sores, apply an over-the-counter antiviral cream like penciclovir 5 times a day, for 4 or 5 days.

Know the signs. If you have experienced a cold sore before, you may be able to get a sense for when an outbreak is going to occur. You may experience itching, burning, or tingling around your lips about a day before the cold sore appears. If you believe you are about to get a cold sore, you can begin treatment right away and potentially shorten the duration of the outbreak. You can also make sure you don't accidentally spread the virus to anyone by refraining from contact. Outbreaks commonly occur when you experience a great deal of stress, are overly tired and fatigued, or when you have a viral infection or fever (cold sores are also known as "fever blisters"). Use an over the counter topical treatment. There are a number of antiviral creams that you can get over the counter without a prescription to tackle cold sores. These are designed to speed up the healing time for the sore, they will not actually get rid of the herpes simplex virus nor will they prevent you suffering from future outbreaks. They will generally only be effective if you apply them soon after the sores appear. The antiviral creams to look out for include acyclovir, penciclovir, and docosanol. In a study penciclovir was reported to have the highest antiviral effectiveness. You will need to apply these creams for four or five days, and up to five times each day. When you apply the cream be sure to use a cotton swab or wear a disposable rubber glove so you don't contaminate your hands. Consider an oral antiviral. For many of these creams, there are alternatives in pill form. You can take these orally if you prefer that to a topical cream. Oral medications may be more effective than topical creams. They will certainly not require to touch the sores in any way, which can help limit their spread. If you are uncertain, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Soothe the pain. As well as the antiviral treatments, you can consider taking some painkilling medicine to ease the pain and lessen the irritation the sores are causing you. If you find yourself battling to avoid itching or scratching the cold sores, try using a non-antiviral cream to lessen the irritation. These will not treat the cold sores or make them heal faster on their own. Ask for pharmacist for a recommendation. Regular painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can be taken to ease the pain of sores. Use something cold to ease irritation. Applying something cold to the area where you have a sore can also help to relieve the pain and irritation. Lightly hold an ice cube against a sore, or place a cool damp cloth on your face. A cool compress can reduce redness and encourage the sore to heal. Try placing a cool towel on the sores three times day, each time for twenty minutes. Consider natural remedies. Although natural remedies are unreliable compared to medications, there are a number of things which have been reported as helping tackle cold sores. One of these is L lysine, an amino acid that you can buy as a supplement and as a cream. Modest application to the cold sore may help. Alternatively, propolis, sometimes called synthetic beeswax, is thought to shorten the duration of a cold sore outbreak if applied to the relevant area early and frequently. A cream of rhubarb and sage has been cited as a homemade alternative to acyclovir cream. Stress has been linked to cold sore outbreaks, so lowering your levels of stress could help. Keep your hands clean. If you want to stop a cold sore from growing or spreading it's essential to ensure that you maintain good hygiene. Keeping your hands clean by regularly washing them with soap and water will limit the chances of it spreading. You should try not to touch the cold sore at all, but you might do it involuntarily, so keeping your hands clean is essential. If you do touch the cold sore, be sure that you wash your hands immediately afterwards. If you don't, you could spread the virus to other parts of your body. Don't risk transporting the virus to someone else. You should be conscious that an important part of maintaining good hygiene is about avoiding the risk of spreading the virus to another person. You can take steps against this by doing simple things, such as not sharing objects which come into contact with the area around your cold sore. Don't share items such as towels, cups, lipgloss, a razor, or toothbrushes. It is also important not kiss anybody or perform oral sex. This can transport the virus to your partner. If someone has oral sex while they have a cold sore, they can transmit the virus to their partner and cause herpes in the genital area. Wash your face gently. If you have a cold sore it can be awkward to wash your face. The key thing to remember is that you don't want to irritate the cold sore. Wash your face twice a day and only use mild soap. If this is irritating your sores, consider using just water. Remember to thoroughly wash your hands before you wash your face. Don't touch it. If you have a cold sore and want to stop it growing and spreading, it's very important that you resist the urge to touch it, pick it, scratch it, or rub it. Touching a sore is surefire way to exacerbate it and risk spreading to other parts of your body. If you touch the sore there is a risk of the virus spreading to your fingers, a condition known as herpes whitlow. It is also possible for your eyes to become infected, potentially leading to scarring, injury and problems with your vision. A cold sore can spread to other areas of your skin. If you have eczema this is a particular risk, and can become a serious medical problem. Cover and protect the cold sore. To try and stop a cold sore from growing, it can be beneficial to cover it in some way that protects it from irritants but doesn't encourage further infection. Cold sore patches containing hydrocolloid gel can be used to cover and protect the sore. They are an effective way to treat skin wounds, allowing them to heal while under the protection of the patch. Alternatively, you can gently apply petroleum jelly over the sore to offer it some protection. If you do this be sure that you wash your hands thoroughly first. Avoid irritants. As well as not touching it, you need to try and make sure no other irritants come into contact with the area where you have the sores. For some people sunlight can trigger outbreaks of cold sores. If this is your experience be sure to use plenty of sunblock to protect your skin, especially around your lips and mouth, or wherever the cold sores usually appear. If you have cold sores around your lips and mouth, spicy, salty and acidic food can irritate them. They to avoid these kinds of food when you have a cold sore.

Know the signs. Use an over the counter topical treatment. Consider an oral antiviral. Soothe the pain. Use something cold to ease irritation. Consider natural remedies. Keep your hands clean. Don't risk transporting the virus to someone else. Wash your face gently. Don't touch it. Cover and protect the cold sore. Avoid irritants.

https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Preschool

How to Start a Preschool

To start a preschool, you'll need to secure funding, find an appropriate building, and apply for your preschool license. Once you've identified an area in need of a new preschool, you'll need to fund it. You can do this as a sole owner, Limited Liability Corporation, or as a non-profit organization if you want tax exemption. Funding can come from private investors, bank loans, or government grants. Then, buy or lease a building for your preschool that conforms to local regulations. At this point, you can apply for your preschool license. All that's left then is to hire staff and write a curriculum for what your kids will learn and the style of teaching.

Fill a need in your community. In order for your preschool to be successful, it must fill a need in your area. Look up other preschools near you and learn a little about each of them. Try to find out things like: How many preschools are currently operating in your area. Whether any particular populations of kids are underserved by preschools in your area (e.g., kids with disabilities or kids from low-income families). What kinds of educational philosophies or approaches are represented in your community's preschools. Which schools are successful, and which are not (e.g., based on your local school quality rating system or parent reviews). The typical budget and tuition rates for preschools in your area. You can get a lot of this type of information through your local department of commerce, child resource agencies, or the Small Business Administration. Start a sole proprietorship if you want to keep it simple. There are many possible business models for a preschool, and the best one for you will depend on your resources. If you are planning to run a small school as the only owner, a sole proprietorship may be your best option. Sole proprietorships are relatively inexpensive to start and maintain, but you will be personally liable in case of any accidents that take place at your school. Any debts will also be your personal responsibility. You will also need to pay both personal and business taxes related to your school. This may be a good option if you are planning to run a small preschool from your home. Create a limited liability corporation (LLC) to protect your assets. An LLC is a good option if you plan to hire employees for your school, or if your school will be financed by a bank. One major advantage of an LLC is that your personal assets will be protected in case of a lawsuit. You may need to pay higher taxes to run an LLC than you would for a sole proprietorship. Establish a non-profit school if you want tax exemption. Non-profit schools are funded by private donors, and are also eligible for government support. This may be an especially good option if you want to start a school for disadvantaged or underserved kids in your community. Non-profit schools are more likely than for-profit schools to attract large contributions from donors, since these gifts are tax-deductible. If you create a nonprofit, you will need to file annual reports on your school's finances and activities. Form a parent cooperative if you are interested in a parent-run school. At a co-op school, the parents of the students share in all aspects of the school's operation, from hiring staff to assisting in the classroom. Reach out to other parents in your community to find out if they are interested in forming a cooperative school. Organizations like Parent Cooperative Preschools International ( https://www.preschools.coop/ ) can help you get started and connect you with helpful resources. Work with a preschool franchise to build on an established model. If you don't want the hassle of starting a business from scratch, there are several preschool franchises on the market. Franchises come with the advantage of a recognizable brand and a template in place for curriculum and business operations. Franchises are potentially very profitable, but you must also be prepared to invest a lot of money at the outset. To find potential preschool franchise opportunities, do a general web search or try a website like FranchiseGator.com. Work with a business lawyer if you need help. If you're not sure how to begin, contact a business lawyer in your area to discuss the pros and cons of each possible preschool business model. They can also help you navigate the licensing requirements for preschools in your area. Fulfill any licensing requirements in your area. Licensing requirements for preschools vary widely from one place to another, so you will need to familiarize yourself with the laws in your state, province, or municipality. Do a search using terms like “preschool licensing requirements in Chicago.” You may need to contact multiple agencies or offices in your area for full information on licensing requirements. In Illinois, for example, you must obtain childcare licenses from the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Department of Children and Family Services. If you plan to establish a preschool in Chicago, your facility must also adhere to guidelines established by Chicago's Department of Public Health. Licensing standards may include things like background and health checks for all staff, minimum space requirements per child, building safety requirements, and guidelines for appropriate educational programming. In the U.S., you can find licensing information for your state with this database: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/licensing. Conform to preschool curriculum standards in your area. Some areas have regional curriculum standards for early childhood education. These standards are designed to guide educators in the development of effective and appropriate educational programming for preschool-aged children. Familiarizing yourself with these standards will help you prepare a stronger plan as you develop your school. Do a search using terms like “state early learning standards Texas.” The education agency in your state, province or municipality may provide training workshops and educational materials for educators interested in learning about these guidelines. Comply with quality rating system requirements in your area if applicable. Check with your local board of education to find out about the laws pertaining to preschool quality rating systems. Many states in the U.S. participate in QRIS (Quality Rating Improvement Systems) for preschools, and in some states, schools are required to meet QRIS standards. While the names and standards of these systems vary from one state to another, they tend to assign points based on the quality of each school's: Curriculum and assessment. Learning environment. Staff qualifications. Family engagement. Administrative practices. Write a statement of philosophy. A strong educational philosophy is the foundation for any successful preschool. Your philosophy statement should outline, in a few paragraphs, the core values and approaches that you want your school to embody. If you plan to adhere to a particular set of educational standards or a specific educational philosophy (such as the Montessori approach), mention this in your statement. For example, you might write a statement emphasizing that your school will provide play-based curriculum, provide access to quality education and a safe environment for underserved kids, and focus on community and family engagement. There are numerous examples of preschool philosophy statements online. These can serve as a good model for your statement. For example, you might start by reading over the samples here: https://ccids.umaine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2015/01/Sample-Program-Philosophy-Statements.pdf. Compose a business plan. Once you've done some research and established a basic philosophy for your school, you can begin the process of putting together a more detailed plan for your school. There are numerous ways to construct a business plan. The most important thing is to include all the key information, such as: An overview of what your research on the preschool market in your community. Basic information about the school you plan to establish, such as the school's name and legal structure (i.e., will it be a non-profit school or an LLC?). Information about your goals and philosophies for the school. A plan for meeting your area's licensing requirements. A plan for what type of location you would like to use (e.g., will you operate out of your home or rent a commercial space?). A budget for expenses such as rent, school supplies, utilities, staff salaries, food, maintenance, and playground equipment. Hiring and marketing plans. Develop your curriculum. It will serve you well to have strong ideas about your educational programming right from the start. Look at the different styles of preschool curriculum, and consider which ones fit best with your educational philosophy. A few of the most common educational approaches include: Montessori, a teaching approach that focuses on the hands-on, individualized learning. Waldorf, which focuses on establishing clear and consistent routines and group-oriented learning. Project-based approaches that focuses on the individual interests and strengths of each child. Play-based curriculum, which focuses on unstructured, hands-on learning without a strong focus on academic content. Academic approaches, such as High/Scope, that focus on building a strong foundation for academic skills such as reading and math. Reach out to your local early childhood coordinator. Check with your local school district and find out who the early childhood coordinator is. This person can play an invaluable role in helping you find the resources you need to start your preschool. If your school district does not have an early childhood coordinator, find out if your state or province has an early childhood education network. These networks connect various local agencies that are involved in early learning, and they may have a variety of resources available for you. Try doing a search for terms like “early childhood coordinator my state.” Contact potential investors if your school is for-profit. Even if you're starting a for-profit preschool, you may find it hard to attract traditional investors. It's not impossible, however. One good place to start is on websites like AngelList ( https://angel.co ), where you can create a profile and advertise directly to investors who are interested in funding education startups. In order to attract investors, you will need a strong business plan that clearly demonstrates why your preschool is needed in your community. Reach out to people in your professional network to find out if they know anyone who might be interested in investing. You can also consider running a crowdfunding campaign on a website like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to get support for your school. Apply for government grants if you need additional funding. Government grants are another good source of funding for new preschools. Your school may qualify for a small business grant, an education grant, or both, depending on where you live and the nature of your school. If you live in the U.S., contact the lead child care agency in your state to find out what kinds of grants and funds are available for new preschools. You can find the contact information for your state's lead agency here: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/resource/ccdf-grantee-state-and-territory-contacts. You can find more information by contacting your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) office. To find CCR&R information for your area, visit http://www.childcareaware.org/ or call Child Care Aware at 1-800-424-2246. The Small Business Administration can also help you connect with financial resources if you are hoping to start a preschool in the U.S. Choose an appropriate space for your school. Unless you are planning to operate the preschool out of your home, you will probably need to lease a space. You may be able to lease a commercial space in your area, or even rent space in a church or community center. Bear in mind that you will need to: Ensure that your space confirms to local licensing, zoning, health, and safety requirements. Select a space that is large enough to accommodate all the students and staff safely and comfortably. Find a space that is comfortable, pleasant, and has sufficient outdoor play space. Check that your space has bathrooms, room for storage, areas where staff can work, and areas where children can eat, rest, play and learn. Get insurance for your school. No matter what type of preschool you choose to open, you will need some type of business insurance. At minimum, you will need general liability insurance. You may also need other types of insurance, such as professional liability insurance or commercial property insurance. If you live in the U.S., consult the Small Business Administration's website on the different types of business insurance here: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/get-business-insurance. The types of insurance you need may also vary depending on local preschool licensing laws. Apply for your preschool license(s). Once you feel you are ready to meet the local licensing requirements, you will need to fill out an application packet. Contact your local school licensing office(s) to discuss how to proceed and what types of documentation you may need to provide in order to get your facility licensed. Find out how many staff members you will need. Most places have specific regulations about the ratio of teachers and other childcare staff to children in a preschool or other childcare facility. Check with your local licensing office to determine the minimum number of teachers and other childcare staff you will need to hire for your school. Also consider what other staff members your school may need, such as administrators and maintenance staff. Determine your criteria for hiring school staff. Depending on local regulations and your personal preferences, you may be looking for a variety of characteristics in your staff. Check with your local licensing agencies to find out whether preschool teachers and staff in your area are required to have certain qualifications, such as: Specific degrees or types of education (e.g., a BA in Early Childhood Education). Teaching certifications related to early childhood education. A certain level of direct teaching experience (e.g., do teachers need to have spent a certain amount of time student-teaching before becoming full-time preschool teachers?). There may also be age requirements for some positions. E.g., in Maryland, a preschool director must be at least 21 years of age. Advertise open staff positions online. You can use general job boards like Indeed.com, or advertise on education-specific job boards like TopSchoolJobs.com. Be sure to provide detailed information about each position, including job title, responsibilities, required and desirable qualifications, and instructions for submitting applications. Ask people in your professional network for recommendations. If you know other educators or school administrators, they may be able to recommend good teachers or other people with early childhood education experience who are looking for jobs in your area. Make a few phone calls or send out some emails letting your connections know that you are hiring. Provide specific information about what you are looking for. For example, you might say, “I'm starting a new Montessori preschool. Do you know any good American Montessori Society certified teachers who are looking for work?” Have potential staff members submit to required background checks. Once you've found some good potential candidates, they will have to be vetted in accordance with your local licensing agency's requirements. Contact your licensing office to find out which checks are required and what steps you need to take in order to run checks on potential employees. Typically, all staff members will need: State and federal criminal history checks, based on name and fingerprints. A child abuse registry check. A sex offender registry check.

Fill a need in your community. Start a sole proprietorship if you want to keep it simple. Create a limited liability corporation (LLC) to protect your assets. Establish a non-profit school if you want tax exemption. Form a parent cooperative if you are interested in a parent-run school. Work with a preschool franchise to build on an established model. Work with a business lawyer if you need help. Fulfill any licensing requirements in your area. Conform to preschool curriculum standards in your area. Comply with quality rating system requirements in your area if applicable. Write a statement of philosophy. Compose a business plan. Develop your curriculum. Reach out to your local early childhood coordinator. Contact potential investors if your school is for-profit. Apply for government grants if you need additional funding. Choose an appropriate space for your school. Get insurance for your school. Apply for your preschool license(s). Find out how many staff members you will need. Determine your criteria for hiring school staff. Advertise open staff positions online. Ask people in your professional network for recommendations. Have potential staff members submit to required background checks.

https://www.wikihow.com/Flirt-With-a-Guy-With-Your-Eyes

How to Flirt With a Guy With Your Eyes

Flirting with your eyes can be a great way to grab a guy's attention and let him know you like him. Glance at him briefly when you first spot him, making sure he notices you looking. This will let him know you're interested in him. If you're in the same room but far apart, make eye contact for a longer period of time and smile to show you're serious. When you know he's looking, raise your eyebrow to make a “Come here” motion if you want to encourage him to come over. You can also flutter your eyelashes by blinking rapidly to let the guy know that you find him attractive.

Meet his eyes briefly. As you're keeping tabs on him out of the corner of your eye, look over at him periodically while he's looking at you and allow your eyes to “brush.” Don't maintain eye contact for too long yet. Just let your eyes meet for long enough to let him know that you're looking intentionally, and didn't just happen to be scanning the room. These first fleeting looks is where the spark of attraction is generated. Look directly at him and smile. You've noticed him. He's noticed you noticing him. Now is the time to turn on the charm. After you've locked eyes for a moment, lower them like you're too shy to keep looking. Then, look him in the eye again and smile. This will be a clear signal that you find him attractive and may be enough to convince him to come say hi. The “look and smile” move has been demonstrated time and time again to be one of the most alluring flirting techniques there is. Give him a smile that's cute and coy, without teeth showing. Don't make it a humorous grin; a playful smirk will work best. Flutter your eyelashes. Once you've got him looking your way, blink a little more rapidly than usual. While it's become something of a flirting cliche, batting those eyelashes actually does work. Quick blinking and coy eye movement suggest to the person you're flirting with that you feel self-conscious because you find them attractive. It's also been shown in turn to be a behavior that's attractive to males. Quickened eyelash movement is often used by women to signal affection and romantic interest, sometimes even subconsciously. A few quick flutters will do. You don't want to end up looking like you have a nervous condition. Hold his gaze. With the initial contact out of the way, draw his attention with a long, deliberate gaze. Show him that you're serious by positioning your body to face him directly and maintaining constant eye contact. Don't smile quite as much. Instead, let your look turn sultry. After only a minute or so of mutual gazing, the attraction between the two of you will solidified to a near-intimate level. Don't lock eyes for too long. After a point it will become a little creepy. You don't want it to look like you're staring him down. Check him out with your eyes. By now it should be obvious to him that you're interested. Take it one step further by looking him over, like you're check out what he's working with. Give him a quick sweep from head to toe and back again, then smile again to let him know that you like what you see. Give him a last look as you pass. As you walk by, turn your head slightly and follow him with your eyes. Make it seem like you can't take your eyes off of him; he'll feel like a literal head-turner. This is a small gesture but one that will assure him that he's still on your mind even after he's out of sight. It's now or never: he'll know that his only chance to meet you is about to pass him up. This will obviously work best if you're passing the guy you're flirting with on foot. If he happens to be in the same room as you, excuse yourself to go to the bathroom or give yourself another reason to walk by. Try not to appear too wrapped up as you pass. The point is to make your attraction to him evident while maintaining your own mystique. Play it cool and get him to follow your stare right back. Invite him over with your eyes. Lift one eyebrow slightly and use a "come hither" motion of your eyes to hint that he should come talk to you. If you've been sending the right signals, he'll most likely want to come over and introduce himself. Be patient and let it happen. Put the impetus of making the first move on him to show that you're self-assured. Flirting with him from afar will have given him the confidence he needs to talk to you face-to-face. Don't break eye contact when motioning him over. Imagine that you're using your gaze to communicate your will to him, or that your eyes are like magnets, pulling him closer. Smile with your eyes when you talk to him. If you're rather not wait for him to make the first move, go over and break the ice yourself. There's no rule that says you have to leave it to him when it comes to flirting and attraction. Just be casual and say hi. While you're talking to him, open your eyes a little wider than normal and try to display a warm, enthusiastic expression.Your eyes play a major role in non-verbal communication long after the early stages of flirting. If he's with other people, you might want to wait until he has a moment alone. It can be awkward flirting directly with a person for the first time in front of their friends. Other pieces of body language can be used to exhibit attraction, such as nodding enthusiastically when he speaks and lightly fixing your hair with your fingertips. Compliment him with a look. Once you're finally talking, say something complimentary about his appearance. Don't just say the words: pair each compliment up with expressive eye gestures as though he's wearing each piece of praise you give him like clothing. Tell him that he has nice eyes or a lovely smile, and that it caused you to notice him from across the room. He'll probably have some pretty flattering things to say to you, as well. After that, you're in! You've successfully drawn a cute guy in, and you did it all without saying a word. Talk with your eyes as well as your mouth. A look can say a lot on its own, and you can say a lot more if you match the right look to the right phrase. The first traits we tend to notice about the opposite sex are eyes, hair, and smile. These all make great things to compliment. Be confident. Successful flirting requires you to look and feel good. Exude confidence when you're around the guy you're trying to attract to let him see that you're worth getting to know. The more confident you appear, the more drawn to you he'll be, which will making hooking him with eye flirting easy. Put some effort into your appearance before going out. Even if you're not trying to pick up a cute guy, the better you look, the better you'll feel, and a confident appearance translates to social magnetism. Make sure your eyes look great. The eyes are the scouts of long-distance flirting, and they're likely one of the first things he'll notice about you. Give him something worth looking at by making your eyes unignorable. Use eyeliner to lend your eyes some smoky definition and non-clumping mascara to make your lashes long and lush. When he sees you peering at him from under your perfect, batting eyelashes, he'll be powerless to look away. You should also be doing the right things with your eyes. Slightly wide eyes will hint at physical admiration, while a raised eyebrow can create a challenging, seductive expression, etc. Get in his line of sight. In order to establish a session of playful eye flirting, you need to be somewhere that he can see you. If you're out somewhere like a bar, restaurant or concert, position yourself across from him so that you're directly in front of him or just off to one side, right in his line of sight. If you're trying to flirt with him while walking, be sure to walk slowly and closely so that he'll see you as he passes. Plant yourself where he can see you, but don't be so obvious about trying to flirt with him that you become an unwelcome distraction. You'll have less time to get your point across if you're trying to eye flirt with a guy that you're passing on the street, so make sure you grab his attention quick and make the most of the opportunity. Watch him out of the corner of your eye. Once you're situated where he's got you in plain sight, keep an eye on him. Be subtle about it; don't stare like you're bird-watching or let him catch you looking too often. You're just watching to see how he carries himself socially, and taking note of how often you catch him looking back at you. Taking little peeks at him once in a while is a great way to make “first contact” and initiate a game of back-and-forth eye flirting. Let him catch you laughing. If you know he's also noticed you, make sure he's looking while you joke with friends, or tell a captivating story. Chances are he'll be trying to gauge your personality when he's looking you over, so in those moments you should display the fun, outgoing side of yourself. You don't have to ham it up too much—just allow him a glimpse of how sociable and fun to be around you are. Letting him see you having a good time with your friends not only says that you're well-liked but that not all of your attention is focused on him, effectively allowing you to play hard-to-get.

Meet his eyes briefly. Look directly at him and smile. Flutter your eyelashes. Hold his gaze. Check him out with your eyes. Give him a last look as you pass. Invite him over with your eyes. Smile with your eyes when you talk to him. Compliment him with a look. Be confident. Make sure your eyes look great. Get in his line of sight. Watch him out of the corner of your eye. Let him catch you laughing.

https://www.wikihow.com/Conceal-Red-Spots-on-Your-Face

How to Conceal Red Spots on Your Face

If you're feeling self-conscious about red spots on your face, you can easily conceal them with cosmetic products. Any concealer will help cover red spots, but green-tinted products will work best since they'll offset the color. Apply a dab of concealer before your foundation, and blend it in with a makeup brush. If you don't wear makeup, you can try applying a little fresh lemon juice to your spots with a cotton ball, which might help lighten them. Using a moisturizer with a matte finish will also help fight the appearance of spots by removing excess oil. Stick to mild cosmetics, which won't irritate your spots. Look for products containing antioxidants like Vitamin C and retinol, which will help reduce inflammation and repair your skin.

Choose a green-tinted concealer. When choosing a concealer, opt for those that are green-tinted; green is the opposite of red, which is why a green concealer offsets and neutralizes red spots. Apply the concealer to the area you wish to neutralize and blend the edges for an even finish Make sure to work with thin layers of the product. It will be just as difficult to cover massive amounts of green as it is to cover the redness. Once you apply the product, go over with your regular foundation. Or apply the foundation first and then the concealer (see next section for full steps). Buy concealers specifically designed for redness. These type of concealers cover up red spots resulting from acne breakouts or scars or even skin conditions, such as rosacea. Apply the concealer directly over red skin imperfections and blend together to create evenness. Use a color corrector. Applying a color corrector under your foundation can mask red spots and other hyperpigmentation marks. This technique will lighten the dark area and improve an uneven skin tone. Lightly, dab the corrector to the discolored area. Use high-end concealers. Inexpensive products rarely help conceal large areas of red spots. These include concealers that are thin and runny and while they may hide small imperfections, they might not disguise darker spots. High-quality concealers, such as the Dermablend Cover Creme True Beige, are heavier and made to cover darker spots, acting both as a concealer and a foundation at the same time. Take a small amount of the product and heat it between your fingertips to soften. Apply directly over imperfection. Allow it to dry before applying additional layers if needed. Always set each layer of foundation with setting powder. Apply more intense coverage. Bigger acne lesions or spots require more concealing action. A concealer that is designed to deliver extra coverage will help mask various imperfections, such as blemishes, moles, and birthmarks. Wash your face. You want a clean fresh face before applying new makeup. Use warm water and face wash to remove dirt, oil, and other unwanted debris. Wet your face with warm water and lather your hands with the soap or face wash. Rub away dirt and rinse well. Always dry your skin well before applying any products. Use a mattifying daily moisturizer. Daily moisturizers with a matte finish help fight the appearance of breakouts by removing excess oil and calming the complexion. Apply moisturizer to your face, making sure to cover every part. Let it dry before continuing to the next step. Apply foundation. Foundation is used to cover up uneven skin tones, red spots, or acne lesions. You may apply concealer before your foundation but adding foundation first allows you to really see where you need to use the concealer. Prep your skin with a primer to smoothen everything so that the base glides on and doesn't settle into lines, dry patches, or rough areas. Let primer dry before adding foundation. Apply a dime-sized amount of foundation to your hands and use your fingers to dot it on your forehead, nose, and chin. Smooth the product all around, generally working from the center outward. Blend so lines along the jaw don't appear Apply the concealer. Use a high-end concealer to achieve a flawless result. The best concealers counteract discolorations, lighten shadows, disguise hyperpigmentation marks, and work together with your foundation to achieve an even skin tone. Dab the concealer onto discolorations with a clean finger, brush, or sponge. Blend until there are no lines. Pease note: do not apply liquid or cream concealers over powder foundation. If you use powder foundation, use the concealer first and allow it to dry before you apply the foundation Apply powder. Apply finishing touches with a powder. This will help set your foundation and concealer to last longer. Apply powder with a fluffy brush to areas where your face gets oily. Use a light touch so you do not use too much. Please note: there are differences between loose vs. pressed powder. Loose powder will give a more natural look but it is more messy. Draw attention to your eyes and lips. Use your eyes and lips to accentuate your features and draw attention away from the red spots. Use darker eye makeup or lipstick to draw attention. Use only well-formulated, gentle skin-care products. It's tempting to try different scrubs to get rid of discoloration, but they can tear into the skin, giving your skin a hard time to heal. Instead, use gentle facial products like a Hydralight gel face cleanser. Apply a small amount of the cleanser to a slightly wet face and eye area. Use vigorous, yet gentle, circular motions to apply to the skin. Rinse well. To remove heavy makeup, repeat or use with a clean, wet washcloth. Exfoliate with AHA or BHA. AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) comes from fruits, nuts, milk or sugars. They break down the bonds between cells, allowing for easier exfoliation. BHA or salicylic acid is found in willow tree bark, wintergreen oil, or sweet birch. Salicylic acid is able to penetrate the oils in the skin and clear out follicles of excess debris and skin cells. It is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent that reduces redness. Apply a dime-sized amount over the entire face but avoid direct contact with the eyes and lips. Do not rinse. Use once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. For daytime use apply a sunscreen rated SPF 25 or higher Use a sunscreen or moisturizer that has SPF 25+ every day. Unprotected exposure to UV light hurts your skin's ability to heal. This means the red marks from acne can last longer or even worsen. UV exposure damages skin cells, slowing down the healing process. Protecting your skin from UV exposure every day is critical to fading discolorations. Use sunscreen as the last step in your morning skincare routine. Reapply at least every 2 hours if skin is exposed to sun. Use products with antioxidant Vitamin C and retinol. These two ingredients help defend skin from further damage, while also speeding up the ability for cells to repair damage. These help reduce inflammation and give discolorations a shorter time to heal. Use a toner, serum, and/or moisturizer formulated with a variety of these ingredients. Apply after cleansing, toning and exfoliating. Avoid using around the lips and eyes. May be applied at the same time as your AHA or BHA. Some people may experience a delayed sensitized reaction to retinol. Do not assume that if no reaction is seen after a few applications that you can apply this treatment more frequently. Pay close attention to how your skin responds and adjust, use accordingly. If sensitization occurs (redness, flaking, tenderness, or drying of skin), reduce frequency of use or mix one pump of the retinol treatment with your favorite serum or PM moisturizer. Use skin lighteners. You may also want to use skin lighteners, such as tumeric, licorice, or lemon juice, to reduce the appearance of red spots. However, always use home remedies with the understanding that there is little scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Turmeric contains a substance called curcumin that lowers the rate of melanin production. Mix turmeric powder with lemon and cucumber juice and apply to the skin. Leave in for 15 minutes and rinse off. Mix a small amount of licorice extract powder, which contains a compound called Glabridin that has skin-lightening effects, in distilled water. Soak a cloth into the mixture and apply it to the red spots. Apply freshly-squeezed lemon juice on the skin with a cotton ball. You can also mix lemon, lime and grapefruit juice. Consider medical help. Research shows that red or brown discolorations respond well to a series of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments. Your dermatologist would perform this method. Another option is a monthly BHA or AHA peel performed by a cosmetic dermatologist. Lastly, microdermabrasion is another option performed by a dermatologist. Ask your doctor if you should use prescription medication. Your dermatologist might suggest you use a prescription medication, such as one that contains azelaic acid that inhibits melanin synthesis and helps reduce hyperpigmentation. Always use prescription medications according to the product label. If irritation occurs, stop using the product and consult your doctor.

Choose a green-tinted concealer. Buy concealers specifically designed for redness. Use a color corrector. Use high-end concealers. Apply more intense coverage. Wash your face. Use a mattifying daily moisturizer. Apply foundation. Apply the concealer. Apply powder. Draw attention to your eyes and lips. Use only well-formulated, gentle skin-care products. Exfoliate with AHA or BHA. Use a sunscreen or moisturizer that has SPF 25+ every day. Use products with antioxidant Vitamin C and retinol. Use skin lighteners. Consider medical help. Ask your doctor if you should use prescription medication.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dispute-Your-Transunion-Credit-Report

How to Dispute Your Transunion Credit Report

If you think there's a mistake in your TransUnion credit report, you can dispute it by phone, mail, or its online form. To dispute online, go to the dispute page of TransUnion's website. If you'd rather speak to someone directly, call them on 800-916-8800. Or, mail a letter to TransUnion's Consumer Dispute Center at P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016. You can find a sample dispute form online. However you contact TransUnion, you'll need to provide your TransUnion file number, Social Security number, date of birth, and your current address. If you're calling TransUnion, have your credit report handy. You should get a response in around 30 days.

Decide how you want to submit your dispute. TransUnion offers services that enable you to submit a dispute online, over the phone, or by mailing a letter in the mail. If you want to submit your dispute online, you can begin the process by visiting https://dispute.transunion.com. To submit a dispute over the phone, call TransUnion's toll-free number at 800-916-8800. Representatives are available at that number Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time. To mail a dispute, send your letter to: TransUnion LLC, Consumer Dispute Center, P.O. Box 2000, Chester PA 19016. Gather your documents and information. You will need information about the item you want to dispute and evidence to prove it is inaccurate. If you're submitting your dispute over the phone, make sure you have a copy of your TransUnion credit report handy. You will need to give the report's File Identification Number to the representative who takes your call. Regardless of how you submit your dispute, it must include your TransUnion file number, your Social Security number, your date of birth, your current address, the company name and account number for the disputed item, and the reason for your dispute. You also can have TransUnion correct any of your personal information at the same time – for example, if TransUnion is showing an old address, or if you've recently changed your name. Draft a dispute letter. If you've decided to submit your dispute through the mail, you'll need to write a business letter describing the item you want to dispute and why it is inaccurate. Type your letter in a word processing application using the standard business-letter format. Most apps have a template you can use. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a sample dispute letter you can use, available at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0384-sample-letter-disputing-errors-your-credit-report. Just replace the bolded words in brackets with the information that fits your situation. Make sure you include all the information required by TransUnion, including your Social Security number and date of birth, so the person who receives your letter can adequately identify you and your credit file. Submit your dispute to TransUnion. Make sure your information is error-free and easy to understand, and that you've included evidence to support your assertions. Make a copy of everything you're sending to TransUnion before you send it, so you have a copy for your records. If you're mailing your letter and information, make sure you're sending copies of documents – not the originals. Original documents won't be returned and may be difficult for you to replace. Mail your letter using certified mail with returned receipt requested, so you know when TransUnion has received it. If you're submitting your dispute online, TransUnion allows you to upload digital copies of any documents you want to attach as proof of your dispute. For disputes submitted over the telephone, the representative who assists you will tell you how best to transmit any documents required to complete the investigation. Wait for a response. Once your dispute is received, TransUnion will investigate the matter and send you a report of its findings, typically within 30 days. TransUnion will send notice of your dispute to the individual or business that reported the disputed information. If the information turns out to be in error, the individual or business must provide TransUnion with the correct information to update your credit report. However, if the company or individual verifies that the information is correct, it will remain. If TransUnion does not receive a response within 30-45 days, it will remove the information from your credit report. If you filed your dispute online, you have the ability to check the status of your dispute by logging into your account on TransUnion's website. Contact the information provider. While you're waiting to hear back from TransUnion, you may want to go ahead and alert the individual or company that reported the information that it is inaccurate. Keep in mind that under federal law, both the credit bureau and the information provider are responsible for ensuring your credit report is true and accurate. In some cases, you may get faster results by dealing with the individual or company directly rather than going through TransUnion. Typically you can find contact information for the information provider listed on your credit report along with the item you're disputing. Unlike credit bureaus, most information providers only accept disputes through the mail, so you'll have to send a written letter. The FTC has a sample dispute letter at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0485-sample-letter-disputing-errors-your-credit-report-information-providers that you can copy and paste into your word processing application. Just replace the bolded words in brackets with your own information. Review the results of the investigation. TransUnion will send you a written report letting you know what it determined about the item you disputed. With an online dispute, TransUnion will send you an email when the investigation is complete and you will be given access to your credit report and the results of the investigation immediately. If you submitted your dispute in any other way, you must wait to receive the report in the mail. Typically this takes an additional five to seven days after the investigation is complete. Consider adding a statement to your report. If TransUnion didn't find in your favor, you can write a 100-word statement that will be added to your credit report alongside the disputed item. If you want to see the information your creditor provided to verify the reported information, you'll have to contact them directly. TransUnion can't give you this information for privacy reasons. Your consumer statement will be read by any individual or company that pulls your credit report as long as the item remains listed, so keep that in mind and avoid including personal information, such as sensitive medical information, that you wouldn't want to share. Determine if you need to place a fraud alert. If the error was due to a stolen credit card number or other information, you may want to request a fraud alert to keep it from happening again. If you place a fraud alert with TransUnion, federal law requires them to also notify the other two credit bureaus. Placing a fraud alert on your credit file entitles you to receive one free credit report from all three credit bureaus. Your initial fraud alert will be in effect for at least 90 days. It requires a business or individual checking your credit report to verify your identification before it issues you credit or services, and can make it more difficult for thieves to open more accounts in your name. Request copies of your other credit reports. Having found an error on your TransUnion report, you may want to check your reports with Equifax and Experian to ensure they don't have inaccurate information. You are entitled to one free credit report per year under federal law. If you've not yet taken advantage of that, you can request your free credit report at the government-approved website http://www.annualcreditreport.com/ or by calling 1-877-322-8228. If you've already received your free report, you'll have to pay a small fee to purchase the other two. Federal law prohibits credit bureaus from charging more than $12 for a report. Consider signing up for a credit monitoring service. If you've had repeated issues with inaccurate information in your credit report, you may find a credit monitoring service can help you stay on top of your reports and catch errors more quickly. TransUnion offers a credit-monitoring service for a monthly fee, as do the other credit bureaus. You also can sign up with third-party monitoring services that will charge a monthly fee for similar monitoring services. Keep in mind that monitoring services don't do anything to prevent identify theft, but alerts can enable you to act more quickly to mitigate damages. TransUnion also sponsors the credit monitoring service Credit Karma, an online service which provides daily access to your credit report, alerts, and notifications free of charge.

Decide how you want to submit your dispute. Gather your documents and information. Draft a dispute letter. Submit your dispute to TransUnion. Wait for a response. Contact the information provider. Review the results of the investigation. Consider adding a statement to your report. Determine if you need to place a fraud alert. Request copies of your other credit reports. Consider signing up for a credit monitoring service.

https://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-a-Granny-Square

How to Crochet a Granny Square

To crochet a Granny square, start by making a chain of 6 stitches, and then slip stitch into the first stitch of the chain to make a circle. Then, chain 3 and double crochet twice into the center of the ring. Next, chain 2 and double crochet 3 times into the center of the ring. Repeat this 3 times for a total of 4 groups of 3 double crochets. Do a slip stitch into the top of the chain of 3 to finish the center part. Continue crocheting, adding rows until the square is the right size.

Choose a color scheme. Yarn, of course, comes in a wide variety of colors. Which colors you choose vastly changes how your final blanket, pillow, or other creation will look. Carefully choose your colors to get the effect you want. Get the "gypsy" look by pairing red, dark purple, pink, yellow, bright blue and spring green. Get the "old country" look by making bright squares but putting them together with a black border. Get a classic American look by combining, white, red, blue, and pale yellow. If you don't want the granny square look but you want to still use the method to get a fast blanket, use only two colors (white and blue, for example) to create a more subtle look. Obtain yarn of your choice. Once you know your colors, you'll want to pick out a good yarn in the best material for you. If you're making a blanket for a baby, use the softest yarn possible. If making something more durable, such as a pet-bed cover, use acrylic. Obtain an appropriately sized crochet hook to use. The size of the hook should always be stated in the pattern you want to use or listed for the weight of yarn you purchased. If you're worried about the hook size, do a test patch with a few rows of double crochet. If you have thicker yarn, use a thicker hook, and if you have thinner yarn use a thinner hook. Chain six. Form a slip knot around the hook, wrap yarn around the hook, and pull it through the loop in the knot--this is one chain stitch. After the yarn you pulled is wrapped around the hook, pull another loop through that, making a second chain stitch. Be sure to leave at least 4 inches (10.2 cm) of yarn at the beginning in case you need it later. Slip stitch into the first chain. This forms a ring. Pull a new loop through the loop already on the hook, as well as through the chain stitch. Chain three. This is the same as if you were doing rows of double crochet stitch. Double crochet. Make two double crochet into the center of the ring. Chain and double again. Chain two then make three double crochet into the center of the ring. Do this 3 times, for a total of 4 groups of 3 dc (double crochet). Slip stitch to finish. Slip stitch into the top of the three chain to finish the round. Start with a new color. Add a new color for the next row if you like. Simply start crocheting with the new color from any ch-sp (chain space, the gaps left by the chain stitches between the bunches of double crochet). Chain three again. Again, this is the same as if you were doing rows of double crochet stitch. Double crochet in the corners. In the chain space described above, do 3 double crochet stitches (but don't forget that in your first set, the first dc is really the chain three that you did already). Move to the next chain space. Chain two over the double crochet bunch and then make three more double crochet stitches into the next chain space. This begins to create the square. Form the corner. Make 3 chain stitches to form the corner of the square and then double crochet 3 more into the same chain space. Change to 1 chain stitch between if you want a rounder, tighter square as shown in the pictures. Continue until the row is complete. Do all 4 corners, and then slip stitch to the top of the ch-3 in the first corner to finish the round. Each corner should have two sets of three dc, each separated by three chain stitches. Start the next row. Change colors again if you like. Continue similarly to the previous row. Double crochet 2 bunches of three stitches (separated by three chain stitches) into each corner. Do only ONE bunch of three dc into each "flat side" chain space, with two chain stitches between the corner bunches and the middle bunches. Make as many rows as you want. The number of side spaces will continue to increase. You can make a potholder by backing your square with sturdy cloth, make an ornamental doily by using a thinner yarn, or even a baby blanket by using soft yarn in baby-friendly colors. You can make an afghan by either making one huge square or by attaching a number of small squares together. Squares can be attached by sewing or by crocheting together using slip stitch or single crochet. Finished.

Choose a color scheme. Obtain yarn of your choice. Obtain an appropriately sized crochet hook to use. Chain six. Slip stitch into the first chain. Chain three. Double crochet. Chain and double again. Slip stitch to finish. Start with a new color. Chain three again. Double crochet in the corners. Move to the next chain space. Form the corner. Continue until the row is complete. Start the next row. Continue similarly to the previous row. Make as many rows as you want. Finished.

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

How to Become a Maternity Nurse

To become a maternity nurse, make sure you can handle pressure and work during difficult situations since a maternity ward can be stressful. Also, work on developing excellent interpersonal skills since you'll be teaching new mothers and answering a lot of questions. To get started, you'll need to get your nursing degree. Then, while you're in nursing school, you can start volunteering in hospital maternity wards or obstetric practices to gain some firsthand experience.

Decide what kind of nursing degree you would like to pursue. This will vary depending on what you would like to specialize in and how much time you want to spend in school. Options include: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - A LPN program is 1 ½ years long. LPNs can become certified and licensed through community colleges or vocational schools. However, many LPNs are not used in a labor and delivery setting due to the specialty area that it is. Most LPNs are utilized in an office outside the hospital or medical surgical floor, rather than an ICU setting, Labor and Delivery, or pediatrics. Registered Nurse (RN) - The average registered nurse program is 2-4 years long, as it requires a bachelor's degree and 2 or 3 years of additional education. The RN's role as a labor and delivery nurse can range depending on the hospital setting you work in. They can specialize in a wide variety of roles, including labor and delivery, antepartum, and postpartum care. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) - A CNS is a master's degree program. A CSN is an advanced practice nurse, a Master's degree program, that may prescribe medication and do other duties as a physician. Therefore, a CNS in labor and delivery may specialize in the management clinically of the woman during pregnancy and labor and delivery. The CNS is also a great resource for nurses on the division, specializing in education. Nurse Practitioner (NP) - A NP is a master's degree program. Nurse practitioners do specialize in neonatal care and are utilized in NICU and normal newborn nurseries. They usually help to triage patients and do not perform deliveries. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNW) - A CNW is a master's degree program. Midwives were the original nurse professionals in the labor and delivery world. Midwives are trained over a graduate level and are trained to support women in their pregnancy and labor and delivery. They are not able to do surgery on their patients, therefore, if a C-Section is needed or a vacuum or forceps assisted delivery, a physician will have to help them. Most major labor delivery centers are not using LPNs in labor and delivery and instead are using RNs. At community hospitals, LPNs can sometimes get hired in that role, but still RNs are more common. There is a big difference between being a midwife and being a labor and delivery nurse, so you have to decide if you want to be the one managing the labor and performing the delivery, or if you want to be supporting the laboring mom. Assuming you have the right degrees, it is possible for you to fulfill multiple roles. Train for general nursing during your degree program. Each nursing program has specific hours you will need to graduate, which are built into your nursing program. In addition to classroom learning, you will have to take hands-on courses, also known as clinicals. You will go through a short period of clinical experience in labor and delivery and postpartum care. This gives you a view into the world of a labor nurse to see if it is something you would be interested in pursuing. However, this experience will not give you thorough training like you will get once you are on the job. Learn the specifics of maternity nursing by working in a hospital maternity ward or obstetric practice, or by observing a practicing midwife. The variety of nursing jobs in the maternity ward vary from an antepartum nurse, triage nurse, labor nurse, delivery nurse, scrub nurse, circulating nurse (in the operating room), postpartum nurse, lactation nurse, and newborn nurse. Start by contacting your local hospital's volunteer program. The director can help guide you on a shadowing experience. This can be done during nursing school to see if it is a hospital you would like to work in. Maternity wards are not the same everywhere. Touring and volunteering your time can be a great way to see if you feel like you would fit in at that particular facility. Get a nursing license in your state or region. You will need to visit the website of the state board of nursing in your specific state to see the qualifications for each test. Before you begin a specialty in maternity nursing, you must be a licensed nurse. Each state regulates its own license application procedure. Becoming a midwife requires a Master's degree in nursing and passing the midwifery certification. For all types of maternity nursing you need to enroll and pass a nursing program and apply to take and pass the NCLEX (the exam for licensure) before applying for a job. The nursing licensing test is a combination of high comprehension questions to make you critically think about everything you learned in nursing school. Consider getting additional certifications. There are optional ways to advance your degree even after you are a certified nurse. For instance, you can become a lactation consultant, which is a nurse who helps assist women with breastfeeding. To become a lactation consultant, you can take a specific exam and complete hours of clinical time caring for breastfeeding women. You can also become certified in different areas of labor and delivery. Options for maternity nurses certifications are Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB), Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN), Low Risk Neonatal Nursing (RNC-LRN), and Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-NIC). Nurse certification benefits patients, families, employers, and the nurse. The certified nurse becomes important to their patient because their patient knows they are experts in their specialty. Employers want certified nurses because it shows professionalism and retention. It shows the nurse loves what she or he does and wants to continue to learn. As for the nurse, it benefits him or her because of the sense of achievement in their career. Get specific maternity experience anywhere you can. Work for doctors and midwives, or volunteer at the hospital. You can even try to become a nurse's aide in the area that interests you. Although you should try to get experience before you get the job, once you are hired you can expect on the job training that will prepare you for the actual work of maternity nursing. Work on the appropriate skills needed for maternity nursing. For example, you must be able to handle pressure and stay organized in stressful situations. In addition, communication and good interpersonal skills are essential. Learn to educate people. You will have to teach women how to nurse, partners how to encourage, and new parents how to care for their babies. Be sure you know exactly what you are teaching. Your patients will have questions and, as a specialized nurse, it is important to be able to answer those questions with accurate information. Work on staying physically and emotionally strong. Many new labor and delivery nurses are on night shift and that shift can exhaust anyone. Assisting doctors and women during childbirth can be exhausting, and you will need to be prepared for any possible outcome during the pregnancies of your patients. Look for jobs that match your license and skill level. The employment outlook for the entire nursing field is promising; nurses are in high demand as the healthcare field grows. Some positions will require a certain degree level or previous experience, so you may not qualify for all maternity nursing positions. Begin your search before you leave nursing school. Take advantage of your program's job placement services to interview with different employers. Also be sure to make a good impression during your training and clinicals; you will often be supervised by working healthcare professionals who are looking for new talent. Attend healthcare job fairs. Talk to representatives about your interest in maternity nursing. Even if you do not find a job, your networking skills will improve and potentially lead you someone who can help you find the right job. Check job listings. Many hospitals, physicians, and healthcare centers advertise for maternity nurses in the newspaper and online. Search general online employment sites, such as CareerBuilder, Indeed, and Simply Hired, but also look at nursing-specific sites as well. The most popular job sites for nurses of any specialty include nursingjobs.org and nurse.com. #Network with maternity nurses. Get to know the professionals in your field. They can become your friends and confidants but they can also share information with you when a job opening pops up. Enlist with a placement agency. Companies such as Maxim Staffing, NurseFinders and FlexRN specialize in placing nurses in jobs. Discuss your interest in maternity nursing with these agencies and see what they can find for you. Be adventurous! Find a travel nursing agency to work for as a maternity nurse, with like Flex Care Staff. The one drawback to this option is that you do generally need at least one year of experience before becoming a travel nurse.

Decide what kind of nursing degree you would like to pursue. Train for general nursing during your degree program. Learn the specifics of maternity nursing by working in a hospital maternity ward or obstetric practice, or by observing a practicing midwife. Get a nursing license in your state or region. Consider getting additional certifications. Get specific maternity experience anywhere you can. Work on the appropriate skills needed for maternity nursing. Look for jobs that match your license and skill level. Begin your search before you leave nursing school. Attend healthcare job fairs. Check job listings. Enlist with a placement agency. Be adventurous!

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Being-Mean-to-People

How to Stop Being Mean to People

Before making a mean comment, stop to think of what your role model might say instead. If you don't have a role model, try putting yourself in the other person's shoes before being mean to them. When someone tries to be helpful but accidentally makes things worse, thank them for what they tried to do, and explain why it wasn't helpful. Try to use facts and “I” statements instead of assigning blame, and take a break from the conversation if you're feeling overwhelmed.

Think about why you act mean. Many people are mean to others in order to feel better about themselves. However, this approach may not really be effective, especially if you want to be nicer to others. You might lash out at someone, feel better in the moment, but then feel bad about yourself later for lashing out. Other reasons that you are being mean may include: You cannot handle your own negative emotions, so you lash out at others. Your ego feels threatened, so you are mean as a form of defense. You envy someone else's life or accomplishments, so you want to hurt them. You are projecting your own negative feelings about yourself on someone else. You are trying to make yourself feel unique and distinct from other people by distinguishing differences between you in a mean way. Realize that your thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. It can be difficult to determine what is a thought and what is a feeling. In fact, the two interrelate: your thoughts affect your feelings. Your feelings, in turn, affect your actions. Thus, if you want to change your actions (or words), you can start by first changing your thoughts. For example, if you think, “This guy is an idiot!” you may feel frustrated talking to him, and that will come across in your words and actions. If, however, you think, “This person needs to learn more about the topic,” you might be more inclined to teach him, and your increased patience will come through your words. Remember that even when you feel that you cannot control your thoughts or feelings, you can always choose how to act. Each time you speak or act, you are making a choice about what words and actions you use. Gain control of your emotions before you speak. If you are speaking to someone and feel as though you are about to be mean to them, give yourself time to think before you respond. You're more likely to give the person a productive response (and less likely to be mean) if you allow yourself to use reason first. If you are feeling particularly angry, resentful, hurt, or sad, you may want to wait to talk to others. These emotions can stand in the way of positive communication and cause you to lash out at someone else. Keep a “be nice” journal. Write entries about how you interacted with people throughout the day. If you had incidents in which you were mean, try to recall details about who you were mean to, why you think you were mean, what you said, and what events led up to the incident. If you were able to be nice to others, particularly in situations in which your tendency would normally be to be mean, then reward yourself for “good behavior.” Building a cache of journal entries about your meanness can help you identify whether there are people, events, or environments that seem to “trigger” your tendency to act mean. Identifying your triggers gives you the opportunity to work towards improving in those situations in the future. Cultivate a sense of humor. Being able to laugh easily (with people, not at people), can help humor override your tendencies to be mean. If you are beginning to feel impatient and think you might be mean to someone, try to find a reason to laugh. Finding humor in a situation or getting yourself laughing about something else can diffuse the situation by actually changing your body's chemical reaction from anger or negativity to humor. Sleep well at night. You need to get plenty of sleep (at least 7-8 hours) every night to thrive. Being sleep deprived can contribute to a wide range of health problems, including the inability to manage emotions properly. Getting adequate sleep can help you have the patience and understanding to be nice to others regardless of your emotional state. If you have chronic sleep problems, consult your physician or a pharmacist about safe sleep aids. Alternately, making dietary changes, such as reducing caffeine and sugar consumption, or lifestyle changes, such as reducing nighttime screen time, may enable you to sleep better at night. Meditate before potentially stressful events or conversations. Meditation can help you regulate your emotions, which can help you be nicer. If you are feeling as though you might be unkind to someone due to feeling angry or impatient, give yourself a little mental refresher through meditation. Find a private, quiet place, then follow the following sequence: Breathe deeply and slowly. Deep breaths can slow your heart rate and make you feel calmer. Your breaths should be deep enough that your belly extends outwards on the “in” breath. Picture a golden-white light filling your body as you breathe in. Picture that light filling and relaxing your mind. When you breathe out, visualize dark, muddy colors leaving your body. Once you are calm from your meditation, you should feel more ready to speak to others in a kind way. Realize that meanness comes from within. Most people act mean towards others when they themselves feel threatened, demeaned, or bullied. Realizing that when you act mean, it's really your issue and not someone else's can help you determine whether your mean words or behavior are appropriate in the situation. Develop empathy. Empathy can help you make being kind to others a priority. Empathy can take the form of understanding another's perspective, feeling distress at the plight of another person, and being able to relate to the emotions of another. Whichever approach you take, be sure that you focus on understanding and relating to the people that you are speaking to. Visualize a role model. Find someone whose words and actions inspire you and imagine how she would act or what she would say in a given situation. Then try to emulate that type of communication yourself. Smile at people. Smiling at people can make you seem nicer. People will likely smile back at you, and you may find that you cultivate friendships more easily. Smiling can also help you feel happier. Acting happy with good posture and a big smile can actually boost your mood; your thoughts and feelings respond to the action of smiling. Use positive body language. Communication is not all about words. Your words can be completely polite while your body language or actions are communicating negativity to others. Negative feelings towards others may be present in your body and send a signal to others that you are unpleasant. To have more neutral body language, you may want to try using progressive muscle relaxation—a process by which you tense and then release all of the muscles in your body. This can remove negativity or stress from your body as well as your mind. Use assertive expression of your feelings when necessary. Rather than expressing yourself passively (being angry without saying anything) or aggressively (exploding in a way that may seem disproportionate to the situation), try assertive communication. To practice assertive expression, use the facts involved (not exaggerated by emotion) to communicate requests (rather than demands) of others in a respectful way. Communicate clearly and express your feelings effectively so that everyone's needs are met. For example, if your tendency would be to yell at your spouse for not folding your laundry the way you like, you could try assertive expression instead. You might say, “I appreciate your helping me by doing laundry, but it frustrates me that you fold my pants in a way that causes them to wrinkle. I feel unprofessional while wearing wrinkled pants at work. I would really appreciate it if you would fold them more carefully, or if you would just let me wash and fold my own laundry.” Do something you enjoy. Taking care of yourself by indulging in activities that make you happy can help you be nicer to others as well. Doing something you enjoy can improve your mood by distracting you from a bad mood. If you can control your mood, you're more likely to make reasoned decisions (not emotional decisions) about how to communicate with others. Give yourself time alone. Particularly if you are an introvert, you may need to make time alone with yourself from time to time. This can help you be nicer to others because you will feel more refreshed. This can be of particular benefit if your loved ones are the recipients of your mean behavior; taking a break from them may help you be nicer to them. Read a book or watch a favorite television show. Studies have shown that having vicarious experiences through others (which happens with both reading and watching well-known characters on a favorite TV show) can make you feel happier. People also experience catharsis, or a second-hand release of emotions, by experiencing events through fictional characters. Releasing emotions in a controlled environment in that way can help you control your emotions in real life. Exercise. There is a strong connection between moderate exercise and improved mood. Regular exercise can also help you regulate your emotions in general. All of this can help lead to you feeling happier, which can help you be nicer to others. Consider practicing yoga. It combines physicality and mindfulness, so it has the benefits of both exercise and meditation. If you can't get to a yoga studio, try streaming an internet yoga video or downloading a yoga application to your mobile device. If you are feeling whimsical, you might try dancing to feel better. Dancing both gives you a bit of an exercise boost and activates the pleasure centers of your brain. You may find that getting daily exercise gives you more overall energy, which can help you be productive and patient without getting irritated with other people. Eat a healthy meal or snack. Being hungry can make you feel irritable, which can lead you to lash out at others. Eating a nutritious diet full of whole foods can make you feel healthier and happier. Include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein in your diet. Getting healthy fats can also make you feel full longer. Avoid fat-free and overly processed foods. These often lack adequate nutrition and may leave you feeling dissatisfied. Anti-inflammatory foods and those containing Omega-3 fatty acids may particularly contribute to your feeling happier. Some specific foods that fall into this category include leafy greens, avocado, asparagus, walnuts, dark chocolate, and green tea. Socialize with a friend. You may be venting your frustrations on others because you feel isolated. Spending time with friends in person can be a great way to improve your mood if you are feeling disconnected from others. Go to an early or late lunch, happy hour at your favorite bar, or dinner. If eating out isn't in your budget, go for a walk with them or visit your local park and sit on the swings and talk. If you're unable to get together in person, talking on the phone and having a 2-way conversation (particularly with a funny friend!) can improve your mood quickly.

Think about why you act mean. Realize that your thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. Gain control of your emotions before you speak. Keep a “be nice” journal. Cultivate a sense of humor. Sleep well at night. Meditate before potentially stressful events or conversations. Realize that meanness comes from within. Develop empathy. Visualize a role model. Smile at people. Use positive body language. Use assertive expression of your feelings when necessary. Do something you enjoy. Give yourself time alone. Read a book or watch a favorite television show. Exercise. Eat a healthy meal or snack. Socialize with a friend.

https://www.wikihow.com/Define-Yourself

How to Define Yourself

To define yourself, make a list of values that are really important to you, like integrity or kindness, and then look at them as the foundation of who you are as a person. Also, try to get to know yourself better by paying attention to the things that make you happy, sad, anxious, or upset. It's also helpful to acknowledge the parts of yourself that you don't like so you can let go of those negative ideas you have about yourself. Then, try to redefine yourself based on your positive qualities instead.

Know yourself. Self-knowledge, particularly non-judgemental self knowledge, is an incredibly important skill to help you define yourself. You'll need to understand what makes you tick and what your thought processes are before you can define who you are as a person. Mindfulness means paying attention to what you are thinking and observing your patterns of thought. For instance, you might realize that you have a tendency to feel that people don't care what you think and that your opinions are unimportant. Recognizing that you have these thoughts and catching them before they start causing you anxiety, can help you piece together the important parts of your identity. When you start paying attention to your thought processes and patterns you'll need to practice attentive non-judgment. This means being aware of your thought patterns and acknowledging them, but not beating yourself up over them. Everyone has negative thought patterns and processes. By paying attention to them, you can eliminate them from your mind. Notice how you identify yourself. Once you start paying attention to the way you think about yourself and about the world, look specifically for the ways in which you identify yourself. See what groups and communities you use to create your identity. All of these inform how you see yourself and tell you what you are letting define you. For example, look at things like religion, nationality, sexual identity and see if those are ways you define yourself. Look at the roles you take on, such as your job, your position in your family (mother, father, sister, brother), your romantic status (single, couple, etc.). Jot down thought processes and self definitions. To become adept at seeing your thought processes and definitions and how those determine how you act and who you are, write them down in a notebook as you identify them. You'll be able to see how you consider yourself and it will make it easier to eliminate the negative associations. Talking to and working with a clinical psychologist can greatly help in uncovering patterns of thinking and being. They can also help you deal with the more negative aspects of your thinking. Record your negative definitions. Recording them and paying attention to them will help you let go of them. Getting them out in the open can help to take away some of their hold on your mind and self. Don't limit yourself in negative ways. Definition of the self determines the action. So, for instance, if you're defining yourself as someone who has bad romantic relationships, you've already lost the potential for a good romantic relationship. It is a story that you tell yourself, and then because you believe the story, you will already be behaving in ways that make the story true. Identify your core values. You don't want to define yourself based on outside forces, because outside forces are volatile and subject to constant change. By basing your self-definition on core values, you will have a better chance of having a stable self-definition. You won't lose your self identity if you base it on values you hold at your core, like compassion, courage, integrity. Write down a list of these values and consciously and mindfully act them out in your daily life. Therefore, if courage is one of your core values, stand up for someone being harassed at the bus stop, or if honesty is a core value, fess up to having lost your father's favorite watch. If compassion is on that list, spend time volunteering at a homeless shelter. Define yourself in positive ways. This doesn't mean that you don't acknowledge the negative events and actions that have happened in your life. They are as much a part of you as the positive, but they do not define you. This means don't let outside circumstances rule your identity. That comes from within in, from the core values that you have already identified as being important to your identity. Understand that the negative experiences in your life have offered knowledge. For example, if you have had negative experiences with romance, learn from those experiences. What have they taught you about the kind of person you want to be?

Know yourself. Notice how you identify yourself. Jot down thought processes and self definitions. Record your negative definitions. Identify your core values. Define yourself in positive ways.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Trademark

How to Get a Trademark

To get a trademark, start by searching the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database to make sure your mark won't be confused with someone else's. Then, submit an application through their online system and pay the associated fee. Be prepared to provide your name and address, and things like a drawing of your mark and a description of how it's going to be used. After that, monitor your application as it goes through the review process, but keep in mind that it usually takes about 4 months to approve a trademark.

Know what a trademark is and isn't. A trademark is a form of intellectual property such as a word, phrase, symbol, or design used to identify and distinguish your goods or services from those of others. A service mark represents the source and quality of a service. A trademark distinguishes the source and quality of goods. A membership mark can be used to represent the privilege of membership (e.g., Phi Beta Kappa). A certification mark is used to signify compliance with particular standards (e.g., UL). Identify the geographic scope of protection you need. Do you only sell your product or service within the state of Illinois, with no plans to expand sales to other areas? Then you will likely only need to register your trademark with the state of Illinois, if at all. On the other hand, if you plan to sell your product or service nationwide, and maybe even internationally, consider registering your trademark with the federal government and applicable foreign countries. Register your mark with the federal government. The federal government runs a centralized trademark registration department through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). You are not required to register your trademark with the PTO, but this type of registration provides certain advantages. Gives legal presumption of ownership in an infringement lawsuit (you must prove you own the trademark if you want to claim injury from someone using it without your permission). Provides public notice of your rights. Gives nationwide priority for possible preemption of later users or applicants for registration of similar brands. Allows the USPTO to reject applications from others for registration of marks that are "confusingly similar" to yours. You can record your mark with the US Customs and Border Protection Service to prevent importation of infringing foreign good. Allows you to use the ® symbol on your goods or services. Allows you to bring an infringement action in federal court. Allows you to apply for trademark protection in foreign countries. Register your mark with your state. This provides protection within your state's borders and you may bring an infringement action in state court or federal court. You may use the symbol ™ for goods and SM for services (though not the federal ® symbol), even if not registered in any state. May allow state-wide priority for preemption of later use or registration of similar brands by others. Consider using your mark without registering it. If your mark is strong and has never been used by others, it will be considered a trademark by virtue of your using it in commerce for several years. You may write TM after the word, phrase or design without getting it registered. However, if you don't register your trademark with the USPTO, and it may be enforceable in state or federal courts, it won't come with certain rights, including: The right to use the registered trademark logo (®). The ability to pursue a legal infringement action in federal court. The right to list your trademark in the PTO database, making it searchable by others. Search for existing marks to assess the likelihood of confusion with yours. Conduct a search on the PTO website to compare your mark to other registered marks or pending applications using the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). Also perform keyword searches on the internet and in your state's trademark database for similar marks and related goods and services to ensure your mark will not be confused with other marks that are not federally registered. The PTO will not register your mark if it finds that two or more marks are so similar and the goods or services they cover so related that consumers would mistakenly believe they come from the same source. Determine whether any existing marks are similar to yours. If marks sound alike (Apple and Appel), look alike (a blue apple and a blue peach), have the same meaning, even when translated (Apple and Pomme (French word for apple)), or create the same general impression with the public (Apple and Red Fruit), then the marks are similar and the PTO will consider whether the goods and services are also related. Assess whether the similar marks cover related goods or services. If two marks are similar and the covered goods or services of each are related enough that consumers would assume they came from the same source, then the PTO will likely deny your registration based on likelihood of confusion. For example, if you attempt to register a trademark for 'Pomme' to cover computers and other technical devices, the PTO will likely reject that application in light of Apple's existing trademarks. However, if you seek to register 'Pomme' to cover a line of dishtowels, the PTO will probably not decide that the public would be confused in light of Apple's trademarks. Choose a strong mark. The stronger the mark, the easier it is to prevent its unauthorized use by third parties. Each mark falls into one or more of the following categories, listed here in order from strongest to weakest. Try for the strongest mark you can. Fanciful. An invented word with no known meaning, such as registering the word 'Vingra' for a clothing product. Arbitrary. An actual word with a known meaning, but that is unrelated to the covered goods and services. The mark 'Apple' for computer products falls into this category. Suggestive. A mark that suggests qualities or connections to the goods or services without overtly describing them, such as 'Day-by-Day' for a calendar. Descriptive. A word or design that overtly describes the goods or services, such as using a picture of an oatmeal cookie for a cookie company. Descriptive marks are not generally registrable unless they acquire distinctiveness through extensive use in commerce for five or more years. Generic. A generic mark, such as 'Cars' for a line of cars, is never registrable or enforceable against third parties. Make sure your mark meets other qualifications for registration. The PTO may also reject your application if your mark falls into one of the following categories. A surname or a person's full name or likeness. Offensive. Geographically descriptive of the origin of the goods or services. A translation of a foreign word that's generic or descriptive. Already a book or movie title. Analyze business reasons for your particular trademark. Regardless of whether your trademark is registrable and enforceable, it will not be worth much to you if the public can't remember it, pronounce it, spell it, or if it translates to something offensive or disparaging in another language (for example, the brand name 'Chevy Nova' is similar to 'Chevy No Va', which translates in Spanish to 'Chevy that doesn't go'). Hire a trademark attorney. A trademark attorney can help you pick a successful mark by performing the correct searches, navigate the complicated application process, offer advice on enforcement, and ensure you meet all maintenance deadlines. If you decide to hire an attorney, be sure to find someone with plenty of experience working with the PTO. File the PTO application online. The easiest way to file an application is to use the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) on the PTO's website. You will be required to submit the following: Identity of trademark owner. This may be a business entity or an individual. The owner need not be a US citizen. Applicant name and address. All correspondence to and from the PTO will go through this person, so make sure he or she is reliable. Depiction of the mark. This is a drawing of your mark, categorized as either a "standard character" drawing (one that contains only an image, no letters or words) or a "special form" drawing (a stylized version of a word, which may include a design, logo, special lettering, or colors). Classes of goods and services related to the mark. This identifies the goods or services that you will be offering customers that will be associated with the mark you have chosen. Basis for filing. You must assert that you are either (1) currently using the mark in your business, and the mark appears on the goods (“use-in-commerce”); or (2) intending to use the mark in your business in the future (“intent-to-use”). Specimen. If your basis is “use-in-commerce”, you must submit an image of your good or service that shows the mark in use (such as a t-shirt with a tag attached that bears the mark). Signature. Pay the application fees. Currently, the TEAS application fee is $325 per class of goods or services. You may instead opt to file a TEAS Plus application for $275, in which case you must agree to send and receive all correspondence with the PTO electronically and choose from a pre-populated list of goods and services. All PTO application fees are non-refundable, even if your application is ultimately rejected. Monitor the status of your application. Check your application status every three to four months. Enter your serial number (which will be given to you when you apply) into the Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) system to check your application status. The PTO examiner will review your application about three months after you submit it. If the PTO examiner sends you a document known as an Office Action, that means there are problems with your application (based on likelihood of confusion with an existing mark, strength of your mark, etc.). You have six months to respond to the Office Action, or your application will be deemed abandoned. If the examiner approves your application, your mark will be published in the PTO's Official Gazette, which is published online every week. Wait 30 days. After publication in the Official Gazette, the public has 30 days to object to your mark's registration by filing an opposition action in the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB). If this occurs, consult with an attorney on next steps. Receive your registration certificate. The timing of this depends on your basis for filing and whether anyone objected to your trademark while it was published. If no one objects, or if you win in an opposition action, you should receive your registration certificate 11 weeks after publication for a “use-in-commerce” mark or a mark based on a foreign registration. If no one objects, or if you win in an opposition action on an “intent-to-use” mark, you will receive a Notice of Allowance eight weeks after publication. Then, you have six months to submit a Statement of Use to the PTO, or ask for a six-month extension to do so. After the PTO approves your Statement of Use, you will receive your registration certificate. Maintain your trademark with the PTO. To keep your trademark registration valid, note the following deadlines. You must file a maintenance document called a Declaration of Use (or Excusable non use) with the PTO between the fifth and sixth year of your registration or your mark will be cancelled. You must file a renewal application before the tenth year of your registration ends, or your registration will be cancelled. Register your trademark in your state. If you decide you do not need a nationwide registration, you can register your trademark in your state. State registration provides you with enforcement rights only within that state. Click on your state on the following webpage and learn the state-specific requirements and processes for registration. The state registration process may be faster and less expensive than registering with the PTO. State registration does not entitle you to use the federal registration mark, ®, on your goods or services. Register your trademark internationally. At least 95 member countries have adopted the Madrid System for international trademark registrations, including the United States. The Madrid System is a centralized application process that allows you to file a single application, in one language, with one set of fees, to protect your trademark in the countries you choose. You will submit your international application through the PTO, which will send it along to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). WIPO will formally examine your application, record it in the International Register, then forward it to your requested territories for approval (usually within 12 or 18 months). Your registration in each country will be good for ten years, at which point you can renew for additional ten year periods. While many countries follow the Madrid System, there are some notable exceptions. For example, as of 2015, Canada is not a member country. If you seek to register your trademark in Canada, you will need to go through Canada's trademark office.

Know what a trademark is and isn't. Identify the geographic scope of protection you need. Register your mark with the federal government. Register your mark with your state. Consider using your mark without registering it. Search for existing marks to assess the likelihood of confusion with yours. Determine whether any existing marks are similar to yours. Assess whether the similar marks cover related goods or services. Choose a strong mark. Make sure your mark meets other qualifications for registration. Analyze business reasons for your particular trademark. Hire a trademark attorney. File the PTO application online. Pay the application fees. Monitor the status of your application. Wait 30 days. Receive your registration certificate. Maintain your trademark with the PTO. Register your trademark in your state. Register your trademark internationally.

https://www.wikihow.com/Call-France

How to Call France

To call France from a cell or landline phone, start by dialing your country's exit code, which is 011 in the U.S. Next, dial 33 for France's country code. Then, dial the city code, which always begins with 0. Finally, enter the 8 digit phone number for the person you want to call.

Dial the exit code. Depending on where you're calling from, an exit code can range from two to four characters. In the United States, Canada, the Dominican Republic and U.S. territories such as Guam and Puerto Rico, this code is 011. If you're calling from anywhere else in the world, visit https://countrycode.org/ to look up your exit code. If you're on a cell phone, you can save time by pressing +, which is on the same key as 0. This will not work on landline phones. Dial 33. This is the country code for France. If you don't use 33, you'll be accessing a different country. Dial the city code. The city code is the first two digits of the phone number. If the first digit of the city code starts with a 0, start with the second digit. For example, in this number: 01 22 33 44 55, the city code is 01. Do not dial the 0 part of the area code. Just dial 1. Dial the phone number. French phone numbers have eight digits (after the two-digit city code). The phone numbers are usually written as five pairs of numbers with a space between each pair. Sometimes dashes or periods are used instead of spaces. For example, to dial a person in France at 01 22 33 44 55 from the US or Canada, you would dial 01133122334455. Choose your card. Buy prepaid calling cards from department stores like Target or club stores like Costco. Large chain stores usually have the cards hanging on wall racks so that customers can examine them before buying them. Cards sell for as little as $2.00, but that doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a bargain. Check the per-minute rate for France. Compare rates if different kinds of cards are available. Always read the fine print before buying a prepaid calling card. Check if rates to cell phones cost more than calls to landlines or if you can use the card for multiple calls. Check the expiration date. If you spend $30 on a card, you shouldn't be forced to use it in just a month. If you want a reloadable option, set up an account with online providers like ZapTel, which offers low rates for calls to cell phones and landlines. Find the PIN. Most cards list the PIN underneath a silver scratch-off coating. This may be located on the front or back of the card depending on the manufacturer. In rare instances, however, the PIN might be listed on the receipt. Place your call. Dial the 800 number listed on the front of the card. Listen to the options on the automated menu. If it's your first time using a prepaid card, be patient when listening so that you don't miss anything. Wait until you are prompted to: Enter the PIN. Dial the number you want to call using the steps outlined in Method 1. Keep track of your minutes. Keep a pen and paper by your phone. Jot down the time you began your call and the time you hung up. Convert the time span into minutes. Deduct those minutes from the total minutes you paid for. For example, if you began your call at 12:00pm and ended it at 1:10pm, you were on the phone for 70 minutes. If you bought 5,000 minutes of talk time, you now have 4,930 minutes remaining. Contact your phone company for a calling plan. Whether you use a landline or a cell phone, you can save money if you make frequent calls to France. Depending on your provider, you could purchase an international calling plan for a flat fee or a reduced per-minute rate. Ask your service provider about flat monthly fees and overage charges for calls to France. Download an app to your smartphone. Many apps, such as Vonage, Skype, or WhatsApp, allow you to call France for a steep discount or even for free. Weigh the options of how much the app costs versus how much it will save you in charges. Shop around for the app that's best for your calling habits. Consider how long you're planning to talk, how often you plan to call, and whether you're calling a landline or a cell phone. Look into VoIP services. If you don't have a smartphone, phone services through VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allow you to call landlines, cell phones, or computers. Through VoIP providers like Vonage or Magic Jack, you can call France and many other European countries for a fraction of what you would pay through a traditional landline service. Consider video chat. You can talk to anyone in France or anywhere else in the world free of charge over many video chat services. Be sure to check the fine print. With Skype, for example, your chat is free only if your contact is also using Skype and if you're only talking to one other username. Three-way chats cost extra. Consider text messaging. Choose texting if you want to send short messages on an infrequent basis. If you want to let your friend in Paris know you've arrived in New York safely, $0.15 for a single text is the more affordable option than the $0.99 per minute a voice call could cost you.

Dial the exit code. Dial 33. Dial the city code. Dial the phone number. Choose your card. Find the PIN. Place your call. Keep track of your minutes. Contact your phone company for a calling plan. Download an app to your smartphone. Look into VoIP services. Consider video chat. Consider text messaging.

https://www.wikihow.com/Pretend-to-Faint

How to Pretend to Faint

To pretend to faint, start by complaining that you have symptoms that lead to fainting, like dizziness, feeling hot, or hunger. Within 2 or 3 minutes, sit down and say you need a glass of water. When you're ready to faint, fall to the ground slowly, trying to fall on the backside of your thigh so you don't injure yourself. Pretend your unconscious for a few seconds, but no more than 20 seconds. To end your faint, open your eyes and take a deep breath. Then, sit up or stand slowly, or get someone to help you up. Finally, rest for about 10 minutes before making a slow exit from the area.

Learn the causes of fainting. Fainting is a common malady that many people experience. Its causes can be either harmless or life threatening. Since you're planning to fake faint, it's better to learn about the relatively harmless reasons people faint. Fainting is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. A harmless fainting spell can be caused by low blood pressure or a nervous system response that reduces blood flow to the brain. Such a nervous system response could be the result of highly stressful or traumatic event, fear, or pain. For teenagers, fake fainting is a perfect excuse to avoid an event or exam, since it's common for them to experience real, but harmless, fainting spells. For adults who are older, it's possible for them to experience a harmless fainting spell once or twice a year; but anything more than that might be considered the result of something life-threatening. Learn the symptoms of fainting. A person who faints can experience several symptoms leading up to losing consciousness , including feeling very hot, nauseous, lightheaded or confused, or hyperventilating. A person might also feel dizzy or weak, or have ringing ears or experience a temporary loss of hearing. These symptoms are common for someone who experiences a harmless fainting spell. Decide on a harmless reason for your fake faint. Unless you need to fake a fainting spell for a dramatic play, you'll need to come up with a reason for your fake fainting spell that won't compel people to call an ambulance, and that will also allow you to walk away seemingly shaken up, but unharmed. Because low blood pressure and low blood flow to the brain are usually the causes of harmless fainting spells, there are several scenarios that could cause that type of fainting. Not eating breakfast or waiting too long between meals to eat something can cause low blood pressure. Not drinking enough water can cause dehydration and reduce blood flow to the brain. If you happen to be outside or in a really stuffy room, you could say that you got too hot. You could pretend to experience a stressful or traumatic event. If you're easily scared by bugs or loud noises, you could pretend your fear caused you to hyperventilate, and then faint. If you decide to let someone in on your plan to fake faint, you could have them hit or slap you so hard you faint. Now this might be a little dramatic and may have repercussions for the person helping you out, but it is a valid reason for a fainting spell that won't seem life-threatening. Map out how your fake faint will happen. In order for your fake fainting spell to have as little blowback as possible, and to achieve the result you're looking for, you'll need to have it planned out as best you can. Your reason for wanting to fake faint will determine the location where it happens. You may have a little more control over when it happens. But you need to have extreme control over how it happens, so as not to injure yourself or cause unintended consequences. What are you trying to avoid? A friend's wedding? An exam you haven't studied for? Maybe you're singing to an auditorium of your peers, and you don't feel ready. To minimize the blowback from your fake fainting spell, you may want to fake faint in front of only a few people. Fainting in front of a lot of people might expose you to some who can easily detect a fake fainting spell, and it might also make the moment bigger than you want it to be, hindering a quick exit. When you pretend to faint try your best to look real. You also don't want to faint during an important event that might affect other people, such as your friend's wedding, while someone's receiving an award, or during the test you're trying to avoid. Plan for your fake fainting spell to happen before the event you're trying to avoid. Know how your fake fainting spell will happen. Will you be standing or sitting? What symptoms do you think you can effectively mimic? Which way will you fall when pretending to faint? How long will you pretend to be unconscious? Have these questions answered. It's important to do a dry run of your fake fainting spell. You don't want to think you can pull it off, only to realize during the act that you're afraid of falling and bumping your head or that you can't hyperventilate without smiling. You also want to ensure that you fall as safely as possible in order to minimize potential injury. Know exactly what you're going to do, so that when you fake faint in front of other people, it will go smoothly. Plan your exit. You should only pretend to be unconscious for a few seconds, and a maximum of 20 seconds. Once a person falls to the floor or reclines enough so that his or her head is parallel to the heart, blood flow is almost immediately restored to the brain, as is consciousness. Once you pretend to awaken from your loss of conscious, don't jump up immediately and act as if everything is fine. Plan to sit for a few minutes, since it takes about that long for a person to recover from a real fainting spell. Knowing this is important. You don't want to faint during a time-sensitive event and expect to run out immediately afterwards. Also prepare to explain away your fainting as no big deal, so that once you should feel fine to stand up and walk away, you can exit the area as quickly as possible. Set the stage for your fake fainting spell. Now that you're prepared to make a fake faint look real, you can now make it happen. Once you're where you want your fake fainting spell to happen, make sure the conditions are right for it to occur the way you want it to. Are enough or the right people present? Is the event you're trying to avoid still happening? Is the hallway too crowded? Once you know things seem right, move to the general area where you want your fake fainting spell to occur. A real fainting spell happens fairly quickly from the onset of symptoms. Make sure there aren't dangerous objects nearby that could cause serious injury if you happen to hit them when falling. And make sure you won't hit anyone. Complain about having symptoms of fainting. When you're ready, begin exhibiting symptoms of fainting. This should only occur for a few minutes in total. If you plan to use not as your excuse not eating breakfast, mention that you're very hungry. If the room is crowded or stuffy, you could start complaining about feeling hot. If you're walking, start slowing down, hold your head a little, and say you feel dizzy. You can blink or squint your eyes. Complain of nausea. Pretend to suddenly lose energy, and say you feel weak. Keep up this last symptom for 1-2 minutes. Get in position where you’ll faint. While exhibiting your symptoms, and without drawing attention to your movements, move into the spot where it seems safest to fall. If you plan on fainting while sitting, pretend you're too weak to stand and take a seat. You can say that you feel kind of weird and that you think you need a glass of water or some fresh air. Maybe ask someone to open a window. If you are windowless or have no water around, just say you think you need to sit down, or go out for fresh air. Sit for a bit and get up slowly. Then stumble a bit and fall forward. Before you do that say something such as "I just...." Make sure you don't finish your sentence, unless it's short. Pretend to faint. Make sure you fall safely. You don't want to hit your head and hurt yourself. If you are standing, buckle your knees and let them hit the ground before you attempt to drop your torso. Make sure you go fast enough without making it look as if a 5000 volt surge of lightning has rushed though you, or it will seem fake. If you are sitting, relax and imagine you actually are fainting. Let yourself fall off the chair, as it is unlikely you would stay on there if you actually did faint. Try to land on the back side of your thigh, not your hip or tailbone. Then quickly drop your torso. Just close your eyes and let all your muscles completely weaken; just relax. Act as if you have no bones and fall to the floor in a crumpled heap. This will seem real. Pretend to be unconscious for a few seconds. Lie on the ground. Make sure you aren't stiff, and if someone attempts to lift an arm and shake it, let it completely relax and when they drop it, just let it fall. This is a common 'fake spotter' test. Unconscious people don't have control over their limbs. Someone should come over to see if you are okay, causing a diversion for whatever occasion. Don't stay down there too long, or someone might call the Emergency Services. Unless you want that to happen, make sure you don't stay out for more than 20 seconds. Open your eyes and take a deep breath. People who have fainted will often awaken having not remembered that they fainted. Say all you can remember is feeling hot and that it looked as though someone dimmed the lights in the room. Sit up slowly and after a moment, stand, or get someone to pull you to your feet. After a moment, you can attempt to stand and sort of waver a bit again, so people think you might faint again and will all rush to your aid. At this moment, if people are asking you questions, you can begin to explain your fake faint away as harmless. Make a semi-haste exit. Rest for about ten minutes or so to pretend to recover from your fake fainting spell. When you're ready, excuse yourself to either go home to rest or to set an appointment to visit your doctor. Someone may offer to take you somewhere, you can either accept their generosity or explain that you can get safely to your destination on your own.

Learn the causes of fainting. Learn the symptoms of fainting. Decide on a harmless reason for your fake faint. Map out how your fake faint will happen. Know how your fake fainting spell will happen. Plan your exit. Set the stage for your fake fainting spell. Complain about having symptoms of fainting. Get in position where you’ll faint. Pretend to faint. Pretend to be unconscious for a few seconds. Open your eyes and take a deep breath. Sit up slowly and after a moment, stand, or get someone to pull you to your feet. Make a semi-haste exit.

https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Hot-Peppers

How to Grow Hot Peppers

To grow hot peppers, start by germinating pepper seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. To germinate the seeds, sandwich them between 2 wet paper towels and place them in a sealable plastic bag for 1 week. Then, transfer the sprouts to 4-inch pots and water them regularly so the soil is always moist. Once you're certain winter is over, start placing the seedlings outdoors for a few hours a day to acclimate them, leaving them out for a little bit longer each day. Finally, after 2 weeks, transfer the seedlings into the ground outdoors.

Begin the process 8-10 weeks before the final frost of the season. Except in some hot climates, pepper seeds won't grow properly if you plant them directly into the garden soil. They need to grow for a while indoors in a controlled environment. The timeline of this varies, because the end of winter can be tricky to predict. Expect to start the seeds around the end of January or the beginning of February. If your area has especially mild winters, or you live in a warm climate, you have more freedom when it comes to when you must start the plants. Start the seeds with wet paper towels and a zipper bag. Fold 2 paper towels separately into small squares. Wet the paper towels with room temperature water. Place the seed on 1 paper towel and lay the other towel on top of that. Grab a zipper bag and slide the wet towels with the seed into it. Store the bag inside at a temperature around 70 to 80 °F (21 to 27 °C), and the seeds should sprout in about 1 week's time. This provides an incubator-like environment for the seed to start growing. If your house is not quite warm enough, consider keeping a heat lamp on the seed bag. Place seeds directly into 2 or 4 in (5.1 or 10.2 cm) pots as an alternative. Keep the soil consistently moist but not over saturated. Use a seedling mat to keep the soil warm and encourage faster germination and growth. Transplant the peppers into a larger pot or outdoors when your pepper is at least 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) tall. Plant the sprout in a 4 in (10 cm) pot if you used the bag method. If you started the seeds in a paper towel, you can transfer the seed to a pot with good drainage when they have sprouted. Put the seedling about ⁄ 8 to ⁄ 4 inch (3.2 to 6.4 mm) under the soil. Use organic soil, or soil that's meant for seed-starting. Also make sure the bottom of the pot has drainage holes. Keep the plant in the pot until it grows about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) tall. Water the plant as needed. Peppers soak up a lot of water, but they don't like soaking wet soil. Check the soil daily to make sure that it's moist. If the top of the soil has crusted over, the plant needs water. Water it lightly and check it again later to see how moist the soil is. A soil moisture meter is a great help in keeping the soil moisture regulated. Keep the plant indoors until you are sure the winter is over. Continue to nurture the baby pepper plant until it reaches late spring or summer in your area. Peppers only grow in warm weather, so if there is a chance of cold or frost, keep it inside a little longer. When it seems like spring and it's been two weeks since the last frost, it's probably safe to move the plants outside. Place the plants outside in indirect sunlight for a few hours a day. Your pepper plants may not survive if you move them from the protected inside to harsh, all-day sunlight. Spend a couple more weeks setting them outside in indirect sunlight for brief periods during the day. It may be best to choose hours in the morning or late afternoon, rather than during the hottest hours. Over the course of the 2 weeks, leave them out for a little bit longer each day. On the last day you do this, leave the plant out for about 8 hours. Avoid leaving young peppers out overnight until they are fully hardened off after a few weeks of increasing the time they spend outside. Dig a hole for each plant that’s about 3 shovelfuls deep. This is not really an exact amount, but not every plant or garden is the same. If you make the hole about the size of three good shovelfuls, you'll have room to add some sand and compost, as well as put the plant in. Dig 1 hole at a time and follow the next steps. Then you can judge if the hole was big enough for your plant or if you need to make the following ones bigger. Pour some sand and compost or manure in the planting hole. Since peppers started out in tropical climates, they thrive in sandy soil. Put 1 shovelful of sand into the hole, followed by 1 shovelful of compost or manure. Level the sand and compost out and pack them down just a bit. Set the plant into the hole. After the sand and compost are in the hole, gently pull the pepper plant from the pot. Place it into the hole carefully so that it stands up straight. Ideally, the top of the soil that's attached to the plant should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the top of the hole. Fill the hole around the plant’s roots. Use the extra dirt from when you dug the holes to fill in around the plants. Pack the soil down nice and tight so it is pressed against the roots and soil that was on the roots. Bury the pepper plants 18 to 24 in (46 to 61 cm) apart in the same row. As the pepper plants continue to grow, they will spread their leaves out. Because of this, it's important to plant them far enough apart for them to expand. Make the rows 24 to 36 inches (61 to 91 cm) apart. Each row needs to be far enough from the one next to it so the plants can expand on both sides and give you room to walk through. You'll want about 1 foot (0.30 m) of walking room between the rows, so be sure to leave enough room. It's better to put them farther apart rather than too close. Check recommendations for the specific variety of pepper that you are planting. Some benefit from closer spacing. Give the plants a thorough watering. Soak the soil all around the plants so the soil from the plants combines with what you added around the roots. There's a danger of overwatering, so pay attention that the ground doesn't become soggy. Transfer the soil moisture meter to your garden. Lay a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plants. Pepper plants want evenly moisturized soil, which can be hard to maintain. To keep the water in the soil from evaporating, pack mulch, such as weed-free straw, around the base of the plants. Mulch protects the soil from the sun and helps the soil store moisture better. Water the pepper plants consistently in the morning. Hot pepper plants are thirsty and require a good amount of water. At the same time, you don't want to overwater them so the soil is soaking. Water them deeply every 5 to 7 days. Check the soil moisture meter every day to see if you need to water the plants more often. Grow companion plants around your peppers. Some plants help peppers grow better and keep insects away from them. Grow onions, basil, and chives to deter insects like aphids, slugs, and mosquitoes that harm your peppers. Plant tomatoes and corn to give your pepper plants shade and create a windbreak. Harvest your peppers at the earliest “maturity” date on the seed packet. Most seed packets list a date when the plants are considered mature and are ready to be picked. If you harvest the peppers at the earliest date listed, the plant yields more peppers. A general guide is 75-90 days after you put them into the ground. Pay attention to the color of the peppers. Most pepper varieties have a color range that tells you when they are ready to pick. Look at the seed packet to see what color the peppers shown are. The packet might also list what color the peppers should be at peak ripeness. Wear gloves any time you touch the peppers. The oils in the pepper are what make it so hot. Some peppers will actually burn your skin if you are not careful. When it comes time to pick your peppers, wear thick gloves to keep the oil from getting on your skin. Avoid touching your skin after you touch the peppers. Even wearing gloves, you are at a risk for transferring the pepper oil to your skin. Make sure that you don't rub the gloves on your skin, especially anywhere on your face or around your eyes. Cut the peppers from their plant leaving part of the stem. Pulling peppers off of the plant can break the stalk. It's best to use garden shears or a sharp knife to cut the peppers off. Leave about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of stem on the pepper when you cut it off.

Begin the process 8-10 weeks before the final frost of the season. Start the seeds with wet paper towels and a zipper bag. Place seeds directly into 2 or 4 in (5.1 or 10.2 cm) pots as an alternative. Plant the sprout in a 4 in (10 cm) pot if you used the bag method. Water the plant as needed. Keep the plant indoors until you are sure the winter is over. Place the plants outside in indirect sunlight for a few hours a day. Dig a hole for each plant that’s about 3 shovelfuls deep. Pour some sand and compost or manure in the planting hole. Set the plant into the hole. Fill the hole around the plant’s roots. Bury the pepper plants 18 to 24 in (46 to 61 cm) apart in the same row. Make the rows 24 to 36 inches (61 to 91 cm) apart. Give the plants a thorough watering. Lay a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plants. Water the pepper plants consistently in the morning. Grow companion plants around your peppers. Harvest your peppers at the earliest “maturity” date on the seed packet. Pay attention to the color of the peppers. Wear gloves any time you touch the peppers. Avoid touching your skin after you touch the peppers. Cut the peppers from their plant leaving part of the stem.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-at-a-STOP-Sign

How to Stop at a STOP Sign

The best way to stop at a stop sign is to start slowing down when you're about 150 feet from the stop sign. When you reach the stop sign, come to complete stop by pressing on the brakes. If there's a car in front of you, stop and wait for them to go, then pull up to the stop sign and stop again. If another car got to the intersection before you, let them go first. If you're not sure, make eye contact with the other driver, and wave for them to go first.

Anticipate the need to stop. Sometimes, you will see a stop sign clearly in the distance as you approach it. In other cases, such as on hills or around blind curves, you may not be able to see a stop sign long before you are close to it. In some of these cases, you will see a separate sign warning you ahead of time that a stop sign is approaching. Whatever the situation, be prepared to slow down as soon as you see a stop sign. Allow adequate time and distance to stop. The exact amount of time or distance you need to stop will depend upon a number of factors, including your speed, the weather, and the physical conditions of the road. However, you should start slowing down at least 150 feet before the stop sign. If you are traveling at high speeds, if the weather conditions are poor, or if the road conditions are dangerous (for instance, if the stop sign is at the bottom of a very steep hill), then you will need to allow more time and distance to slow down. If you stay within the speed limit enforced on a given road, you should generally have adequate time to slow down and halt at a stop sign, whether or not you see it long ahead of time. Come to a complete stop. When you come upon a stop sign, come to a complete halt so that your vehicle has no momentum. Do not simply slow down or pause. Try to come smoothly to a stop rather than slamming on the brakes. If there is a solid white bar or a crosswalk painted across the intersection, you should stop before it, so that you don't block it. If there is no painted stopping line, then stop slightly before the stop sign so that you can see in all directions at the intersection. If you cannot see clearly around the intersection, slowly pull forward slightly until you can see, and come to a complete stop again. If another vehicle is already stopped at the stop sign in front of you, you must first stop behind it, then again come to a complete stop at the stop sign once that vehicle moves on. Recognize the kind of intersection. Stop signs may be used at several kinds of intersections, and different traffic rules are enforced at each. It is important to know which kind of stop you are approaching so that you know which rules to follow. A two-way stop is used when two roads intersect, but traffic on only one road is required to stop at the intersection. A four-way or all-way stop is used when two roads intersect, and traffic moving in all directions must stop at the intersection. A T-junction is formed when one road dead-ends in another perpendicular to it (forming a shape that resembles the letter “T”). T-junctions may have a three-way stop, in which traffic moving in all directions must stop at the intersection, or they may have only a stop sign for the traffic moving toward the intersection from the road that dead-ends. Many stop signs will have a smaller sign below the red octagon indicating if the stop is a four-way, three-way, etc. Look both ways for traffic. Even after you stop, you are required to let any traffic moving across your path go by first. If there is no traffic, you are free to proceed through the intersection (or turn) after coming to a complete stop. If traffic is visible but at a distance far enough away that it will not reach the intersection before you cross it, you may proceed. However, you must always move across an intersection at a reasonable speed, and avoid trying to cross when traffic is dangerously close to the intersection. Only cross the intersection if any traffic is a safe distance away. The exact distance will depend on the speed of the oncoming traffic and other concerns, so always use good judgment and play it safe. Remember that traffic on the road may include bicyclists, motorcycles, and other vehicles, in addition to automobiles. Check for pedestrians. If there are pedestrians moving across the intersection (people walking, strolling, bicycling, skating, etc.), you are required to let them go by before crossing it yourself. This is true even if there is no other motor vehicle traffic at the intersection. Unless laws in your area specifically state otherwise, you should let pedestrians cross an intersection first even if there is no visible crosswalk. Obey right-of-way. If there is already another vehicle (car, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.) stopped at the stop sign across the street from you when you come to the stop sign, you are required to let it proceed first. The vehicle may turn to the left or right (your right or left), or move straight across the intersection. Whatever the case, let that vehicle go by before proceeding through the intersection. If two vehicles come to a stop at an intersection at the same time, a driver turning left must yield to traffic going straight or turning right. In all cases, let safety prevail. Do everything you can to prevent an accident. For instance, if another vehicle starts to proceed before its “turn,” just let it go by and proceed when the roadway is clear. Cross the intersection. Once the roadway is clear of oncoming vehicles and pedestrian traffic, and you have yielded the right-of-way to any vehicles already stopped at the intersection, you may proceed across it. Move at a reasonable speed, and continue on your way. Obey right-of-way at a four-way or three-way stop. When you come to a four-way or three-way stop, the right-of-way rules are slightly different. Drivers should proceed through the intersection in the order in which they arrive at the stop (regardless of which direction they are moving in), making sure to yield to any pedestrians first. If two cars come to the intersection at the same time, The car to the right has the right of way. Stop at a school bus stop sign. School buses have stop signs that pop up when the buses are stopped to let schoolchildren on or off. When you see a bus stopped with its stop sign(s) displayed, come to a complete stop at a safe distance from the bus (15 feet away is recommended). Remain stopped until all children have boarded or exited the bus. Even after the stop sign is put away and the bus moves on, double-check to make sure there are no children in or next to the road. Proceed only when your path is completely clear. Stop for pedestrians, whether or not a regular stop sign is visible. You should stop for pedestrians at a crosswalk, even if the crosswalk is in the middle of a block rather than at an intersection of two or more roads. In some cases you may see a STOP sign, a small STOP sign icon, or a phrase such as “STOP for Pedestrians.” Whether or not you see such a sign, however, you should come to a complete stop to let pedestrians cross at a crosswalk. Don’t cross an intersection if traffic is backed up. If you come to a stop sign at an intersection, and traffic on the other side of the street headed in your direction is not moving, do not cross the intersection. Wait until traffic clears on the other side and it is safe to proceed through. If you attempt to cross an intersection when traffic is backed up, you may end up blocking the intersection and increasing the chance of an accident or delay. Always yield to emergency vehicles. If you are at a stop sign at an intersection and it would otherwise be your “turn,” wait if you see or hear an emergency vehicle (ambulance, fire truck, police car, etc.) coming. Let the emergency vehicle go by first before proceeding through the intersection. Obey a police officer directing traffic. If there is a police officer or other official at an intersection directing traffic, you should obey that person's orders. Follow the official's signal for when it is your turn to proceed through the intersection, regardless of what normal rules dictate. Request a stop sign if you think one is needed. If you think a stop sign is necessary at a certain intersection, contact your local transportation board, road commission, town council, etc. about your suggestion. However, you must make a good case for why the sign is needed, and understand that: Stop signs are not really used to control speed. In fact, studies have show that many drivers tend to increase their speed between stop signs. Too many stop signs can also increase pollution and cause traffic congestion. The decision about whether or not to erect a stop sign is usually governed by several factors, such as the number of crashes that have occurred at the intersection, traffic flow and volume, and visibility at the intersection.

Anticipate the need to stop. Allow adequate time and distance to stop. Come to a complete stop. Recognize the kind of intersection. Look both ways for traffic. Check for pedestrians. Obey right-of-way. Cross the intersection. Obey right-of-way at a four-way or three-way stop. Stop at a school bus stop sign. Stop for pedestrians, whether or not a regular stop sign is visible. Don’t cross an intersection if traffic is backed up. Always yield to emergency vehicles. Obey a police officer directing traffic. Request a stop sign if you think one is needed.

https://www.wikihow.com/Spot-Fake-Oakley-Sunglasses

How to Spot Fake Oakley Sunglasses

Due to their popularity and price, fake Oakley sunglasses are quite common, but there are some easy ways to tell them apart from genuine ones. Real Oakley glasses will be made of quality materials, the hinges will feel sturdy, and the lenses will be clear, while fakes will often be flimsy with cloudy lenses. Genuine glasses will also come with a protective case or pouch. Look for the letter O logo, which is generally found on the temple of one or both arms. Some newer models have the brand name printed instead. Real glasses will also have a 5- or 8-digit item number on the inside of the left arm. Don't expect to pay less than 80 dollars for a used pair or 150 for a new pair of Oakley sunglasses.

Perform a quick visual assessment of the product’s quality. In most cases, all it will take to tell if you're dealing with a cheap imitation is a glance. Genuine Oakley sunglasses are assembled from premium hard-wearing plastics, metals, and rubbers. Knockoffs, on the other hand, are often hastily thrown together using the least expensive materials available—and it shows. Take as much time as you need to conduct your inspection. If the vendor tries to distract you, hurry you along, or discouraging you from handling their merchandise, they may have something to hide. Hold the glasses to get a sense of how they’re constructed. Oakleys are renowned for their solid construction and durability. Because of these, real ones will have a bit of heft to them. Be sure to also feel for issues like flimsy hinges or loose lenses. Flaws like these are serious red flags. Bogus Oakleys may also be noticeably smaller than their authentic counterparts. This happens when the makers attempt to cut down on the cost of production by using less material. Gauge the quality and clarity of the lenses. Oakleys are designed for performance. This means that the lenses on real sunglasses will be crystal clear and perfectly tinted to block out the sun while ensuring optimal visibility. By contrast, the lenses on fakes may be cloudy or hard to see through. You may even notice peeling around the edges, evidence that they've been tinted with a cheap film. Many Oakley models boast scratch-resistant lenses. A little light scratching may be an indication of age, but if the lenses are criss-crossed with large gouges, it's probably because they're made from inferior quality materials. Even pre-owned pairs will retain their clarity and tint integrity after years of regular use. Look for obvious raised seams on the frames. Actual Oakley frames are all smooth contours and neatly-molded square edges. A bad molding job is another tell-tale sign that someone is trying to swindle you out of your hard-earned money. Fortunately, it's also one that's hard to miss. The worst offenders might even be pieced together from multiple pieces that aren't perfectly aligned. Keep an eye out for areas where the color is chipping or flaking. Unlike real Oakleys, which are molded from pre-dyed plastics, “Foakleys” are typically colored with a single coat of cheap paint. If you notice any spots where the finish is coming off and there's another color visible beneath, you can be certain that they're not the real McCoy. This rule may not apply to sunglasses that are made from metal or painted with a special finish. However, you can still judge the quality of the paint job by examining the edge of each arm where it folds into the eyepiece. As tempting as it may be to scratch the sunglasses yourself, don't. Most vendors will expect you to pay for items that you've damaged, and the last thing you want is to get stuck with a pair of shades after determining that they're phony. Open and close the arms to see how well the hinges work. The movement of the arms should be buttery smooth through their entire range of motion, thanks to Oakley's sturdy full plastic hinges. The cheap metal hinges commonly used to manufacture fugazi sunglasses, including Foakleys, have a much higher likelihood of sticking, coming loose, or even breaking after a few wears. Select Oakley hinges may contain metal components, but these will be slender pins, not large, clunky screws. Try the glasses on to test them for comfort. The rubber on real Oakleys is soft and slightly spongy, which makes for a cozy, all-day fit. It should almost feel like you're not wearing glasses at all. Hard, rough, or ill-fitting ear socks and nose pieces are a clear indicator that someone's trying to pull a fast one. The removable ear socks on fake glasses may not want to stay in place while you're wearing them, or be suspiciously easy to slip on and off when you're not. Have someone else look them over. Advances in technology and manufacturing have made it easier than ever to pass off convincing forgeries. If you've looked a particular pair of sunglasses over from top to bottom and still aren't sure whether they're real, it may help to get a second set of eyes on them. Someone who's had experience with Oakley products in the past will be especially trustworthy. Designer brand forums and online communities centered around Oakley products can be great places to go for a second opinion. When in doubt, it's always best to get your Oakley sunglasses and accessories from an official Oakley outlet store, or a licensed dealer like Sunglass Hut. Look for the trademark Oakley logo on the outer part of the frames. All Oakley sunglasses display the company's signature “O” logo. In most cases, you'll find it on the temple section of one or both arms. If the glasses don't feature a logo at all, leave them on the shelf. This is a dead giveaway that they're a con job. Certain newer models, like the popular Frogskins, bear the full name of the brand in place of the smaller symbol. This script will be written in the recognizable Oakley font and have a clean, precise, polished look. The Oakley “O” has undergone a few re-imaginings over the years. Don't be too quick to cry foul if the logo isn't identical to the one found on other pairs. It could just be that you've got a slightly newer or older model on your hands. Note whether the logo is three-dimensional or flat. Once you've pinpointed the brand's logo, take stock of its general appearance. On bona fide Oakley sunglasses, the “O” will always be embossed rather than stamped or painted. Additionally, it will most often be made of metal, and be clearly distinguishable from the plastic used for the frames. The logo may be plastic on some pairs, but the quality and detail of the molding will still be the same. Check for a 5- or 8-digit item number on the inside of the left arm. Before a pair of Oakleys leaves the factory, it's printed with an SKU, or “stock keeping unit” item number. On older pairs, the SKU will appear as a 5-digit hyphenated number, such as “12-345.” Newer pairs are marked with an 8-digit hyphenated number that begins with “00,” as in “001234-56.” More elaborate fakes are sometimes printed with randomized SKUs. However, these don't always match the model of the glasses they're printed on. If the model you're appraising have an item number on them, take a moment to punch it into a search engine to confirm whether it's legit. Some Oakley sunglasses are still made in the U.S., but many are manufactured elsewhere these days. Seeing “Made in China” written on the arm shouldn't necessarily set off any alarm bells. Be wary of cheap or branded stickers on the lenses. The majority of Oakley sunglasses don't have stickers on them, whether on the lenses or anywhere else. When they are present, they'll always be the soft, flexible cling type, not the sticky variety. If you peel off a sticker and it leaves behind a layer of adhesive residue, you've been taken for a ride. Oakley only puts stickers on the lenses of their polarized glasses, and these are only printed with the letter “P,” never the company name or logo. As a general rule of thumb, if you see a sticker on a pair of Oakley shades, there's a good chance that they're impostors. Check the price tag. As the old cliché goes, if looks too good to be true, it probably is. You can generally expect to pay at least $80-100 dollars for even a lightly-used pair of Oakleys. Factory-fresh sunglasses will likely run you closer to $150-200, or sometimes more. Lots of factors can contribute to an item's price, including age, wear, the number of original accessories included, and the amount the seller paid for it. Keep this in mind when trying to determine whether the sunglasses look like they're worth the number on the price tag. Size up the retail box when buying new sunglasses. Scan the box to verify that all logos, images, fonts, and special branding terms are presented the same way that they are on the company's official website. Included in the info you find there will be the product's model name, SKU, and item description, along with a unique barcode. Verify that each of these details correspond to the characteristics of the model you're shopping for. Take a moment to give the packaging itself a good hard look, too. If there's anything fishy about the box design, like bleeding ink, off-kilter printing, or misspelled text, consider it a heads up. Ask if they come with a certificate of authenticity or warranty card. You'll receive both these pieces of paperwork anytime you purchase a brand new pair of Oakley sunglasses. Certifying documents like these are intended specifically to assure buyers that what they're getting is the real deal. Be wary of glasses being advertised as new or unworn that don't come with them. If you're buying previously-owned, the seller may or may not still have the original certificate and warranty card in their possession. In this case, you'll need to rely on other methods of authentication. Look over the case or pouch that the sunglasses come in. Unless you're getting your Oakleys secondhand, they should come safely stored in a protective hard case or soft microfiber pouch. This container itself can provide a clue as to the product's origin. If it's cheaply-made or emblazoned with a suspect-looking logo, you may want to reconsider your purchase. Models that are sold in hard cases will also generally come with a cleaning cloth, which will be printed with the Oakley name or logo, as well. Make sure you pay just as much attention to what's inside. It's not uncommon for scam artists to repackage fake sunglasses in original designer cases.

Perform a quick visual assessment of the product’s quality. Hold the glasses to get a sense of how they’re constructed. Gauge the quality and clarity of the lenses. Look for obvious raised seams on the frames. Keep an eye out for areas where the color is chipping or flaking. Open and close the arms to see how well the hinges work. Try the glasses on to test them for comfort. Have someone else look them over. Look for the trademark Oakley logo on the outer part of the frames. Note whether the logo is three-dimensional or flat. Check for a 5- or 8-digit item number on the inside of the left arm. Be wary of cheap or branded stickers on the lenses. Check the price tag. Size up the retail box when buying new sunglasses. Ask if they come with a certificate of authenticity or warranty card. Look over the case or pouch that the sunglasses come in.

https://www.wikihow.com/Farm-Tilapia

How to Farm Tilapia

If you're interested in farming tilapia, the first thing you'll need to do is dig and fill a pond in a sunny, wide-open space to raise your fish in. You'll need to adjust the water in the pond so it has the right pH levels and salinity for tilapia, and you'll also want to install a fountain or bubbler to keep the water aerated. Once your pond is set up, you can introduce young tilapia to it and start raising them. Generally, you'll need to feed your fish commercial fish food twice a day, and you'll also need to add fertilizer to the water regularly so that algae grows and your fish can snack on it. After 6-7 months, you'll be able to start harvesting your tilapia and preparing them for eating!

Choose a sunny location with plenty of space. Choose a spot where your pond will get plenty of direct sunlight, as fish need sunlight each day to thrive. Make sure to avoid any areas near pipes, as the pond needs to be at least 2.5 feet (0.76 m) deep, but deeper is always better. You'll also have to install things like a bubbler, extra lights, and a water heater near the pond. Pick an area with plenty of space. Dig your pond. Use garden or ropes to draw out the outline of your pond on the ground. Use a shovel to dig in 16 inches (41 cm) intervals until you get the depth you need. Dig a little deeper near the center of the pond, as you'll install a water fountain here. Unless you have extensive experience in these kinds of projects, it's a good idea to hire a landscaper or at least consult with one first. The precise size of your pond depends on the number of fish you're farming. As you're farming tilapia to maturity, however, larger is generally better. Build as big of a pond as you can. It can also help to consult with an existing tilapia farmer. Add sand. Buy mason's sand online or at a local department store. Fill the bottom of your pond with the sand and then use a rake to smooth it out. Add your pond liner. You can pick up a pond liner, which is essentially a large tarp, at a department store. Get enough liner to cover your entire pond. Place the liner in the center of the pond and then unfold it outwards until your pond is covered. Cover the liner in stones. While you can use stones from your backyard, it's best to purchase stones at a hardware store or online so you can ensure you won't potentially contaminate your water later. Place the stones on the floor or your pond and them move them up the sides and onto the edges. This will keep your liner in place. Fill the pond with clean water. Only fill your pond with the same water you would drink yourself. Tap water from your sink, for example, would be fine. You may have to hook your hose up to the main water source from your home and then fill the pond almost to the brim using your hose. You can leave a little headspace on top, as the water will rise when you add your fish. One to two feet (.3 to.6 meters) should be adequate. Adjust the salt. You can buy a salt tester at a local hardware store, which is usually a stick dipped into the water to measure the salt. Salt should be around 18 parts per thousand (PPT). Tap water usually requires extra salt. You can buy salts, specifically meant to be used in water, at a hardware store or online, and add them to your water. Adjust the pH. You can buy pH testing kits online or at a department store. Instructions vary, but you usually dip a stick or something similar into the water to test to pH levels. For tilapia, the pH should be between 7 and 9. You can add alkaline or acidic products, which you purchase at a hardware store, to your mix into the water to raise or lower the pH. Add a fountain or bubbler. Proper aeration is key for your tilapias' health. Have a landscaper install a fountain or bubbler in the center of your pond to keep the water aerated. Unless you have professional landscaping experience, do not attempt to install a bubbler or fountain yourself. The fountain/bubbler is generally installed after the water is added. Protect the pond with a fence and net. Birds and some mammals feed on tilapia. Keep a small fence around the pond and keep a net over the pond. This should minimize your fish's exposure to predators. Fertilize the pond before adding your fish. About a week before buying your fish, add a commercial fertilizer to your tank. Look for a fertilizer designed for water, as this will grow algae. Usually, you release a specific amount of the fertilizer into your pond. Follow package instructions, as application methods do vary. Get your fish from a safe source. It's best to buy tilapia from a breeder who's been farming tilapia for a while. Go for younger fish or fish that have just hatched. It's always a good idea to meet with a breeder in person and check to make sure they have a large pond with a bubbler or fountain. Buying fish online is not a good idea, as you don't want to get fish that could potentially spread disease in your pond. Maintain your pond's temperature. Depending on your region, you may need to install a heating system in your pond. Your pond should remain between 77 °F (25 °C) and 86 °F (30 °C). You can use a thermometer to monitor temperature and turn your heat up or down as needed. Have a professional install a heating system in your pond unless you have extensive experience with landscaping. You can injure yourself installing a heating system and, if you install one improperly, it can affect the health of your fish. Feed your tilapia twice per day. Tilapia are simple to feed. They will feed on algae in the pond, so keep adding fertilizer to encourage algae growth. In addition to algae, go with a commercial fish food specifically designed for tilapia. Fish should be fed twice a day: once in the morning and once in the afternoon. You can also supplement the diet with things like rice and breadcrumbs on occasion. The amount you feed depends on how many fish you have. The feed you choose should come with a recommendation for serving size. Quarantine sick fish immediately. If a fish seems lethargic or is showing physical signs of illness, like rashes or missing scales, use a net to remove it from the tank immediately. Keep it in a bucket or aquarium until you can diagnose and properly treat the illness. Consult an aquarium professional for advice if a fish gets sick. Some illnesses will clear up with medication. Wait six to seven months to harvest your fish. Tilapia takes about six or seven months to fully mature. Give your tilapia this much time to grow before harvesting. The best fish to harvest will be very large and meaty. Use a net to remove mature tilapia. The easiest way to remove tilapia from a pond is using a net. Simply pick up a net at a hardware store and scoop out the most mature fish. Some tilapia may run from the net, so it can take some time to remove them from the pond. Kill the tilapia immediately. Once removed from the pond, it's humane to kill the tilapia right away to avoid prolonging the struggle. Use a blunt instrument to administer a forceful blow to the head just above the eyes. If this does not kill the fish immediately, administer another blow. If you're harvesting multiple tilapia, store dead fish in a cooler while you complete the harvesting process. Scale your fish. Work on a flat surface. Run the backside of the knife along your fish from the head to the tail. Keep making long strokes with your knife until all the scales are removed. Flip the fish over and repeat on the other side. Gut the fish. Place the fish on a cutting board and make a cut from the tip of the belly to the head. Open up the body and remove any entrails. Cut out a v-shape around the fish's anus to remove it. Scrape out any bones with a knife. Then, rinse the inside of the fish with clean tap water. If you want, you can remove and discard the head. When cutting the fish, keep your cut shallow to avoid puncturing the intestines. Store your fish in the fridge or freezer. Fish can be stored in the refrigerator when wrapped in plastic and stored in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge if you intend to use them within two days. If you're not going to use your tilapia immediately, wrap it tightly in plastic or foil and store it in the freezer. Tilapia lasts for six to nine months in the freezer.

Choose a sunny location with plenty of space. Dig your pond. Add sand. Add your pond liner. Cover the liner in stones. Fill the pond with clean water. Adjust the salt. Adjust the pH. Add a fountain or bubbler. Protect the pond with a fence and net. Fertilize the pond before adding your fish. Get your fish from a safe source. Maintain your pond's temperature. Feed your tilapia twice per day. Quarantine sick fish immediately. Wait six to seven months to harvest your fish. Use a net to remove mature tilapia. Kill the tilapia immediately. Scale your fish. Gut the fish. Store your fish in the fridge or freezer.

https://www.wikihow.com/Ignore-People-Who-Try-to-Pick-on-You

How to Ignore People Who Try to Pick on You

If someone is picking on you to get a reaction, the best way to discourage them is to ignore them until they leave you alone. Remain calm, and act as though the bullying does not bother you. If that doesn't work, try firmly telling them to "Stop" to establish control of the situation. If you are being bullied regularly, keep a log of the incidents and let a counselor, parent, or supervisor know.

Don’t make eye contact with the person. The bully is looking for your reaction, and making direct eye contact can end badly. Direct eye contact can be seen as an act of aggression. You do not want to push the aggression to the point of becoming physical. Do not give the bully any of your direct attention. Try to stay neutral and not look at him or her. Keep walking or doing whatever you were doing. If the bully is just talking mean to you, you can try ignoring him or her as if the person hadn't said anything. In the case that the bully acts out physically you need to treat this as a serious matter and not ignore it. Sometimes, a bully may pick on you because you are smarter or better at something than he or she is. Ignore negative comments tied to your success and just enjoy the success. Put your shoulders back and hold your head high as you want past the bully. Do not give off non-verbal signs that you are fearful. Make a phone call. Stay focused on your conversation. Just keep doing your thing to silently shush a bully. Count backwards from 100 silently in your head. Finding a distraction as simple as counting backwards can help you to not show a big reaction to the bully and avoid giving him or her the negative feedback that is desired. Make up a funny or inspiring chant to repeat to yourself. Think positive thoughts even if you do not feel so great. This allows you to ignore the bully and possibly even deter future behavior. Say to yourself something like “I will not allow anyone to make my day bad” or “I am the picture of calm.” You can even read through an uplifting book or put in your headphones to listen to soothing music. These are all positive ways to distract yourself from teasing. Maintain a log of incidents. Write down everything that happens. Do not simply ignore the behavior. Part of defining bullying behavior is establishing a pattern. Keeping a journal or log can help you create a timeline of events to share with an adult who may be able to help you. There is a difference between ignoring the mean behavior in the moment and letting it go without taking action. You can choose to not react to the negative but still take note of this serious behavior to access help later. Stand up for yourself if ignoring doesn’t work. Be assertive and stay calm. Act with confidence and respect. The point is to end the bullying not to become a bully. Do not engage in the same type of behavior they bully is doing, instead stand tall and address the words the bully is saying head on. Say something to the effect of “Stop!” If the person is calling you a strange name provide them with your name “My name is actually Mark. Please call me that.” If the person has touched you in an aggressive or teasing manner simply say “Get your hands off me.” Be compassionate towards the person picking on you. Often the best tool to combat a bully is compassion. Learn to stand strong without putting the bully down or embarrassing him or her. Offer compassion and make it a win for both of you. You can silently wish the person good thoughts by saying repeating to yourself “May you overcome your hatred and have a positive day” while thinking of the other person. Confide in a friend, parent or counselor. Counselors at school are trained to help in this situation and can often work with ending the bullying or finding short-term solutions like a schedule change to avoid the issues while it is being dealt with. Report the problem to an administrator. Most schools have procedures in place to deal with bullying and the principal will normally do this right away. If there is ever a threat of violence or you know the bully has access to weapons, tell an adult it is an emergency. Some threats may turn out to be nothing, but you have no way of knowing if they are serious. It is better to treat the threat as being real. Sadly, since many school shootings started out as known threats that were not taken seriously, it is always better to ask for help and make sure everyone is safe. Ask about any apps or special reporting systems your school uses. Some schools use smart phone apps, such as STOPit to make it easier for students to report bullying or get help. Stay near friends or a teacher between classes. Bullies often try to do things in secret so walk with friends and talk to them as if the bully is not there. Bullies thrive on power and intimidation. The balance of power is shifted with teachers or other people around, and the bullies will more than likely lose interest. Neutralize the balance of power—by having someone else nearby— and you may be able to take the impact out of the negative behavior. Use a different route that the person doesn’t take. Don't give the bully a chance to interact with you if you are able to. You can be aware of where the bully is without making it obvious you are watching. Learn habits and schedule of the bully so you can try to avoid crossing paths. Generally your school will have several ways to get between classes. Use a route that you know the bully would not use. Trying different ways to get from class to class each day will also make you harder to find to be picked on. Most bullies are not going to hunt all over for you. Change classes or buses, if possible. The bully is looking for someone close to pick on. Removing yourself from their path often ends the problem. When you ask about these changes, be honest about why they need to be done. You are more likely to get help if you make clear there is a pattern of bad behavior and these small changes may end that behavior. It is usually easier to ask for a move for yourself than to expect the bully to be removed.

Don’t make eye contact with the person. Keep walking or doing whatever you were doing. Count backwards from 100 silently in your head. Make up a funny or inspiring chant to repeat to yourself. Maintain a log of incidents. Stand up for yourself if ignoring doesn’t work. Be compassionate towards the person picking on you. Confide in a friend, parent or counselor. Report the problem to an administrator. Stay near friends or a teacher between classes. Use a different route that the person doesn’t take. Change classes or buses, if possible.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-Horse-Riding

How to Dress for Horse Riding

To dress for horse riding, wear fitted jeans or pants, which will help prevent chafing. For a top, opt for a tank top or short-sleeved shirt if it's warm out, or go with a long-sleeve shirt or sweater if it's cold. For your shoes, wear a pair of boots that have a heel, and avoid wearing sneakers, flip-flops, or slip-ons since they're not safe for horseback riding. Also, make sure you wear a helmet that fits you in case you fall.

Wear a comfortable pair of jeans or pants to prevent chafing. Opt for pants that fit you well and that have a little stretch to them. This will ensure that they will move with you as you ride the horse. If you want something made for riding horses, get a pair of riding jeans, riding tights, or riding pants. Avoid baggy pants since these may get caught on a branch while you are riding, which may result in a fall. Don't choose pants that are too tight to sit down and move in comfortably. This will make your ride an unpleasant experience. Make sure to avoid slippery pants as well. This may make it hard for you to stay on the horse. Go with a t-shirt or long sleeved-shirt depending on the weather. You can go with a tank top or short-sleeved shirt in warm weather, or opt for a long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt in cooler weather. If you will be riding on a trail, then you might want to choose a brightly-colored shirt or sweatshirt to improve your visibility. Avoid choosing a shirt that is too loose or baggy on you. This will put you at risk of getting caught on something while you ride, which could lead to a fall. Steer clear of shirts that are too tight as this may make you uncomfortable while you are riding the horse. Select a pair of riding boots with a 1 to 1.5 in (2.5 to 3.8 cm) heel. Boots are the best option for horse riding since they cover your toes and offer support for your ankles. Choosing a boot with a heel will also ensure that you have some traction when you put your feet in the stirrups, which will make it easier to stay in the saddle. Opt for a pair of compact boots to ensure that they will fit into the stirrups easily. Avoid bulky or clunky boots which may be too big to fit in your stirrups. Avoid wearing sneakers, flip flops, high heels, or slip-on mules. These are not safe footwear choices for riding a horse. Choose a helmet that fits you well. Your helmet is the most important part of your riding attire. It can protect you from serious injury if you fall off of your horse. Wrap a soft tape measure around the part of your head that is about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) above your eyebrows. Use this measurement to help you find your helmet size. Other features to look for in a helmet include: The helmet fits you snugly, but not so tight it pinches you. It sits 0.75 to 1 in (1.9 to 2.5 cm) above your eyebrows. The chinstrap fits snugly under your chin. The helmet stays on your head when you bend over. The back strap is snug and prevents the helmet from slipping forward. The side straps meet just below and in front of your earlobes. It has ventilation openings throughout to prevent overheating. Wear a safety vest for cross-country jumping or trail riding. It is important for you to be visible for certain types of horse riding. You can get a brightly-colored vest to wear over your shirt, which will make it easier for other riders to see you. Check an equestrian attire store or website to find a vest in your size. Make sure to get one that fits you well and is not baggy. Get a pair of leather gloves for a better grip on the reins. It can be difficult to keep a good grip on the reins if the horse struggles or if the reins become damp. Wearing a pair of leather riding gloves will help to ensure that you can keep a good grip on the reins during your ride. Gloves will also help to protect your hands from blisters. You can also purchase a pair of gloves meant especially for riding. Tie your hair back if it is long. Long, flowing hair may blow into your eyes and obstruct your vision during a horse ride. Prevent this by tying it back in a ponytail, bun, or braid. If you have long bangs, make sure to tuck them back into your helmet before the ride. You can also keep your hair out of the way with a hairnet. This is a good option if you have styled your hair and don't want to put it up in a ponytail or bun. Put on sunscreen to protect your skin during the day. Riding outdoors in the daytime exposes your skin to harmful UV rays, so apply a layer of sunscreen to your face, neck, arms, shoulders, and any other areas of your body that will not be covered by clothing. Make sure to bring some sunscreen with you to reapply it as needed during your ride. You should wear sunscreen whether it is hot or cold out. You can get sunburnt in any season if the sun is shining. Opt for layers so you can adjust if you are too warm or cold. Whether you are going out on a winter ride or a summer ride, layers are your best bet to stay comfortable. In winter, start with a turtleneck as your first layer, then cover that with a t-shirt, then put on a waterproof jacket over the shirt. In summer, start with a tank top, then cover that with a t-shirt. If it is very cold, then you can also wear a vest. Even in the summer time, you may want to bring along a lightweight jacket just in case the temperature drops during your ride. Select clothing that wicks moisture away from your skin. Certain materials will become wet if you wear them and then sweat onto them, while other types of clothing wick moisture away from your body to keep you dry and cool. Look for synthetic materials that feature moisture-wicking technology. Check the labels on clothing to see if they are moisture-wicking. In general, natural materials will hold onto moisture, so avoid things like cotton and wool if you expect to sweat a lot. Moisture-wicking socks are especially important to prevent your feet from getting sweaty in your boots. Wear a waterproof jacket that is compatible with sitting on a horse. If you are going to be going on an evening ride or if the weather is on the cool side, then wear or bring a jacket along just in case. Make sure to choose a jacket that fits you well and that is not baggy or loose since this is a safety hazard. You can find jackets meant specifically for horse riding, such as by checking an equestrian attire store or website. Select light colors to reflect light away from your body in hot weather. Pastels, whites, and other light colors are your best bet for staying cool when the sun is shining and the weather is hot. Steer clear of black and other dark colors since these will attract heat and make you feel even warmer. For example, instead of choosing a black t-shirt, opt for a white t-shirt. In place of black riding pants, go with a lightweight pair of white or pastel pink jeans.

Wear a comfortable pair of jeans or pants to prevent chafing. Go with a t-shirt or long sleeved-shirt depending on the weather. Select a pair of riding boots with a 1 to 1.5 in (2.5 to 3.8 cm) heel. Choose a helmet that fits you well. Wear a safety vest for cross-country jumping or trail riding. Get a pair of leather gloves for a better grip on the reins. Tie your hair back if it is long. Put on sunscreen to protect your skin during the day. Opt for layers so you can adjust if you are too warm or cold. Select clothing that wicks moisture away from your skin. Wear a waterproof jacket that is compatible with sitting on a horse. Select light colors to reflect light away from your body in hot weather.

https://www.wikihow.com/Convince-Anyone-of-Anything

How to Convince Anyone of Anything

To convince anyone of anything, start by studying the material you're discussing. Part of making solid arguments is having strong supporting reasoning and evidence to back up your claims, so make sure to clearly and confidently assert your main points as well as your reasons and examples. Additionally, don't shy away from making an emotional connection or plea, which can be very convincing. Finally, no matter how you make your argument, stay calm to get your point across.

Define the terms of the discussion. For certain arguments you may need to know more than just the facts. Don't waste time arguing about whether or not the Eiffel tower is pretty if you're trying to establish that it's iconic. Define your terms. Is it a moral issue? An aesthetic issue? An issue of personal rights and freedoms? For example, if you wanted to convince somebody that the Statue of Liberty was prettier than the Eiffel Tower, you will need to know enough of about architecture and aesthetics to argue about that subject, as well as the facts, like how tall each structure is, who designed each, and what set of criteria should be used to weigh the options. Develop your reasoning. Making a good argument is like building a table--you want the main point to be held up by supporting reasoning like a table being held up by its legs. If you don't have that supporting reasoning and evidence, your table is just a piece of wood. Just as in an essay you'd craft a thesis statement, you need to define and articulate the main point you're trying to make and assemble supporting evidence that backs it up. If your main point is "Modern art is boring," what are your reasons for this proclamation? Are you basing your argument on the motivation of the artists? The inscrutability of the work? On the lack of popularity among "regular" people? Come up with your reasons and your point will be stronger. Back up your reasoning with vivid examples and evidence. You need to use memorable and striking details that will illustrate your points for you. If you want to convince someone the Beatles are the greatest band of all time, it'll be tough going if you can't remember the name of "that one album" you like, or if you can't listen to any of the music to provide a common reference while you're having the discussion. Do your homework. Make sure you understand your own viewpoint, whether it's a subjective issue like whether or not Goodfellas is better than the Godfather or whether you're trying to convince your parents to let you stay out later, or whether you're arguing about a moral issue, like capital punishment. Find out the facts first, without making any assumptions about the other person's point of view. If you are selling something, like a car, you will need to know all there is to know about the car you are selling. Likewise, you will need to know all about the other cars that are in competition with your vehicle. Give an inch and gain a mile. Accepting one lesser point from the other person and showing that you can change your mind, and that you have mutual agreements in the matter will open up the other person to your side of things. If you're willing to concede certain points in the discussion to win the overall argument , you have the stronger position. The difference between discussions and arguments is that an argument has escalated past rationality and is driven by ego. One of you doesn't want to be wrong and you've decided you're going to keep pissing on the other's feet until one of you slips. Be as confident as you are assertive. We're drawn to confidence, and there's nothing you can do to bolster your point of view more than presenting it with conviction and the presumption of proof. No matter what you're trying to prove, if you believe it, you'll help your cause. Being assertive doesn't mean being unwavering and aggressive. Let yourself be confident in your side of the argument, but be open to alternatives. Cast yourself as an expert in the subject by using good examples and solid reasoning and make it easy for the other person to believe you. To convince someone that your perspective about the Beatles is valid, you're going to have to first make it seem as if you know what you're talking about when it comes to music. Make it personal. While anecdotal evidence can be considered a logical fallacy, appealing to someone's sense of empathy and pathos by telling a personal anecdote related to the topic can be quite convincing. It doesn't necessarily "prove" what you're saying, but it might be enough to be convincing. If you want to convince someone that the death penalty is "wrong," you're going to have to appeal to their sense of morality, an inherently emotional argument. Learn stories of wrongfully-imprisoned people on death row and tell their story in a harrowing way, emphasizing the inhumanity of the system. Stay calm. Raving like a lunatic is a poor way to convince anyone you're right. Being confident in the facts that you're presenting, in the evidence you're using to support your claims, and in the perspective you're bringing to the table will make it easy for anyone to be convinced of your points. Shut up and listen. The person who talks the most doesn't necessarily win an argument, or convince anyone of anything. Learning to listen courteously is the most underutilized way of constructing arguments. While it may not seem like an active way to be convincing, taking the time to learn someone else's points will allow you to convince them of alternatives. Learn to recognize their goals, beliefs, and motivations that guide their point of view. Engage the person politely. Maintain eye contact, use an even tone of voice, and remain calm throughout the discussion. Ask questions and practice active listening while the other person is talking. Never interrupt them in the middle of a sentence and always be courteous. Establishing mutual respect is critical. You will never convince anybody of anything if they believe you do not respect them, so show the person you respect them and be good enough to gain their respect. Identify the other person's objections and motivations. If you know what another person wants, you are more likely to be able to give it to them. When you've identified the motivations behind their point of view, rephrase your beliefs in a way that the other person is better able to understand. An argument about gun control may be focused on larger issues of freedom and personal responsibility. Discuss those issues instead of the particular. Ask questions of your opponent to get them to see the same gaps in thinking that you're noticing. Gain the person's trust. Empathize and relate to their point of view, conceding points where necessary, but keeping your eye on changing their mind. If you work them into a corner of logic they can't escape from, you'll have convinced them, and they'll have accepted that it's ok to agree with you and change their mind, if you're a courteous conversationalist.

Define the terms of the discussion. Develop your reasoning. Back up your reasoning with vivid examples and evidence. Do your homework. Give an inch and gain a mile. Be as confident as you are assertive. Make it personal. Stay calm. Shut up and listen. Engage the person politely. Identify the other person's objections and motivations. Gain the person's trust.

https://www.wikihow.com/Pick-up-a-Rabbit

How to Pick up a Rabbit

To pick up a rabbit, place one hand under its chest, and the other under its rump while pushing its hind legs forward. If the rabbit is in a side-opening cage, use one hand to hold the rabbit's face away from you while gently holding onto the skin behind its neck. Place your other hand under the rabbits rump and push its hind legs forward. This will make a “bunny ball” where one hand forms a seat while your grip on its skin keeps it from falling off while you take it out.

Help your rabbit get comfortable with handling by petting the rabbit gently. Start with short intervals and increase the time with the bunny. Consider placing a nice plate of greens out for the rabbit to eat while you stroke the rabbit to decrease any potential anxiety. Don't make sudden moves or sounds that might alarm your rabbit. Be gentle and soothing when you pet the rabbit. Rabbits are prey animals, so when they feel threatened, they run and hide if they can. Sit on the floor to minimize your size and avoid towering over the bunny. Know how not to pick up a rabbit. Never pick up a rabbit by his ears, legs, scruff, or tail. Rabbits are very delicate and you could severely injure them if you pick them up incorrectly. Grabbing on to limbs, tails, or ears will cause the rabbit to react by pulling away. Doing so may cause a fracture or a dislocation or tearing of underlying muscle and soft tissue. A bunny new to the household should be picked up and restrained by adults at first. Children can pet the bunny while it is on the floor or while sitting in the child's (or adult's) lap sitting on the floor. Staying close to the ground for a while is a good preventative measure. Should the rabbit try to escape, they will not fall a long distance and potentially injure themselves. Practice placing your palm under the rabbit's chest and gently lifting its front legs off the ground, then setting it back down. Reward the rabbit with a treat afterward. This will help it get used to the feeling of being picked up. Gently use the loose skin behind the rabbit’s neck to hold onto its scruff. Do not pick the rabbit up by the scruff alone, but use this as a handle to prevent forward motion while you use your other hand arm to tuck the hind legs under the bunny and scrunch the bunny in a gentle “bunny ball.” Your free hand that is not holding the scruff should be placed on the bunny's rump. You should roll the back legs underneath, toward the front of the bunny, holding the feet up with your hand. This will prevent the rabbit from kicking out and potentially injuring itself. There are differing opinions on whether or not to scruff a rabbit. Scruffing, done gently, does not injure the rabbit. Use two hands to lift the rabbit up. Place one under his chest and one under its behind. The positioning should be comfortable for both you and the rabbit. Make sure you have a firm (but not tight) grip on the rabbit's body so that it doesn't leap from your hands when you lift. Make sure to contain the hind legs securely, by keeping your hand on the rump and scrunching the hind legs up toward the bunny's head. Remember, you are holding the hind legs so that they point forward, toward the head, the opposite direction of where the hind legs would be should the bunny kick out. It may help to kneel to get closer to the rabbit, so you don't have to bend and lift. Get down on the ground with the rabbit. Use the right approach. It's best to lift a rabbit either from a top-opening cage or a confined area in your house. It can be much more difficult to lift a rabbit from a side opening cage. Rabbits will often run and hide when approached, so trying to pick up a rabbit in a room with lots of furniture will also be difficult. When removing a rabbit from a side or front opening carrier, do so with the hind legs first out of the opening. That way, if they get out of your grip, they will jump back into the carrier and not down to the ground. Use one hand to hold the bunny's head away from you, toward the back of the cage, while gently holding on to the scruff. The other hand is used over the bunny's rump to scrunch the hind legs up into the “bunny ball” hold. Then lift the bunny out, hind legs toward you, and place under your arm so the bunny's head is given a place to hide. If you are getting the bunny out of a top-opening carrier, you can use the same technique, just remember not to dangle the bunny by the scruff. If this is a well handled and calm bunny, you are likely to be able to safely pick up the bunny with one hand under its chest and one hand scrunching the rump, without holding on to the scruff. Be aware, that if the bunny feels like it might fall, it will struggle and kick and try to get down. If this happens, place the bunny back in the carrier and re-grip or go back to using the scruff to help with restraint. Coax the rabbit out of a hiding place, don't drag it out. If your rabbit tends to run under furniture, coax it out with a treat before trying to pick it up. Better yet, manage the area to prevent the rabbit from being able to get away and hide so that it doesn't have access to hiding places that are difficult for you to access. Try using an exercise pen to confine the bunny, but still allowing them an area large enough to hop around. Never pull on a rabbit's legs or tail to get it to move closer to you. It is better to gently get a hold of the scruff to prevent the rabbit from getting away, then you can get an arm around the rabbit's body and contain the hind legs. Never forcefully scruff a rabbit or dangle it by the scruff. This will cause the rabbit injury. Look for warning signs that the rabbit will not allow you to pick it up. If a rabbit thumps a hind leg when you approach, be aware that this is a warning to you that you are in their territory and they are not thrilled with your presence. The rabbit may be more difficult to handle, so be prepared. Again, remember to use confinement within an exercise pen or other area to help you manage the rabbit's access to hiding places and allow you find and restrain the rabbit more easily. Hold the bunny with the head slightly higher than the hindquarters. Do not point its head down because the rabbit may then try to jump down, out of your arms, and may hurt itself. Lift the rabbit carefully to your side (or in front of your mid abdomen), under your arm. The rabbit will feel more secure being able to hide a bit. Your rabbit should be held and carried securely under your arm, nestled comfortably under your “wing.” Some people call this the “football hold.” If you are right handed, place the bunny's head under your left arm. Wrap your left arm around the outside of the rabbit while using your left hand to continue to securely hold the rabbit's hind legs under it. Place your right hand gently over the bunny's neck, ready to get a hold of the scruff should the bunny move suddenly. Do not hold your rabbit extended outward or swing it through the air. Pass your rabbit to another person correctly. Ideally, place the rabbit on a table and restrain it while the other person gets a hold of the bunny. Don't try to pass the bunny in mid air. This could lead to the rabbit getting loose and falling from a great height. Limit possible injury. If you ever feel like you are losing control when carrying the rabbit, immediately crouch down to the ground or to a table to decrease the distance that it might fall. This will also give you a surface upon which to regroup and re-grip the bunny. Use a carrying case or a wrap for extra-wriggly rabbits. Some rabbits really dislike being handled and no amount of treats or petting will change their personalities. For these types, it's best to use a carrying case to move them from one place to the next, rather than attempting to pick them up. Use one hand to hold the scruff to restrain the rabbit and get your other hand on the rump and “scrunch” the bunny in a “bunny ball” to transfer to the carrier. Lower the rabbit carefully to the ground (or a top-loading carrier) while holding the bunny in the “football hold. ” There is a risk of releasing the rabbit when it is in your arms and the rabbit landing on the ground poorly and injuring itself. Be sure to keep a firm grip the entire time, because rabbits tend to try to jump once they can see the floor. Place a rabbit in a front loading carrier by putting it in hind legs first with the rabbit facing you. This method decreases the chance of the bunny kicking out and injuring itself. Reward the rabbit with a treat. After spending time in your arms without biting or leaping away, your obedient rabbit deserves a treat. Gently pet it as you give it a reward. The rabbit will realize that being picked up isn't so bad, and next time it may even go more smoothly.

Help your rabbit get comfortable with handling by petting the rabbit gently. Know how not to pick up a rabbit. Practice placing your palm under the rabbit's chest and gently lifting its front legs off the ground, then setting it back down. Gently use the loose skin behind the rabbit’s neck to hold onto its scruff. Use two hands to lift the rabbit up. Use the right approach. Coax the rabbit out of a hiding place, don't drag it out. Look for warning signs that the rabbit will not allow you to pick it up. Hold the bunny with the head slightly higher than the hindquarters. Lift the rabbit carefully to your side (or in front of your mid abdomen), under your arm. Pass your rabbit to another person correctly. Limit possible injury. Use a carrying case or a wrap for extra-wriggly rabbits. Lower the rabbit carefully to the ground (or a top-loading carrier) while holding the bunny in the “football hold. Place a rabbit in a front loading carrier by putting it in hind legs first with the rabbit facing you. Reward the rabbit with a treat.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Egg-Rolls

How to Make Egg Rolls

To make Chinese egg rolls, start by seasoning ground pork with ginger and garlic powder and then cooking it in a skillet over medium-high heat until it's brown. Then, mix the cooked pork with some shredded cabbage and carrots in a bowl. Once you're finished with the filling, spread out some egg roll wraps on a flat surface and spoon some of the filling onto the center of each one. Finally, roll up the wraps, seal them with a beaten egg, and fry them in some oil in a pot until they're brown.

Season ground pork with ground ginger and garlic powder in a bowl. Place 1 lb (450 g) of ground pork in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle in 1 tsp (4 g) each of ground ginger and garlic powder. Mix it thoroughly with your hands until the seasoning is fully incorporated. If you don't like pork, you can substitute ground beef or even ground chicken. It's easiest to use powdered ginger and garlic, but you can use finely grated fresh ginger and garlic if you want a stronger flavor. Cook the ground pork in a skillet on medium-high heat until it is browned. Heat up a skillet on the stovetop and add the seasoned pork to the pan. Stir it frequently with a spatula as it cooks and use the spatula to break it up until there is no pink meat left. You don't need to add any oil to the pan because the ground pork has enough fat to keep it from sticking. Drain out any excess fat from the pan when you finish cooking the pork. Use a grater to shred or a knife to finely chop cabbage and carrot. Shred 2 cups (140 g) of cabbage and 2 oz (70 g) of carrot, or approximately 1 medium carrot and 1/4 head of cabbage. Put the shredded cabbage and carrot into a large mixing bowl. You can substitute pre-made coleslaw mix from the grocery store for convenience. Mix together the cooked pork and the shredded cabbage and carrot in a bowl. Add the cooked ground pork to the bowl with the shredded cabbage and carrot. Mix everything together thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Chop up some cooked shrimp on a cutting board. Use 1 lb (450 g) of cooked, medium-sized shrimp and put it in a medium mixing bowl. You can use pre-cooked shrimp, or you can peel, devein, and cook some raw shrimp before you chop it up. You can tell if shrimp is pre-cooked when you buy it at the grocery store because it will be pink. Combine coleslaw mix, bean sprouts, celery, and green onions with the shrimp. Slice 1 stalk of celery and 2 green onions thinly. Combine them with 3 cups (210 g) of coleslaw mix and 1/2 cup (35g) of bean sprouts in the same bowl as the shrimp. Coleslaw mix is a bag of pre-shredded cabbage and carrots. If you can't find it at the supermarket, you can shred approximately 1/4 head of cabbage and 1 medium carrot yourself. Mix in minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil with the filling. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and grate 1 tbsp (14 g) of ginger and put them into the bowl with the shrimp and vegetables. Add 1 tsp (15 ml ) of sesame oil and mix everything together thoroughly. If you like spicy, you can also add 1 tsp (15 ml ) of Sriracha sauce to the filling and mix it in. Shred cabbage and carrots and slice some mushrooms. Shred cabbage with a grater until you have approximately 4 cups (280 g) worth, and carrots until you have 2 cups (140 g) worth and place them into a medium bowl. Slice 4 cups (280 g) of mushrooms and mix them in with the carrots and cabbage. You can use pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of shredding the carrots and cabbage yourself. Make sure to slice the mushrooms thin enough that they will fit inside your egg roll wraps neatly. Cook the vegetables with salt in a large pan over medium heat. Preheat the pan, add the mixed vegetables to it, then sprinkle them with 1/2 tsp (2 g) of salt. Stir the mixture while you cook the vegetables for about 10 minutes until the carrots soften. You can add a little bit of peanut or sesame oil while the vegetables cook for more flavor. Mix the cooked vegetables with minced garlic. Drain the vegetables in a strainer before you put them back in your mixing bowl. Mince 5 cloves of garlic and mix the garlic in well with the cooked vegetable mix. Let the vegetable filling cool down to the touch before you fill your egg rolls! Place an egg roll wrap on a flat surface in front of you with a corner facing you. Use a cutting board or a clean counter as a work surface. The wrap will look like a diamond in front of you. You can find egg roll wraps at Asian or specialty markets. If you can't find egg roll wraps, you can also use wonton wraps, as they are made from the same kind of dough. Make sure you check how many egg roll wraps you need for the recipe you plan on using and purchase enough! Use a spoon to put a scoop of the filling in the middle of the wrap. Place approximately 1/4 cup (55 g) of the filling in the wrap. Don't overfill the wrap or it will be hard to roll and seal it. Try to fill each wrap as evenly as possible so that they cook evenly and are all approximately the same size. Fold the bottom of the wrap up, fold the left and right sides in, then roll it up. Fold the bottom corner over the top corner first to make a triangle. Fold the left and right corners in, then roll the whole wrap up. There should be no filling seeping out of the sides of the roll. Beat an egg with a fork or whisk in a bowl and use it to seal the egg rolls. Dip your finger in the beaten egg and wipe the last corner of the roll with the egg to seal it. Wipe some of the beaten egg on any other edges that look like they might come unstuck. You can mix flour and water to make a sealing paste instead of a beaten egg. Heat up 1 qt (946 ml) of peanut oil in a pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil up to approximately 375 degrees F (190 C) in a deep fryer. Use the medium-high setting to heat the oil on the stovetop. Use vegetable oil instead of peanut oil if you can't find peanut oil. Place the egg rolls into the heated oil and fry them until they are brown. Use tongs or a slotted metal spoon to carefully put as many of the egg rolls in the hot oil as you can fit comfortably. Turn them occasionally until they are cooked evenly, and are a golden-brown color. It should take about 6-7 minutes per egg roll to cook them completely. Drain the cooked egg rolls on a paper towel or a rack and serve them hot. Remove the rolls from the oil when they are done cooking, and place them on a metal rack or a plate with a paper towel to let the oil drain off. Serve them while they are fresh with a dipping sauce of your choice. Sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce are delicious options to serve with your homemade egg rolls! You can also try them with Sriracha or another hot sauce if you like.

Season ground pork with ground ginger and garlic powder in a bowl. Cook the ground pork in a skillet on medium-high heat until it is browned. Use a grater to shred or a knife to finely chop cabbage and carrot. Mix together the cooked pork and the shredded cabbage and carrot in a bowl. Chop up some cooked shrimp on a cutting board. Combine coleslaw mix, bean sprouts, celery, and green onions with the shrimp. Mix in minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil with the filling. Shred cabbage and carrots and slice some mushrooms. Cook the vegetables with salt in a large pan over medium heat. Mix the cooked vegetables with minced garlic. Place an egg roll wrap on a flat surface in front of you with a corner facing you. Use a spoon to put a scoop of the filling in the middle of the wrap. Fold the bottom of the wrap up, fold the left and right sides in, then roll it up. Beat an egg with a fork or whisk in a bowl and use it to seal the egg rolls. Heat up 1 qt (946 ml) of peanut oil in a pot or deep fryer. Place the egg rolls into the heated oil and fry them until they are brown. Drain the cooked egg rolls on a paper towel or a rack and serve them hot.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Succulent-Wreath

How to Make a Succulent Wreath

If you'd like to make a succulent wreath, soak sphagnum moss in water for 20 minutes to hydrate it before wrapping the moss around a wreath frame. Using a pen, make plant holes in your moss and insert your succulent clippings in a pattern of your choice. Then, hold the plants in place by wrapping thin wire around the plants and moss. Finally, allow your wreath to sit on a flat surface for 6-8 weeks so the succulents can take root in the moss.

Take cuttings of succulents. Succulents grow well in arid climates and are easy to maintain. Look for succulents in your yard or at a local nursery and cut them at their stem. You can trim the ends of the plant's branches so that the plant survives, but you still get the materials for your wreath. Look for flowers or other eye-catching portions of the plants you have access to. If nurseries around you don't have succulents, you can try purchasing one at a hardware or home and gardening store like Lowes or Home Depot. Examples of succulent plants that would be ideal for a wreath include aeoniums, echeverias, crassulas, haworthias, aloes, and kalanchoes. You can purchase succulent clippings online as well. Succulent plants store their water in their leaves instead of the roots and stem, which typically leads to thicker leaves. Lay out your succulents in a pattern. Lay out your plants on the floor to ensure that you have enough to cover the surface of your wreath. Configure them visually so you can get an idea of how they will look once attached to your wreath frame. Soak sphagnum moss in a bucket for 20 minutes. Soaking your moss in a bucket of warm water will allow it to become rehydrated. Purchase sphagnum moss at a home and gardening or department store. Sphagnum moss absorbs water like a sponge and can keep your succulent wreath alive by providing water and nutrients to your clippings. Wrap the moss around a wreath frame. You can purchase a wreath frame online or at a department store. If you want, you can also create your own wireframe using a wire coat hanger. Take your soaked sphagnum moss and wrap it around the metal in the wireframe. Squeeze the wet moss in the place to make it adhere. Do this around the entirety of the wreath frame. Wear gloves and clear out a free space when using moss. Create planting holes with a pen or scissors. Poke holes around the wreath with a tool that is large enough for your plant's stems. Do this around the wreath in the spots that you want there to be flowers or plants. Insert your plants into the holes. Lay your wreath flat on a table or other surface. Insert your succulent plant clippings into the holes that you made. To hold the plants together in place, you can use bobby pins or wrap thin wire around the plants and the underlying moss. Place your wreath in a basin of water. Soak your wreath for 15 minutes once you are done placing your succulents into the moss. This will help saturate the stems of the succulents and extend the life of your wreath. Allow your wreath to sit for 3 to 8 weeks. After you clean off your work area, allow your succulent wreath to set for 6 to 8 weeks on a flat, waterproof surface. This will allow the succulent trimmings to grow roots and embed themselves within your moss. During this time, keep your succulents in an area that receives indirect sunlight. Make sure that during this time your wreath is laying out on a flat surface. Soak your wreath every three to ten weeks. Soaking your wreath in a bucket or in your bathtub is the best way to water your wreath. You have to water your wreath when the sphagnum moss has dried out. Feel the wreath with your hand to determine if it has dried out. In warmer or drier climates, you may have to soak your wreath more often. If you plan on hanging you wreath outdoors pointing south, it's best if you keep the wreath indoors. Soak the wreath in room temperature water. Keep your wreath in the shade. Keeping your wreath in direct sunlight could cause it to dry out quickly and can damage your succulent trimmings. Sunlight is the hardest on the wreath during the middle of the day, so make sure that there is shade on the wreath. On the other hand, not providing adequate sun can cause your succulents to stretch out and look for sunlight, which can make your wreath look overgrown. Hanging it on a door that has an overhang will give your wreath the shade it needs. Bring your wreath inside during the winter. Succulents can die in the cold weather or stretch out and become overgrown. As an alternative, you can also hang your wreath inside of a greenhouse during the cold seasons. Trim off large flowers or branches. Pruning your succulent wreath is important if you want it to maintain its aesthetic beauty. Trim off the branches of your succulents, leaving about an inch of the branch. Succulents grow very slowly, so pruning will not have to be frequent, especially during the winter when the plants grow slower. You can use pruned flowers or branches to start a new succulent wreath. Determine where you want to hang your wreath. You can hang your wreath virtually anywhere in your house or apartment. Decide on whether you want to hang your wreath inside or outside. Good locations for your wreath include a door, window, a wall, or bannister. Think of the climate before deciding to hang your wreath outside. Hang your wreath using a hook or nail. If you are hanging your wreath to a wall or banister, you can use a nail or hook to hang your wreath. Simply embed the nail into a stud and use fishing wire to attach your wreath to the nail or hook using a loop or a knot. If you are drilling into hollow drywall, make sure that it's strong enough to hold up your wreath, or use wall anchors to help the wreath stay on the wall. Use a ribbon to hang your wreath on your door from the inside. If you don't want to create a hole in your door, you can hang your wreath using a ribbon from the inside of your house. Attach a hook to the inside of your door. Then, measure out a piece of ribbon that can go up and over the top of your door and hang on the other side. Attach the ribbon to the hook and pull the ribbon over the door. Tie the ribbon to the metal frame of the wreath on the other side to finish hanging it. You can also use this method to hang wreaths from windows. Utilize magnetic hooks to hang wreaths on the window. Magnetic hooks allow you to hang things from windows. Place one side of the magnet inside and the other side of the magnet outside. Test the strength of the magnet through the glass. If it is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the wreath, use ribbon or fishing like to attach it to the hook. It may be impossible to use magnetic hooks on thicker windows.

Take cuttings of succulents. Lay out your succulents in a pattern. Soak sphagnum moss in a bucket for 20 minutes. Wrap the moss around a wreath frame. Create planting holes with a pen or scissors. Insert your plants into the holes. Place your wreath in a basin of water. Allow your wreath to sit for 3 to 8 weeks. Soak your wreath every three to ten weeks. Keep your wreath in the shade. Bring your wreath inside during the winter. Trim off large flowers or branches. Determine where you want to hang your wreath. Hang your wreath using a hook or nail. Use a ribbon to hang your wreath on your door from the inside. Utilize magnetic hooks to hang wreaths on the window.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-Soil-for-a-Garden

How to Prepare Soil for a Garden

To prepare soil for a garden, start by digging up or tilling the top couple inches of soil to remove any grass, moss, or weeds. Then, turn over the top 12-18 inches of soil with a shovel or rotary tiller and remove any debris you come across, like rocks or roots. If the pH level of your soil is too high, add sulfur, and if it's too low, add lime. You can also add sand if the soil is too wet or clay if it's too dry. Regardless of your soil's composition, add organic matter to it, like compost or wood chips, so there are equal parts soil and organic matter.

Sample the soil makeup. Use a shovel to dig into the soil, and grab a handful of it. See what the soil seems to be made up of. It might be sandy or have a lot of clay, or it may be good rich dirt. Soil with too much sand or clay will not usually grow garden plants very well. The soil should feel fluffy, like it is full of air, because this means it gets plenty of oxygen. This is also a good time to see if there are lots of worms and insects in the soil, as this usually means the soil is fairly rich. Depending on what the soil is like in your area, you can add soil amendments later to get it to the proper makeup. Generally, dark brown or nearly black soil is best because it tends to mean the soil has a lot of decomposing organic matter and is rich in nutrients. Pale brown or nearly yellow soil tends to be less nutrient rich. You can get a better understanding of the makeup of your soil by taking samples from several places. Place the samples in a mason jar and mix them together. When the soil settles, you'll be able to better see the soil's makeup. Test for nutrients. For the best results, take a sample of the soil to a garden store or county extension office so they can test it to see what nutrients are lacking, and see what the pH level is. You can also buy a home test kit, but this will not be quite as thorough. Ideal pH for most vegetable plants is around 6.0-7.5. Adding lime is a common way to adjust the pH of soil, but it is a long process that take about six months to fully take effect in the soil. You can make up for other lacking nutrients with fertilizer and compost, which will be discussed more later. Evaluate how wet the soil is. When you are first starting a garden, especially if you're starting it at the beginning of Spring, you need to wait until the soil has dried out enough. If you squeeze a handful of the soil and it stays packed together, it's probably still too wet. ] You can perform this test once a week or so until the soil is dry enough to begin garden preparation. Soil that has a high clay content will pack more, but this does not necessarily mean the soil is too wet. Stake off the perimeter of your garden. Before you start digging, make a decision about the size and shape you want the garden to be. If it will be three or more rows, make sure you account for extra space to walk between the rows. For only two rows, you can tend the garden from the outside of each row. Stick four stakes into the ground to form the rectangle of the garden plot. Dig up the top couple of inches of sod. You need to use a shovel to slice up under any grass, moss, or weeds that are currently growing where you have planned your garden. Make sure to dig deep enough to get weeds out at their root. You may want to go about four inches deep for this step. All of this can go to the compost pile for later use, but shouldn't be incorporated back into the soil until it has composted.You may also want a bin ready just for composting this layer outside of other composts you might have. If you have a tiller, you don't have to dig up the existing plants; instead, till in whatever is currently growing. After you till, you should be able to remove the plants, roots and all, from the broken up soil. This is better for the soil because the remaining dead plants and roots will break down and contribute organic matter to your soil. Turn over the soil using a shovel or motor driven rotary tiller. For new plots, you'll want to turn the soil over about 12-18 inches deep. You may want to dig that deep into the soil with a shovel, and then go over the plot a second time with a tiller to break the soil up. As you dig through the soil, remove any large stones, along with any roots or debris (eg, bits of metal, plastic etc) you encounter. You may need to make more than one pass to break up very compacted soils. This may be the most time consuming part of the project, especially if you end up finding a lot of rocks or other debris. It's good to have a garbage can nearby in which you can throw anything you find in the soil. Add lime or sulfur if necessary. Soil pH is one of the most important aspects to healthy soil that will grow healthy plants. Since you tested the soil earlier, make sure to use this information. Lime will help raise the pH level if it is too low, while sulfur will help lower it if the pH is too high. A garden center will help you figure out the exact amount of lime you need for your garden. It depends on how large the garden is and how much you need to change the pH. Spreading lime requires a specific method, so don't assume you just throw some on the soil. You'll also want to seek guidance regarding sulfur use that is specific to your garden's needs. Add other soil amendments as necessary. When you check the soil composition and have it tested, you can find out if you need to add sand, clay, or other topsoil to make the soil the best possible mixture for your garden. This is something that a garden center can be exceptionally helpful for. Base any amendments on the results of your soil test. You don't want to overdo it with adding sand or clay, so try to add a little at a time to even out the overall texture of the soil. You may want to add gypsum or perlite which help to aerate the soil if your test reveals low oxygen content. Sphagnum peat moss is a helpful amendment if you can tell the soil is pretty dry as it helps retain moisture and slowly release it into the soil. You may need to add some basic fertilizer which can help balance the nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are all vital to healthy plant growth. Add organic matter to the soil at a ratio of 1:1. This means, try to add as much organic matter as you can so the top layer of your garden is half the soil that was already there and half added organic matter. Organic matter can include shredded brown and green leaves, horse manure, wood chips, or compost , such as fruit and vegetable scraps. You don't not need to add organic matter to the entire 12-18 inches you previously dug, but add it to the top 6-8 inches. Do not add meat, fish, or dairy as organic matter into the soil. Likewise, if you choose to maintain a compost bin or pile, never add these types of scraps to it. Turn the soil over again with shovel or tiller. Since you have added multiple materials to the soil, you want to make sure it is all mixed through the soil evenly. This may take going over the entire garden plot 2-3 times to ensure that it seems mixed thoroughly. Don't mix your compost in too deeply. Till the soil lightly to mix the materials into the top few inches of soil, where a majority of the plants' feeder roots will be looking for nutrients. It might be a good idea to lightly water the soil after turning it again so that everything can soak together. Rake the soil smooth. You want the soil to stay loose, so don't walk all over the new plot as you rake. If you have included room for walkways between plant rows, you can walk on those areas as you rake. Gently pull the rake over the soil so the whole plot is as even as possible. Create rows. Starting at the end of the area you've marked off for your garden, shovel the soil from your planned rows onto the planting bed. This will raise the beds a little, which helps with drainage and helps warm the soil. You can then line your pathways with newspaper or cardboard and top that with mulch. Choose a spot for the garden that has good exposure to sunlight. For the best results in your garden, six hours of sunlight is suggested. So it is best to avoid putting the garden too close to your house or in areas where it will be covered by the shade of a tree. If you have lots of trees, houses nearby, or other things that would block the sun, you may need to pay attention to your yard for a week or so to find the spot that gets sunlight for the longest time each day. Avoid root systems. A tree's root system can spread far out underground, even if you can't see the roots. If you try to set your garden up too close to a tree, the root system will cause problems with your plants. Try to go at least 10 feet away from the furthest point out that the branches reach. As you start to dig later on, you'll be able to tell if the soil has a lot of tree roots or not. If the spot you chose ends up having too many roots, it may be best to move to a different spot if possible. Pick a spot with good drainage. You need to find a balance between a spot that will not hold any water in the in soil, and a spot that will flood every time it rains. Look around your yard for spots where the grass seems to grow best, as these spots probably drain well. Ideally, your garden should be in a flat, even part of the yard. To find a spot that gets good drainage, wait until a few hours after a heavy rain and then go look around your yard for places where water is pooling. Avoid placing your garden in these spaces.

Sample the soil makeup. Test for nutrients. Evaluate how wet the soil is. Stake off the perimeter of your garden. Dig up the top couple of inches of sod. Turn over the soil using a shovel or motor driven rotary tiller. Add lime or sulfur if necessary. Add other soil amendments as necessary. Add organic matter to the soil at a ratio of 1:1. Turn the soil over again with shovel or tiller. Rake the soil smooth. Create rows. Choose a spot for the garden that has good exposure to sunlight. Avoid root systems. Pick a spot with good drainage.

https://www.wikihow.com/Excavate-a-Trench

How to Excavate a Trench

Excavating a small trench is relatively easy and only requires a shovel and pickaxe. However, bigger excavations require more equipment, so it may be best to call in professionals. Before you excavate a trench, you'll need to call a utility location service to make sure you don't run into any pipes or underground electric lines. Then, you'll want to rent a mini-excavator, a plate tamp operator, and a backhoe if your hole is going to be very deep. You'll need to remove the topsoil layer and start digging. Once your trench is complete, you'll need to backfill the hole, then replace the topsoil so plants can grow on top.

Call the local or government utility location service. Before you begin any digging project, call a utility location service. This will locate underground gas, electric, water, and communications pipes and cables in the area, to protect you from injury or liability in the event they are damaged. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/1\/15\/Ditch23_670.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Ditch23_670.jpg\/300px-Ditch23_670.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":420,"bigWidth":"300","bigHeight":"274","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"} These flags are placed by the utility spotter, indicating a buried telephone cable. In the US, by law, you must call Digline before beginning any digging project. Call 811 to contact a local call center. The service is completely free to use. Plan a route that causes minimal damage. Take your time in the planning phase to find a layout that meets your needs, avoids utility lines, and minimizes damage to valuable property. With careful planning, the materials you purchase should be sufficient to complete the trench, and you won't have to change your plan after you start digging. Trees, shrubs and other plants may suffer injury or die if their roots are damaged in excavation. Driveways, sidewalks, and structures can collapse if they are undermined. Small plants, even turf grasses, can be removed and stored for replanting with proper care. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/9\/96\/Ditch6_551.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Ditch6_551.jpg\/448px-Ditch6_551.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":336,"bigWidth":"448","bigHeight":"327","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Determine the depth your project requires. The trench's depth requirements (for example, the required depth of a utility line) is a factor in choosing excavation equipment and other materials. Some plumbing systems are gravity operated, and require a slope so the waste or water will flow unaided to the discharge location. In this situation, you may find the trench will be deeper on one end than the other. Determine the type of soil you will be digging in. Sandy soils, loose stony soils, and wet, mucky material will make excavating a straight, deep ditch difficult and dangerous. In these scenarios, you may have to plan additional measures to complete your project successfully: Shoring: This process uses a support structure for your ditch sides so they do not cave in and injure anyone, or undo the digging you have done before the project is complete. For example, a small excavation could use sheets of plywood supported by posts. Large excavations could use steel trench boxes or sheet piling. Anything deeper than 3 feet (0.91 m) should be shored up. Never enter a trench deeper than your waist if it is not shored up. De-watering: This removes the excess water from the soil to help stabilize it while working. This can be accomplished either with a well point system, or a sock pipe and mud-hog type diaphragm pump to remove the water as it seeps into the excavation. Benching the excavation: If you are digging in loose soil, a deep vertical trench wall is at risk of collapse. Benching involves digging the trench in steps or tiers instead, so the banks do not have to support more material than they are capable of. These benches are usually at intervals 2.5–3 feet (0.76–0.91 m) deep and twice as wide. They do take quite a bit of sidewall digging, which can require extensive area to complete. Keep in mind that it can still collapse the deeper the trench goes. Get the excavation equipment. Shovels, pickaxes, and other hand tools will suffice for minor excavations, but renting a mini excavator can save a lot of work on large jobs. Backhoes and even trackhoes may be needed if the project requires a very deep and/or long trench. Unless you are already experienced with these types of equipment, it may be cheaper and safer in the long run to hire a professional excavator. Remove the topsoil. Excavate 10–20 centimeter (3.9–7.9 in) of soil, depending on the depth of the topsoil layer. Store the topsoil away from other spoil material to avoid contamination. Ensure that the topsoil heap does not exceed 1–1.5 meter (3.3–4.9 ft) in height to avoid compaction. For the same reason, either demarcate the topsoil heap or locate it away from frequent foot and vehicle traffic. If the topsoil is going to be stored for prolonged periods of time, over-seed with non-invasive grass species to reduce erosion, or cover it with a heavy tarp or plastic sheet. You may be charged fines if heavy soil or muddy water runs off your work site. Installing erosion control wattles or rolls can contain the water and prevent fines. These can be purchased at landscape and\or construction supply outlets. Begin the digging. Line your workers or equipment up with the ditch line, and start to dig. Be careful to observe soil conditions so that the trench embankments do not yield, allowing them to cave in. Dig your first cut to the appropriate depth. If the trench needs to be "benched" (excavated in steps), dig to the depth of the first bench. Otherwise, dig the first section to the full depth of the trench. If you need to bench, make subsequent entrenchments to the depth of each bench prior to digging deeper, so the banks of each bench will remain stable throughout the process. Keep the removed soil as far from the excavation as possible. Throw the spoil (the removed soil) far enough that it will not encumber you while working in and around the trench. This will also prevent the removed material from creating an overburdening of the trench's banks or sides, which would increase the risk of collapse. Move along the length of your trench as each section is excavated to the required depth. Check the depth with a laser level or builder's level where the grade is critical to ensure the finished trench will not require adjustments. It is very difficult to 'walk' a piece of equipment back down an excavated trench. The heavy weight of the tools or machinery can increase the risk of collapsing trench walls. If you are operating equipment on your own, always keep it on undisturbed solid ground for as much of the process as possible. Check the completed trench. Once the entire trench has been excavated, recheck the depth throughout its length. Check the embankments for stability, and do any smoothing or finished grading of the trench bottom necessary to install the material the trench was dug for. Complete the project. For example, you may be removing an obsolete utility line, installing a new one, or installing a drainage system or sanitary sewer. Backfill the trench. If you have access to one, a gasoline operated plate tamp will enable you to pack the soil as it is replaced in the trench. For deep trenches, backfilling in lifts (layers) of about 8–10 inches (200–250 mm) and compacting the material as it is placed will reduce the amount of settling that will occur after the project is completed. Replace topsoil as soon as all the spoil has been back-filled. Roll out a heavy geotextile barrier over the soil first to prevent topsoil from mixing with gravel in the trench. Then replace the topsoil in the trench. This will ensure fertile soil and easy re-vegetation without having to resort to costly fertilizers. Regrade and relandscape the area. Attend to surface conditions after connecting any utilities you have installed.

Call the local or government utility location service. Plan a route that causes minimal damage. Determine the depth your project requires. Determine the type of soil you will be digging in. Get the excavation equipment. Remove the topsoil. Begin the digging. Dig your first cut to the appropriate depth. Keep the removed soil as far from the excavation as possible. Move along the length of your trench as each section is excavated to the required depth. Check the completed trench. Complete the project. Backfill the trench. Replace topsoil as soon as all the spoil has been back-filled. Regrade and relandscape the area.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Proper-Tan

How to Get a Proper Tan

To get a proper tan outdoors, spend 1-2 hours in the sun for your first day. Then, gradually increase your sun exposure to protect you from burning. Try to take every other day off to help your skin's melanin recover and stop you burning. Make sure you use sunscreen of SPF 15-45, which will protect your skin and help you tan gradually. While you're lying in the sun, flip from your front to back every 15-30 minutes to ensure you tan evenly. You should also exfoliate every 3-4 days, since this will get rid of dead skin which blocks the sun's rays. In addition to exfoliating, make sure you moisturize at least once a day, which will keep your skin from drying out and burning.

Increase your sun exposure gradually. First and foremost, when you begin laying out in the sun, only get 1-2 hours of exposure at a time. Skip a day or two before laying out again. Melanin, the pigment in your body that colors your skin, is activated when UVA and UVB rays from the sun hit your skin. When this happens, more melanin is produced as a form of sun block, or protection from sun damage. In this process your skin gets darker, producing a tan. The melanin in your body is not in unlimited supply, however, and takes a couple of days to reproduce enough to protect you from getting burned. So, when developing your base tan, take it slowly, and don't tan every day. Getting just one blistering sunburn while growing up doubles a person's chances of getting melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. And a person's risk of melanoma also doubles by getting more than five normal sunburns throughout their life. Typically, everyone reaches a plateau in his or her tanning. They simply don't get any darker.To maintain your tan, continue to regularly lay out and follow the steps discussed below. Exfoliate regularly while tanning. Exfoliating will remove dead skin, which blocks the sun's rays. It also reduces your skin's dryness, and dry skin doesn't soak up the sun well. When exfoliating, use a loofah, a sponge or a fine-grade exfoliating bar of soap and scrub lightly all over your body while in the shower or bath. Apply a moisturizer after you dry off. Don't use harsh and abrasive exfoliators, or you'll end up rubbing off some of your tan or end up with splotches on your body. Don't exfoliate after getting out of the sun. If you shower after going to the pool, for instance, exfoliate the next morning when you bathe. And don't exfoliate every day. Twice a week is sufficient. Much more will strip away natural oils, leaving your skin overly dry. Use sunscreen. Applying sunscreen before stretching out on your beach towel might sound counterproductive, but using sunscreen will let you tan more gradually and, therefore, make your tan last longer. About 20-30 minutes before you get in the sun, apply a sunscreen of SPF 15-45 when you first start tanning. The SPF factor you use depends on your skin type, or how easily you burn. Once you get a base tan, you can reduce your SPF factor but not below 10. If you plan to get in the water, make sure you use a water-proof sunscreen, or reapply it after you get out. Using sunscreen is also beneficial because it will keep you from burning, which can cause serious damage to your skin (not to mention cancer) and almost always results in peeling and flaking. If this happens, you have to start all over again. Don't forget to use a lip balm with sunscreen, too. Protect your eyes. When tanning outside, it's important to protect your eyes by wearing a hat or sunglasses with UV protection. Your eyes can get burned, too, causing serious and lasting damage. Switch positions when laying out. Flip from your front to your back regularly so you get an even tan. When tanning your back, lay your arms palm-side up and vice versa. If it's the beginning of the summer and you're just starting to tan, you won't (or shouldn't) be out in the sun for more than two hours at a time. Remember, a gradual tan is a lasting tan. So, switch sides every 15-30 minutes. You'll also want to raise your arms above your head off and on to tan the undersides of your arms and your armpits. If you start to feel drowsy, it's time to get out of the sun. Or, if that's not possible, get in the shade to avoid sunburn. Moisturize at least once every day. Moisturizing your skin may be one of the most crucial elements of getting and extending the life of your tan because it keeps your skin from drying out, which is intensified by UV rays. Moisturize more than once per day, especially before you go to sleep and after showering. Apply a lighter moisturizer to the majority of your body during the day, and lather on a thick moisturizer before bed and on those body parts that move and bend a lot, such as your hands, elbows, ankles, knees and feet. Carry a smaller bottle with you to reapply to these “problem” areas frequently throughout the day. If you're prone to acne on your face, use a moisturizer that is oil-free and says “noncomedogenic,” meaning it won't clog your pores. Stay hydrated. Here again, you want to avoid letting your skin become too dry so that it can absorb the sun's rays. It also helps your body get rid of toxins, which will make your skin healthier and help your tan stick around longer. One way to do this is by staying hydrated from the inside. Drink plenty of fluids every day, and increase your water intake if you feel excessively thirsty or if your urine is a dark yellow in color. Regular moisturizing and drinking plenty of fluids is killing two birds with one stone when it comes to keeping your skin hydrated and tan-ready. Increase your blood circulation. Finally, another trick to getting a great tan is to work out before you lay out. Doing so increases your blood circulation, which then stimulates melanin production. So instead of driving to the public pool, jog or run there before diving right in. There are also “tingle” tanning lotions you can apply before tanning that claim to bring more oxygen to the surface of the skin, thereby increasing circulation and exciting melanin to darken your tan. Choose a good tanning salon. Tanning salons offer a variety of packages, specials, prices, products and use a variety of tanning beds, making it difficult to know which salon to choose if you don't have a personal recommendation. Here are a few things to look for when deciding. Ask for a detailed breakdown of their pricing before any specials, so you can see if you can afford their services when the special is no longer offered. Think about convenience factors, such as how close it is to your home or work, whether or not you have to schedule appointments or if your gym already has tanning beds. Ask if they use high-efficiency bulbs and how often they are changed. Ask if you can see the beds to get a look at how well maintained they appear. Look around – is everything spick and span? Do you see employees going in and out of the booths cleaning beds between customers? If the reception area is dirty, for instance, that's probably not a good sign. Talk with the staff. Well-trained professionals should help you determine your skin type, which they'll use to create a tanning schedule so you tan fairly quickly but without getting scorched. Decide how to build your base tan. Getting a base tan will occur with consistent and incremental increases in tanning sessions, tanning times and tanning bed levels. This will all be determined by the schedule you've created with the salon you've selected. A general rule of thumb is that at first you will only tan every 2-4 days for about 5 -7 minutes and then build from there. Don't assume that if you have light skin you just need to tan longer. The likely result of doing this will be a bad burn. Consider using special lotions. Salons will try to sell you all kinds of lotions designed to make you tan faster and darker, to make your tan last longer and so forth. Many of these lotions – accelerators, maximizers, bronzers, intensifiers – are quite expensive and reviews on how well they work are mixed. Go online and see what others have to say. If you decide to experiment, try one at a time. If you use more than one, and you find you're getting the results you hoped to achieve, you won't know which lotion was responsible. Trying one at a time, then, is the less expensive way to go. They can also often be purchased much less expensively online than in the salons. Wait to shower if you use a bronzing lotion. After you tan in a tanning bed, wait 3-4 hours before you take a shower if you use a bronzing lotion that you find is working for you. Also, it is a myth that showering after using a tanning bed will somehow wash away your tan. It won't. Wear sunscreen. Just as with tanning outside, tanning beds expose your skin to UV rays. If you decide to use a tanning lotion, see if it has SPF protection and a factor of at least 15. If not, get and apply one 20-30 minutes before you bed in the bed. Decide what or what not to wear in the bed. Some people prefer to go nude, while others decide to wear the bathing suit they plan to wear in the summer. Either is fine. Using different bathing suits, however, will leave your tan uneven, and perhaps even with a variety of tan lines jig-jagging across your body. You will also want to wear the goggles they provide to protect your eyes, or purchase your own. Closing your eyes or putting a towel over them won't protect them from UV rays, which can cause significant damage to your retinas. Also, to avoid raccoon eyes, move the goggles around on your eyes throughout each tanning session. Prep your skin before tanning. Like tanning in the sun, always make sure you exfoliate prior to tanning in a tanning bed or booth. Moisturize after exfoliation as well. Move around in the bed. Just as you would when laying outside in the sun, you want to adjust your body so that all parts are being exposed to the light for about the same amount of time. In a tanning bed, you don't have to flip from front to back because the lights are both above and below you, and to one degree or another around you. So twist in different directions occasionally. Think about the places where your body is bent (like in the crook of your arms or at the base of your neck), or where your skin is bunching up. If you don't readjust often enough, this will create tanning wrinkles. Maintain your base tan. Once your base tan is established, you will likely drop to tanning just 2 days per week. A good salon won't try to convince you that you need more than that. Also, continue your regimen of exfoliating, moisturizing and drinking plenty of fluids. Choose a self-tanner. There are a variety of self-tanning gels, creams, lotions, mousses and sprays on the market from which to choose. You'll also need to select a self-tanner based upon its shade, which is dictated largely by a color additive called DHA (dihydroxyacetone). Choose one with your skin tone in mind, not the desired result. If you have a fairer complexion, go for a medium tone. If you have an olive complexion, go for a darker tone. Here are some more tips. The best way to select one initially is to go online and read reviews. Self-tanners that contain green pigments help offset the orange effect. Lotions are often best for beginners because they take longer to absorb, giving you more time to correct mistakes, while mousses and sprays dry faster so are best used by the more experienced. Gels spread easily and work well for people with normal to oily skin. Do a skin patch test first by applying some to your stomach, which is usually pale, and let it dry and set overnight. In the morning take a look to see if the color looks good on you. Prep your skin, eyebrows and hairline. You want to prepare your skin prior to applying the self-tanner you've chosen. So shave or wax, exfoliate from head to foot and make sure your skin is completely dry. The last part is critical. Also apply Vaseline to your eyebrows and as close to your hairline as possible so if you get the self-tanner on your eyebrows or hair neither will change color. If you wax, however, do so at least 24 hours before you put on the self-tanner so your skin doesn't become irritated. Waxing, in fact, might be better than shaving because shaving every day can reduce the life of your tan by stripping it away. For the same reason, limit your exfoliation. Self-tanners typically only last up to a week, so don't exfoliate until right before you reapply. Avoid exfoliators that are oil-based because they leave residues that can cause streaking. Put on disposable, tight-fitting latex gloves. These will keep your hands from getting overly orange or dark while you are applying the self-tanner. Alternatively, you can thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after you apply the self tanner to various sections of your body. Use a little lotion. Dab some non-oil-based lotion to your knees, ankles, elbows, around your nostrils and other particularly dry areas to help the self-tanner better absorb into these areas. Some people will put a thin layer of lightweight lotion all over their body before applying self-tanner, but this is not needed and many recommend against doing it altogether. Apply the self-tanner in sections. To eliminate tan line creases from bending over, start at your feet before moving on to your ankles and legs. Use about 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) at a time and blend using small, circular motions with your hands. Next apply it to your stomach, chest, shoulders, sides, arms and armpits. Remove your gloves and apply a little to your hands, avoiding your palms. Then use a lotion strap, wand, or sponge paintbrush to cover your back with the self-tanner. Finally, apply it to your face by using a dime-sized amount to your cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin, blending outward with your fingertips. Use the remainder around your hairline and jawbone. Wash your fingertips thoroughly with soap and water after applying the self-tanner to your face. You can buy the items for back coverage online relatively inexpensively. If you don't feel comfortable using them, you could ask someone to apply the self-tanner to your back for you. If you're using a spray self-tanner, you can apply it to your back in the shower. Hop in, look over your shoulder, spray plenty into the air behind you and then step back into the mist. Do this several times to make sure you get enough on your skin. Begin the drying process. To speed up the drying process, take a blow dryer, and on low heat, blow-dry all the areas that you've applied the self-tanner. You only need to apply the heat for a few seconds to each area. After that, it's a matter of waiting. Even if some claim to dry in 15 or 20 minutes, wait at least an hour before you put on any clothes or go to bed. Before putting on clothing, use a brush to thinly coat your body with talc-free baby powder. This will help prevent any color from getting on your clothes. Because getting wet is your tan's worst enemy during this time, don't shower or exercise (sweat) for at least six hours after you apply self-tanner. Your best bet is to put the self-tanner on about an hour or two before you go to bed. You also might want to wear long sleeves and pants, and put some towels down on your bed, to ensure no color gets on your sheets. Fix mistakes. If you wake up and notice splotches, streaking or uneven distribution, there are a couple of things you can do to help fix the problems: a) add just a little bit more self-tanner and blend it really well (this works best for areas that are lighter or for splotches) and b) rub lemon juice on the area for 1-2 minutes and then buff it with a damp towel (this works better if an area got too dark or for streaking). Maintain your tan. Different self-tanners last for different lengths of time, though typically you will need to reapply once per week. You can help lengthen that amount of time by moisturizing regularly; washing with gentle, non-abrasive cleansers; avoiding acne treatments containing retinol; and not exfoliating more than once between applications. Remember: Although you look tan, you still need to wear sunscreen when you go into the sun. Get your skin ready. First, wax or shave 24 hours before your spray tan. On the day of your spray tan, use a non-oil-based exfoliator to remove dead skin and to get a more even tan, paying close attention to dry areas and to your neck, chest and face where you're more likely to streak. Don't use any oils or moisturizers when you're done bathing. Before you get your spray tan, wash your face well to remove any make-up. Dress appropriately. While you'll have time for the spray tan to dry before you get dressed, it's still advisable to wear dark clothes. Also, while in the tanning booth you can go nude, in a swimsuit or in a thong/pair of underwear. If you opt for the latter, wear one you don't care about becoming perhaps permanently discolored. Remember to bring another pair of underwear with you to wear afterward. Decide upon your tan setting. As with self-tanner, you don't want to overdo it. If you have a fair complexion go for a light or medium tan. If you have an olive complexion, opt for medium or dark. Note: Different spraying machines will have different settings and color options. The key point is to avoid overkill. Subtle changes are more flattering than drastic ones – the charbroiled look simply isn't attractive on anyone. Apply barrier creams. After you've stripped down, you'll want to put on either a barrier cream or lotion to areas of your body that you don't want the spray tan to touch, such as your palms, between your toes and fingers and on the soles of your feet. The salon will typically provide these creams. Prepare for your spraying. If you go to a salon where a professional does the spraying, they'll have you move into different positions, so tuck away your shyness for a few minutes. Some booths are more like an automatic car wash, in which you go in and are instructed when to turn and so forth. And then there are the self-spray booths, which are much less expensive, but the rate of streaking and splotching also often goes up, too. During the process, you'll receive the tanning spray itself, and then often a moisturizing mist and an air dry. If you don't get an air dry and excess solution lingers on your skin, forming clear or brown droplets, you'll need to lightly towel dry them quickly so they don't run down your body and form streaks. Instead of drying from head to toe, start at your feet and wipe up your legs. Then start at your wrists and wipe up your arms to your shoulders. Finally, finish with your face, drying from your chin to your forehead. Avoid water, exercise and touching your skin. Your tan will continue to develop for several hours, and your skin will feel sticky. If you do touch your skin during this time, though, wash only the underside of your hands to get off the tanning solution. Also avoid skin contact with water or don't exercise (again, sweat) during the developing phase. Wait 8-12 hours to shower and wash your face. Doing this will allow for your tan to fully develop. When you take your first shower, don't be surprised if you notice color washing off. This is just bronzer that is part of the tanner. Your tan will still be intact. Maintain your spray tan. A spray tan typically lasts between 4-10 days. Similar to using self-tanners, do not exfoliate between sessions and limit your shaving as much as possible to extend your tan's lifespan. Moisturize at least once per day, especially before bedtime, but use one that has a water base to avoid streaking. Here are some other things to avoid, which also apply to self-tanners. Acne medications that exfoliate your skin Body hair bleach products Facial masks Facial toners containing alcohol Makeup removers containing oil Taking really long, hot baths

Increase your sun exposure gradually. Exfoliate regularly while tanning. Use sunscreen. Protect your eyes. Switch positions when laying out. Moisturize at least once every day. Stay hydrated. Increase your blood circulation. Choose a good tanning salon. Decide how to build your base tan. Consider using special lotions. Wear sunscreen. Decide what or what not to wear in the bed. Prep your skin before tanning. Move around in the bed. Maintain your base tan. Choose a self-tanner. Prep your skin, eyebrows and hairline. Put on disposable, tight-fitting latex gloves. Use a little lotion. Apply the self-tanner in sections. Begin the drying process. Fix mistakes. Maintain your tan. Get your skin ready. Dress appropriately. Decide upon your tan setting. Apply barrier creams. Prepare for your spraying. Avoid water, exercise and touching your skin. Wait 8-12 hours to shower and wash your face. Maintain your spray tan.

https://www.wikihow.life/Clean-a-Microfiber-Upholstered-Sofa

How to Clean a Microfiber Upholstered Sofa

If you need to clean a microfiber upholstered sofa, use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to vacuum away any dust and loose debris. Scrub any stains with a clean, dry brush, taking care not to pull at the fabric too much. If you need a deeper clean, test a small amount of cleaner in an inconspicuous spot. If it doesn't leave a stain, dampen a clean washcloth or sponge with the cleaner and gently scrub any stained areas, then blow-dry the wet spots.

Check the sofa tag for care instructions. Microfiber furniture is typically labeled with one of four codes to indicate what can be used to clean it: W is for a water-based cleaning solvent, S is for a water-free solvent, S/W is for either, and X is for neither (i.e. vacuum-only). Do not assume water is safe to use. If your sofa doesn't have a tag or has a tag that is unclear, do not assume that water can be used to clean your sofa. Instead, assume that you should not use water. In this case, you should stick to vacuuming, scrubbing with a dry brush, or using a product that doesn't have a water base. Find an appropriate cleaning solution. Decide what type of solution you will use before beginning to clean your sofa. Good water-based cleaning solutions include gentle soap, mild dish detergent, carpet cleaner, and upholstery shampoo. Water-free solvents include rubbing alcohol, clear alcohol like gin or vodka, dry-cleaning solvent, lighter fluid, baby wipes, and oxygenating solutions that don't contain bleach. Always spot test your cleaner on an inconspicuous area before you use it all over. If there's any discoloration or damage, don't use it. Vacuum the sofa. Do this to remove dust and loose debris. You should use the soft brush attachment to vacuum. Do not use a high-powered vacuum attachment. This could pull at the fabric and cause it to wrinkle. You should vacuum your couch once a week. Scrub any stains with a clean, soft-bristled brush. Since it is better to avoid using liquid whenever possible, begin scrubbing at stains with a dry brush. This will help lift crusty spills from the fabric. Scrub gently so that you do not pull at the fabric too much. Remove the cushions. Specifically, remove the seat cushions, back cushions and loose pillows. Vacuum and brush the newly-uncovered areas. Use the vacuum attachment if necessary to remove hard-to-reach crumbs or dust. Test the solution in an inconspicuous place. Pour a small amount of the solution onto a clean washcloth. Gently scrub at a small portion on the fabric that is not very visible. Wait for the fabric to dry before gauging whether or not it has been damaged. Clean the sofa with the solution. If the solution did not cause any damage, you can begin to clean the sofa. Use a clean washcloth or sponge and gently scrub. Do not saturate the couch with the solution. Instead, use only a few drops and reapply more solution if necessary. Blow-dry the wet spots. Even though your solution should not stain, it is better to use a blow dryer on the wet part immediately after you have finished cleaning. Use the coolest setting on the blow dryer. Hold the dryer about six inches away from the spot until it evaporates completely. Brush the treated areas with a clean, dry brush. Microfiber tends to stiffen after being cleaned. It can be restored to its normal texture with a little brushing. Make sure to use a soft-bristled brush. Reassemble your couch. Once you have cleaned all of the cushions, you can put the couch back together. It should look and feel like new. You can do extra brushing and vacuuming if you aren't completely pleased with the outcome. Apply Lysol. Use an aerosol can of original Lysol. Spray a small amount of the product onto the stain. Blot the stain with a clean cloth until it lifts. Then, blow dry and use a soft-bristled brush to restore the texture. Apply baking soda and water. Mix baking soda and water in a bowl. It should create a thick paste. Apply the paste to the stain and wait a few minutes. Then, wipe the stain clean. Clean grease stains with WD-40. If you don't have WD-40, you can also use Dawn dish soap. Apply a small amount to the spot and blot it with a towel or sponge. Rinse with water until the stain is removed. Avoid using this method if you can't use water on your sofa. Remove chewing gum with ice. Do not use this method if you can't use water on your sofa. Rub a cube of ice on the chewing gum until it hardens. Then, peel it off. Do not rush or you may damage the fabric. If there is still a stain, apply a mixture of warm water and liquid laundry detergent to the fabric. Rub gently until the stain lifts. Call a professional. Do this if you are in doubt about how to properly remove a stain or clean your sofa. Continuing attempts to remove the stain on your own can damage the couch. Look online for an upholstery cleaner in your area.

Check the sofa tag for care instructions. Do not assume water is safe to use. Find an appropriate cleaning solution. Vacuum the sofa. Scrub any stains with a clean, soft-bristled brush. Remove the cushions. Test the solution in an inconspicuous place. Clean the sofa with the solution. Blow-dry the wet spots. Brush the treated areas with a clean, dry brush. Reassemble your couch. Apply Lysol. Apply baking soda and water. Clean grease stains with WD-40. Remove chewing gum with ice.

https://www.wikihow.com/Hang-Floating-Shelves

How to Hang Floating Shelves

If you want to hang floating shelf brackets, use a stud finder to find the studs in the wall and drill into the stud where you want to hang your shelf. Next, secure the bracket in the drilled hole and use a level to figure out where to drill a second hole for the second bracket. Once you've secured both brackets in place, measure the distance between them, so you know where to drill the bracket holes into your shelf. After you've drilled the holes into your shelf, slide the shelf onto the brackets. Finally, use a level to make sure the shelf is even before putting your tools away!

Use a stud finder to find the studs in the wall. The best way to do this is to use a stud finder, sliding it along the wall horizontally until the stud finder indicates where the stud is. Once you've located the studs, use a pencil to mark where they are. You can also try to find the studs by looking for small dimples in the trim or knocking on the wall and listening for a solid sound instead of a hollow one. Use a drill to drill into the stud where you’d like to hang your shelf. To create the first hole for your special bracket, use a 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) drill bit to get started. Once you've created a small hole, switch to a 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) bit and drill a hole for the bracket, making sure not to drill too deep. You can measure the bracket's length and then use a piece of tape to mark the drill bit so that you don't drill too far in. Secure the bracket in the hole. Place the bracket in the hole, turning it until you feel a slight resistance. Keep turning the bracket until it feels tightly secured. If you're twisting the bracket and aren't feeling any resistance, pull it back out. Twist the end that goes into the shelf clockwise so the bracket expands. Use a level to place the second bracket. To make sure your shelf is even and steady, use a level and the stud finder to decide where to place the other bracket that will hold up your shelf. Use a pencil to mark where the second bracket will go. Make sure the distance between the 2 brackets isn't longer than the length of your shelf. Install the second bracket using a drill and secure it tightly. Follow the same process of drilling a hole into a stud using the drill bits. Place the bracket into the second hole, twisting it until it's tightly secured. Remember not to drill too deeply when making the hole for the bracket. It's a good idea to use the level again once you've placed the second bracket, just to make sure the 2 brackets create a level surface. If the brackets aren't level, you'll need to remove 1 from the wall and realign it. Measure the distance between the 2 brackets carefully. Use a ruler to measure the distance from 1 bracket to the next so that you'll know where to drill the holes in your shelf. You need this measurement to be exact, so take the time to measure it 2 or 3 extra times. Write down the measurement so that you don't forget it. Drill the bracket holes into your shelf. Use your bracket measurements to draw dots on the back of your shelf where the holes will go using a pencil. Make sure the holes are straight and level with each other. Carefully drill the 2 holes into the wood — use a drill press to create the holes, if possible. If you don't have a drill press, you can create a jig to hold the wood. Keep your wood from moving by putting pieces of wood on either side of it with a thin slab nailed on top. Mark the depth with tape to ensure you're not drilling too far. Measure your shelf to make sure it's the right thickness and depth for the brackets you chose. The specifications for the brackets should be labeled on the package they come in. Slide the shelf onto the brackets. Clear out any dust from the holes in the shelf and slide it onto the brackets installed in the wall. You should have a nice, clean fit. Use a level to check to make sure the shelf is even. Build your own floating shelves so that they’re hollow. There are a couple of ways to do this, but the easiest way is to use plywood and nails to create a hollow shelf. You would ultimately have 5 sides, with the back of the shelf being open. You want your shelf to slide onto a cleat, which is why the shelf won't have a back. Decide where to install the cleat by locating the studs. Use a stud finder to figure out where your wall studs are, and then mark where you'd like to install the cleat to hold your shelf. Try to hit at least 2 wall studs per shelf for the best stability. Cut a 2x2 piece of wood long enough to fit inside your floating shelves. This section of wood will be what the open back part of your shelf slides onto to keep it on the wall. Measure the piece of wood to ensure it fits inside the length of the shelf before using a saw to cut it. You can also take the piece of wood to a home improvement store to have them cut it for you. Use screws to secure the cleat to the wall. Attach the cleat to the wall using 3 in (7.6 cm) screws. Use 2-3 screws, depending on the length of your shelf. Try to install the screws into the studs, or use heavy anchor fasteners. Check to make sure the shelf is even before tightening the screws. Use a level to see that both screws create an even surface. Tighten the screws to ensure the cleat is safely attached. Add an additional 2x2 section of wood for wide shelves, if desired. If the shelf you're installing is very wide, you might want your cleat to stick out a bit more. Attach another 2x2 piece of wood of the exact same length on top of the first one using screws. This will give your cleat more depth. Push the shelf onto the cleat. Center your shelf on the cleat and push it back against the wall into place. Your cleat should fit in your hollow shelf snugly. If your shelf isn't super snug or feels a bit loose, try adding an additional 2x2 piece of wood for better security. Secure the shelf to the cleat with nails or screws. As an additional precaution, you can hammer in some nails to make sure your shelf doesn't move from the cleat. Pick a place that won't be seen easily, like the very top of your shelf if it's placed up high, or the bottom of the shelf if it's placed low. Locate the studs in the wall. You'll need to find out where the studs are in the wall so that you can drill into them. Using a stud finder is the easiest way of figuring out where the studs are, but there are also other ways of finding a stud. If you can't find the studs or don't think they'll be usable for your shelf, use hollow-wall anchors which can be found at a home improvement store. Measure how far apart the studs in the wall are. This will help you decide how far apart to install your figure-eight fasteners from one another. Use a ruler or measuring tape to get the exact distance, making sure to write the measurement down so that you don't forget it. Measure and mark where to install the figure-eights in the shelf. Decide where you'd like to drill the figure-eights into the back of the shelf. You should use at least 2 figure-eights for the best stability, and make sure to spread them evenly using a ruler. Use a pen or pencil to mark where the holes will go. Trace the figure-eight fastener as it will be when it's attached to the shelf using a pencil or pen if you're planning on chiseling into the shelf so that the fastener sits flat. Use a drill and chisel to create a recess in the shelf, if desired. Drill a shallow hole into the shelf where the figure-eight will go. Use a chisel to carefully carve out the space where the figure-eight will sit. This should allow the fastener to lay flush against the shelf. Don't drill too deeply — the hole is simply to help you begin chiseling. Attach the figure-eight fastener to the shelf with a screw. Place the figure-eight fastener into the recess, if you created one. Screw the bottom of the figure-eight fastener into the shelf using a screw. Make sure it's nice and tight. Draw a thin, light line on the wall to show you where to hang the shelf. Decide where you'd like to hang the shelf and use a level to draw a horizontal, even line where the shelf will go. This will make it easier when you go to drill in the top halves of the fasteners. Use a pencil when drawing the line so that you can erase it easily afterwards if necessary. Line your shelf up with the line you drew. Pick up the shelf with the fasteners attached and line it up on the wall. If you want the line to stay invisible, place the top of the shelf on the line. Use the drawn line to help you ensure the shelf stays even. You can have someone hold the shelf for you while you use a level to double-check the evenness, if desired. Insert the screws into the figure-eight fasteners. Place the screws into the fasteners. Use a drill or a screwdriver to attach the top of the figure-eights into the wall. Either screw them into the studs or into hollow-wall anchors. Be aware that the top of the fastener will be visible once you hang the shelf.

Use a stud finder to find the studs in the wall. Use a drill to drill into the stud where you’d like to hang your shelf. Secure the bracket in the hole. Use a level to place the second bracket. Install the second bracket using a drill and secure it tightly. Measure the distance between the 2 brackets carefully. Drill the bracket holes into your shelf. Slide the shelf onto the brackets. Build your own floating shelves so that they’re hollow. Decide where to install the cleat by locating the studs. Cut a 2x2 piece of wood long enough to fit inside your floating shelves. Use screws to secure the cleat to the wall. Check to make sure the shelf is even before tightening the screws. Add an additional 2x2 section of wood for wide shelves, if desired. Push the shelf onto the cleat. Secure the shelf to the cleat with nails or screws. Locate the studs in the wall. Measure how far apart the studs in the wall are. Measure and mark where to install the figure-eights in the shelf. Use a drill and chisel to create a recess in the shelf, if desired. Attach the figure-eight fastener to the shelf with a screw. Draw a thin, light line on the wall to show you where to hang the shelf. Line your shelf up with the line you drew. Insert the screws into the figure-eight fasteners.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Money-Fast-Without-a-Social-Security-Card

How to Make Money Fast Without a Social Security Card

It can be difficult to earn a living if you don't have a social security card, but you can still make money from selling stuff or picking up short-term gigs. If you have anything valuable you don't need, like some nice clothes, a TV, or antiques, try selling these online. Amazon Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist are all good sites to list items. If you don't have anything you want to sell permanently, you can bring your items to a pawn shop to get a loan. While most employers require a social security number, you can do odd jobs, like mowing lawns, babysitting, shoveling snow, walking dogs, or small repairs to make money. Put up some flyers in your neighborhood to advertise your service. You might also ask friends and family if they'll hire you for any odd jobs.

Understand what an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is. An ITIN is a number issued only to individuals who do not qualify for a Social Security Number, but who have tax reporting or filing requirements. While a Social Security Number is necessary for employment, it is possible to legally start a business with only an ITIN. It is important to note that an ITIN does not authorize work in the United States, nor does it permit eligibility for Social Security. For individuals not eligible for a Social Security Number, the ITIN can be a useful way to create legally create income via entrepreneurship. Determine if you qualify for an ITIN. If you are not eligible to obtain a Social Security Number, but still have tax reporting requirements (like owning a small business, for example), you qualify for an ITIN number. Examples of individuals who would meet these requirements include non-resident aliens, resident aliens, and spouses or dependents of resident/non-resident aliens. A resident alien refers to any individual who is not a United States citizen, but who has passed the green card or the substantial presence test. A non-resident alien refers to a non-citizen who has not passed the green card or the substantial presence test. Apply for an ITIN number. If you meet the above requirements, and have tax reporting requirements, or are interested in starting some sort of business that will have tax reporting requirements, you will need to apply for an ITIN number. To apply, you will need to fill out a W-7 Form, which can be found on the IRS website. Simply fill out the form, and attach it to a valid federal income tax return. You will also need to include your proof of identity (either or originals or copies) , and foreign status documents. Mail your information to the following address: Internal Revenue Service, Austin Service Center ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342 If you need assistance with your application and are in the United States, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. If you are outside of the United States, contact the IRS at 267-941-1000 Note that you can apply for an ITIN at any time of the year, but since you need to attach a federal tax return to your W-7 Form, make sure to apply before the due date for the tax return as to avoid any penalties.. Identify unused or unnecessary items. One of the easiest ways to raise cash quickly is by selling items. The first step with regards to selling items involves identifying items to sell, and often, this can be the most difficult step.The solution involves identifying items that are of little to no use, and are being kept for sentimental or other reasons. One suggestion is to ask yourself, "If I lost everything I have, what would I replace?". This question is important because it makes one think of possessions in terms of utility, that is to say, what they do for you.. Make a list of all the items that come to mind first. Most likely, these are the items that are critical to your quality of life or survival. You may for example list a computer and cell-phone as being items to immediately replace. By doing this, you can determine which items are absolutely necessary. Any items not on this list can be seen as eligible for sale. Think in terms of needs, and make sure you have the minimum amount of items only to accomplish said needs. For example, entertainment may be a key need. To accomplish this, a computer and a smartphone probably suffice, making your TV redundant. Another example would be with regards to clothing. You need shoes for example, and likely shoes for different functions (like running shoes and dress shoes), but you likely do not need three pairs for each category. Determine which price to sell items for. Once you determine items that you do not need, it is time to determine how to price them. Your goal here is the maximize the value you get for each sold item, to increase your cash. Find out the replacement value of the item assuming you are replacing it with a brand new version. For example, if the item is a snare drum for a drum kit, look online or at local stores to determine its current price. If the item is difficult to find, use similar quality items for reference. Find out the used value of the item. Use Amazon, Ebay, or Craigslist. Make sure to take note of the quality of the typical item being sold, as well as the quantity of sellers. Use the above information to price your item. If you notice your item is higher quality than most used items, price it above the typical sale price seen, and closer to what the new price would be. If you notice there are very few sellers of your item new or used, and your item is of higher quality, you may be able to get away with very close to new prices assuming your item has a decent demand. Identify online locations to sell your item. Once you have a general price determined, it is important to determine where to sell it. There are multiple websites available and each has different advantages depending on the product being sold. Amazon Marketplace is an excellent choice for selling electronics, household items, and small appliances. Amazon lets you list the quality of the item, assists in price setting, and has a vibrant marketplace of potential buyers. Most importantly, Amazon will list your item under their particular listing for a product. This means anybody searching your product new will also see your used item to compare as an alternative. eBay is also a viable alternative, but it takes more effort to ensure your item is easily found. Typically, eBay is more useful for valuable items. Craiglist can be useful for nearly any classification of item, and the website allows you to sell your item directly to your local community.This can be useful for clothing especially, as potential buyers can examine the clothing before purchasing. For Craigslist, consider selling in bulk. For example, post an ad saying "10 slightly used but in good condition male t-shirts for sale". Craiglist is also very useful for large appliances or furniture. Selling locally saves the buyer from shipping fees, and saves you from the complexities of packaging and sending large items. Consider holding a yard sale. Holding a yard sale can be an efficient way of selling large quantities of items in one day, thereby allowing you to quickly raise cash. To advertise your yard sale, print flyers and place them around your neighborhood and city to attract potential buyers. Yard sales can be useful for selling toys, furniture, appliances, and other miscellaneous items. Toys and children's items sell especially well compared to online, because there are few sites dedicated specifically to these products. It is also a handy way for buyers to purchase multiple items quickly and easily. Sell your unused gift cards. If you have gift cards lying around with unused balances, sell them online. Several websites specialize in buying and selling gift card balances at discounted prices. GiftCardGranny.com is an especially helpful brokerage service that can connect you with top-paying companies looking to buy gift card balances. You can receive up to 90% of the card's face value doing this. Consider pawn shops. Pawn shops offer short-term cash loans secured on just about anything of value that you can give them. Electronics and jewelry are two popular choices to pawn. If you don't pay the loan back within the time allowed, the pawn shop repossesses your item and you keep the money. You will need to show a photo ID at the pawn shop, but you won't need a Social Security Card. Understand the rules. While employers will require an SSN, it is possible to make small amounts of money as a self-employed person without having an SSN. The typical rule is that if you earn more than $400 in the course of a year as a self-employed person, you are required to file a return, and would therefore require an SSN. Note that while it may be tempting to be paid in cash for doing small jobs, or even running a small business, this is ultimately illegal. The IRS can audit you, and will be able to identify unreported cash income using your bank statements, or by noting any discrepancies between income and lifestyle or assets. Determine small jobs you can do to make money. It is possible to make under $400 without reporting, and therefore you can find jobs that would pay under that. There are multiple options to consider. Quick jobs include babysitting, mowing lawns, shoveling snow, walking dogs, or doing small repairs or odd jobs for friends or family. Consider what your skills are, and target your jobs to tasks that fall within what you are good at. Advertise yourself. The best way to locate potential customers is to start by asking friends or family. They may need odd jobs done, or know somebody needs odd jobs done. Consider printing flyers as well, or handing them door-to-door. If, for example, you want to quickly make some money mowing lawns, you can print out posters advertising your services and price, and place them on telephone polls. You can also hand them out to individuals who you feel may need the service, such as elderly people, or individuals who have busy lifestyles.

Understand what an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is. Determine if you qualify for an ITIN. Apply for an ITIN number. Identify unused or unnecessary items. Determine which price to sell items for. Identify online locations to sell your item. Consider holding a yard sale. Sell your unused gift cards. Consider pawn shops. Understand the rules. Determine small jobs you can do to make money. Advertise yourself.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Panic-Attacks

How to Get Rid of Panic Attacks

To get rid of panic attacks, try minimizing your stress by getting plenty of sleep at night. You might also try limiting caffeine and other stimulants, which can increase your anxiety and trigger an attack. Keep in mind that medication is sometimes the easiest and most effective way to prevent panic attacks, so don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it if your panic attacks don't go away. If you do feel a panic attack coming on, try taking slow, regular breaths to prevent hyperventilation and calm yourself down. To do this, breathe in through your nose for 5 seconds, then exhale through your mouth for 5 seconds.

Learn about the root causes of panic. Panic attacks start in the central nervous system, which controls everything from your breathing and heartbeat to your perspiration and respiration. When your brain senses danger, it sends signals to the body through the cerebral cortex to mobilize a response. This happens automatically with the release of chemicals like adrenaline. The heart beats faster. Your breathing becomes rapid. You start to sweat. This “fight or flight” response is not always accurate, though. Learn more about anxiety, panic disorder, and the fight or flight response in books, articles, or online. You will discover that what you feel during a panic attack is very real and that you are not simply imagining things. Don't be reactive. Some therapists advocate “accepting” a panic attack. Your fight or flight mechanism is powerful but not always right, and you are almost certainly in no real danger during an attack. Try to keep calm and assured if you feel an attack approaching. Don't give in to your fear. In fact, “phobic” or negative thoughts – i.e. “I'm going to die” or “I'm going crazy” – can not only overwhelm you but exacerbate the attack. Consciously force yourself to recognize that there is no threat to you. Hold this in your mind and repeat it for several minutes. You may try to avoid situations that make you anxious. This is natural, but not helpful. Evasion can actually exacerbate your fears. Practice relaxation techniques. Learn to control your breathing. Draw slow, regular breaths through your nose and exhale out through puckered lips, inhaling to the count of five, holding for five seconds, and then exhaling to the count of five. This deep breathing can help to relieve symptoms of panic, especially hyperventilation, which causes giddiness and lightheadedness. Another effective strategy is progressive muscle relaxation. To do this, tense and release various muscles working your way from your head to your toes. Tighten each muscle while breathing in, hold for several seconds, and then release. This relaxation technique should reduce your tension and overall stress level. Practicing yoga or meditation every day are also good ways to reduce your stress and tension. Minimize stress. Take care to avoid things that increase your overall levels of stress, anxiety, and tension. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants, for example, like coffee, caffeinated tea, sodas, and cigarettes. These can provoke panic attacks in susceptible persons. Likewise, try have some fun every day and to get adequate sleep each night. Making lifestyle changes is important. Be physically active. According to a recent study, a regimen of at least three workouts per week can curb panic attacks and related symptoms. Although the exact mechanism is not clear, physical activity increases heart-rate variability and has a positive impact on the brain and on mood. Try some form of vigorous aerobic exercise like jogging, riding a bike, swimming, or playing a sport. Go for a walk. Do something active. Don't self-medicate. You might be tempted to cope with your panic episodes through self-medication with drugs or alcohol. This is always a bad idea. For one thing, it fails to address the underlying problem. You are merely masking it by temporarily altering your brain chemistry and putting yourself at risk for alcoholism, drug dependency, and a host of other health problems. For another thing, it is counter-productive. Once the sedating effects of the drugs or alcohol wear off, the panic often comes back more strongly because you have lowered your defenses. Talk to your doctor. There are safe medications that you can use to temporarily control or reduce symptoms of panic disorder. This will not “cure” the problem or resolve it entirely, but it may prove helpful. Talk to your doctor about this option. Most often, meds will work best when paired with other treatments like therapy and changes to lifestyle that get at the root causes. Ask your physician about antidepressants. One possible option is to take a serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant, like fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), or sertraline (Zoloft). These work by changing the levels of the hormone serotonin in your brain, boosting your mood, relieving mild to severe depression, and decreasing the frequency of panic attacks. Antidepressants are generally safe and cause fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants. Keep in mind that antidepressants can take several weeks before they begin to work properly. You have to take them continuously, not just during an isolated attack. Ask your doctor about benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that are useful in treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and other problems. Generally they act quickly, usually within 30 minutes to an hour, and give rapid relief of symptoms of anxiety or panic. Benzos are habit-forming when taken long-term or in high dosages. You can develop a serious physical or psychological dependence on them and experience withdrawal symptoms. They should usually only be used for a short period. Talk to a mental health professional. Medicine is not a cure-all for your panic attacks. Instead, one of the most common treatments is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), administered with the help of a mental health professional like a psychologist. CBT challenges your fear. It teaches you to replace your false, unfounded fears with more rational beliefs and to develop an inner voice to cope while the fight or flight response runs its course. When feeling panicked, your response with CBT should be reassuring: “I'm in no danger.” Talk to a professional. See what sort of treatment options are available for you. There are in fact a number of different approaches that can be taken separately or at the same time. Try practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness is an acceptance strategy and form of CBT, addressing aspects of your emotional experience that can't be directly changed. As someone who suffers from panic attacks, you likely have feelings of anxiety, fear, doubt, and urges to escape. With mindfulness you will learn that there is no “off switch” for these feelings and that the attempt to control them will only increase your distress. Mindfulness teaches you strategies to live with the sensations, to soften and accept them while letting them run their course. Try exposure therapy. Exposure therapy reverses our normal response to fears. Our natural reaction is to avoid anxiety-inducing situations. But while avoidance gives immediate relief, it is actually counter-productive and can ultimately worsen your fears or create mental paralysis. Exposure therapy will systematically confront you with your fears or whatever might be inducing your panic. Most therapists do this slowly, in a graded fashion, so that high-level exposure is not attempted until you successfully face lower-levels. With each step, then, you will build up more emotional “muscle.” The confrontation can be real (“in-vivo”) or simulated, where you are guided through an imaginary scenario. Once your brain learns that these feelings are not dangerous, it will stop triggering your panic. Exposure therapy has been found to be effective in treating anxiety disorders.

Learn about the root causes of panic. Don't be reactive. Practice relaxation techniques. Minimize stress. Be physically active. Don't self-medicate. Talk to your doctor. Ask your physician about antidepressants. Ask your doctor about benzodiazepine. Talk to a mental health professional. Try practicing mindfulness. Try exposure therapy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Introduce-a-New-Puppy-to-the-Resident-Cat

How to Introduce a New Puppy to the Resident Cat

To introduce a new puppy to the resident cat, start by rubbing a towel on one animal and putting it under the other animal's food dish, and vice versa, so they can get used to the other's smell. Then, introduce the animals when your puppy is worn out from playing and keep it on a leash so that it can't injure the cat. At first, keep them in the room together for a few minutes, then work your way up to longer sessions. If your puppy becomes fixated on your cat, or if your cat starts hissing or swatting at the puppy, separate them right away to keep them from fighting.

Set up a space to confine your cat or dog. Both your puppy and your cat need a room in which they can adjust. You do not want to force a meeting right away. Give your pets separate care and attention for the first day or two. You should usually confine the new pet initially, meaning you should keep your puppy in a separate room before letting her roam around the house. Make sure the room is stocked with adequate food, water, and toys. Make sure to spend plenty of time with your new puppy as she adjusts to your home. Alternate which animal is confined. You should switch out which animal is confined. This will give them each a chance to explore the home. They can also get used to one another's smells, and become increasingly comfortable with the fact a new animal is present. Rotate the animals every few hours. It's important the puppy has a chance to leave the room and explore a little, but you should not allow her free-range of the house yet, as this may interfere with potty training. Expand the area in which the puppy is confined to two or three rooms and watch her closely to watch for signs of toileting. When the animals are not confined, they may interact through the door. Your dog may, for example, sniff or paw at the door. For the most part, this is safe; however, if your puppy is excessively pawing at the door, correct the behavior. This can cause stress for your cat, leading to a messy introduction. Exchange scents. It's very important the dog and the cat get accustomed to one another's scent. You can swap small bits of bedding, like pillows or blankets. You can also exchange toys. Try rubbing a towel on one animal and putting the towel under the other animal's food dish. Keep the animals confined while no one is home. You should never leave your pets unsupervised before you've made many successful face-to-face introductions. Make sure both the dog and cat are securely confined to separate areas when no one is home. You may wish tocrate train your puppy and keep her safely confined while you are out, allowing the cat free range (as he is presumably already comfortable in the house) If you secure the cat in a room while you're gone, make sure he has access to a litter box. Choose a good location for the first meeting. After a few days, you can introduce the animals. The introduction should take place in your home. With dogs, initial introductions are often made in a neutral location. Bringing a cat outside the home, however, can cause the cat stress. Choose a room in your home to make the introduction. Make sure the room is large enough to comfortably keep both animals on opposite sides of the room initially. Make an introduction with the puppy on a leash. This is best done after your puppy has tuckered herself out with play and exercise, as she will be less rambunctious around the cat. Whilst holding the leash, let the cat into the room. Allow the animals to look at one another. You may notice some fear or aggression. If the animals are growling at one another, or if the cat bats at the puppy, you're moving too fast. Return to the separation phase for a few more days and try again. Have a favorite toy or treat to distract the puppy if she is showing too much interest in the cat. Do not let your puppy off the leash for the duration of the first meeting. You have to ease into unrestrained contact. An overeager puppy could easily injure a cat. Keep up with controlled, short meetings. Begin with short encounters and gradually build up. Remember to give each pet attention, affection and rewards for peacefulness. Try your best to end meetings on a positive note. If neither animal is being aggressive, and they've been in the room together for a few minutes, this is a good place to end the meeting for the day. As time goes on, the cat should become more confident and the puppy should become disinterested in the cat. Continue with leashed interactions until the puppy is calm. How long this will take depends heavily on the temperament of both animals. Some dogs and cats will calm down quickly, while others will take more time to relax. Your cat should be calm with the puppy in the room. He should eat, drink, and use the litter box without hesitance. Your puppy should be largely uninterested in the cat. She should mostly ignore the cat and pay attention to other stimuli. Once both animals are at this state, you can allow them to be in a room together without leashing the puppy. Reward good behavior consistently. Many people are inclined to scold or punish a puppy for chasing or bothering a cat. This is actually counterproductive and could create a stressful situation, causing your puppy to become aggressive towards the cat. Instead of punishing negative behaviors, strive to reinforce your puppy's positive behaviors. Always reward your puppy for being calm and obedient around the cat. Offer treats and praise when your puppy ignores the cat in the room. Keep a small bag of treats on hand. Whenever your puppy displays good behavior, reward her. Distract the puppy if she becomes fixated on the cat. It's better to distract your puppy than punish her if she bothers the cat. If your puppy is chasing, watching, or otherwise bothering the cat, find a distraction to keep her occupied. Use treats, a happy voice, or a toy to distract your dog when she seems to be bothering the cat. As soon as the dog leaves the cat alone, give her a treat as a reward. Be on the lookout for aggressive behaviors. You want to be very careful allowing your dog and cat to interact. Aggression can become an issue, and both animals can get hurt during a physical confrontation. If you notice signs of aggression, act promptly. If a puppy is overly focused on the cat to the point she won't take her eyes off the cat, this is a sign of aggression. Growling, hissing, and swatting are signs of aggression in a cat. Make sure you get the animals away from each other if they're becoming aggressive. You do not want to deal with a fight. Do not allow unsupervised interactions for at least a month. Only once your animals are totally accustomed to one another should you ever leave them alone together. Always give each animal a means to find privacy. This could be a cat-door, doggie-door, high shelves or small recess so the animals can have their space. It will take at least a month for supervised interactions to be safe. You may need longer than a month, depending on the temperament of your animals. Do not leave them alone unsupervised until they largely ignore one another. Check with a vet to make sure both pets are healthy. A medical problem can stall or complicate the introduction process. Make sure to have a vet evaluate both your pets to make sure they're healthy before attempting an introduction. Make sure your cat has places to hide. Cats need their space to be happy. When bringing a new puppy into the home, make sure your cat has a space to hide. Hostility may become more of an issue if your cat feels like he has no privacy. Invest in something like a kitty condo. Your cat is likely to feel safe there. You should also make sure your cat has access to some perches in your home. Clear out a shelf on your bookshelf that your cat can use. Consider professional help. If the introduction does not go smoothly, hire an animal trainer. Some puppies or cats are more difficult to train than others. A qualified trainer can help you smooth over any behavioral problems.

Set up a space to confine your cat or dog. Alternate which animal is confined. Exchange scents. Keep the animals confined while no one is home. Choose a good location for the first meeting. Make an introduction with the puppy on a leash. Keep up with controlled, short meetings. Continue with leashed interactions until the puppy is calm. Reward good behavior consistently. Distract the puppy if she becomes fixated on the cat. Be on the lookout for aggressive behaviors. Do not allow unsupervised interactions for at least a month. Check with a vet to make sure both pets are healthy. Make sure your cat has places to hide. Consider professional help.

https://www.wikihow.com/Pick-up-a-Hamster-for-the-First-Time

How to Pick up a Hamster for the First Time

To pick up a hamster for the first time, start by washing your hands thoroughly. Next, place a cupped hand into the hamster's cage and let the hamster climb into it. Once the hamster is sitting in your hand, cup your other hand and place it over the top of the hamster. Then, slowly lift the hamster up out of the cage and hold it gently against your chest. Be sure to keep the hamster's face pointed towards your body and its rear pointed away from you so it doesn't get disoriented.

Wash your hands before and after handling a hamster. If your hamster smells food on you, it might think that your hand is food and accidentally bite you. To prevent this from happening, thoroughly wash your hands with soap under a bathroom or kitchen tap before you open your hamster's cage. Then, once you're finished holding your hamster, wash your hands again. Hamsters go to the bathroom in their cages, so the animal might not be clean when you handle it. Washing your hands afterward will clean off any fecal matter or germs. Let the hamster climb into 1 hand and cup your other hand over it. Place 1 hand into the container that the hamster is sitting in. Cup your hand and wait for the animal to climb into it. Once the hamster is sitting in your hand in its cage, cup your other hand and place it over the top of the hamster. Make sure your palm faces downwards when you move your second hand towards your hamster so the hamster doesn't feel like you're going to strike it. Slightly curl your fingers on the hand beneath the hamster to keep it safely in place. Bring the hamster out of its carrying case and up to your chest. With both hands still cupped around the hamster's body, lift it up out of the cage. Do this slowly so the hamster doesn't feel frightened. Bring the animal up to your chest and rest your hands against your sternum. Keeping the hamster against your chest will help it feel safe and secure. Keep the hamster oriented towards you when you lift it up. If your hamster is facing away from you, it will lose a sense of spatial orientation. To keep the hamster calm, keep its face pointed towards your body and its rear pointed away from you. Once it's in this position, try not to turn or spin the hamster around when you're holding it, or it will become disoriented and frightened. A frightened hamster will try to escape from your hands and could hurt itself. If the hamster turns itself to face another direction once you're holding it, that's fine. If you're transferring the hamster into a different cage or carrying case, move the 2 cages as close together as possible. Then pick up the hamster as directed and slowly lower it into the space, then tip your hands forward so the hamster can run out. Never yell or grab at a hamster if it bites you. Hamsters will bite out of fear or confusion, but never out of malicious intent. If a hamster happens to bite you as you're attempting to pick it up, pull your hand away. Never strike the hamster if you're in pain or angry with it, and don't grab the hamster with your other hand to pull it off of you. If the hamster tries to squirm out of your hands while you're holding it, cup your hands firmly together so the animal can't escape. Be careful not to squeeze or squish the hamster, though. Just take it back to its cage. If your hamster bites you while you're holding it, don't pull your hand away, or you'll drop the hamster on the ground. Unlike with dogs (and sometimes cats), hamsters cannot be trained. Disciplining a hamster won't teach it not to bite. Do not pick the hamster up by its tail or lift it without support. Holding the hamster by its tail could cause damage to the small appendage. This will hurt the hamster and cause it to bite you. Similarly, it will be uncomfortable for the hamster if you hold it with 1 or 2 fingers around its midsection without using your other hand to support it from underneath. Also, never lift the hamster up by 1 or 2 legs. Keep the hamster's feet supported whenever you're holding it. Leave your hamster alone in its cage for 3–7 days. A new hamster will feel nervous when you bring it to a new, unfamiliar environment. Rather than petting and handling the hamster right away, give it time alone in its cage. Over a few days, the hamster will get used to its cage, the room it's in, and the sound of your voice. If the hamster seems severely nervous (doesn't eat or drink or huddles in a corner of the cage), try draping a thin piece of cloth over the top and sides of the cage. Don't let small children come near the hamster for the first week. Speak softly to the hamster so it feels comfortable around you. Once your hamster has started to seem more at ease in your room, you can begin using your voice around the animal. Talk quietly at first so you don't startle the hamster. You don't have to talk only to the hamster, either; taking a phone call in your room or reading a book out loud will also help the hamster feel comfortable with your voice. Since hamsters are nocturnal creatures, they'll spend most of the day sleeping. Avoid intentionally waking up a sleeping hamster. Put your hands into the hamster’s cage 2–3 times a day. Inserting your hands into the hamster cage will allow the animal to become familiar with your smell. It will also help the hamster feel even more comfortable around you and will prepare them for physical touch. A couple of times every day, reach into the hamster's cage to swap out old toys, change the water and food, and pull out dirty bedding. Remember to wash your hands before each time you put them into the hamster's cage. If your hands smell like food, the hamster will think they're edible and may try to take a bite. At this point, though, don't actually touch the hamster. Let your hamster sniff your hand so it knows you're not a predator. Like any other animal, hamsters are naturally cautious around new people and animals. To set your hamster at ease and show it that you're not going to eat it or harm it in any way, let the hamster approach and sniff your fingers while your hands are in its cage. If the hamster nips at your fingers, pull your hand out and let it sniff at your fingers again the next day. Feed the hamster tasty treats so it associates you with good things. Try setting a treat on the bottom of the cage about 4 inches (10 cm) away from the hamster, and watch as the hamster approaches and eats the treat. Do that for 2-3 days, and then try feeding the hamster by hand. Place a treat on the tip of a finger and hold it near the hamster. If the hamster feels comfortable enough, it will approach and eat the treat off of your finger. Once the hamster is comfortable eating from your hands, try cupping a hand and sliding it beneath your hamster to lift it up. Place a treat in the center of your palm and let the hamster climb up. Once the hamster is used to eating treats off of your fingertips, set your hand on the floor of the cage and place a treat in the center of your palm. The hamster should cautiously approach and, after a few seconds, crawl up into your hand to eat the treat. If the hamster is too cautious or frightened to climb onto your palm, don't worry. Try again the next day and you might have better results. If the animal bites or nips at your fingers, slowly pull them away and up out of the cage. Move to the next step when the hamster shows signs of being comfortable in your palm. A comfortable hamster will eat from your hand. It will also drink when you're around and play with its toys. Elevate your hand while the hamster is sitting in your palm. Pick your hand up off of the cage floor by about 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) while the hamster sits and eats in your palm. The hamster will sense the motion and realize that you're carrying it. While it may seem skittish the first time you lift it up, the animal will quickly become used to physical contact. In order to calm the hamster and prevent it from leaping out of your hand, cup your hand around the hamster and hold it against your chest. It's fine if the hamster jumps off your hand at first. Try to handle it every day so that, over time, it becomes used to the sensation of being held. Pick the hamster up with 1 hand once it’s comfortable being lifted. Once you've held your hamster against your chest half a dozen times, try picking it up with just 1 hand. Scoop the hand beneath the hamster while it's in the cage and gently lift the animal up and out of the enclosed area. Hold your hamster for 1-2 minutes at a time and then put it back in its cage. Keep your hand between 1–2 feet (30–61 cm) above a tabletop the first few times you try this, so the hamster won't hurt itself if it jumps from your hand. Lift the hamster daily for a month until it’s used to being handled. Repeat the previous 2 steps daily: hold a treat in your hand, let the hamster climb up, and lift the hamster up into the air slightly. Once you've done this for a full month, the hamster should feel completely comfortable when you're handling it. If you have an outgoing hamster, you may only need to do this for 2 weeks before it's ready to be picked up. Handle your hamster every 1–2 days. Once they're familiar with their owner(s), hamsters love being handled and held. Pick them up every day or every other day to help socialize the animal and get it used to its environment. You can even walk around with your hamster in your hands. Hold the hamster against your chest for stability and safety. If you go a few days without handling your hamster, it may be less comfortable (and even try to bite) when you do pick it up again. Earn its trust back by letting it eat a few treats out of your hand.

Wash your hands before and after handling a hamster. Let the hamster climb into 1 hand and cup your other hand over it. Bring the hamster out of its carrying case and up to your chest. Keep the hamster oriented towards you when you lift it up. Never yell or grab at a hamster if it bites you. Do not pick the hamster up by its tail or lift it without support. Leave your hamster alone in its cage for 3–7 days. Speak softly to the hamster so it feels comfortable around you. Put your hands into the hamster’s cage 2–3 times a day. Let your hamster sniff your hand so it knows you're not a predator. Feed the hamster tasty treats so it associates you with good things. Place a treat in the center of your palm and let the hamster climb up. Elevate your hand while the hamster is sitting in your palm. Pick the hamster up with 1 hand once it’s comfortable being lifted. Lift the hamster daily for a month until it’s used to being handled. Handle your hamster every 1–2 days.

https://www.wikihow.com/Increase-Sex-Drive-in-Men

How to Increase Sex Drive in Men

To increase your sex drive if you're a man, try enjoying erotica with your partner, like porn or an erotic novel, so you can both explore new, exciting fantasies. It's also helpful to communicate with your partner about what you enjoy in bed, since trying new things can help your libido. Besides seeking out new fantasies, you can up your sex drive by exercising regularly, which will increase your testosterone production. Try weight lifting, running, or doing yoga a few times a week. Additionally, stress and depression can cause a low sex drive, so make sure to talk to a doctor or therapist if natural remedies don't work.

Enjoy erotica together. Watching adult themed movies or tv with your partner can be a good way to get both parties aroused. You can experiment with pornography if you're both comfortable with that. Read erotic literature together or try pornographic magazines. Watching sex scenes or reading about sexual activities exposes both parties to potential new fantasies that they can peruse together and can help with arousal or provide stimulus. Watching porn habitually by oneself can desensitize a man to sex, reducing sex drive. Discuss fantasies. Ask your partner if there is anything they want to try, but hasn't. If they says there is nothing, ask if there's something they have never done but hasn't particular fantasized about. A simple starting point can be being intimate in a room in your home other than your bedroom, if this is practical. If you are afraid to raise the subject directly, begin with indirect hints. "What did you think of the scene in that movie we watched? Would you ever try that?" Be cautious when discussing fantasies. it can be hurtful to suggest that you are thinking of something other than your partner when you're being intimate. Emphasize that you want to experience something new with the person you're with. Sharing fantasies can build trust, be prepared to talk about things you'd like to try too. If you're not comfortable talking about your fantasies, its not fair to expect your partner to be. Focus on the whole body. Try foreplay to increase arousal. Not only can this get men in the mood, it will also decrease performance anxiety. If a man is able to satisfy his significant other without obtaining an erection, he will be less anxious about his libido. One study found that the preferred erogenous zones for men in order of rank are: penis, lips, scrotum, inner thigh, nape of neck, nipples, perineum, pubic hairline, back of the neck, and ears. Look at your partner. One study has found that people who stare at a photo of their loved one for 30 seconds or longer, naturally begin producing the chemical dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that is closely associated with libido. Give massages. Massages can be a great bonding experience and can prime your significant other for an erotic experience. Establish a sensuous atmosphere to improve the experience. Try turning off the lights and lighting some candles. Play some music. Keep some oils near you for lubrication during the massage. Cut your fingernails before the massage to avoid scratching up your partner. Use smell. A study has shown that scents from perfumes and candles can help increase sex drive. Because a variety of factors were involved, it is difficult to say definitively which were most effective. However preliminary results suggest some scents that might be more effective than others. The study suggested that effective smell profiles included pumpkin pie, licorice, donuts, lavender, oriental spice, cola, and various mixtures of these scents. Scare yourself. Most people experience a spike in sex drive after undergoing an adrenaline rush. Try setting some time aside some time to be together after a vigorous activity, like riding a motorcycle or surfing. If that sounds like too much for you, there is always the date night classic: watching a horror movie together. Exercise regularly. Working out activates testosterone production and low testosterone is one of the more significant causes of a low sex drive. It can also help to treat some of the major physical causes for low sex drive. For optimal testosterone benefit from weightlifting, work major muscle groups with compound exercises, like bench presses, squats, or barbell curls. After an hour your body will begin producing cortisol which counteracts testosterone. Therefore, you should keep your routines under 60 minutes. Cardio will not only increase testosterone but also help with some of the conditions which make it physiologically difficult to get an erection, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. Yoga is sometimes believed to be particularly effective at increasing sex drive. Proponents argue that it has all the benefits of the other routines, but also increases blood flow to the pelvic area and treats anxiety. Eat foods that may increase libido. Oysters, chocolate, figs, chili peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, pomegranate juice, avocado and eggs have all been rumored to help put you in the mood. The science is inconclusive, but it doesn't hurt to try. Look for foods that high in potassium, such as almonds, bananas, garlic, and onions. Conversely, some foods are thought to decrease sex drive, including processed baked goods, dairy products, and soy. You can also try mixing 1 teaspoon (3 g) of Indian ginseng powder in a glass of milk and drinking it before you go to sleep to improve your stamina. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Drugs, especially cocaine and ecstasy, can reduce sex drive. So can the overuse of alcohol. When you do drink, try to stick to red wine. Studies suggests that moderate red wine consumption increases sex drive, possibly by improving blood flow. Diagnose the problem as psychological. Many men experience low sex drive due to stress, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and exhaustion. Physical issues obtaining an erection can also create anxiety, which will compound the problem. Consider carefully whether you might have any latent emotional issues that are bothering you. Talk to a sex therapist. Sex therapy has been shown to improve sexual problems in about two out of three cases. A sex therapist should be able to recognize the origins of your problem and provide effective guidance in treating it. Include your partner, if you have one. It is important that both of you are working toward the same goal and are aware of how to effectively reach it. Manage your stress. Stress can significantly reduce your sex drive. Work and children can also take time away from developing a healthy relationship. Make time to relax and enjoy your partner. You don't have to make love at night, when you are likely to be most tried and stressed. Trying finding time throughout the day, possibly in the morning or while showering. Even if you don't have time to get away to bed with your partner, you do have time to kiss, hold hand, or massage their shoulder. Intersperse physical interaction throughout the day, whenever you are around your partner, to help keep them in the mood. Talk to a doctor. This can be the hardest step. Professionals indicate that men are typically afraid to talk to doctors about their health problems. They shouldn't be; low libido is, according to Doron Stember, MD, "a medical condition." While low libido or erectile dysfunction (ED) might seem like a personal issue, they are medical conditions. Both can be symptoms of serious underlying health issues and failing to disclose them could hinder the diagnosis of any illnesses you might suffer from. Remember that this condition is neither rare nor embarrassing. Twenty percent of all men have almost no interest in sex and half of all men over 40 experience some form of erectile dysfunction. When talking to your doctor indicate whether you still have desire but cannot get an erection or if you do not have any desire. If you are uncomfortable lingering on the issue, mention it casually, possibly as part of a list of ailments. You might say something like, "I haven't been as interested in having sex as I usually am." This may be enough to open the discussion with your doctor. Have a complete physical. There might be a medical problem interfering with your sex drive. Explain your symptoms or lack of interest to your doctor and see if there is a physical explanation. A variety of physical conditions can reduce sex drive, including obesity, anemia, hyperprolactinemia, diabetes, high cholesterol, head injury, or an underactive thyroid gland. Discuss medication with your doctor. Many drugs will reduce sex drive. Discuss the side effects of your proscriptions with your doctor. Antidepressants (SSRIs), tranquilizers, and blood pressure medications have all been shown to reduce libido. Try medication designed to treat erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is not the same thing as low sex drive; some people with ED still have a high sex drive. But if you have trouble getting an erection, it can foster anxieties that will reduce sex drive. Talk to your doctor about ED medication like Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra, which increase blood flow to the penis. Your doctor may need to assess if your heart is healthy enough for sex and if you are on any medication that can interact with potential treatments. Ask a doctor about testosterone. Ask your doctor to test your testosterone levels if you believe that you have a physical problem. Your doctor will administer a shot once every two to four weeks until your condition has improved. The long term effect of testosterone treatments are still unclear and many professionals believe the risks are much greater than the benefits. Be wary of testosterone treatments and use it only as a last resort. Testosterone may also be delivered in the form of a gel, applied once daily to the shoulders, upper arm, or abdomen.

Enjoy erotica together. Discuss fantasies. Focus on the whole body. Look at your partner. Give massages. Use smell. Scare yourself. Exercise regularly. Eat foods that may increase libido. Avoid drugs and alcohol. Diagnose the problem as psychological. Talk to a sex therapist. Manage your stress. Talk to a doctor. Have a complete physical. Discuss medication with your doctor. Try medication designed to treat erectile dysfunction. Ask a doctor about testosterone.

https://www.wikihow.com/Put-Your-Hair-up-With-Chopsticks

How to Put Your Hair up With Chopsticks

To put up your hair with chopsticks, start by gathering your hair at the back of your head, as if you were creating a pony tail, and holding the sticks horizontally beneath the hair. Next, wrap your hair around the sticks all the way to the ends. Then, pull up the chopsticks slightly to lay the wrapped hair flat against your head. Finally, push the skinny ends of the sticks into the back of the wrap you just made to secure your hair in place.

Locate a pair of chopsticks. The wooden kind from a restaurant will work, but not for any good length of time because they can snap easily, causing splinters to get caught in your hair and possibly even hurt you. There are smooth bamboo ones that you can buy that are much higher quality. You can also buy plastic ones, which tend to be the best and are inexpensive. Whatever you decide to use, be sure the sticks are clean and new! Metallic chopsticks are another option, although these are a little more difficult to find. Check out the hair care aisles of your local drug and grocery stores - you'll be able to find a variety of different styles that you can experiment with. Brush your hair. Take care to get all of the tangles out before proceeding. If you have curly hair, use a pick to gently detangle any major knots and smooth it down before proceeding. Make sure to remove any hair accessories or bobby pins before starting the process. Many women find that chopsticks hairstyles are difficult to achieve on freshly washed hair because clean hair can be very slippery. Whether this will affect you depends on the texture of your hair, but you may want to try this style on hair that hasn't been washed for a day or two. Hold the chopsticks together in your hand, pointy end down. Lift up your hair (or the section of hair you want to tie up) and place the chopsticks underneath it, slanting them while positioning. Wrap your hair around the sticks a few times. Do there until there isn't any more hair left to wrap around. The amount of times you wind the hair will depend on how long your hair is. A chignon is an ideal hairstyle for adding chopsticks in. In this case, make the chignon first, then push in the chopsticks for effect. For more information on creating a chignon, see How to style a classic chignon and How to style a chignon with a modern twist. Take the top ends of the sticks and pull them down, then push the skinny end into the back of the wrap you just made. This part may hurt slightly because the sticks pull your hair, but the final result should feel comfortable. If your final style is uncomfortable, it should be redone. Make sure the bun is secure. You may want to put a few bobby pins in for additional security. Once you're certain it feels comfortable and in place, it's ready for finishing touches. Add finishing touches (optional) and your hairstyle is complete! . If you're worried about the security of your style, try a short mist of hairspray all over the hairstyle. If you have bangs or short layers around the face, arrange them in the way you like best and give it all a short mist of hairspray to lock it in. Brush your hair. Make sure to fully detangle your hair before proceeding. If you have curly hair, gently run a pick through to manage and detangle your curls. Remove any and all hair accessories, such as bobby pins or barrettes, before attempting the hairstyle. If your hair is freshly washed and a little slippery, chopstick styles can be a little difficult to manage. Many women think that chopstick hairstyles work best on hair that hasn't been washed in at least 2 days, but it really just depends on your hair. If your freshly washed hair isn't slippery, you should have no issues. Have some hairspray and a few bobby pins within reach when doing this style, just in case you want a little more hold or security. Pull all of your hair back into a low ponytail. Holding your low ponytail in your left hand, use your right hand to slide one of the chopsticks (pointy end up) diagonally under the ponytail. Twist the chopstick itself around clockwise, making sure that when you stop, the pointy end is pointing up, just like at the beginning. Twist the chopstick clockwise as many times as your hair will allow. Some people will only be able to do it once, others will be able to twist it several times around. Once you start feeling your hair pull a little at your scalp, stop twisting. Hold on to the ends of your hair as tightly as you can throughout the remainder of the process, since the twist won't be fully secure until the final step. Push the chopstick all the way through the twist. Taking hold of the blunt end of the stick, pull it away from your head until it's almost horizontal. The pointy end will be pushed up against your scalp at this point. Continue this motion until the pointy end is facing down, and the blunt end facing up. Once you've done this, the pointy end of the stick should be nestled about 2 inches deep at the very top of the twist. Push the chopstick down into the twist. Stop pushing once you have approximately the same length of stick poking out of the top and the bottom. The stick should pass through the twist itself, as well as the hair directly below the twist. Gently let go of your hair and take a look at the final result. It may take a couple of attempts before you get it just right, but after a little practice you'll be able to do this easily. At this point, you are only using one chopstick. You can stop there, or if you want a look using both sticks, slide the second stick carefully through the twist, taking care not to bump into the first stick. If you have short layers in your hair, the ends may be sticking out a small amount. One option is to bobby pin them and use a bit of hairspray to secure the twist. Another option is to make this a very casual look, allowing your layers to hang loosely around your face. Arrange them until you like what you see. Add finishing touches (optional) and your hairstyle is complete! If you're worried about the security of your style, try a short mist of hairspray all over the hairstyle. If you have bangs, arrange them in the way you like best and give it all a short mist of hairspray to lock it in. Brush your hair. Make sure to fully detangle your hair before proceeding. If you have curly hair, gently run a pick through to manage and detangle your curls. Remove any and all hair accessories, such as bobby pins or barrettes, before attempting the hairstyle. This is a very casual look that truly only takes 15 seconds, so don't worry about getting your hair perfect before you start. Just get the tangles out. Have some hairspray and a few bobby pins within reach when doing this style, just in case you want a little more hold or security. Gather your hair into a ponytail. For this style, the height of the ponytail is up to you. You can do a low ponytail if you want the final look to be situated close to the nape of your neck. You can also gather your ponytail at medium height or you can try it slightly higher than that. Hold the pony tail in place with your left hand. Using your right hand, grab your hair at the ends and twist it so that your ponytail looks kind of like a rope. You can twist it as tightly or as loosely as you like, depending on how you'd like the final style to look. If you want the final style to be neat, twist it tightly. If you want a more casual look, twist it loosely. Pull the twist around your left hand (still holding your hair in place) in a clockwise direction with your right hand. Continue to pull it around, forming a bun, until you run out of hair. Tuck the ends of your hair under the bun. Push the chopstick (pointy end up) through the bottom left side of the bun diagonally using your right hand. You will push the pointy end out through the center of bun. You should have approximately the same amount of stick showing on both sides. Push the pointy end toward your scalp, holding the blunt end in your right hand. Then pull the blunt end straight up, so that the pointy end brushes against your scalp and is then pointing down. Push the pointy end back through under the bun, which will secure it in place. Gently let go of your hair and take a look at the final result. At this point, you are only using one chopstick. You can stop there, or if you want a look using both sticks, slide the second stick carefully through the twist, taking care not to bump into the first stick. If you have short layers in your hair, the ends may be sticking out a small amount. One option is to bobby pin them and use a bit of hairspray to secure the bun in place. For a slightly more casual look, allow your layers to hang loosely around your face. Arrange them until you like what you see. Add finishing touches (optional) and your hairstyle is complete! If you're worried about the security of your style, try a short mist of hairspray all over the hairstyle. If you have bangs, arrange them in the way you like best and give it all a short mist of hairspray to lock it in.

Locate a pair of chopsticks. Brush your hair. Hold the chopsticks together in your hand, pointy end down. Wrap your hair around the sticks a few times. Take the top ends of the sticks and pull them down, then push the skinny end into the back of the wrap you just made. Make sure the bun is secure. Add finishing touches (optional) and your hairstyle is complete! Brush your hair. Pull all of your hair back into a low ponytail. Push the chopstick all the way through the twist. Push the chopstick down into the twist. Gently let go of your hair and take a look at the final result. Add finishing touches (optional) and your hairstyle is complete! Brush your hair. Gather your hair into a ponytail. Hold the pony tail in place with your left hand. Pull the twist around your left hand (still holding your hair in place) in a clockwise direction with your right hand. Push the chopstick (pointy end up) through the bottom left side of the bun diagonally using your right hand. Push the pointy end toward your scalp, holding the blunt end in your right hand. Gently let go of your hair and take a look at the final result. Add finishing touches (optional) and your hairstyle is complete!

https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-a-Devon-Rex-Cat

How to Identify a Devon Rex Cat

To identify a Devon Rex, first look for a distinctive short, curly coat. Check for dense curls or waves that feel a bit like suede. Another thing to check for is a small face with large eyes and big, bat-like ears. Examine the neck, too. It will appear long and slender, and the fur may be shorter than the fur on the body. While a Devon Rex's weight can vary depending on the individual cat and its overall health and lifestyle, you can also weight the cat to see if it's in the average weight range of 6 to 9 pounds.

Feel for a curly coat. Devon Rex cats are known for their unusual curly coats. Their fur grows in ripples and waves, often having a suede-like feel. They are shorthaired cats, and their curls are short and dense, a bit like a Poodle's. A Devon Rex's coat can come in any number of colors. Look for large eyes on a small face. Devon Rexes have eyes that are exceptionally large in proportion to their petite head size. They are often described as looking like aliens or pixies because of their otherworldly looks. If your cat's eyes are far bigger than a normal cat's, they may be a Devon Rex. Devon Rex eyes come in many shades, so color is not a good indicator of the breed. Look for large, bat-like ears. The Devon Rex's ears are large, triangular, and bat-like with deep cups. They are particularly impressive compared to the breed's small, wedge-shaped head. Many Devon Rexes have small wisps of hair sticking off the tips of their ears. Inspect your cat while you are petting them to examine the ears more closely. Look for a long, thin neck. Devon rexes have slim, dainty necks, which look unusual compared to their expressive eyes and large ears. Look for an elongated neck where the fur is thinner than on the body. Weigh your cat. Devon Rex cats are medium in size, typically ranging from 6-9lb or 2.5-4kg. If you want to weigh your cat at home, a good method is to weigh just yourself, then weigh yourself holding your cat. The difference will be the cat's weight. While weighing your cat may help you determine its breed, don't use weight as a primary indicator. Cats' weights vary a ton, depending on whether they are overweight, underweight, full, or pregnant. If your cat isn't in the typical weight range, it doesn't mean it isn't a Devon Rex. Play hide and seek with your cat. Devon Rexes are very playful cats that often enjoy fetch or a game of hide and seek. To gauge your cat's interest in play, let them see you, and then hide behind the side of the couch. If they come to find you or bat playfully at the side of the couch, you may have a Devon Rex. Encourage your cat to vocalize. Devon Rexes are exceptionally vocal cats that trill, coo and chirp at their owners. Make some meowing noises at your cat to see if you can engage them in conversation. If they call right back, you'll know your cat is on the talkative side like a Devon Rex. Gauge your cat's interest in unusual foods. Devon Rexes have been known to eat lemons, olives, asparagus or any other number of strange foods. They love food and will often attempt to swipe a bite of your dinner. If your cat seems to want a bite of whatever you're having, no matter how unusual, they may have a Devon Rex's unusual taste. Place your cat in your lap. Devon Rex cats are social, affectionate cats that often enjoy sitting in their owner's laps. They've also been known to follow their owners from room to room to keep them company. Observe your cat's behavior to see if they enjoy affection or prefer to be on their own. Devon Rexes enjoy the company not only of people but also other pets. They often get along well with birds, other cats, dogs and any number of creatures. If your cat meets the other criteria and loves socializing with other animals, they may be a Devon Rex.

Feel for a curly coat. Look for large eyes on a small face. Look for large, bat-like ears. Look for a long, thin neck. Weigh your cat. Play hide and seek with your cat. Encourage your cat to vocalize. Gauge your cat's interest in unusual foods. Place your cat in your lap.

https://www.wikihow.com/Serve-and-Drink-Sake

How to Serve and Drink Sake

To serve and drink sake, pour sake into the tokkuri and put the tokkuri in a bowl of boiling water for 2-4 minutes. Next, remove the tokkuri from the water, dry the outside off with a towel, and hold it with both hands as you fill everyone's cups to the brim with sake. It's customary to have someone else pour your sake -- don't pour your own cup! Then, hold the cup with both hands, say "kanpei," and enjoy the sake in small sips.

Boil the water. Many sake varieties are served warm. Instead of warming the sake directly, it's best to heat the ceramic container holding the sake in hot water. Fill a kettle with water and bring it to a boil. Alternatively, you can fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Some sake varieties are actually served chilled rather than warmed. These varieties, which include ginjo, daiginjo, junmai, and namazake, should be served between 40 °F (4 °C) and 50 °F (10 °C). Serve these directly from the refrigerator. Fill a bowl with the boiling water. When the water has boiled, pour it into a medium-sized glass, metal, or ceramic bowl. Don't use a plastic bowl, as the hot water could melt it. Only fill the bowl halfway, as you don't want it to overflow when you add the ceramic container. If you used a saucepan to boil the water, remove the saucepan from heat and leave the water in the pan. Fill the tokkuri. A tokkuri is a ceramic vessel that's often used for serving sake. Open the bottle of sake and pour it into the tokkuri. Fill the tokkuri, but leave some space at the top so you can move and pour the sake without spilling. Warm the sake in the bowl of boiling water. Place the filled tokkuri into the bowl or saucepan of boiling water. Leave the tokkuri in the hot water bath until the temperature of the sake increases to about 104 °F (40 °C). This generally takes about two to four minutes. You can use a thermometer to keep an eye on the sake's temperature as it sits in the hot water. Sake shouldn't be served hot, as this will cause the alcohol to burn off and will ruin the drink's delicate flavors. Sake that's heated should only ever be warmed slightly. Remove the sake from the water. When the sake has reach the right temperature, remove the tokkuri from the hot water bath. Dry the outside of the tokkuri with a towel. Wrap a napkin around the tokkuri. This will help you to catch any sake spills. You can wrap the outside of the tokkuri with a clean napkin or small tea towel. For sake that's being served chilled, remove the bottle from the refrigerator and pour the chilled sake into the tokkuri. Hold the tokkuri with both hands. Grasp the tokkuri delicately by wrapping one hand around each side of the vessel. Your palms should be facing slightly downward rather than toward each other. Don't hold the tokkuri too tightly. In Japanese culture, it is impolite to hold the tokkuri and pour sake with one hand when you're in a formal situation. Fill your guests' or friends' glasses. Go around to each of your guests (or friends, family, or coworkers if you're out at a bar) and fill the empty glasses with sake. Fill each glass as much as possible, as this is a sign of generosity. Make sure you continue holding the tokkuri with both hands as you pour. As the night goes on, refill the glasses as they become empty. Let a guest or friend fill your glass. In Japan, tejaku is the practice of filling your own glass, and it's considered rude. Whether you're at home, a guest at somebody else's home, or out at a restaurant or bar, don't fill your own glass. It is the responsibility of a friend, guest, or somebody you're with to fill your glass. The only time it's acceptable to pour your own sake is when you're alone, or in very informal situations with close friends or family. Lift the ochoko off the table when your drink is poured. When somebody pours your drink, hold the cup with both hands and raise it off the table. Hold the cup slightly forward toward the person pouring. To be polite, pay attention to the person who is pouring, and don't carry on a conversation or be otherwise distracted while your drink is being poured. Hold the ochoko with two hands. Sake is often served in a small ceramic cup called an ochoko. Whenever you're holding the ochoko, hold the cup with your right hand and support the bottom of it with the palm of your left hand. Hold the cup this way even when you're drinking. Don't drink until everybody has a full ochoko. It is rude to drink before everybody has been served and said cheers. Once everybody has a full cup, you can all say “kanpai.” Say “kanpai” before drinking. Kanpai means “dry glass,” and it's a celebratory way to say cheers. Hold the sake glass in one hand and gently touch ochokos with the people around you as you say kanpai. When you've finished saying kanpai, bring your ochoko back in front of you and hold it again with two hands. Drink the sake in small sips. Sake is fairly strong, and while it was once expected that you'd drink the glass in a single go, it's now perfectly acceptable to drink it slowly, sip by sip. This is especially important if you don't want to drink too much, because your hosts or friends will refill your glass as soon as it's empty. Don't put down your ochoko until the sake is done. Pair bold sake with rich foods. Sake can be served with a variety of different foods and courses. Like wine, different sake varieties have different flavor profiles, and will pair better with certain foods. A bold sake like "daiginjo" has strong earthy flavors, and this pairs well with: Roasted chicken Tempura Chocolate Barbecued foods Pair fruity sake with spicy or fatty foods. Fruity sakes like junmai and ginjo have aromas of fruits like peaches. These types of sakes pair well with spicy foods, fatty meats, and a variety of vegetables. Try pairing fruity sakes with: Spicy tuna tartare Fish Pork Salads Finish an open bottle of sake within a few hours. Once you open a bottle of sake, it's best consumed within a few hours. This is because open sake will oxidize, and this will affect the flavor of the beverage. Open bottles of sake that aren't finished should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within two days.

Boil the water. Fill a bowl with the boiling water. Fill the tokkuri. Warm the sake in the bowl of boiling water. Remove the sake from the water. Wrap a napkin around the tokkuri. Hold the tokkuri with both hands. Fill your guests' or friends' glasses. Let a guest or friend fill your glass. Lift the ochoko off the table when your drink is poured. Hold the ochoko with two hands. Don't drink until everybody has a full ochoko. Say “kanpai” before drinking. Drink the sake in small sips. Pair bold sake with rich foods. Pair fruity sake with spicy or fatty foods. Finish an open bottle of sake within a few hours.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Old-Photos

How to Clean Old Photos

To clean old photos, start by laying the photograph on top of a towel on a clean, flat surface. Next, use a can of compressed air to blow away any dirt or dust from the photogragh. If the photo is particularly delicate, you can use a soft cleaning brush instead. After you've removed the surface debris, use an emulsion cleaning cloth specifically made for photos to gently wipe the surface. Then, dry the photo with a hairdryer set on high heat, holding it 10 inches away from the picture to avoid heat damage.

Scan digital images first. Before you begin the cleaning process, back up your photos digitally. While proper cleaning minimizes the risk of damage, it does not completely eliminate it. Scan your photos onto your computer and save them before attempting to clean them. If you don't have a scanner, stop by a local print shop and use one there. Use supplies specifically made for cleaning photographs. As old photos are delicate, you should never use generic cleaning supplies on them. You should use photograph emulsion cleaner and wipes specifically made for cleaning photographs only. These items can sometimes be difficult to find in stores, but should be easy to purchase online. Emulsion cleaners and wipes are made from ingredients and materials safe to use on older photographs. They resemble normal cleaning wipes and spray cleaners, but use less harsh ingredients. Do not substitute cleaners. While getting specialized supplies is a hassle, it's worth the extra cost to avoid damaging your photographs. Put on editing gloves. Before handling your photographs, put on a pair of clean editing gloves. Like other supplies for cleaning photographs, these can be purchased online. It's important to use editing gloves over generic gloves when cleaning photographs. Editing gloves are a type of glove designed to be used when working with film and photographs. Place the photograph on top of a towel. Lay a clean towel down over a flat surface. Place your photographs on the towel. Make sure to wear your editing gloves, even at the beginning of the process, to avoid damage. Brush off dirt. Use a can of compressed air. Blow the air over the photo to remove any stuck on dirt or dust. You can also use a soft cleaning brush, which may work better for very delicate photos. Blow or brush the photograph as long as is needed to remove any excess dirt or debris. It's important you get any dust and dirt off before wiping down the photos. You do not want to get debris plastered onto the photos when wiping them down. Wipe off any lingering debris. Take your cleaning pads. Gently wipe down the surface of the photographs to remove any residue left on the photos. Use extremely slow hand movements to avoid tearing the photographs. Move the wipes over the photograph, removing any set-in debris and dirt as you go. The precise instructions for using cleaning pads varies depending on the type of pad. You should always closely read the manufacturer's instructions before using a cleaning pad. Dry your photographs. Hold a hairdryer set on high heat about 10 inches away from your photo. Move the hair dryer back and forth slowly. This should dry the photo off. Keep moving the hair dryer back and forth until the photo is completely dry. It's very important to keep the hairdryer a solid distance from the photograph to avoid heat damage. Seek professional help for difficult stains. Some photographs may have very set in stains that do not respond to routine cleaning. You do not want to use harsh cleaners or clean your photographs too aggressively on your own. Look online to find professional photography cleaning services in your area in the event you're dealing with very difficult stains. It's better to spend extra money on professional services than risk damaging irreplaceable old photographs. Clean only the viewing glass of ambrotypes. Ambrotypes are old photos that often consist of two plates of glass. One plate contains the image while the other, the viewing glass, covers the image. Only clean the viewing glass and only do so if you know which is the viewing glass. The viewing glass should be cleaned with cotton swabs dipped in alcohol. Only do a light wipe down, to rub away any unwanted dirt and grime. Stay away from the corners and sides when cleaning, as you do not want any liquid to seep into the picture and harm the image. If you purchased the image somewhere, the paperwork may inform you which side is the viewing glass. You can sometimes tell by examining the photo carefully. Photographers often used a black lacquer on one side of the glass to darken it. The image is found on the glass opposite the black lacquer. If you do not know for sure which side is the viewing glass, take your ambrotype to a professional. You can severely damage ambrotype pictures by cleaning the glass that contains the image. Do not clean daguerreotypes. Daguerreotypes are another antique form of photography from the 19th Century. Due to their extremely delicate nature, daguerreotypes should not be cleaned by amateur collectors. Always take daguerreotypes to a professional for cleaning. You can find a professional in your area by searching online. If you can't find one close by, see if you can find a professional you can work with long distance. Someone may be willing to mail your photos back and forth. Use compressed air on vintage cartes and cabinet cards. Vintage cartes and cabinet cards should never be cleaned with liquid. Blow a can of compressed air above these types of photos to remove dirt and debris. If dirt is not removed with compressed air, use a very soft brush to wipe it away using extremely delicate motions. Very dirty cartes and cabinet cards may not come clean with compressed air alone. In this case, seek professional cleaning services. Store your photographs in a dry environment. Once your old photographs are clean, store them in a protected area that is also dry. You can, for example, put them in an envelope and store them in a drawer in your home that is not prone to moisture or humidity. This should keep your photos in good shape after the cleaning process. If your photos are very old, consider professional storage. You can check online to find companies in your area that provide specialized storage for old, valuable photographs. Remove new stains quickly. The quicker you clean out stains, the better. If you spill anything on an old photograph, or get dirt on it with your fingers, clean it promptly to prevent the stains from becoming set. Stains can quickly be removed by running photographs under tap water or placing them in a pan of water briefly. Swish the photograph around to remove any stains. Minimize how often you handle old photographs. Handling old photographs infrequently will protect them from damage. Old photographs are fragile, so it's important not to over handle them. Only handle photographs when absolutely necessary, such as when you're moving. For the most part, keep them in storage to preserve them over time. It can help to have digital copies of your photographs. This way, if you want to look at old photographs, you can do so on screen to avoid handling them.

Scan digital images first. Use supplies specifically made for cleaning photographs. Put on editing gloves. Place the photograph on top of a towel. Brush off dirt. Wipe off any lingering debris. Dry your photographs. Seek professional help for difficult stains. Clean only the viewing glass of ambrotypes. Do not clean daguerreotypes. Use compressed air on vintage cartes and cabinet cards. Store your photographs in a dry environment. Remove new stains quickly. Minimize how often you handle old photographs.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-a-Cold-Sore-with-Home-Remedies

How to Get Rid of a Cold Sore: Do Home Remedies Work?

Cold sores can be a nuisance, but luckily, there are several home remedies you can use to help them heal faster. Soak a cotton ball in 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and hold it directly over the cold sore to help reduce inflammation. After 5 minutes, gently rinse your face with cold water. Or, apply an ice cube to your cold sore for a few minutes to relieve pain and redness. To protect your cold sore while it heals, use a cotton swab to put on a layer of petroleum jelly or honey. Or apply some aloe vera gel to soothe your pain and help speed up the healing process. Be sure you don't touch or pick at your cold sore since it can make it last longer.

Try rhubarb and sage cream. These 2 ingredients together may also be effective in clearing up cold sores. It might even be about as effective as antiviral creams. Try getting a cream containing both and apply to the cold sore until it clears up. Sage can also fight cold sores on its own, but the combination with rhubarb tends to work better. Rub kanuka honey onto the sore. You might not think of honey as a medical treatment, some types of honey are very medicinal. This particular type of honey from New Zealand shows some success in clearing up cold sores. When the sore starts, try dabbing some kanuka honey onto the area 5 times a day for 8-9 days. Other types of honey might not work as well as kanuka, so make sure you use this type. You should be able to get it at supermarkets or health food stores. Apply aloe vera gel to the sore. Aloe vera is a popular remedy for all kinds of injuries, and it could help with cold sores as well. Try applying a 0.2-5% concentration of aloe vera gel onto the sore every day to see if this helps it clear up. Try lemon balm oil. This essential oil shows some success in fighting the herpes virus and reducing cold sores. Try applying a topical product containing lemon balm oil to see if this works for you. Lemon balm might also work on outbreaks of genital herpes. However, talk to your doctor before using it on your genitals. Keep the cold sore moisturized. This might not get rid of the sore quickly, but it's important for the healing process. Moisturizing prevents the sore from drying out and flaking. This could help the sore heal better. Try using a lip balm with zinc oxide for the best results. It's also helpful to use lip balm with sunblock to protect the sore from the sun. If you use a lip balm or chapstick tube while you have a cold sore, get rid of it after the infection clears up. Otherwise, you could give yourself another infection if you use it again. Try some other essential oils like peppermint or rosemary. Besides lemon balm, a few other essential oils show some success in fighting cold sores. These include peppermint, rosemary, thyme, sage, and prunella. Try applying diluted essential oils to the sore to see if it helps. Don't use pure essential oils, as they can be toxic. Similarly, don't get any of the oils in your mouth because they could be poisonous if you swallow them. Take lysine supplements. This is an amino acid that could help heal cold sores when taken by mouth. There is no strong evidence that it works, but you can try it to see as long as your doctor says it's safe. Try taking a supplement with 3 g per day for 5 days. This might boost the healing process and clear the sore. You can also get more lysine in your diet from meat and chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, wheat germ, and avocados. Ask your doctor before you start taking lysine supplements. It could cause problems, especially if you have a cardiovascular or gallbladder disease. Numb the pain with a cold compress. Even if a cold sore is healing well, it can be pretty uncomfortable until it clears up completely. You can relieve the pain with ice or a cold, wet towel. Try holding one of these against the cold sore for 20 minutes at a time 3 times a day. This won't really heal the sore, but it could reduce the redness and swelling to make it less noticeable. If you use a towel or compress, wash it right away or you could spread the virus to others. Have cold food and drinks. This might make eating more comfortable for you. Try sticking with cold foods or wait for your food to cool down enough before eating it to avoid aggravating the sore. Avoid acidic foods until the sore heals. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and other acidic foods could sting the sore. Avoid these foods until the cold sore heals up. Spicy and salty foods might also irritate the sore. Avoid these as well if they bother you. Don’t pick or touch the sore. It's probably tempting to touch to play with the sore. Don't do this! It could irritate the sore and make it take longer to heal. Leave it alone let your body take care of the healing process. Cold sores are also contagious, so you risk spreading the virus around if you keep touching it. Wash your hands after touching the sore. Whenever you touch the sore, either accidentally or to apply medicine, you can get some of the herpes virus on your hands. You might spread it to other people or other parts of your body if you don't wash your hands, so make sure to do so every time you touch the sore. Cold sores are usually more contagious on your first outbreak, so take extra care to wash your hands often and avoid spreading it. Reduce stress to make breakouts less frequent. This might not get rid of your current sore, but stress tends to trigger cold sore outbreaks. Reducing your overall stress might help you avoid outbreaks in the future. Mindfulness exercises like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga tend to help reduce stress, so try to make some time for one of these each day. Doing things you enjoy can also reduce your stress, so remember to leave time for your hobbies as well.

Try rhubarb and sage cream. Rub kanuka honey onto the sore. Apply aloe vera gel to the sore. Try lemon balm oil. Keep the cold sore moisturized. Try some other essential oils like peppermint or rosemary. Take lysine supplements. Numb the pain with a cold compress. Have cold food and drinks. Avoid acidic foods until the sore heals. Don’t pick or touch the sore. Wash your hands after touching the sore. Reduce stress to make breakouts less frequent.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Razor-Bumps

How to Treat Razor Bumps

To treat razor bumps, start by exfoliating the area with a gentle scrub to remove dead skin. If exfoliation doesn't help to remove the bumps, rub the area with a cream or toner that contains glycolic or salicylic acid. For ingrown hairs, use a clean pair of tweezers to carefully pull the hair out from under the skin. When you have razor bumps, refrain from shaving over top of them, and avoid using products that contain alcohol, which can dry out your skin. If the area is itchy, red, or irritated, apply an antibacterial cream immediately and do not scratch the skin.

Try exfoliating. What you're really dealing with is a cluster of ingrown hairs. They may look like acne, but they're not. To lessen the problem, try exfoliating. That will rub off the top layer off skin, possibly freeing the hairs from their derma-prison. Make sure what you're dealing with is razor bumps. If they're pink or red (or dark if you can see the hair) and itchy, then they are razor bumps. They also may resemble whiteheads if pus has formed on top. If that doesn't work, use salicylic or glycolic acid. So, since we're dealing with ingrown hairs here, what you've gotta do is remove that layer of skin on top. Salicylic and glycolic acid do just that. These two products quicken the turnover of dead skin cells—that is to say, the layers you shed will be shed more quickly when this stuff is applied to your skin. Though it may not expose the ingrown hair, it will speed up the process. If that doesn't work, use a needle and tweezers, or a rotatable medical device to release the embedded hair. Make sure the needle is clean first! Sterilize it with rubbing alcohol if it's not brand new. Insert it into the top of the bump (blood or pus may come out) and switch to your tweezers. Carefully coax out the hair like you would a splinter—plucking it straight off may lead the next hair to be ingrown, too. This needs to be done very carefully. It can potentially damage the skin and in the absolute worst-case scenario, result in scarring. Almost as bad as the bumps themselves! Don't shave the irritated area. Hopefully, this seems logical to you. Shaving is how you got the bumps in the first place, so shaving more will just exacerbate the problem. If you can, avoid doing so. And if there's a no-facial-hair requirement you have to meet for work or school, consider getting a doctor's note to get around the rule. Avoid products with alcohol. That stuff just irritates and burns your skin, dries it up and leaves it worse for the wear. And if you have razor bumps, that's a recipe for disaster and pain. If your normal lotion has it, you'd be wise to toss 'er out. The only time you should use alcohol on your skin is the cleanse the area before using a needle. And then you should use rubbing alcohol—no other kind. Use products with lidocaine and bacitracin. Many aftershave products have lidocaine in them. That's the ingredient that prevents itching and irritation. Bacitracin is the stuff found in products like Neosporin and is used to kill bacteria. You probably don't need an explanation as to why these two things are beneficial! These products can be used on bumps and on unaffected skin. They're good treatments and preventative measures. Don't scratch! The razor bumps may become infected if you do. You're just spreading around bacteria and mixing it in with the stuff on your hands (clean as they may feel). In general, staying away from your face entirely is your best bet. Scrub your face twice a day with a facial cleanser or a bump brush. Keeping your face clean is a large part of the razor bump battle. You want to keep bacteria at bay and also keep the top-most layer of your skin fresh. If you're shaving (...which you shouldn't be doing on the bumps), use warm water to soften the hairs and loosen the follicles. Cold hair just tightens up your skin and won't do you any favors. Apply an anti-razor bump cream. Do this twice a day, in the morning and at night. There are a solid half a dozen products on the market to choose from, and all should be of similar quality. A quick visit to your local drugstore (Wal-Greens, CVS, Boots, or Waitrose) should be all you need to take. If you'd rather look for something that may already be in your bathroom cabinet, a hydrocortisone cream or other antibacterial cream can help lessen inflammation and redness, too. Retin-A cream works as well. Shave with the grain. Against the grain may feel like it results in a closer shave, but shaving with the grain will keep the hairs aligned. When the hairs are aligned, they're less likely to curl up and become ingrown. Use the right aftershave. Avoid putting chemicals like alcohol, or treatments that contain alcohol, on the shaved area. Your skin is super sensitive at this juncture, so it's best to use non-perfumed, no-alcohol substances. Read the label if you have any doubt. Go for one that's super moisturizing. Choose an alcohol, fragrance and oil-free moisturizing lotion to make sure the skin doesn't get irritated. According to the Department of Dermatology of the Langone Medical Center, products that contain salicylic or glycolic acid are the most effective in treating razor bumps. These ingredients clear the pores, moisturize and prevent infections. Consider laser treatment or electrolysis. If desperate times call for desperate measures, you do have more permanent ways out. Consult a registered, experienced dermatologist for more advice on the matter. Depending on your hair type and how much hair you'd like removed, laser hair removal may not be as expensive as you think it is. A session for just the neck could be as little as $150. It may be worth looking into! Exfoliate all the time. Exfoliating prior to shaving and after should become integral to your shaving routine. The first step aligns the hairs and gets rid of dead skin cells to get a smoother more even cut and the second time around wipes away all the up-churned bacteria and skin that can clog otherwise clean pores. So if you have razor bumps already, exfoliating will force away the very top layer of dead skin cells, in time exposing the hair that is curled up underneath. The more you exfoliate, the quicker this process will go. Use creams and lotions to fight the redness and itch. Every time you shave, you should finish off with a moisturizer. Aloe vera, baby oil, or any non-scented, non-perfumed lotion will do. But to treat razor bumps, consider also using a razor bump cream or other, anti-inflammatory cream. Hydrocortisone creams, retin-A creams, and products like Neosporin will reduce redness and itch. Products with salicylic acid or glycolic acid (for in razor bump creams) will eliminate the top layer of skin, to get rid of the ingrown hair. Change to waxing (or don't shave! ). Some people have very sensitive skin, especially around their pubic area. To avoid the razor but still be hairless, switch to waxing. However, know that waxing can lead to histamine reactions and ingrown hairs, too—so take the pain with a grain of salt. The other option is not to shave. Yeah, yeah, yeah, not an option. But really, would you rather have some hair growing in or little red bumps? Because right now it's one or the other. Try skipping a few days between shaves if you shave often. You'll live. Wear loose underwear. You want to avoid as many possible irritants as possible when you've got a case of the bumps, and tight clothing is at the top of that list. Wearing tight undies doesn't let your skin breathe and as a result, the skin clogs, bacteria gets trapped, and the problems get worse. No thank you! Go for loose clothing if you can, too. The bumps around your thighs won't benefit from tight jeans or leggings. If anyone asks why you're wearing sweats, well, for starters it's none of their business. But you can tell them you're running a wikiHow experiment. Results inconclusive, but you'll keep them posted when you know. Whip up a home remedy. If you're out of creams in your mom's medicine cabinet and out of gas in your car, search the kitchen for other possible alternatives. Razor bumps have been around for ages and there are treatments to prove it. Make a "mask" out of pureed cucumber and milk (1:2 ratio). Apply it to the area for 10–20 minutes and then rinse it off. The redness should be greatly reduced. Douse the bumps in cornstarch and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then, rinse off thoroughly. It should dry up the redness and shrink the bumps. Open up the Pores: The first step is probably the most important and overlooked step. Opening your pores enables the special ingredients contained in the Alpha Mane facial cleanser and razor bump cream to do their jobs effectively. So how do you open up the pores? Apply a warm face cloth to the affected area. Let sit for about 3–4 minutes or when the cloth becomes cool. Repeat the process, but this time, let sit for about a minute. Cleanse the Skin: With your pores now open, gently apply the Alpha Mane Green Tea Facial Cleanser in circular motions in an upward direction. Massage into the skin for approximately one to two minutes. Let sit on the skin for about a minute. Rinse the Green Tea Facial Cleanser completely off your skin with warm water. Using a soft cloth, gently pat down on the wet area until dry. Apply Razor Bump Cream: In a circular motion, gently apply the Alpha Mane Razor Bump Cream to the affected area on your skin. Please ensure the cream is completely rubbed into the skin. And voila, you are done. Treat your affected skin in the morning (after you shower) & at night, before bed. Crush up some asprin with a little bit of water, it'll reduce the itch and swelling of the razor burn. This works because the asprin has small traces of salicylic acid in it.

Try exfoliating. If that doesn't work, use salicylic or glycolic acid. If that doesn't work, use a needle and tweezers, or a rotatable medical device to release the embedded hair. Don't shave the irritated area. Avoid products with alcohol. Use products with lidocaine and bacitracin. Don't scratch! Scrub your face twice a day with a facial cleanser or a bump brush. Apply an anti-razor bump cream. Shave with the grain. Use the right aftershave. Consider laser treatment or electrolysis. Exfoliate all the time. Use creams and lotions to fight the redness and itch. Change to waxing (or don't shave! Wear loose underwear. Whip up a home remedy. Open up the Pores: Cleanse the Skin: Apply Razor Bump Cream: Crush up some asprin with a little bit of water, it'll reduce the itch and swelling of the razor burn.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Yourself-Light-Headed

How to Make Yourself Light Headed

If you want to make yourself light-headed, crouch down and hang your head as low as you can, then stand up quickly after a few minutes. The longer you stay down, the more likely you are to feel light-headed when you get up. To make the experience more intense, try breathing rapidly and deeply to increase your blood flow, which will rush to your head once you stand up. If you can, stand on your head or do a handstand instead of crouching, since being completely upside-down will get blood to your head really quickly. Once you're up and feeling the head rush, wait a few moments and let your vision return before you start walking or else you might trip or run into something.

Crouch. Bend your knees and get low to the ground. Hang your head low. When you stand up quickly after you've been crouching, sitting, or laying down for a while, the blood rushes from your head, and your brain is momentarily knocked off of its usual equilibrium. If you haven't been sitting or laying down for long, try crouching down and breathing rapidly to simulate the process. Be aware of external factors. The lightheaded effect will be more intense if you're hungry or dehydrated, or if the air is hot and humid. If you get too lightheaded, you might faint or vomit. Consider standing on your head or performing a handstand. Turning yourself upside-down is a very quick way to bring blood to your head. The process is essentially the same: stay upside-down for a minute or two until your head is heavy – then stand. Make sure that you have plenty of neck support. Breathe quickly and deeply in your crouched position. In theory, this will increase your blood flow and temporarily raise your blood pressure – especially to your head and lungs. Keep breathing and crouching for at least thirty seconds, and as long as several minutes. Bear in mind that the longer you stay down, the more likely you are to feel lightheaded upon standing. The heavier and faster you breathe, the higher your heart rate will go. This will cause your blood flow to quicken. Stand up quickly. Hold your head high, and don't move around much. The blood pressure should drain from your head, suddenly. You should feel lightheaded almost immediately. Your vision may go dark. You may see spots, "stars", or bright points of light dancing before your eyes. You should feel an overwhelming head rush. Wait before you walk. It's best to stand still for a few moments and enjoy the sensation. Let your vision return, and let your brain restore its balance. If you try to walk while you're very lightheaded, you might trip, fall, or bump into something. Hold your breath. Holding your breath deprives your brain of oxygen. Your body is used to a steady flow of fresh oxygen; indeed, you need to breathe it almost constantly to survive. If you hold your breath, you deprive yourself of oxygen, and your brain quickly descends into "crisis mode". If you hold your breath until you feel uncomfortable—even for just a matter of seconds—you will be able to make yourself lightheaded. Be very careful. Don't hold your breath for too long, or you might pass out. Whatever you do, do not deprive yourself of oxygen in a way that you can't manually override. You're playing with your life here. Only hold your breath if you are able to resume breathing again at a moment's notice. This means: Do not seal your head inside an airtight container, like a bag or a plastic wrap. Certainly don't plug your nose and your mouth at the same time. You run a high risk of suffocating. Do not try to make yourself lightheaded underwater. If you pass out underwater, you might not be able to bring yourself to the surface – and you might drown. Do not try to make yourself lightheaded while you're doing anything that requires your full attention. Don't do this while riding a bike or driving a car. Don't do this while standing on the edge of a high place. You might crash; you might fall. Prepare to see stars and feel very dizzy. Your vision may go dark, and your brain may feel temporarily empty. The sensation might be overwhelming; you might even pass out. Don't try to walk until your head clears. Make sure that you are always in control of whether or not you can breathe – otherwise you risk brain damage or even death.

Crouch. Breathe quickly and deeply in your crouched position. Stand up quickly. Wait before you walk. Hold your breath. Be very careful. Prepare to see stars and feel very dizzy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Promote-Your-Art-Online

How to Promote Your Art Online

To promote your art online, start by creating a digital portfolio that shows off 10 to 15 of your best pieces. Then, post your work on social media services and specialty art websites to boost your online presence. You can meet and connect with other creative people by joining art forums and social media groups, and you can integrate yourself into the community by sharing other people's art, participating in group projects like fanzines, and entering online art contests.

Create an online portfolio to showcase your best work. Your online portfolio should show off 10 to 15 of your best works of art. Try to pick pieces that give a good sense of your style and technique, and make sure to include relevant information like each piece's title, description, medium, and size. Some artists create unique portfolio websites using services like Squarespace and Wix. Others host their portfolio on free sites like Behance. Make sure to upload high-resolution versions of your art so people can see all the details. Start an art blog to drive traffic to your portfolio. In addition to your portfolio, consider starting an online blog to keep people updated on your life and work. Online search results rely primarily on text, so posting on your blog regularly will help direct people to your main portfolio. If you really enjoy writing, you can also use your blog as a platform to discuss your artistic inspirations, favorite creators, and anything else you're passionate about. Some popular blogging services you can sign up for include Blogger, Wordpress , and Medium. Create social media accounts to reach new fans. To give yourself a real online presence, sign up for a variety of social media services. Posting on these platforms regularly will allow you to connect with new fans and keep people interested in your work over long periods of time. Post your art on social media so people can share it around. If you're lucky, 1 of your pieces will go viral and direct lots of potential fans back to you. Some great social media platforms for artists include Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , Tumblr , and Pinterest. Put your work on specialty websites to reach people interested in art. Unlike standard social media networks, specialty art websites can give you access to people who understand and appreciate the craft itself. Upload your work to as many of these sites as possible so your art has the greatest amount of reach. Search online for websites related to your style or medium of choice. Some websites to consider uploading to include DeviantArt, Artstation, 500px, CGSociety, and ConceptArt. Join online art communities to find other creators. Perhaps the easiest way to connect with artists online is by joining and actively posting in art forums and social media groups. There are thousands of different communities on the web, so search around to find ones that appeal to you. Different communities have different membership guidelines, so read through a forum or social media group's rules before joining. Large communities are best for getting ideas and promoting your work. Small communities are best for meeting new people. Some popular online communities include the WetCanvas forums, the Artist Daily forums, and Facebook's Artists Trying to Make a Living Creating Art group. Comment on and share other people's work to build goodwill. When you come across an awesome piece of art on a social media network or specialty art website, take a few moments and leave a comment explaining what you like about it. Then, consider sharing it with others through your social media accounts. Not only does this promote the overall community, but it will make the artist feel good and can help you foster a professional relationship with them. If you really like a piece of art, consider remaking it or transforming it into something new. Doing this will bring attention to both yourself and the other artist. Try making fan art of your favorite creators and sending it to them. Many artists will share this type of content, and a few may even start following your work after. In addition to promoting their work, consider reaching out to artists directly on social media. Participate in community projects to meet new people and gain exposure. In real life, artists get together to participate in things like gallery openings and street shows. In the same way, online artists often work together to create artwork compilations, fan magazines, and similar things. Though these projects rarely pay anything, they're a great way to meet other artists and get your work in front of new people. Participate in projects that match your style or center around subjects you enjoy. These projects are often poorly advertised, so the best way to find them is by following your favorite artists on social media and keeping an eye out for any announcements they share. Submit your work to online competitions for publicity. Enter your art in as many online contests as you can. Whenever you win, you'll expose a whole new group of people to your art. However, even if you lose most of them, you'll still make the contest's promoters and judges aware of your work. If a judge or promoter liked your submission, they may start tracking your work. This can lead to jobs and publicity down the road. Some online contests give out monetary prizes, though most simply offer feature spots or other forms of exposure. Websites like Fine Art America and Artists Network host a number of competitions throughout the year. Upload lots of different art pieces to engage more people. When promoting yourself online, the key is quantity. The more artwork you put up, the higher chance you'll have of attracting new fans and keeping your current fans happy. These pieces don't need to have the same level of detail as a gallery submission, but they should still be clean and relatively polished. Try to make at least 1 art-related post every day. Put up 2 or 3 unfinished versions of each piece in addition to the final product. This will help you turn a single work of art into multiple online posts. You can also upload content that isn't your art. Share photos of other art that you like, images that showcase something that inspires you, or other related content that can help people understand who you are as an artist. Create artwork based around popular topics to help people find you. Even if your art is jaw-droppingly beautiful, most people won't be able to find any of it until you gain more popularity. However, if you create small, topical pieces and post them online, people may stumble across them during their normal browsing sessions. Then, they can follow the piece back to your social media accounts. Try making pieces based on popular movies, TV shows, video games, and musicians. Pay attention to the trending sections of sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Doing so will show you what's popular on any given day. Make sure to tag your pieces so that they show up in people's search results. Make content that shows off your personality to develop a supportive fanbase. When promoting your work online, your personality is just as important as the art itself. People like to support creators that are honest and engaging, so try to make pieces of content that showcase your unique perspectives and opinions. Share posts on social media that show your studio space, your inspirations, and the process behind creating artworks. This helps to understand how you work and is a very interesting glimpse into the life of an artist. If you have a camera, record yourself talking about the things you're interested in. These types of videos, known as vlogs, are incredibly popular and will make people feel closer to you. If you have a webcam and computer, try hosting creative livestreams on sites like YouTube and Twitch. Doing this will allow you to show off your personality while working on your art.

Create an online portfolio to showcase your best work. Start an art blog to drive traffic to your portfolio. Create social media accounts to reach new fans. Put your work on specialty websites to reach people interested in art. Join online art communities to find other creators. Comment on and share other people's work to build goodwill. Participate in community projects to meet new people and gain exposure. Submit your work to online competitions for publicity. Upload lots of different art pieces to engage more people. Create artwork based around popular topics to help people find you. Make content that shows off your personality to develop a supportive fanbase.

https://www.wikihow.com/Craft-a-Fence-in-Minecraft

How to Craft a Fence in Minecraft

To craft a fence in Minecraft, gather at least 6 planks of the same type of wood, and use two of the planks to craft four sticks. Then, craft the fence pieces by placing one of the sticks in the center of the table, with one below it, and place a plank to the left and right of each stick. You can craft 3 pieces from these resources, and begin building your fence!

Craft at least six wood planks. You'll need six planks of the same wood to create the fence. Different types of wood will produce different color fences. You can get four wood planks from a single wood block by placing it in the center of your crafting table grid. You'll be using four of the planks for the fence and two to create sticks. Craft two sticks of the same wood. Use two of the planks you crafted from the wood blocks to make sticks. You can turn two planks into four sticks by placing one plank in the center of the crafting grid and one directly below it. Craft fence pieces. Place one stick in the center of the crafting grid and another directly below it. Place planks on either sides of the sticks so that the bottom two rows go: planks, stick, plank. All of the pieces need to be from the same type of wood. Add the fence pieces to your inventory. The above crafting recipe of four planks and two sticks will create three fence pieces Craft any pickaxe. You'll need a pickaxe in order to mine Nether Bricks. Since the Nether is a dangerous area, it'll be helpful to have a powerful pickaxe that allows for quick mining. Try to have an Iron pickaxe or better. To craft an iron pickaxe, place a stick in the center of the grid and a stick directly underneath. In the top row, put iron ingots in each box. Make your way to the Nether. You can create Nether Brick Fences by using Nether Bricks. These can only be found in the Nether, which needs to be accessed through a Nether Portal. See Make a Nether Portal in Minecraft for instructions on creating a portal to the Nether. The Nether is a tough area, so this should only be undertaken if you're well-equipped. Make sure to bring plenty of healing items. See Make Potions in Minecraft for a guide on crafting some healing potions. Find a Nether Fortress. These foreboding structures are unmistakable as you make your way through the Nether. They generally look like bridges rising above the ground. You'll have the best chance to find one by traveling east or west. If you travel north or south, you may go thousands of blocks without seeing one. Or you can craft nether bricks by smelting netherrack in your furnace. Nether Fortresses are home to Blazes and Wither Skeletons, both of which drop valuable materials for other crafting projects. Mine the Nether Brick. The main component of the Nether Fortress structure is Nether Brick. Use your pickaxe to mine it. You'll need at least six pieces to create a fence, though you'll likely want more for larger projects. You'll get six Nether Brick Fences for every six blocks of Nether Brick you use, essentially meaning that every block is worth one fence. You'll need a multiple of six blocks to use the recipe, though. Return to your crafting table and craft the fence pieces. Once you have at least six blocks of Nether Bricks, you can start making your Nether Brick Fences. Fill the bottom two rows of the crafting table grid with Nether Brick blocks. Add the fence pieces to your inventory. For every six blocks you put into the crafting grid, you'll get six pieces of Nether Brick fence. Bring a tool. You can use any tool to break fences and get the fence pieces, including your bare hands. Using a tool like a pickaxe or axe will speed up the process. When scavenging Nether Brick fences, you must use a pickaxe or the pieces will not drop. Find wooden fences in abandoned mineshafts. Wooden fences can often be found in abandoned mineshafts being used as supports. You'll usually find a lot of them when you come across a mineshaft. Steal wooden fences from villages. You can typically find quite a few fences around villages, including on the roofs of dwellings. Don't worry, no one will get mad if you break them all down and take them for yourself. Explore strongholds to find fences. The library rooms in strongholds found underground can contain fences as railings and chandeliers. You'l usually find a couple of library rooms in each stronghold. Pillage witch huts in the swamp. With huts will have fences on the front entrance and in the windows. Mine Nether Brick Fences from Nether Fortresses. Besides being the place to find Nether Brick to make Nether Brick Fences, you can also just break down the fences already on the fortress. You must use a pickaxe to break these fences, or the pieces will not drop.

Craft at least six wood planks. Craft two sticks of the same wood. Craft fence pieces. Add the fence pieces to your inventory. Craft any pickaxe. Make your way to the Nether. Find a Nether Fortress. Mine the Nether Brick. Return to your crafting table and craft the fence pieces. Add the fence pieces to your inventory. Bring a tool. Find wooden fences in abandoned mineshafts. Steal wooden fences from villages. Explore strongholds to find fences. Pillage witch huts in the swamp. Mine Nether Brick Fences from Nether Fortresses.

https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-You%27re-Too-Old-for-Something

How to Know if You're Too Old for Something

To know if you're too old for something, start by listening to your body and taking into account how you feel physically. You can also see if other people in your age group are engaging in the same behavior, and if they aren't, what the reasoning is behind that. If health or safety issues are behind their decision, you may want to reconsider what you're doing. Unspoken societal guidelines and norms, however, are far less important. If you're doing what you love and you aren't hurting yourself or anyone else, you should go for it!

Check to see what other people your age are doing. From an early age, people learn what is acceptable by looking to their peers. One way that you can tell if you're too old for something is to examine whether other people your age are doing it. If they aren't, you might want to give a little thought to why you still want to participate. For example, if a lot of your friends have stopped going out and partying every night, it might be a good idea to stay in on a work night a little more often. However, you shouldn't be afraid to be a trailblazer. Just because you don't know anyone else who's going back to school, for instance, doesn't mean that you shouldn't pursue your education, no matter how old you are. Take into consideration the reasoning behind a rule. When you're trying to decide if you're too old for something, think about why others might think there's an age limit. In some cases, you might find the argument valid enough to change your mind. Some guidelines, like the risks involved in having a baby after a certain age, are rooted in science, and are hard to deny. However, someone's opinion that you should have children soon because "you're running out of time" should have no bearing on your decision about when to start a family. Consider the source when you're thinking about the reasoning behind a rule. Similarly, a law that says you must take a vision test each year in order to maintain a driver's license exists because people's eyesight fades as they get older, so you have to comply with that. However, if you can see perfectly well and you still have an excellent reaction time, you shouldn't let anyone tell you that you're too old to drive. Other rules, such as being too old to get a nose ring or play with dolls, are more of an unspoken social guideline, and it's not as important to follow them. Follow rules that are in place for safety reasons. Sometimes, unspoken social rules are in place to protect you. If that's the case, it might not be worth the risk to try that particular activity. Instead, look for another outlet that will give you a similar feeling while minimizing your risks. For instance, there's a reason that some high-octane activities, like skateboarding or parkouring, are usually performed by young people. That's because as you get older, it's harder to recover from an injury or a fall, so unless you're in really great shape, you're taking an extra risk by participating in an activity like this. Instead, you might try cycling or swimming to get an adrenaline rush without as much danger. Other safety-related rules might include avoiding activities that are meant for children once you're fully grown, like riding on a small plastic toy or jumping in a bounce house. Be realistic about your situation. No matter how young you might feel, eventually you will probably have to face the reality that you aren't as young as you used to be. When you're making a decision, you should be realistic about what you can and can't do, and consider your health in the future as part of your plans. For instance, if you're in your 40s and you're thinking about starting a family, you'll face different challenges than if you were in your 20s or 30s. This doesn't mean you shouldn't do it, but you should have an honest discussion with yourself about whether you have the energy to keep up with a toddler. As another example, it might not make sense to quit your job and start a new career if you're only a few years away from being able to retire. However, if you'll only be happy if you start your own ice cream truck, don't let anybody tell you that you're too old to do it. You might just need to wait a few years until you reach retirement so you'll have the security you need to pursue your dream. You should also take into accounts your financial responsibilities when you're deciding what's realistic. You shouldn't default on your debts and ruin your credit just because you feel like you're getting too old. Listen to your body. When you're trying to decide whether you're too old for something, it's important to take into consideration how you feel physically. If you have chronic pain or an old injury that limits your mobility, certain activities will be more difficult for you, no matter how young you are at heart. If you experience frequent back pain, for instance, you should take that into consideration when you're thinking about activities like mountain climbing or whitewater rafting. On the other hand, if you feel great physically and you're in good physical health, you shouldn't let anyone tell you that you're too old to try something new! Do whatever you want if it isn't hurting anyone. No matter what society thinks, if you're not hurting anyone, including yourself, then what you do is nobody's business but your own. It's your life, and you should find what makes you happy. Forget the naysayers and follow your own path, especially if it plays to your strengths. Fashion guidelines, for example, dictate that a woman shouldn't wear a miniskirt after the age of 35. If you have amazing legs, however, why not show them off? Don't let anyone tell you that you're too old to dye your hair, get a tattoo, and go to rock shows, if that's what you want to do. If you're a teenager but you still want to carry a backpack with your favorite cartoon character, go for it! Unfortunately, other kids can be mean, so you should be prepared to get a little teasing. Be comfortable in your own skin. No matter what other people think, your biggest priority should be finding what makes you feel good about yourself every day. That might include the clothes you wear, how you style your hair, or the types of shoes or accessories you prefer. Don't let anyone tell you that you're too old to wear whatever you want, for instance, but do take into consideration what looks good on your body. Do keep in mind, however, that some styles might be less comfortable as you get older. For instance, very tight clothes or very high heels might be harder to manage all day as your body ages. If it's what you're used to and you're comfortable in it, though, wear it anyway! Avoid making a rash decision you might regret later. Sometimes, people get to a certain age and realize that they wish they had taken more risks when they were younger. This can sometimes lead to impulsive decisions that are often referred to as a "mid-life crisis." It's fine to shape your life to look how you want it, but you should think about your motives for making decisions, and make sure they're coming from a place that's not based out of regret or fear of aging. For instance, if you wish you had learned to surf when you were younger, you can always sign up for surfing lessons now. But it's probably not a good idea to quit your job and becoming a full-time beach bum if you have a family who depends on you. Take advice from others when it's warranted. You should always do what you love, but if the people around you are giving you advice that you're heading down the wrong path, it's worth giving it a second look. You can't live your life to please others, but the wisest people know when to listen to the people they love. For instance, if you are thinking of leaving your spouse and children to live in the woods as a wilderness guide, you might want to listen to your friends and family if they tell you that your time to be free and feral has passed. Learn about people who became successful later in life. If you need a little encouragement to follow your own path, read about some people who found success after spending years or even decades doing something else first. This might inspire you to take a chance you might not have considered otherwise! For instance, Stan Lee didn't find success creating comics until he was 39, and Julia Child published her first cookbook at the age of 50. Henry Ford created the Model T when he was 45. Grandma Moses, a famous artist, began painting at the age of 78. Accept your age. Sometimes, doing something that is typically reserved for younger people can be a way to attempt to escape aging. However, by accepting that aging is a natural part of life, and embracing the wisdom and maturity that come along with it, you can actually be much happier in life. In addition, embracing your age can make you seem younger, since you'll be happier and more likely to pursue activities that you genuinely love, rather than those that keep you stuck in the past. You can also upgrade your interests as you age. For instance, if you feel like you're too old to play with dolls but you still love dolls, you can start collecting them instead.

Check to see what other people your age are doing. Take into consideration the reasoning behind a rule. Follow rules that are in place for safety reasons. Be realistic about your situation. Listen to your body. Do whatever you want if it isn't hurting anyone. Be comfortable in your own skin. Avoid making a rash decision you might regret later. Take advice from others when it's warranted. Learn about people who became successful later in life. Accept your age.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pew-Bows

How to Make Pew Bows

To make pew bows, start by making a loop at the end of a 3 feet long piece of ribbon. Then, twist the ribbon to the right and make another loop that's the same size as the first one. Continue adding loops by twisting the remaining ribbon back and forth to the right and left, while holding the center of the loops to keep them in place. Once you've made 12 loops, wrap a piece of wired ribbon around the middle of the bow where all the loops meet.

Gather your materials. Get a role of ribbon approximately six inches thick. You'll also need some scissors and invisible tape. Make the first loop. Take three yards (2.74 m) of your ribbon and make a loop by holding one end of the ribbon steady and folding the ribbon over on itself to create a loop. Hold the loop steady with the index finger and the thumb. Create the next loop. The next loop must be at an angle to the first loop, not lined up and on top of it. To do this, twist the remaining ribbon to the right and fold another loop in the ribbon. Make sure it's the same size of the first loop, and lies with its center lined up with the first loop's. Make sure to grab the second loop with the same index finger and thumb. Make the remaining loops. Continue making loops in the ribbon by twisting the remaining ribbon back and forth to the right and left while holding the center of each loop every time you form a loop. Make about 12 loops. Hold the 12 loops steady with one hand in the center. Take another strip of the shimmering sheer ribbon or wired ribbon that measures 12 inches (30 cm) and wrap it around the middle of the bow where all the loops meet. Tie the bow. Tie a knot or bow in the middle of the pew bow with the ribbon. Make sure it's tied tight enough to keep the loops steady. Allow the remaining ribbon to fall down the middle of the bow. Optionally add detail to the bow. Take the scissors, fold the end of each loop in half vertically, and cut a 3-inch (7.6 cm) line in the middle of the bow. Unfold the bow and you will notice an added detail on the ends of the bow. Improve the look of the loops. Adjust the loops of the ribbon by pulling on them and fanning them out with your hands. Pull some of the loops forward and some backward to give the bows even more dimension. Attach the bow. Use invisible tape to stick the pew bows on the pews. You can also use crafting wire to tie around the pew and keep the pew bows in place. Gather your materials. You'll need some wired ribbon, some tulle, scissors, and twist ties. Cut the tails for the bow. Use your scissors to cut two to three feet lengths of both the wired ribbon and the tulle. Set these bow tails aside. Make the wired ribbon bow loops. Follow the loop making process to make 8 to 12 loops out of the wired ribbon. Make sure to hold the bow in the center while you do this, and try to keep the loops about the same length. Tie the ribbon bow. Wrap a twist tie around the center of the ribbon bow and twist it tight so that the bow keeps its shape. Attach the tail. Fold the length of ribbon to be used for a tail in half, and place the center against the center of the bow. Then undo the twist tie and redo it with the tail attached to the center of the bow. Make the tulle bow loops. Follow the loop making process to make 8 to 12 loops out of the tulle. Make sure to hold the bow in the center while you do this, and try to keep the loops about the same length. Make these loops larger than the loops on the wired ribbon bow. Tie the tulle bow. Wrap a twist tie around the center of the tulle bow and twist it tight so that the bow keeps its shape. Attach the tail. Fold the length of ribbon to be used for a tail in half, and place the center against the center of the bow. Then undo the twist tie and redo it with the tail attached to the center of the bow. Attach the two bows. Place the wired ribbon bow on top of the tulle bow and tie the two twist ties together so that the bows become one bow.

Gather your materials. Make the first loop. Create the next loop. Make the remaining loops. Hold the 12 loops steady with one hand in the center. Tie the bow. Optionally add detail to the bow. Improve the look of the loops. Attach the bow. Gather your materials. Cut the tails for the bow. Make the wired ribbon bow loops. Tie the ribbon bow. Attach the tail. Make the tulle bow loops. Tie the tulle bow. Attach the tail. Attach the two bows.

https://www.wikihow.com/Join-the-Canadian-Army-As-a-Foreigner

How to Join the Canadian Army As a Foreigner

To join the Canadian army as a foreigner, you'll need to be a Canadian citizen. To become a citizen, you'll need to legally live in Canada for 3 consecutive years, speak English or French fluently, and pass a test on Canadian history. In addition to Canadian citizenship, you'll also need to be 18 and have completed at least 10th grade at school. For more advanced positions, like engineering, you'll need a degree or further education. Once you've met the requirements, fill in your application on the Canadian Armed Forces website. You'll then need to pass a series of tests and an interview to prove you're suitable for the job.

Become a Canadian citizen. To become a citizen, you must legally live in Canada for 3 consecutive years. Then, you can apply online, copy the required documents, pay the immigration fee, and mail in your completed application. When approved, take a citizenship test, interview, take your citizenship oath, and receive your citizenship! The process to obtain citizenship takes time and effort, but it is a prerequisite needed to join the Canadian Army. You must speak both English or French fluently and be well versed in Canadian history. You will take both a language assessment and a test on your knowledge of Canada. Be at least 18 years old or have parental consent. If you have parental consent, you can apply at age 17. There are some programs with age exceptions. With parental consent, you can apply for Paid Education programs if you are 16 and older. You can also apply for the Primary Reserves, if you are also a full-time student. Complete up to Grade 10 at a minimum. To get started on a Canadian Armed Forces career, you must complete up to Grade 10 if not beyond. Some jobs will require higher levels of education to get the job. For example, if you want an engineering position, you must have an engineering degree. If you live in Québec, you must complete up to Secondaire IV. Click on “Start Application Now” and sign into your account. You can sign in using the same information you use for other online services (banking), or you can sign in with a GCKey user ID and password. Select the right credential option by clicking the appropriate blue button. Visit https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/caf-jobs/apply-now.html to apply If you are signing in with your online service information, select your sign in partner from the listed options, including Affinity, ATB financial, Scotiabank, and Tangerine, to name a few. Type in your login number, and press “Continue.” If signing in with a GCKey ID, you can enter your username and password or sign up for an account. Complete the online form and review your responses before you submit. Fill in the requested information, like your name, address, education, and citizenship status. Be sure to complete all required boxes and answer all questions accurately. After it is submitted, you cannot edit your application. Press “Submit” when you are finished! You can save your progress and finish it later if you need to. If you do not complete the application within 90 days of your last changes, it will be deleted. After you submit, you will get an automated email confirming that your application was received. The email will also explain the next steps. Mail in a copy of your required documents. Make a photocopy of the documents explained in your confirmation email. Put all of your copies into an envelope, and mail it back to the Canadian Armed Forces. Documents to mail in include your birth certificate, government issued photo ID (listing Canadian citizenship), education transcripts, trade qualifications, and professional licenses. Your confirmation email will list what address to mail your documents to. You should also mail in any additional forms required for your particular job. Your confirmation email will detail what forms to complete. Complete the reliability screening forms. Screening forms ensure you are trustworthy to handle sensitive government information and equipment. Fill out the forms honestly and completely. With these forms, provide non-family references and disclose any legal obligations (such as parole, student loans, or large debts). You may be requested to provide fingerprints as well. The Canadian Government will check the validity of your responses. Fill out a clearance pre-assessment about where you lived abroad. You will also receive this assessment and instructions via email. Review the email, and gather any official documents requested in the email. Once you complete the assessment and have all the documents needed, mail them back to the Canadian Armed Forces. The email will also provide you with an address to mail in your documents. Required documents may include copies of your passport, birth certificate, and visas. The Canadian Government may have you send additional documents if you have immediate family members living outside of Canada. The entire process can take between 6-18 months, depending on how long it takes to retrieve documents from your home country's security forces. Schedule your aptitude test with a recruiter and take a practice test. After your online application is processed, you will be contacted by a recruiter. Your recruiter will schedule your aptitude test. Complete the practice test to get a sense of what the questions on the test will be like, so you can do your best. Visit https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/caf-jobs/apply-now/application-process.html to download the test. Practice questions can be things like “VICTORY is the opposite of ____” and “Which number comes next in the following series? 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.” Complete the aptitude test to determine your job. You have 45 minutes to answer 60 questions, testing your verbal, spatial, and problem-solving skills. Answer each question to the best of your ability. Your test results will show your strengths and weaknesses, which then help officers determine your job type. Job types range includes artillery, combat, engineers, clerks, administration, transportation, and the list goes on. Finish a medical and fitness examination. First, complete a medical questionnaire about your medical history. Answer questions about your current and past illnesses and any medication you take. Then, complete the physical examination with a licensed doctor. A doctor will measure your height and weight, as well as evaluate your hearing, perception, and vision. Your recruiter will help you prepare for your examinations, find a doctor, and schedule your appointment. If you have any unique medical conditions, this process can take a bit longer. You may have to obtain and submit official letters from specialists. Prepare for your interview with a military career counselor. A military career counselor will invite you to an official job interview after they receive your test results. To prepare for the interview, review the job description, and reflect on why you want to join the Army. Be prepared to talk about your experience and education. You can also look up practice questions on the “Application Process” section of the website. Practice questions include things like, “What do you like about the jobs you listed on the application?” or “Why do you want to join the army as a foreigner?” Interview for your desired job. On the day of your interview, style your hair neatly and wear professional clothes, like trousers, a button-down shirt, and a tie. You will answer questions on your knowledge of the Canadian Armed Forces and the job you applied for. Prove to them that you are the right fit for this role! Stay calm and act confidently. You've done a ton of preparation for this, and now you can show them what makes you great! Pass the reliability and security screenings. After your interview, your recruiter will contact you and let you know which documents to submit for security check. They will help you collect and mail in documents that will determine your security clearances. Different jobs will require different levels of security clearance, and this must be finalized before you can be offered a job. You will send in documents covering personal information, education qualifications, professional credentials, criminal record, credit history, and employment history. Since you were not born in Canada, you may have to supply additional documents regarding your home country. Enroll in the Canadian Army within 10 days if you are offered a job. After all steps are completed and processed, you will be offered a job if the Army wants you! The military career counselor will contact you to offer you the job. Once you receive the job offer, you have 10 days to accept or refuse the offer. You will then be mailed joining instructions and information about your enrolment ceremony as well as basic training. Swear into the Canadian Armed Forces at your enrollment ceremony. Your joining instructions will provide you with detailed information regarding when your ceremony will take place and how to invite your friends and family. This is when you make your commitment to the Canadian Army. Congratulations!

Become a Canadian citizen. Be at least 18 years old or have parental consent. Complete up to Grade 10 at a minimum. Click on “Start Application Now” and sign into your account. Complete the online form and review your responses before you submit. Mail in a copy of your required documents. Complete the reliability screening forms. Fill out a clearance pre-assessment about where you lived abroad. Schedule your aptitude test with a recruiter and take a practice test. Complete the aptitude test to determine your job. Finish a medical and fitness examination. Prepare for your interview with a military career counselor. Interview for your desired job. Pass the reliability and security screenings. Enroll in the Canadian Army within 10 days if you are offered a job. Swear into the Canadian Armed Forces at your enrollment ceremony.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lamb%27s-Liver

How to Cook Lamb's Liver

Before you cook lamb liver, pull or cut off the translucent white membrane on the outside. If you see any white veins or tubes, cut those off, too. Then, rinse the liver and pat it dry with a paper towel. Slice the liver evenly into strips, then heat some butter or olive oil in a pan. Once it starts to sizzle, place the liver in the pan, frying for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until the outside is golden brown.

Pull the membrane off the outside of the liver. Not all livers will still have the membrane on when you buy them. Look for a white, almost transparent film over the dark, red liver. You can also detect it by touching the liver, feeling for a soft, slimy substance. Reach your fingers underneath the membrane and pull it off of the liver completely. If the membrane sticks the liver, cut it off carefully using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. Try to position the blade away from the liver so you don't accidently cut it. A good piece of liver will be dark red, smooth, and firm to the touch. If the membrane is there, it will affect how the liver looks and feels. Cut off any exposed veins or tubes with a sharp blade. Look over the liver to make sure it is flat and smooth before you cook it. The liver may have noticeable veins and tubes on its surface. They will look round and gristly. Slice them off as close to the liver as possible with a sharp pair of kitchen scissors or a knife. Be sure to remove any remaining connective tissue you notice. The tissue will look like white streaks, the same as the membrane you may have removed earlier. The parts you removed are rough and not tasty, so you can throw them away. Rinse the liver under running water. Get a stream of cool water flowing in your sink. Use the water to ensure that any remaining gristle or membrane pieces are gone. The liver should look and feel completely smooth when you are done. You can safely skip rinsing if you are sure you have removed all of the tubes and membrane. Any bacteria on the liver will be taken care of during the cooking process. Pat the liver dry before cooking it. Set a paper towel on your countertop. Dab the liver with a second paper towel until it feels dry. You should do this even if you didn't rinse the liver. This is because a dry piece of liver cooks more evenly than a piece with moisture on it. Take extra time to dry the liver if you rinsed it off. Use multiple paper towels as needed. Slice the liver into strips about 3 in (7.6 cm) thick. Start on 1 side of the liver, cutting it lengthwise. Keep each piece as uniform as possible. You can make the slices smaller if you would like, but remember that smaller pieces cook faster. You can also slice the liver horizontally into steaks. The steaks will cook evenly as long as they are thin and flat. However, you won't be able to fit more than 1 into the pan at a time. Heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add about 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of oil or butter to a large frying pan. You can use either substance to cook the liver the same way. Wait for the butter or oil to get hot enough before you add the liver. If you use butter, wait for it to melt and begin to foam. For olive oil, heat it until it sizzles, but remove the pan from heat if the oil begins to smoke. Put the liver in the pan and season it with salt and pepper. Set the liver in the oil or butter, then apply the seasoning directly to its top. Use about 1 teaspoon, or.17 oz (4.8 g), of both salt and pepper. Sprinkle it as evenly across the liver as you can. Season the liver to your tastes. You can always use more or less seasoning. Fry the liver for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Leave the liver still in the butter or oil for a couple of minutes. The side down in the pan will begin to brown. After a couple of minutes pass, flip the liver over so the top side is down in the pan. Wait for each piece of liver to finish browning. The cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the liver. Thinner pieces may require less cooking time. Check the liver for a brown coloring to make sure it is done cooking. A finished piece of liver is golden brown on the outside but slightly pink in the center. Leaving the center pink prevents the liver from overcooking. You can test the liver's doneness by cutting into it. You can also use a kitchen thermometer to make sure the temperature in the center of the meat is at least 158 °F (70 °C). Overcooked liver is chewy and grainy. If you have had overcooked steak, you know how unpleasant overcooked liver is to eat! Slice the liver and the other ingredients. Slice 1 lb (0.45 kg) of cleaned liver into small pieces or thin halves. Dice 2 banana shallots, 1 clove of garlic, and 5 oz (140 g) of thick, smoked bacon by cutting them into small cubes. Chop up about 5 sprigs of fresh parsley and 2 Portobello mushrooms. Separate the shallots, garlic, and parsley from the other ingredients. Add them to a separate mixing bowl and set it aside. If you have lettuce, cut the leaves in half lengthwise. You can also make potatoes, a mash, or use other fresh vegetables in place of the lettuce. Heat 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of olive oil over low heat. Choose a frying pan big enough to hold all of the bacon and some of the other ingredients. Start with the oil, heating it for about 2 or 3 minutes. Make use of a big pan, since it will need to hold some of the bigger ingredients for a while. Fry the bacon for about 3 minutes until it is golden brown. Place all of the bacon in the heated pan. Leave the heat on low, letting the bacon gradually crisp. Keep an eye on the pan so the bacon doesn't overcook. Cooking on low heat ensures that the pan doesn't get too hot. This way, the bacon will fry evenly without burning. Cook the lettuce, mushroom, and chicken stock for 20 minutes. Place the lettuce with the cut-side facing down. Mix in the sliced mushrooms, then pour in 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of chicken stock. Leave the pan alone for at least 15 minutes as the ingredients simmer. While waiting for these ingredients to finish, begin cooking the liver. Heat a frying pan with butter over low heat. Get a second frying pan, this one big enough to hold the liver. Set it on the stove to begin warming it up. Add 1 ⁄ 8  oz (32 g) of butter, letting it warm until it melts and begins foaming. A large frying pan should be big enough. You won't need to add all of the remaining ingredients at once, so space probably won't be an issue. Pour the flour into a separate container and season it. You can use a mixing bowl, plastic container, or any other holding container you have on hand. To avoid wasting any flour, start with about 1 tablespoon (15 ml), or ⁄ 2  oz (14 g). Sprinkle about 0.17 oz (4.8 g), or 1 teaspoon each, of salt and pepper. You can season the flour with other spices such as paprika or adjust the ratio of salt and pepper. Coat the liver pieces in flour. Dredge the liver by rolling it around in the flour. The flour will stick to the liver's outer surface. All you need is a light, even coating on the liver so it turns nice and brown when cooked. Add more flour and seasoning to the container as needed to coat the liver. Cook the liver for about 2 minutes on each side. Make sure the butter is foaming before you add the liver or else it won't be hot enough to brown the liver thoroughly. Leave the liver to cook, then flip it over and cook the other side. Take the liver out of the pan when it is finished. You can cook the liver in multiple batches if you don't have enough space in your pan. The liver should be golden brown on the outside and slightly pink in the center. Test it with a thermometer to make sure it cooks through. Pour the vinegar into the pan and scrape up the brown bits. Add 4 US tbsp (59 mL) of balsamic vinegar to the now-empty pan. Look for some charred bits left over at the bottom of the pan from cooking the liver. Use a spatula to loosen the bits and mix them into the vinegar. This is called deglazing, a process which adds a lot of flavor to the sauce. Mix in butter and beef stock, cooking the sauce until it thickens. Add 1 ⁄ 8  oz (32 g) of butter to the pan, followed by 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of beef stock. Let the butter melt. Using a whisk, stir all of the ingredients into a sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 2 minutes so it thickens slightly. Cook the sauce for longer if it doesn't thicken right away. The amount of time needed can vary depending on your stove. Taste the sauce when it is done. Mix in more salt and pepper if you would like. Combine all of the ingredients on plates. Starting with the lettuce, use a spoon to divide up the ingredients between 4 plates. Position the lettuce on the plates, then place the liver on top of it. Pour the balsamic sauce over the liver, followed by the shallot mixture. Finish by enjoying the lamb's liver. You can adjust the recipe in different ways. For example, you can make gravy instead of a balsamic sauce. Crush the garlic and chop the rosemary. Using the heel of your palm to crush a clove of garlic with your knife. Cut about 0.5 oz (14 g) of fresh rosemary. Also, slice up the liver so you can fit it all in a frying pan. Remember to pat the liver dry before you begin cooking it. Slice it into smaller pieces so it cooks faster. Heat butter and olive oil in a frying pan. Choose a large pan, big enough to hold all of the liver. Pour in a combination of 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of olive oil, followed by about 1.8 oz (51 g) of butter. Heat the pan over medium heat until the butter melts and froths. It is possible to cook the liver in only butter or oil, if you want. Oil is good for frying the liver, but butter helps hold the pâté together. Add garlic, rosemary, and port wine before cooking the liver. Move the garlic and rosemary to the pan, then follow it with 3 US tbsp (44 mL) of port wine. Immediately put the liver in and cook each side for 3 or 4 minutes. The liver should be brown on the outside and light pink in the center. Cut into it or use a meat thermometer to test it. Move the frying pan’s contents to a blender. Carefully dump everything in the pan into the blender or food processor. You may want to move the liver to a separate plate, so you can pour the liquids in first. Scrape the garlic and rosemary in with a spatula before following up with the liver. Add seasonings before blending the ingredients smooth. For this recipe, drop 3.5 oz (99 g) of butter into the blender. Also add 2.5  fl oz (74 mL) of double cream and 2.5  fl oz (74 mL) of crème fraîche. Finish it off with about 0.17 oz (4.8 g), or 1 teaspoon, of salt and pepper. Turn the blender on at a high-speed setting and gradually blitz it until the ingredients look smooth and liquid. You can adjust the recipe's flavor by adding different ingredients to the blender. For example, you might leave out the cream and add allspice or alternative spices. Pour the pâté into a container. To make individual servings, divide the pâté into 4 to 6 ramekins. If you don't have small containers, you can pour the entire pâté into a bowl and it will be fine. Set the pâté in the refrigerator. Cool temperatures allow the liver to set, giving it a more solid consistency similar to a loaf you can cut. This will take between 15 to 30 minutes. Then, you can eat the liver with a spoon or with bread or crackers. The pâté cools quicker when it is divided into smaller portions, so you may need to give it more time to cool if it is in 1 big container. If you don't plan on eating the pâté right away, melt another 1.8 oz (51 g) of butter and pour it over the pâté. It helps the pâté keep its shape.

Pull the membrane off the outside of the liver. Cut off any exposed veins or tubes with a sharp blade. Rinse the liver under running water. Pat the liver dry before cooking it. Slice the liver into strips about 3 in (7.6 cm) thick. Heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Put the liver in the pan and season it with salt and pepper. Fry the liver for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Check the liver for a brown coloring to make sure it is done cooking. Slice the liver and the other ingredients. Heat 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of olive oil over low heat. Fry the bacon for about 3 minutes until it is golden brown. Cook the lettuce, mushroom, and chicken stock for 20 minutes. Heat a frying pan with butter over low heat. Pour the flour into a separate container and season it. Coat the liver pieces in flour. Cook the liver for about 2 minutes on each side. Pour the vinegar into the pan and scrape up the brown bits. Mix in butter and beef stock, cooking the sauce until it thickens. Combine all of the ingredients on plates. Crush the garlic and chop the rosemary. Heat butter and olive oil in a frying pan. Add garlic, rosemary, and port wine before cooking the liver. Move the frying pan’s contents to a blender. Add seasonings before blending the ingredients smooth. Pour the pâté into a container. Set the pâté in the refrigerator.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Chicken-Marinade

How to Make Chicken Marinade

To make chicken marinade, first mix together 1 part acid or enzyme, like vinegar or milk, 3 parts fat or oil, like mayonnaise or olive oil, and the seasonings of your choice, like fresh herbs or garlic. Then, place chicken in a glass, ceramic, or stainless steel baking dish and pour the marinade over top of it. Flip the meat so that it's evenly coated before covering the dish and refrigerating it for 3 to 12 hours. Once the chicken is marinated, cook it to your liking.

Know what makes up a good marinade. You can marinate chicken in just about anything, including bottled vinaigrette, but nothing beats a good, homemade marinade. You can use all sorts of ingredients in a marinade, but the trick is getting the proportions right. Of course, some recipes will use different proportions, but in general, you'd want to use the following amounts: 1 part acid or enzyme 3 parts fat or oil Your choice of seasonings Choose an acid or enzyme to help tenderize the meat. How much acid/enzyme you use will depend on how much chicken you are making. You will need about 1 ounce (30 milliliters) of an acid or enzyme per 1 pound (455 grams) of chicken. Here are some ideas for acids or enzymes: Acid: buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegars, or wine/beer Enzyme: honey, milk, pineapple juice, or yogurt (including Greek) Choose a fat to keep the meat moist and juicy. If you are making 1 pound (455 grams) of chicken, you will need 3 ounces (90 milliliters) of fat. If you are making more chicken, plan on using three times as much fat as your acid/enzyme. Here are some types of fats that you can use: Oils, such as: almond oil, chili oil, olive oil, or sesame oil Dairy-based products, such as buttermilk or mayonnaise Choose your seasonings. While you could only choose one type of acid/enzyme and one type of fat, you can choose several different items for your seasonings. You will typically need 1 tablespoon per pound (455 grams) of chicken. Here are some ideas to get you started: Fresh herbs or dried herbs Spices or hot pepper flakes Garlic Onions, shallots, or green onions Fresh grated ginger or citrus zest Maple syrup Combine your acid, fat, and seasonings. You can do this in a bowl with a whisk, but a blender or food processor would be better because they will help the fats and acids bind together easier. Salt makes a great seasoning, but don't add it to your marinade. Instead, add it to the chicken just before cooking it. Place some chicken breasts or thighs in a non-reactive container. You can use a glass, ceramic, or stainless steel baking dish. You can also use large, re-sealable, plastic bags. Do not use containers made out of aluminum. Aluminum tends to react with most acids; this can change the color and flavor of your chicken. You can marinate other cuts of chicken too, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most popular, followed by thighs. Pour the marinade over the chicken. You will need about ½ cup (120 milliliters) of marinade for 1 pound (455 grams) of chicken. After you have covered the chicken breasts/thighs with marinade, flip the chicken over a few times. This will help the marinade coat it more evenly. If you are using a plastic, re-sealable bag, zip the bag shut, and shake it; you can also gently "massage" the chicken in the marinade instead. If you have any leftover marinade, set it aside so that you can baste the chicken with it after you are done cooking. Cover the chicken, or zip the bag shut, and leave it in the fridge for 3 to 12 hours. The chicken must be kept in the fridge while it is marinating, or the meat could develop bacteria, and become unsafe to eat. Keep in mind that the longer you marinate the chicken, the quicker it will cook; your chicken may be done sooner than what the recipe you are using states. Boneless chicken breasts only need 2 hours. If you are using a plastic, re-sealable bag, consider placing the chicken in a baking dish. This way, if any of the marinade leaks out, your fridge won't get dirty. Cook the chicken however you'd like. It is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you have any leftover marinade after you set the chicken on the grill or skillet, discard it. Listed below are some ways in which you can cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts: You can bake chicken in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 35 to 45 minutes. You can grill the chicken over medium heat, covered, for 9 to 12 minutes per side. You can fry the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 8 to 11 minutes per side. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, then serve it. Keep the chicken covered with a sheet of aluminum foil while it is resting so that it doesn't dry out. If you reserved any fresh marinade in the beginning, you can pour it over the chicken before serving it. Go simple with lemon juice and olive oil. Mix together all of the ingredients from the list below, then pour them over 1 pound (455 grams) worth of chicken breasts. Let the chicken marinate for 2 hours, then cook it however you wish. ½ cup (120 milliliters) olive oil ¼ cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice 1 tablespoons Dijon mustard Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Try a classic Italian marinade. Combine the ingredients listed below, then pour them over 2 large chicken breasts in a plastic, re-sealable bag. Let the chicken marinate for 2 hours before cooking. If you don't have any of the fresh herbs at home, use only 1 teaspoon of the dried herbs instead; this is because dried herbs are much more potent. ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil ¼ cup (60 milliliters) balsamic vinegar 1 large garlic clove, roughly chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced 1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced ½ teaspoon red chili flakes Make a Provencal herb marinade if Italian doesn't suit you. Mix together all of your ingredients, then pour them over 2 large chicken breasts in a large, plastic, re-sealable bag. Marinate the chicken for 2 hours before cooking it to make the chicken juicer and flavorful. If you don't have fresh oregano at home, use ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano instead. If you don't have any fresh thyme at home, use a pinch of dried thyme. ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh lemon juice 1 large garlic clove, roughly chopped 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, minced ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves Try a teriyaki marinade for a tasty twist. Combine all of your ingredients in a bowl, then pour them over 1 pound (455 grams) worth of chicken breasts in a re-sealable, plastic bag. Leave the chicken in the fridge for 2 hours, then cook it as desired. ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons (90 milliliters) pineapple juice 1½ tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) soy sauce 1 tablespoon (2.5 grams) honey 1 tablespoon (2.5 grams) fresh ginger, chopped Give a sweet-and-sour marinade a try if you don't like pineapple juice or honey. This is another version of teriyaki marinade. Mix all of your ingredients together in a bowl, then pour it over 1 pound (455 grams) worth of chicken breasts. Let the chicken marinate at least 1 hour, then cook it as desired. ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar ¼ cup (60 milliliters) oil 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vinegar Give a coconut milk marinade a try if you want something more exotic. Combine all of the ingredients below, then pour them over 2 large chicken breasts. Let the chicken marinate for 2 hours, then cook it however you like. ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons (90 milliliters) light coconut milk ½ teaspoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon (12.5 grams) brown sugar 1 large garlic clove, roughly chopped 1 tablespoon (2.5 grams) chopped fresh ginger Try a wine-based marinade on darker chicken meat, such as thighs. Mix together your ingredients in a small bowl. Pour ½ cup (120 milliliters) of the marinade over 1 pound (455 grams) of chicken thighs; save the rest for basting after cooking is done. Marinate the chicken for about 3 to 12 hours, then cook it as desired. ½ cup (120 milliliters) red wine vinegar ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) dry red wine 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper, freshly ground

Know what makes up a good marinade. Choose an acid or enzyme to help tenderize the meat. Choose a fat to keep the meat moist and juicy. Choose your seasonings. Combine your acid, fat, and seasonings. Place some chicken breasts or thighs in a non-reactive container. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Cover the chicken, or zip the bag shut, and leave it in the fridge for 3 to 12 hours. Cook the chicken however you'd like. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, then serve it. Go simple with lemon juice and olive oil. Try a classic Italian marinade. Make a Provencal herb marinade if Italian doesn't suit you. Try a teriyaki marinade for a tasty twist. Give a sweet-and-sour marinade a try if you don't like pineapple juice or honey. Give a coconut milk marinade a try if you want something more exotic. Try a wine-based marinade on darker chicken meat, such as thighs.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Medical-Claim-Appeal-Letter

How to Write a Medical Claim Appeal Letter

If your health insurance provider has denied payment for a medical procedure, you can write a medical claim appeal letter to ask them to reconsider it. First, call your insurance company and ask them why your coverage was denied. Once you've gotten your answer, ask them how you appeal the decision and where you should address your letter. Then, gather any evidence you have to support your case, like doctor's notes to show it was necessary, bills, and medical records. You can also search for medical journal articles online that show your procedure was necessary. When you write your letter, explain why you think the procedure should be covered and reference any evidence you have. Include copies of the evidence with the letter and send it by certified mail so you can be sure they've received your appeal request.

Rule out simple mistakes first. Sometimes a claim is denied due to a simple clerical error. These mistakes are usually the easiest to correct. Read through all the documentation from your insurance company, to make sure there are no obvious errors. If you find that a mistake was made by someone at your doctor's office, contact the office staff and ask them to submit corrected forms to your insurance company. If the mistake appears to have been made by someone at your insurance company, call them, point out the error, and ask them to send you updated documents with the correct information. Check that your name is spelled correctly, in case the insurance company has confused your file with someone else's. Also check your insurance policy ID number and the date that the procedure was performed, to be sure they were entered correctly. Check the procedure code to make sure it is correct. If you aren't sure, you may need to verify this with your doctor, your insurance provider, or both. Check your doctor's name and information against your policy to make sure that your insurance company has approved your doctor for coverage. Make sure everything is spelled correctly. Read through the description of the services rendered, and make sure it is an accurate representation of the procedure that was provided. Ask your doctor to rephrase his or her statement. If your insurance company denied a claim for a procedure that your health care provider deemed necessary, there may be a discrepancy between the wording of your doctor's statement and the wording of your insurance policy's guidelines. Take a copy of your insurance company's guidelines to your doctor's office. The doctor may be able to rephrase his or her statement so that it more precisely aligns with your insurance company's guidelines. Print out the part of your insurance company's “clinical policy guidelines” that pertains to your case. Google the name of your insurance company and the words “medical policies” or “clinical policies” to find the correct documentation. Often, the insurance company's guidelines are posted on their web site for the convenience of practitioners, but are also accessible to members. Even if you don't understand the technical jargon used by your insurance company, your doctor will. Print out the entire section pertaining to your treatment, and ask if he or she will take a look at it. Ask your insurance company why your claim was denied. Call your insurance company and ask them to explain why your medical claim was denied. Don't let the agent intimidate you, or try to confuse you – don't end the call until you understand their reasoning completely. Be as patient and polite as possible when speaking with your insurance agent. It most likely wasn't that person's fault that your claim was denied, and they may be more willing to help you during the process if you are on friendly terms. For example, you can begin your call by saying, "Hello, I'm calling to try to understand why I received a notice that a claim for medical services was denied. Could you explain it to me?" (The agent will then undoubtedly need some specific information about your claim, which you should be able to provide.) If you get upset during the call, acknowledge that you are stressed about your claim. Apologize for losing your cool, and tell the agent that you know the situation is not his or her fault. If this happens, just pause, take a deep breath, and then go on: "I'm sorry, but I hope you can understand how important this is for me to understand. Could you please explain that again?" Request documentation. Call your insurance company to request copies of any relevant documentation that is missing from your files. If any corrections or changes were made to your file as a result of a phone conversation, ask your insurance company to send copies of the new, amended documents. You will need the official denial letter. You will need a copy detailing your policy coverage. Sometimes called the “Evidence of Coverage,” this document should explain the guidelines your insurance company uses to determine whether a medical procedure is medically necessary. You can also check online to see if your insurance company has posted their Evidence of Coverage. Keep notes of all calls you make. When speaking to your insurance company, keep detailed notes for future use. Write a short summary of the conversation, and keep your notes in the same file as your documentation. Make note of the name of the person you spoke with, his or her job title, and the date and time of the call. Ask for the “call reference number” at the end of the conversation. This may help eliminate the need to repeat your case every time you call. If an appeal has been submitted, ask for the “document image number.” This may help the telephone agent pull up your information more quickly the next time you call. Ask the insurance company agent to outline the appeals process. Call your insurance company and ask what steps you need to take to appeal a negative decision. You don't need to make this confrontational. Appealing a claim is just a part of the business. But you will need help in understanding the process. If you have decided that you will be filing an appeal, simply ask, "Will you please explain to me what I need to do to appeal this decision?" Ask your insurance company if they require any specific forms. If so, have them sent to you immediately, or find out if they are available online. The explanation of benefits that you received when you opened your policy should contain details of your insurance company's appeals process. Find out what your deadline is for filing an appeal. The agent should be able to give you a specific deadline. Be sure that you make a note of it and mark it on your calendar. Gather all the pertinent information you will need. Before you begin writing your letter, collect all the pertinent information in one file. You may want to refer to specific documents when writing your letter. In particular, get together any of the following: notes from your visit to the doctor a copy of your insurance policy contract, with relevant language highlighted a copy of the letter denying your claim a copy of any bills or notices you may have received regarding the claim any notes you have from prior telephone conversations regarding the claim. Collect supporting information from your doctor. Call your doctor's office as soon as you become aware of the problem. Ask for written documentation of your case, specifically outlining the procedure and why it was medically necessary. Your doctor may also make copies of notes from your charts that you could include. Ask your doctor's office to supply you with copies of any medical records that relate to your case. The more proof you have to support your claim, the better. Make copies of relevant medical journal articles. If you find any information about your procedure that supports its efficacy or necessity, make copies of the article. Be sure your information is collected from authoritative, peer-reviewed medical sources. Supply your identifying details. Start with your name, address, policy number, claim number, and any other reference numbers you may have collected (through letters or over the phone) that identify your case. Include your insurance policy number, admission and discharge dates, and the exact amount of charges you are claiming. Rather than including this detailed information in sentence form in your letter, it is probably most helpful to provide it in a reference line at the top of your letter. For example, your own name and address will appear at the top of the page, and then the address of the appeals office, as in a standard business letter. Then, a line or two below the address, write "Re: Claim No. 12345, Policy No. A678." Then go on with your letter, "Dear Sir or Madam." Address the letter to the director of claims, unless otherwise directed. Note in the first paragraph of the letter your medical provider's name and the date the services in question were rendered. If your insurance company appeals process lists a specific person to whom appeals should be directed, address your letter to that person. In the opening paragraph, explain your situation: "I am a patient of Dr. Smith, and I am writing to appeal the denial of a procedure he performed on July 1, 2016." Describe the situation in your own words. Explain your medical condition and the way that it affects your life. Tell your insurance company why you need the prescribed procedure, equipment, or service. Be polite when choosing your words, and try not to allow your frustration to be too apparent in your letter. It is always more helpful, in a letter like this, to limit yourself to factual information, rather than emotional. Explain why you believe the procedure should be covered. Outline your reasoning as to why the medical procedure should be covered by your insurance policy. Use your own words and try to avoid medical jargon. If you are appealing only part(s) of a claim, identify which part(s) you are disputing. Present your evidence. Describe the additional documents you are including, and why you believe they support your case. If you believe the service in question will help prevent future expenses, such as hospital readmission or problematic side effects, be sure to explain why. Make specific references to relevant attached documents as you write your letter. Highlight important passages in your supporting documents. For example, you might say, "In particular, I believe that Paragraph 17 of the Insurance Policy Coverage Statement (page 26), states that this type of procedure should be covered." Argue that allowing your claim will save the company money. A very persuasive argument is to demonstrate that paying this claim will save the insurance company money later on. If your insurance company denies coverage for a certain procedure, you can try to persuade them that approving this claim will cost them less money in the long run. Example of a denied claim: An insurance company denies a claim to pay for equipment needed to administer medication at home via a J-tube (a jejunostomy feeding tube vents a patient's stomach for air or drainage, and/or to supply an alternative method for feeding the patient or administering medication). Example of the appeals case: The insured explains to the insurance company that if they do not cover this claim of $200 per month, the only alternative would be to have the patient's many medications administered intravenously at the hospital, at a cost of more than $1,000 per day. Request a case review. Specifically ask your insurance provider to review your claim again. Indicate whether the information in the first claim was correct or if some information had been amended. Conclude your letter in a courteous manner. Thank the recipient for his or her time and prompt attention. Include your phone number, email address, or any other convenient way you can be reached. Include contact information for both yourself and your doctor. A typical closing paragraph might say, "If you have any further questions about this appeal or my claim, you may call me at 555-1234, or you may contact my doctor, Dr. John Smith, at 555-6789." Follow up within the mandatory timeline. Preparing your appeal letter may take some time, but you must submit it before the deadline expires. Never expect the insurance company to follow up with you – be proactive. If you miss the deadline, you risk losing the opportunity to have your case reviewed. Attach your supporting documents. Include in the envelope any documentation you collected regarding your case. Staple the documents to your letter, so they have less chance of being misplaced when your letter is opened. Attach a letter from your doctor, especially if you were able to procure a rephrased statement that more closely aligns with the stated policies of your insurance company. Include any medical records you obtained, and any notes your doctor may have made about your case. Include copies of any relevant medical journal articles you find that support the procedure in question as being medically relevant. Ask your doctor to review your letter. If you believe that your doctor would be willing to review your case, ask him or her to read your letter before posting it. Your doctor may notice a detail you have missed or an aspect of the case you have misunderstood. Send your letter via certified mail. Request a return receipt, so you will have proof that your insurance company received your letter by the deadline. If your letter is lost in the mail or misplaced by your insurance company, you will be able to prove exactly when you mailed the letter. Keep at least one copy of the letter, the postal delivery receipt and tracking number, and copies of any correspondence pertaining to your claim.

Rule out simple mistakes first. Ask your doctor to rephrase his or her statement. Ask your insurance company why your claim was denied. Request documentation. Keep notes of all calls you make. Ask the insurance company agent to outline the appeals process. Gather all the pertinent information you will need. Collect supporting information from your doctor. Make copies of relevant medical journal articles. Supply your identifying details. Address the letter to the director of claims, unless otherwise directed. Describe the situation in your own words. Explain why you believe the procedure should be covered. Present your evidence. Argue that allowing your claim will save the company money. Request a case review. Conclude your letter in a courteous manner. Follow up within the mandatory timeline. Attach your supporting documents. Ask your doctor to review your letter. Send your letter via certified mail.