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https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-a-Hydrocele

How to Cure a Hydrocele

If you think you have a hydrocele, look for symptoms like swelling in your scrotum that becomes painful when you walk or run. While most hydroceles will drain and get absorbed into the body on their own within 6 months, you can help speed up the process with Epsom salt baths. To get the most out of a salt bath, sit in the water with your legs spread for 15 to 20 minutes, as the warmth will stimulate the movement of body fluids while relaxing your muscles. However, avoid heat if your hydrocele is painful, since any warmth can make your symptoms worse. If your hydrocele doesn't go away on its own or becomes so big that it causes pain or disfigurement, see a doctor for medical treatment.

Try an Epsom salt bath. If you notice a painless swelling in your testicle(s)/scrotum, take a very warm bath with at least a few cups of Epsom salt added. Relax in the tub for between 15 – 20 minutes with your legs slightly spread, so that the water engulfs your scrotum. The warmth of the water can stimulate the movement of body fluids (which may help unblock a blockage) and the salt can pull fluid out through your skin and reduce swelling. Epsom salt is also a rich source of magnesium, which helps to relax muscles/tendons and soothe any tenderness. If there is pain associated with your hydrocele, then exposing your scrotum to warm water (or any source of heat) may create more inflammation and make your symptoms worse. Don't make the bath too hot (to prevent scalding) and don't sit in the tub for too long (to prevent dehydration). Recognize the signs and symptoms. The first indication of a hydrocele is a painless swelling or enlargement of the scrotum, representing a collection of fluid around one or both testicles. Babies rarely have complications from a hydrocele and the vast majority disappear before the age of 1 without treatment. In contrast, men with hydroceles may eventually experience discomfort as the scrotum swells and gets heavy. It can create difficulty sitting or walking/running in extreme cases. Pain or discomfort from a hydrocele is generally correlated to its size — the bigger it gets, the more likely you are to feel it. Hydroceles tend to be smaller in the morning (upon waking) and then get more swollen as the day progresses. Straining may cause certain hydrocele's to increase in size. Babies born prematurely have a greater risk of having hydroceles. Be patient with a hydrocele. In the vast majority of cases among baby boys, teenagers, and men, hydroceles go away on their own without any specific treatment. The blockage or congestion near the testicle(s) resolves itself and the hydrocele drains and gets absorbed into the body. Thus, if you notice an enlarged scrotum and it's not painful or causing problems with urination or during sex, give it some time to resolve itself. For baby boys, hydroceles usually fade away on their own within 1 year of being born. For men, hydroceles often gradually disappear within 6 months, depending on the cause. Larger ones may take more time, but shouldn't go beyond 1 year without medical intervention. However, in children and adolescents, hydroceles can be caused by infection, trauma, testicular torsion, or tumor, so these conditions must be excluded by examination from a doctor. Hydroceles are similar to fluid-filled ganglions that form in tendon sheaths near joints and then gradually disappear. Avoid trauma to the testes and STDs. The cause of hydroceles is unknown in baby boys, although it's thought to be a backup of fluid from poor circulation due to the baby's position in the womb. In older boys and men, however, the cause is usually related to trauma to the scrotum or an infection. Trauma can occur from wrestling, martial arts, cycling, and various sexual activities. Infections in the testes/scrotum are often related to sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, protect your scrotum from trauma and practice safe sex. If you play contact sports, always wear an athletic supporter with a plastic cup to protect your scrotum from injury. Always use a new condom when having sex in order to significantly reduce your risk of infection. STDs don't always infect the testicles, but it's not uncommon, either. Know when to seek medical treatment. You should seek medical attention for your baby boy if his swollen scrotum doesn't disappear after a year, or it continues to get larger. Men should see their doctor if a hydrocele persists for more than 6 months, or if it gets big enough to cause pain/discomfort or disfigurement. A testicular infection is not the same as a hydrocele, but it can cause one secondarily. Testicular infections are very painful and should be treated because they increase your risk of infertility. Always seek medical treatment if you experience scrotal swelling and fever. It's also time to see your doctor if the hydrocele is affecting the way you run, walk, or sit. Hydroceles don't directly impact fertility. See your doctor for an examination. If the hydrocele persists for longer than normal or it's causing pain and other symptoms, then see your family physician for an examination. Hydroceles are not serious, but your doctor will want to rule out other relatively serious conditions that can appear similar, such as: an inguinal hernia, varicocele, infection, benign tumor or testicular cancer. Once a diagnosis of a hydrocele is made, your options are essentially all surgical. Medications are not effective. Your doctor will start with a physical exam to check for tenderness or signs of a hernia. They may use diagnostic ultrasound, an MRI, or a CT scan to better visualize what's going on inside the scrotum. Shining a bright light through the scrotum can reveal if the fluid is clear (indicating a hydrocele) or murky, which could be blood and/or pus. Blood and urine tests are helpful to rule out infections, such as epididymitis, the mumps, or various STDs. Get the fluid removed. Once the hydrocele is diagnosed, the least invasive procedure is to have the fluid drained from the scrotum by a needle, which is called aspiration. After a topical anesthetic is given, a needle is inserted into the scrotum to penetrate the hydrocele, then the clear fluid is removed. If the fluid is bloody and/or pus-filled, then that indicates an injury, infection, or perhaps cancer. This procedure is very quick and doesn't require much recovery time — usually just a day or so. Needle drainage of a hydrocele is not done all that often because the fluid usually accumulates again, requiring more treatment. Sometimes the needle has to be inserted through the inguinal (groin) area if the hydrocele has formed higher in the scrotum or partially outside of it. Have the entire hydrocele surgically removed. The most common and effective way of dealing with a persistent and/or symptomatic hydrocele is to remove the hydrocele sac along with the fluid — called a hydrocelectomy. This way, there's only about a 1% chance of the hydrocele developing again. The surgery is either performed with a scalpel or a laparoscope, which has a tiny camera attached to a long cutting device. Hydrocele surgery is typically done at an outpatient clinic under general anesthesia. Recuperation can take up to a week or more, depending if the abdominal wall has to be cut into. With babies, surgeons usually cut into the groin (inguinal region) to drain the fluid and remove the sac. Stitches are then used to strengthen the muscle wall — which is essentially the same as a hernia repair surgery. In adults, surgeons often cut into the scrotum to drain the fluid and remove the hydrocele sac. After a hydrocelectomy, you might need a tube inserted into your scrotum to drain any excess fluid for a few days. Depending upon the type of hydrocele, surgical repair may be recommended to decrease the risk of a hernia to the area that is cut off from blood supply. Take it easy while recovering. Recovery from a hydrocele operation is relatively quick in most cases. Otherwise healthy people can typically go home a few hours after surgery — it rarely requires staying overnight in a hospital. Kids should limit their activity (no rough stuff) and get extra bed or couch rest for about 48 hours or so post-surgery. Adults should follow the same advice, as well as delaying sexual activities for up to a week just to be on the safe side. In most patients following a hydrocele operation, normal activity can restart after 4 to 7 days. Potential complications from surgery to look out for include: allergic reaction to anesthesia (breathing problems), bleeding within or outside the scrotum that won't stop, and potential infection. Signs of bacterial infection include groin pain, inflammation, redness, a foul odor, and possibly a mild fever.

Try an Epsom salt bath. Recognize the signs and symptoms. Be patient with a hydrocele. Avoid trauma to the testes and STDs. Know when to seek medical treatment. See your doctor for an examination. Get the fluid removed. Have the entire hydrocele surgically removed. Take it easy while recovering.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-As-Perfect-As-Possible

How to Be As Perfect As Possible

While no one can be perfect, there are things you can do to feel like the best version of yourself, like getting a good night's sleep every night, practicing good hygiene, and taking care of your skin. You should also try to find a style that you feel confident in, regardless of how trendy it is. Also, don't forget about the way you treat others, since being a good friend and being kind will make other people view you in a better light.

Practice good hygiene. Staying fresh and clean gives you the building blocks to work toward your best self. Develop a routine that leaves you feeling squeaky clean and smelling great. Remember to always scrub areas such as elbows , necks and knees due to the bacteria you bring home each day. The bacteria will cause your elbows to turn darker if you have a pale skintone. Shower daily. Pick out a body soap that appeals to you and scrub down! Don't feel obligated to wash your hair every day (in fact, that could dry it out), but do wash up regularly, especially after workouts. Pick out a shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. Use a deep treatment every so often to increase your hair's natural shine. Brush your teeth (and tongue!) at least twice a day. Make it a habit when you get up and right before go to bed. A whitening toothpaste will make your pearly whites glisten even more. While you're at it, floss and use mouthwash! Not only are they good habits to have, but they reduce your chances of gum disease and tooth decay. Use deodorant. Throughout the day, our body releases oils and odors that don't always help us look our best. Using deodorant regularly prevents any unnecessary smells from creeping out of nooks and crannies. Don't douse yourself in perfume or cologne. A light spray is a good idea, but smelling you from across the street, even if you smell like a field of daisies, is overpowering and less than ideal. Get a good night's rest. Not only does 8 hours of sleep a night make you feel energized and ready for the day, it benefits your appearance and quality of life. (Prevents darker bags under your eyes too!) Circulation increases in our sleep. That means our skin is receiving the most nutrients it receives at night, preparing it to look healthier and glow. Sleep and metabolism are controlled by the same areas of the brain. Studies have shown that participants who get more sleep lose more fat than their counterparts, who lose more muscle. Sleep allows our brains time to consolidate memories. Not only does a healthy amount of sleep make for easier recall, but the same restructuring of memories spurs the creative process. Our attention is sharpened, making it easier to focus (and get better grades!). Sleeping around 8 hours a night spurs athleticism, too. Athletes who slept around 10 hours a night experienced less daytime fatigue and faster running times. Care for your skin. Depending on your skin type, this could mean different things. But whatever skin you're in, develop a regimen catered to it. Know your skin type. If you have dry skin, use a heavier, more moisturizing cleanser. If you have oily skin, stick to something light and oil-free. Wash up at least once a day to remove dirt and residue. If you have acne, use treatments containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to combat blemishes on your own. If that's not working, consider seeing a dermatologist. Don't pop your zits--they'll scar your face and lead to more. Make-up works to cover them up in case of an emergency, but it clogs pores and can lead to more breakouts in the future. Protect your skin from the sun; even 15 minutes outside can start the process rolling. Use moisturizers and lip balms with SPF 15. Pale will always be more in than dark, splotchy, and wrinkly. Don't forget, part of skin is nails! How long or short you want them is up to you, but be sure to remove sharp edges and keep them clean. And don't miss your toes! Style your hair. Every person has a different ideal hairstyle. Experiment with a few or consult a stylist. If you've found a style you're happy with, maintain it well. Trim your hair every 6 to 8 weeks and remove tangles with a wide-toothed comb. Too much brushing can put stress on your scalp and hair. Stay away from heat treatments and appliances. Unnatural levels of heat dry out your hair and weaken it, causing it to damage. Air dry your hair as often as possible. Styling men's hair follows the same general principles. Go natural. Anyone wearing too much make-up is sending the world the message that they are not beautiful on their own. Stay natural-looking to seem organically perfect. Use powders to soak up shine. Blush and tinted lip balm will give your visage a rosy, sun-kissed look (without the damage). Use a bit of mascara to lengthen and accentuate your eyelashes. If you have skin issues (or an occasion to wear more), familiarize yourself with how to wear concealer and foundation. Worn right it can look good, but worn wrong, it can look absolutely horrendous. Dress to your ideals. There is no one "perfect" look; in fact, the look that is best on you is the one you are the most comfortable in. Whatever clothes you choose, make sure they're clean. Dirty is never trendy. Don't concern yourself with being fashionable. Trends come and go and it'll be exhausting keeping up. Instead, develop your own style and set them yourself. Your money will last longer and you'll be happier being yourself. Wear clothes that fit and are appropriate. Too tight and you're trying too hard, too loose and your left hand is wasted holding them up. When trying on clothes, consider all angles and move around before buying. Be confident. A person that lights up a room is the one everyone wants to be around. Acting confident--whether you are or not--is the first step to presenting the image you're aiming for. Hold your head high! Body language speaks much more loudly than words. Keeping your back straight and your chin up causes people to notice your presence and self-assuredness. Make eye contact. Let others know you're paying attention to them. If you shy away from their gaze, you'll seem nervous and inhibited. Confidence is not only sexy, but gains others' trust more quickly. Smile. Happiness is contagious. If you're the one who's always funny and smiling, others will be naturally drawn to you. Not only will those around you feel the mood lift, but you will too! Your brain takes cues from your muscles; smile and soon you'll feel it's natural, even if it wasn't in the first place. Be healthy. When you're feeling crappy, everything is harder to do. Being perfect is much easier to manage when you feel and look your best. Stick to a healthy, balanced diet. When we treat our bodies, we treat ourselves. Loading up on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables not only prevents weight gain, but it also leads to more energy, lower risk of disease, and a longer life. Stay away from too many processed goods--they often lack nutrients and are high in unhealthy, unnatural sugars. Stay active. Exercising has shown to make skin glow and lead to better sleep, in addition to its numerous health benefits. Even taking a walk a few times a week will help to clear your mind, complexion, and leave you feeling more relaxed. Love yourself. In order to be truly confident and beautiful, you must love the skin you're in. This may seem difficult, but, luckily, you are the only obstacle in your way from true self-acceptance. Write down a list of all your good qualities. If that's a struggle, ask others what they think. Go over this list every morning, adding qualities as you notice them. Stay positive! If you find yourself thinking negative thoughts, immediately stop. The negative thoughts are completely controllable. If they keep on returning, busy yourself with an activity. If you need to, get it all out in a journal. Bottling an emotion up leads to stress and frustration. Open your mind. With a closed mind, we cannot see perfection in all its forms. The world out there is large and you may not have all the information. As you form opinions, put yourself in others' shoes. Keeping open-minded will lead to positivity, empathy, and understanding--attributes all humans are attracted to. You'll be more open-minded about your own flaws, the shortcomings of others, and the less glowing facts about our world. Others will see that you accept them for who they are and they, in turn, will be more likely to accept you. Let things go. Being bogged down by those who have hurt or betrayed you weighs down your spirit. Happiness, positivity, and confidence--keys to being perfect--are not attainable if you're caught up in grudges and revenge. Forgive, forget, and move on. You don't have time for negativity anymore. This new, perfect you is better than that. Pursue your goals. Whatever they are, go for them. A person with ambition and motivation is often unstoppable. Your goals can be concrete or abstract. Write them down. Next to them, write how you will do this. It could be something internal, as in "I want to be more confident. In the coming weeks, I will 1) start a conversation with someone new, 2) put myself in front of a group of people, and 3) ask a guy/girl for their phone number." Or, it could be an external goal: "I want to save an extra $500 a month. This will be attained by limiting myself to eating out once a week, riding my bike to work, and working 15 extra hours a month." Stick to them. When you start seeing them fulfilled, your inner sense of worth and pride will swell. After all, most of the battle of being perfect is believing you're perfect. Master a skill. If you're creative, sing, paint, or dance. If you're athletic, get on the field. If you're tech-savvy, build a computer. Doing something well not only makes us interesting and multi-dimensional (and give us more things to talk about), but it leads to new and different opportunities. Correlate these skills with your goals. If you want to make more money, how can you do that with your skill set? Start a side business? Sell your paintings? If you want to lose weight, how can you cater to that? Cook vegetarian or low-fat dishes? Take your nature-loving side to the hiking trails? Look into yourself for the answers--they'll come the easiest. Keep on learning. Your personality is multi-faceted; you're not just a pretty face. Read up on current events and topics that interest you to be an interesting conversationalist. On top of being dynamic and well-read, you'll be a problem solver and quick to engage. "Uh oh, your potatoes sprouted early, huh? Should've put an apple in there!" "Yes, I read about that! What do you think will be the implications of China's new stance?" Don't forget about the benefits for yourself. You'll be able to make better, more informed decisions and understand the bigger picture. What's more, having a mind for learning opens up job prospects and more paths to financial success. Be kind. If you're intelligent, confident, and skilled, it doesn't matter unless you put those qualities to good use. Take opportunities to make others' lives easier. Being smart and beautiful is great, but being smart, beautiful, sympathetic, and giving is near perfect. Help others. When you see someone struggling--be it with too many groceries or a math problem--offer your help. You'll put a smile on their face, which will put a smile on yours. Be polite and respectful. T If someone is different or feels differently than you, take a step back before you judge. You may not fully understand where they're coming from and simply require clarification. Helping others doesn't end when you leave the room. Clean up after yourself and make things easier for your friends and family by being thoughtful. If a family member cooked dinner, volunteer to clean the dishes. If a friend missed class, get her the notes. Take small opportunities to make the world around you brighter. In addition to being kind to those around you, be kind to the planet! It's the only one we have. Don't litter or use electricity excessively. Carpool when you can and used recycled goods if available. Be a good friend. Being perfect does not have to be a selfish endeavor. In fact, being perfect often means putting others first. Consider others' desires in addition to what you want. What's good for you, may not be good for the whole. Always thinking "me, me, me" will make you a person others don't want to be around and aren't impressed by. Keep your promises. If you say you'll do something, do it. You have loads of obligations, so don't make promises you can't keep. The last thing you want is to be called a liar or a flake. Stick to your values. Knowing yourself and what you value will make it easier to make good decisions and become the person you want to become. Don't make excuses for dishonesty or hypocrisy. If you know it's right, it doesn't matter whether or not it's popular. Surround yourself with like-minded people. It's too easy to get caught up in a crowd that forgets about respect, positivity, and growth. Negative influences will stand in your way of becoming your best self.

Practice good hygiene. Get a good night's rest. Care for your skin. Style your hair. Go natural. Dress to your ideals. Be confident. Smile. Be healthy. Love yourself. Open your mind. Pursue your goals. Master a skill. Keep on learning. Be kind. Be a good friend. Stick to your values.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Proud,-Not-Cocky-and-Conceited

How to Be Proud, Not Cocky and Conceited

To be proud, but not cocky and conceited, talk about your meaningful strengths, like being a good listener or being creative, rather than boasting about less important things, like cars or clothes. You should also praise others for their achievements, which shows that you don't feel threatened by their talents. If you're talking about something you've done well, let others know that you're human by speaking about a time where you made a mistake or failed to accomplish a goal. When you're given credit for a team effort, remember to acknowledge the roles that everyone else played. For example, you might say something like, “I'm glad you enjoyed the film, but many others were also involved.”

Account for what's on the inside. Confidence does not come from a specific look, brand, or attitude. Confidence is natural and should come from inside you. When you fake confidence, it can come off as conceited, especially if you think your purchases or style are your primary value. Take a look at what you have to offer as a person, and build confidence from there. Walk with confidence. Pride is just another way of saying you have high self-worth. There's no better way to display this than your walk. You come across as insecure when you walk with your shoulders slumped and your face turned towards the ground beneath you. Instead, pull your shoulders back, lift your chin, and walk with your head held high. For extra points, smile at everyone you meet. Doing so helps you show confidence while still being friendly and approachable. Dress well. How you dress sends a message to the outside world about how you want to be perceived. Everyone has their own individual style, of course. Whether you enjoy dressing in business suits or tattered jeans, you can make it your business to wear clothes that are clean and well-fitting. When you shop, go for quality over quantity. You may be able to splurge on only one dress, but if it is of high-quality it may last far longer than cheaper pieces. No need to wear flashy logos or accessories. Dressing extends to your hygiene, too. Keep your hair cut and styled. Manicure, or at the very least, clip your nails regularly. Find a signature scent that speaks to you and wear it often. Focus on your character strengths versus superficial traits. Cocky people often boast about superficial aspects of their lives like money, clothes, cars, or dates. To demonstrate pride without arrogance, highlight your meaningful strengths. Think about what makes you a great person beyond those superficial things. Maybe you're a great listener, an excellent problem-solver, or super creative. Make a list of your positive traits and accomplishments. Review it regularly to feel pride about yourself. Improve your speaking skills. There's hardly a better way to feel pride about yourself than being an effective communicator. Effective communicators understand how to carefully balance speaking and listening so that they do not dominate conversations. Here are a few tips to be a more effective communicator. Have open body language. Leave your arms and legs uncrossed and relaxed at your sides. Remove any distractions when you're communicating such as cell phones or televisions. Make regular eye contact. Smile, nod, or gesture as appropriate. Don't interrupt—wait until the speaker is finished before replying. Remember that part of being a good speaker is being a good listener. Allow others to engage you or an audience without cutting them off or ignoring them. Acknowledge your accomplishments, but be human, too. You come off as doubting yourself when you undermine your accomplishments or speak negatively about yourself. When you speak well of yourself you seem prideful, but you have to navigate this part carefully to prevent coming off as conceited. Be humble but genuine, and others will take note. Rather than self-deprecate yourself to make others like you, be willing to show your human side. Share stories about struggles or mistakes to let others know that you are a work in progress, just like they are. For example, a coworker tells you “You can't relate to my situation. You've never had a negative performance review.” Respond with “That's not true. When I first started here, it took me several months to get the hang of things. Our supervisor was actually thinking about letting me go. I guess I just never shared that with anyone.” Be punctual and reliable. Cocky people often behave like the world revolves around them. They may show up late and shove their responsibilities onto the laps of others because they think the work is beneath them. Exhibit pride in yourself by being the opposite—show up early (or on time) to commitments and be consistent in your efforts. Admit when you’re wrong. If you're ever running late or default on a promise, apologize and try to rectify the situation. Cocky people just go on with their lives, with little to no concern for other's feelings. Apologizing shows empathy and lets people see your flawed, human side. If you're late for a meeting, you might say, “Hey, everyone, I just wanted to apologize for my tardiness. I know each of you have things to do, so I'm sorry to keep you waiting. I'll make sure that doesn't happen again.” Avoid bad-mouthing others. Gossiping makes you look insecure and jealous. To show pride in yourself, never engage in belittling others or sharing their secrets and scandals. Conduct yourself with integrity by keeping most of your language positive about others, particularly if they are not present to defend themselves. If you find yourself in the midst of gossip, leave the environment or try to change the subject. Avoid criticizing others. Confident people don't feel the need to criticize others to make themselves look better. When trying to correct someone or help them out, be sure to provide constructive criticism. Praise others for what they did right, and when necessary, offer feedback about the topic you're addressing rather than about them as a person. Focus on others in conversation. Arrogance is often indicated by a tendency to hog the attention. Cocky and conceited people may dominate conversations discussing their own achievements. A person with the right degree of pride understands that you become more likeable when you share the spotlight in conversation. People like to talk about themselves, so be generous and give them the opportunity. When you find yourself talking about your own achievements, subtly redirect the topic back to the other person. You might say, “Enough about me. Please do share with me how you managed to get that project in a week before deadline. That was unprecedented!” Applaud other’s successes. Boastful people want to dwell on their own talents while minimizing others'. Counteract that tendency by uplifting others when they do well. Friends, family, and coworkers will all view you more favorably when you praise them for their successes. It shows that you can see the best in others without feeling threatened. Prevent coming off as smug or jealous by being there to pat others on the back. You don't have to exaggerate it, but do make a point to extend your well-wishes to someone who excels. Take them out to lunch. Buy them a drink. Or, brag on them a little to others. Be willing to share the credit. Cocky people generally have the big-head syndrome, which makes them unable to see pass their own awesomeness. People with pride are willing to share positive attention, especially when it's deserved. Don't take all the applause when you are celebrated for a team effort. Mention the efforts of those who helped, too. You might say, “I am truly pleased that you all liked the film, but many people were involved in this project with me. I'd like to give a round of applause to each of them also.” Then, call out their names to give them a moment in the spotlight, too. Help others without asking for anything in return. Favors from conceited people often are bestowed at a price. These people may not choose to do anything nice for others without expecting something in return. A humble person extends a helping hand to those in need without questioning what they'll get for it. If a friend is in trouble, come to their rescue without hoping for credit or compensation. Say, “If you need me, let me know. I'm here for you.” Another great way to humbly help others is through volunteerism. Find a cause you like and reach out to help those in need. Examples might include building homes for the needy or reading to kids at your local library.

Account for what's on the inside. Walk with confidence. Dress well. Focus on your character strengths versus superficial traits. Improve your speaking skills. Acknowledge your accomplishments, but be human, too. Be punctual and reliable. Admit when you’re wrong. Avoid bad-mouthing others. Avoid criticizing others. Focus on others in conversation. Applaud other’s successes. Be willing to share the credit. Help others without asking for anything in return.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Polished-Aluminum

How to Clean Polished Aluminum

To clean polished aluminum wheels, start by washing off the dirt and brake dust with a garden hose. Then, spray on a wheel cleaner and scrub with a soft-bristled wheel brush. Afterwards, use the hose to rinse off each wheel, making sure to get between the spokes and lug nut holes. Finally, dry with a microfiber towel and polish with a dime-sized amount of wax paste applied to a clean cloth. In order to protect yourself from flying debris and noxious chemicals, make sure to wear a face mask and a pair of goggles during the entire process.

Purchase a polishing ball. This attachment goes on the head of a power drill. You can buy polishing balls in most hardware stores. Read the description on the packaging to make sure the ball will fit the head of your drill. Wear protective gear. Any time you use power tools that could kick up debris, you should cover your eyes and mouth. Put on a pair of goggles and a face mask. For good measure, wear a welding shield to protect the rest of your face. Squeeze a dab of toothpaste onto the polishing ball. Aim for a diameter of about the size of a dime or 10-pence coin. Just about any kind of toothpaste will work. However, if you're concerned about abrasions, use toothpaste with baking soda. Alternatively, you could make a baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with water. Use 2/3 cups (185 g) for a long-term supply. Add water drop by drop and mix thoroughly until the baking soda becomes a paste. Apply a dime-sized dollop to the polishing ball. Clean the surface of the engine cover. Hold your drill with both hands and touch the polishing ball to the aluminum surface. If your drill has multiple speeds, set it to low. Otherwise, make sure the drill goes no faster than 1200 RPM. Glide the ball over the surface of the engine cover until all dirt and grime have been removed. Reapply the toothpaste as needed. Rinse the surface. Dampen a clean cloth with warm water. Remove any remaining toothpaste or grime. Use circular strokes as you move across the surface. Continue this process until the entire surface is free of debris. Dry with a microfiber towel. Use only a clean, dry towel to avoid depositing unwanted dirt. Move over the surface with gentle circular strokes. Make sure the cloth absorbs every last drop of water to avoid the appearance of water spots on the surface. Protect your face. The dirt and grime you clean from your car's aluminum trim can turn into projectiles as you spray them off. Wear a comfortable pair of goggles that won't allow any debris to get near your eyes. Wear a face mask to cover your mouth and nose. This will keep you from inhaling debris, which can contain hazardous chemicals. Hose off the aluminum wheels. First, attach a firefighter's nozzle to the end of the hose. Then, aim the hose at each wheel and press the nozzle to blast off any loose dirt and brake dust. Repeat on each wheel. Scrub each wheel with commercial wheel cleaner. This product is non-acidic to prevent damage to the wheel. Spray the cleaner from the bottle directly on any remaining dirt and brake dust. Scrub the area with a soft-bristled wheel brush. Use the special design of the bush to remove dirt from narrow spaces in the wheel. You can purchase wheel cleaner and the wheel brush at any auto supply store. Rinse the wheels. Hose down each wheel thoroughly, one by one. Aim the hose all over the surface. Don't overlook small narrow areas, such as between the spokes and in the lug nut holes. Dry the wheels with a microfiber towel. Use only a clean, dry towel. Move over the surface with gentle circular strokes. Make sure the cloth absorbs every last drop of water to avoid the appearance of water spots on the surface. Use this towel only for drying the wheels. Wash it separately from other towels used for cleaning your car. This separation will prevent grime and brake dust from being deposited on the drying towel. Polish with a wax paste. Pre-softened wax pastes help polished aluminum maintain its original brilliance. Squeeze or scoop a small amount of paste (about the size of a dime or 10-pence coin) to a clean cloth. Apply the paste to the surface in a gentle clockwise motion. You can buy wax paste at any auto supply store. If you live in a very humid climate, polish the metal every month. Otherwise, you can do this once every three months. Keep the object out of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause unsightly grey oxidation to develop on the surface of polished aluminum. Pay attention to the position of the sun before you park your car outside. If your garage has large windows, cover them with opaque curtains. Control the humidity around your polished aluminum. Excessive dampness can cause polished aluminum to rust. If your garage is prone to dampness, set up a hygrometer to measure the ambient humidity. Run a dehumidifier or exhaust fan around your car. Maintain the ambient temperature. Dramatic temperature changes can lead to the oxidation of polished aluminum. If the oxidized areas become white and powdery, they'll be ruined beyond repair. Keep the temperature between 68 and 77 °F (20 and 25 °C) to help protect the aluminum surface from this dangerous oxidation.

Purchase a polishing ball. Wear protective gear. Squeeze a dab of toothpaste onto the polishing ball. Clean the surface of the engine cover. Rinse the surface. Dry with a microfiber towel. Protect your face. Hose off the aluminum wheels. Scrub each wheel with commercial wheel cleaner. Rinse the wheels. Dry the wheels with a microfiber towel. Polish with a wax paste. Keep the object out of direct sunlight. Control the humidity around your polished aluminum. Maintain the ambient temperature.

https://www.wikihow.com/Bake-Small-Potatoes

How to Bake Small Potatoes

Before baking your small potatoes, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Next, season the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other herbs you like. Spread the potatoes evenly in a 13 by 9-inch baking pan and bake them for 20 minutes. Then, flip the potatoes and bake for another 20 minutes to ensure that they cook evenly on both sides. When the potatoes are done, you should be able to push a fork into them without any resistance.

Wash the potatoes and cut them in half. Rinse your potatoes thoroughly with cold water. If the skins still seem dirty after rinsing, use a vegetable brush or wet dish towel to gently scrub them clean. Pat them dry with a clean towel before cutting them in half. Mix the potatoes with olive oil in a large bowl. Fill a large mixing bowl with the clean, halved potatoes and pour in your 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil. Mix them thoroughly, making sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper. Add at least 0.5 teaspoons (2.5 mL) of each, but add more if you like the taste. Stir the potatoes gently. Add dried rosemary, sage and/or oregano for a savory taste. These herbs go well with roasted potatoes. If you aren't familiar with them, smell them before adding them to the bowl. Add at least 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of whichever herb you choose. Mix in some ground cayenne, chili powder, and/or chilis for a spicier dish. If you like your food a little hot, these spices will make great additions. Add garlic and/or lemon juice for extra flavor. If you're a fan of garlic, consider adding some coarsely chopped garlic cloves to the mixture. If you want your potatoes to have a little savory tartness, add some lemon juice. Stir the potatoes well so that the flavors will be evenly dispersed. You can use bottled lemon juice, but it will taste better if you squeeze it fresh. Just be sure to strain out the lemon seeds before adding the juice to your potatoes. Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C). If your oven does not have a Preheat feature that alerts you when it reaches temperature, check to see if it has a thermometer inside that will indicate when it's hot enough. Otherwise, put the potatoes in whenever they're ready -- they may just take a little longer to roast. Spread the potatoes evenly in a 13 in × 9 in (33 cm × 23 cm) baking pan. Ideally, you should use a baking dish with raised sides, as it will make it easier to stir the potatoes without knocking them over the edge. However, a flat cookie sheet will work fine too -- just be careful when you stir them. It's okay if your pan isn't exactly 13 in × 9 in (33 cm × 23 cm), but make sure there's enough room to spread your potatoes evenly on the bottom with some space between. This will keep them from getting over-steamed and soggy. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Put the pan in the middle of the oven rack where it can be evenly heated. Stir the potatoes gently in the pan. When the timer goes off, use an oven mitt or hot pad to take the pan out of the oven. Use a spatula to gently flip the potatoes so that they bake thoroughly on each side. Be careful not to push them over the sides of the pan, and make sure they're still evenly spread out. Bake the potatoes for another 20 minutes or until they’re soft. When the potatoes are done, you'll be able to push a fork into one without any resistance. The skins should also be slightly wrinkled and golden, and you should be able to smell them strongly. Let the potatoes cool for 5 minutes. Remove them from the oven, shut the oven off, and set the pan on a cooling rack. Let it sit for 5 minutes before moving them out of the pan. Put the potatoes in a serving dish and garnish them. You can coarsely chop some fresh parsley or mint and add it to the potatoes after they cool for some extra flavor. You may also want to add a little extra olive oil if the potatoes seem dry.

Wash the potatoes and cut them in half. Mix the potatoes with olive oil in a large bowl. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper. Add dried rosemary, sage and/or oregano for a savory taste. Mix in some ground cayenne, chili powder, and/or chilis for a spicier dish. Add garlic and/or lemon juice for extra flavor. Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Spread the potatoes evenly in a 13 in × 9 in (33 cm × 23 cm) baking pan. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Stir the potatoes gently in the pan. Bake the potatoes for another 20 minutes or until they’re soft. Let the potatoes cool for 5 minutes. Put the potatoes in a serving dish and garnish them.

https://www.wikihow.com/Forget-the-Boy-You-Loved

How to Forget the Boy You Loved

It can be really tough to get over a boy that you loved, but by accepting the reality of the situation and focusing on other things, you can forget about him. It might be tempting, but try not to call or text him since talking to him will just make it harder to move on. You might even want to block his number and social media profiles so it's easier to avoid him. If you find yourself missing him, remember why the relationship ended to remind yourself why you need to move on. Try distracting your mind by focusing on other things like a hobby you've neglected or things you enjoy doing, like going to a museum or to see a movie. Don't forget to spend time with friends and family since having fun and socializing can really help when you're going through a breakup.

Taper off contact. Oftentimes, people hang on to their exes past what is healthy. If someone is absent from your life, it's best to work on letting go of the relationship. The first step is tapering off contact. People develop strong emotional attachments in love. They tend to see their romantic partner as the first person in their life they contact when they need emotional support. When a relationship ends, it can be hard to move away from your ex as you go-to for support. In order to get over the relationship you need to make an effort to do so. Do not call, text, or e-mail your ex. If necessary, temporarily block him on social media to avoid the temptation to contact him through something like Facebook or Twitter. Minimize the amount of time you spend with your ex and do not engage in activities together that increase feelings of attachment. If watching movies together was a romantic activity for you, for example, do not watch a movie with your ex. Get rid of any mementos you associate with your ex. This can help remove the temptation to call and talk to him when you're stressed or upset. Remind yourself why things ended. Consider why you're trying to forget this person. Was the relationship not working? Was the person not nice to you? There are many reasons why a relationship might end and being aware of why yours did not work out can aid in the healing process. Spend time thinking about why things ended and assuring yourself the break up was for the best. View the breakup as a learning experience. Research shows that it's not actually a bad thing to think about a relationship while trying to get over it as long as you think in abstract terms. Remember the emotions you felt during the relationship rather than the physical presence of your ex. Focus on what you enjoyed about being with this person on an emotional level and how lucky you were to experience feelings of love and attachment. Remember the relationship as an abstract concept rather than a physical experience. Be aware it takes time. Contrary to what you may read in women's magazines, there is no magic formula that can tell you when you can expect to get over an ex. A variety of factors impact how long it will take you to get over a relationship. As you attempt to get over a relationship, be patient and accept it will take time. The duration and intensity of the relationship are two of the biggest factors in determining how long it will take you to heal. Longterm relationships of high intensity can take as long as year to get over. However, shorter relationships that were very intense can also be difficult to forget. Deal with seeing your ex on occasion. You might end up seeing the boy at school, work, or around town. It can be hard to forget someone when you're occasionally forced to interact. Try to limit interactions unless absolutely necessary. Be courteous when you see your ex and if you need to work with him on projects, be respectful but stay professional. You will likely experience some feelings of sadness the first few times you have to interact with your ex after the relationship ended. Accept these are normal and will pass with time. Get busy. While it's important to acknowledge and experience sadness in the wake of a break up, dwelling on negative thoughts too long eventually becomes counterproductive. Try to stay busy with a variety of hobbies and activities to stop yourself from lingering in sadness. Find something you enjoy. You can go to a museum, see a movie, do a puzzle, play a video game. Anything that keeps your mind focused on the present moment can help you avoid thinking about your ex. Create time and space for your hobbies. While it seems strange to stick to a schedule for leisure activity, sometimes this is the only way to get yourself out of the house after a breakup. Promise yourself you'll spend at least 3 nights a week going out or swear you'll only spend one weekend night in alone. Socialize. Spend more time with a friend, siblings, classmates, and other people you're close to. Being alone can lead you to ruminate on negative thoughts so heavy socialization is vital when it comes to moving forward. Make plans with people you know and make efforts to get to know new people. Attend a club or meeting. Go to a bar alone and talk to a stranger. Attend poetry readings or art shows and see if you meet anyone. Strive to stick with daily self care routines. Many people fall into the trap of not caring for themselves in the wake of a breakup. As hard as it might be, continue to practice self care even when you're feeling down. Keep up with eating and sleeping right. Go the gym if you work out regularly. Try not to let day-to-day activities that help you feel your best fall to the wayside. Push yourself. Doing basic day-to-day tasks might take extra effort during a breakup but poor eating, hygiene, and fitness habits will only exasperate a bad mood. Cut back on work. While it's important to keep up with self care, cut yourself some slack in regards to work. Some people feel throwing themselves into work is a great distraction, but this can create a negative pattern. It can be hard to go back to a normal work load once you're feeling better. Try to put in less effort than normal at work and, if possible, take a mental health day to spend time taking care of yourself. Connect with friends and family members. As stated, the attachment you feel to an ex is what makes breakups so difficult. You end up feeling lonely and isolated when this person is suddenly out of your life. Work on forming closer relationships with friends and family members to fill in the gap your ex left. Relying on people can actual require some training on your part. You might have to force yourself to call your mom or your best friend after a bad day instead of your ex. However, once you learn to rely on these people over your ex he'll be easier to forget. Remind yourself your ex is not the only person in your life who loves you and who you feel close to. Being single does not have to mean being alone. Having this realization can help you heal and move forward with your life. Date casually. Do not jump into a new relationship after a bad breakup. This can make you want your ex more. However, casual dating in the wake of a bad breakup can actually help you move forward. It reminds you that you are attractive, desirable, and will find someone again. Go on casual, fun dates. Have a friend set you up. Attend a singles mixer. Try creating on online dating profile. Remind yourself you're not necessarily seeking out the love of your life, but rather trying to have fun and date around while you're single. This can help you shift romantic focus away from your ex and out into the world of potential matches. See a therapist, if necessary. If you have preexisting issues with depression and anxiety, you may need the assistance of a therapist to get over your ex. You can ask for a referral for a therapist from your primary doctor. You can also get a list of therapists from your insurance providers. If you're a student, you may be entitled to free counseling from your college or university.

Taper off contact. Remind yourself why things ended. View the breakup as a learning experience. Be aware it takes time. Deal with seeing your ex on occasion. Get busy. Socialize. Strive to stick with daily self care routines. Cut back on work. Connect with friends and family members. Date casually. See a therapist, if necessary.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Dialysis-Tech

How to Become a Dialysis Tech

To become a dialysis tech, you should enjoy helping and working with people since that's a big part of the job. Also, make sure you're comfortable with standing and sitting for long periods of time since that's typically required of dialysis techs. You'll also need to have your high school degree, so work hard in school if you haven't already graduated. If you have questions about the job or want to hear from someone with first-hand experience, consider reaching out to a dialysis tech and seeing if they'll answer some of your questions.

Learn about the profession. Administering dialysis and helping out sick patients can be an extremely rewarding profession. Although it may be difficult at times, there are many advantages to this career path. It is a great choice if you want to work in the medical professional without becoming a doctor or nurse. Providing help, aid, and comfort to individual patients and their families can be incredibly rewarding for you and those you help. It can come with some emotional demands. You may be dealing with terminally ill or very sick patients, which can be upsetting. In addition, you may need to positively navigate different kinds of personal dynamics from your patients to medical professionals. However, if you enjoy working with and helping people, then being a hemodialysis could be a truly excellent career choice for you. Ensure your qualifications meet basic requirements. Before actively pursuing a career as a dialysis tech, assess your abilities and education. Taking an honest look at yourself may help you decide the most optimal way to pursue your career. If you've had positive interactions with dialysis techs, this can help influence your decision to become one. If you don't have any experience with hemodialysis, considering asking a professional about her career. She can discuss her career path with you and may even let you shadow her for a day to learn about the profession. You need a high school degree or a GED and some additional training on how to run dialysis machines. Learn about the licensing and/ or certification requirements. Every state requires that dialysis techs have some sort of certification or licensing to work. Depending on the type of hemodialysis tech you want to be, you may require additional coursework and practical training before you can work. Consider how being a dialysis tech fits into your lifestyle. Determine the ways in which being a dialysis tech may affect your lifestyle and even that of your family. Knowing if the time, emotional, and physical factors conform with your lifestyle can be important when pursuing this career. Can you handle possible physical demands? Being a dialysis tech may require standing or sitting for long periods. Do you have the personality for being a dialysis tech? Working with patients and other medical professional is a big part of the job. If you like working with and helping people, hemodialytic technology might be a great fit for you. Because most dialysis techs work in an office or in private homes, this career may allow you to be more flexible with your time or have time with your family. Determine if dialysis technology provides financially. Dialysis techs earn between $23,000-41,000 annually. This can change depending on experience, location, and if you work overtime. The hourly rate for dialysis tech ranges from $11.00/ hour to $19.00/ hour. Overtime compensation can be between $13-$28/ hour. If you are a registered nurse and want to be a dialysis tech, you can make an average of $55,000 annually. You will have to pay taxes and other fees for your salary. You may or may not have health benefits, vacation, and sick time, though most tech report that they do have these benefits. Current job prospects look positive and are expected to increase 24% in the next decade. Get required education. At a minimum, you need high school diploma or GED to work as a dialysis tech. You'll also need vocational training for required certification and licensing. Proper education helps you understand the various parts of your career in hemodialysis. Once you have your high school diploma or GED, attend a training program for dialysis techs. Many vocational and technical schools, community colleges and online programs offer dialysis tech training programs. It takes between twelve and eighteen months to complete your coursework. Different sites on the Internet can help you locate the closest program to you. In addition, you may want to ask a local doctor or dialysis clinic if they can recommend an accredited program. Pursue clinical experience. Many programs will require clinical experience as a part of successful completion and taking required certification or licensing exams. Getting clinical experience can not only expose you to your chosen career path, but also help prepare you for taking required exams. The amount of clinical experience will vary from program to program, but most require six months to one year of clinical work. Healthcare facility or private agencies can provide you with necessary experience. Contact local hospitals, doctor offices, and nephrology clinics for opportunities, or you can find options online. Pass state certification and licensing exams. Before you can work as a dialysis tech, have to pass the licensing exam for the state in which you plan to work. You'll need to check the specific requirements for your state before applying to take the exam. The three primary bodies that offer dialysis tech exams are the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC), the National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO), and the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing Technology (BONENT). Each has different requirements for taking the organization's respective certification exam. Consult study aids or join a study group to increase your chances of passing. You can find a variety of information about the different exams on each organization's respective website. Consult each organization for policies regarding re-taking a failed exam. #Maintain your certification. Every three to four years, you will need to get recertification to work as a dialysis tech. Recertification procedures can help you stay abreast of new research and trends in your hemodialysis. The criteria for recertification vary between the different certifying organizations and may also vary by state. In general, recertification requires elements such as a minimum number of hours worked during the previous period, completion of continuing education, and participating in professional training or workshops. Submit job applications. There are all kinds of job opportunities as a dialysis tech. You can work for a hospital or nephrology clinic or center. You may also want to work for a doctor's office and visit the private homes of patients. Sending applications to different types of facilities may help you find your dream job. Professional organizations including BONENT, NNCC, NNCO, offer information and portals to help you find a job. You may want to ask local hospitals, clinics, and doctor's offices if they have any positions opens. Local or national placement agencies may also be able to help you find your dream job.

Learn about the profession. Ensure your qualifications meet basic requirements. Consider how being a dialysis tech fits into your lifestyle. Determine if dialysis technology provides financially. Get required education. Pursue clinical experience. Pass state certification and licensing exams. Submit job applications.

https://www.wikihow.com/Check-a-Flight-Status

How to Check a Flight Status

To check a flight status, go to the website for the airline you're flying with, and look for a tab that says something like "Check flight status." Then, enter in your flight number or the date, destination, and departure time to find out your flight's status. Alternatively, you can check the status of your flight on one of the display screens at the terminal, or you can ask an employee at the check-in desk.

Visit the webpage of the airline you booked your flight with. For the convenience of their patrons, airlines make their daily flight schedules available online. Type in the URL for the airline's website or run a quick search. You should be able to find the airline's web address somewhere on your ticket or flight brochure. Pulling up the name of the airline in a search engine may give you a direct link to a page where you can review your flight status. Go to the Flight Status section of the website. Scan the menu at the top of the page until you come across the option to manage your booked fights. Click the link, then find the “Check Flight Status” tab. You'll be redirected to a new page, where you'll be asked to supply some basic details to help you find more information on the flight you're looking for. If you're having trouble locating the site's flight status section, try searching for the name of the airline along with the phrase “flight status.” Enter your flight number. Your flight number can be found front and center on your ticket. It will typically be 4-5 digits long, and is most often displayed directly beside your name and other booking information. If the airline you've chosen dispatches unique confirmation codes to each customer, there may a separate slot where you can put in this code, as well. Assuming you don't have your ticket handy, you'll also be able to find your flight number in the first few lines of the email confirmation you should have received upon booking the flight. Fill out the flight information manually if you don’t know your flight number. There's no need to worry if you're unable to produce your flight number for some reason. In most cases, you'll be able to simply enter the details of your flight individually. Specify the date, destination and departure time, then click the “continue” or “view status” button to pull up a list of flights matching the information you provided. In addition to checking the status of pending flights, it's also possible to look ahead to tomorrow's flights or back over yesterday's. This allows you to adjust your plans in advance or review recent changes should an issue arise. Switching between flight number and manual entry forms may require you to click a separate tab at the top of the page. Make a note of key flight details. Once you've got your flight information pulled up, look over each section closely. You should see the flight number, destination, departure time, estimated arrival time, and boarding gate, as well as the flight's current status (“On Time”/”Delayed”/Canceled”). You'll also be given a summary of any necessary connecting flights for longer trips. Print out or send your flight status to your email address so you can refer to it in the future. If you're on the move, make a screenshot of the flight status or write down the information you find. Take a peek at your flight status periodically. Pull up your flight status every so often in the days leading up to a big flight. There's always a chance that something could happen in the meantime. If you don't stay on top of things, you may not find out about unexpected changes until you've already arrived at the airport, paid for parking, and fought your way to the gate with an armful of luggage. The airline will usually send out emails notifying customers of last minute cancellations and explaining whether they're eligible for a replacement flight. Check your email after booking a flight. As soon as you purchase your ticket, you should get an automatically-generated email confirming your flight status and laying out all the related details. The airline will then send you followup messages informing you of any changes shortly after they are made. You don't have to do anything to anything extra to receive these emails—you'll get them automatically once your info has been entered into the system. Make sure you get in touch with the airline right away if you don't receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. Sign up for instant notifications. Nowadays, many airlines are giving their patrons the option of subscribing to courtesy services that provide around-the-clock flight status updates. You can subscribe by creating a user account on the airline's website and providing your email address or phone number. The alerts will be sent straight to your device of choice. Up-to-the-minute notifications mean you'll never again have to worry about having the bad news broken to you at the terminal. Take advantage of the airline’s flight reminder app. In addition to providing real-time notifications, these apps often allow users to scan in digitally, change their seats, and even place orders for on-flight food and beverages. And, since you're accessing them through your smartphone, you can take advantage of the various features they offer at your own convenience. Most major airlines have their own mobile platforms, including United, Delta, Southwest, Virgin, and JetBlue. This may be a sanity-preserving alternative if you're a frequent traveler and don't like the idea of having your inbox flooded with emails and texts on a daily basis. Get more info at the check-in desk when you receive your boarding pass. If you have any immediate questions or concerns, you can get them answered as soon as you enter the terminal. Just visit either the check-in desk or the information desk and wait for a representative to help you. They'll be able to highlight key flight details and give you a refresher on airline policy. Arrive a little early so you can clear up any uncertainty about your flight with plenty of time to spare. Resolving potential complications before the process of finding your way to the gate and scanning your boarding pass will help ensure that you reach your destination without a hitch. Look for a display screen at the terminal. All over the airport you'll find large overhead displays informing travelers about the status of upcoming flights. A quick glance at one of these monitors should tell you your flight's destination, what gate it's departing from, when it leaves, and whether it's on time or delayed. Most flight information display systems show arrivals and departures separately, so make sure you're looking at the right one to avoid accidentally missing your flight. Talk to someone at the gate. When you arrive at the gate specified by your boarding pass, speak with the representative at the information desk and ask them for details about your flight. These employees have a finger on the pulse of the airline's comings and goings in order to organize passengers and board flights in a timely fashion, which means they're qualified to tell you whatever you need to know. The representative at the gate can also explain seating issues, confusing delays and last-minute connections. Be careful not to get in the way of travelers who are attempting to board while you're standing at the gate.

Visit the webpage of the airline you booked your flight with. Go to the Flight Status section of the website. Enter your flight number. Fill out the flight information manually if you don’t know your flight number. Make a note of key flight details. Take a peek at your flight status periodically. Check your email after booking a flight. Sign up for instant notifications. Take advantage of the airline’s flight reminder app. Get more info at the check-in desk when you receive your boarding pass. Look for a display screen at the terminal. Talk to someone at the gate.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-over-Your-Addiction-to-Mountain-Dew

How to Get over Your Addiction to Mountain Dew

If you think you're addicted to Mountain Dew, you can reduce your consumption by avoiding multipacks so you're less tempted to binge on them. Quitting energy drinks cold turkey is hard, so consider cutting your Mountain Dew consumption in half for the first week. If you find yourself craving the caffeine, try substituting it with a healthier alternative like tea or coffee. Then, after the first week, cut your consumption of Mountain Dew in half again and stick to your new limit.

Keep track of your drinks. You might be drinking more than you realize, particularly if you drink Mountain Dew out of the fountain and go back for refills. Establish your starting point by figuring out exactly how much Mountain Dew you drink each day. That can help you establish a plan to gradually cut back. Cut back consumption. Quitting cold turkey is difficult. Rather than never drinking Mountain Dew again, try halving the amount you drink each day. If you drink four bottles of Mountain Dew per day, cut back to two a day for one week. If you drink three bottles per day, reduce to one and a half per day for one week. Give yourself at least one week to adjust to having less before cutting back any further. If you struggle with cutting back and it takes you longer than a week to succeed, that's okay. Do what works for you. List your specific cravings. Whenever you experience a craving for Mountain Dew, write down what part of the drink you are missing most. Writing down what you miss from the drink will help you figure out what you like about the drink. That will be what you crave. If you think you might be craving caffeine, try drinking coffee instead of soda and see if this calms your craving. If you suspect that you are craving carbonation, purchase a carbonation machine and use it to carbonate water. Limit how many sodas you keep cold. Place only one or two bottles of Mountain Dew in your fridge before bed, to drink the following day. If you want to drink only one bottle per day, set yourself up for success by only having one cold soda available. Halve your new amount. A week after your first cutback, your body should adjust to having less Mountain Dew on a daily basis. Now cut it in half again. If you are down to two bottles per day, cut it down to one a day for another week. If you are only drinking one per day, limit yourself now to one every other day. Watch out for withdrawal. As you gradually cut back more and more, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms tend to be linked with caffeine. As you begin to cut the caffeine in Mountain Dew from your system, you may start to get headaches or become tired and moody. Don't worry, though. Withdrawal can be avoided by substituting other caffeine sources for your daily “fix.” Try drinking coffee or caffeinated tea when you feel the symptoms coming on. If you intend to cut back on caffeine altogether (along with Mountain Dew), you will need to eventually cut your consumption of all caffeinated products as well. Not trying any caffeine substitute when cutting out Mountain Dew, may cause more severe withdrawal, which can make it difficult to function. At this level withdrawal acts much like a health disorder. It is another reason quitting caffeine (and Mountain Dew) cold turkey should be avoided. That said, caffeine withdrawal should only last a few days. Drink healthier alternatives. Be sure to substitute other beverages in place of your normal Mountain Dew drinks. Do not just stop drinking altogether. To keep yourself from becoming dehydrated, drink water, tea, freshly squeezed lemonade, milk, or other healthy, cheaper alternatives in place of the Mountain Dew. Try mixing sparkling water with four ounces of fruit juice for a sweet and bubbly alternative. Avoid buying multi-packs. Prevent yourself from cheating, by only keeping three or so bottles in your home at a time. Having easy access to a lot of Mountain Dew is tempting. Continue setting yourself up for success by only buying a few bottles at a time. Couple this strategy with placing only one bottle in your fridge every other day. Work your way down to two cans a week. You may find it hard to stop drinking Mountain Dew entirely at first. Work your way down to only drinking two twelve-ounce cans a week. Once you are able to do this successfully, you may be able to cut it out of your diet entirely if you want. Two bottles of Mountain Dew per week is a relatively healthy amount, in comparison to multiple bottles every day. Stick to your plan. Make sure that you commit to following your new Mountain Dew drinking schedule once you've put it into place. Continue buying only a few bottles at a time and limiting your access to cold beverages. Set aside a Mountain Dew budget. Only give yourself enough money each week to purchase two bottles of Mountain Dew. No extra money means you cannot impulse buy extra bottles. Exercise more. Regular exercise causes the body to feel good. Use the exercise high as a substitute for your Mountain Dew high. More exercise can help decrease unhealthy cravings. This can make you more successful in overcoming unhealthy habits like drinking too much Mountain Dew. Lean on friends and family. Ignoring physical cravings can be difficult. Keep friends and family around who will encourage you to stick with it. Keep a running diary of your success on social media sites so that your friends can see it and encourage you, as well as positive feedback.

Keep track of your drinks. Cut back consumption. List your specific cravings. Limit how many sodas you keep cold. Halve your new amount. Watch out for withdrawal. Drink healthier alternatives. Avoid buying multi-packs. Work your way down to two cans a week. Stick to your plan. Exercise more. Lean on friends and family.

https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Dog-Training-Business

How to Start a Dog Training Business

Before you start a dog training business, make sure you have plenty of experience with dogs through jobs like dog walking, grooming, or volunteering at an animal shelter. Then, think about the services you want to offer, such as puppy training or off-leash obedience training. Next, come up with a name for your business that is catchy and unique and create a business plan to secure financing from a bank or credit union. Additionally, file the required paperwork with your Secretary of State office to obtain documents such as a business license and permits.

Decide on your location. Location is key. You want to open in a place where there are enough dogs to support a business. Roughly 50% of houses have a dog, but only a fraction need dog training. If you open your business in a town of 10,000 people, then you might not be able to generate enough clients to support yourself full-time. The best place to open a dog training business is an urban area. There is a higher density of dog owners, and owners in cities want their dogs to be especially well behaved. Remember that you don't need an office to run a dog training business. Instead, you can travel to your clients' homes or kennels. Nevertheless, you'll want to map out a basic geographic range that you will service. If you do want a business location, then you should search for commercial space. You can begin a search online and then contact a realtor if you can't find anything. You might also use your own home. Check with your city's zoning commission to see if you can open a business in your residential area. Choose which services to offer. Dog trainers can offer many kinds of services or specialize in only one. You should decide ahead of time what your interests are and what you excel at. For example, dog trainers typically provide the following: obedience (on and off leash) puppy obedience competition obedience, such as how to handle the dog in a competition pre-pet awareness hand signal and voice command owner participation training, which helps an owner handle a pet Research prices of your competitors. You want to price competitively, so you need to know what other dog trainers are charging. Look on the Internet. If you can't find anything, then contact the dog trainers directly. Trainers typically charge an hourly rate and bill in either hourly or half-hour increments. Gain experience with dogs. You should spend a considerable amount of time with dogs before starting your training business. Most trainers have worked with dogs in some capacity before starting their business. You might gain experience in any of the following ways: pet sitter dog walker dog groomer dog show handler doggie daycare owner or manager Obtain mentoring experience. As a dog trainer, you work with more than dogs. You also work with people. You will need to sharpen your mentoring and interpersonal skills. Your success will depend on making your human clients happy. If you've never taught or mentored, then volunteer your time. For example, you can volunteer to teach people to read at your local community center. Alternately, you could coach a children's sports team to gain experience. Anything that helps you practice communication and instruction will be valuable. Pursue a dog training certificate. You don't generally need a certificate to start your business. However, a certificate program can give you expertise you might not otherwise obtain through work experience. You can also advertise that you are a certified dog trainer. You can get certified by either the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Visit their websites for more information. You could also get a four-year degree in Animal Behavior, though this is not required. Draft a business plan. A business plan helps focus your thinking. In it, you will identify your services and estimate your financial needs. If you ever want to seek lending from a bank or credit union, then they probably want to see a written business plan. Include the following: Executive summary. This is your overview. State where you are located and the services you will offer. You can also summarize how much it will cost to open your business and when you project being profitable. Company summary. Identify the ownership and what equipment you will need to purchase to start the business. Services. Explain what services you will offer and how owners will benefit from them. Market analysis. Identify your potential customer base. Also explain how you will reach this customer base with your marketing. Sales forecast. Explain how you will gain a competitive advantage in the market place and project your sales for the next three years. Also list milestones, such as the date you intend to open and when you anticipate being profitable. Employee information. Explain your educational and work experience. Also identify if you'll need to hire other employees. Financial plan. Break out your anticipated monthly profits and losses. Include projected cash flow and a balance sheet for the next three years. If you don't know how to create these financial documents, then visit a Small Business Development Center near you. Find the nearest center here: https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/sbdc. Come up with your business name. You want a business name that is catchy and stands out. Look at what your competitors use and try to find something distinctive. You might call your business “Behave Not Bite Trainers” or “Puppy Etiquette.” You should also search to see that the name hasn't already been taken. Your state's Secretary of State website might have a database of names you can search. In some states, you can pay them to search for you. You'll want to use your business name as your website's domain name, so check that it hasn't been bought already. Think about trademarking your name. You can protect the uniqueness of your business name by registering the service or trademark. A trademark is a unique symbol or name used to identify goods. When used to identify services, it's a service mark. You can register your mark with the federal government. You aren't required to register. But it can help in many ways. For example, you'll establish when you first used the mark. If someone else steals your name, then you can sue and stop them from using it. Choose your business structure. Your dog training business could take one of several legal forms. You should think carefully about which one you choose. You have the following choices: Sole proprietorship. Most dog training businesses are probably sole proprietorships. This is the easiest business entity to form. You use your Social Security Number as your tax ID, and you report your business income or losses on your personal 1040 form. You don't need to file any paperwork with the state. However, you are personally liable for business debts as a sole proprietor. Limited liability company. An LLC is owned by its members. Depending on your state, you may be able to form a one-person LLC. You'll have to file paperwork with your state. However, an LLC protects you from personal legal liability. Any business debts are the debts of only the business, not its member owners. For example, if a customer sues you and wins, then they can only come after your business assets, not your personal ones. Corporation. A corporation is owned by its shareholders. You must file paperwork with your state to form, and you'll also have to file annual reports with the state. A corporation requires more work than a sole proprietorship. However, it also shields you from personal liability like an LLC. Partnership. Two or more people can jointly form a partnership. You typically don't file anything with your state. However, you are personally liable for your business debts. You are also jointly liable with the other partners. For example, if a partner takes out a loan for the partnership, then you're personally liable on that loan. File paperwork with the state. If you form a corporation, then file your Articles of Incorporation with your state's appropriate office. Generally, you file with the Secretary of State. There should be printed, fill-in-the-blank articles to complete. You can file your Articles of Organization (to form an LLC) in the same way. You'll have to pay a filing fee. Check with your Secretary of State for the amount and acceptable methods of payment. Obtain a federal tax number. Visit the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online and get an Employer Identification Number. You'll need this number if you hire any employees. You'll also need it to pay your taxes (unless you're a sole proprietor who uses their Social Security number). Get a business license and permits. You'll need permission to run a business in your state. For example, you probably must get a business license. You may also need to get a license from your local government and other permits. Use the Small Business Administration's tool at https://www.sba.gov/starting-business/business-licenses-permits/state-licenses-permits to check what permits and licenses you will need. Click on your state. Draft operating documents. You'll need to write up rules for how to run your business. For example, you'll want to describe how the owners can call meetings and who handles the day-to-day activities. You will also want to explain how your business's profits and losses will be divided between owners. If you have a sole proprietorship, then you don't need any document. Corporations should have bylaws. You must keep them at your principal place of business. LLCs should have an operating agreement. Keep them at your principal place of business. Partnerships should have a detailed partnership agreement in place before opening. You'd benefit from consulting with a lawyer to make sure your agreement is thorough. Purchase insurance. Talk to other business owners and ask what kind of insurance they have. You might also want to contact an insurance broker. You'll probably want a basic liability policy for a small business. Ask the broker for different prices. If you're running a business out of your home, then check with your homeowners insurer to see if accidents are covered. Most homeowners policies do not extend to home businesses. Instead, you'll probably need to purchase a business insurance policy. Build a website. Many people look for businesses on the Internet, so a web presence is essential. You'll want to use your business name as your domain name so that you are easy to find. The best websites will inform potential customers of your services and get them excited to use you. For example, you could provide short videos of dog training tips dog owners could use. These videos would showcase your skills. If money is tight, then you'll need to design your own website. Many businesses (like GoDaddy) provide domain names and templates to create a basic website. If you can afford to hire someone else to design the website, then you should probably pay. This will free up time to spend on other forms of marketing, such as networking. Create promotional materials. You might want a glossy, color flyer that lists your services and your fees. Also include how to contact you. The more ways the better. Also save a digital copy of all flyers so you can email them to people. You can also have business cards made cheaply. Look online for a provider. Depending on your budget, you might want to turn your car into an advertisement. You can put your company name and logo on the side. This is a great way to increase the visibility of your business as you drive to and from clients. If you have a business location, then signage is also key. You'll want to be visible from the road. Network. You want to identify other businesses that might refer their clients to you for services. You can call them or stop by and introduce yourself. Share a flyer or other promotional materials. Also offer to make referrals to them in return. For example, reach out to the following: dog walkers vets pet sitters pet boutiques Join professional groups. By joining a professional group, you get to meet other dog trainers and learn valuable business tips. You also can increase your credibility with the public, since people assume you are a serious trainer when you belong to a professional group. Think about joining the following: National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors Association of Professional Dog Trainers International Association of Canine Professionals Offer promotions to the public. A promotion is a good way to get new customers. For example, you could offer a free training session for a limited amount of time. If you're good, then customers will continue to use you in the future. Facebook allows you to create a coupon offer, which you can advertise on your Facebook page. Your page will need to be categorized as a “local business” in order to use the feature. You might also look to promote your business using Groupon. You can create a merchant account to get started. Run advertisements. Ads cost quite a bit of money, so you might not want to advertise depending on your budget. However, there's no better way to introduce yourself to a mass of people than to use paid advertising. Consider the following: Advertise in your Yellow Pages. Use Google Ads. Place ads on Facebook. Run radio or television ads. Revisit your marketing monthly. You should keep constant tabs on what works and what doesn't with your marketing. If paying for ads yields few customers, then try something different. Ideally, you should review your marketing each month. For example, you might volunteer to write an “Ask the Trainer” column for your local paper. This is a good way to increase your visibility in the community. If you aren't getting many referrals from your network, consider how you can provide them with free value. You may be competing with other dog trainers, and you want to stand out. Write a newsletter which they can share with their clients. Volunteer to provide trainings to pet boutiques and veterinarian offices. The staff will recognize your expertise, and will remember you when one of their clients asks for a referral to a trainer. Also stay in touch with your network. Send a card if a referral is made, and stop in regularly. Bring a treat that the staff might like.

Decide on your location. Choose which services to offer. Research prices of your competitors. Gain experience with dogs. Obtain mentoring experience. Pursue a dog training certificate. Draft a business plan. Come up with your business name. Think about trademarking your name. Choose your business structure. File paperwork with the state. Obtain a federal tax number. Get a business license and permits. Draft operating documents. Purchase insurance. Build a website. Create promotional materials. Network. Join professional groups. Offer promotions to the public. Run advertisements. Revisit your marketing monthly.

https://www.wikihow.com/Bring-Down-High-Creatinine-Levels

How to Bring Down High Creatinine Levels

To bring down high creatinine levels, drink 6-8 glasses of water every day so your body is able to flush out excess creatinine. You can also try drinking an herbal tea or green tea twice a day, which may help reduce the amount of creatinine in your blood. If you're not a fan of tea, take nettle leaf supplements instead, which can have a similar effect on your creatinine levels. Also, try to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night since your body creates less creatinine while you're sleeping.

Know what creatinine is. Creatinine is a waste product produced by the body when creatine, a metabolism substance that helps convert food into energy, breaks down. Usually, your kidneys help filter creatinine out of the blood. The waste product is then passed out of the body via urine. High creatinine levels can indicate a problem with your kidneys. High creatinine levels can be the result of regularly consuming a high amount of protein or partaking in strenuous exercise. Creatine supplements may also increase levels of creatinine in blood and urine. Understand how the test works. A creatinine test measures how much creatinine is in your blood. Your doctor may also perform a creatinine clearance test, which measures the amount of creatinine in your urine. The amount in your blood should be low, and the amount in your urine should be high. These tests only provide a "snapshot" of your kidney health. They only measure the amount of creatinine in your blood and urine from one-time samples taken within the past 24 hours. Interpret your results. The normal range for creatinine levels will vary based on whether you are an adult male, adult female, teenager, or child. The value you should be at may vary further based on your age and body size, but there are general ranges you should shoot for. Normal blood creatinine levels are: Men: 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL; 53 to 106 mcmol/L Women: 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL; 44 to 97 mcmol/L Teenagers: 0.5 to 1.0 mg/dL Children: 0.3 to 0.7 mg/dL Normal urine creatinine levels are: Men: 107 to 139 mL/min; 1.8 to 2.3 mL/sec Women: 87 to 107 mL/min; 1.5 to 1.8 mL/sec Anyone above the age of 40: levels should drop by 6.5 mL/min for every additional 10 years of age Understand why increased creatinine levels occur. There are several different reasons why you might have increased creatinine levels; some of these conditions are more severe than others, but all mean that you need to take steps to get your creatinine levels back to normal. Renal failure or impairment: If your kidneys are damaged, they cannot filter creatinine out of your body through glomerular filtration as they are supposed to. Glomerular filtration is the outflow of filtered fluid passing through your kidney. Muscle destruction: If you have a condition that causes the breakdown of your muscles, the broken down muscle tissue can get into your bloodstream and impair your kidneys. High intake of meat: Eating a diet rich in cooked meat can increase the amount of creatinine in your body. Hypothyroidism: Having a dysfunction in your thyroid gland can have an influence on your kidney function. Hypothyroidism can decrease your kidneys' ability to properly filter waste out of your body. Drink herbal tea or Green tea. Certain types of herbal tea are believed to help lower the amount of creatinine in your blood. Studies supporting this benefit are limited, but the theory has not been disproved, either. Drink around two 8-oz (250-ml) glasses of herbal tea each day. Herbal teas worth checking out include chamomile, nettle leaf, dandelion root. The idea is that these teas stimulate the kidneys and cause an increase in the production of urine. As such, more creatinine can be passed out of the body. Consider taking nettle leaf supplements. Nettle leaf may help to increase your renal excretion, with will help to eliminate excess amounts of creatinine. Nettles contain histamines and flavonoids, which can help to increase the blood flow to your kidneys, thus increasing urine filtration. Nettle leaves can be taken in the form of supplements or can be made into tea. Talk to your doctor about salvia. Salvia is an herb that may increase your glomerular filtration rate, which helps to facilitate the elimination of creatinine. Salvia contains lithospermate B, which helps to promote renal function. Set up a meeting with your doctor to discuss the possible use of salvia. Do not take salvia without consulting your doctor. Watch your fluid intake. As a general rule, you should drink six to eight 8-oz (250-ml) glasses of water each day. Dehydration can actually cause your creatinine levels to increase, so staying hydrated is important. When you do not have enough fluid in your body, you produce less urine. Creatinine is washed out of your system through urine, so producing less urine will make it more difficult to flush out this toxin. On the other hand, consuming too much fluid could also have a negative effect on your kidney functions. Too much fluid could cause an increase in blood pressure, and high blood pressure can put stress on your kidneys. Unless otherwise instructed by a doctor, it is best to keep yourself hydrated but to avoid abnormal amounts of fluid intake. Restrict your activity level. The body converts food into energy faster when it undergoes vigorous exercise. As a result, more creatinine is formed, causing the amount of creatinine build-up in your blood to increase. Exercise can still offer important health benefits overall, so you may not want to exclude it from your routine completely. You should swap out high intensity exercises for low intensity ones, however. Instead of running, weight lifting, or playing basketball, try walking or practicing yoga. Sleep well. When you sleep, most of your bodily functions decrease. This includes the body's metabolism. As a result, the conversion of creatine to creatinine goes at a slower rate, allowing more of the creatinine already in your blood to filter out before additional toxins can build up. Aim for six to nine hours of sleep per night, with seven or eight being an ideal amount. Additionally, sleep deprivation can put physical stress on your entire body and force all of its parts to work harder to perform normal tasks. As a result, your kidneys can become stressed, which will decrease their ability to filter out creatinine. Ask your doctor about stopping certain medications. There are some medications that have been associated with high creatinine levels. Medications that can damage the kidneys pose a possible threat, but some medications used to treat kidney disease can also cause a problem. If you already have kidney problems, be cautious about medications, like ibuprofen, that can cause further kidney damage when used regularly. ACE inhibitors and cyclosporine are both used to treat kidney disease but may cause creatinine levels to rise. Some nutritional supplements, like vanadium, can also cause an increase in creatinine levels and should be avoided. Always talk to your doctor before stopping any medication. While some of these medications may cause creatinine to rise, the good could still outweigh the bad depending on why those medications were prescribed to begin with. Check into medications and supplements that may help. Depending on the underlying cause of your elevated creatinine levels and on your overall health, your doctor may advise you to include certain medications or supplements to bring those levels down. Most medications that treat creatinine levels also treat an underlying problem causing an increase in those levels, so your doctor will have to diagnose the underlying condition before you can determine which medication is right for you. Take diabetes medications to control your blood sugar. One common cause of kidney damage, and thus elevated creatinine levels, is diabetes. If you have diabetes, it is very important to keep your insulin levels normal to prevent further kidney damage. There are certain medications that you can take to do this. Repaglinide is a commonly prescribed for diabetes. The starting dose is normally 0.5 milligrams, administered before each meal. The maximum dose is 4 milligrams, also administered before a meal. Even if you happen to skip a meal, it is important to administer the drugs. Lower your blood pressure with medication. Aside from diabetes, hypertension is another factor that can contribute to kidney damage. Keeping your blood pressure under control will also help to prevent further damage to your kidneys, thus helping to lower your creatinine levels. Your doctor may prescribe benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide. Normal benazepril dosages are generally between 10 and 80 milligrams a day. The usual dosage of hydrochlorothiazide is between 12.5 and 50 milligrams a day. Some antibiotics can be dangerous if taken incorrectly. People with kidney disease need to take smaller amounts of antibiotics than people with healthy kidneys. Take medications targeted high creatinine levels. Ketosteril is often prescribed to reduce levels of creatinine found in the bloodstream. Talk to your doctor about this medication and if it may be right for you. The regular dose is generally 4 to 8 tablets taken three time a day, at each meal. Other creatinine lowering drugs include: Alpha lipoic acid (antioxidants) supplements can be used to help energize the kidneys and neutralize toxins, including creatinine. You can usually take around 300 mg each day. Chitosan is a weight management supplement that can also reduce the amount of creatinine in the blood. Benefits are usually reached when you take between 1000 and 4000 mg per day. Address and treat the underlying problem. High creatinine levels are rarely an independent problem. More often than not, this issue is a symptom of something more serious. To drop the levels permanently and improve your overall health, work with your doctor to find the underlying problem and remedy that. Kidney damage and chronic kidney disease are the most common causes. This damage can be caused by illness, potentially fatal infections, shock, cancer, or low blood flow. Type 2 diabetes is also linked to high creatinine levels. Other possible causes include heart failure, dehydration, excessive blood loss leading to shock, gout, physically strenuous exercise, muscle injuries, muscle disorders, and burns. Research cold laser therapy. Some evidence suggests that cold laser or low level laser therapy can revitalize the kidneys and improve their overall functioning abilities. As a result, your kidneys become more capable of filtering out creatinine naturally. When used on the adrenal glands above the kidneys, cold lasers can also help reduce stress and improve sleep. When used on the Vagus nerve in your neck, cold lasers may help improve the circulation of blood to various organs, including the kidneys. Use massage therapy. Massage therapy also will help blood circulation and reduce stress levels, which leads to pleasant sleep and relaxation. Learn about blood purification therapy. While somewhat uncommon, someone who has severe kidney damage and consistently high creatinine levels may wish to consider blood purification therapy, a.k.a. hemodialysis or dialysis. The therapy is a bit extreme, but it can be very effective. During the treatment, your blood will be extracted and filtered through a machine. This machine removes creatinine and other toxins in the blood. Once cleaned, the blood is circulated back into the body. Consider dialysis as a final option. If diet changes and medication do not lower your creatinine levels, talk to your doctor about dialysis. There are two types of dialysis, but the one used to lower creatinine levels is called hemodialysis. Hemodialysis involves using a machine to filter out waste, fluid, and salt from your blood so that your damaged kidneys do not have to. Limit your sodium intake. Excessive sodium can cause an unhealthy amount of fluid retention and may result in high blood pressure. Both of these issues could result in high creatinine levels. Maintain a low-sodium diet. Stay away from salty foods and drinks, and opt for low-sodium versions of common food products (canned soup, bottled sauces, etc.) when available. Your daily average range of sodium intake should be between 2 to 3 grams per day, if not lower. Keep an eye on your protein intake. Avoid foods that are rich in protein as much as possible. Red meat and dairy products can be especially bad for you. Dietary sources of creatine are most commonly obtained through animal products. While these amounts are not usually harmful, they can pose a problem for someone already dealing with abnormally high creatinine. Note that you do need protein in your diet to maintain adequate amounts of energy and keep your bodily functions running smoothly, so you should not cut it out completely. When you do consume protein, try to obtain it from plant-based sources, like nuts and other legumes. Increase your consumption of plant-based foods. Vegetarian diets are often recommended to bring down high levels of creatinine and reduce the risk of kidney disease due to high blood pressure or diabetes. Eat foods rich in vitamin C such as berries, lemon juice, parsley and cauliflower. Avoid phosphorus-rich foods. Your kidneys may have a hard time processing phosphorus-rich foods, particularly if you have high creatinine levels. Because of this, you should try to avoid foods like: Pumpkin and squash, cheese, fish, shellfish, nuts, pork, low fat dairy products, and soybeans. Limit the amount of potassium you consume. When dealing with kidney issues, try to avoid eating foods with a high amount of potassium because that potassium can accumulate in the body if your kidneys cannot process it correctly. Foods that are rich in potassium include: Dried fruits, bananas, spinach, potatoes, beans, and peas. Stay away from creatine supplements. Since creatinine is a waste product of creatine, taking creatine supplements will result in a greater build-up of creatinine in your blood. For the average person, this is not much of an issue. If you are an athlete or bodybuilder taking nutritional supplements to improve your performance, though, creatine might be included in these supplements and should be cut out.

Know what creatinine is. Understand how the test works. Interpret your results. Understand why increased creatinine levels occur. Drink herbal tea or Green tea. Consider taking nettle leaf supplements. Talk to your doctor about salvia. Watch your fluid intake. Restrict your activity level. Sleep well. Ask your doctor about stopping certain medications. Check into medications and supplements that may help. Take diabetes medications to control your blood sugar. Lower your blood pressure with medication. Some antibiotics can be dangerous if taken incorrectly. Take medications targeted high creatinine levels. Address and treat the underlying problem. Research cold laser therapy. Use massage therapy. Learn about blood purification therapy. Consider dialysis as a final option. Limit your sodium intake. Keep an eye on your protein intake. Increase your consumption of plant-based foods. Avoid phosphorus-rich foods. Limit the amount of potassium you consume. Stay away from creatine supplements.

https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-Your-Best-Friend-You-Are-Depressed

How to Tell Your Best Friend You Are Depressed

If you're trying to tell your best friend you're depressed, plan a casual activity together, like a walk. Try easing into the topic by saying something like “I've been feeling down lately. Could we talk about it?” Tell your friend if you're talking to them in confidence, then go ahead and be as direct and specific as you can. It may help to practice ahead of time. When you've told your friend how you feel, close the conversation by asking them to do something specific, like taking you someplace fun as a distraction.

Accept that you are ready and willing to talk about it. This is a big piece of news you are about to share and it's okay and perfectly normal to feel nervous. Depression is considered a mental illness, and because there are a lot of misconceptions about individuals struggling with mental disorders like depression, people can sometimes feel stigmatized with their new diagnosis. However, realize that opening up about your illness is one of the steps to effective coping and recovery. Consider who to tell. Many people don't just have one best friend but instead have a bunch of really close or even "best" friends. You need to think about who you are sharing the information with and whether this is a good for you. If you are already in counseling, explore this topic of sharing your depression with a friend with your counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist. If your friend is a great listener, discreet, trustworthy, reliable, non-judgmental, supportive and mentally healthy, then this friend sounds like the ideal person to share your concerns with. Your friend can be a sounding board for you and help you maintain a healthy perspective as you work through your recovery. Pause and think if you're unsure about telling your best friend. If you're questioning whether or not you should tell your friend about your depression, consider how you'd respond to the following questions: Does your friend make disparaging remarks about “crazy people”? Can your friend be condescending or judgmental at times with other people? Is your friend going through his or her own depression issues? Can your friend be insensitive to you at times? Does your friend handle emotions well? Does your friend gossip or spread rumors? If you answered yes to any of these or recall any instances where your friend exhibited disconcerting attitudes and behaviors, it might be best that you just simply let your friend know that you are going through some major issues, but that you're working on them, getting help and will be in touch. That said, sometimes friends can surprise us. If your friend is able to drop her usual behaviors or attitudes out of concern for you, and if you feel comfortable sharing this information, you can start with small pieces of information to share and see how well your friend receives it. Back off whenever you feel uncomfortable or upset. Think about what information you want to give your friend. How much are you going to share? Sharing your condition is up to you, irrespective of whether or not you have received an official diagnosis. Start with what you think your friend will need to know both about depression in general and about your specific experience of it. What about depression is important for your friend to know? What misconceptions or myths might be important to correct? What about your personal experience is important for your friend to know? Keep in mind that your friend may have someone in her family who is depressed and may know a lot about the illness. On the other hand, your friend may know very little about depression. It is important to read up on depression and educate yourself about your illness so that you can help your friend better understand depression, how it affects you, and how they can help and support you going forward. In addition, educating yourself about depression has its own benefits for your recovery process! Remember that you do not have to explain why you're depressed. You don't need to provide a justifiable reason to be depressed or to feel sad. All you need to do to share your feelings with your best friend is to tell honestly them how you're feeling, and ask for what you need from them, be it support, patience, understanding, or space. Imagine your friend's possible reactions. While you may not be able to predict how they're going to respond, weighing different possibilities might help you prepare. Be sure as well to think about how different reactions might make you feel and how you might respond. Planning in advance for this helps make sure you're not caught off-guard and that you keep your goals for the conversation in sight. Keep in mind that your friend may not understand you. People who have never suffered from depression may not be familiar with the symptoms. This means that sometimes they have a hard time understanding why you can't “just stop feeling sad” or “just get out of bed.” This isn't necessarily a lack of empathy or compassion on the part of your friend. Instead, it could be the case that this person cares about you and wants you to feel better, but doesn't understand how the disorder makes people feel. Another possibility is that your friend may feel like it's her responsibility to “fix” you. Your friend might think that they can help "lift" you out of your depression. This is not their job, as it puts pressure on both her and you. Another possible reaction is to abruptly change the subject or turn the focus of the conversation around onto herself. This possible outcome can feel hurtful, like your friend is being selfish or doesn't care about you, but it is more likely the case that they simply don't know how to respond to what you've said, or that they are trying to show you that they've been in a similar situation and can relate to what you're feeling. In each of these scenarios, prepare what you will do and say. For example, if your friend seems to be reacting to your disclosure by using language that implies they want to "fix" you, point out that it's not your friend's job to fix you (since you're not "broken") and that what you would like instead is support. If she has a hard time accepting this, plan to say something like "I have to be able to sort this out on my own. Your support means the world to me, but you can't do this for me, even though I know you wish you could. It's like wanting to help me for a test, but then doing all the studying for me. If I don't have the knowledge to take the test, I can't pass it myself. This is very similar.” Decide what information or response you want in return. To have a conversation that both speakers can feel good about at the end, they have to be working towards building the “common ground,” or the common knowledge between them. Think about what you want out of the conversation and how you want your friend to respond. In all likelihood, your friend will want to help you, so plan ways to let your friend know how to do so in the best way possible. For example, do you need your friend to “just” listen and be someone you can talk to? Do you need to ask for help with getting to and from treatment? Do you need someone to help you manage everyday tasks, like cooking, cleaning, and laundry? Know that your friend might only be able to help you out in small ways, so it's best to go into the conversation a clear sense of what you want from a friend. You could also wait for your friend to ask if and how she could help you, and then discuss whether or not your friend could contribute in the way you need her to. For instance, you could ask your friend to speak with you for a few minutes every night to help you with your insomnia (a symptom of depression), check in with you to see how your day went, or to check to see if you took your medication that day. Write down what you want to say. Taking notes can help you gather your thoughts and organize them. Once you've written it down, practice saying it out loud in front of a mirror. Practice the conversation. Ask a someone you trust who is already informed about your situation, such as a parent or therapist, to practice the conversation with you. Role-playing the conversation can help you prepare. In the role-play, you'll act out potential scenarios; you will be yourself in the role-play, and your partner will play the role of your friend. React to whatever the other person says, even if you think it is ridiculous or unlikely to happen. Just practicing responding to absurd or surprising statements from a friend can give you the confidence to approach a difficult conversation like this one. To get the most out of the role-play, be as realistic as possible in your responses. Incorporate non-verbal communication into your role-play. Remember that gestures, posture, and tone of voice are a major factor in your conversation. After the role-play, ask your partner for feedback, telling you what worked well and some areas where you might think more about what you will say or otherwise improve your response. Plan a casual activity with your friend. You can take her to lunch, or go for a walk somewhere you both enjoy. Research has shown that mildly depressed people's moods improve when a task diverts attention to something external such as an activity. Being in a better mood can make it easier for you to be able to open up and talk about your feelings. If you're not in the mood to do an activity, don't feel pressured to plan one. A conversation over a cup of tea at the kitchen table or on the couch can suffice. Ease into talking about your depression whenever it feels right. The best way to start is to tell her that you have something important you want to share, so she knows not to take your conversation lightly. If you don't know how to bring it up or feel uncomfortable, try saying something like, "Hey, I've been feeling kind of weird/down/upset lately. Do you think we could talk about it?" Make it clear from the beginning of the conversation whether you want her to listen and hear what you have to say, or want her opinion or suggestions. Communicate to your friend whether the information is confidential. Be sure to let your friend know whether what you're telling them is private or if they are permitted to communicate your difficulties to other people on your behalf. Say what you have practiced. Be as specific and direct as possible. Don't dance around what you need or what you're requesting. It's okay if you get a little tongue-tied and shaky as you talk. Just talking is the hardest part! If you're having a hard time dealing with your emotions during the actual conversation, it's okay to admit this to your friend. Letting them know how hard the conversation is for you might even be helpful to your friend to understand your state of mind and how serious the situation is. If you begin to feel overwhelmed at any point during the conversation, it's okay to take a break, take a deep breath and gather your thoughts. Help your friend feel comfortable. If your friend seems uneasy, break the tension by thanking her for being there and listening, or apologizing for taking up her time or having a hard time talking about it (if that is true). Individuals with depression are sometimes prone to feeling guilty. Guilt can be persistent, but it can also be managed and minimized. If you feel guilty during your conversation, one useful way to manage this perceived guilt is to remember that guilty thoughts are not facts. You are not burdening your friend by sharing your feelings. Your friend is more likely to feel grateful that you trusted her with this information and eager to help your recovery than she is to feel the "burden" you envision. Keep your friend engaged. For your conversation to work, your friend needs to be listening to you completely. There are many ways to hold her attention, including making eye contact, using gesturing and body language (e.g., facing the person, not having your arms or legs crossed), speaking clearly, and avoiding outside distractions (e.g., background noise, people passing, cell phones ringing). Look for signs of active listening. When a person is listening closely, they are deeply focused, trying to understand what you're saying. Check for cues like eye contact, nodding, or meaningful responses to what you're saying (even "uh-huh" can be meaningful!). People also show that they understand a conversation with their contributions to that conversation. They might repeat or paraphrase what was said, ask follow-up questions, and otherwise be working to keep the conversation going. When people stop understanding or are at a loss for words, they may use filler words. Filler words are “go to” words and can vary from person to person. They may use the same phrases over and over again (e.g., “that is interesting”). They may also trail off (i.e., not finish sentences) or not be working to keep the conversation going. Be aware, however, that these responses can vary from person to person. For example, some people think more clearly when they aren't making eye contact and may deliberately avoid it in order to concentrate on what you are saying. Think about how your friend talks and how she acts when she's paying attention. Bring resolution to the conversation by deciding on a "next step. " When a person (like your friend) wants to help, she wants to know what actions she can take. This is part of human psychology: we feel good when we do something for others. Helpful actions can also alleviate some of the guilt your friend might feel when she sees you in distress. You should talk about your feelings as much as you need to, but it helps to end the conversation with something concrete or specific your friend can help you with (such as letting you vent about your feelings for half an hour or taking you out to get your mind off your problems). Recall what you had decided to request or hope for when you were preparing for this conversation and tell your friend about that. Transition out of the conversation. Pay attention to your friend and how the conversation is going. When you feel it's time to move on, suggest a different topic or move to end the conversation by saying something like, “We should be getting home,” or, “I'll let you go, I don't want to take up too much of your time.” This move is mostly likely up to you, as your friend may feel uncomfortable ending the conversation. Don’t forget about your best friend’s feelings. Although this conversation should be about you, don't forget your friend will have feelings and they may not always be as you expect (you may want to address this in role-playing as described above). Be ready for potential negative reactions. Your friend may cry or get angry. This is a common response when one is the recipient of another person's upsetting or difficult news. Remember this is a natural response and does not mean you've done anything wrong! This might be a good time to assure your friend that you don't expect them to have all the answers, and that you just need them to listen and be there for you. Don't take anger or crying as a sign of rejection. You can try talking to your friend again another time. Meanwhile, find someone else close to you that you can talk with. Change tactics if you feel like the conversation is going in a bad direction. If you're having trouble communicating with your friend or she has an extreme reaction, try the following 4 steps, which are helpful in mediating difficult conversations. Inquiry : Ask and make an observation. You could say, “Have I upset you with this topic? I would like to listen to how you feel.” Acknowledgment : Summarize what your friend stated. You can really further the conversation along if you can help your friend calm down. Summarizing what your friend said will help your friend feel like someone is listening. Advocacy : Once you comprehend your friend's point of view, you are getting close to coming to a mutual understanding. You can take this opportunity to clarify what you've learned about depression, or to share with your friend what is appropriate for your friend to do or not do, such as, “Don't worry. My depression doesn't have anything to do with how good of a friend you are. You are my best friend, and one of the few reasons I smile these days.” Problem-solving : By this time, your friend hopefully would have calmed down so you can fulfill your objective. Finish stating what you wanted to state. Have your friend help you find a therapist, help you make therapy appointments, or just to be there to listen to you. If these 4 steps don't work, it may be best to draw the conversation to a close. Your friend may need time to take in the information. Expect that your friend might disclose information about herself in turn. Describing a similar personal experience is their way of showing they understand or can relate to your experience. Depending on the magnitude of this information, this could take your conversation in a whole new direction. If that happens, attend to your friend, but also make sure to bring resolution to your own situation at some point. Know that your friend may “normalize” your situation. Normalizing is when a person attempts to help by trying to make you feel “normal” (e.g., saying, “Everyone I know is depressed”). Don't take this as a rejection of your problem. Self-disclosure and normalizing are actually good signs, because they mean your friend is trying to connect with you and/or show that you are being accepted. However, don't let your friend's "normalization" tactic prevent you from saying what you need to say! At the moment, it isn't important how many depressed people your friend knows. What is important is that you tell your friend about your OWN feelings and experience. Follow the conversation through to the end. Debrief with someone else. No matter how well (or badly) things go, it can be helpful to talk about the conversation with someone you trust once you've finally talked to your best friend. People that can help include your therapist or counselor, another close friend, or your parents. They can provide an objective opinion about the conversation and help you process your friend's responses.

Accept that you are ready and willing to talk about it. Consider who to tell. Pause and think if you're unsure about telling your best friend. Think about what information you want to give your friend. Imagine your friend's possible reactions. Decide what information or response you want in return. Write down what you want to say. Practice the conversation. Plan a casual activity with your friend. Ease into talking about your depression whenever it feels right. Communicate to your friend whether the information is confidential. Say what you have practiced. Help your friend feel comfortable. Keep your friend engaged. Bring resolution to the conversation by deciding on a "next step. Transition out of the conversation. Don’t forget about your best friend’s feelings. Be ready for potential negative reactions. Change tactics if you feel like the conversation is going in a bad direction. Expect that your friend might disclose information about herself in turn. Know that your friend may “normalize” your situation. Debrief with someone else.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Potato-Clock

How to Make a Potato Clock

To make a potato clock, start by removing the batteries from a digital clock, and inserting a nail and a copper wire into opposite ends of 2 potatoes. Then, use alligator clips to connect the wire on one potato to the positive terminal and the nail on the other potato to the negative terminal of the clock. Next, connect the nail and copper wire with an alligator clip so the potatoes are joined. As soon as you connect the potatoes together, you should see that the clock switches on. If it doesn't, check the connections are secure.

Gather the necessary materials. Before you can get started putting together your potato clock, you first must gather the items you'll need. You can likely buy most of these items at your local hardware or hobby store, except the potatoes which will need to be purchased at a grocery store. 2 potatoes, any variety 2 pieces of copper wire 2 galvanized nails 3 alligator clip assemblies (each should be 2 clips connected by wire) A 1-2 volt digital clock Remove the batteries from the digital clock. When completed, the potatoes will connect to the positive (+) and negative (-) ends of the battery terminals inside the clock, replacing the function of the batteries. You will want to keep the battery cover removed so you can easily access the terminals with your wires. If the clock does not have the positive (+) and negative (-) battery connectors labeled, mark them yourself using a permanent marker based on the way the batteries were connected. If they are labeled, the positive end will be marked with a “+” and the negative will be labeled with a “-“. Insert 1 nail and 1 short piece of copper wire into each potato. Begin by labeling the potatoes as 1 and 2, this will help you to differentiate them as you move forward with the experiment. Then press 1 nail about 1 inch (2.5 cm) into each potato near the end. Once the nail is secured, press a piece of copper wire into the opposite end of the potatoes, as far from the nail as possible. Each potato should have 1 nail and 1 copper wire sticking out of opposite ends. Make sure the nail and wire aren't touching inside the potato. Use the alligator clips to connect the potatoes and clock. You will be connecting each of the potatoes together and to the clock utilizing the 3 alligator clip units. In doing so, you will establish a circuit that includes the clock and each potato that will allow electrical current to pass through. Connect each of the following: Connect the copper wire in the first potato to the positive (+) terminal in the clock's battery compartment using the first alligator clip. Connect the nail on the second potato to the negative (-) terminal in the clock. Use the third alligator clip unit to connect the nail in the first potato to the copper wire in the second one. Check the connections and set the clock. As soon as you connect the third alligator clip unit to the 2 potatoes, the clock should turn on. If it fails to do so, check each of the connections to ensure they are tight and there is good metal-on-metal contact in each. This method will not last for very long, so after confirming that it works, you may want to disconnect it if you hope to enter the clock into a science fair or present it to your class. Begin by gathering your materials. As with any experiment, you must begin by gathering the materials you will need. You can purchase most of these materials at your local hardware or hobby store, or you may even have some of them at home already. Gather the following: 3 potatoes, any variety 3 copper strips, or you can use pennies 3 galvanized nails 5 alligator clip units connected with wires (10 total clips) A 1-2 volt digital clock Place 1 nail in each potato. Just like making a 2-potato clock, each potato will need 1 galvanized nail inserted into it. Place the nail near the end of the potato and press it in about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Then, repeat the procedure for the other 2 potatoes. Make sure the nail doesn't break through the other side of the potato. Ensure you don't press the nail into the potato in such a way that will make it touch the penny or copper strip you will insert next. Insert a penny or copper strip into each potato. Press a penny or copper strip into each of the potatoes on the opposite end from the nail. If you are using a penny, make sure to press it into the potato so half of the penny is still visible above the surface of the potato skin so you can attach an alligator clip to it in the subsequent steps. If using a copper strip, make sure you don't insert it so far into the potato that it comes into contact with the nail. Try to separate your copper from the nail as much as possible in the potato. Connect the potatoes in a series. Once you have a galvanized nail and a piece of copper in the ends of each potato, you can connect them to one another in a series to produce more electricity. Place the 3 potatoes in a row in front of you and use the alligator clip units and wires to connect them to one another sequentially. Make sure the potatoes are lined up in the same way, with the nails all on one side and the copper on the other. Attach an alligator clip to the copper end of the first potato, then connect it to the nail on the second potato. Connect the copper end of the second potato to the nail of the third potato. Connect the potatoes to the clock. The 2 outer potatoes should only have one wire connecting them to the middle potato. Now attach an alligator clip unit to the remaining nail on 1 potato, and another separate clip to the remaining piece of copper in the other potato. Attach the alligator clip unit coming from the nail to the negative (-) terminal inside the battery compartment of the clock. Attach the alligator clip unit coming from the final piece of copper to the positive (+) battery terminal. Check the connections and set the clock. Once both clips are attached to the positive (+) and negative (-) battery terminals, the clock should turn on. If it doesn't, check each of the connections to ensure they are attached tightly and there is good metal on metal contact. Once connected securely, the clock will come on. You may want to disconnect it to avoid depleting the chemical energy in the potatoes if you need to show the experiment at a fair or in class. Check the wire connections. If your clock fails to work, there may be an issue with one of the connections between the potatoes or the clock. Make sure that each connection is tight and that there isn't any material separating the metal of the alligator clip from the galvanized nail or the piece of copper. You also need to ensure the connections are made in the correct order: the nail on 1 potato should connect to the copper on the next. The negative (-) battery terminal should always be connected to a nail, while the positive (+) terminal should always go to the copper. Try replacing pennies with strips of copper to ensure a strong connection. Make sure each alligator clip is firmly attached where it belongs. Add another potato. If everything is connected properly but the clock is still not working, it may be because your potatoes aren't producing enough voltage to power the clock. You can use a multimeter or voltmeter to check the amount of voltage being produced by your potato batteries if you have them, or you can try adding another potato to your battery chain to increase the amount of power it produces. Connect an additional potato just as you connected the first ones: run an alligator clip unit from the copper of one potato to the galvanized nail on the next, then from the copper on that potato to the clock or the next potato. If another potato still does not make the clock work, there is either an issue with the connection or the clock. Soak the potatoes in Gatorade. Soaking the potatoes overnight in Gatorade can increase their conductivity and help ensure your potato powered clock works. Gatorade contains electrolytes that can help conduct the electrical current through each potato, but you'll need to soak the potatoes overnight in order to ensure the electrolytes reach the center of the potato. Gatorade also contains phosphoric acid, which adds to its conductive properties. Swap the potatoes out for lemons or oranges. If you cannot make your potato powered clock function, you may want to try swapping the potatoes out for another conductive fruit, like lemons or oranges. Place the nail and copper into the fruit just as you did the potato. Rolling the fruit on the table first can help break down the interior of the fruit, allowing fluid to travel more easily, and as a result, the electrical current too. Ensure you have the right materials. Using the incorrect materials can make it far more difficult or even impossible to correctly assemble your potato clock. Look over your materials and the packaging they came in so you can make sure you have exactly what you think you have. Make sure the package you purchased the nails in says they are galvanized. While most nails are, this experiment will not work if they are not. Ensure the clock you purchased runs on 1-2 volts and takes a traditional “button-type” battery. You can see how many volts it requires on the product information on the package.

Gather the necessary materials. Remove the batteries from the digital clock. Insert 1 nail and 1 short piece of copper wire into each potato. Use the alligator clips to connect the potatoes and clock. Check the connections and set the clock. Begin by gathering your materials. Place 1 nail in each potato. Insert a penny or copper strip into each potato. Connect the potatoes in a series. Connect the potatoes to the clock. Check the connections and set the clock. Check the wire connections. Add another potato. Soak the potatoes in Gatorade. Swap the potatoes out for lemons or oranges. Ensure you have the right materials.

https://www.wikihow.com/Throw-a-Punch

How to Throw a Punch

To get into the position to throw a basic jabbing punch, stand with your knees slightly bent, your chin down, and your fists held in front of your face like a boxer. When you're ready to throw the punch, push off slightly with your back foot, and rotate your shoulder as you push your arm forward so that your fist rotates 180 degrees. Keep your free hand up so that it protects your face, then bring your jabbing arm back to the starting position.

Keep your feet under your shoulders and turn towards your target. Put your nondominant foot in front of you and point it at a 35- to 45-degree angle towards your target. Plant your dominant foot behind you and point it away from the target at a 45- to 60-degree angle. Line yourself up with your target so that you're comfortable, but keep your back foot a little open—it shouldn't look like you're about to swing a baseball bat. Throwing power comes from the lower body, not the upper body, so you need to get into a strong stance before throwing any kind of punch. If your feet line up on the same line with your target, you won't have a strong base and it will be extremely hard to rotate or pivot. Keep your chest slightly open to the target. In most combat sports, this is called the A-stance. It is the main stance for offense and defense. Tuck your thumb over your middle finger to make a proper fist and avoid injuries. To make a perfect fist, close your hand tightly with your thumb on top of your other 4 fingers. Rest your thumb on top of your middle knuckle. Squeeze firmly to maintain a strong grip and avoid damaging your hand with your punch. Keep your wrist as straight as possible and never bend it while striking a target. If you punch with your 4 fingers wrapped over your thumb, you're extremely likely to break a bone in your hand. Line your wrist up to keep it straight with your forearm. If your wrist is really flimsy, you may sprain your wrist with a punch. Ideally, you will hit your target with the knuckle on your middle finger while your fingers are flush. Keep your thumb over the middle finger to brace it. Tuck your dominant hand against your chin and raise your free hand. Bend your elbows and lift your dominant hand up to your cheek. Hold it 1–3 inches (2.5–7.6 cm) from the surface of your skin with your knuckles pointing up and your elbow against your ribs. Lift your nondominant hand in front of you so that it's on the same level as your dominant fist, at least 4–10 inches (10–25 cm) in front of your face. Keep your nondominant hand up if you aren't throwing a punch. In a fight, it is your first line of defense when it comes to blocking an incoming punch. Some professional fighters will literally press their dominant hand against their cheek. They do this to make sure they keep it close over the course of a fight. Keeping your dominant fist against your cheek makes it easy to raise it up while tucking your head down to protect yourself. Bend your knees slightly to stabilize yourself and generate power. Every punch you throw will start with a lower body movement. If your legs and hips aren't stable, you won't be punching with much power. Bend your knees slightly so that they're comfortable and flexible. This way, it will be easier generate power and transfer it quickly from your legs to your upper body. Bent knees also make it harder to get knocked over if someone is punching back. If you stand straight up, it's hard to balance yourself if you get hit. However, bending your knees a little keeps you from falling over if you take a punch from your opponent. One of the reasons that boxers and MMA fighters bounce around when they're in an A-stance is that it helps keep their knees bent. Pivot your back foot and turn your knee inward to initiate the punch. Raise your back heel without lifting the ball of your foot. In one motion, turn your foot and back knee towards your target. It's okay if your leg dips down a little as you do this. The power of a straight punch starts with the legs, and pivoting inwards helps generate torque for your upper body. In combat sports, a straight punch refers to a compact, direct strike that is thrown with the dominant hand. It is more powerful than a jab, but faster than a hook. It's what most people think of when they picture a regular punch. Take a 6–12 in (15–30 cm) step forward if you need to before doing this. To do this, shuffle your front foot forward before sliding your back foot back under your shoulder. Only do this if you think you'll struggle to strike your target. Strategically, a straight punch is the best tool in your arsenal. It's easier to land than a flashy, over-the-top haymaker, but it's more powerful than a quick jab. Twist your hips and chest towards your target. As your back foot and knee finish twisting, begin rotating your hips and chest towards your target. At this point, your hands and arms should still be roughly where they were in the original fighting position. Extend your fist and allow your arm to turn inwards as you strike. Keep your forearm pointing up towards the sky as your hips and chest rotate forward. Once you turn 10-20 degrees towards the target, let your dominant arm follow your chest. Extend it straight towards your target, allowing your wrist to naturally turn inward. Do your best to avoid looping your arm out away from your and towards your target. It may feel more comfortable if you aren't a trained fighter, but you actually lose a lot of power when you do that. It's also more dangerous, since your hand is more likely to hit the target at an angle. Let your nondominant hand float 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) to the side as you do this, but keep it raised. Don't lower your nondominant hand in the event that you need to protect yourself after the punch lands. Strike the target with your middle knuckle and follow through. Continue extending your arm straight towards your target while turning your wrist inwards. To the best of your ability, hit the target with your middle knuckle. Once you make contact, continue extending your arm forward until it's completely stretched out. As soon as it reaches its totally extended, snap it back to you and put it back against your chin or proceed with another punch depending on whether your opponent is vulnerable or not. Hit the target with the palm-side of your hand facing down. A good straight punch lands with your arm extended 90-95% of the way. If it looks like you won't connect with your target, let the punch extend naturally into the air and accept that you missed. Do not launch yourself forward to connect the punch. If you do, you're extremely likely to get hit with a counterpunch in a fight. Keep your elbows against your ribs with your hands raised in front of you. Adjust your stance slightly for a jab by tucking your elbows tight against your sides. Keep your upper body as compact as possible for a jab, since the maneuver is meant to be as fast as possible. In combat sports, a jab refers to any straight punch thrown with your nondominant hand where you don't rotate your hips. It is used to test an opponent's defenses, throw them off balance for a stronger punch, or get a free punch in when they're focused on your dominant hand. Most of the time, in a professional fight, more jabs are thrown than any other punch. This is because a jab is the safest punch to throw from a defensive perspective since you don't open yourself up to high-impact counter punches. Take a 4–12 in (10–30 cm) step forward with your nondominant foot. A jab always starts with a small step. Lift your nondominant heel up and slide your foot forward towards your target. If the opponent is close enough to hit right now, take a 4 in (10 cm) step. If you need to get closer, step 8–12 inches (20–30 cm). Keep your foot planted at the same angle that it was resting at in your A-stance. Extend your nondominant hand 3/4 of the way towards your target. Without turning, rotating, or pivoting, extend your nondominant hand toward the target. You can lean forward a little if you want to add a little more power to your punch, but it's not mandatory. Keep your head still and do not lower your dominant hand from your cheek while you do this. The most common counter to a jab is a hook. Keeping your dominant hand against your cheek will keep you from taking a big counter-punch from your opponent. A jab is not intended to be a knockout punch. It's okay if it doesn't feel like there's a lot of power behind your punch. Do your best to not bend your elbow away from you as you extend your arm. A wide elbow is a signal to your opponent that you're punching, while a straight extension is much harder to track visually. Flip your wrist over while landing your punch. During the last 1/4 of your arm's extension, flip your wrist downward so that your palm is facing the floor. Hit the target with your middle knuckle as best as you can to strike cleanly. When you do this quickly, this will feel kind of like a whipping motion. If you don't turn your wrist over as you land your punch, you are leaving your body open to a counter punch. You're also losing out on a lot of the jab's power, which comes from this flicking motion. Pull your arm back almost immediately after hitting the target. Don't follow through hard with your jab. After you make contact, snap your nondominant hand back to its original position. Either throw another punch immediately, or take a step back and prepare for the next punch. In boxing, MMA, or martial arts, the goal of a jab is to either land a free punch or set yourself up for a better punch with your dominant hand. If you follow through and leave your nondominant arm extended, it will be hard to take advantage of your opponent's defensive maneuver in time to land a punch. Turn your dominant hand down while raising your elbow. From the A-stance, lift your dominant elbow up until your forearm is parallel to the floor. Let your wrist turn naturally downwards so that your knuckles are facing the ground. Do this as quickly as possible without moving your entire chest to avoid signaling your punch to your opponent. You can throw a hook with your dominant or nondominant hand. If you're throwing this punch with your other hand, turn your nondominant wrist down while raising the elbow. The hook takes longer to throw than a straight punch, but it's quite powerful when used correctly. Throw hooks when your opponent is really close to you to knock them off balance. A good hook also has a higher chance of knocking your opponent down, since you're striking your opponent at an angle they aren't expecting. Bend your front knee inward while pivoting your entire body. The hook requires a small windup for maximum power. To put some weight behind your punch, bend your front leg down and in towards your body like you're curling yourself up. Let your hip follow your knee like you're twisting away from your opponent. Do not move your arms while doing this. Your dominant hand should be directly behind your head at the end of this motion. Reverse the instruction to throw a hook with your nondominant hand; bend your back leg inwards while turning your torso slightly away from you. Keep your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle while rotating into the target. Maintain a bent elbow as you rotate your entire body towards your target. Pivot your back leg inwards while opening your front leg up to the target. Allow your punching arm to follow your hip and strike your opponent with your middle knuckle. When done correctly, this looks like your entire body is twisting forward like a hinge. For a hook with your nondominant hand the instruction is basically the same except you're twisting from the other direction and using your nondominant leg to pivot your body. Shift your weight to your dominant leg to generate power. Normally, your weight is evenly distributed between both feet when you're in the A-stance. Since an uppercut requires you to throw a punch at an odd angle, you need to shift your weight to generate power. Keep your weight on your back foot to generate enough natural momentum to throw a strong uppercut. You can throw an uppercut with your nondominant hand. To do this, shift your weight to your nondominant leg instead. An uppercut is the most difficult type of punch to pull off effectively. Due to the fact that you're striking from an odd angle, it's harder to land your punch with power. The goal of an uppercut is to cut through your opponent's defenses by striking from a unique angle. Lower your dominant arm and shoulder 10-20 degrees. Lean back 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) and lower your dominant shoulder. Slide your dominant elbow against your ribs with your forearm aimed at your target. Keep your nondominant hand raised in front of you to block counterpunches and hide your attack angle. These instructions are reversed for an uppercut with your nondominant hand. Importantly, you should not tuck the elbow if you're throwing an uppercut with your nondominant hand, though. Instead, let it freely hang under your shoulder. Pivot with your dominant leg to initiate the punch. Raise your dominant heel off of the ground and bend your knee inwards. At the same time, lean forward toward your target. While leaning forward, lower your dominant leg another 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm). This will give you more power and create a better angle of attack. When done correctly, your body will look like it's doing a kind of scooping motion as you're dipping down and extending your punch out. Drive your fist upwards to strike your target at an angle. Despite the way it may look in a professional fight, you don't actually throw your arm in a circular motion, it's basically a straight punch upwards at an angle. Throw your fist up towards your target. Hit with your middle knuckle and drive through the punch. After you extend through the target, pull your arm back and prepare for another punch or block.

Keep your feet under your shoulders and turn towards your target. Tuck your thumb over your middle finger to make a proper fist and avoid injuries. Tuck your dominant hand against your chin and raise your free hand. Bend your knees slightly to stabilize yourself and generate power. Pivot your back foot and turn your knee inward to initiate the punch. Twist your hips and chest towards your target. Extend your fist and allow your arm to turn inwards as you strike. Strike the target with your middle knuckle and follow through. Keep your elbows against your ribs with your hands raised in front of you. Take a 4–12 in (10–30 cm) step forward with your nondominant foot. Extend your nondominant hand 3/4 of the way towards your target. Flip your wrist over while landing your punch. Pull your arm back almost immediately after hitting the target. Turn your dominant hand down while raising your elbow. Bend your front knee inward while pivoting your entire body. Keep your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle while rotating into the target. Shift your weight to your dominant leg to generate power. Lower your dominant arm and shoulder 10-20 degrees. Pivot with your dominant leg to initiate the punch. Drive your fist upwards to strike your target at an angle.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stain-Brick

How to Stain Brick

Before staining your bricks, test how the mixture looks by applying it to a spare brick since the color may appear different than you expected when it dries. If you like the color, apply the stain by running a paint brush along the brick in a smooth motion. After every third or fourth brick, dip the brush in your stain and drain off any excess. As you work, try to paint the bricks in a scattered pattern to avoid getting a darker or lighter color on 1 end when you get to the bottom of your stain container. Finally, clean up any drips promptly.

Confirm that your brick absorbs water. Splash a cup of water onto the brick. If the water beads up and runs off, your brick cannot be stained. It may have a coat of sealant applied, or it may be a non-absorbent type of brick. See the next step for more information. Remove sealant if necessary. If the brick surface does not absorb water, you may need to remove a sealant. This process will not always work, and may cause discoloration. Try the following method: Apply lacquer thinner to a small area and let sit for ten minutes. Wipe off and test with water again. If it is absorbed, use lacquer thinner on the whole area. If the water is not absorbed, try again with a commercial brick or concrete sealer stripper. If the commercial stripper does not work, staining is not possible. Paint over the brick instead. Clean the bricks. Saturate the brick with water first, so it cannot absorb cleaning solution. Scrub with a dilute, mild detergent from the top down to remove mildew, stains, and dirt. Rinse thoroughly from the top down, then let dry completely. Heavily discolored bricks may require chemical brick cleaners, but these can damage the brick or mortar, or interfere with the stain. Look for gentle options, and avoid unbuffered muriatic acid in particular. If you are treating a large surface, hire a trained operator to pressure wash the surface. Unskilled pressure washing can permanently scar bricks. Make sure you mix a cleaner into the water before pressure washing. Choose your brick stain product. If possible, find a hardware store that will let you test samples of the stains before purchasing. If ordering online, find a kit that includes multiple colors, so you can mix them to experiment with the right shade. Choose from the following types: Water-based brick stains are recommended for most purposes. They are easy to apply and allow the brick to "breathe," preventing water buildup. Stains pre-mixed with sealant create a watertight coat on the bricks. This can actually make water damage worse in many situations. Use these only for small areas with extreme water exposure, or very porous, damaged bricks. Protect yourself and the area from splashes. Wear gloves, old clothes, and safety glasses. Use painter's tape to seal off areas you do not intend to stain, such as window sills, door frames, etc. You do not need to seal the mortar lines between bricks, as long as you're careful during application. Stay near a bucket of water or a sink so you can quickly rinse spills. If spilled on skin, rinse with soapy water. If spilled on eyes, flush for ten minutes. Check weather conditions. The brick surface should be completely dry and clean. Exterior brick surfaces should not be stained during windy weather, to avoid dripping and uneven drying. Some stains should not be applied in cold or hot weather, as described on the label. Temperature is usually only a concern at cold and hot extremes. Depending on product, minimum temperatures range from 25 to 40ºF (-4 to +4ºC). Maximum temperature is typically around 110ºF (43ºC). Mix the stain. Read instructions on the stain container carefully. Typically, the user mixes the stain with water before using. Measure out the amount of water carefully to get a consistent color. Stir thoroughly in a figure eight pattern. Use a disposable container that you can easily fit your brush into. When in doubt, add less stain to the water. It's easy to add more concentrated color later, but difficult to lighten a stain once it's been applied. If you are mixing multiple colors together, record the exact amounts of each color you mix, so you can repeat the recipe for the next batch. Test on a small surface area. Try out the stain on a corner of the wall or a spare brick. Let it dry completely so you see how this mixture looks. Refer to the steps below for application instructions. Repeat this step each time you try a new mixture. Stains are permanent, so it's worth taking the time to find a color you prefer. If you cannot find a suitable color, ask for help from the store that sold you the stain kit. Dip and drain the brush. Use an ordinary paintbrush, about as wide as a single brick. Dip it into the stain, then press it against the side of the container nearest to you to drain excess stain. Don't use the side of the container opposite you, or splashes could hit the wall. If you are nervous about dripping on the brick, practice the technique using plain water. A water-based stain has the same consistency. For very large surfaces, use a roller or sprayer instead. These methods give you much less control and will stain the mortar as well. Apply the stain. For brick-and-mortar structures, run the brush along a single brick in one smooth motion. For brick pavers or other brick surfaces with no material between them, brush on in overlapping strokes, covering each surface twice. In either case, immediately touch up minor gaps with the corner of the brush. Pull the brush toward the direction of the hand you are using (left to right for right-handed people). Stir each time you dip the brush. Dip and drain the brush after every 3rd or 4th stroke, or when you notice it's leaving a less even layer of stain. Stir each time to keep the color even. Do not dip the brush partway through a single brick unless absolutely necessary. Brush in a scattered pattern. If you stain the bricks in a row, you may get darker or lighter color at one end, when you reach the bottom of your stain container. Make these slight differences look natural by painting bricks in a scattered pattern. Clean up drips immediately. Drips can leave darker streaks that are difficult to remove once set. Wipe them up with a damp rag immediately. Drain the brush against the side of the container to prevent more drips. If you accidentally stain the mortar and can't wipe it all off, scrape off the color gently with an old screwdriver or other metal tool. Stain the mortar (optional). If you plan to stain the mortar, use a narrow brush that can fit inside the mortar lines. Using a different color is recommended for aesthetic reasons. Clean up. Wash all tools promptly to avoid dry residue. Dispose of your stain container and excess stain according to the safety label. Wait for the stain to dry. Drying time varies significantly with temperature, humidity, and product. Good air flow across the brick's surface will speed this up.

Confirm that your brick absorbs water. Remove sealant if necessary. Clean the bricks. Choose your brick stain product. Protect yourself and the area from splashes. Check weather conditions. Mix the stain. Test on a small surface area. Dip and drain the brush. Apply the stain. Stir each time you dip the brush. Brush in a scattered pattern. Clean up drips immediately. Stain the mortar (optional). Clean up. Wait for the stain to dry.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Kidney-Donor

How to Be a Kidney Donor

To become a kidney donor, decide whether you want to donate to a relative or loved one. Alternatively, consider donating anonymously, which involves registering on a transplant list so you can be matched with an appropriate recipient. Then, get an evaluation from a doctor, including blood tests and urine samples, to confirm that you're healthy enough to be a donor. You should also talk to your insurance company about financial costs, including lost wages and follow-up care.

Decide between deceased and living donation. There are two different ways to become a kidney donor. The first is known as deceased donation, which means that the kidney is harvested from your body after your death. If this is the type of donation you are considering, it is very simple to register. You can visit the website Donate Life America to register, or you can declare your intentions to donate organs on your driver's license. A living donation is when you are still alive and healthy and choose to donate a kidney. Most of us have two kidneys, and it is possible to live an entirely healthy life with only one healthy kidney. Before committing to living donation, consider the physical, emotional, and financial implications. The following information is intended for those considering living donation. Consider an anonymous or personal donation. If you are contemplating making a living donation, you will need to think about who you want to receive your kidney. Many people choose to donate a kidney to a loved one who is suffering from a kidney ailment and needs a transplant. The most common kidney donations are made to a child, spouse, or sibling. You can also choose to donate your kidney to a distant relative, friend, or even a co-worker in need. Anonymous donations are becoming more and more common. This is known as a non-directed donation, which means that your kidney may be given to anyone on the transplant list. Get an evaluation from a doctor. Not everyone is eligible to become a kidney donor. If you are not healthy enough to survive a major operation, or if your kidneys are not strong enough, you may not be able to donate. In order to determine your eligibility for living donation, you will need to have a doctor perform a thorough physical evaluation. As a potential donor, you will undergo blood, urine, and radiology tests. Your doctor will analyze all of the results to determine your eligibility. If you are making a personal donation, the blood test will determine whether your kidney is compatible with the intended recipient's physical makeup. Before surgery, the doctor will order thorough x-rays of your kidneys to ensure that they are sufficiently healthy. Consider the physical risks. During the initial consultation, your doctor should talk to you about the many possible risks that go along with kidney donation. You will want to carefully think about all of this information and how it could impact your life. You should discuss possible outcomes with your close family members. Some potential long-term side effects are nerve damage, chronic pain, and intestinal obstruction. Donors are also at higher risks for health concerns such as high blood pressure, and reduced kidney function. Think about the emotional effects. Donating a major organ can be a very emotional experience. When you are considering making a living donation, there are several questions you should ask yourself. For example, spend some time thinking about why you want to make the donation. You should ask yourself how you will feel if the recipient does not act grateful, or if your relationship becomes strained. Will you be able to handle that? You also need to recognize that your kidney may not function properly in the recipient's body. Consider how you will feel emotionally if the kidney fails. Talk to your insurance company. After your doctor has deemed you eligible to make a living donation, you will need to consider the financial costs. Generally, the recipient's insurance plans will cover the cost of the donor's surgery and hospital stay, but won't cover travel, lost wages, and other external expenses. Call your insurance company and ask a representative what exactly will be covered. Make sure to ask exactly what medical expenses will be covered by the recipients insurance policy. You should also find out if your follow-up care is covered. You should also make sure that you are financially prepared to miss work for four to six weeks. Your policy will almost certainly not cover lost wages. Speak to the doctors. When you are preparing for surgery, it is a good idea to have in-depth conversations with your doctors. You may find it helpful to speak to your primary care physician, your surgeon, and other members of the transplant team. Ask questions about both the surgical procedure and the recovery process. Talk to your doctor about the success rate of the transplant center, and what the rate of complications for donors are. Discuss the plan for follow-up care. Ask if you will be assigned an individual donor advocate to guide you through recovery. Find a support system. Leading up to surgery, you will likely experience some anxiety. Make sure to talk about your fears with your doctor. You should also tell a close friend or family member that you are very emotional, and could use some extra support. Let your friends and family know that you will need some help after the surgery, as you will need time to physically recover. Line up people to help you before your surgery. You will have one less thing to worry about while you are recovering. The hospital should provide a social worker to talk to you about the emotional aspects of donation. Make sure you schedule an appointment with him/her the week of your surgery. Have the operation. In the days right before the operation, the doctor will run some final lab tests to make sure you are physically ready for the operation. When you are ready, you will report to the hospital or surgical center for surgery. You will be prepped for surgery and placed under general anesthesia. Typically, the surgery is laparoscopic. Small incisions will be made in your abdomen while laparoscopic instruments are inserted to remove the kidney. You will wake up in a recovery room, where pain medication and oxygen will be administered. You will have a catheter to expel urine from your body, which will typically be removed the next morning. Recover in the hospital. You will need to spend 1-2 days in the hospital post-laparoscopic surgery. Your vital signs will be monitored and you will be given pain medication. Your nurses will encourage you to get up and walk around, as pain allows. Make sure that you have requested time off from work. Your total recovery time will be about four to six weeks. You will likely experience gas and bloating in the first two days after the surgery. Manage your pain. Once you are released from the hospital, you will continue to recover at home. Your body will need about four to six weeks to heal before you can return to your normal routine. Make sure that you are taking any pain medications prescribed by your doctor. Avoid lifting objects heavier than ten pounds (4.5 kg), driving, or operating machinery while taking pain medications. If you have small children, you should arrange to have help caring for them during this period. Your abdomen may be slightly swollen, so wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. You may feel very tired during recovery. This is normal. Make sure to rest as much as possible. Prepare for multiple follow-ups. You will need to see your doctor multiple times after donating a kidney. Your doctor will recommend that your first check-up occur 1-2 weeks after the surgery. You will also need to be seen after 6 months, and 1 year. Depending on your health, your doctor will probably want you to have an annual check-up for the rest of your life.

Decide between deceased and living donation. Consider an anonymous or personal donation. Get an evaluation from a doctor. Consider the physical risks. Think about the emotional effects. Talk to your insurance company. Speak to the doctors. Find a support system. Have the operation. Recover in the hospital. Manage your pain. Prepare for multiple follow-ups.

https://www.wikihow.com/Touch-a-Guy

How to Touch a Guy

If you want to show a guy you're interested by touching him, start off small by gently squeezing his shoulder to show you care. You can do this to calm him down, to let him know everything's okay, or it can just be a sign that you're happy to see him. Another great way to show some affection is a quick pat on the back. Give him a small pat on the top of his back as a nice little “goodbye” or do it during a half-hug when you meet him to add some affection without getting too awkward. When you want to test the waters, try putting your arm around his shoulder as you walk together, as this can be interpreted as a “buddy-buddy” moment or something more. However, if he seems uncomfortable with any of your touches, back off and stick to non-physical communication to show that you respect his boundaries.

Hug him. If you want to show a guy affection, hugging him is a great way to know you care. Just lean close to him, put your arms around him, and don't linger too long unless you want to show him that you really like him. You should have a good reason for hugging the guy, like congratulating him on an accomplishment, or greeting him when he walks into a room, if you know him pretty well already. Move your head to the side so you don't awkwardly bring your face too close to his. Squeeze his shoulder. Squeezing a guy's shoulder is another way to show him that you care about him. Just reach over and give either his right or left shoulder a quick, gentle squeeze when you're sitting next to or facing the guy. You can do this to calm him down about something, to let him know that everything's okay, or just to show him that you're happy to see him. Squeeze his shoulder for a quick second -- there's no need to linger. Touch his elbow. When you stand facing the guy, reach out to put your hand on his elbow with an open palm. Just gently touch his elbow to show him affection and to break the touch barrier. If your hand lingers, it'll look more intimate, but a quick pat on the elbow will just show him that you care -- and can lead to something more. Pat his hand. If you and the guy are sitting down with your hands on a table, or if you're sitting and the guy's hand is on his knees, you can reach over and gently pat the top of his hand for a second. This is a great way to reassure the guy and to make him feel special without getting too intimate. Don't try to hold his hand or linger your hand over the top of his -- that can come later, if you like. Pat him on the back. Patting the guy on the back is another great way to show affection. Just pat the top of his back, just below his shoulder, to show him that you can care. Patting the guy on the back once or twice is a good way to make an exit, or to say hello in that half-hug way without making things too awkward. Put your arm around him. Putting your arm around a guy is another great way to show affection. You can just put your arm around him while you're walking, letting your arm rest just below his shoulders. This is a great way to show affection that can be interpreted as "buddy-buddy" -- or as something more. Just don't make him feel uncomfortable. Kiss the guy on the cheek. Kissing a guy on the cheek is a great way to touch him flirtatiously without coming on too strong. This typically happens when you greet or say goodbye to a hug, and you both lean in to give a kiss on opposite cheeks. Just make sure that you know the guy well enough and that the occasion is appropriate -- you shouldn't try this move if you're saying hello in the halls or in a class, but you can try it if you're saying hello or goodbye at the end of a party or when you're out with your friends. When you kiss the guy on the cheek, let your lips just graze the side of his cheek. Don't give him a wet, sloppy kiss. Make sure that he's leaning in for the kiss or cheek-to-cheek move, too. Give him a playful smack. Another way to be flirtatious is to lightly hit the guy when you're talking. You can gently hit him on his upper arm if you're both standing up, or hit him on the knee if you're both sitting down. This is a move that says, "Oh, stop it! But really, don't..." Make sure you do this lightly and don't hit him too hard, or he'll be put off. When you're being playful like this, it's important that the guy is reciprocating. If you're playfully hitting him from time to time, he should return the gesture. Kick him under the table. This is another low-key but effective way to touch a guy flirtatiously. If you're sitting across from each other and he says something that makes you laugh or which was meant to elicit an "Ew!" or "Gross!" reaction, then you can playfully kick the top of his foot with your own. If you're feeling bold, you can playfully kick him under the table and then move your feet so that they're just touching his, daring him to move. Play with his hair. Playing with a guy's hair is a great way to flirt with him. This is a pretty bold move, so you shouldn't over use it and find a good reason to do it. For example, if the guy just got a haircut, you can gently squeeze his hair to tease him. If his hair looks a little messy, you can playfully try to fix it, using it as an excuse to touch him. Just make sure he likes it -- it's a pretty intimate gesture, and not every guy likes to have his hair touched. Touch his knees with yours. If you and the guy are sitting across from each other, lean in until your knees are almost touching. Then, if he moves closer, or if you're just feeling bold, have the tops of your knees touch, or move your knees so that one is on the outside of his legs and one is between them, so you move closer together. Lean your body toward him to make this happen. Gently brush his cheeks. If you really want to get flirty, wait for the time when the guy has an eyelash or even a bit of food on his cheek. Then, lean over and gently brush it off him, taking care to make light contact with his skin. Linger just enough to get flirty, and move closer to him so he feels you getting more intimate. Guys usually like being touched on the cheek because it is soft and comfortable. Hold the guy's hand. Once you've gotten more intimate, you can reach your hand over to hold the guy's hand when you're standing up. You can hold hands while you're walking, or while you're sitting down and talking or watching a movie. If you're sitting across from each other, you can hold hands under the table or with your hands over the table. Give the guy's hand a gentle squeeze from time to time to keep the flirtatious mood going. Though holding a guy's hand is a great way to flirt with him, you should avoid this move unless you're already "together" somewhat -- holding hands in public is a declaration that you're an item, and not all guys may like that. Also, a lot of guys just don't like to have their hands held, period, whether you're alone or in public, so be cautious when you try this form of affection. Touch his chest. If you want to be flirtatious with the guy, you can place one hand on his chest as you're talking and moving closer to him. This is especially effective if he's standing with his back to a wall or if you're in a small, enclosed space. Hug him from behind. If you want to start turning a guy on , then give him a hug from behind. Stand behind him and wrap your arms around his stomach, bringing your bodies closer. You can rest your chin on his shoulder or press your forehead to his back, depending on your height. Let him feel your breath on the back of his neck. It won't take long for him to turn around and start kissing you. Kiss the back of his neck. Kissing the back of a guy's neck is another great way to turn him on. To do this, just move up behind him and wrap your arms around him or just squeeze his shoulders, and start gently kissing the back of his neck, working your way over to the sides of his neck below his ears. You can also turn around and start kissing the front of his neck, or try kissing the front of his neck when you're kissing in bed and you're both reclined. Place your hand on the small of his back. Placing your hand on the small of the guy's back, just above his waistline, is another great way to let him know that you want something more. As you move toward him, place your hand on the small of his back and turn to face him, using your hand to draw him closer to you. Touch the back of his head. The back of a guy's head, just above his neck, is another great spot to turn the guy on. Touch the back of his head when you're kissing or just having an intimate conversation where you're leaning in close to each other and talking. You can also massage his scalp a bit or run your fingers through the hair on the back of his head. Touch him behind his ear. The area behind a guy's ear is another erogenous zone and touching a guy there, whether it's with the tips of your fingers or the tips of your lips, is a great way to send a tingling sensation up and down his spine. You can stroke the area behind his ear with your hands and even move on to gently touch his ear and earlobes. Touch the inside of his ear. This is an intimate move that is guaranteed to drive any guy wild. Touch the inside of the guy's ear with the very tip of your tongue. After you do that, you can gently blow in the guy's ear to drive him crazy. If you're not comfortable with putting your tongue in there, then just blowing on the ear will suffice. You can also just graze the inside of his ear with your lips when you're leaning close to whisper something in his ear. Touch his feet. Touching a guy's feet is another guaranteed way to turn him on. Just gently stroke his toes, run your fingers along the pad of his foot to tickle him slightly, and give him a light foot massage by running your hands along the joints in his toes in a circular fashion to make him go wild. Don't do this if he's wearing sneakers and socks -- his feet may be a bit dirty or sweaty at that point. But if you're both in bed with bare feet, go for it. Touch his skin. Any skin-to-skin contact will turn a guy on. Touch his cheeks, his forearms, the back of his wrists, his forehead, his bare knees, or even graze his lips with your hands.

Hug him. Squeeze his shoulder. Touch his elbow. Pat his hand. Pat him on the back. Put your arm around him. Kiss the guy on the cheek. Give him a playful smack. Kick him under the table. Play with his hair. Touch his knees with yours. Gently brush his cheeks. Hold the guy's hand. Touch his chest. Hug him from behind. Kiss the back of his neck. Place your hand on the small of his back. Touch the back of his head. Touch him behind his ear. Touch the inside of his ear. Touch his feet. Touch his skin.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Snuggie

How to Make a Snuggie

To make a snuggie, start by cutting a piece of soft fleece so that it measures 60 by 108 inches. Then, cut a 24 inch strip off the bottom and cut that piece in half vertically to use for the sleeves. Next, fold the large piece of fabric in half before cutting an oval shape through both layers toward the top of the rectangle. After you cut the holes, sew the sleeves along the long edge with a 5/8 inch seam allowance, then turn them inside out and sew them to the holes in the fleece using a zigzag stitch.

Get some soft, fleece fabric. The benefit of fleece is that it does not need to be hemmed. If you do want to hem it, however, you'll need to use a stitch meant for stretchy fabrics, such as a narrow zigzag stitch. If you must use a straight stitch, use a longer, basting length one. Cut about 3 yards of soft, fleece fabric. Your piece should measure 60 by 108 inches (152.4 by 274.32 centimeters). A very tall person might need a longer piece of fabric. If this snuggie is for a child, start with a piece of fabric that is 2 to 2.5 yards (1.8 to 2.3 m) long. The width should stay the same: 60 inches (152.4 centimeters). Cut a 24 inch (60.96 centimeters) wide strip off the bottom. The big rectangle should now measure 60 by 84 inches (152.4 by 213.36 centimeters). The strip should measure 24 by 60 inches (60.96 by 152.4 centimeters). If this is for a child, cut a 20 inch (50.8 centimeters) strip off the bottom. Cut the strip in half. Bring the narrow ends together, and cut along the fold. You will end up with two 24 by 30 inch (60.96 by 76.2 centimeters) strips. These will eventually become your sleeves. If you have shorter arms, trim the rectangles down to 24 by 24 inch (60.96 by 60.96 centimeters) squares. If this is for a child, cut your strip down to 20 by 20 inch (50.8 by 50.8 centimeters) squares. Fold the big rectangle in half. Bring the wide ends together and flatten the fabric so that you end up with a long, skinny rectangle. Cut an oval into the fabric. Measure 13 inch (33.02 centimeters) down from the top, and 11 inches (27.94 centimeters) from the folded edge. Cut an oval that is 9 inches (22.86 centimeters) tall and 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) wide. Cut through both layers of fabric. Consider setting the scraps aside to make pockets later. If this is for a child, measure 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) down from the top, and 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) from the fold. Make the oval 4¾ inches (12.07 centimeters) wide and 6 ½ inches (16.51 centimeters) tall. These are standard measurements. To make your snuggie perfectly sized for you, measure across your shoulders, and divide that measurement in half. This is how far from the folded edge your ovals will be. Sew the sleeves. Fold the little rectangles in half, lengthwise, and sew along the long edge using a 5/8 inch (1.59 centimeters) seam allowance. If this is for a child, you might need a larger seam allowance, bout 1 inch (2.54 centimeters). Tie the ends of the threads into tight knots, and snip off the excess. Choose a strong, polyester thread in a color that closely matches your fleece. Turn the sleeves inside out. At this point, you can hem the sleeves. Fold one of the ends on each sleeve inward by 1 to 3 inches (2.54 to 7.62 centimeters). Pin the hem down, and sew it with a zigzag stitch. Tie the ends of the threads into tight knots and snip off the tail ends. These are standard measurements. If you want shorter sleeves, use a deeper hem. If you want longer sleeves, use a smaller hem. Pin the sleeves to the ovals in the big rectangle. Make sure that the top/folded part of each sleeve is facing the top part of the big rectangle. The bottom seams should be facing the bottom part of the big rectangle. Sew the sleeves in place using a zigzag stitch. Tie the ends of the treads into tight knots, and snip off the excess. Consider hemming the snuggie. Fleece does not fray, so it does not need to be hemmed; however, not everyone likes the look of raw edges. You can hem your snuggie to give it a more professional finish. Simply fold the top, bottom, and side edges inward by ¾ inch (1.91 centimeters). Pin them in place, and sew them down using a zigzag stitch. Tie the ends of the thread off, and snip off the excess. If this is for a child, consider using a deeper hem along the bottom. This way, you can lower the hem as the child grows. Cut one of the ovals you cut out earlier in half widthwise. You can cut the ovals straight across, or at a slight angle. If you are making multiple snuggies, consider mixing and matching the pockets for added contrast. Consider hemming the straight edge. This will give your pockets a more finished look. It will also prevent the fleece from stretching out too much. Use a ¾ inch (1.91 centimeters) hem and a zigzag stitch. Remember to tie the ends of the threads off, and to snip away any excess. Pin the pockets to the snuggie. Put the snuggie on how you intend to wear it, and decide where the most comfortable pocket placement would be for you. Most pockets should be placed several inches/centimeters above the sleeve cuff, but some people might prefer their pockets lower. Make sure that the hem is facing inward. Topstitch the pockets down. You can use a straight stitch for this. Sew along only the curved edge, and not the top/straight edge. Sew as close to the raw edge as you can.

Get some soft, fleece fabric. Cut about 3 yards of soft, fleece fabric. Cut a 24 inch (60.96 centimeters) wide strip off the bottom. Cut the strip in half. Fold the big rectangle in half. Cut an oval into the fabric. Sew the sleeves. Turn the sleeves inside out. Pin the sleeves to the ovals in the big rectangle. Sew the sleeves in place using a zigzag stitch. Consider hemming the snuggie. Cut one of the ovals you cut out earlier in half widthwise. Consider hemming the straight edge. Pin the pockets to the snuggie. Topstitch the pockets down.

https://www.wikihow.com/Smell-Nice-if-You-Sweat-a-Lot

How to Smell Nice if You Sweat a Lot

If you're worried about smelling nice because you sweat a lot during the day, start by showering daily to eliminate odor-causing bacteria on your skin. When you shower, pay special attention to the hairy areas of your body, and consider shaving your armpits, since hair traps sweat and odor. Additionally, wear clothing and socks made from natural fibers like cotton and change them at least once a day, or more if you do something physical. You can also try using an antiperspirant to reduce sweat and follow up with a perfume or body spray.

Shower regularly. Sweat itself does not smell; body odor is caused when bacteria on your skin breaks your sweat down into acids. While bacteria are a normal part of your body's make-up, you can eliminate excess bacteria — and, most importantly, the acids they produce — by washing daily. Pay special attention to cleansing hairy areas of the body. Humans have two types of sweat glands. Eccrine glands are spread across your skin and regulate your body temperature by cooling your skin with sweat when you get hot. The sweat produced by this gland is typically less smelly. Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are concentrated in hairy areas of your body such as armpits and your genital region. The sweat from these glands contains high levels of protein. Your skin bacteria love protein, so this type of sweat quickly becomes very stinky! Use antibacterial soap on your armpits. Again, some bacteria are good — but too many can pose a problem, especially in odor-prone areas like your armpits. Shave your armpits. Hair traps sweat and odor, providing ideal conditions for smell-producing bacteria to multiply. Change your clothing regularly. At minimum, you should change into fresh clothes daily. Changing more than once a day is a good idea if you perform physical labor that causes you to sweat or if you exercise. Wear clothing made from natural fibers. Avoid tight, restrictive clothing and man-made fibers such as nylon. These types of clothing restrict the ability of your skin to "breathe," increasing your volume of sweat. Pay special attention to your socks and shoes. Socks should be thick, soft, and made of natural fibers, or sports socks designed to absorb moisture. Shoes should be made of leather, canvas, or mesh rather than synthetic materials. Change your socks at least twice a day if you are prone to sweaty feet. Carry a spare pair of socks with you so you can change them whenever you need to. Use an antiperspirant made for feet to reduce sweating. Purchase a few pairs of shoes so you can let each pair dry out after wearing them. Sprinkle a shoe powder in them to absorb odors after each use and thoroughly clean them on a regular basis. Use products that interact with the human body to prevent odors. Some products work to mask smells, while others work to eliminate the root cause of sweat. Deodorant uses perfume to mask the smell of sweat without eliminating the sweat itself. Antiperspirant reduces the amount of sweat the body produces. The active ingredient in antiperspirant is usually aluminum chloride, which blocks your glands from producing sweat. Use a paper towel to apply it so you don't get bacteria on the roller. If regular antiperspirant fails to keep you from sweating, consult your doctor about special formulations containing extra aluminum chloride. These antiperspirants are usually applied overnight and washed off in the morning. They operate by using the hours you are sleeping (you sweat less while you sleep) to seep into sweat glands and block the production of sweat. Use a perfume or body spray. While perfumes are no substitute for good hygiene, they replace problematic smells with an appealing scent. Experiment to find a fragrance that interacts well with your body chemistry. Only spray one to two sprays total. Too much fragrance can overwhelm people and leave a bad impression. Keep your chosen perfume or body spray handy to refresh your scent during the day. Be aware of any regulations regarding scents in your workplace or school. Some people are very sensitive to artificial fragrances, and you may not be permitted to wear them in certain settings. Moisture-reactive perfume is not yet on the market, but it may prove a useful tool in the future. Scientists in Ireland have learned how to bond fragrance to ionic liquids that react to water — including the water in sweat. The more someone wearing such a substance sweats, the stronger the scent becomes. Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying excess weight causes your body to work harder, raising your body temperature and producing more sweat. Skin folds caused by excess weight can harbor bacteria, so pay special attention to these areas when bathing. Avoid spicy foods and alcohol. You sweat more when you consume these items, and as previously mentioned, sweat interacts with the bacteria on your skin to produce body odor. Cutting back or eliminating these things from your diet will help you manage sweat volume, therefore keeping you smelling nice. Use armpit shields to protect your clothing. While this tactic will not change your sweat volume, by protecting your clothing you'll be able to wear shirts and sweaters longer before they become smelly. Shields are generally made from absorbent material that will keep sweat from clinging to your skin and becoming smelly. You will also minimize the appearance of your sweat. Maintain a positive mental outlook. A recent scientific study indicated that the "chemosignals," or body odor, of people in a happy mental state tended to induce a happy reaction in others exposed to their odor. In other words, if you're a happy person, the message you send to others spreads that happiness — even your body scent smells happy! Determine if your sweat smells fruity or bleach-like. Fruity-smelling sweat can be a symptom of diabetes, while bleachy-smelling sweat is one symptom of liver or kidney disease. Contact your doctor if you are concerned your sweat is a symptom of a significant medical problem. Consult your doctor if you believe you have hyperhidrosis. Basic hygiene should keep you smelling nice. If you find your problem persists, your doctor may be able to offer stronger treatments to eliminate the excessive sweat that is causing your body odor. Ask your doctor about botox. Botox, a low-level dose of botulinum toxin, can be injected into a problem area. The botox will block signals from the brain to sweat glands, reducing sweat. This treatment is temporary, lasting two to eight months. Consider therapeutic plastic surgery if your concerns about body odor have become overwhelming. Try the methods outlined above before taking such a significant step, but if your concerns are seriously compromising your quality of life, surgical options exist. Removing a small area of skin from a patient's armpit and the tissue just below the armpit will often eliminate the most troublesome apocrine sweat glands. Sweat glands can sometimes be drawn out from deeper skin layers using liposuction. Talk to your doctor about ETS surgery as a last-ditch measure. An endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, or ETS, uses keyhole surgery to destroy the nerves that control sweating in a problem area.

Shower regularly. Shave your armpits. Change your clothing regularly. Wear clothing made from natural fibers. Pay special attention to your socks and shoes. Use products that interact with the human body to prevent odors. Use a perfume or body spray. Maintain a healthy weight. Avoid spicy foods and alcohol. Use armpit shields to protect your clothing. Maintain a positive mental outlook. Determine if your sweat smells fruity or bleach-like. Consult your doctor if you believe you have hyperhidrosis. Ask your doctor about botox. Consider therapeutic plastic surgery if your concerns about body odor have become overwhelming. Talk to your doctor about ETS surgery as a last-ditch measure.

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

How to Write a Script

To write a script, always start with a scene heading that's aligned to the left margin whenever you go to a new location. You should also include action blocks whenever you want to describe the setting and character's actions, which should also be aligned with the left margin. For example, you might write, "John takes a sip of his coffee and smiles." When you want to include dialogue, center the character's name in all caps, and center the dialogue under their name.

Think of a theme or conflict that you want to tell in your story. Use a “What if?” question to form the idea of your script. Start taking inspiration from the world around you and ask yourself how it would be affected by a specific event or character. You may also think about an overall theme, such as love, family, or friendship for your story so that your whole script is tied together. For example, “What if you went back in time and met your parents when they were your age?” is the premise for Back to the Future , while “What if a monster rescued a princess instead of a handsome prince?” is the premise to Shrek. Carry a small notebook with you wherever you go so you can take down notes when you get ideas. Pick a genre for your story. Genre is an important storytelling device that lets readers know what sort of story to expect. Look at the movies or TV shows that you enjoy most and try to write a script in a similar style. Combine genres to make something unique. For example, you may have a western movie that takes place in space or a romance movie with horror elements. Choose a setting for your script to take place. Make sure the setting works with the story or theme of your script. Make a list of at least 3-4 different settings for your characters to travel between in your script so it stays interesting. For example, if one of your themes is isolation, you may choose to set your script in an abandoned house. The genre you pick will also help you choose your setting. For example, it's unlikely that you'd set a western story in New York City. Make an interesting protagonist. When you're making a protagonist, give them a goal that they are trying to achieve throughout the script. Give your character a flaw, such as being a constant liar or only thinking for themselves, to make them more interesting. By the end of your script, your character should go through an arc and change in some way. Brainstorm who your character is at the beginning of the story versus how the events would change them. Don't forget to figure out a memorable name for your character! Create an antagonist that opposes your protagonist. The antagonist is the driving force that goes against your protagonist. Give your protagonist and antagonist similar qualities, but change the way the antagonist approaches them. For example, your protagonist may be trying to save the world, but the antagonist may think the only way to save it is to destroy it. If you're writing a horror story, your antagonist may be a monster or a masked killer. In a romantic comedy, the antagonist is the person your main character is trying to woo. Write a 1-2 sentence logline to summarize the plot of your script. A logline is a short summary of the main events in your film. Use descriptive language to help your logline sound unique so other people understand what the main ideas of your story are. Make sure the conflict is present in your logline. For example, if you wanted to write a logline for the movie A Quiet Place , you may say, “A family is attacked by monsters,” but it doesn't give any details. Instead, if you wrote, “A family must live in silence to avoid being captured by monsters with ultra-sensitive hearing,” then the person reading your logline understands the main points of your script. Brainstorm plot ideas on index cards. Write down each event in your script on their own note cards. This way you can easily reorganize the events to see what works best. Write down all of your ideas, even if you think they're bad, since you may not know what will work best in your final script. If you don't want to use index cards, you may also use a word document or screenwriting software, such as WriterDuet or Final Draft. Arrange the events in the order you want them in your script. Once you write all of your ideas on cards, lay them out on a table or floor and organize them in the chronological order of your story. Look at how certain events lead into one another to see if it makes sense. If it doesn't, set the index cards aside to see if they'd work somewhere better in your outline. Have events in the future take place early in your film if you want to make a mind-bending movie with twists, such as Inception. Ask yourself the importance of each scene you want to include. As you go through your outline ask yourself questions, such as, “What is the main point of this scene?” or, “How does this scene move the story forward?” Go through each of the scenes to see if they add to the story or if they're only there to fill out space. If the scene doesn't have a point or move the story, you can probably remove it. For example, if the scene is your character just shopping for groceries, it doesn't add anything to the story. However, if your character bumps into someone at the grocery store and they hold a conversation related to the main idea of the movie, then you can keep it. Use high and low moments as your act breaks. Act breaks help separate your story into 3 parts: setup, confrontation, and resolution. The setup, or Act I, begins at the start of your story and ends when your character makes a choice that changes their lives forever. Throughout the confrontation, or Act II, your protagonist will work towards their goal and interact with your antagonist leading up to the climactic point of the story. The resolution, or Act III, takes place after the climax shows what happens afterward. Create a title page for your script. Include the title of your script in all caps in the center of the page. Put a line break after the title of your script, then type “written by.” Add another line break before typing your name. Leave contact information, such as an email address and phone number in the bottom left margins. If the script is based on any other stories or films, include a few lines with the phrase “Based on the story by” followed by the names of the original authors. Use size 12 Courier font throughout your whole script. Screenwriting standard is any variation of Courier so it's easy to read. Make sure to use 12-point font since it's what other scripts use and is considered industry standard. Use any additional formatting, such as bolding or underlining, sparingly since it can distract your reader. Put in scene headings whenever you go to a different location. Scene heading should be aligned to the left margin 1 ⁄ 2  in (3.8 cm) from the edge of the page. Type the scene headings in all caps so they're easily recognizable. Include INT. or EXT. to tell readers if the scene takes place inside or outside. Then, name the specific location followed by the time of day it takes place. For example, a scene heading may read: INT. CLASSROOM - DAY. Keep scene headings on a single line so they aren't too overwhelming. If you want to specify a room in a specific location, you can also type scene headings like: INT. JOHN'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY. Write action blocks to describe settings and character actions. Action blocks should be aligned with the left margin and are written in regular sentence structure. Use action lines to denote what a character does and to give brief descriptions about what's happening. Keep action lines brief so they don't overwhelm a reader looking at the page. Avoid writing what the characters are thinking. A good rule of thumb to think about is if it can't be seen on a screen, don't include it in your action block. So instead of saying, “John thinks about pulling the lever but he's not sure if he should,” you may write something like, “John's hand twitches near the lever. He grits his teeth and furrows his brow.” When you introduce a character for the first time in an action block, use all caps for their name. Every time after you mention the character name, write it as normal. Center character names and dialogue whenever a character speaks. When a character is about to speak, make sure the margin is set to 3.7 in (9.4 cm) from the left side of the page. Put the characters name in all caps so a reader or actor can easily see when their lines occur. When you write the dialogue, make sure it's 2 ⁄ 2  in (6.4 cm) from the left side of the page. If you want to make it clear how your character is feeling, include a parenthetical on the line right after the character name with an emotion. For example, it may read (excited) or (tense). Make sure the parenthetical is 3.1 in (7.9 cm) from the left side of the page. Set a deadline so you have a goal to reach. Choose a date that's about 8-12 weeks away from when you start since these are the usual industry times that writers have to work on a script. Mark the deadline on a calendar or as a reminder on your phone so it holds you accountable for working on your script. Tell others about your goal and ask them to hold you accountable for finishing your work. Plan to write at least 1-2 pages per day. During your first draft, just write the ideas that come to your head and follow along with your outline. Don't worry about spelling or grammar entirely since you just need to get your story written down. If you aim to do 1-2 pages each day, you'll finish your first draft within 60-90 days. Choose a set time each day to sit down and write so you don't get distracted. Turn off your phone or internet connection so you can just focus on writing. Say your dialogue out loud to see if it sounds natural. As you write what your characters are saying, talk through it out loud. Make sure it flows well and doesn't sound confusing. If you notice any problem areas, highlight or underline the phrases and come back to them next time you edit. Make sure each character sounds different and has a unique voice. Otherwise, a reader will have a hard time distinguishing between who's speaking. Keep writing until you're between 90-120 pages. Think of each page equalling 1 minute of screen time. To write a standard film script, aim to write something about 90-120 pages long so it would run for 1 ½-2 hours long. If you're writing a TV script, aim for 30-40 pages for a half-hour sitcom and 60-70 pages for an hour-long drama. Short films should be about 10 pages or less. Take a 1-2 week break from your script when you finish it. Since you've been working on your script for a long period of time, save the file and focus on something else for a few weeks. That way, when you come back to edit it, you'll be able to look at it with fresh eyes. Start work on another script while you wait if you want to keep working on other ideas. Reread your entire script and take notes on what doesn't make sense. Open your script and read it from start to end. Look for places where the story is the confusing or where characters are doing things without moving the story forward. Write your notes down by hand so you can remember them better. Try to read your script out loud and don't be afraid to act out parts based on how you think they should be performed. That way, you can catch dialogue or wording that doesn't work as well. Share your script with someone you trust so they can look over it. Ask a friend or parent to look over your script to see what they think. Tell them what sort of feedback you're looking for so they know what to focus on. Ask them questions when they're finished about whether parts make sense or not. Keep rewriting the script until you're happy with it. Work on story and character revisions first to fix larger problems in your script. As you work through each revision, work from larger problems, such as dialogue or confusing action sequences, to minor problems, such as grammar and spelling. Start each draft in a new document so you can cut and paste parts you like from your old script into the new one. Don't get too nit-picky with yourself or you'll never finish the script you're working on.

Think of a theme or conflict that you want to tell in your story. Pick a genre for your story. Choose a setting for your script to take place. Make an interesting protagonist. Create an antagonist that opposes your protagonist. Write a 1-2 sentence logline to summarize the plot of your script. Brainstorm plot ideas on index cards. Arrange the events in the order you want them in your script. Ask yourself the importance of each scene you want to include. Use high and low moments as your act breaks. Create a title page for your script. Use size 12 Courier font throughout your whole script. Put in scene headings whenever you go to a different location. Write action blocks to describe settings and character actions. Center character names and dialogue whenever a character speaks. Set a deadline so you have a goal to reach. Plan to write at least 1-2 pages per day. Say your dialogue out loud to see if it sounds natural. Keep writing until you're between 90-120 pages. Take a 1-2 week break from your script when you finish it. Reread your entire script and take notes on what doesn't make sense. Share your script with someone you trust so they can look over it. Keep rewriting the script until you're happy with it.

https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Dutch-Rabbits

How to Care for Dutch Rabbits

To care for Dutch your rabbit, make sure it has 24-7 access to quality green hay, which gives it vital fiber to keep its digestion healthy. In addition to hay, give your rabbit a small amount of fresh pellets and fresh fruits and veggies each day for extra nutrients. When your rabbit is around 4 months old, you should have it desexed, an operation that makes males less territorial and reduces the risk of womb cancer in females. You should also take your rabbit to the vet for routine check-ups at least once per year, and make sure it gets to vaccines that your vet recommends.

Assess whether to bring a rabbit into your family. The average lifespan is around 5 - 8 years, although neutering your pet Dutch rabbit, especially the females, could well extend their life. Be sure that you can commit to providing a healthy and happy home for the rabbit for as long as it lives. Choose a Dutch rabbit if you want a house rabbit. If you are looking for a rabbit to train as a house rabbit, then the Dutch rabbit is a good choice. They are intelligent and respond well to being trained, and they pick up litter box training quickly. Their even temperament makes them reliable with children, however, it should be noted that rabbits (regardless of breed) are all prey animals. This means they dislike being picked up and are easily startled. Fear can easily send a rabbit into shock, and likewise their delicate bones are easily fractured by rough handling. All of this means that your pet rabbit should be treated with respect, and children (especially under the age of 10) should be supervised with a rabbit at all times. Be sure that you can provide a calm and healthy environment for the rabbit. Only consider getting a rabbit if you can provide a calm, predator free environment for it. Think twice if you already own dogs or cats, as the rabbit may then live in a perpetual state of fear, being expected to live in close confines with its natural enemy. Also, be prepared to spend time every day cleaning the rabbit's living space and spending quality time interacting and playing, so that the rabbit won't become bored or lonely. If you can't commit to this, then get a cuddly toy rather than a pet rabbit. Prepare for the financial cost of a rabbit. You should make financial provision to provide veterinary care for your Dutch rabbit should they become ill. Be aware that rabbit medicine and surgery is much more advanced than previously. However, not all veterinarians are knowledgeable about the species or comfortable treating them. For the sake of your new furry friend it is best to ask around and find an "exotics" vet who has further qualifications in treating rabbits, or at very least is interested in them and undertakes CPD (continuing professional development) in the species. Also, proper veterinary care for rabbits costs the same as for a cat or dog, so don't expect it to cost less just because the initial purchase price of the pet was lower. Prepare for veterinary expenses by taking out pet insurance, with some insurance companies now offering rabbit policies. Make a list of potential costs and add them up before buying the rabbit. Any prospective rabbit keeper must be prepared to provide for all their pet's needs in terms of housing, good diet, health care, mental stimulation and exercise. Decide whether to keep the rabbit inside or outside. Your first decision is to decide where to house your rabbit. The ASPCA encourage indoor rabbits, as they are less likely to be 'forgotten' about than a rabbit that is out of sight in a yard. If you do house your Dutch rabbit outdoors, you need to make sure they have shelter from the rain, sun, and wind, and that the enclosure is predator proof. Buy a cage. A wide variety of indoor cages and hutches are available. They can range from a whole room that is rabbit-proofed, to a puppy crate, to rabbit condos. Whatever your choice, the important thing is the rabbit has plenty of space to move around, plus specific areas for a litter tray, food and water, and a hide. If you have more than one rabbit then each animal should have the option of a separate hide so they can withdraw if they feel overwhelmed for any reason. The minimum length of an indoor hutch and run should be 4 foot (1.2 m), but preferably 5 foot, and these are usually half as wide as they are long. They should be high enough to let the rabbit stand up on its hind legs without its ears touching the top. However, even with a run of this size, the rabbit should be allowed free roaming time everyday, so it gets plenty of exercise and time to forage, explore, and prevent boredom. Provide a litter box, bedding area, and eating area in the cage. Within the hutch you should provide a litter tray. Rabbits are clean animals and Dutch rabbits especially will rapidly learn to use a toilet area. Paper-pulp type litter is ideal, as it is less harmful to the rabbit if eaten than clay-based cat litters (which you should avoid). Each rabbit should have its own shelter, where it can retreat if it feels stressed. If a rabbit is stressed its natural instinct is to hide, and providing hiding places goes a long way to reducing additional stress. Pay attention to the flooring in the cage. Wire floors are NOT acceptable, as they damage the rabbit's feet. If the cage has a wire floor either remove it or cover with with plywood. Dutch rabbits are liable to get pododermatitis, which is the equivalent of pressure sores on the back of their hocks (equivalent to the human ankle). This is painful and debilitating and the most common cause is rough or mesh flooring, or sitting in soiled bedding that is not changed often enough. Make sure the floor is covered with a minimum of 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) depth of bedding. There are numerous substances that can be used for bedding, including straw (warm and soft), paper pulp (recycled material, safe and high absorbent), and shredded cardboard. Traditionally sawdust was used for rabbit bedding but this can be dusty and also contains oils that are irritating to the rabbit's lungs and therefore best avoided. Keep the cage clean. Spot clean the litter tray daily and removed urine soil and pellets. Clean the tray fully with disinfectant once a week, or sooner if the tray starts to smell. Be aware that rabbits pass two different types of pellets: a small dry pellet that is entirely waste material and a larger sticky cecotrophy. The cecotrophy represents food that has passed through the gut but still contains nutrition and the rabbit needs to re-eat it. Never remove cecotropes from the litter tray or you could be depriving your rabbit of valuable nutrition. Give your rabbit access to water at all times. It is important that it can drink whenever it wants to. Be sure the water is clean and that its water dish or water bottle is also clean. Give your rabbit access to grass or hay at all times. In the wild rabbits forage and eat vegetation, shoots, leaves, herbage, and grass. This is a high fiber, low calorie diet. The rabbit spends many hours continually chewing in order to get the nutrition they need. In the domestic setting grazing on a lawn mimics this diet, but if this is not possible then hay is the next best option. The rabbit should have good quality green hay available 24/7 as the main portion of their diet. The chewing required keeps their teeth in trim and it provides vital fiber that keeps their digestion healthy. Give the rabbit some fresh pellets every day. It is acceptable to give a small portion of rabbit kibble each day, around the amount one rabbit can eat in 20 minutes. Do not give so many pellets that the rabbit can graze on it all day. Rabbits that are fed a high proportion of their diet as kibble are prone to weight gain, and this can cause them health problems such as sore hocks, skin infections, fly strike, and arthritis. Choose an extruded diet, which means each biscuit is identical. Avoid muesli type dry foods as the rabbit will selectively eat the tasty parts, which are also the unhealthy part (low fiber, low calcium, high calorie) and leave the less tasty but nutrition rich components. Offer fresh vegetables or fruit every day. Rotate what you give so the rabbit never gets the same food two days running. Be aware that fruit is high in sugar and should be fed in small quantities to avoid your Dutch rabbit becoming overweight. Fresh foods to avoid include tomato leaves, potato tops, bracken, laburnum, yew, oak leaves, poppies, and rhubarb leaves Get your rabbit desexed. Female rabbits are does, and male rabbits are bucks. Does can get pregnant from around 4 - 5 months of age, and males can breed at roughly the same age. Thus, there is a high risk of pregnancy if both sexes are housed together. Desexing is strongly advised, and helps to make males less territorial and therefore better pets. There is a strong health benefit to neutering the females as does are at a high risk of uterine adenocarcinoma (womb cancer) and removing the womb during surgery removes this risk. Desexing is commonly performed from around 4 months of age. Get routine veterinary exams. Get your Dutch rabbit checked by a vet soon after purchase. A yearly check up is also advised. In the UK it is usual to vaccinate annually against myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease. Your veterinarian should tell you what vaccinations are common, and important, in your area. Watch for signs of ill health. Be alert for signs that your Dutch rabbit might be unwell. These include not eating (even if just for 12 - 24 hours you should seek urgent veterinary attention), lack of pellet production, a wet chin, limping, sneezing or wheezing, a wet nose, discharge from the eyes, excessive scratching, and diarrhea. Seek urgent veterinary attention if you see any of these symptoms, as rabbit's deteriorate rapidly when they are ill. Don't keep the rabbit in its cage all the time. Be sure to allow your rabbit a chance to roam free in the house each day. If you don't want to let the rabbit roam the house, at least take it out of its cage and let it hop around one area or in a pen. Ensure the house is "rabbit proof." This means putting all electrical cables out of reach, as rabbits will gnaw through them and electrocute themselves. Groom your rabbit. Brush the rabbit daily. This helps you to bond with each other, it builds trust, and it gets the rabbit used to being touched. Consider enriching their environment by providing toys. These can be as simple as cardboard tubes with a food treat in the center, held in place by plugs of hay. The rabbit has to remove the plugs of hay to get the treat. This is fun for the rabbit and it stimulates its mind. Take care when lifting your rabbit. Never lift a rabbit by the ears. A 'rugby ball' hold is ideal, with the weight of the rabbit's body supported along your forearm with its rear end snuggled into your elbow and the opposite hand steadying its head. If you are not confident picking a rabbit up, then consider wrapping it in a towel so it is supported and its claws don't scratch you. Consider getting a second rabbit. If you are unable to give your Dutch rabbit a lot of attention, consider getting two rabbits so they keep each other company. If you keep a male and female, then it is essential to neuter them. Alternatively, get two rabbits of the same gender from the same litter and then they should grow up together and tolerate each other well.

Assess whether to bring a rabbit into your family. Choose a Dutch rabbit if you want a house rabbit. Be sure that you can provide a calm and healthy environment for the rabbit. Prepare for the financial cost of a rabbit. Decide whether to keep the rabbit inside or outside. Buy a cage. Provide a litter box, bedding area, and eating area in the cage. Pay attention to the flooring in the cage. Keep the cage clean. Give your rabbit access to water at all times. Give your rabbit access to grass or hay at all times. Give the rabbit some fresh pellets every day. Offer fresh vegetables or fruit every day. Get your rabbit desexed. Get routine veterinary exams. Watch for signs of ill health. Don't keep the rabbit in its cage all the time. Groom your rabbit. Consider enriching their environment by providing toys. Take care when lifting your rabbit. Consider getting a second rabbit.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Skit

How to Make a Skit

To make a great comedic skit, take the time to brainstorm funny ideas, outline what you're going to say, then practice performing until it's perfect! Before you sit down to write, look for inspiration from events in your daily life. For example, someone holding up a line at a coffee shop because of their complicated order could turn into a skit that's funny and relatable. Once you have an idea, create an outline it with a beginning, middle, and end. Use this outline to write a rough draft where the action or comedy gradually ramps up. For instance, in the coffee shop skit, there could be 3 different customers, and each one has a more complicated and outlandish order than the person before them. Keep revisiting your draft and make edits that make it quicker and funnier. When you're satisfied with your draft, find some friends to act in it and practice until you're ready to film it with a camera or smartphone.

Gather inspiration. Sometimes you have a skit idea that just comes to you out of nowhere, other times, you have to go searching for an idea. Gather inspiration for your skit by watching and reading other comedy sketches. You can go onto YouTube and watch videos of sketches which are produced both professionally, and in an amateur sense. Watch sketches by Key & Peele, SNL, W/ Bob and David, and Monty Python to gather inspiration. Take note on what these professional sketches have in common. What separates these sketches from other ones? When watching other sketches or skits, think about what makes the one you're watching original. You don't want to copy a skit you've seen before, but you may be able to find a new angle. Pay attention to what's happening around you. A lot of the best skits work because there is a relatable component in the sketch that makes us think of our own lives. Pay attention to how people around you interact with one another. Look for real life scenarios that are funny to you. Brainstorm ideas. Write down a bunch of ideas. You can do this with a group of people who are going to be working on the skit, by yourself, or both. Grab a notebook that you can carry around with you and jot down ideas as new ones come to you. If you encounter a funny interaction between people, that might be a great starting idea for a skit. For example, you witness someone at a coffee shop ordering an overly complicated drink and holding up the line. Write down what happened and why you think there might be humor in this situation. Maybe the idea of ordering such a complicated coffee is funny to you. Meet with your group and share ideas. It's good If you have a place to write your ideas down so everyone can see each idea. Otherwise, designate someone to write each idea down in a notebook. Don't censor your ideas right now. At this stage, you just want to get everything out. You may find that one silly idea turns into something great. If you laugh at an idea, make a note that you thought it was funny. Ask yourself why you're laughing. Is it something visual about the idea? A certain word or words? Or maybe it's because the idea is relatable to your own life. Knowing why something made you laugh will be helpful when building out your skit and ultimately performing it. Think about what kind of skit you may want to do. There are a number of types of skits and sketches from parody and satire, to character sketches and even absurdist sketches. Develop your point of view. Every successful skit or sketch has a solid point of view (POV) that can be easily identified. It's the same principal as having a thesis statement in a paper. Your POV should be easy for people to understand. A POV is the lens in which viewers of your skit see the world as you see it. In a sketch, this can be blown up for comical effect. A POV is your opinion expressed as a fact. You can discover your point of view through a couple steps. First, you see someone order an overly complicated drink at a coffee shop. Second, you decide to write a skit about people ordering complicated drinks at a coffee shop. Each drink that a new person in your skit orders is more complicated and ridiculous than the one before it. Third, you reach your point of view, which is that people are becoming too obsessed with unnecessary options and materialism. Your point of view isn't expressed by one character in your skit complaining about someone ordering an overly complicated drink. It's expressed by the action that takes place in your skit. Having a clear point of view and expressing it as a fact is a great way to make any skit more original. Even if the content of the skit has been done before, it's original enough because it comes from you. Outline a beginning, middle, and end. Every story, no matter how short needs a beginning, middle, and end. When writing a skit try and map out these three different sections. Since skits are usually comedic in nature, your beginning can depict normal, everyday life. People at a coffee shop waiting in line to order coffee is normal. The middle of your sketch happens when something out of the norm occurs. People start ordering crazier drinks than the person before. The end of your skit is when there's a climax and resolution. Perhaps the barista decides to dump everyone's coffee on the ground. Or maybe the barista snaps and takes out a weapon and steals the money from the cash register. Write a first draft. There are several formats to writing skits and sketches. You don't have to have a professional format, but you should have an easy to follow one. The top of your script should have the title of your skit. Below you may want to write out the names of the characters involved, and even the name of the actor playing that character. To write dialogue, center and capitalize the character's name who is speaking. On the next line, left indent the cursor and type the dialogue. Actions can be written on a separate line in parentheses. When writing your first draft, don't concern yourself too much with getting everything perfect. You just want to get the general script down. You will edit it later. Get into your skit quickly. Whether you're filming or performing your skit live, your skit will most likely be under five minutes in length. This means that you have to get into the meat of your skit quickly. Don't spend time setting up characters and backgrounds. Simply start at a point which is funny or where the action is happening. If you're writing the coffee shop skit, try beginning your skit with the barista asking the person at the front of the line what this person wants to order. The person who orders the drink should describe a complicated drink but not something that is so crazy that you can't begin to build on it as the next few people order drinks. At the top of your skit, your goal is to give your audience enough information as quickly as possible. The barista can say something like “Welcome to Good Coffee, what can I get for you?” With one line you have established where you are, who the characters are, and what is happening. In a skit, every line is important. You don't have time to waste developing elements that don't matter in this scenario. Avoid discussion of things in the past/future, people who aren't present, and objects that aren't relevant to the skit. Keep it short. Keep your script to less than five pages. If you go over five pages in your first draft, that's fine, you can cut parts out. On average, one page of a script equals one minute of performance time. You also want to keep your skit short because you can lose the humor if you drag it on for too long. A fast-paced script that ends quickly is easier to stay engaged in than a skit that stops being funny because the joke has run its course. Remember the rule of three. The rule of three means that you repeat something three times, or include three similar elements into your skit. It's like having your beginning, middle, and end, you have three components making up a whole. In our coffee shop skit, you can have three different patrons buying coffee. Each patron has a more ridiculous order than the last. Build the action up. When writing your script you want to start at a place that you can build on. A skit should have a rising action before hitting the climax and then ending. Using our coffee shop example, the first person will order a complicated drink. You can have the barista and customer talk for a few lines. Maybe the barista tries repeating the drink back to the customer and gets part of it wrong. The customer then has to correct the barista. The second customer has a crazier drink order. The barista tries repeating the drink order back and the customer decides to change the order. The barista then tries repeating this order back or has to ask what one of the ingredients is because it's not common in a coffee drink. The customer complains and moves on. Finally, the third customer comes up. The barista is already upset and confused by the first two orders. The third order is by far the most outlandish order. The barista tells the customer that the coffee shop doesn't even carry half of the ingredients and that the remaining options are black coffee, or coffee with cream. The customer throws a fit and calls for the manager. Now the barista has finally snapped and acts in a way that is just as crazy as the customers only with real life implications. This could mean the barista robs the coffee shop, throws hot coffee in the customer's faces, or gets fired. Keep working on new drafts. After you write your first draft, read it out loud to your group, assigning each person a character. Then get feedback and discuss what everyone thought did, and did not work. Show your sketch to someone whose opinion you trust. It's good to get feedback from someone who will give you an honest opinion. Take notes on what people thought was funny, and not funny. It's a good idea to understand what doesn't work in a skit. Though you may like a line or joke, it may not work in your skit. Cutting out what doesn't work is a great way to trim the fat in a skit. You want your skit to be lean and quick. Consider removing lines of dialogue that don't directly contribute to forwarding your skit. Hold auditions. Depending on how serious you are about producing your skit or sketch, you may want to hold auditions for actors. If you wrote your skit with a group and already know who is going to perform you don't have to hold auditions, but you should do a read through. Although you should be looking for talented people, you should also find people that you know can be reliable and trustworthy. You don't want to hold empty practices and rehearsals. If you are writing a skit as part of a larger show at school or a theatre, ask your teacher or theatre director for information about auditions. There might be one large audition set up for everyone, or you may have to hold your own. If you are holding auditions, put signs up around your school or post information about it on social media. When you do hold auditions, ask actors to bring in a headshot. You should also provide sides, which are a few pages of your script, for the actors to read. Schedule at least one rehearsal. Since your skit is short you don't need to have many rehearsals, but one or two is always a good idea. Make sure that your actors know the lines and understand the direction and point of view of your skit. Plan for your props and other equipment. Some skits work best with no props or backgrounds while others need a few more theatrics. Skits by definition aren't too elaborate, but there may be props required to make the skit make sense. Perform or film your skit. When you've rehearsed your skit a few times, it's time to perform it live or shoot it for the web. Give yourself plenty of time to make sure that any props, costumes, and camera equipment are set. If you're filming your skit, you should have at least one camera, as well as sound and lighting equipment if you can. You can also upload your skit to YouTube or Vimeo so others can view it.

Gather inspiration. Brainstorm ideas. Develop your point of view. Outline a beginning, middle, and end. Write a first draft. Get into your skit quickly. Keep it short. Remember the rule of three. Build the action up. Keep working on new drafts. Hold auditions. Schedule at least one rehearsal. Perform or film your skit.

https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Spiritually

How to Grow Spiritually

The key to growing spiritually is keeping an open mind and connecting with other people. One of the main ways you can grow spiritually is through meditation. By paying attention to your breath and letting your thoughts come and go, you'll learn not to resist your own mind and be at peace with yourself. You can also read spiritual books to absorb the wisdom passed down through the generations. You can read religious texts or secular books on mindfulness and philosophy. Try to help people as often as you can, no matter how small a gesture. This will help you to connect with the infinite love and compassion within you and make the world a better place.

Meditate. Grow spiritually by increasing your mindfulness and detaching from the worries of your daily life. You can meditate by yourself or with a meditation group. Consider deepening your commitment to spiritual introspection by going on a silent meditation retreat. Take a yoga and meditation course to attune your body and mind. Connect with the natural world. Go on long solitary hikes or short sunny walks. Go without your headphones in, and avoid looking at your phone. Observe the world around you. Take trips to the mountains, the desert, and the sea. Take breaks to rest, observe your surroundings, and listen to the quiet. As you explore, take some time to give thanks for the world you live in. Sing a song or recite a poem if you are so moved. Take camping trips to have longer periods out in the wilderness. Hike with others who are also interested in spiritual development. Take in works of art. If you are on an independent spiritual journey, or belong to a faith tradition that believes in visual beauty, you can deepen your relationship with sacred images and great works of art. Visit mosques, churches, temples, and other devotional sites known for their architecture, music, or devotional artworks. Take in great works of religious and secular art at museums. Listen to classical and contemporary music that moves you. Read spiritual poetry by poets like John Donne, Rumi, and Nathaniel Mackey. It's not necessarily going to be a religious artwork that brings you closer to God. If a work of art speaks to you, spend time contemplating it. Return to it if you can. Engage in creative acts. Creative expression can deepen your spiritual understanding. Creativity helps you imagine that which cannot be logically understood, and brings you closer to its present. Music is a traditional form of devotional expression in many faith traditions, and is often a part of secular spirituality. Learn hymns or other songs to sing with your loved ones or alone. Dance is a form of worship in many cultures. Take a dance class, or just put on music that makes you feel spiritual and try moving to it. Any form of creation that makes you feel centered and peaceful can help, including traditional domestic activities such as baking. Attend religious services. Find a church, temple, mosque, or other religious center that shares some of your beliefs. If you already belong to a congregation, renew your engagement with it. Volunteer your time, join a committee for a cause you believe in, and connect with other members of the congregation. Consider attending religious services at congregations other than your own. Get to know other spiritual traditions. Pray. If your spiritual practice involves prayer, focus on improving the quality of your prayers. Pray at least daily. When you pray, do not let your mind wander. Focus on the words you are saying. If you notice your mind wandering, remind yourself what your intentions are and resume with a renewed sense of purpose. Pray with others. See if your congregation has a prayer group. If not, consider praying with another congregation. If your family prays together at meals or at other moments, ask to lead the prayers one night. No matter your denomination, prayer profoundly shapes your mind and your sense of oneness with the world. Read core texts. Get to know the core beliefs of your faith tradition. Read directly from the source, and seek to understand the central messages of your spiritual ancestors. Consider creating or joining a reading group to share your journey. If you are Christian, for instance, you may join a Bible study group through your church. If you are interested in spirituality across religious faiths, consider reading texts from many faiths. Volunteer. Focusing on others will help you develop yourself. Find a cause you care about and donate your spare time to it. Look at local organizations that could use volunteers, start a fundraiser, or begin your own volunteer group. There are many ways to help others. You can: Volunteer at a homeless shelter Teach free ESL classes to immigrants Get involved in your local union and help other workers in your field Practice gratitude to those who help you. Take note of the good things others do for you. Be grateful, and express your gratitude to yourself and to those who help you. Thank people sincerely when they do something for you. Explain how their actions have benefited you. Keep a gratitude journal in which you write one or two things you are grateful for every day. Take note as well of the good feeling you get from doing good for others. Feel grateful to them for letting you participate in their lives. Develop empathy. Empathy may seem like an inherent quality, but it's actually a practice you can develop. To develop your empathy, pay close attention to others. Listen to them, and do your best to understand how they feel. You can do this for people in your immediate vicinity and people you read about in the paper. Listen hard when you are in conversation. Don't just nod and answer—contemplate what is being said to you, and take it seriously. Get to know people. Make friendly conversation with strangers you are seated next to, provided they seem interested in talking. Try to understand what goes on in their heads, what makes them happy, and what troubles them. Challenge your assumptions about others. If you harbor ill feelings towards any group or individual, make an effort to get to know them as people.

Meditate. Connect with the natural world. Take in works of art. Engage in creative acts. Attend religious services. Pray. Read core texts. Volunteer. Practice gratitude to those who help you. Develop empathy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Change-the-World

How to Change the World

To change the world, start by making a list of issues that resonate with you, such as climate change or saving an endangered species. Then, find small ways to make a difference, like signing a petition or writing to politicians that you think will help your cause. Additionally, raise awareness by posting articles and videos on social media. Alternatively, volunteer at places like the library, church, or homeless shelter. You can also consider making a long-term commitment to service organizations such as the Peace Corps or Americorps.

If you want to change the world, make sure you’re open to change and different perspectives. When you judge other people, you can sometimes shift blame off of yourself and may not be tackling the real issues. Try to view life from the other person's point of view so you get a better understanding of where they're coming from. As long as you stay open-minded, you'll be able to make a lot more changes for the better. Look for choices that you feel good about making so you're less judgemental of others. For example, if you feel good about how you look, you shouldn't judge other people for how they look. Rather than bringing someone down, look for something nice to say about them instead to help reframe your thoughts. You’ve probably heard that honesty is the best policy and that holds if you’re looking to improve yourself and the world. Don't do things to make people like you or to boost your ego, but do them because you're actually interested in them. When people see you're authentic with them, they'll trust you more and show you the same level of respect. Show generosity by helping other people out and acting like a team player. Even flashing a quick smile can brighten someone else’s day. No matter where you are or who you meet, give them a warm smile when you're around them. When you smile, you make the other person feel good and encourage them to smile too. If that person does the same, then you've set off a chain reaction of kindness! You don't have to know the person to spread kindness! Try smiling at strangers as you walk past them. Make sure the smiling fits the situation. For example, you don't want to smile when someone's giving you bad news. You’ve probably felt a warm and fuzzy feeling when someone says something nice about you, so why not return the favor? Say something that shows your appreciation for how they handle themselves emotionally or treat other people. Make sure you act sincere when you give your compliment so you come across as genuine. Even a few small words can have a huge impact on them. For example, you can say something like, “I really appreciate how patient you are when you're listening to someone speak,” or “It means a lot to me that you took time out of your day to clean up the house when I was tired. Thank you.” It can be really easy to get jealous of other people when they succeed, but it’s a lot more rewarding to share their excitement. Avoid comparing yourself to other people and thinking of ways you can one-up them. Instead, really look at what they accomplished and appreciate the work they've done. As you uplift the other person, you may influence them to do the same in the future. Avoid taking credit for other peoples' accomplishments. Even though being kind to someone doesn’t seem like you’re making a big change, your kindness will continue to spread through them. Genuine kindness involves acting friendly, caring, and considerate no matter the circumstances. Stay aware of the people around you and look for opportunities where you're able to help them. For example, if you see someone struggling to carry groceries, you can offer to help them to their vehicle. Remember to treat yourself kindly as well so you take good care of your mental health. Use positive affirmations and avoid being too hard on yourself. We can waste a lot of water when we’re bathing or cleaning, and it has a negative effect on the environment. Some simple things you can try at home are shortening the lengths of your showers, turning off the water when you're brushing your teeth, and waiting until you have full loads of laundry before running your washer. Fix leaky pipes as soon as you can so you don't waste any water. Check with your utility provider so you can see how much water you're using so you can start cutting back. If you have landscaping outside, choose plants that naturally grow in your area since they'll usually thrive better without additional watering. Not only will you help save freshwater, you'll save some money on your water bill as well! You’ve probably heard to “reduce, reuse, and recycle” throughout your life, but you may not have known how much it does to conserve natural resources. Whenever you're about to throw something away, first check if it's labeled as recyclable. Some examples of things you can recycle include plastic containers, paper, metal, glass, and electronics. Separate your recyclables from your regular trash and keep them in a different collection bin. Check with your area's waste management services to see if recyclables are collected curbside or if you need to take them to a collection center. Some recyclable materials are different than others and need to be separated even further. Always check which recyclables your waste collection service accepts before putting them in the bin. A lot of manufacturing relies on fossil fuels, chemicals, or unfair labor, so always research the companies you support and products you buy. As you're shopping for products, check the packaging for words like “energy-efficient,” “recycled material,” or chemical-free” since they'll have less of an impact on the environment. If you're buying groceries, visit a farmers' market to support local growers, shop in the organic section, and look for products that don't contain any toxins. For example, you can switch from incandescent lightbulbs to more energy-efficient LED bulbs. When buying animal products, look up the company to see if the animals are treated well before buying. Try to support local businesses and products since they don't have to travel as far, meaning it takes fewer emissions to deliver. When you burn fossil fuels, it adds pollution into the air that hurts the environment and leads to poor health. Even though it's convenient to drive everywhere, look for some opportunities where you can use an alternative mode of transportation. If you don't need to go very far and it's a nice day, go for a walk or ride a bike instead. Otherwise, you can cut back on emissions by taking public transportation or carpooling with other people. Talk to your boss and see if working from home is an option for you. Even if you can work remotely a few days a week, you won't have to burn any fuel during your commute. Electric vehicles also work well since they run on a battery rather than gasoline. Even if you don’t have a lot of time or money to put toward a cause, spreading information about it can help make other people aware of issues around the world. Write some social media posts explaining why the cause is important and why other people should pay attention to it. If you want to share your cause more privately, individually message your friends so you can tailor the message specifically to them. Use encouraging language that sounds hopeful rather than posting something that makes people feel guilty or frightened. You can even branch off of social media to post to personal websites or writing articles for a newspaper or magazine. Volunteering is a great way to find people who care about the same causes you do and give back to your community. While there are so many opportunities out there, look for something that complements your skillset and how much time you have available. Search for chances to volunteer with local non-profits, religious organizations, or online. Once you find something that aligns with your interests, reach out to the organization to see how you can assist them the best. Check on websites like VolunteerMatch, Serve.gov, or Idealist for open opportunities near you. Each organization will have a different company culture, so even if your first volunteering opportunity doesn't work out, keep searching for something that's a better fit. As shelters fill up, it gets more difficult to care for each animal’s welfare. If you're a pet lover, your local animal shelter will appreciate any help and assistance you have to offer. Check the shelter's website or contact them directly to find out what they need the most and how you can support them. They may just need money and supplies or they might ask you to volunteer your skills. Get as involved as you can so you can help the animals live happy and full lives. Consider adopting or fostering a new pet if you have the time and space to care for one. That way, you can find a new companion and make room for more animals at the shelter. When people litter, the trash ends up in the environment and damages the natural wildlife. Even worse, some materials like plastic don't break down naturally and continue polluting. Search online to see if there are clean-up initiatives in your city or state and register to volunteer. You may end up picking trash up from a beach, cleaning up around highways, or collecting waste from public parks. Even if you can't find a clean-up program in your area, take a few seconds to pick up litter that you find so you can dispose of it correctly. If you don’t have time to volunteer for the causes you support, even a small monetary donation can make a big difference. Search for charities that support issues that you care about and support and check if they have a donation page. Look for organizations that have transparency so you know exactly where your money is going. You can make a one-time donation or set up recurring payments. Always research charities before you give money to them to make sure your money is used responsibly. In times of crisis, blood shortages could happen and make it difficult to treat patients. Look for a donation center or blood drive in your area and check the eligibility and health requirements you need. Usually, as long as you're feeling well and staying healthy, you can give blood once every few months to help those in need. You may not be able to donate blood if you're sick, have low iron, or if you're taking certain medications. Even if you can't donate, you can still make a monetary donation or volunteer at a blood drive. Many people need organ transplants in order to survive, but the waiting lists can be very long. While it can be hard to think about what happens after you pass away, signing up to be a donor can help save another person's life. Many times, you can opt into being a donor at your local motor vehicle department, but it may vary depending on where you live. Look up how to register in your country or state online and complete the form. You may be able to donate organs like a kidney or part of your lung, pancreas, or liver while you're still alive. Starting on an individual level is great, but electing candidates that have the same values as you can help lead to changes on a larger level. Stay informed about the officials that are running in your local and national elections and research what they stand for and believe in. While no candidate will be absolutely perfect, look for the one that shares most of your views and be sure to vote for them in upcoming elections. If you really want to support the candidate, see how you can volunteer for their campaign and spread awareness about their policies. When you see injustices or want to take a stand for a cause you care about, you may need to peacefully protest to be heard. You're completely free to express yourself and what you believe in, but you may need to find out your city's permitting requirements beforehand. There are so many ways you can protest, such as marching, holding vigils, and performing a sit-in. No matter what cause you're supporting, stay persistent and let your voice be heard. Never turn to violence while you're protesting.

If you want to change the world, make sure you’re open to change and different perspectives. You’ve probably heard that honesty is the best policy and that holds if you’re looking to improve yourself and the world. Even flashing a quick smile can brighten someone else’s day. You’ve probably felt a warm and fuzzy feeling when someone says something nice about you, so why not return the favor? It can be really easy to get jealous of other people when they succeed, but it’s a lot more rewarding to share their excitement. Even though being kind to someone doesn’t seem like you’re making a big change, your kindness will continue to spread through them. We can waste a lot of water when we’re bathing or cleaning, and it has a negative effect on the environment. You’ve probably heard to “reduce, reuse, and recycle” throughout your life, but you may not have known how much it does to conserve natural resources. A lot of manufacturing relies on fossil fuels, chemicals, or unfair labor, so always research the companies you support and products you buy. When you burn fossil fuels, it adds pollution into the air that hurts the environment and leads to poor health. Even if you don’t have a lot of time or money to put toward a cause, spreading information about it can help make other people aware of issues around the world. Volunteering is a great way to find people who care about the same causes you do and give back to your community. As shelters fill up, it gets more difficult to care for each animal’s welfare. When people litter, the trash ends up in the environment and damages the natural wildlife. If you don’t have time to volunteer for the causes you support, even a small monetary donation can make a big difference. In times of crisis, blood shortages could happen and make it difficult to treat patients. Many people need organ transplants in order to survive, but the waiting lists can be very long. Starting on an individual level is great, but electing candidates that have the same values as you can help lead to changes on a larger level. When you see injustices or want to take a stand for a cause you care about, you may need to peacefully protest to be heard.

https://www.wikihow.com/File-a-Lien

How to File a Lien

To file a mechanics lien, notify the debtor several weeks beforehand that you plan to file a lien if you aren't paid. Check with your local clerk of court's office to find out if your state has a specific form for this. Next, draw up the Claim of Lien according to your state's format requirements, then file the paperwork with either the property recorder's office or the clerk of court within 60 days of notifying the debtor.

Exhaust all other options. Filing a lien is a public declaration that someone hasn't paid for contract work, and is a strong legal move to make. Before you jump straight to the decision that you want to file a lien, talk to the property owner and attempt to set up another plan. Be clear from the beginning of a job that you'll file a lien if debts remain unpaid. Some states such as Washington have forms you can use to notify property owners of your right to file a lien if you aren't paid. You also can advise a property owner of your right to file a lien in your contract for the work. If the property owner agrees to a payment plan, make sure it has a reasonable due date and get the plan in writing. For example, if you completed some work on your client's garage for $2,000, you may work out a payment plan in which your client agrees to pay you $500 a month for the next four months. You may want to hire a lawyer at this point to help you draw up an agreement. You also might consider using alternative dispute resolution. With ADR, you and your client share the cost of hiring a neutral mediator who helps you work out a mutually agreeable outcome. The process often is less adversarial, more efficient and less expensive than filing a lien. Your local courthouse or your state court's website may have a list of ADR resources available in your area. Hiring a debt collection agency is another way to avoid the time and expense of engaging in formal legal processes by filing a mechanic's lien. Debt collections agencies specialize in recovering debts and can put the pressure on your client without you having to take legal action. If you decide to go this route, research and find a collection agency that has a good reputation and specializes in working with people who do the same kind of work you do. Make sure you've given preliminary notice. Most states require you to notify the debtor that you will file a lien if he doesn't pay you. Typically you would give this notice within the first few weeks of work, before payment even becomes a problem. If you fail to give preliminary notice, you may lose your right to file a lien if your client doesn't pay. Some states require that you use a specific form to provide notice. Check with your local clerk of court's office to find out if your state has any specific requirements. In most states, preliminary notice must be given within 10 to 20 days of the date you began work. Check your state's deadlines for filing a lien. You only have a brief period of time after you've completed the work to file for a lien, and in some states this period is as short as 60 days. Depending on where you live, you may not have time to exhaust all other options before you file a lien if you want to preserve this option. For example, in Louisiana you only have 60 days from the day you finish the work to file a lien for non-payment. This doesn't give you much time to pursue alternative methods of collection. However, in neighboring Mississippi, you have a whole year from the date the debt became due. That gives you plenty of time to explore other payment options with your client. Research the property. To file a lien on property, you must conduct a title search on the property to ensure your client owns it and get the full legal description from the deed. This process could cost several hundred dollars to complete. In some states such as Illinois, general contractors who file a lien before the deadline have priority over any other encumbrances on the property, even if another mortgage or a competing lien came first. Other liens on property that would take priority over yours could mean that even if you filed suit and had the property sold, you wouldn't recover any money and the debt would remain unpaid. If there are other creditors who have liens on the property, you should consider consulting an attorney to advise you on how those loans are prioritized legally and whether you should pursue alternative means of collection. Draw up your lien. A lien typically is a one-page document with information about the creditor, the debtor, and the property. Most states have specific court forms to fill out. For example, California requires a Claim of Lien form as well as a notice and an affidavit. You can learn your state's requirements by contacting your local clerk of court. Check the formatting requirements of the county where you're filing the lien, because many counties have strict rules governing the paper size, margins, and font of the text. If you don't follow these rules, the office will reject your lien. The type of information required on the lien also varies from state to state, but typically includes your name and address, the name and address of your client, the amount of money you are owed, a description of the type of work or services you performed, and the location of the property. Make sure you've included all necessary information or your lien won't be any good. For example, if you're placing a lien on real property, most states require a legal property description such as the one on the deed, not just a street address. File your lien. Your lien must be filed with either the property recorder's office or the clerk of court. Each state designates a specific office to accept filings of mechanic's liens, so make sure you've got the right office. If you're claiming a lien on real property, it must be filed in the recorder's office of the county where the property is located. Expect to pay a filing fee between $25 and $50 depending on the location where you file. Although you often can file your lien by mailing it to the office, you may want to deliver it in person. Many offices have a backlog on mailed filings, so this is particularly important if you're filing close to the deadline. Additionally, filing in person means if there's something wrong with your lien you can find that out and correct it immediately. Notify all necessary parties. In most states you must notify the property owner immediately after you file the lien. Some states require additional parties, such as other lien holders, to be notified as well. You can find out who must be notified when you file the lien. In many cases, the property owner will make arrangements to pay the debt soon after receiving notice that you filed a lien. Enforce your lien. If the debtor still doesn't pay after you've filed the lien, you must enforce the lien by filing a foreclosure lawsuit within a certain amount of time, usually a year. The foreclosure suit causes the property to be sold. The proceeds of the sale are used to satisfy any liens on the property. Make sure you check your state law to see what your enforcement period is. After the enforcement period runs out your lien is expired and has no value. Some states have extremely short enforcement periods. For example, in California you have just 90 days to file a lawsuit after filing your lien. Because filing a foreclosure suit involves filing a formal complaint in court and following the court's rules, you should consider hiring an attorney who specializes in foreclosures or in enforcing mechanic's liens. Understand whether you're eligible to file a judgment lien. You can only file a judgment lien after you've won a court judgment in a case in civil court. The judgment lien allows you to sell the real or personal property subject to the lien and use that money to satisfy the debt owed to you. A judgment lien does not ensure payment of a judgment. The lien attaches to the debtor's real or personal property, informing potential buyers that the title of the property is not clear. If you place a judgment lien on someone's property, there's a chance you won't receive your money until that person decides to sell that property. Learn the rules for judgment liens in your state. Different states have different procedures for getting judgment liens and for maintaining them. If you aren't familiar with those rules you could cause your lien to expire. Generally, you can only place a lien on personal property located in the state where the judgment was obtained. The lien is only good for a certain period of time. For example, in states such as California and Arizona, your lien is good for five years, but may be renewed if you haven't been paid within that time. If the debtor sells or transfers the property while the lien is in effect, the judgment lien remains on the property until the creditor has been paid in full. Draft the relevant documents. If you're eligible to file a judgment lien, find out what documents you need to file, where you need to file them, and what fees will be charged. Some states have a form you can fill out. For example, if you want to file a lien in California on personal property such as a car or a boat, you would fill out a "Notice of Judgment Lien, Form JL-1" and file it with the California secretary of state. If you wanted to place a lien on real property, on the other hand, you would fill out and record an "Abstract of Judgment for Civil and Small Claims" form at the county recorder's office. In some states, such as Arizona, your lien must be accompanied by a certified copy of your court judgment. You can get a certified copy for a fee from the clerk's office in the court where you were awarded the judgment. File your documents. Where you file your documents depends on where the property is located and whether you're attaching your lien to real or personal property. Each state has different filing rules, and the same state may have separate offices and procedures for real and personal property. Typically you can mail your documents to the correct office along with the fee to file them, but as with the mechanic's lien it may be in your best interest to file them in person so you know the lien is recorded and you can correct any defects in your forms immediately. Wait for the debtor to satisfy the judgment. A judgement lien does not guarantee payment of the debt. Rather, you have to wait until the debtor sells the property. If the buyer wants a clear title, she will insist the debtor satisfy the judgment before she completes her purchase. While there's no law that requires liens to be cleared before property is sold, in most cases potential buyers want a clear title, not a property that's encumbered with someone else's debts. In some states such as California, if the debtor pays the judgment, you must remove the lien by filing a form with the court that acknowledges satisfaction of the judgment. Pursue other options to recover the debt. If the debtor still doesn't pay, there are other legal options at your disposal to collect the debt, such as wage garnishments or bank levies. Speak to a collections attorney to get a better idea of the options available in your state.

Exhaust all other options. Make sure you've given preliminary notice. Check your state's deadlines for filing a lien. Research the property. Draw up your lien. File your lien. Notify all necessary parties. Enforce your lien. Understand whether you're eligible to file a judgment lien. Learn the rules for judgment liens in your state. Draft the relevant documents. File your documents. Wait for the debtor to satisfy the judgment. Pursue other options to recover the debt.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Shell-Necklace

How to Make a Shell Necklace

To make a shell necklace, start by using a drill, or a hammer and nail to put a hole in each shell you want to string. Then, use pliers to attach a jump ring to each shell, so they'll hang properly. Next, string your center shell before you add any beads, charms, or other shells you want on either side. Although your necklace doesn't have to be symmetrical, try to keep it balanced for a more pleasing look. Finally, tie off your twine or nylon, or put a clasp on your metal cord to finish the necklace.

Choose the shells you want to use. You can select shells based on a variety of factors, including type, shape, size, color, or pattern. The shells and necklace style you choose are a matter of personal preference, so feel free to experiment. Before drilling holes in the shells, arrange them on a flat surface so you can see how they'll look together as a necklace. To make a pendant necklace, choose a medium shell with an interesting shape or color. You can also decorate a pendant necklace with smaller shells, but make sure they match or complement the design, color, and shape of the centerpiece. Another option is to create a bold necklace with lots of medium-sized shells, which can either be distributed evenly around a cord or clustered together at the bottom. Choose additional decorations. Just because the focus of your necklace is the seashell doesn't mean you can't embellish it with other decorations, such as beads, charms, flowers, stones, and other jewels. Select decorations that complement the size, shape, and color of your shells. Make sure to match the embellishments with the type of cord you use as well. Pick a cord. There are many types of cords you can use when making a necklace, and the style you choose will depend on the look you're going for. Whatever style you are going for, though, choose a durable cord so that the necklace won't break. To create a piece of fine art, choose a metal chain in gold or silver. For a more rustic piece of jewelry, try twine or linen cord made of multiple strands. For a durable and versatile necklace, try jewelry wire or nylon line. Look for a material that is shiny, since this means that the cord has been reinforced with a coating that will make it last longer. Gather your tools and supplies. To make your necklace, you will need a drill with a one-sixteenth-inch (1.6 mm) drill bit, jewelry findings, and needle nosed pliers. In case you don't have a drill, you can use a nail or screw and a hammer to make holes. Jewelry findings that you may need include jump rings to attach the shells to the cord, and a clasp mechanism to close the necklace. Findings are optional if you're using string or cord, as you can choose to wrap the cord and tie the necklace instead. With metal necklace chains, you likely won't have to worry about a clasp, as this will already be attached. Drill a hole in each shell. In order to string your shells onto a cord, you will need to create a hole in each shell. Use a marker or pencil to mark the spot on each shell where you want it to attach to the cord. Hold the shell against a flat surface and use light pressure to drill a small hole in the shell. Start drilling on the inside and work your way out. If you don't have a drill, make an initial hole by using a hammer to gently tap the head of a screw or nail through the shell. Once you have a small hole, turn the head of the nail or screw back and forth inside the hole until it's large enough to accommodate the jump ring or your twine. Attach a jump ring to each shell. Using jump rings is optional, but it will help your shells hang properly on the cord. Grab the pliers and a jump ring, and use the pliers to stretch the jump ring open. Loop the ring through the hole in a shell, then close the ring with the pliers. Repeat this step for every shell you'll be stringing on your necklace. For added interest, you can hang more than one shell, charm, or bead on each jump ring. String your necklace. To make a pendant necklace or a necklace with a special accent piece at the center, string this shell first. Then decorate the remaining cord any way you like, using other shells, charms, beads, and jewels. Or if you prefer, you can also leave the remaining cord empty, which will bring more focus to the accent piece. While your necklace doesn't have to be symmetrical, it should be balanced. For instance, instead of matching a large shell on one side with a large shell on the other, consider balancing the large shell with two or three small shells. Close the necklace. For necklaces made with twine, cord, or nylon line, you can just tie the ends of the necklace together if you wish. Otherwise, you can finish the necklace by adding a clasp: On each end of the necklace, attach a crimp, followed by the clasp end. Loop the excess cord or wire back through the crimp. Pull it tightly so the clasp and crimp are touching, and are butted up firmly against the final bead or shell. Continue holding the excess cord firmly as you use the pliers to crimp the metal crimp in place. Use scissors or wire cutters to cut the excess cord. Choose a metal chain. For this project, look for a double necklace (one that has two rows of chains attached near the clasp). Make sure there's at least one to two inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of space between the upper and lower chain. The type of metal, such as silver or gold, is a matter of preference. Choose something that will complement your shell selection. Choose your shells. For this project, you will need 10 small shells of roughly the same shape, three medium shells of your choosing, and one medium conical shell. The color choices and shell styles are a matter of personal taste. This necklace will have two focal points: a cluster of three medium shells in the center of the upper chain, and the conical shell at the center of the lower chain. The 10 smaller shells will be distributed evenly around the focal point shells. Gather your supplies. Along with the chain and the shells, you'll also need 24-gauge jewelry wire (in a color of your choice), pliers, wire cutters, a drill, and 12 jump rings. Prepare the shells. Set aside your conical shell. For the other 13 shells, drill holes in them in the location where you want them to attach to the necklace. Use a marker or pencil to mark the spot on each shell where you want it to attach to the cord, then hold the shell against a flat surface and use light pressure to drill a small hole in the shell. Finish preparing the shells by doing the following: Use the pliers to attach a jump ring to each of the 10 smaller shells. Do not close the jump rings yet. With the three medium shells, arrange them all on a single jump ring, but don't close the ring. Wire-wrap the conical shell. To create an added point of interest, wire-wrap the conical shell and attach it to the necklace with wire, rather than a jump ring. To start, cut a piece of 24-gauge wire six times the length of the conical shell. Hold the wire in the center by pinching it with your index finger and thumb. Wrap the wire around the tip of your index finger and twist the two pieces together three times to form a small loop at the center of the wire. Spread the two wire ends out and position the middle of the fat top (not the pointed end) of the conical shell where the twist is. Begin wrapping the two wires around the shell at an angle, forming stripes like on a candy cane. When you've wrapped the entire shell right down to the tip, twist the wires around each other three times to secure them in place. Separate the remaining wire ends. With the pliers, grab the tip of one wire and fold it back on itself. Then grab the folded end and roll it back on itself again. Continue doing this until you reach the twist and there's no more wire to roll. The excess wire should look like a spiral. Repeat with the other wire end. String the shells. Start with the conical shell. Attach a jump ring to the wire loop you created, and attach this to a single link at the center of the necklace's lower chain. Close the jump ring with pliers. Then take the three medium shells and position them in the center of the necklace's upper chain. Insert the jump ring into a single link and close it. Repeat with the 10 small shells. On the lower chain, attach three small shells to the chain on either side of the conical shell. On both sides, place the first shell two inches from the center, then the next shell another two inches from that shell, and the third shell another two inches away. Repeat with the upper chain, using only two shells on either side of the center shells. Obtain seashells. Seashells can either be gathered from the beach or purchased at a craft store, or you can buy synthetic or artificial shells. While artificial shells may not have the same natural appeal, they are better for the environment. Seashells play an important role in coastal ecosystems, and provide homes to algae, birds, and hermit crabs. Removing shells from the beach can have a detrimental impact on the creatures that rely on them. If you really want to collect your own shells, only take a couple from each beach, and never take shells from highly visited beaches where others are often collecting shells. Always inspect each shell to ensure a hermit crab hasn't claimed it for a home. Shells are also a byproduct of the fishing industry, and there are some shell suppliers that only obtain shells from these producers. Buying shells from these producers could have less of an impact than purchasing ones collected from beaches. Clean the shells. Natural shells that are collected from the beach need to be cleaned to remove dirt, particles, odors, and bacteria. The most common way to clean shells is to soak them in a bleach and water solution: Fill a bowl with one part bleach and three parts water. Soak the shells for anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours, until the leathery covering—called the periostracum—comes off. When the shells are clean, use a soft cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush to give them a gentle scrub, then rinse them well with clean water. Allow the shells to dry. Preserve the shells. You don't actually have to do anything to preserve the shells, but if you want to enhance and protect their shine and luster, you can polish them with mineral oil. Use a lint-free cloth to rub a small amount of mineral oil over each shell, and gently polish the inside and outside. Since you'll be using the shells for jewelry, another option is to protect them with a thin coat of satin-finish polyurethane varnish. Apply a light layer of varnish to the inside and outside of the shells using a clean paintbrush. Allow the varnish to dry completely.

Choose the shells you want to use. Choose additional decorations. Pick a cord. Gather your tools and supplies. Drill a hole in each shell. Attach a jump ring to each shell. String your necklace. Close the necklace. Choose a metal chain. Choose your shells. Gather your supplies. Prepare the shells. Wire-wrap the conical shell. String the shells. Obtain seashells. Clean the shells. Preserve the shells.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dip-Oreos-in-Chocolate

How to Dip Oreos in Chocolate

To dip Oreos in chocolate, start by chopping 1 pound of chocolate and heating it in the microwave in 30 second intervals, making sure to stir it well after each interval. Once it's completely melted, stir in 2 teaspoons of butter. Then, pick up the Oreos by sandwiching them between 2 forks, and dip them into the melted chocolate. Next, tap the cookie on the side of the bowl to get off the excess chocolate before placing it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Finally, refrigerate the Oreos for 1 hour, or until the chocolate is set.

Chop the chocolate. Chocolate melts more easily if it's cut into pieces rather than in a solid block. Use a sharp knife to roughly chop the chocolate of your choice into pieces. Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. You can use good quality milk, dark, semisweet, bittersweet, or even white chocolate to dip your Oreos in. You may find it easier to use candy melts to coat your Oreos. They are chocolate discs that are made to melt easily, and come in a wide array of flavors and colors so you can create dipped Oreos for holidays and special occasions. Chocolate chips also work well for dipped Oreos because you don't have worry about chopping them beforehand. Melt the chocolate in the microwave in intervals. The easiest way to melt the chocolate is in the microwave. Heat the bowl of chocolate on high in 30 second intervals, making sure to stir the chocolate well after each interval. Continue heating the chocolate until it's fully melted and smooth. Stirring the chocolate after each 30-second period in the microwave is important. The chocolate can sometimes still look lumpy until you give it a good stir and it smoothes out. You don't want to burn the chocolate by heating it too long. Add the melted butter to the chocolate. Once the chocolate is completely melted, add 2 teaspoons (10 g) of unsalted butter that's been melted to it. Stir the mixture well until the butter is fully incorporated and the chocolate has a smooth, even consistency. Adding the butter is optional. It helps thin out the chocolate so it coats the cookies more evenly. If your chocolate mixture appears thin enough to cover the Oreos on its own, you can omit the butter if you like. You can flavor the melted chocolate. For example, mix in ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of peppermint extract into the chocolate for minty dipped Oreos. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. When you dip the cookies in the chocolate, you'll need some place to put them where they won't make too much of a mess. Take a large cookie or baking sheet, and line it with a piece of parchment paper to keep the Oreos from sticking to it. You can substitute a silicone baking sheet for the parchment paper if you prefer. Dip the cookies into the chocolate with two forks. Place the bowl of melted chocolate on your work surface beside approximately 24 Oreos. The easiest way to dip the cookies into the chocolate without getting your hands dirty is to sandwich one between two forks and carefully lower it into the melted chocolate until it is fully coated. Set the dipped cookies on the lined baking sheet. The melted chocolate shouldn't be too hot or too cold when you dip the cookies. If it's too hot, it will slide right off the Oreos. If it's too cold, it will create a lumpy, uneven coat around the cookies. If the chocolate starts to thicken up as you're dipping the cookies, reheat it in the microwave in 10-second intervals until it's the right consistency once more. Be sure to tap the forks against the side of the bowl before placing it on the baking sheet. That will knock off any excess chocolate that might create bumps on the Oreos as they cool. When the chocolate is still soft on the Oreos, you can add toppings if you'd like. For example, you might sprinkle chopped nuts, sprinkles, sea salt, or crushed peppermint candies on the dipped cookies. Refrigerate the cookies. Once you've dipped all of the Oreos, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Allow the cookies to chill for approximately an hour so the chocolate can set up. Serve the cookies or package them to hand out as gifts. The cookies will keep in an airtight container for up to a week. When the dipped Oreos are chilled, you can drizzle additional melted chocolate over them if you'd like. For example, if you've dipped your cookies in dark chocolate, you might want to drizzle melted white chocolate over them. Fill the wells in an Oreo mold with some melted chocolate. To get more even, smooth dipped Oreos, it helps to use a plastic mold meant for candy-making. Fill the wells in your mold with approximately 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the melted chocolate. Use a spoon to smooth the chocolate into place. You can find molds that are designed for Oreos and other sandwich cookies at a variety of stores and websites that carry candy-making supplies. Place an Oreo in each well. With a layer of melted chocolate in the mold, set one cookie in each well. Press down on the cookie gently so the chocolate comes up around its sides. While the chocolate should come up around the sides of the Oreos, it shouldn't cover the tops of them completely. Add a little more chocolate on top of the cookies and smoothies. Once the Oreos are pressed into the melted chocolate, use a spoon to carefully add a little more chocolate to the top of the cookies. Spread the chocolate with the spoon to fill in any gaps. You just want to add enough chocolate to the cover the tops of the cookies. Don't pile too much chocolate on the tops of cookies or they can wind up lopsided. If the melted chocolate starts to thicken up as you've covering the Oreo, reheat it in the microwave in 10 second intervals until it's the right consistency to spread. Refrigerate the Oreos. After you've covered all of the cookies with more melted chocolate, place the mold in the refrigerator to chill them so they set up. It can take as little as 5 minutes for the chocolate to harden, but you may want to leave them in the refrigerator for up to an hour. Pop the cookies out of the mold. When the chocolate has set up, remove the mold from the refrigerator. Turn the mold over over a cooling rack and carefully pop the cookies out of the wells. Set the Oreos on a serving plate or place in bags to give as gifts. If you want to give your molded, dipped Oreos an even fancier look, use chocolate transfer sheets to add patterns to the smooth top of the dipped cookies. The transfer sheets, available where candy-making supplies are sold, come in a variety of patterns and colors that suit virtually any holiday or special occasion. To use the transfer sheets, add a dollop of melted chocolate to the top of the set cookies. Press a piece of the transfer sheet to the Oreo over the melted chocolate, and pull away the sheet. The pattern will be imprinted on the top of the cookie. Finished.

Chop the chocolate. Melt the chocolate in the microwave in intervals. Add the melted butter to the chocolate. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Dip the cookies into the chocolate with two forks. Refrigerate the cookies. Fill the wells in an Oreo mold with some melted chocolate. Place an Oreo in each well. Add a little more chocolate on top of the cookies and smoothies. Refrigerate the Oreos. Pop the cookies out of the mold. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Shower-Curtain

How to Install a Shower Curtain

To install a shower curtain with a tension rod, start by adding 4 inches to the height of your shower curtain and measuring that distance from the floor up the wall. Then, mark that spot so you know how high to hang up your shower curtain rod. Next, take the rod and hold it up between the two walls at the point you marked, turning it counterclockwise so it expands until both ends are secure on the wall. Once the rod feels secure, use a level to make sure it's perfectly straight before hanging your curtain on it.

Check the length of your shower curtain. If it's new, the curtain's length will be listed on the packaging. Otherwise, you'll need to measure it yourself using a tape measure. The standard shower curtain size is 74 inches x 74 inches – a perfect square. Measure your space to ensure the curtain will hang properly. There should be 2 inches of space between the floor and the shower curtain. To effectively contain moisture, the curtain needs to hang at least 5 inches below the edge of the bathtub. The two inches of space between the curtain and floor prevents the bottom of the curtain from collecting too much moisture and dirt. Add approximately 4 inches onto the curtain’s length. This will give you a rough installation height for the curtain rod. You may need to adjust up or down slightly to meet your individual needs, but in general adding 4 inches onto the curtain length should give you a proper placement. Use a tape measure to measure and mark the installation height. Determine the spot on each shower wall where the rod should be suspended by using a tape measure. Mark the spot on each side by making a small dot with a sharpie. These dots are where the ends of the rod will be placed. Increase the rod’s length by twisting counterclockwise. Tension rods are made of two interlocking shafts. Find the point where the two shafts fit together and place one hand on either side of this point. Twist counterclockwise to lengthen the rod. A tension rod is not fixed permanently to the walls. It is held in place by a strong spring inside the rod, which applies enough pressure on the walls to hold it in place. Twisting clockwise will shorten the curtain rod. Expand the rod until both ends are fixed in the marked location. Continue expanding the length of the rod by twisting counterclockwise until both ends meet the shower wall. Adjust the placement of the ends until they are exactly where you want them. Then expand the rod a little more until the tension creates a stable hold on both sides of the shower. In general, tension rods can be adjusted to fit the width of most spaces without requiring any measurement beforehand. If you do want to measure beforehand, the rod's final length should be approximately 1 inch longer than the space it will occupy to maintain a snug fit. Confirm the rod is suitable for the space by testing the tension. Double check the tension by twisting clockwise to shorten the rod back into its original position, then repeat the process again. Confirm that the rod feels firmly affixed in place after repeating the process. The more you have to lengthen the tension rod to fit in place, the less stable its hold will be. If your rod is unable to maintain a strong hold, you probably need to get a longer tension rod. Use a level to make sure the rod is perfectly straight. Take a level and hold it horizontally. Place the flat top of the level directly against the rod in the center. The tiny bubble will tell you if the rod is straight or crook. Tweak slightly to make it straight, if necessary. Check your hardware. Shower curtain rods meant to be permanently affixed to opposing walls will come with accompanying hardware. Every kit is different, but in general you should have 2 brackets and at least 8 screws to keep the brackets on the wall. Drill each bracket into the wall. After measuring and marking your installation height, follow the specific installation instructions that came with your rod to mount the brackets. In most cases, you'll be using a drill to mount the brackets in the pre-measured spaces. If you have dry wall you will need to use anchors with your brackets. Learn more about using dry wall anchors here. Fit each end of the rod into the brackets. Once in place, make sure that your hardware is firmly installed and holding the rod securely before attempting to hang the curtain and liner. If any screws are loose, use your drill to tighten them to the wall. Place your shower curtain hooks on the rod. The standard number of shower curtain hooks needed is 12 and they are generally sold in sets by the dozen for convenience. If you're using hooks that have some sort of decoration or embellishment, make sure the decoration side is facing out into the bathroom, not inward facing the shower. These also come in ring form. The rings snap open and closed easily. Unsnap to open them, hang them on the rod, but do not snap them closed them yet. Once you have the hooks/rings on the rod, make sure that they fit properly and slide easily along the curtain rod. Most come in standard sizes that fit most curtain holes and rods, but if you're using hooks/rings that are very large or very small, you may want to measure the size of the holes before you buy rings to make sure they will fit. Line up the left edge of your liner and your curtain. Make sure the curtain is on top of the liner, closest to you. The liner will go beneath it. Find the holes on the top left edge of both pieces and line the holes up so that one ring can pass through both holes. Liners are usually clear plastic and they act as a barrier between the shower and the curtain. Liners aren't required, but they are practical and commonly used, especially with shower curtains that are made of fabric that isn't waterproof. Thread the shower curtain hooks/rings through the curtain and liner. Starting from the left side, thread one ring through the holes of both the curtain and the liner. Then move on to the next hole, repeating the same process. Continue threading until all 12 rings have been threaded through all 12 holes. If you are using curtain rings, snap each ring closed after you thread it through. Double check that the liner is on the wet side of the shower and the curtain is on the dry side, facing out into the bathroom. Confirm that the rod is sturdy and the curtain slides easily. Arrange the curtain and liner as you normally would, and take a close look. Is the rod easily supporting their weight? Give a little tug, if necessary, to test the tension. Then slide the curtain open, testing that the hooks/rings move easily down the rod. If the rod cannot support the weight, you may need to get a longer or more sturdily built tension rod. If the curtain and liner aren't sliding easily down the rod, you may need bigger hooks/rings to properly fit the rod.

Check the length of your shower curtain. Measure your space to ensure the curtain will hang properly. Add approximately 4 inches onto the curtain’s length. Use a tape measure to measure and mark the installation height. Increase the rod’s length by twisting counterclockwise. Expand the rod until both ends are fixed in the marked location. Confirm the rod is suitable for the space by testing the tension. Use a level to make sure the rod is perfectly straight. Check your hardware. Drill each bracket into the wall. Fit each end of the rod into the brackets. Place your shower curtain hooks on the rod. Line up the left edge of your liner and your curtain. Thread the shower curtain hooks/rings through the curtain and liner. Confirm that the rod is sturdy and the curtain slides easily.

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

How to Identify a Cockroach

To identify a cockroach, closely examine the markings on its body. If it has 2 yellow bands on its back, it's a brown-banded cockroach. If the cockroach has 2 dark stripes that run from its head to its wings, it's likely a German cockroach. If it has a red-brown or amber color to it, you're probably looking at an American cockroach. Finally, if the cockroach has a deep brown or black coloring, it may be an oriental cockroach.

Assess the size of the bug. Brown Banded cockroaches grow to be about 5/8ths of an inch long. They are one of the smallest varieties of cockroaches. To put that size in perspective, a Brown Banded cockroach is a little bit smaller than the size of an American penny (not including the antennae of course). Look for a yellowish brown band. Contrary to what you might think, the Brown Banded cockroach is actually named for a yellow band that can be found on the bug. Look for two bands--there should be a very thick one at the bottom of the abdomen, and a thinner band running across the mid-abdomen area. Consider the climate you live in. Brown Banded cockroaches generally only live in hotter, drier climates. If you are having a cockroach problem but live in a humid, mid or low temperature climate, you are probably dealing with another kind of cockroach. Check for any water source nearby. Brown Banded cockroaches detest the water--as such, they are not often found near any sort of water source. If you have found a cockroach living near your sink or toilet, it is more than likely not a Brown Banded cockroach. Determine if the cockroach can fly. Unlike the German cockroach, the Brown Banded cockroach will fly off if disturbed. If you notice a small cockroach flying through the air, chances are it is a Brown Banded cockroach. Notice the size of the cockroach. German cockroaches are slightly larger than Brown Banded roaches. They can grow to ½ an inch long, which is about the exact same size as an American penny (again, minus the antenna). Look for two dark stripes. The German roach is best recognized by the two parallel lines that run from the back of the cockroach's head down to its wings. The stripes or lines are dark brown in color and can appear almost black. Check to see if the roach is near water. German cockroaches love moist, warm areas. You can generally find them in your kitchen or bathroom, lurking next to the dishwasher or sink. They are also notoriously present in garbage, which is where they find most of their food. Consider the number of roaches. German cockroaches are the number one roaches found in homes in large numbers. If you think you have an infestation, there is a good chance that you are dealing with German cockroaches. Look at the size of the cockroach. This variety of cockroach are considered large cockroaches and can grow up to two inches in size. If you were to lay the cockroach next to an American quarter, the quarter would take up about three-fourths of the cockroach's body. Notice the color of the roach. American cockroaches are unique from other cockroaches in that they have a red-brown color that has an amber look to it. Most other cockroaches are a muddy brown color. Check to see if the roach you are looking at has a reddish glow to it. Also look for two large dark brown spots on the shoulders of these roaches--they are the only part of the bug without that reddish color. Look for a glossy exterior. Aside from their unique color, American cockroaches are also the shiniest roaches. Their exterior, including their body and wings, has a shiny quality to it that many call glossy but no one would call glamorous. Consider the kind of food the cockroach is munching on. American cockroaches are notorious for only eating moist foods--like human and pet food--making them a personal problem as well as a household problem. If you see a large cockroach eating your food or your dog's food, it is very likely that it is an American cockroach. Check out the size of the cockroach. Oriental cockroaches are generally about one inch long, which is slightly larger than the American penny. They also have a tubular shape that doesn't vary too much from head to foot. Female Oriental roaches are larger than their male counterparts. Look at the color of the roach. Oriental cockroaches are known for their deep brown color. In certain lights, this sort of cockroach can actually appear black. Other than their unique coloring, the Oriental cockroach doesn't have any distinguishing markings. Notice the wings on the Oriental cockroach. Female Oriental cockroaches are actually wingless, while male cockroaches have short, stubby wings that cover three-fourths of their body. However, despite the fact that they have wings, these cockroaches can't fly. Observe the area where you saw the cockroach. Oriental cockroaches can survive a long, cold winter outside by burying under moss or other coverings. Inside, they make their abodes in moist, dark areas. In particular, these sort of cockroaches will be found in pipes and dark, cool basements. Areas infested with Oriental roaches actually give off an unpleasant musty odor due to chemicals secreted by the insects that allow them to communicate with each other.

Assess the size of the bug. Look for a yellowish brown band. Consider the climate you live in. Check for any water source nearby. Determine if the cockroach can fly. Notice the size of the cockroach. Look for two dark stripes. Check to see if the roach is near water. Consider the number of roaches. Look at the size of the cockroach. Notice the color of the roach. Look for a glossy exterior. Consider the kind of food the cockroach is munching on. Check out the size of the cockroach. Look at the color of the roach. Notice the wings on the Oriental cockroach. Observe the area where you saw the cockroach. Areas infested with Oriental roaches actually give off an unpleasant musty odor due to chemicals secreted by the insects that allow them to communicate with each other.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dry-Orange-Peels

How to Dry Orange Peels

To dry orange peels, start by cutting the peels into equal-sized chunks or strips. Then, spread the peels out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure none of them are overlapping. Next, bake the peels for 30-60 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit, or until they harden and curl. Finally, remove the peels from the oven, and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Wash the oranges. Use a fruit wash to clean the peels and remove any wax or pesticides. Put only a small amount on the orange and rub it into the skin, then rinse it away fully with running water. If you don't have a fruit wash, rinse the orange in hot water to dissolve the wax. Peel the oranges. Dry the oranges, then peel them by hand, with a sharp knife, or with a vegetable peeler. Remove as much of the white pith from the skin as possible, as it has a bitter flavor. Simply scrape the pith off the peel with a knife or spoon. Cut the peels into even pieces. Depending on what you plan to use the peels for, you may want to cut them into large chunks (for potpourri) or thin strips (for infusing oils). No matter what you want them for, the pieces should be even in size so they dry at the same rate. Keep in mind that the peels can always cut into smaller pieces or ground up after you dry them. Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place a sheet of parchment paper on top of a baking sheet. Then, place the peels on the parchment paper in a single layer, without any overlap. Bake the peels for 30 to 60 minutes at 200 °F (93 °C). You want your oven to be at the lowest possible setting, which is usually 200 °F (93 °C). Check on the peels often to be sure they don't burn. They're done when the peels harden and curl. Remove the tray from the oven and let the peels cool completely. Alternatively, you can leave the orange peels on the baking sheets out in the open at room temperature for several days to dry them out. Stir them once per day. Grind the dried orange peels, if desired. The decision to grind the peels or leave them whole will depend on how you plan to eat or otherwise use them. If you want orange peel powder for marinades, flavored salts, or sugar scrubs, you can grind the dried peels in a coffee grinder or food processor. Otherwise, leave them in strips or chunks. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 months. A jar or Tupperware container will work well for storing orange peels, and they will last for up to 3 months in the refrigerator. You can use this method to dry the peels of other citrus fruits, including lemons and limes, as well! Add dried orange peels to tea. Put a strip or two of dried orange peel into a cup of your favorite freshly-steeped tea. The orange flavor is especially delicious with green or black tea. Infuse oil with strips of dried orange peel. Put ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of oil (like olive or coconut) in a jar and add a few strips of dried orange peel. The more you add, the more intense the orange flavor will be. Cover the jar with a tight-fitting lid and allow the oranges to steep in the oil for about a week. Use orange-infused oil in homemade salad dressing, drizzle it over veggies and roast them, or use it in your favorite baking recipe. Flavor salt with ground orange peels and herbs. Add ground orange peels and dried thyme or rosemary to a jar full of your favorite salt. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and use the flavored salt to add an extra dimension to your next meal. It is also a wonderful homemade gift idea. Use dried orange peels in potpourri. Fill an airtight container with dried orange peels, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, dried flowers, and a few drops of an essential oil like clove, orange, or cinnamon. Let it sit for 3 days, shaking the container a few times each day, to allow the aroma to strengthen. Then, place the potpourri in a pretty vase or bowl and set it out in your home. Make an orange peel sugar scrub. Combine 1 cup (225 g) of sugar, ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) (12.5 g) of ground dried orange peel in a bowl. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients, then transfer the mixture to a jar and cover it with a lid. Use it to scrub your body in the shower for smooth, orange-scented skin. Finished.

Wash the oranges. Peel the oranges. Cut the peels into even pieces. Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake the peels for 30 to 60 minutes at 200 °F (93 °C). Grind the dried orange peels, if desired. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Add dried orange peels to tea. Infuse oil with strips of dried orange peel. Flavor salt with ground orange peels and herbs. Use dried orange peels in potpourri. Make an orange peel sugar scrub. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Funny-Without-Telling-Jokes

How to Be Funny Without Telling Jokes

There are many ways to be funny without telling jokes. Try using a funny voice or impersonating a well-known character when talking to someone. Make a funny face or add silly noises for even more laughs. If you remember a funny story that happened to you or that you heard somewhere else, share it with other people to make them chuckle. Another thing you can do to be funny is play little pranks on your friends and family, like taking silly selfies on their phone or making them jump when they walk in a room. The key to all good humor is context, so make sure people are in the mood for it and the atmosphere isn't too serious when you goof around.

Learn about appropriate material. People tend to see the material you use for comedy as a reflection of your personality. Learning the right material for the right audience can help you come off as funny without alienating or offending others. Context is key. Where is it you're trying to be funny? Do you want to be the funny guy at work or school? Or are you looking to be the breakout sensation in your local improv troupe? Lighthearted, non-controversial material is best for a professional audience while laughing off slightly edgier subjects might win you favor in the world of professional comedy. Remember, what you joke about is a reflection of you. If you tend to mock recent tragedies or controversies, people may feel uncomfortable around you. Being edgy can be a positive for a comedic career, of course, but if you're new to comedy it might be best to stick with lighter subjects until you get the hang of making people laugh. Appropriate material can be found anywhere. People tend to appreciate those who find humor in a host of subjects. Try and see the funny side in aspects of day-to-day life. Anything from riding a bus to pouring your morning coffee can be used as fodder for humor. Immerse yourself in funny things. A great way to build your sense of humor is by exposing yourself to things that are funny. It's hard to force being funny but you tend to unconsciously take on traits of media you view. Just like writers become better writers through reading, immersing yourself in humorous material can help hone your sense of humor. Watch funny clips of people online. Many YouTubers incorporate humor without explicitly telling jokes. View funny movies and television shows. Late night talk show hosts are often funny through observational humor and funny, candid responses to their guests rather than overtly telling jokes. Listen to funny podcasts and hang around people who enjoy laughing. Pay attention to people's reactions. Observe how people react in day-to-day life. You can gauge the type of material people find funny by doing some basic people-watching. Go to a coffee shop and watch people banter with baristas. Attend an art show or concert alone and listen to people converse. Pay attention to lunch room interactions at work. See when and why people laugh. Do not force your humor. The funniest people do not force their funny side. They wait for an opportune moment to make a funny observation. The best moments of humor and levity do not happen by force. If you're striving to be funny in day-to-day life, do not behave as if you're at a comedy club. Engage with people in serious conversation and when you think of an amusing observation, feel free to throw it in. Just do not enter a conversation planning to make people laugh. Allow it to happen at its own pace. Use moderation. Most comedic experts adhere to the "Three Gag Rule." That is, in any situation you should get in no more than three funny comments in a row. You do not want to look like an attention hog. Tell humorous anecdotes. A great way to be funny without joking is to tell funny stories. Did you have a funnier than average childhood? Did you have an awkward experience at prom in 11th grade? Do you have hilarious stories about you and your friends from college? Have a host of funny stories on queue to make people laugh. Try to think of the moments in your life that you laughed the most. Are these moments appropriate to share? Would others be amused? Try to think of funny stories to share with others. This is a great way to make people laugh without cracking a joke. Sometimes, how you tell a story is just as funny as the content of the story itself. Listen to podcasts like "This American Life" where people tell amusing anecdotes. Read David Sedaris essays and watch clips of his readings. Pay attention to how speakers tell the stories, where they pause, smile, and laugh themselves. Try to learn how to tell a story in an amusing fashion. Embrace your silly side. If you want to be funny without telling jokes, try simply being silly. Being a silly or goofy person can make people laugh. Play harmless pranks on friends and co-workers. Talk in a funny voice. Sing a silly song. Do not try to force silliness, however, as people tend to be annoyed at cultivated goofiness. Focus on things that are amusing to you. It's easier to make people laugh if you're using material that comes to you organically. Spend time around people who love to laugh. A great way to learn to be funny is to spend time around funny people. You'll learn how to insert humor naturally into a situation through observation. Hang around friends, family members, and co-workers who have a reputation for having a great sense of humor. Bring humor into conversations. You don't have to limit funniness to yourself. People tend to be drawn to those who bring out the humor around them. When in conversations, try to encourage people to embrace their own funny sides. Ask people for funny stories. Start a conversation by asking, "What's the funniest thing that's ever happened to you?" or "What's a stupid thing that always makes you laugh?" Laugh at other people's amusing stories and compliment them, saying something like, "That's so funny!" People crave being around funny people but might feel annoyed if you always hog the spotlight. Make room for others. Make yourself a fun environment. If you want to be funny, surround yourself with funny things. Make a conscious effort to cultivate a fun environment for yourself. Keep objects in your home that remind you of fun times. Have a picture up from that hilarious road trip you took with your college friends. Tape up funny cartoons to your walls. Put up posters from funny television shows and movies. Put up an amusing screensaver on your computer or phone. Have appropriate but amusing magazine clippings and photos up in your office cubical. Spend time with kids. Children have fewer inhibitions than adults and often feel more free to express their silly side. Spending time with kids can help you lighten up and embrace your funny side. If your a parent, work on spending more time with your own kids laughing. If you have friends or relatives with young children, offer to babysit. Volunteer to work with children. Hospitals, nurseries, and daycare centers are always looking for volunteers. Incorporate downtime into your schedule. Between the business of work and other obligations, people often neglect downtime. Make a conscious effort to take some time every day to relax and laugh. Have a daily ritual where you allow yourself to laugh. Watch a funny movie or television show. Read the comics. Call up a friend who always makes you smile. Many people feel they don't have time to laugh. However, people who make time for pleasure are actually more productive overall. You can also find ways to incorporate humor into your day-to-day activities. Listen to a funny podcast while commuting to work or exercising. Have a funny movie on in the background while you're doing dishes at night. Watch comedy. If you tend to watch intense dramas, you might have trouble seeing the levity in life. Try to make room for funny TV shows and movies. Ask friends for suggestions for funny shows. Read reviews online of the newest, funniest comedies.

Learn about appropriate material. Immerse yourself in funny things. Pay attention to people's reactions. Do not force your humor. Tell humorous anecdotes. Embrace your silly side. Spend time around people who love to laugh. Bring humor into conversations. Make yourself a fun environment. Spend time with kids. Incorporate downtime into your schedule. Watch comedy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Schedule-Wellness-Exams-for-a-Senior-Cat

How to Schedule Wellness Exams for a Senior Cat

To schedule wellness exams for a senior cat, make an appointment every 6 months, since older cats are more prone to health problems. Before your appointment, ask what you'll need to bring, which will typically include a fecal or urine sample. At the appointment, your cat will be given a physical exam to check its general health. Additionally, your vet may recommend blood tests to look at its liver and thyroid function. The vet may also perform an urinanalysis to examine its kidney function, and a fecal test to check for parasites.

Find a veterinarian. If you have an elderly cat you should make sure that it gets a health exam twice a year. This can be done by any certified veterinarian. If you don't have a veterinarian for your cat already, you simply need to find a veterinarian in your area that is accepting new patients and schedule an appointment. In order to find a veterinarian , ask for recommendations from friends and family or you can do an online search for veterinarians and reviews of their practices. Make an appointment. Call your veterinary office and make an appointment for your cat's exam. Depending on how busy your veterinary office is, you may need to call a week or two before the date and time you want to assure you get them. You will need to make these appointments twice a year, so that your cat gets looked at by its veterinarian every six months. If you have not been to this veterinary office before, they may need some basic information from you before the exam. Because of this, they may request that you come in a few minutes early for the appointment in order to fill out new patient paperwork. In order to make sure that your cat continues to get wellness exams, you may be able to schedule your cat's next wellness exam when you take it in for its current wellness exam. However, not all veterinary offices like to schedule six months in advance. Many veterinary offices will send you a reminder when your cat needs another health exam. Discuss what will be done during the exam. Before bringing your cat in for an exam, it's a good idea to know what to expect. Because wellness exams for senior cats can be thorough, they may include: Discussing the cat's health history A physical exam to check general health and to spot potential health problems Blood tests to check for problems with the liver, thyroid, and other organs Urinalysis to check kidney function Fecal testing for parasites Checking blood pressure Ask about the cost of the exam. Before you bring your cat in for its exam, you should make sure to know how much the visit will cost you. Because these exams are relatively thorough, the cost of a wellness exam for a senior cat can be more than an annual exam for a young or middle-aged cat. The price quoted to you when you make your appointment may not include all treatments and tests that your cat receives. This means that the quoted price is just the base price and your bill may be higher at the end of the appointment. Ask about preparations you need to make. When calling in to make an appointment, you should ask the person you talk to about any preparations you need to make. This could include collecting fecal or urine samples or having the cat fast before the appointment, among other things. If you have never done something that the veterinary office asks you to do, such as collecting a fecal sample, feel free to ask the person on the phone for advice about how to do it. Review your cat's behavior and health since its last exam. During the wellness exam the veterinarian will likely ask you about your cat's health and behavior, so be prepared to answer questions about your cat's diet, daily behavior, lifestyle, and litter box habits. You should also prepare by making a list of any concerns or questions you have about your cat's health. Have your cat do gentle fasting. Your veterinarian may ask you to limit your cat's food intake before its veterinary appointment. This usually means that you will be asked to limit your cat's food for about six hours before the appointment. Fasting allows the veterinarian to get better results for certain blood tests because it reduces the fat that is prevalent in the blood after eating. If you know you will need to have your cat fast, try scheduling your appointment for early in the morning, so that you can simply bring it in before its morning meal. Collect a fecal sample. Your veterinarian may request that you bring in a fecal sample when you bring your cat in for its appointment. The fecal sample will be analyzed in order to look for parasite eggs. Your cat's fecal sample can be collected in a collection bottle supplied by your veterinarian or in a clean plastic container, such as a ziplock bag. It can be collected straight from your cat's litter box. Limit your cat's urination. Before your cat's appointment you should try to limit your cat's urination so that it has a full bladder. This will allow the veterinary office to easily collect a sample. In order to limit your cat's urination, you may need to keep the cat contained in a bathroom for an hour or two without a litter box. Also, if your cat is an outside cat, you should keep it indoors for a few hours before the appointment. If limiting your cat's urination is not possible, then you may need to collect its urine yourself. This requires that you use special litter box crystals that are non-absorbing, so that the sample remains pure. Once the cat uses the litter box, collect the urine in a clean plastic or glass container. If at all possible, schedule the appointment for the early morning so that you do not have to keep your cat contained for long.

Find a veterinarian. Make an appointment. Discuss what will be done during the exam. Ask about the cost of the exam. Ask about preparations you need to make. Review your cat's behavior and health since its last exam. Have your cat do gentle fasting. Collect a fecal sample. Limit your cat's urination.

https://www.wikihow.com/Sneak-Out-of-Your-House-at-Night

How to Sneak Out of Your House at Night

To sneak out of your house at night, start by planning your escape route and preparing an excuse just in case your parents catch you outside. For example, you can say you were just stepping out to get a glass of water or to look at the stars. When you're ready to leave your house, walk very quietly and take care not to bump into any furniture so you don't make noise and wake up your parents. If you have to open doors, turn the knobs slowly so they don't squeak. Try to leave from the window or door furthest away from your parents so there's less chance of them hearing you.

Practice your route ahead of time. This is to find out how loud the route is from your bedroom to the door or window. Try to remember where any creaks or loud noises occur so that you can try to avoid them when you're actually sneaking out. For example, if you're going down the stairs and notice that one of them squeaks, be sure to avoid this step when you're sneaking out. If you have super squeaky doors, you might consider greasing the hinges so they're quieter using WD-40, petroleum jelly, or even olive oil. Hide a change of clothes outside or near the door. If you don't want to have to change outside, hide your change of clothes very close to the door in a cabinet or covered up on a shelf. This will help make sure that no one sees you dressed in normal clothes while you're trying to sneak out. When you're sneaking out, it's best to wear your pajamas in case someone spots you. Pack a bag with anything you’ll need so it’s ready to go. This includes things like extra clothing, a wallet, keys, or your cell phone. Have everything in one accessible bag so that you don't have to fumble around trying to gather everything you need when it's time to go. Having all your belongings already in a bag will also make your escape quieter. Plan an excuse in case you get caught. It's a good idea to come up with a plan just in case things don't go as you expected. If someone sees you trying to leave the house, think of what you'd say to them so they don't become suspicious of why you're awake. For example, you might say that you're getting a drink of water or you thought you heard a noise coming from downstairs and wanted to check it out. Be aware of any alarms on the doors or windows. Many houses have alarms set on the doors, and sometimes the windows, to alert the homeowners that someone is trying to enter (or in your case, leave!). If your parents set an alarm for the house before they go to bed, make sure you know the code to turn it off, or try to find another way to exit the house. Make sure you can get back in the way you come out. This means that if you're planning on leaving through a window, make sure you're going to be able to climb back through it when you return home. If you're leaving from a door, make sure you have a key if necessary or any codes needed to come back through it. Consider hiding a key under a doormat or rock if desired. Dress in your pajamas. Put on what you would normally wear to sleep. Be sure not to change out of your pjs before sneaking out, just in case someone sees you. If you're wearing your pajamas, it'll be much easier to come up with an excuse and no one will be suspicious. If you usually wear bulkier pajamas, consider wearing your clothes under your pajamas to make changing more efficient. Make noise before pretending to go to sleep. This could be something as simple as making a point to say goodnight to your family before closing your bedroom door audibly, or you might play music or a television show in your room so people think you're busy. This will make your parents less likely to check up on you. If you usually listen to music while going to sleep, turn the music on as you normally would before sneaking out. Wait for your family members to fall asleep. It's important to be patient and wait until you're as positive as possible that your parents are asleep. If you know your parents are deep sleepers, you won't have to worry about this too much. If they're not, listen for sounds of deep breathing or snoring to ensure they won't hear you. If you're worried you'll have to wait a long time, set a quiet alarm on your phone in case you fall asleep. Place pillows under your blankets so it looks like you're asleep. This is useful in case your parents come check in your room while you're gone. Make an outline of your body shape using pillows on your bed, and cover up the pillows using your blanket. This should make it look like you're sleeping soundly in bed. You can even go a step further and place a wig near the top of the pillows to make it look like your own hair if desired. Tiptoe along your escape route to the door. Walk quietly through any hallways or rooms and down any staircases that lead you to the door. Take your time and try to be as quiet as possible so no one hears you. If you're going out through a window, be extra careful to be quiet when opening it and climbing through. Change clothes when you’re close to the door, or outside. Take out your clothing that you hid earlier and change into it, staying as quiet as possible. It's best to change once you're already out of the house so that no one sees you in your clothing, but you can change close to the door if necessary. Hide your pajamas so you can easily change back into them once you return home. Close the door or window behind you, making sure you can get back in. Take your time opening and closing the door or window, as this is the part that often makes more noise. Lock the door behind you if necessary, and make sure you have a way to get back in later. Double check that the hidden key is still in its spot, or slip the key into your pocket or purse. If your parents locked the door before going to sleep, make sure it's locked when you come back home and go to bed. Try to walk across carpet whenever possible. If you're able to walk on carpeting or a rug, choose this instead of wood. The extra padding will quiet your footsteps so no one can hear you, and it's less likely to cause squeaking. Remember to walk slowly across the floor to avoid making noise. Consider wearing socks if you're walking across wood. Stay alert so you can hear people coming. Focus hard on listening to all the sounds around you as you're sneaking out. If you're paying attention to any noise, you'll hopefully be able to hear someone else moving around or coming towards you. Open doors very slowly to avoid making noise. If you did a practice run of your escape plan, you should be aware of any doors that creak or make noise. Twist the doorknobs very slowly to stay quiet, and open and close doors very slowly as well. If you're opening a window, avoid pushing it up too quickly or it will make noise as well. Walk down the sides of staircases to avoid any creaks. The center of each step is usually the spot that produces the most creaks. Try to stick close to the railing or the wall, tiptoeing down the steps slowly. Put more of your weight on the wall or the railing to produce less noise on the stairs. The sides of the stairs are where they're most reinforced, making them less likely to squeak or make noise. Put your shoes on after you’re already outside. Not only will this save you time, but you won't have to worry about sitting down and tying your shoelaces in the dark or walking in heels quietly towards the door. Wait until you're outside and out of sight before you put on your shoes. Carry your shoes in your bag so you don't have to fumble with them in your hands as you're leaving. Have any keys ready in your hand to lock or unlock doors. If your door requires a key to lock or unlock it, separate the key from the keychain if necessary and have it ready to go in your hand. This will eliminate any sounds of jingling that might wake up someone in the house, as well as save time. Have your key out and ready when you return home as well.

Practice your route ahead of time. Hide a change of clothes outside or near the door. Pack a bag with anything you’ll need so it’s ready to go. Plan an excuse in case you get caught. Be aware of any alarms on the doors or windows. Make sure you can get back in the way you come out. Dress in your pajamas. Make noise before pretending to go to sleep. Wait for your family members to fall asleep. Place pillows under your blankets so it looks like you're asleep. Tiptoe along your escape route to the door. Change clothes when you’re close to the door, or outside. Close the door or window behind you, making sure you can get back in. Try to walk across carpet whenever possible. Stay alert so you can hear people coming. Open doors very slowly to avoid making noise. Walk down the sides of staircases to avoid any creaks. Put your shoes on after you’re already outside. Have any keys ready in your hand to lock or unlock doors.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Homemade-Baby-Food

How to Make Homemade Baby Food

To make homemade baby food, mash up pears or avocados with a fork and serve immediately if you're looking for something quick. Alternatively, you can boil or steam carrots and apples, or bake sweet potato or poultry. Then, put the cooked vegetables or meat into your blender with a little water and blend it into a paste. If you're storing the food, spoon it into glass jars or air tight plastic containers, and put it in the fridge to guard against bacteria.

Select fresh, good-quality produce. The first step in producing tasty, nutritious food for your baby is to select fresh, good quality produce. Buy organic if possible, and make sure fruits and vegetables are ripe and blemish-free. Try to use or cook all foods within 2 or 3 days after purchase. Choose items like apples, pears, peaches and sweet potatoes to try first. Avoid foods that may be stringy or hard for baby to swallow, such as green beans or peas with shells, unless you pass them through a fine strainer after they have been cooked and blended. Clean and prepare the food. The next step is to prepare the food for cooking or serving -- this involves cleaning the food and removing any parts that the baby cannot chew or digest -- such as skins, pips, nuts, seeds and fat. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Peel foods with skins and core items with seeds. Dice vegetables into similar sized cubes so they will cook evenly. In terms of quantity, 2 lbs. (900 g) of clean, diced produce will make around 2 cups (300 g) of homemade baby food. You can prepare meat and poultry by washing, removing the skin and trimming any fat before cooking. Grains like quinoa and millet should be prepared according to the instructions on the package. Cook the food by steaming, boiling or baking. If you're preparing a ripe fruit -- like a soft pear or avocado -- you can simply mash it up with a fork and serve immediately. Vegetables, meat and grains on the other hand, will need to be cooked first. You have several options when it comes to cooking methods: Steaming is the best option when it comes to cooking vegetables, as it preserves the most nutrients. Use a steamer basket, or simply place a colander over a boiling saucepan of water. Steam produce until it is tender, usually about 10 to 15 minutes. Boiling can be used to cook grains, vegetables and certain animal produce. You can boil the food in a broth to add more flavor, if you wish. Baking is a good option for things like sweet potatoes, cruciferous veggies, meat and poultry. You can add a little flavor to these items by adding herbs and mild spices during baking (don't be afraid to give your baby flavor!) When processing baby food, try to work in small batches. This ensures that the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Also keep in mind that some foods will require the addition of a little liquid in order to achieve the correct consistency -- this liquid could be water, breast milk, formula or a little of the preserved cooking water (if the food was boiled). Cool and puree the food. Once the food is thoroughly cooked, set it aside and allow it cool fully. Make sure that meat and poultry products have no traces of pink left, as babies are more susceptible to food poisoning. Choose a processing method. Small babies will need their food pureed into a creamy texture before eating, whereas older babies can handle chunkier foods. The method you choose to process your baby food will depend on the age of the baby and your own personal preferences. Some parents choose to invest in fancy all-in-one baby food makers , which can cook, puree, defrost and reheat fruit, vegetables and meat. These are a little on the pricey side, but make making your own baby food a breeze! Alternatively, you can use your regular kitchen blender , food processor or hand-held blender to process food into a smooth puree. These are fast and easy to use (and eliminate the need to buy another gadget) but may be a pain to assemble, clean and dismantle if you're only working with small quantities of food. You could also try using a try using a hand-turned food mill or a baby food grinder. Both of these gadget are non-electric and portable. These work well and are relatively inexpensive, but are slower require more physical effort to operate. Lastly, for very soft produce like ripe bananas, avocados and baked sweet potatoes, you can simply use a good old-fashioned fork to mash the food into the desired consistency. Serve or store the food. Once your homemade baby food is cooked, cooled and pureed, you can serve some of it immediately, then store the rest for later use. It's very important to store homemade baby food correctly, so it doesn't spoil or develop bacteria that will make your baby ill. Spoon the baby food into food safe glass jars or plastic containers with airtight lids and place in the refrigerator. Label the container with the date the food was made, so you can keep track of freshness and dispose of any foods that are more than 3 days old. Alternatively, you can spoon the food into covered ice cube trays and freeze. Once the cubes have frozen fully, remove them from the tray and place in a sealable plastic bag. Each cube of baby food will be enough for one portion, so defrost accordingly. You can thaw frozen baby food by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, or by setting the container or bag containing the food in a pan of warm water (not over direct heat) for approximately 20 minutes Frozen pureed fruit and vegetables will keep for 6 to 8 months, while frozen meat and poultry will stay fresh for between one and two months. As making your own baby food can be pretty labor-intensive, a good strategy is to make large quantities of baby food on a single day, then freeze it for later use. Start with traditional baby foods. Most traditional baby food is comprised of soft, naturally sweet fruits and vegetables that are easy to prepare. Such foods include fruit like bananas, pears, blueberries, peaches, apricots, prunes, mangoes and apples and vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, sweet peppers, avocado, carrots and peas. These foods are popular as they are easy to prepare and enjoyed by most babies. They are a good place to start when you first introduce your baby to solids, but don't be afraid to branch out and try more adventures foods. This will help to expand your baby's taste buds and make mealtimes more interesting. Be careful not to overwhelm your baby however -- try introducing one new food at a time and wait at least three days before introducing another. This will help you to easily identify the cause of any allergic reactions. Experiment with stewed meats. Stewed meats are a great first food for babies -- they are tasty, nutritious and can be enjoyed by the rest of the family as well, which is always a bonus! Try making a beef stew using some light Chinese or Mexican flavors, such as soy sauce or mild poblano chillies (yes, chillies!). Babies from around the world are commonly introduced to these more intense flavors from a very early age. Alternatively, you could try cooking a pork shoulder with some citrus juice for a tasty dinner that will keep baby and the rest of the family happy. Feed your baby fish. Traditionally, parents were advised to avoid feeding their baby fish and other potentially allergenic foods until they were at least a year old. Thinking on this subject, however, has recently changed. A study published in 2008 by the American Academy of Pediatrics stated that it's safe to feed these foods to babies over the age of 6 months, provided they show no signs of allergies (food or otherwise), don't suffer from asthma and have no family history of either. Therefore, you should consider feeding your baby fish like salmon, which is full of healthy fats and is highly nutritious. Try simmering the salmon in a pot of lightly seasoned water until it's fully cooked. Allow it to cool before pureeing (for younger babies), mashing into a bowl of carrots or other vegetables, or simply breaking it up into small chunks (for older babies). Give your baby whole grains. It's a good idea to start your baby on whole grains such as quinoa and millet as early as possible. Whole grains introduce your baby to a whole new world of texture and encourages them to use their mouth and tongue in more advanced ways, which can help them with their speech later on. Whole grains don't need to be bland and boring, you can spice them up by cooking them in chicken or vegetable stock, or by mixing them with soft, flavorsome veggies like onions or butternut squash. Try eggs. Like with fish, parents were traditionally were advised to avoid feeding their babies eggs until they were a year old. Nowadays, it's believed that babies can eat eggs from the start, provided they show no signs of allergies or have no family history of allergies. Eggs are very nutritious, containing high levels of proteins, B vitamins and other important minerals. You can cook them anyway you like -- scrambled, poached, fried or cooked into an omelette. Just make sure that both the white and yolk are cooked until solid -- undercooked or lightly cooked eggs can cause food poisoning. Try mashing a hard boiled egg with half an avocado, mixing scrambled egg with some vegetable puree, or adding a chopped fried egg to rice or oatmeal (for older babies). Experiment with herbs and mild spices. Many parents become stuck on the notion that baby food needs to be bland and tasteless -- but this is not the case at all! Babies are fully capable of enjoying a wide variety of flavors. Try adding some rosemary to the pan when you're roasting butternut squash for pureeing, sprinkle some cumin or garlic powder on a cooked chicken breast, add a dash of cinnamon to your baby's oatmeal, or add a little chopped parsley to mashed potatoes. Babies can also tolerate spicy foods much better than you might think. Of course, you don't want to burn or irritate your babies mouth, but you can certainly think about adding some pureed peppers (mild varieties like Anaheims and poblanos) to things like vegetable purees and meat stews. Try sour fruits. It may come as a surprise to learn that many babies enjoy the taste of sour foods. You can find out if your baby is one of them by pureeing some pitted sour cherries. You could also try stewed, unsweetened rhubarb or pureed plums, both of which have a tart, refreshing flavor. Be careful with temperature. Solid baby food should be served no hotter than body temperature, to avoid burning the baby's mouth. You should be especially careful when reheating pre-prepared foods in the microwave, as the microwave can reheat food unevenly, creating hotspots in certain areas. Therefore, when you remove food from the microwave, give it a good stir to distribute the heat evenly, then leave it to sit for a few minutes until reaches room temperature. Don't keep leftovers. When feeding your baby, try to measure out exact portions for each meal. This helps to avoid waste, as you won't be able to save any leftovers. This is due to the high chance that your baby's saliva will get into the food as you spoon feed him/her, which makes it much easier for bacteria to grow in the food. Don't sweeten your baby's food. You should never sweeten your baby's food before feeding. Babies don't require any extra sugar, especially given the high rates of childhood obesity nowadays. You shouldn't use any alternative sweeteners like corn syrup or honey either, as these can cause a potentially fatal form of food poisoning in babies known as botulism. Avoid exposing your baby to nitrates. Nitrates are chemicals found in water and soil which can cause a certain type of anemia (known as methemoglobinemia) in exposed babies. These nitrates are eliminated from all store-bought baby foods, but can be a problem in homemade versions (especially if you use well water). As the major source of nitrates in baby foods comes from the use of well water, it's a good idea to have your well tested to ensure that the water contains less than 10ppm of nitrates. The level of nitrates increases in unfrozen food over time, so use fresh fruits and vegetables within a couple of days of purchase, freeze pre-prepared baby food as soon after cooking as possible and consider using frozen packets of veggies like beets, carrots, green beans, spinach, and squash (instead of fresh versions) as these tend to have the highest level of nitrates. Feed your baby the same food as the rest of the family. Instead of preparing separate meals for your baby, make life easier for yourself by grinding, mashing or pureeing the same meal that the rest of your family is eating. This saves you time and effort, but will also help to train your baby to eat the same food as everyone else, which can come in handy as your baby grows up. Babies can eat most healthy foods that the rest of the family eats, provided they are mashed up or blended to the correct consistency -- stews, soups and casseroles can all be adapted to become baby appropriate.

Select fresh, good-quality produce. Clean and prepare the food. Cook the food by steaming, boiling or baking. When processing baby food, try to work in small batches. Cool and puree the food. Serve or store the food. Start with traditional baby foods. Experiment with stewed meats. Feed your baby fish. Give your baby whole grains. Try eggs. Experiment with herbs and mild spices. Try sour fruits. Be careful with temperature. Don't keep leftovers. Don't sweeten your baby's food. Avoid exposing your baby to nitrates. Feed your baby the same food as the rest of the family.

https://www.wikihow.com/Tint-Bottles-and-Jars

How to Tint Bottles and Jars

Tinted bottles and jars can make a great decorative addition to your home. To make one, you'll need a clean jar, food coloring, and Mod Podge. First, pour 3 parts Mod Podge and 1 part water into a measuring cup. Add the food coloring you want until you get a deep color. Pour a small amount into your jar or bottle, then swirl it around so it covers the sides. Then, pour out the excess solution and allow your jar to set for 1 hour. Once it's set, bake your bottle or jar in the oven at the lowest temperature for 20 minutes.

Choose the bottles or jars you'd like to tint. It helps to have an idea for how you'd like to use the bottles or jars when choosing them. For example, are you looking to create a fancy vase or do you just want a decorative jar on display? Remove the jar or bottle label and wash it thoroughly. Soak the glass jar or bottle in warm soapy water to remove the label and then wash the bottle or jar inside and out. Rinse with clean water and dry. You may want to allow the jar/bottle to air dry especially if you are working with a narrow bottle. Don't start your project until the bottle/jar is completely dry. Choose the food coloring. You'll need several bottles of food coloring as you will need to immerse the glass in plenty of coloring in order to obtain a more vibrant tint. Check "Things You'll Need" below for the remaining items needed to complete this project. Set up your workspace near a sink, on a flat surface. You will need quick access to water and a place to pour out the solution. Cover the area with newspaper in order to avoid staining the work surface or countertops with food coloring. Pour 3 parts Mod Podge to 1 part water into the pourable measuring cup. The exact amount will vary depending on the size of the jar or bottle you're tinting. Add food coloring gradually until you obtain a deep color. This may require more than one bottle of food coloring. Mix Mod Podge, water and food coloring well using a spoon or a knife. Make sure the food coloring is well absorbed into the entire solution. Pour a small amount of solution into the jar or bottle and swirl around the sides of the jar or bottle. Cover the entire bottle or jar sides and base before returning the color back to the measuring cup. Cover the paper plate with aluminum foil. Stand the jar or bottle upside down on top of the plate. Wait several minutes for the bottle or jar to drain before standing it upright. Allow the jar or bottle to set for approximately one hour. You want the color to return to the bottom of the bottle or jar before you solidify the color. Place the set jar or bottle in the oven on the bottom rack at 170ºF/77ºC (or the lowest possible temperature) and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the bottle or jar is dry and transparent. Remove the bottle or jar from the oven. Use hot pads to remove the gummy substance that congregates along the top of the glass. Finished. Place on display. The jars are particularly striking when a candle is lit inside them (a bottle is usually a bit too narrow).

Choose the bottles or jars you'd like to tint. Remove the jar or bottle label and wash it thoroughly. Choose the food coloring. Set up your workspace near a sink, on a flat surface. Pour 3 parts Mod Podge to 1 part water into the pourable measuring cup. Add food coloring gradually until you obtain a deep color. Mix Mod Podge, water and food coloring well using a spoon or a knife. Pour a small amount of solution into the jar or bottle and swirl around the sides of the jar or bottle. Cover the paper plate with aluminum foil. Allow the jar or bottle to set for approximately one hour. Place the set jar or bottle in the oven on the bottom rack at 170ºF/77ºC (or the lowest possible temperature) and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the bottle or jar is dry and transparent. Remove the bottle or jar from the oven. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Dissertation-Proposal

How to Write a Dissertation Proposal

To write a dissertation proposal, keep in mind that the exact length and guidelines for your proposal may vary depending on your program's rules, so it's a good idea to check with your advisor if you're not sure. However, in general, your dissertation proposal should be 10-15 pages long. You'll also likely be required to include a title and introduction, as well as sections on your methodology, aims and objectives, literature review, scope and constraints, timetable, and references.

Write your proposal within the required timeline. Before you start your program, find out how much time you have to work on developing your dissertation topic. Every graduate program is different. You may need to start working on your proposal right away, or you might have to get a few years of coursework and some comprehensive exams out of the way first. Most graduate programs list their rules and timelines on the department website. If you're not sure where to find this information, check with your advisor, the department chair, or your department's administrative assistant. Conform to your program’s proposal length guidelines. The length of your dissertation proposal may vary depending on your program's rules or the nature of your specific research. Most dissertation proposals are about 10-15 pages long, however. Some proposals may be 20 or more pages in length. Ask your advisor or check your departmental guidelines to find out what is appropriate for your proposal. Your program may present length guidelines in terms of word count instead of page length. If there is no clear length requirement, talk with your advisor to find out what they recommend. Structure your proposal as recommended by the guidelines. Some departments may provide specific guidelines for how to structure the content of your proposal, such as what to include in the proposal and how to order it. Follow these guidelines if they are available, or check with your advisor to find out what they suggest. Required elements of a dissertation proposal may include: Title Introduction Methodology Aims and objectives Literature review Scope and constraints Timetable References Format your proposal according to your program’s requirements. Formatting requirements may also vary depending on your field and your program. For example, review your program's rules to find out if there are any special requirements regarding: Fonts, page numbers, and margin sizes. Citation style and formatting for notes and bibliography. Formatting of title pages and cover sheets. Select your committee members. Early in the dissertation writing process, you will need to select a dissertation committee. The committee typically consists of your academic advisor, 1-2 additional faculty members from your department, and an outside reader from another institution. Your committee members will review your proposal and work with you during the research and writing process. Most departments have requirements about who is eligible to serve on a dissertation committee. For example, your committee members may need to be selected from faculty who teach graduate level classes. Try to select committee members who have some familiarity with, and interest in, the topic you want to write about. If there are 2 faculty members who you think would be good fits, you may even consider asking them to be co-advisors. Follow your program’s approval process. Completing your proposal and getting it approved will probably involve dealing with some red tape. Check with your advisor or your department's administrative office to find out what practical steps you need to take as you go through the process. For example, you may need to: Get a form signed by your committee chair or academic advisor approving your selected topic. Have your finished proposal approved and signed by each member of your committee. Coordinate with your department to set a date for a proposal hearing, if that is part of your program's process. Make a list of topics that interest you. If you are starting an advanced graduate program, you probably already have a sense of what interests you in your field. Think about unanswered questions that came up in past reading or coursework that piqued your curiosity, and write down a few ideas. Some things you might consider as you think about topics include classes taught by professors with whom you have a good working relationship, questions/holes in your research that you'd like to investigate further, and seminar or research papers you have written for your classes. For example, say you are studying animal behavior with a focus on mollusks. Perhaps you have noticed that there is not a lot of published information about the reproductive habits of the lesser Fauxlandian howling snail. This could be a good starting point for your research. Do some preliminary research on your topic(s). Once you've picked a few possible topics, do a literature search and some more in-depth reading. This will not only help familiarize you with each potential topic, but it will also give you a better idea of whether there is really a need for more research on that topic. Check academic journals in your field for recent articles on your topic, and try to find out if there are any major monographs, peer reviewed articles, and/or book chapters dealing with the subject. Consider whether these sources are up-to-date, thorough, and methodologically sound. Use databases like ProQuest to find out if any other graduate students have recently done dissertations or theses on your potential topic(s). Talk to your advisor or committee chair about potential topics. Your academic advisor can help you decide whether your potential topic is feasible and appropriate or not. Set up an appointment to chat with them about topics you are interested in, but make sure to have a list of topic ideas ready before the meeting. If your advisor is familiar with the topic in question, they may be able to suggest a more specific angle or point you towards sources you weren't familiar with. Be prepared to discuss more than 1 possible topic with your advisor. That way, if they don't feel that your first choice will work, you will have something to fall back on. Narrow your focus once you have a general topic. After you and your advisor or committee chair agree on a topic, it's time to get even more specific. Do some more in-depth reading and look at the aspects of your topic that merit a closer examination. For example, maybe your research shows that there's new evidence regarding the role of shell color in howling snail mating rituals, but most current literature still reflects the outdated idea that howling snails select their mates based on eye-stalk length. This can help you narrow your topic from a general examination of howling snail reproductive habits to a study of mate selection based on shell color. Your focus may continue to narrow and evolve as you begin to research and write your dissertation in earnest, but that's okay. It's better to start with a topic that's too big than to begin writing and find that you don't have enough material to work with. Select a working title. The title of your dissertation should provide a brief and clear snapshot of the nature of your research. Developing a good working title early on can help orient and focus both you and your readers. However, keep in mind that you can continue to adjust your title as you continue to research and write. Try to make your title as specific as possible. For example, instead of “A Study of Reproductive Selection in Lesser Fauxlandian Howling Snails,” try something like “An Empirical Examination of the Role of Shell Color in Mate Selection among Lesser Fauxlandian Howling Snails.” Write an abstract if your program requires it. An abstract is a brief summary of your proposal, usually 100-350 words long. Your abstract should outline, in a few sentences: The general background of your topic. The main problem(s) or question(s) that you plan to address in your research. The major methods and procedures that you plan to use in order to answer your questions and/or support your thesis. The impact or importance of your study, also known as the “so what?” element of your project. Start with a general introduction to your topic. A good introduction should engage your readers' interest and provide important context for understanding the rest of your proposal. Your introduction should: Summarize the general context and scope of your topic. Briefly refer to previous literature on the topic and address the types of evidence available. Summarize, very briefly, the specific questions and issues you will address in your proposal. State the major problem your dissertation will address. In a paragraph or 2, write a concise “statement of the problem.” This is a brief summary of the knowledge gap you are hoping to fill with your research and what filling that gap may achieve. Depending on your topic and your program's requirements, this may either be part of your introduction or a separate section. For example, you might explain that recent research has shown that shell color plays a part in howling snail mate selection, but there are no current studies that adequately explain the specific color criteria for which the snails select. Explain your major research aims and objectives. This section of your proposal should discuss, in greater detail, which aspects of the problem you plan to explore. In a few short paragraphs, discuss: The major goals of your research. I.e., what questions are you hoping to answer? Do you have any particular expectations about what you will find? How you believe your research will fill a gap or provide an original contribution to your field. The specific focus of your study, including which areas you are choosing NOT to address and why. Summarize previous literature on your topic. The literature review is an opportunity to demonstrate your familiarity with previous research on the subject and to show that your dissertation will be a unique contribution. You don't have to offer an exhaustive list of all previous publications on your topic, but cover most of the key texts by other scholars. Be sure to discuss: How previous writers have approached your topic (e.g., specific methodologies and arguments they have used). The major established theories, hypotheses, and research trends related to your topic. Any problems you have identified with previous works on the subject (e.g., they are too broad or limited in scope, outdated, or poorly supported). The main gaps in current or previous research, and which research needs still remain to be filled. Describe your methodology. The methodology section is a vital part of any dissertation proposal. This is where you will describe the nuts and bolts of how you plan to carry out your research and address the major problems and questions of your dissertation. The types of methodology you use will depend on your specific project and your field. For example, if you are doing a science dissertation, you might break your methodology section down into discussion about selecting your subjects, designing your experiment, carrying out your experiment, and analyzing the results. Discuss any problems and limitations you anticipate. For example, you might point out that you expect to have trouble finding large sample sizes, which could make your results less statistically significant or harder to replicate than they would be if you had a bigger sample size. Demonstrate the significance of your research. Summarize the impact your research will have on your field, and how your contribution differs from previous work on the topic. In clear and straightforward terms, describe how you think your research will be useful or beneficial, both within and outside your field of study. For example, perhaps you could argue that your work on mate selection in lesser Fauxlandian howling snails will have potential implications for scholarly understanding of reproductive behaviors in other types of mollusks. Outline your plan of action if your program requires it. Some programs may require you to include a timeline for completing the different phases of your dissertation. This may be particularly important for dissertations that involve designing and conducting experiments or carrying out field research. Talk to your advisor about developing a realistic and attainable timeline for your dissertation. Be aware that your timeline may change as your work evolves and progresses—this is not meant to be a hard-and-fast schedule for completing your work. As you write your timeline, keep in mind practical considerations such as time needed for making travel arrangements or securing equipment for experiments or fieldwork. Present a list of your sources. Like any research paper, your dissertation proposal will need to include a full bibliography. Use an appropriate citation style for your field, and/or follow your program's specific guidelines. Depending on your topic or your program's requirements, you may also need to include appendices or other supplemental material, such as diagrams, sample data collection forms, or permission forms (e.g. if you will be conducting experiments with human subjects).

Write your proposal within the required timeline. Conform to your program’s proposal length guidelines. Structure your proposal as recommended by the guidelines. Format your proposal according to your program’s requirements. Select your committee members. Follow your program’s approval process. Make a list of topics that interest you. Do some preliminary research on your topic(s). Talk to your advisor or committee chair about potential topics. Narrow your focus once you have a general topic. Select a working title. Write an abstract if your program requires it. Start with a general introduction to your topic. State the major problem your dissertation will address. Explain your major research aims and objectives. Summarize previous literature on your topic. Describe your methodology. Demonstrate the significance of your research. Outline your plan of action if your program requires it. Present a list of your sources.

https://www.wikihow.com/Report-a-Stolen-Social-Security-Card

How to Report a Stolen Social Security Card

If you need to report a stolen social security card, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 as soon as you notice the card is missing. You may also want to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission and your local police department. After you've notified the proper authorities, monitor your credit by requesting a fraud alert from Equifax, Trans Union, or Experian.

Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is arguably the most important step in the entire process. In order to request a new card, you have to file a report with the SSA. You can contact them at www.ssa.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). They can replace your missing social security card with your original number or a new number. If you suspect someone is using your number, you should contact the SSA to report the issue. The SSA will review your earnings with you to ensure its records are correct. You can also review earnings posted to your account on your Social Security statement. This statement is available online, and you can get it at www.ssa.gov/myaccount after creating an account. Note that, if someone used your social security number to get a line of credit, the SSA cannot resolve these problems. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC collects information that can lead to an investigation or prosecution of identity thieves, but does not resolve individual cases relating to a stolen Social Security card. Online: Complete the FTC's online complaint form. You can find the form at www.ftc.gov/complaint. Complete the complaint form with as many details as you know. Save the reference number and submit your information. You need that reference number to update your complaint online or by phone. When you finish writing all the details, print a copy of the report. It will print as an Identity Theft Affidavit. Make sure to save or print your Affidavit. You can use this document to file for a police report or to counter false credit charges made in your name. By Phone: Call the FTC at 1-877-438-4338 or 1-866-653-4261 (TTY). Explain the issue to the representative and ask for your complaint reference number and affidavit password. The FTC representative will email you a link, so you can print or save your Affidavit Keep record dates and copies of your Affidavit in your files and if necessary, call the FTC to update your complaint. You will need to provide your complaint reference number. File a police report with your local police. Bring with you a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Affidavit, any other proof of the theft, a government issued ID with a photo, and proof of your address (rental agreement, pay stub, or utilities bill). Complete a report on the theft and ask for a copy of the report. File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The Internet Crime Complaint Center is run by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center. It functions as a way to register complaints regarding fraudulent online accounts. Obviously, only file a complaint with them if you suspect that someone has stolen your social security number online. Get an application. You need to replace the card that has been stolen. You can get an application from the Social Security Administration office, or print off the Application for a Social Security Card. This was the application you also filled out when applying for the card for the first time. You can also get the form from a local Social Security office. You can find your local office at their website. Fill out the form. After reading the directions, use blue or black ink to fill out the form. Use the 4-digit year (XXXX) to state your birth. You are not required to provide race or ethnicity information to obtain a Social Security card. You must sign the form yourself if you are 18 or over and physically able to do so. If you are not able to sign the form, then you may have a legal guardian, close relative, or parent sign for you. If you cannot sign your name, you can sign with an “X” and have two other people sign as witnesses. Collect necessary identity documents. You must bring documents that establish your identity with you when you apply for the replacement card. Documents issued in the United States are preferred and should be unexpired. They should show your legal name, include biographical information, and have either a picture or provide a physical description of you. Preferred proof of identity documents include: a valid U.S. driver's license a U.S. passport a U.S. state-issued non-driver identity card If you don't have one of these documents, or can't get a replacement within 10 working days, the Social Security office may accept other documents, such as: a U.S. military identity card employee identity card health insurance or Medicaid card school identity card Birth certificates, Social Security card stubs, and Social Security records are not accepted as proof of identity. Collect the necessary citizenship or immigration documents. If you were born outside of the United States, you will need to bring additional documents with you to show your citizenship or immigration status. If you are a U.S. citizen but were born outside the United States, you will need to show evidence of your U.S. citizenship. Acceptable documents include: A U.S. passport A Consular report of birth A Certificate of Citizenship A Certificate of Naturalization If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must show proof of immigration status or work eligibility. Bring your original visa or green card (not copies). You should also bring your foreign passport. Apply for a replacement card. You can apply for your replacement card one of two ways. You can apply in person at a local Social Security office. You can find your local office online at the Social Security website. Bring the completed application and required documents with you. You can also mail your original documents and your completed application to your local Social Security office. They will return the documents to you when they have completed the application process. You may also call Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 to locate your nearest office. Wait to receive the replacement Social Security card by mail. In most cases, you will receive your replacement card by mail within 7-14 days. If you applied in a Social Security office, they will tell you how long you can expect to wait to receive your card. Request a fraud alert with Equifax, Trans Union, or Experian. Once you do so, the credit reporting agency is obligated to contact the other two agencies to notify them as well. This is the easiest way to monitor your credit after losing your social security card. These companies will contact you by phone to verify when credit is opened under your name. Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289 Experian: 1-888-397-3742 Consider requesting Extended Fraud Alerts. If you have created an Identity Theft Report with the FTC, you can ask credit reporting companies to place an extended fraud alert on your credit file. They may have you complete a request form. Placing an extended fraud alert is free and stays in effect for up to 7 years. Request a free copy of your credit report from each of the credit reporting agencies. You are given 1 free credit report each year. Carefully review them for activity you did not authorize. Verify that the personal information on the report is accurate. Look for accounts you did not open, companies you haven't contacted, and debts you can't explain. Have any fraudulent or inaccurate information removed from the credit report. Speak to someone in the fraud department where your financial accounts have been tampered with or where accounts were opened without your authorization. When requesting an account to be closed or fraudulent charges to be removed, send the request in writing and include copies of documents that support your claims like your FTC or police report. Keep records of all communication and correspondence. You may want to send the companies a certified letter in writing to formally request that the charges be removed. Be sure to be explicit about each fraudulent item. Continue to check your credit reports at least every 3 months. Do this during the first year after a Social Security card is stolen, and then annually thereafter, to make sure that no one illegally uses your Social Security number to open a new credit line.

Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA). File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). File a police report with your local police. File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Get an application. Fill out the form. Collect necessary identity documents. Collect the necessary citizenship or immigration documents. Apply for a replacement card. Wait to receive the replacement Social Security card by mail. Request a fraud alert with Equifax, Trans Union, or Experian. Consider requesting Extended Fraud Alerts. Request a free copy of your credit report from each of the credit reporting agencies. Have any fraudulent or inaccurate information removed from the credit report. Continue to check your credit reports at least every 3 months.

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

How to Calculate Overhead

To calculate overhead, add up all of the indirect costs of running your business each month, like equipment, rent, and utility bills. Keep in mind that overhead is how much it costs to keep your business up and running without selling anything at all. Do not include direct costs, like the amount spent on wages or inventory. If you want, you can divide your overhead from your sales to see how much of your revenue is going to overhead costs.

Understand that overhead costs are expenses that do not directly relate to your product. They are also known as indirect costs. Indirect costs are things like rent, administrative staff, repairs, machinery, and marketing costs that are essential to your business operations and must be paid regularly. In our example, indirect costs such as postal rates and insurance are necessary to run a business, but not making a product. As you calculate your overhead, make sure to consider whether something is a fixed cost or a variable cost as well. Fixed costs are those that do not change, and variable costs are those that change according to your business's activity and level of production. Know that direct cost is the cost of creating a good or service. These costs will fluctuate based on demand for your product and the market price of materials. If you are starting a bakery, direct costs would be labor wages and ingredients. If you are running a health clinic, they would be your doctors' salaries, stethoscopes, etc. The most frequent direct costs, as illustrated above, are wages and materials. In simplified terms, direct costs pay for the things on the assembly line, while indirect costs pay for actual assembly line. Make a list of every expense for one month, quarter, or year. While you can choose any time frame you'd like, most businesses break down their expense reports by month. Be consistent with your time-frame -- if you calculate indirect costs monthly, you must calculate direct costs monthly too. Using computer programs like QuickBooks, Excel, or Freshbooks can help you keep your list organized and accessible. Don't worry just yet about what expense goes where. You need the full picture of your expenses before you can calculate overhead. Account for common overhead (indirect) costs. All companies have inevitable expenses that include taxes, rent, insurance, licensing fees, utilities, accounting and legal teams, administrative staff, facility upkeep, etc. Leave no stone unturned! Look over expense reports and receipts from the past to make sure you aren't missing anything. Don't forget about recurring expenses, such as renewing a license or filing permits, that occur infrequently. They still count as overhead. Use old costs or estimates if you don't know your exact expenses yet. If you are a new or aspiring businessperson, you'll need to do thorough research on the costs of supplies, labor and potential overhead. If you have old accounting books, you can use those to plan for next year's costs. Unless you are making large changes to your business plan, they are often similar numbers. Average your old costs over 3-4 months to adjust for any statistical anomalies. Divide your list into direct and indirect costs based on your business model. Every business is different and you may make a judgement call on certain expenses. For example, while legal expenses are generally overhead costs, they directly contribute to production if you run a law firm. If you are still confused, think of overhead costs as those you would pay if you stopped producing anything at all. What keeps your business running every day? Update this list every time you incur new expenses. Add all of the indirect costs together to get your total overhead costs. This is the amount of money that you need to stay in business. In the example above, our yearly overhead would be $16,800. Knowing this number is crucial when creating a business plan. Find your overhead percentage. An overhead percentage tells you how much of your business is spent on overhead and how much is spent making a product. To find out your overhead percentage: Divided indirect costs by direct costs. In the example above, our overhead rating is.35 (16,800 / 48,000 =.35) Multiply this number by 100 to get your overhead percentage. Here, 35% This means that your business spends 35% of its money on legal fees, administrative staff, rent, etc. for every product it produces. The lower your overhead rating, the larger your profit. A low overhead rating is good! Use your overhead rating to compare yourself to similar businesses. Assuming that all similar businesses pay roughly the same direct costs, companies with a lower overhead rating make more money when they sell their product. By lowering your overhead rating, you can sell your product at a more competitive price and/or earn higher profits. Divide your overhead costs by your labor costs to see how efficiently you use your resources. Multiply this by 100 to get the percentage of overhead used by each worker. When this number is low, it means your business spends its overhead costs efficiently. If this number is too high, you might employ too many people. Calculate what percentage of your revenue pays for overhead. Divide your overhead costs by the amount made in sales, then multiple by 100 to get your percentage.This is a simple way to see if you are selling enough goods/services to keep yourself in business. Ex. If my business sells $100,000 worth of soap a month, and it costs me $10,000 to keep my office running, then I spend 10% of my revenue on overhead. The higher this percentage, the lower your profit margin. Trim or manage your overhead costs if these numbers are too high. Wondering why you aren't making a huge profit? You might be paying too much rent, or need to sell more products to cover overhead costs. Perhaps you have too many workers and are not spending wisely to keep them all employed. Use these percentages to take a closer look at your business model and make changes accordingly. All businesses pay overhead, but those that manage their overhead costs wisely turn a higher profit. That said, having low overhead isn't everything. If you spend money on good equipment or worker satisfaction, for example, you might have higher productivity and higher profits.

Understand that overhead costs are expenses that do not directly relate to your product. Know that direct cost is the cost of creating a good or service. Make a list of every expense for one month, quarter, or year. Account for common overhead (indirect) costs. Use old costs or estimates if you don't know your exact expenses yet. Divide your list into direct and indirect costs based on your business model. Add all of the indirect costs together to get your total overhead costs. Find your overhead percentage. Use your overhead rating to compare yourself to similar businesses. Divide your overhead costs by your labor costs to see how efficiently you use your resources. Calculate what percentage of your revenue pays for overhead. Trim or manage your overhead costs if these numbers are too high.

https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Shipping-Costs

How to Determine Shipping Costs

To determine how much it will cost to ship something, figure out what packaging you need. Light envelopes add about 25 cents to a shipment while large boxes can add up to $5. Weigh the item while it's packaged, then check what your carrier charges for postage. Use an online calculator to estimate your shipping costs.

Take packaging into account. The type of packaging you use affects costs. Light packaging tends to be inexpensive. Smaller boxes add about a dollar to shipping costs, while light envelopes add about 25 cents. However, using a larger box can cost up to $5. While you can't know the exact cost until being charged at the post office, these guidelines can help you determine a rough estimate. For example, if you're shipping a larger box, add an estimated $5 onto your overall shipping costs. Weigh your item. If you have a scale at home, weigh your item first. Make sure you weigh the package as you'll send it out. The weight, in addition to other information, can be entered into an online calculator to help you estimate a rough shipping cost. Jot it down and gather other information before using an online calculator. Use an online calculator associated with the shipping company you're using. If you're shipping through FedEx, for example, use a calculator on their website. Figure out postage. Postage varies depending on the type of package you're sending and your state. You must use an individual online calculator catered to your state to determine a postage estimate. You enter information such as your zip code and the type of package you're sending. From there, you will get a price estimate for postage. Enter your information into an online calculator. You can find calculators online to help you determine shipping costs. Try to find a calculator through the mail carrier you're using. For example, if you're using UPS, use their online price calculator. Enter the information you gathered, such as the package weight, to get an overall cost estimate. Remember, prices may vary when you arrive at the post office. Budget to potentially pay a little extra in shipping costs. Account for handling. If you have workers handling your objects prior to shipping, remember to account for this when determining shipping costs. How long will it take to package the items and what do you pay your workers? To figure out handling costs, multiply how long it take your employees to package items and divide that by 60. Then, multiply that by their hourly wage. This should give you the average cost of handling per item. For example, say your employees take 15 minutes to package and send an item. Divide that by 60 to get.25. If you pay your employees $10 an hour, multiple that by.25 to get $2.50. This means your handling costs are $2.50. Evaluate the cost of packaging. Think about what type of packaging you're using. Larger boxes can cost up to $5 to ship, while small envelopes cost only 25 cents. Lightweight boxes generally cost a dollar. Factor these costs in when figuring out your rough shipping costs for your items. Later, as you decide between a calculated or flat rate, you can decide what chunk of packaging costs you should pass on to your customers. Weigh your items. If you don't already have a scale at home, buy one. Weigh your items and then use an online calculator to determine how much you'll be charged based on your carrier and the object's weight. Make sure to weigh your objects in their packaging. Use a calculated weight for lightweight items and specialty shipping. A calculated rate means you would charge customers shipping based on factors such as the product type, weight, and so on. A calculated rate has both pros and cons you should consider before adopting it. Use a calculated weight if you're selling lightweight items and/or offering different methods of delivery (i.e., standard shipping, two day shipping, overnight shipping). Lightweight items cost less to ship, so shipping costs won't add a lot to a customer's bill, and people are willing to pay more for quick services. Calculated shipping rates have some drawback. If your shipping rates are expensive, customers may abandon their items at checkout when their shipping costs are calculated. Flat rates tend to make more sales. Use a flat rate to increase sales. A flat rate means you charge one price for shipping, regardless of the item's weight, packaging, and so on. You should know the average shipping rate for your items. For example, if items cost around $8 to ship, a $4 flat rate shipping fee is reasonable. Flat rates reduce the likelihood consumers will abandon their items at checkout. Customers know shipping costs ahead of time and will account for these costs when making purchases. The main drawback of a flat rate shipping fee is that you lose some profit. However, as flat rates generally generate more sales, the extra money may makeup for this. Review a website's shipping and handling policies. The best way to figure out how much shipping will cost is to review a store's guidelines. The company website should explain whether the shipping rates are flat or calculated so you can get a sense of how much you'll be paying in shipping. Some stores may provide an online calculator so you can determine your potential shipping costs prior to placing your order. Pay attention to different prices based on speed. Many stores charge an extra fee for faster deliveries. While something standard shipping may be free or only come with a small charge, some stores may charge a hefty fee for two day or overnight shipping. See if shipping rates vary based on item type. Shipping rates often vary depending on the type of object you're ordering. When reviewing a store's policies, see if shipping rates vary by type. Expensive, breakable objects, such as electronics, may come with extra fees. This is especially important when ordering from large retail sites, such as Amazon, that sell a wide variety of objects.

Take packaging into account. Weigh your item. Figure out postage. Enter your information into an online calculator. Account for handling. Evaluate the cost of packaging. Weigh your items. Use a calculated weight for lightweight items and specialty shipping. Use a flat rate to increase sales. Review a website's shipping and handling policies. Pay attention to different prices based on speed. See if shipping rates vary based on item type.

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

How to Read Histograms

To read a histogram, start by looking at the horizontal axis, called the x-axis, to see how the data is grouped. Then, look at the vertical axis, called the y-axis, to see how frequently the data occurs. For example, a histogram about the heights of pitchers in professional baseball will show an x-axis with the players' heights, and a y-axis with the number of players who are those heights. In order to read the histogram, pick a height on the x-axis, and follow the top of the bar to the y-axis to see how many pitchers were of that height throughout the history of professional baseball.

Recognize the difference between a bar chart and a histogram. Bar charts and histograms are similar, but with some very specific differences. A bar chart groups numbers into categories, while histograms group numbers into ranges. Histograms are generally used to show the results of a continuous data set such as height, weight, time, etc. A bar graph has spaces between the bars, while a histogram does not. A histogram often shows the frequency that an event occurs within the defined range. It shows you how many times that event happens. Read the axes of the graph. The x-axis is the horizontal axis and the y-axis is the vertical axis. Both give you essential information to reading the histogram. Many histograms show you the results of the frequency of an occurrence and will have a y-axis indicating frequency. The x-axis will tell you the ranges into which the data have been grouped. For example, a histogram detailing the frequency of heights of pitchers in professional baseball will have an x-axis of height and a y-axis of frequency. Identify the ranges used. The data is grouped into ranges or bins for graphing. Choosing the correct bin size is important in yielding a graph that will help you interpret your results. You want to choose ranges that are not too broad or too specific and allow you to see an underlying pattern of frequency in the data. For example, the average height of a professional baseball pitcher is 6'2”, but there will obviously be exceptions. Because the ranges of height will likely be between 5'6” and mid 6'6”, the bins should only vary by about an inch or two. Another note on the ranges: the very first group may range from 5'6” to 5'8”, but it does not include 5'8”. Each group includes everything up to the beginning of the next group. Use the top of the bar to read the frequency of that group. If you want to know how many times an event occurred within a specific range, simply look at the top of the bar and read the value on the y-axis at that point. For example, looking at the histogram, the number of players in the range of 6'0” to just under 6'2” is 50. Gather data to be graphed. If you want to gather data on the frequency of something, then graphing a histogram is a good way to look at your data. Whether you're looking at the number of copies sold of a specific book or the weight distribution of cows on a farm, histograms are an easy way to get a broad picture of the overall pattern of the distribution of the data. Choose your range bins. When plotting the data, you must first decide how you want to divide it up into ranges. You want to choose bins that will give you a good representation, so you don't want them to be too broad or too specific. For example, let's say you had 10 data points of the weight of cows on your farm: 1150, 1400, 1100, 1600, 1800, 1550, 1750, 1350, 1400, and 1300. These weights vary by hundreds of pounds, so you want your bins to vary by hundreds of pounds as well. Set bins every 200 pounds, starting at 1100 pounds going up to 1900 pounds. 1100-1300, 1300-1500, 1500-1700, 1700-1900 for a total of 4 bins. Separate the data into the bins. Once you have chosen your bins, you need to order and sort the data into these bins. Start by putting all of your values in ascending order. Then draw a line at the division of the bins. Count the number of values that fall into each bin. This number is the frequency of each range. Remember, if the value is equal to the boundary of a bin, it falls in the bin to the right. For example, let's say you had 10 data points of the weight of cows on your farm: 1150, 1400, 1100, 1600, 1800, 1550, 1650, 1350, 1400, and 1300. Sorting them into ascending order: 1100, 1150, 1300, 1350, 1400, 1400, 1550, 1600, 1650, 1800 Divide them into bins: 1100, 1150| 1300, 1350, 1400, 1400| 1550, 1600, 1650| 1800 Count the frequencies: Bin 1: 2, Bin 2: 4, Bin 3: 3, Bin 4: 1 Graph the histogram. You can construct your histogram by hand using the data you've sorted, or you can use a program such as Excel or another statistics program. To draw by hand, simply draw out an x- and y- axis and set the scale on each one. The x-axis will be set by the bins you've already chosen and the scale of the y-axis is set by the frequency data. Draw bars for each bin that go up to the frequency value associated with the bin. Color them in and make sure all of the bars are touching each other. For the weight of cows example, the x-axis will range from 1100- 1900 in increments of 200; the scale of the y-axis will range from 1 to 4 in increments of 1. The first bin, 1100-1300, has a frequency of 2, so draw a bar up to 2 and color it in. Directly next to the first bar, draw the second bar for the second bin which has a frequency of 4. The third bar goes up to 3 and the final bar goes up to 1. Label both of the axes. No graph is complete without labeled axes. Make them large and bold so they stand out. Make sure the labels accurately represent the data being presented. The y-axis will be labeled frequency, while the x-axis label will depend on the type of data collected. For the example, the x-axis will be labeled something like “Weight of Cows in Pounds” and the y-axis will be labeled “Frequency”.

Recognize the difference between a bar chart and a histogram. Read the axes of the graph. Identify the ranges used. Use the top of the bar to read the frequency of that group. Gather data to be graphed. Choose your range bins. Separate the data into the bins. Graph the histogram. Label both of the axes.

https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Eye-Makeup-for-Deep-Set-Eyes

How to Apply Eye Makeup for Deep Set Eyes

If you have deep set eyes, you can use makeup to draw attention to your natural beauty. Start by washing your eyelids with a damp cloth and no soap. Then, apply a little primer to help your eye shadow stay on all day. If you have any dark circles under your eyes, cover them with a little concealer. After that, apply a light-colored eye shadow to reduce the contrast of your face and highlight your eyelids. After your base shade, you can add a darker shade to the outer corners of your eyes for more colorful eyelids. Use a little eyeliner and mascara to help frame your eyes.

Wipe your eyelids with a damp washcloth to remove any dirt and oil. All you need is a little bit of water and a clean washcloth. Wet your washcloth in your sink using warm water, and gently rub the cloth over your eyelids. Use an eyelid primer so your eyeshadow stays on all day long. Squeeze a small dollop on your palm, and dab it onto both of your eyelids using your finger. Rub it in using your finger, and make sure to cover along your brow bone as well. A little bit of eyelid primer ensures your eye makeup looks neat and attractive all day! If you don't have specific primer for your eyelid, you can apply facial primer to your eyelids as well as your face. Apply a liquid foundation. If you have deep set eyes, you want to avoid shadowy areas on your face. To do this, apply liquid foundation onto your face, including on your eyelids and under your eyes. Foundation evens out your skin tone and brightens up your face. When selecting your foundation color, pick a shade that is closest to your natural skin color. If your concealer or foundation are too dark, it will make the dark circles under your eyes look deeper. Cover dark under eye circles with concealer, if you have them. You can apply a small amount of concealer under both of your eyes after you apply foundation. Choose a color that is 1 shade lighter and slightly warmer than your skin color. Apply the concealer in a triangle shape below your eye for the most flattering look. Then use the pad of your finger or a makeup brush to pat the concealer until it's blended into your foundation. If you have fair skin, use a lighter peach-colored concealer to cover circles under your eyes. If you have a deeper skin tone, opt for a deeper orange. As an alternative, you could apply a yellow concealer across your entire lid for a brightening effect. Dab a highlighting shade on your inner corners and along your brows. When applying eyeshadow to deep set eyes, you want to increase the appearance of highlights. Light colored eyeshadows add brightness to your face, toning down the appearance of contrasting shadows. Using your rounded brush or your finger, dab a bit of eyeshadow just past your tear duct. In addition, run your brush along your brown bone for extra highlight. You can use a shade like white, light pink, peach, or beige. Just make sure your highlighting shade is lighter than your skin tone. This adds a bit more highlight to your face, distracting from the natural shadow over your eyelid. Apply a light-colored eyeshadow over your eyelid as your base shade. If you have deep set eyes, it is best to use light shade of eyeshadow. Dip your rounded brush into your shadow, and lightly dust your eyeshadow over your entire eyelid. You can gradually add more pigment to your eye by applying multiple light layers of shadow. Use eyeshadow colors like peach, pink, or golden brown, for example. If you want a bold look, select eyeshadow colors in highly saturated pigments like purple, blue, and pink. These bright colors will add a pop of color to your face, perfect when styling a bold, nighttime look. If you're worried the color looks too dark, you can dab a little white eyeshadow on the center of your lid and blend it into the color to lighten it. For an eyeshadow choice you can wear casually or professionally, choose neutral colors like tan, gold, or nudes. This adds a bit of color and shine to your eye, while still looking naturally beautiful. Use a darker shade on the outer corners of your eye. To add some interest to your eye makeup, you can add an additional shade of eyeshadow to your lids. Use your flat-edged makeup brush, and swipe a darker shadow over the outer half of the upper lash line, following the shape of your lid. Use colors like grey or navy blue for a neutral look, or go with a pop of color like purple or bright pink. Avoid putting dark shades of shadow directly to the crease of your eye. If you don't have a brush handy, you can also use a cotton swab. Apply the darker shade with your pinky finger to easily run the shadow along your crease. Choose between pencil liner or liquid varieties. Oftentimes, pencil eyeliner is easier to apply because you use it just like a writing utensil. Simply draw tiny overlapping lines along your lash line with a sharp pencil. Liquid liner is a popular choice because you can create smooth, precise lines. You essentially paint the line on with a thin applicator brush, rather than drawing it onto your eyelid. If you are just starting, try the pencil eyeliner until you are comfortable. You can use either eyeliner for both casual and nighttime looks. Alternatively, you can also use gel eyeliner. To apply, dip your applicator brush into the pot of pigment, and draw on your line with the brush. Start your line at the outer corner of your eye to frame deep set eyes. With deep set eyes, it is best to avoid applying eyeliner in the inner corner of your eye so your eyes look bright and open. Stop your line 1/2 or 2/3 of the way across your lid. Try to make as thin of lines as possible on your upper lash line. Lining your entire lid can make your eyes look small. Try skipping the liner on your bottom lid, and just use mascara on your lower lashes, instead. In addition you can apply eyeliner to your bottom eyelid starting at your lash line for nighttime looks. This adds a bit of depth to your eye, perfect for a night out! Draw a diagonal line from the outer corner to do winged eyeliner. After you've drawn your line on your upper lid, continue the line outward slightly. Angle your line upward so it points towards the end of your eyebrow. Then, use the same curve to draw the wing on your other eyelid so they are even. While this isn't required, it helps brighten up your eyes. It also looks great with nighttime looks! If you don't get your wing right the first time, you can dab it with a cotton swab and try again. There are tons of online tutorials to help you if you get stuck. Choose a mascara based on what kind of lash enhancement you’d like. Nowadays, there are many varieties of mascara to meet all of your lash needs. When applying mascara to deep set eyes, select a variation that adds definition and length to all of your lashes, like a voluminous or lengthening type. You can select waterproof varieties, if you'd like. Use a lengthening mascara if you have short eyelashes or want extra definition. Select a voluminous mascara if you want a full, sexy nighttime look. Go with a defining mascara for casual and professional styles. Use an lash curler before you apply mascara if you want extra lift. Eyelash curlers are small beauty tools that help give your lashes additional curl and definition. To use them, simply open up your curler, line it up with your top lashes, and press down to curl them. Hold the curler up to your eye for about 10-30 seconds, then release. Slide the curler halfway up your lashes and press again to create a softer curve in your lashes. Do this for both of your eyes, and they will look even more fabulous when you apply your mascara! Additionally, eyelash curlers make it easier to apply mascara because your lashes are already lifted. Avoid tugging on the eyelash curler when you use it so you don't damage your eyes. Place the applicator brush at the base of your lashes. When you are applying eyeliner, it is best to start close to the root of your lashes and extend the product to the tip. This creates definition between your lashes and increases the appearance of length. Move the applicator brush in a zigzag motion. After you place brush at the root of your lashes, simply wiggle it to the tips. Mascara helps your eyes appear more open and bright, which is helpful when you have deep set eyes. You can do this for both your upper and lower lashes. Apply a minimum of 2 coats so your eyes pop! After you apply your first coat, run your applicator brush through your lashes another time to get the ultimate lift. Place your brush near the roots of your lashes, and move it upwards to curl your lashes. For best results, avoid dipping your brush back into your mascara. This can make your mascara look clumpy. If you want to apply mascara to your bottom lashes, stick to the roots of the lashes. Extending the mascara to the ends of your bottom lashes can make you look like a doll.

Wipe your eyelids with a damp washcloth to remove any dirt and oil. Use an eyelid primer so your eyeshadow stays on all day long. Apply a liquid foundation. Cover dark under eye circles with concealer, if you have them. Dab a highlighting shade on your inner corners and along your brows. Apply a light-colored eyeshadow over your eyelid as your base shade. Use a darker shade on the outer corners of your eye. Choose between pencil liner or liquid varieties. Start your line at the outer corner of your eye to frame deep set eyes. Draw a diagonal line from the outer corner to do winged eyeliner. Choose a mascara based on what kind of lash enhancement you’d like. Use an lash curler before you apply mascara if you want extra lift. Place the applicator brush at the base of your lashes. Move the applicator brush in a zigzag motion. Apply a minimum of 2 coats so your eyes pop!

https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Door-Jamb

How to Install a Door Jamb

To install a door jamb, start by measuring the door frame and cutting the wood to size. Next, add glue to the end of 1 of your longer pieces of wood and attach a shorter piece to it. Then, use a nail gun to secure the 2 pieces together before attaching the other side of the jamb in the same way. Once you've completed the jamb, lift it up into the door frame to make sure it fits. If there are any gaps, slide shims, which are thin pieces of wood, between the jamb and the frame. Finally, nail the jamb in place and cut the shims to size with a utility knife.

Measure the width of the door frame. Break out the tape measure. You'll need to know how wide your door frame is so the jamb fits in it. Hold the tape measure up to the top of the door frame. Note the measurement and save it for later. Keep in mind that if the door has 2x4 walls, then the frame will be 4-1/2" (11.4 cm). If the door has 2x6 walls, then the frame will always be 6-1/2" (16.5 cm). Measure the sides of the door frame. Take your tape measure to one side of the door frame. Note the length and mark this on one piece of wood. If you have level ground, this measurement will be the same for the other side. Most likely they'll be different, so measure the other side of the frame and mark its length on another piece of wood. Don't forget to also measure the top part of the frame for the smaller piece of wood. Cut the wood. Suit up with safety gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and a visor, before turning on your circular saw. Thin the pieces of wood so they fit within the frame. Follow up by cutting their length according to the measurements you took earlier. Nail the wood together. Lay one of the longer pieces of wood on its side and add a bit of wood glue to the end. Attach the shorter piece to one end of the longer piece. Get your nail gun and hold it square on the outside of the area where the wood meets. Add the nails to secure the pieces together. Align the other piece of wood on the opposite side and attach it the same way. Hold the jamb up to the door frame. Carefully move your newly-cut wood up into the frame. Since you measured, it should fit in there well. Align the left side against the wall and see if it appears level. Double-check this with a level. Level out the jamb with wood strips. After attaching the jamb to the frame, place wood strips (shims) under it. Make sure that you do not lift the jamb too much. Figure out where you need to place the shims to level the hinge side from top to bottom. Get these strips from the home improvement store. Slip them between the jamb and frame as needed. Always start with the side where the door will attach to the hinges. Make sure to fasten the hinge side jambs directly to the stud. You can fasten them loosely in case you need to slide a jamb behind it, but it is best to keep it tight. Hold the door against the jamb to check for clearance. You can hold the jamb in place by lightly hammering in a few nails. Place the door inside the jamb. The door needs to fit comfortably inside the jamb. Look for the gap between the door and jamb to be one-eighth of an inch (.32 cm) on all sides. Add or remove shimming so the door fits. When you're sure the measurements are correct, remove the door. Nail the hinge side of the jamb to the frame. Get your nail gun again. Make sure the jamb is even against the wall and frame. Begin securing it with nails from top to bottom. Be sure to put a nail through each shim to hold them in place. Weather strips are a good way of hiding screw marks. Screws make exterior doors stronger and more adjustable. Drill a hole in the jamb before adding the screws, then attach the weather strips over them. Secure the other sides of the jamb to the frame. Move onto the top side. First, hold your level up to the jamb. If it doesn't appear level, add some shims to even it out. Finish by nailing the jamb to the frame. Repeat this with the side opposite the hinges. Cut the shims to size with a utility knife. The shims will have their ends sticking out of the jamb. Go ahead and take your utility knife or other woodcarving knife and score them, then use your hammer to break off the ends. Hang the door in the jamb. Screw the hinges onto the correct side of the jamb. Unless you are installing a prehung door, you'll need to trace the outline of the hinges on the jamb and cut an indentation using a router or utility knife. Place the door in the jamb and fasten it to the hinges. Make sure it's tight and opening in the right direction. It's ideal to do this first so you can gauge how much space you have for the door stops and align them properly behind the hinges. Measure out the stopper width. The door stopper (also called stop molding) can be bought pre-cut or fashioned out of wood strips. You will need to measure out how wide the stopper needs to be so that the pieces on each side of the door frame fit together. The moulding goes behind the hinges and rests in the middle of the jamb. Measure it against the jamb until you're sure it's the right thickness. The stop molding is thin. When cutting it yourself, you only need strips of wood about one or two inches (two to five cm) wide. Measure the stopper's length on the door jamb. Start with the top part. Measure all the way across the jamb so that the stopper will go all the way across the jamb. Now measure the amount of wood needed from top to bottom of both the left and right sides of the jamb. Cut your stopper wood down to size. Use a saw to trim the wood to the required length. You'll have a shorter piece for the top of the door and two longer pieces for the sides. Nail the stopper to the door frame. Get your nail gun one more time. Start with the top side. Keep the stopper pieces even and centered in the jamb. Nail the shorter piece to the frame. Nail the other pieces to the sides. When you're done, the closed door should rest inside the jamb.

Measure the width of the door frame. Measure the sides of the door frame. Cut the wood. Nail the wood together. Hold the jamb up to the door frame. Level out the jamb with wood strips. Hold the door against the jamb to check for clearance. Nail the hinge side of the jamb to the frame. Secure the other sides of the jamb to the frame. Cut the shims to size with a utility knife. Hang the door in the jamb. Measure out the stopper width. Measure the stopper's length on the door jamb. Cut your stopper wood down to size. Nail the stopper to the door frame.

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

How to Be Assertive

If you want to be assertive, speak in a firm, relaxed voice at a volume that fits the situation. Maintain an open body stance and direct eye contact to demonstrate confidence. Additionally, try to use simple sentences when you're conveying thoughts and feelings, which can help you avoid misunderstandings. It's okay to say “no,” as long as you're calm and respectful about it. Finally, practice having conversations in a mirror so being more assertive becomes second nature to you.

Understand assertive communication. Assertive communication carries respect for the feelings, needs, wants, and opinions of others. An assertive communicator avoids infringing upon the rights of others, while asserting their own, seeking compromise in the process. Assertive communication utilizes actions and words to express boundaries of needs and wants in a calm fashion, while conveying a message of confidence. Learn verbal features of assertive communication. The verbal cues that indicate assertive communication convey respect, sincerity and firmness. These cues might include: Firm, relaxed voice Fluent and sincere Appropriate volume for situation Cooperative and constructive Learn the non-verbal features of assertive communication. Just like verbal cues, non-verbal communication conveys assertive behavior and can indicate respect, sincerity and confidence. Non-verbal features might include: Receptive listening Direct eye contact Open body stance Smiling when pleased Frowning when angry Learn thoughts associated with assertive communication. An assertive person will naturally gravitate towards certain thought patterns that indicate their confidence and respect for others. These thoughts might include: “I won't be taken advantage of, or attack another person.” “I will stand up for myself in a respectful manner.” “I will express myself directly and openly.” Understand aggressive communication. Assertiveness can often be incorrectly confused with aggression. Aggressiveness lacks respect for others. It is a complete disregard for the needs, feelings, wants, opinions, and sometimes even the personal safety of other people. Aggressive communication can often be identified by angry and/or demanding behavior, self-promotion, and manipulation. Verbal features of aggressive communication might include : sarcastic or condescending remarks, blaming, shouting, threats, boasting, or the use of put-downs. Nonverbal features of aggressive communication might include: intruding upon others' personal space; fist-clenching, crossed arms, scowling, or staring down another person. Thoughts associated with aggressive communication might include: “I feel powerful, and will get others to do my bidding," "I am in control of other people," or "I refuse to be vulnerable.” Understand passive communication. Silence and assumption are the hallmarks of the passive communication style. Passive communicators often lack respect for themselves, disregarding their own opinions, feelings, needs, and desires. Passive communication places one's own needs and desires below those of others. Passivity takes away one's power and allows others to decide the outcomes of situations. : Verbal features of passive communication might include: hesitancy, quiet, self-dismissal, or self put-downs. Non-verbal features of passive communication might include: averting the gaze or looking down, slouched posture, crossed arms, or covering the mouth with hand. Thoughts associated with passive communication might include: “I don't count," or “People will think poorly of me.” Note that being passive is not the same thing as being passive-aggressive , which is characterized by agreeing in the moment and then being resentful or retaliatory later. Think about your influences. From early childhood, our behaviors are adapted to fit responses received from our environment, families, peers, coworkers, and authority figures. Communication styles, such as passiveness, assertiveness, and aggression, can be extensions of cultural, generational, and situational influences. Assertiveness is much more valued in Western societies. Older generations may find it more difficult to act assertively. Men were once taught that emotional expression was a sign of weakness, while women were taught that stating their own needs and opinions conveyed messages of aggression. Sometimes, it can even be difficult for us to discern which behaviors are appropriate to use in different situations. Do not blame yourself for your communication style. It is important not to blame yourself if you do not understand how to communicate assertively. Other types of communication styles, such as passiveness and aggression, can be parts of a vicious cycle. You can break this cycle by learning new assertive ways of thinking and behaving. If your family taught you to place the needs of others before yourself as a child, it may be difficult for you to assert yourself. If your family or peer group handled conflict by yelling and arguing, you may have learned to deal with conflict accordingly. If your social group believed that negative emotions should be concealed, or if your have ever been ignored or ridiculed for expressing these types of feelings, then you may have learned not to communicate negative emotions. Start writing in a journal. In order to learn how to communicate assertively, it is important that you learn how to effectively manage your emotions. For some, just gaining insight into their own emotional processes can be enough to help them change the way they communicate with others and enable them to express their emotions in a more assertive manner. Keeping a journal can be the best to get to the bottom of your behavior, by recording situations and asking specific questions that relate to assertiveness. Identify situations as if you were filming a scene. Write down situations that trigger your emotions. Stick to facts and try not to make any interpretations in this first step. For example, you may simply write, “I asked my friend to go out to eat, and she said 'no'.” Identify the emotions you were feeling in the situation. Be honest about how you felt. Specify what emotions you were aware of at the time, and rate the intensity of each emotion on a scale from 0 to 100 (not intense at all to extremely intense). Just give an estimate but be honest with yourself. Identify your behavior in reaction to the situation. Note any physical symptoms you may have felt at the time. Ask yourself, “What did I do?” and “What did I feel in my body?” For example, if someone ignored your phone call, maybe you felt sick to your stomach or tension in your shoulders. Identify thoughts that you had while in the situation. These thoughts may be assumptions, interpretations, beliefs, values, and so forth. Ask yourself, “What was I thinking?” or “What was going through my head?” For instance, you may write down: “I agreed to go out to eat when she asked me, so she should have said yes when I asked her,” or “Saying no was rude of her,” or “Maybe she doesn't want to be my friend anymore.” Rate the strength of each thought. Again using the 0 to 100 scale, rate the strength of your thoughts in the situation. Record a “0” if you didn't believe the thought, or a “100” if you believed it 100%. Then ask yourself, “Am I thinking in a passive, assertive, or aggressive manner?” Record your response to this question. Record any evidence for, or against, each thought. Evaluate whether there may be other ways to interpret the situation. Determine a more assertive response to this situation. In order to find a more balanced and assertive manner of thinking and behaving, ask yourself, “What would be a more assertive way of thinking or responding?” Re-rate your original emotions. After you have evaluated the situation, revisit the intensity of your original emotions and the strength of your beliefs in the situation. Rate them again from 0 to 100. Try to journal regularly. Through the journaling exercise, you are likely to decrease the intensity of your emotions. Evaluate your emotions, thoughts, and reactions during different types of situations. If you continue to practice, you may begin to think and behave in a more assertive manner. Understand the benefits of assertive communication. Assertiveness is a learned style of communication that allows for the confident expression of one's needs and feelings while, at the same time, remaining mindful of the opinions, wants, needs, and feelings of others. It is an alternative to behaving in a passive or aggressive manner. There are many benefits to learning how to communicating assertively: Strong and effective communication Confidence Self-esteem enhancement Gain respect of others Improves decision-making skills Reduces stress of not having needs met Enables conflict resolution Self-respect increases Feelings of being ignored or coerced replaced by feelings of being understood and in control of decisions Tendency to be less depressed Decreased likelihood of substance abuse Say “no” when appropriate. Saying no can be difficult for many people. However, saying “yes” when you need to say “no” can lead to unnecessary stress, resentment, and anger toward others. When saying no, it can be helpful to keep in mind a useful set of guidelines: Keep it brief. Be clear. Be honest. For example, if you don't have time to do a favor that you don't have time to do, you can simply say, "I can't this time. Sorry to disappoint you, but I have too many things to do that day, and there's no room in my schedule." Stay calm and respect others. When you are speaking with someone, remain calm and have respect for them. This will enable the other person to heed what you say and treat you with respect too. It may help to breathe deeply if you start to feel upset. Doing so will initiate your body's calming process and help you stay in control. Use simple sentences. Communication may seem like a simple task, however, much of what we attempt to communicate to others – and what is communicated to us – can often be misunderstood. This may cause frustration or conflict in our relationships with other people. When communicating with someone, state your feelings, wants, opinions, and needs in simple sentences. This will help the other person clearly understand what you're asking. For example, instead of speaking to a family member in long sentences full of hints and indirect statements, you can be brief and direct: "I love when you call me just to talk! It's hard for me to have a long conversation during work hours, though. I'd appreciate it if you called during the evening instead." Utilize “I” statements when you are asserting yourself. “I” statements convey that you are willing to take responsibility for your own thoughts and behaviors. There are different types of “I” statements that are appropriate for a variety of situations: Basic assertion : This type of “I” statement can be used in everyday situations to make your needs known, or to give praise, information, or facts. Basic assertions can also be utilized in self-disclosure situations to ease anxiety and enable relaxation. It includes: “I need to leave by 6 o'clock,” or “I enjoyed your presentation.” Empathetic assertion : This particular “I” statement contains elements of recognition of another person's feelings, needs, or desires, as well as a statement of your own needs and desires. It can be used to indicate your sensitivity to another person's position, such as, “I know you are busy, but I need your assistance.” Consequence assertion : This is the strongest form of “I” statement, often used as a last resort assertion. It can be misinterpreted as aggressive if you are not careful to observe your non-verbal behavior. The consequence assertion informs another person of the penalties for not changing their behavior; usually in situations when someone is not considering the rights of others. An example would be a work situation when procedures or guidelines are not being followed: “If this happens again, I am left with no choice but to pursue disciplinary action. I would prefer to avoid that.” Discrepancy assertion : This type of “I” statement is used to point out a discrepancy between what has been previously agreed upon, and what is actually happening. It is used for clarifying misunderstandings and/or contradictions in behavior. You might say, “As I understand, we agreed that Project ABC was our number one priority. Now you are asking me to allow more time for Project XYZ. I would like you to clarify which is now the top priority.” Negative feelings assertion : This form of “I” statement is utilized in situations where you feel negative feelings toward another person (anger, resentment, hurt). It enables you to convey these feelings without making an uncontrolled outburst, and alerts the other party of the effects of their actions. You might say, “When you procrastinate on your report, it involves my working over the weekend. I feel annoyed by this, so in the future I would like to receive it by Thursday afternoon.” Use appropriate body language. Always remember when being assertive, your non-verbal communication is important. It is possible to think you are acting assertively when you are actually being passive or aggressive because you are not careful about your non-verbal communication style. Keep your voice calm and volume neutral Maintain good eye contact Relax your face and body position Take time to practice assertive communication. Adopting assertive behavior takes time and practice so that it can become second nature to you. Practice having conversations in the mirror. Alternately, practice your conversation with your therapist or counselor. Acknowledge stress in your life. It can be challenging to keep your emotions under control, which can affect the way we communicate. When we get stressed or upset, our bodies go into stress mode, which puts our bodies into a chemical and hormonal reaction to get ready for a perceived threat. The way you think in this state is different than the way you would think with a calm, clear, rational mind and body, making it more difficult for you to use your assertiveness techniques. Acknowledge when you have stress in your life. Make a list of the things that are contributing to your stressful state. Try meditation. Relaxation techniques bring our bodies back to a balanced physiological state. For example, meditation has a calming effect on the brain that lasts well after your meditation session. This has a direct effect on the amygdala, the center in the brain responsible for emotional reasoning. Try to meditate every day for at least 5-10 minutes. Sit in a comfortable chair or on a pillow. Close your eyes and focus on sensations that you're having. Pay attention to what you feel with your body, what you hear, and what you smell. Turn your attention to your breathing. Inhale for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, and exhale for a count of four. Whenever your mind wanders, dismiss the thoughts without judgment and refocus your thinking on your breath. You might add a mantra or metta, or a saying that uplifts you and gives you positive feelings, such as, “May I be peaceful,” or “May I be happy.” You might also try a guided meditation, which helps you visualize relaxing imagery. Practice deep breathing. When you are in a stressful situation, deep breathing can help reduce stress and help you think clearly. Take some deep breaths by slowly and deliberately inhaling and exhaling. Sit comfortably in a chair with your arms and legs uncrossed, feet flat on the floor, and hands resting on your thighs. Gently close your eyes. Breathe in through your nose, observing the quality of the breath while inhaling and exhaling. Slowly lengthen each inhalation by smoothly deepening each breath down into your abdomen. Pause briefly, then note the smooth, steady breath released as you exhale. Begin counting the rhythm of your breaths. Inhale for 3 seconds. Exhale for 3 seconds. Maintain slow, even, and controlled breathing. Try not to speed up. Use this rhythm while breathing for 10-15 minutes When finished, gently open your eyes. Relax momentarily. Then, slowly rise from the chair. Try progressive muscle relaxation. If you're nervous about meditation or feel you don't have the time to practice it faithfully, the relaxation response can still be activated through progressive muscle relaxation. This technique activates the body's calming response and brings the body back into physiological balance by tensing and relaxing each muscle group in the body in progression. To practice progressive muscle relaxation in about 15-20 minutes per day: Find a comfortable position in a chair with your feet flat on the floor, your hands resting on your thighs, and your eyes closed. Start the exercise by clenching your fists, holding for 10 seconds. Then release, feeling the relaxation sensation for another 10 seconds. Repeat. Tense your lower arm by bending your hand downward at the wrist, hold for 10 seconds. Release, and relax for another 10 seconds. Repeat. Work through the rest of your body, pausing to tense and relax each muscle group. Start with your upper arms, shoulders, neck, head, and face. Then continue with your chest, stomach, back, buttocks, thighs, calves and feet. When you've worked through your entire body, sit for a few minutes to enjoy the sensation of feeling relaxed. Stand slowly to avoid dizziness (blood pressure drops when relaxed) or tensing up again unexpectedly. If you don't have 15-20 minutes to complete the entire exercise, you can practice on muscle groups that are noticeably tense. Use the IDEAL model of decision-making. Making decisions is part of being assertive. You are taking control of your life and making decisions that best suit you, rather than letting someone else make decisions for you or allow yourself to become swayed by someone else against your better judgment. By identifying the problem, you will be able to address critical elements that result in good decision-making. Niagara Region Public Health recommends using the IDEAL model: I – Identify the problem. D – Describe all possible solutions. These might include handling it yourself, asking for intervention from someone else, or doing nothing. E - Evaluate the consequences of each solution. Evaluate your feelings and needs to determine the best outcome for yourself. A - Act. Choose a solution and try it. Use “I” statements to express your feelings and needs. L - Learn. Did the solution work? Evaluate why or why not. If it didn't work, look at the other solutions on your list and work through them. Consider who needs to be involved. There may be multiple parties who will be impacted by a decision, but not all of them necessarily have to be involved with the decision-making. Get input from those who need to be involved. You should consider the other parties as you make your decision, but the final say will come from you. Understand the purpose of your decision. All decisions are prompted by the need for some course of action. Take time to determine the purpose behind this course of action. This will ensure that the decision is the correct one. Make a timely decision. Procrastination can be a major impediment to assertive decision-making. Don't leave the decision to the last minute or you may eliminate some of the possible solutions. Protect your physical and emotional space. Boundaries are the physical, emotional, and intellectual barriers that you create to protect yourself from harm. Healthy boundaries protect your personal space, self-esteem, and maintain your ability to separate your own feelings from those of others. Unhealthy boundaries increase your likelihood of exposure to being adversely affected by others feelings, beliefs, and behaviors. Plan out your boundaries. When you go into a conversation where you want to discuss your needs, it's important to know your boundaries beforehand. Having your boundaries at the forefront of your mind before a conversation will keep you from getting derailed and compromising your needs in the middle of a conversation because it's easier or helps you avoid conflict. For example, establish a boundary with your boss of not working on the weekends or not working overtime without three days' notice. If you're talking to a friend, have a boundary of not picking her up at the airport again until she picks you up when you need a ride. Learn to say no. If you do not feel right doing something, then don't do it. It's okay to reject someone. Remember, for yourself, the most important person is you. If you don't respect your own desires, how can you expect others to? You may think that being a people-pleaser will put you on people's good side, but unfortunately, an overabundance of generosity usually has the opposite effect on people. People only value the things they invest time/energy/money into, so if you're the one doing all the giving, your esteem for that person will skyrocket, but theirs for you will decline. Take a stand. People may resist at first – or even be shocked by your transformation – but in the end, they will respect you for it. State your own opinions in a respectful manner. Don't be silent if you have something to say. Share your feelings freely: it's your right. Remember, there's nothing wrong in having an opinion. Just make sure you pick the right moment to state your needs. Make it clear that what you have to say is important and should be noticed. Practice in low-stakes situations. Do all your friends love that new TV show everyone's talking about? Don't be afraid to admit that you weren't all that impressed. Has someone misinterpreted what you said? Don't nod and play along; explain what you really meant, even if the miscommunication was harmless. Identify what your needs are. Identify what makes you happy and what your needs are. This will help you develop a set of expectations for other people to follow in how you would like to be treated. Think of situations where you don't feel like you're being treated with mutual respect or situations where you felt like your feelings were not being considered. Then consider what could happen to make you feel more respected. Be honest with yourself about what you want. Acting confidently won't do you any good if you can never make up your mind or are trying too hard to “go with the flow.” People will be accommodating to your needs if you can tell them clearly what those needs are. Off-loading decision-making onto everyone else is a passive-aggressive way of shirking your responsibility – and placing the consequences squarely on someone else's shoulders. The next time your friends ask you where you want to go to dinner, don't respond with, “Oh, wherever”; give them a concrete answer. Come up with solutions that make both parties happy. A good approach is to adopt a “we” mentality and come up with solutions that will make both parties happy, if the situation allows. This way, everyone's feelings are being considered and heard. For instance, if you drive your roommate to work every day, yet she doesn't pay for gas, approach her about this issue. You can say, “I don't mind giving you rides every so often. Owning a car is really expensive, though, and I am saving you money and time if you were to take the bus to work every day. Would you mind chipping in for gas every week? I'd really appreciate it.” In this way, you are acknowledging that she might not realize that you feel a certain way. Now she is aware of the problem without you using an accusing tone. Evaluate your level of self-confidence. Self-confidence is reflected by your ability to understand how you see yourself. This includes your self-perception and where you believe you fit in the social hierarchy. If you see yourself in a negative light, you might experience great difficulty asserting your own thoughts, beliefs, needs, and feelings. Furthermore, you may feel intimidated or reluctant to ask questions when you need clarification, focus too heavily on your own negative traits, and lack trust in yourself. Self-doubt prevents assertive communication. Assess your self-confidence through self-evaluation by asking yourself these questions: Can you maintain eye contact when communicating with others? Do you project your voice properly? Do you speak confidently (without using the phrases “uh” or “um” frequently)? Is your physical posture or stance erect and open? Do you have the ability to ask questions when clarification is needed? Are you comfortable around other people? Are you able to say no when appropriate? Are you able to express anger and annoyance appropriately? Do you offer your opinion when in disagreement with others? Do you defend yourself against mistakes that are not your fault? If you answered no to 3 or fewer of these questions, you are likely a self-assured individual. If you answered no to 4-6 of these questions, there is a significant chance that you see yourself negatively. If you answered no more to than 7 questions, you are likely to experience tremendous difficulty with self-confidence. You may often doubt your worthiness of respect or see yourself lower in the social hierarchy. Have confident body language. The way you hold yourself speaks volumes about you – long before you even get a chance to open your mouth. Keep your shoulders squared and your chin up. Avoid fidgeting (put your hands in your pockets if you must) or covering your mouth when you speak. Look people in the eye when you speak to indicate that you don't intend to be brushed off. Try not to be easy to read, especially if you are nervous or uncertain. Hide your “tells” by controlling your hands, feet, and facial expressions so that they don't betray your emotions. If making eye contact is a problem, practice with sunglasses and then work up to doing it barefaced. If you must avert your gaze, look off into the distance as if in thought, not down. Even if you are nervous or confused, you can still act confident. There's no shame in asking questions. Speak clearly and deliberately. Rushing when you talk is an admission that you don't expect people to take the time to listen. Speaking slowly, on the other hand, will indicate to people that you're worth the wait. Use a clear, calm voice. You don't need to be loud, but you do need to make yourself heard. If people aren't noticing you, say "Excuse me" clearly and firmly. Don't be apologetic when you haven't done anything wrong, as this can communicate to people that you feel slightly embarrassed just for existing. Try to be concise when you speak. Even the most confident person in the world will lose their audience if they don't make their point soon enough. Avoid saying um or like as much as you can when you're trying to make a strong statement. Make a conscious effort to get these words out of your vocabulary. Work on your appearance. Shallow though it may be, people make snap judgments based on your appearance. People who are naturally confident and charismatic can change others' minds, but the rest of us aren't so lucky. If you're wearing clothes that look like you've just got out of bed, or if you wear a pound of make-up with fluffy high-heels, the average person won't take you seriously. On the other hand, if you look like you're ready to get things done, people will tend to be more respectful. Dressing well doesn't necessarily mean dressing up. If you're the naturally casual sort, focus on having clean, matching, unwrinkled clothes with no embarrassing slogans or inappropriate images. Making an effort to be serious about your appearance will make it look like you're more serious about your demands. Rehearse what you're going to say. This may sound silly, but if you want to project confidence, then you should sound firm and decisive when the moment comes. What better way to get there than to practice? You can practice in front of the mirror, into a recording, or even with a trusted friend, pretending he or she is your boss, significant other, or whomever you plan to speak with. When the moment comes, remember how confident you sounded when you were just rehearsing, and work to sound even more confident when it counts. Visit a counselor or psychologist. If you feel you still need help becoming assertive, it can help to see a professional. Counselors and psychologists have education and training specifically in helping people communicate in healthy and meaningful ways. Try assertiveness training. Many universities offer assertiveness training to the students. This will help you practice assertiveness techniques while helping you discuss different situations where you feel you need help in being assertive, as well as help in controlling your stress as you navigate different situations. Practice with a trusted friend. Asserting yourself takes practice and time. Ask a friend to help you practice your communication skills in various scenarios. The more you face situations that demand assertiveness, even when they are mock situations, the more confident you will become.

Understand assertive communication. Learn verbal features of assertive communication. Learn the non-verbal features of assertive communication. Learn thoughts associated with assertive communication. Understand aggressive communication. Understand passive communication. Think about your influences. Do not blame yourself for your communication style. Start writing in a journal. Identify situations as if you were filming a scene. Identify the emotions you were feeling in the situation. Identify your behavior in reaction to the situation. Identify thoughts that you had while in the situation. Rate the strength of each thought. Determine a more assertive response to this situation. Re-rate your original emotions. Try to journal regularly. Understand the benefits of assertive communication. Say “no” when appropriate. Stay calm and respect others. Use simple sentences. Utilize “I” statements when you are asserting yourself. Use appropriate body language. Take time to practice assertive communication. Acknowledge stress in your life. Try meditation. Practice deep breathing. Try progressive muscle relaxation. Use the IDEAL model of decision-making. Consider who needs to be involved. Understand the purpose of your decision. Make a timely decision. Protect your physical and emotional space. Plan out your boundaries. Learn to say no. State your own opinions in a respectful manner. Identify what your needs are. Be honest with yourself about what you want. Come up with solutions that make both parties happy. Evaluate your level of self-confidence. Have confident body language. Speak clearly and deliberately. Work on your appearance. Rehearse what you're going to say. Visit a counselor or psychologist. Try assertiveness training. Practice with a trusted friend.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Risk-Assessment

How to Write a Risk Assessment

To write a risk assessment, list each hazard you've found in your workplace. Then, include details about how people could be injured and the steps you've taken to prevent this. If your risk assessment covers several threats, rank your risks on a scale from insignificant to catastrophic, with the most serious risk coming first. Then, add any training requirements for employees to deal with each risk. When you've completed the assessment, circulate it to employees so they can give feedback.

Understand the definition of a “hazard” and of a “risk” to the workplace. It's important to distinguish between these two terms and to use them properly in your assessment. A hazard is anything that may cause harm. For example: chemicals, electricity, working from heights like a ladder, or an open drawer. A risk is the chance that these hazards could cause harm to others. For example: a chemical burn or an electric shock, a fall from heights, or an injury from hitting an open drawer. Walk around your workplace. Think about any hazards you notice as you walk around. Ask yourself, what activities, processes, or substances could injure your employees or harm their health? Look at any objects, office furniture or pieces of machinery that could be hazards. Examine any substances in the workplace, from chemicals to hot coffee. Think about how these substances could injury your employees. If you work in an office, look for any long wires in walkways or under desks, as well as any broken drawers, cupboards, or counter tops. Examine the chairs at your employees' workstations, the windows, and the doors. Look for any hazards in the common areas, such as a faulty microwave or an uncovered section on the coffee machine. If you work in a big box store or a warehouse, look for any machinery that could be hazards. Note any spare materials, like hangers or safety clips, that could spill or land on an employee. Look for any hazards in the aisles of the store, like narrow shelving or cracked sections of the floors. Ask your employees about any possible hazards. Your employees will be able to help you identify any hazards they encounter on the job. Send out an email or have an in person discussion asking for feedback on any possible hazards in the workplace. Ask specifically about hazards that your employees think could result in significant harm, such as slips and trips, fire hazards, and falling from heights. Check the manufacturer’s instructions or data sheets for any equipment or substances. They can help to explain the hazards and put them in perspective in terms of how the equipment was made to be used and how misuse can lead to hazards. The manufacturer's instructions will likely be on the labels of any equipment or substances. You can also check the manufacturer's manual for more information on possible hazards associated with the equipment or substances. Look at any accident and ill-health records for the workplace. These documents will help you identify less obvious hazards, and any hazards that have occurred before in the workplace. If you are in a management position, you can likely access these records for your company online or in the company files. Think about any possible long term hazards. Long term hazards are hazards that will have an impact on workers when they exposed to the hazards for a long period of time. These could be exposure to high levels of noise, or exposure to harmful substances over a sustained period of time. This could also be safety hazards through the repetitive use of equipment, from a lever on a work site to a keyboard at a desk. Visit a government health and safety guidelines website. Depending on your country, you can access practical guidance on hazards in the workplace via a government health and safety guidelines website. These sites have a list of hazards and possible ways to control them, including recognized hazards such as working at height, working with chemicals, and working with machinery. In the U.S., you can access the government health and safety guidelines website here: https://www.osha.gov/. In the UK, you can access the government health and safety guidelines website here: http://www.hse.gov.uk/. Identify groups of people who could be at risk. You are creating an overview of all potential individuals at risk, so avoid listing every worker by name. Instead, make a list of groups of people in an environment. For example, “people working in the storeroom” or “passers-by on the street.” Determine how each group might be harmed. You then need to identify what type of injury or ill health might occur for each group. For example: “shelf stackers may suffer back injuries from repeated lifting of boxes”. Or, “machinery workers may suffer joint pain from repeated use of a lever.” This could also be more specific injuries like "workers may be burned by the printing press" or "cleaners may trip over the wires under the desks". Keep in mind some workers may have particular requirements, such as new and young workers, new or expectant mothers, and people with disabilities. You will also need to account for cleaners, visitors, contractors, and maintenance workers who may not be in the workplace all the time. It's important to also identify any possible hazards to the general public, or “passers-by”. Talk to your employees about who is at risk. If the workplace is a shared space among several workers or several hundred workers, it's important to reach out to your employees and ask them who they think is at risk. Think about how your work affects others present and how their work affects your staff. Ask your staff if they can think of any group you may have missed when identifying who is affected by certain hazards. For example, you may not realize that the cleaning staff also has to deal with lifting boxes at your employee's desks, or you may not be aware that a certain piece of machinery is a noise hazard for pedestrians on the street. Determine how likely it is that the hazard will occur in your workplace. Risk is a part of everyday life and through you might be the boss or the person in charge, you are not expected to eliminate all the risks. But you need to make sure you are aware of the main risks and you know how to address and manage these risks. So, you need to do everything “reasonably practicable” to protect people from harm. This means balancing the level of risk against the measures needed to control the real risk in terms of money, time, or trouble. Keep in mind you do not need to take action that would be considered disproportionate to the level of risk. Don't go overboard on your risk assessment. You should only include what you could be expected to know, within reason. You are not expected to anticipate unforeseen risks. For example, a risk of a chemical spill should be taken seriously and noted as a major hazard. But smaller risks, like a stapler harming someone using it or the lid of a jar hitting someone, are not considered "reasonably practicable". Do your best to identify major and minor hazards, but do not try to account for every possible hazard in the workplace. List control measures you can put in place for each hazard. For example, maybe you provide shelf stockers with back protectors and safety gear (also known as PPE, or Personal Protective Equipment). But ask yourself: Can I get rid of the hazard altogether? Is there a way to rearrange the storeroom so shelf stockers do not have to lift boxes from the ground? If this is not possible, ask: how can I control the risks so that harm is unlikely? Practical solutions include: Trying a less risky option. Such as having the boxes on a raised platform or ledge to reduce the distance the shelf stockers will have to lift from. Preventing access to the hazards, or organizing the workplace to reduce exposure to the hazard. Such as rearranging the storeroom so the boxes are placed at a level that do not require lifting by the shelf stockers. Issuing protective equipment or protective practices to your workers. Such as back guards, PPE, and information on how to complete an action safely. For example, you could educate shelf stockers on how to properly lift a box from the ground, bending at the knees, with a straight back. Providing welfare facilities, such as first aid and washing facilities. If your workers deal with chemicals in the workplace, for example, you should provide washing facilities and first aid close to their workstations. Look for effective, low-cost solutions. Improving health and safety does not necessarily mean spending a lot of company money. Simple adjustments like placing a mirror on a blind corner to prevent vehicle accidents, or holding a brief training session on how to lift objects properly are all low-cost precautions. In fact, failing to take simple precautions can cost you a lot more if an accident does happen. The safety of your workers should mean more than the bottom line. So if possible, spring for higher-cost solutions if they are your only option. Spending money on precautions is a better choice than having to take care of an injured worker. Read model assessments developed by trade associations and employer organizations. Many of these groups come up with risk assessments for particular activities, like working with heights or working with chemicals. Look at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and websites that focus on a certain sector, like mining or administration. Try to apply these model assessments to your workplace and adapt them as necessary. For example, a model assessment may have suggestions on how to prevent a fall from a ladder in the workplace. Or a suggestion on how to make loose wires in the office more safe for employees. You can then apply these suggestions in your own risk assessment, based on the specifics of your workplace. Ask your workers for feedback. It's important to involve your workers in the process of evaluating the risks and coming up with possible precautions. This will ensure that what you propose will work in practice and won't introduce any new hazards into the workplace. Keep the assessment simple and easy to follow. The assessment should cover the hazards, how people might be harmed by them, and what you have in place to control the risks. If you have fewer than five employees, by law you do not have to write down a risk assessment. But it's useful to do this so you can review it at a later date and update it. If you have five or more employees, you are required by law to write down the assessment. Use a template to make the assessment. There are several templates available online, based on the type of workplace you work in. A basic risk assessment should show that: A proper check of the hazard was made. You asked who might be affected. You dealt with the obvious, major hazards, and took into account the number of people who could be involved. The precautions taken are reasonable and practical. The remaining risk is low and/or manageable. You involved your employees in the process. If the nature of your work changes often or the workplace changes and develops, such as a construction site, your risk assessment may have to concentrate on a broad range of risks that can be anticipated. This could mean the possible state of the site your workers will be building on that day, or the possible physical hazards in the area, like fallen trees or rocks. Rank the hazards from more serious to least serious. If your risk assessment identifies a number of hazards, you need to rank them in order of importance. For example, a chemical spill in a chemical plant will likely be the most serious risk, and a back injury from lifting a barrel in the chemical plant may be a less serious risk. The rankings of the hazards are usually based on common sense. Consider the hazards that could lead to serious injuries like death, the loss of a limb, or a serious burn or cut. Then, work down from the most serious to the least serious. Identify long-term solutions for the risks with bigger consequences, such as ill health and death. This could mean better spill prevention for the chemical plant, or a clear evacuation procedure in the event of a spill. You could also provide high quality PPE for workers to prevent exposure to the chemicals. Note if these improvements or solutions can be implemented quickly, or even with temporary fixes, until more reliable controls can be put in place. Remember that the greater the hazard, the more robust and reliable the control measures will need to be. Note any employee training that is needed. Your risk assessment may include the need for employee training on a safety practice, like picking up a box from the ground properly, or for training on how to deal with a chemical spill. Create a risk assessment matrix. Another approach is to use a risk assessment matrix, which helps you determine how likely or unlikely a risk may occur in your workplace. The matrix will have a column for “Consequence and Likelihood”, which is divided into: Rare: May occur only in exceptional circumstances. Unlikely: Could occur at some time. Possible: Might occur at some time. Likely: Will probably occur in most circumstances. Almost Certain: Is expected to occur in most circumstances. The top column will then be divided into sections for: Insignificant: Low financial loss, no disruption to capability, no impact on community standing. Minor: Medium financial loss, minor disruption to capability, minor impact on community standing. Serious: High financial loss, some ongoing disruption to capability, modest impact on community standing. Disastrous: Major financial loss, ongoing disruption to capability, major impact of community standing. Catastrophic: Mission critical financial loss, permanent disruption to capability, and ruinous impact on community standing. Share the risk assessment with your employees. You are not required by law to share the risk assessment with your workers but it may be a good practice to share the completed document with them. File a hard copy of the risk assessment and keep an electronic copy on the company's shared drive. You want to have easy access to the document so you can update it or adjust it accordingly. Review the risk assessment on a regular basis. Few workplaces stay the same, and sooner or later, you will bring in new equipment, substances, and procedures that could lead to new hazards. Review your employee's work practices on a daily basis, and update the risk assessment. Ask yourself: Have there been any changes? Have you learnt anything from accidents or near misses? Set up a review date for the risk assessment in a year's time. If there is a significant change at your workplace during the year, update the risk assessment as soon as possible.

Understand the definition of a “hazard” and of a “risk” to the workplace. Walk around your workplace. Ask your employees about any possible hazards. Check the manufacturer’s instructions or data sheets for any equipment or substances. Look at any accident and ill-health records for the workplace. Think about any possible long term hazards. Visit a government health and safety guidelines website. Identify groups of people who could be at risk. Determine how each group might be harmed. Talk to your employees about who is at risk. Determine how likely it is that the hazard will occur in your workplace. List control measures you can put in place for each hazard. Look for effective, low-cost solutions. Read model assessments developed by trade associations and employer organizations. Ask your workers for feedback. Keep the assessment simple and easy to follow. Use a template to make the assessment. Rank the hazards from more serious to least serious. Identify long-term solutions for the risks with bigger consequences, such as ill health and death. Note any employee training that is needed. Create a risk assessment matrix. Share the risk assessment with your employees. Review the risk assessment on a regular basis.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Two-Weeks-Notice

How to Write a Two Weeks Notice

Start your 2 weeks notice letter with a sentence that clearly states you're resigning in 2 weeks. Then, state when your last day will be, including the day, month, and year. While you may wish to explain your reasons for leaving, don't go into a lot of detail or use the letter to vent your grievances. Instead, express gratitude and be positive. Dedicate 1 or 2 sentences to thanking your employer for the opportunity they've given you, and then provide your contact information so they can reach you in the future if they need anything.

Make a clear and concise statement. The first line of your 2 weeks notice should clearly state that you are resigning from your position at the end of a 2 week period. Do not use wording that could suggest you would be willing to stay longer or change your mind with the right counteroffer. Good example: "This letter serves as an official notice of my resignation from [company name] as [job title], effective on [date of resignation]." Good example: "I hereby resign as [job title] at [company name], effective [date of resignation], two weeks from [current date]. Bad example: "I would like to quit from my position as [job title]. Please let me know what time frame would be most convenient for you." Bad example: "If all goes as I expect, I intend to resign from my position with the company two weeks from now." Give your employer at least 2 weeks. Nowadays, many employees are not contractually required to submit a resignation 2 weeks in advance, but doing so is still considered to be a professional courtesy. If you quit sooner than 2 weeks, future or prospective employers may wonder if you would do the same to them. If your company is currently entering an especially busy period, you may want to consider giving a “4 weeks notice” instead of only giving 2. Senior executives and other employees further up the food chain should consider giving more than 2 weeks, as well. As a general rule, provide an amount of time equal to the amount of vacation time allotted to your position. For instance, if your position grants you 3 weeks of vacation, give a "3 weeks notice" instead. Be diplomatic if you choose to state your reasons for leaving. This is especially true if your reasons are somewhat volatile in nature, in which case it may be best to avoid stating them altogether. No matter how frustrated and disenchanted you are with the company, your 2 weeks notice letter is not an appropriate place to vent about it. Keep it brief, general, and professional. Unless you are asked to state your reasons for leaving in your official letter, you don't necessarily need to include them at all. It might be a good idea to state your reasons for leaving if you are interested in applying for another position within the same company at some point, since this can help HR determine your eligibility for rehire. Prepare a reason to share when your supervisors and co-workers inevitably ask why you plan to quit. This reason does not need to be included in your official letter, but it is still practical to have when asked in person. Be both formal and friendly. The overall tone of your 2 weeks notice should be professional, but not so professional that you come across as being cold or stiff. Typically, you should write the letter using the friendliest tone you have used with your employer in the past. If communications with your boss have always followed a rigid, professional structure, then continue that tone into your 2 weeks notice. On the other hand, if you communicate with your boss in a more personal manner, do not be afraid to take a more personal tone. A personal tone can be appropriate as long as it is not casual and sloppy. Good example: “I am very thankful for the experience and growth working for you has afforded me.” Bad example: “I formally state, for the record, that I continue to maintain high regard for ABC Company and hold no ill intent toward any employer or employee at the company.” Bad example: “Thanks 4 everything!” Set a positive tone. This letter will be the last document in your personnel folder, so it needs to leave a good impression. Even if you hate the job you are quitting and want nothing to do with anyone at the company ever again, you still need to leave the bridge intact instead of burning it down. If a future prospective employer calls your former employer, hearing that you left a positive 2 weeks notice will make you look good. It is also beneficial in case the employee at your old company responsible for pulling your file knows nothing else about you. Never trash anyone at the company or criticize the way the company is run in your 2 weeks notice. Thank your employer. Include a line or 2 thanking your employer for providing the opportunities and experiences you received by working for the company. Each job contributes something to a person's life, even if the cons largely outweigh the pros. If your working experience was mostly positive, make sure that your gratitude shows. Write something along the lines of, “I cannot even begin to thank you enough for the past three years. I have learned more than I ever expected and appreciate your generosity and patience." If your working experience was mostly negative, offer a general token of gratitude. Try something along the lines of, “I would also like to thank you for providing me with the experience I received over the past three years of employment.” Let your employer know that you intend to finish any major projects. As a final act of responsibility and loyalty, you should note any pending projects or current projects that could collapse without your assistance and pledge that you will finish those projects instead of leaving the company in the lurch. Ongoing projects and minor projects that can be handled easily by someone else can be excluded from this. This leaves your employer with a good impression, thereby making it more likely that he or she will be willing to provide a good recommendation to another employer in the future when asked. Offer your post-resignation support. As the company transitions into a different work flow after you leave, there are bound to be a few rocky patches. In your 2 weeks notice, offer to help the company make the transition even after your employment with them ends. Provide a phone number and/or e-mail address that the company can use to contact you if any questions come up. Close on a complimentary note. Even if you already thanked your employer earlier in the notice, it is a wise idea to close the body of your letter by restating your gratitude. Example: “I will always be thankful to you and the staff of ABC company for all that you have done for me." Write a letter, not an e-mail. When submitting your 2 weeks notice, you should write it as an actual typed and printed letter rather than an e-mail. This letter should be handed over to your boss in person. While writing an e-mail may seem easier and quicker, it is generally considered less professional and will usually be frowned upon. Do not mail your 2 weeks notice through the postal system or through your office mail system. Doing so may cause a delay, and by the time your employer gets your notice, your 2 weeks may already be halfway finished. Type the date in the upper left corner. Per standard rules for writing a formal letter, you should type the date in month-day-year format in the upper left corner of the page. The month should be spelled out, but the day and year should be in numerical format. Example: June 26, 2013 Note that you do not usually need to include a return address above the date since your address would be the same as your employer's address. You can, however, use company letterhead with the address on it if you choose to. Consider including an inside address. If you are using company letterhead, you may opt to skip the inside recipient's address, as well, since this is a letter sent from within a single company. Including the address is a good idea, however, since it allows you to address the letter specifically to your boss. Include your employer's personal title and full name on the first line. Write the street address on the following line and the city, state, and zip code on the line after that. Skip a line in between the date and the inside address. Skip another line in between the inside address and the salutation that follows it. The address itself should be single-spaced, though. Address your employer directly in the salutation. Your letter should open with “Dear (boss's name).” Never use a vague or general salutation like “To Whom It May Concern.” Address your boss in the same way you usually do, even if that method is fairly casual. For instance, if you are on a first name basis with your boss, write “Dear Jennifer.” If you are only on a professional, last name basis with your boss, stick with “Dear Ms. Smith.” Write the body of your notice. Skip a line after your salutation before you begin writing the body of your letter. Each body paragraph should be single-spaced, but there should be a blank line in between each separate paragraph. None of the paragraphs need to be indented. Keep your letter down to a single page at maximum. Use a warm closing. In order to maintain a friendly, positive tone, you need to offer a closing that seems a little warmer and more sincere than the usual “Regards,” “Thanks,” or “Sincerely.” A few examples of possible closings include: Warmest possible regards Best wishes for your continued success Warmest thanks for everything through now With sincerest gratitude and warmest wishes Type and sign your name. Type your full name 4 lines below your closing and sign your name in between the closing and the typed name. Take your 2 weeks notice directly to your boss. The most professional move to make is to hand your 2 weeks notice to your boss first and in person. You will usually need to schedule a meeting, but if you work at a small company and are on close terms with your boss, you might be able to drop by his or her office unannounced. Close the door behind you as you enter to keep the conversation private. Hand your boss your 2 weeks notice and explain, as you hand it over, what the letter is. Your boss will likely want to discuss the situation with you. Even if your letter already answers the questions posed to you, answer each question completely. Thank your boss as you leave the office and shake hands. Submit copies to anyone else who may need one. This can vary by company, but usually, the Human Resources department will need a copy as well as any other supervisors you work under. If you do send the letter to multiple people, include a “CC” line indicating who has received a copy. This can help facilitate communication and coordination as your company deals with your resignation. Co-workers, mentors, team members, and clients should be told in person about your resignation. They do not need an official copy of your 2 weeks notice. Work hard and tie up loose ends. If you offered to finish up any major projects before leaving when you wrote your letter, you need to follow through and finish those projects. Even if you did not make any promises, you cannot slack off during your final 2 weeks of employment. The transition will be difficult for everyone, and it is your professional duty to make that transition as smooth as possible for the employer you are leaving. Don't let your company take advantage of you by asking you to do work well beyond the scope of your normal duties in your remaining 2 weeks. Stay polite and professional, but be firm about which tasks you will be completing before you leave.

Make a clear and concise statement. Give your employer at least 2 weeks. Be diplomatic if you choose to state your reasons for leaving. Be both formal and friendly. Set a positive tone. Thank your employer. Let your employer know that you intend to finish any major projects. Offer your post-resignation support. Close on a complimentary note. Write a letter, not an e-mail. Type the date in the upper left corner. Consider including an inside address. Address your employer directly in the salutation. Write the body of your notice. Use a warm closing. Type and sign your name. Take your 2 weeks notice directly to your boss. Submit copies to anyone else who may need one. Work hard and tie up loose ends.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pajama-Pants

How to Make Pajama Pants

To make pajama pants, start by folding a pair of pajama pants you already own in half so that the side seams match up and the crotch is visible. Next, fold your new fabric in half, place the folded pajama pants on top, and trace around them to create a basic pattern. Then, cut the fabric out along the traced line and use it as a template to trace and cut out the second leg. Finally, sew the legs together, add an elastic waistband, and finish the cuffs to complete your project.

Fold a sheet of fabric in half, right sides facing in. Your fabric should be twice the length you want your pajama pants to be. If your fabric is not long enough, then fold the left and right sides towards the middle instead. If you have not already, it would be a good idea to wash, dry, and iron the fabric. This will remove any shrinking and coatings. Cotton or flannel work the best. If you live in a colder climate, fleece would also be a good option. Avoid stiff, coarse, or non-breathable material. Find a pair of pajama pants that fit you and fold them in half. Fold the pants so that the side seams match up, and the crotch is visible. Make sure that the back of the pants is on the outside. Most pants are larger in the back than in the front; if you fold them with the front on the outside, they may be too small. Pull the crotch part out so that it makes a triangle. If you do not have any existing pajama pants, you can use sweatpants or any other loose-fitting pants with an elastic or drawstring waistband. Place the pants on top of the fabric, with the side seams along the fold. This way, you won't have to sew the pants along the outside edges. Make sure that the waistband is 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the top edge of the fabric, and the cuffs are 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the bottom edge. If you plan to make more pajama pants for yourself, lay the pants down on a piece of tracing paper instead. This will give you a reusable pattern. Trace around the pants leaving room for the seams. Use a ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) seam allowance for the inseam and the crotch, and a 1 inch (2.5 cm) seam allowance for the bottom edge of the cuff. Use a 2 inches (5.1 cm) seam allowance for the waistband. Use chalk for dark fabrics and a pen for light. When you reach the top, be sure to stretch the waistband out so that it aligns with the legs, otherwise your pants will be too narrow. Make any adjustments to your pattern as you trace it. This includes making the legs shorter, longer, narrower, or wider. Cut the fabric out, then repeat the process for the other leg. Cut the first leg out, making sure that you cut through both layers of fabric. Use it as a template to trace and cut the second leg. You do not need to add seam allowances to the second leg, because the template already includes them. You will end up with 2 pieces of fabric, 1 for each leg. Sew the inseams using a 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Make sure that the wrong sides of the fabric are facing out, then sew along the inseam, from crotch to cuff. Do 1 leg first, then the other. Use a straight stitch, a matching thread color, and a ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm)seam allowance. Backstitch when you start and finish sewing. This will make your stitches stronger. If you need to, pin the fabric together with sewing pins, but be sure to remove them when you are done. Press and finish the seams, if desired. Use a hot iron to press the seams open so that they lay flat. If the fabric is cotton, finish the raw edges on each seam with a serger or a zigzag stitch. You don't have to finish the seams on flannel fabric, since it does not fray. You can trim the seams down, however. Turn 1 of the legs right-side-out. Slide your arm into 1 of the pant legs. Grab the cuff, and pull it through the pant leg and out of the crotch. Leave the other pant leg inside-out. Slide the right-side-out pant leg into the inside-out pant leg. Slide your arm into the cuff of the inside-out pant leg. Grab the cuff of the right-side-out pant leg, and pull it through the pant leg to end up with a single piece. Make sure that the cuffs and seams match up. Insert a sewing pin through the seams so that they stay centered and don't move around. Sew along the crotch using a 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Begin sewing at 1 end of the waistband, and finish sewing at the other end. Once again, use a straight stitch, a matching thread color, and a ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Be sure to backstitch when you start and finish sewing. If you inserted the pin earlier, remember to pull it out. For added strength, sew across the entire crotch again using the same stitch, thread, and seam allowance. Finish the seams with a serger or a zigzag stitch, if desired. Do not press them open. Turn the pant legs inside-out. Stick your arm into the pant leg, grab the inside cuff, and pull it out. Make sure that the wrong side of the fabric is facing out. If the right side is facing out, turn the pants inside-out. Fold and press the waistband twice. Fold the waistband down by ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) towards the wrong side of the fabric. Press it with a hot iron, then fold it by 1 ⁄ 4 inches (3.2 cm). Press it flat with an iron again. Use a temperature setting on your iron suitable for the type of fabric you are working with. Create buttonholes if you wish to add a drawstring. Unfold the waistband. Find the crotch seam in the front of the pants. Use your sewing machine to create a buttonhole 1 inch (2.5 cm) to either side of the crotch seam. The buttonhole needs to be the same width as the twill tape that you'll be using for the drawstring. A drawstring is not absolutely necessary. You can use it in addition to an elastic waistband to make the pants tighter. If you don't know how to make buttonholes, you can insert grommets instead. Make sure that you are only inserting them through the front of the waistband. Sew the waistband, leaving a 2 in (5.1 cm) gap for the elastic. Use a straight stitch and a matching thread color. Sew as close as possible to the inside, folded edge of the waistband. Leave a 2 inches (5.1 cm) gap between your first and last stitches so that you can insert the elastic. If you unfolded the waistband earlier to create buttonholes for the drawstring, be sure to fold it back up. Cut a piece of wide elastic 1 inch (2.5 cm) longer than your waist. Measure around your waist with a cloth measuring tape. Add 1 inch (2.5 cm), then cut a piece of ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) wide elastic. Use a light color for light fabrics, and a dark color for dark. Use a safety pin to insert the elastic. Clip a safety pin to the end of the elastic. Push the safety pin through the gap in the waistband. Use the safety pin to guide the elastic around the waistband until it comes out of the gap again. Overlap the ends of the elastic, then sew them together. Overlap the ends of the elastic by 1 inch (2.5 cm). Sew across them a few times using a zigzag stitch. Gently tug on the elastic to ensure that the stitching is strong and won't come apart. Make sure that you are sewing vertically across the elastic, from top edge to bottom edge. Sew the gap in the waistband shut. Tuck the elastic into the gap. Pull on the waistband so that it lays flat, then sew it shut. Use a straight stitch and a matching thread color, just as before. Backstitch when you start and finish sewing. Insert a drawstring through the buttonholes, if you made them. Find a twill tape that goes well with the color of your pajama pants. Clip a small safety pin to the end, then insert it through the left buttonhole. Guide the safety pin around the waistband and out the right buttonhole. Adjust the ends so that they are even, then remove the safety pin. Knot the ends of the twill tape, if desired. This will keep them from fraying. Instead of knotting, you can fold over the ends of the twill tape twice, then sew them down. This will give you a nicer finish. Fold and press the cuffs. Fold the bottom edge of each cuff up by ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm). Press them flat with an iron, then fold them up by ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) and press them again. Sew the cuffs. Use a straight stitch and a matching thread color. Sew as close as possible to the inside folded edge of each hem. Backstitch when you start and finish sewing. It would be best to start and finish sewing along the inseam. This will make the backstitching less-visible. Trim off any loose or hanging threads. Go over the seams of your pajama pants. Trim off any loose or hanging threads as close to the stitching as possible. Turn the pants right-side-out. They are now ready to wear! Be aware that because these pajama pants are homemade, they are more delicate than store-bought ones. Wear them with care, and wash them using a delicate cycle on your washing machine.

Fold a sheet of fabric in half, right sides facing in. Find a pair of pajama pants that fit you and fold them in half. Place the pants on top of the fabric, with the side seams along the fold. Trace around the pants leaving room for the seams. Cut the fabric out, then repeat the process for the other leg. Sew the inseams using a 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Press and finish the seams, if desired. Turn 1 of the legs right-side-out. Slide the right-side-out pant leg into the inside-out pant leg. Sew along the crotch using a 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Turn the pant legs inside-out. Fold and press the waistband twice. Create buttonholes if you wish to add a drawstring. Sew the waistband, leaving a 2 in (5.1 cm) gap for the elastic. Cut a piece of wide elastic 1 inch (2.5 cm) longer than your waist. Use a safety pin to insert the elastic. Overlap the ends of the elastic, then sew them together. Sew the gap in the waistband shut. Insert a drawstring through the buttonholes, if you made them. Fold and press the cuffs. Sew the cuffs. Trim off any loose or hanging threads. Turn the pants right-side-out.

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

How to Write a Memo

The best way to write a memo is to start with a 1-paragraph introduction that explains what's happening or what you want people to do and why. Then, write a body that includes more background information and evidence that supports the decision you're notifying people about. If people need to take action, make it clear what they need to do and when. Conclude your memo with a friendly summary that reiterates why you think the decision is for the best.

Type “MEMORANDUM” at the top of the page. State that this document is a memorandum at the outset. Label the page “MEMORANDUM” 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) from the top of the page. Put the word in bold on the first line. You can either center it on this line or left-align it. You might also choose to make the font larger for this word. Double space between this line and the next line of the heading. Address the recipient appropriately. A memo is a formal business communication, and you should address the reader formally as well. Use a full name and title of the person to whom you are sending the memo. If you are sending a memo to the entire staff, you might write: “TO: All Employees.” Add additional recipients in the CC line. The “CC” line indicates who will receive a “Courtesy Copy” of the memo. This is not the person to whom the memo is directed. Rather, this is someone who may need to stay informed about policies or issues that you're addressing in the memo. Write your name in the “From” line. The heading needs to include who is writing and sending the memo. Your full name and job title go in this line. Include the date. Write the complete date, spelling out the month and including the date and year. For example, write: “DATE: January 5, 2015” or “DATE: 5 January 2015.” Choose a specific phrase for the subject line. The subject line gives the reader an idea of what the memo is about. Be specific but concise. For example, instead of writing, “Ants,” for the subject, be more specific by writing, “Ant Problem in the Office.” Format the heading properly. The heading should be at the top of the page, aligned to the left-hand side of the page. Capitalize the words “TO:”, “FROM:”, “DATE:”, and “SUBJECT:”. A sample heading would look like: TO: Name and job title of the recipient FROM: Your name and job title DATE: Complete date when the memo was written SUBJECT: (or RE:) What the memo is about (highlighted in some way) When constructing the heading, be sure to double space between sections and align the text. You may choose to add a line below the heading that goes all the way across the page. This will separate the heading from the body of the memo. Consider who the audience should be. In order to get people to read and respond to the memo, it's important to tailor the tone, length, and level of formality of the memo to the audience who will be reading it. Doing this effectively requires that you have a good idea of who the memo is intended for. Think about your audience's priorities and concerns are. Try to anticipate any questions your readers might have. Brainstorm some content for the memo, such as examples, evidence, or other information that will persuade them. Considering the audience also allows you to be sensitive to including any information or sentiments that are inappropriate for your readers. Skip a formal salutation. A memo does not begin with a salutation like “Dear Mr. Edwards.” Instead, dive right into your opening segment that introduces the matter you're discussing in the memo. Introduce the problem or issue in the first paragraph. Briefly give them the context behind the action you wish them to take. This is somewhat like a thesis statement, which introduces the topic and states why it matters. You might also consider the introduction as an abstract, or a summary of the entire memo. As a general guideline, the opening should take up about one paragraph. For example, you might write: “As of July 1, 2015, XYZ Corporation will be implementing new policies regarding health coverage. All employees will receive health coverage and will make a minimum of $15 per hour.” Give context for the issue at hand. Your reader may need some background information about the issue you're addressing. Give some context, but be brief and only state what is necessary. If it's relevant, continue your memo by stating why the policy is being implemented. For example, you might write: “The county government voted to require all employees in the county to receive a $15/hour minimum wage.” Support your course of action in the discussion segment. Give a short summary of the actions that will be implemented. Give evidence and logical reasons for the solutions you propose. Start with the most important information, then move to specific or supporting facts. State how the readers will benefit from taking the action you recommend, or be disadvantaged through lack of action. Feel free to include graphics, lists, or charts, especially in longer memos. Just be sure they are truly relevant and persuasive. For longer memos, consider writing short headings that clarify the content of each category. For example, instead of stating "Policies," write "New policies regarding part-time employees." Be specific and brief in every heading so that the basic point of your memo is apparent to the reader right away. Suggest the actions that the reader should take. A memo is a call for action on a particular issue, whether it is an announcement about a new company product, new policies regarding expense reports, or a statement about how the company is addressing a problem. Restate the action that the reader should take in the closing paragraph or sentence. For example, you might write, “All employees must use the new accounting system by June 1, 2015.” This can also include some evidence to back up your recommendations. Close the memo with a positive and warm summary. The memo's final paragraph should restate the next steps to address the issue at hand. It should also include a warm note that reiterates the solidarity of the organization. You might write, "I will be glad to discuss these recommendations with you later on and follow through on any decisions you make." You might end with something like, “We are excited about the expansion of this product line. We're confident that this will grow our business and make this company a more sustainable business.” This should generally be one to two sentences in length. Format your memo properly. Use a standard format for your memo to ensure that it is easy to read. Use a 12-point font such as Times New Roman or Arial. Use one-inch margins on the left, right and bottom sides. Use block style paragraphs. Double space between paragraphs. Do not indent each paragraph. Proofread your memo. Review and edit your memo to make sure that it is clear, concise, persuasive, and free of errors. Check that you are consistent in the type of language that you use. Eliminate unnecessary scholarly words or technical jargon. Review for spelling, grammar, and content errors. Pay particular attention to names, dates, or numbers. Check that it is not excessively long, and cut out any extraneous material. Hand-write your initials by your name. A memo does not include a signature line. But you should initial the memo with a pen in the header. Write your initials next to your name. This indicates that you have approved the memo. Use memo letterhead. You may have special letterhead designed for memos, or you might use regular business letterhead. If you are creating a digital document (to use for emailing, for example), you might want to create your own letterhead in a Word document that has your company logo and basic contact information. Use this as your memo template for every memo you send out. Choose your method of delivery. Determine the best way to distribute your memo. You may want to print out hard copies of the memo and distribute it this way. You may also send it via email. If you send your memo via email, you might want to format your email in HTML. Alternately, you can save your memo as a PDF and attach it to your email. Search for memo templates. Consider whether you want to use a template instead of writing a memo from scratch. If so, your first course of action should be to search online for some good memo templates. Microsoft Word also has memo templates. Templates generally all share the same basic formatting, but they may use different fonts, sizes, and designs. Download the template that best fits your needs. Be sure to read the terms of use before using any templates from a web source. Open your downloaded template on your computer. After you have pressed the download button, the template will automatically download into your computer or may take a few steps to start the download. It is downloaded as a zip file, so you need to unzip the file and then open it in Microsoft Word. It's a good idea to use the latest version of Microsoft Word in order to ensure that you will not run into any unforeseen software problems and that the template will operate as it was designed to function. If you are operating on an older version of Microsoft Word, simply update your software before downloading any templates. Set up your header. Keep in mind that everything on the template is changeable. You can customize every part of the memo template to fit your particular needs. For instance, you can add your logo and copyright sign in the header section of the template. Just click on the header section and type in your company's information. Fill in the fields in the template’s header. Be sure to fill in the "TO" and "FROM" fields, as well as "CC" and "SUBJECT” fields. Use caution when filling these fields to ensure that you have not skipped over any field, leaving some of them blank, or that you have not made an error in typing somewhere along the way. Type your message. Write the introduction, context, discussion and summary parts of your memo in the body. If you want, you can use bullet points or lists to organize information. Maintain the template's formatting. This will ensure that your paragraph alignment is proper and you have the correct margins and font size. If necessary, you can even customize the memo to use a table. This is sometimes a good idea, especially if using a bullet list or something similar makes the memo look too crowded or difficult to read. Make sure that you have deleted any words that were already in the template. Also, carefully proofread your memo before sending it. Make sure to check the footer. The footer is the space at the bottom of the page that often has additional information. You might include your company information or personal contact information here. It is important that you take the time to ensure that this information is correct. The last thing you want to happen is to write an excellent memo and then have incorrect contact information or have that information missing altogether. Customize your look. One of the most appealing things about the template is that you can even change the color of the document. This allows you to exercise a certain degree of personality and makes the entire document stand out more precisely. It also allows you to choose a color that is appropriate for the situation at hand in order to ensure that the memo is visually striking, yet professional. Save your memo as a unique document. Be sure to save a copy of this memo. Then you will have a digital backup document that provides proof of your business communication. Save the template so that you can use it again. Whenever you need to use the memo for a slightly different subject in the future, simply change each field to suit the particular memo subject. This will save you time and will also help you create a consistent memo that is professional and that will get the attention of people so the memo will be read in a prompt manner.

Type “MEMORANDUM” at the top of the page. Address the recipient appropriately. Add additional recipients in the CC line. Write your name in the “From” line. Include the date. Choose a specific phrase for the subject line. Format the heading properly. Consider who the audience should be. Skip a formal salutation. Introduce the problem or issue in the first paragraph. For example, you might write: Give context for the issue at hand. Support your course of action in the discussion segment. Suggest the actions that the reader should take. Close the memo with a positive and warm summary. Format your memo properly. Proofread your memo. Hand-write your initials by your name. Use memo letterhead. Choose your method of delivery. Search for memo templates. Open your downloaded template on your computer. Set up your header. Fill in the fields in the template’s header. Type your message. Make sure to check the footer. Customize your look. Save your memo as a unique document. Save the template so that you can use it again.

https://www.wikihow.com/Obtain-Dual-Citizenship

How to Obtain Dual Citizenship

To obtain dual citizenship, check if you were born in another country, which may allow you to apply for a second citizenship in addition to the one you already have. If this doesn't apply to you, find out your parents' citizenship, since most countries grant citizenship to the children of their citizens. Another way to gain dual citizenship is to check whether your spouse's country of citizenship will let you become a citizen through marriage. Keep in mind, however, that your country of citizenship may not allow dual citizenships, so make sure to check your country's laws first.

Consider whether your country of birth grants you a second citizenship. Were you born in a state whose right to citizenship you have never exercised? If so, then you might be eligible for citizenship through an unrestricted right of soil, also known as unconditional jus soli. This means that you have an automatic birthright to be a citizen of that country because you were born there. For example, if you are currently a British citizen who was born in the United States, you are entitled to American citizenship through unrestricted jus soli. Research the immigration laws of your country of birth. Most countries do not grant citizenship through right of soil, so it is important to research the laws of the country in which you were born. 30 of the world's 194 countries practice unconditional jus soli. Of these 30 countries, Canada and the United States (as of 2010) are the only countries among the world's advanced economies that practice unconditional jus soli and grant citizenship to most children born on its soil, including children born to persons present in the state illegally. However, children born in the United States to foreign diplomats and foreign heads of state do not acquire citizenship through right of soil. Find out how to exercise citizenship through unrestricted right of soil. You may find that your country of birth, which is not the country whose citizenship rights you exercise, grants you a right to its citizenship through a right of soil. If so, discover how you can exercise that right. One way to exercise a right to citizenship is to apply for a passport. You can apply for a passport through the state's embassy or consulate in your current country of citizenship and/or residence. You may be asked to present an original or certified copy of your birth certificate to the consulate or embassy as evidence. For example, if you apply for a Canadian passport, then you can present a birth certificate issued by the Canadian province or territory in which you were born. This serves as evidence of your Canadian citizenship because Canada practices unrestricted jus soli. Research the laws of both states regarding dual citizenship. Find out the laws regarding dual citizenship of both the state of your current citizenship and of the state whose second citizenship you are trying to obtain. Consider whether enforcing your right of soil citizenship may require renouncing your current citizenship. This is important because not all states that practice unconditional jus soli permit their citizens to hold dual citizenship. For example, Pakistan practices unconditional jus soli (with a few minor exceptions) but only permits dual citizenship with a select number of states. Examples of countries that both practice unconditional jus soli and permit dual citizenship are the United States and Canada. Consider your parents' citizenship. Most countries in the world grant citizenship on the basis of right of blood or jus sanguinis. Under the jus sanguinis principle, you acquire one or both of your parents' citizenship upon birth. This means that the child acquires the parents' citizenship regardless of where she is born, and her only citizenship is the one acquired through right of blood if she is born in a country that does not practice jus soli. For example, if you were born in the United States, but your parents are both British citizens, then you are also a British citizen. Research the laws regarding dual citizenship of both countries. Find out if obtaining a second citizenship through the jus sanguinis principle of a state would require you to renounce your prior citizenship. If that is the case, you cannot become a dual citizen. Both the United States and the United Kingdom permit dual citizenship. However, there are other countries that grant citizenship on the jus sanguinis principle and do not permit dual citizenship. Singapore, for example, practices jus sanguinis but does not allow dual citizenship. Find out how to exercise your citizenship through right of blood. The process that you will need to follow to gain citizenship through parentage will vary by country. Check with the country's consulate to determine what you will need to do. For example, if you are currently an American citizen who was born to British parents, and you are under the age of 18, it is your parents who must apply on your behalf to register you as a British citizen. The application form and guidance on how to register as a British citizen in this scenario are available here. Consider acquiring a second citizenship by investment. Many countries issue resident visas or permits to individuals who are willing to invest in the country's economy, and those resident visas can make you eligible for citizenship after a few years. This can be an expensive route as the minimum investment amounts range from several hundred thousand dollars to several million dollars. For example, the United States requires an investment of $1 million (or $500,000 if you are investing in a high unemployment or rural area), and in return you receive a conditional permanent resident permit. Find out how long it will take to become a citizen by investment. This path to citizenship can take a long time, so research the amount of time that it will take you to become a citizen before you decide to invest. For example, the United States and Belgium grant citizenship after five years of holding a resident permit of this type. However, Malta (whose minimum investment requirement is EUR 1 million) grants citizenship after only 1 year. Check to see if there is a residency requirement. Some states that grant investor visas also require that you remain a resident in that state before you can become a citizen. However, not all countries have residency requirements. For example, Cyprus does not have a residency requirement but the United States does. Check the citizenship laws of the country in which you are investing. Not all countries permit dual citizenship. You may be required to renounce your prior citizenship in order to acquire citizenship by investment. If that is the case, you cannot become a dual citizen in this way. Consider your spouse's citizenship. If you are married to someone who holds a citizenship that you do not, then you might consider whether your spouse's country of citizenship grants you citizenship by marriage. This process involves applying for a resident permit that you would qualify for based on your marriage. You would also need to meet any residency requirements. If you believe that you can acquire a second citizenship through marriage, research the laws of your spouse's country of citizenship regarding citizenship by this route. The laws about the application process and amount of time involved to obtain citizenship will vary by country. For example, if you are married to a British citizen, you must meet certain requirements before you can apply to become a British citizen by marriage. You must be 18 years of age or older, of sound mind, of good character (e.g. you don't have a serious criminal record), you must meet English language requirements and show knowledge of life in the UK, you must have been granted indefinite permission to stay in the UK, and you must meet a residency requirement. Beware of the consequences of sham marriages. Note that entering into a sham or fake marriage for the sole purpose of acquiring residency and (subsequent citizenship) of your spouse's country is considered fraud and is a serious criminal offense in most countries. Do not attempt to enter into a sham marriage for the purpose of becoming a dual citizen, as the legal consequences of this can be severe. Confirm the laws regarding dual citizenship of both countries. Not all countries permit dual citizenship, and your spouse's country of citizenship may be one that requires you to renounce your previous citizenship. If that is the case, then you cannot become a dual citizen through marriage. Apply for an employment visa. You may also gain citizenship by applying for a job in another country. Some countries allow individuals who have legally entered the country on a work visa to convert their visa status to permanent residency and then to citizenship. For example, in Australia you can apply for a number of categories of employment visas that have their own requirements. One type is called a Skilled-Independent Visa and it allows you to enter Australia with the intention of working in Australia as long as you meet the criteria. If you spend four consecutive years in Australia under the visa, then you become eligible for Australian citizenship. Apply for residency through special immigration programs. In many countries, the first step to becoming a citizen is to apply for residency. Once you become a resident, you may then apply for citizenship through naturalization. Eligibility requirements vary from country to country. For example, in the United States you can qualify for permanent residency through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. This program randomly draws from a pool of individuals who are from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Check to see if the country in which you are interested in acquiring a second citizenship has a similar route to acquiring residency. Once you acquire residency and meet any other criteria, then you can apply for citizenship. Confirm the laws regarding dual citizenship of both the countries. Keep in mind that not all countries permit dual citizenship. If you acquire citizenship of a state through a work visa, visa lottery, or other program, then you may be required to renounce your prior citizenship. If that is the case, you cannot become a dual citizen by following this route.

Consider whether your country of birth grants you a second citizenship. Find out how to exercise citizenship through unrestricted right of soil. Research the laws of both states regarding dual citizenship. Consider your parents' citizenship. Research the laws regarding dual citizenship of both countries. Find out how to exercise your citizenship through right of blood. Consider acquiring a second citizenship by investment. Find out how long it will take to become a citizen by investment. Check to see if there is a residency requirement. Check the citizenship laws of the country in which you are investing. Consider your spouse's citizenship. Beware of the consequences of sham marriages. Confirm the laws regarding dual citizenship of both countries. Apply for an employment visa. Apply for residency through special immigration programs. Confirm the laws regarding dual citizenship of both the countries.

https://www.wikihow.com/Develop-a-Close-Relationship-with-Someone-New

How to Develop a Close Relationship with Someone New

Developing a close relationship with someone new is all about spending time with them and building their trust. Have deeper conversations with them about both of your beliefs, backgrounds and hopes and dreams for the future. This will help you empathize with them and understand how they think. Make sure you're honest with them and share your own thoughts and beliefs. To build their trust, follow through on your promises as much as you can. If they're stressed or something's bothering them, ask how you can help and support them. As you get to know each other better, you can also introduce them to your other friends and family, which will show that you trust them and bring your lives closer together.

Identify someone that you want to get to know better. Initiate conversation about common interests, or questions about them. Whether in a group setting or one-on-one, begin on a lighthearted level. Consider using the F.O.R.D. technique, by focusing the conversation on the following topics: Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Dreams (Hopes). See a conversation as two sided. Be interested in what others say, and be interesting by relating to others. Share stories, but allow others an opportunity to speak. Be friendly and personable. Even if you're more of an introvert than an extrovert, by simply being positive in the conversation, and showing genuine interest in what the person is saying, you are more likely to develop a closer connection. Find ways to interact with that person one-on-one. It can be hard to develop a deep relationship with a group. Cultivating closer friendships and relationships often requires one-on-one settings. This may involve doing something outside of work, school, or home. Invite someone to lunch, coffee, or a hang-out spot. Ask them to go on a hike or walk, or some other outdoor activity. Go to a bar for drinks If that person agrees, that's a good sign that they are interested in also getting to know you, and giving you a chance. If they decline, they may be busy, or less interested in a close relationship. Take an interest in exploring new things with someone. Getting out of your ordinary routine can often help you to be closer with someone. If the new person is interested in things that you normally would be less likely to try, consider trying it. New experiences can help you find new friends, and can possibly help you to be more open and interesting to others. Consider going out of your comfort zone in these ways: Go to a local food festival rather than a restaurant. Take a day trip to a local state or national park. Go to a museum that's not so traditional, like a radio and television museum or a sports hall of fame. Consider going to a local comedy show or a play rather than the movies. Go to a sporting event that might be outside the usual. Take a class together — art, fitness, cooking, or something else that seems different. Search for a partner. Many successful romantic relationships are not just based on sexual compatibility, but also on a close friendship. It's important that the person you're dating makes you feel attractive and loved, but it's also key that you can communicate about important things. Try online dating. This is an opportunity to meet a lot people, and see if you hit it off before meeting up in person. Go to parties, events, and social gatherings with the goal of having one-on-one time with someone interesting. Venture out on your own. Consider doing activities on your own, without the people who you usually hang out with. Doing things independently may push you to talk more with new people, and get you to open up more than usual. You're more likely to develop a relationship with someone new if you're not hanging out with a friend already. Be a good listener. Don't be distracted and trying to multi-task, especially when trying to have a closer relationship with someone new. They may see your lack of attention or focus as a sign that you are not interested in getting to know them. Consider these ways to show you're interested in them: Actively listen. Give your undivided attention to the new person. Be present. Keep eye contact and give non-verbal cues of understanding, such as saying "uh-huh" or nodding your head. Paraphrase what they are saying, and give empathetic responses. Consider saying, “It sounds like you had a tough day after taking that final exam. I know it can be stressful. I just had a tough exam last week.” Spend time together. There is a level of comfort that is built through simply being in the same place, doing something together, and it's an important step toward reaching a place where it feels natural and safe to start having deeper conversations. When watching a movie together, for instance, you're not necessarily talking or relating, but you're having a shared experience and getting used to being in each other's presence. Include the other person in your life. Invite them to group outings, sporting events, to join teams or clubs, or to hang out in the park. Discuss difficult topics. These topics should not likely be discussed the first time you meet someone new, but after you have established a one-on-one rapport with them. Being open to talking about painful topics can bring your closer to someone. Communicate your thoughts and feelings in a deep way. Trust someone new from time to time, as you may feel better in the long run. One of the most important topics can be about values and beliefs. By understanding and having a common bond over values and beliefs, you are likely to become closer to that person. Stressors about upbringing and recent personal crises may lead to a deeper understanding, as sharing fears or insecurities can be difficult but also cathartic. Consider asking questions like, "What was it like for you as a kid?" or "Are you close with your parents?" Finding out about someone's thoughts and feelings is key. Avoid conversations that are only about you. Make sure both of you get to share what each wants to talk about, and give each person equal opportunity to speak their mind. One-sided conversations may make the new person feel underappreciated, or not important. Deeper relationships are based on respecting each other, and valuing each other's input. Consider saying, "That's what it has been like for me last week, what's it been like for you?" or "I want to hear what you've been going through." Giving someone the opportunity to speak without interruption is key. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Being vulnerable may seem negative and can be scary, but it is actually a positive way to open yourself to a closer and deeper relationship with someone. Vulnerability involves revealing a part of yourself that is hard to talk about, but important to share with those your trust and is essential to building a close relationship. Learn to be emotionally honest. While this may be difficult in large group settings, it's important to confide in people in smaller or one-on-one settings about your worries and fears. Don't dwell on the negative. Particularly if this is someone new, it's important to focus on both the positive and negative, rather than just one or the other. When someone asks you, "How's your family?" instead of saying, "They're fine," be open about what is bothering you. You don't need to turn the conversation into a venting session, but it can help someone to see what you're going through. You could say instead, "They're pretty well. My mom is sick, but we're all trying to pull together and support her." Gain someone's trust. Be a dependable friend or romantic partner. Don't always put off calling or texting someone new due to other priorities. Make time for the special people in your life. Being reliable is a key way to build trust. It shows that you do what you say, and that your words are not empty promises. Don't play games with someone you like, or possibly love. Be there for them. Make an effort to be on-time, or follow through with plans. You will lose someone's trust if you fail to “honor your word.” For example if you know that you'll be running late, be courteous and call or text the person you're meeting. And, if it's likely that you can't make an event, tell them at least 24 hours ahead of time. Make that person a priority. When you make someone a priority, by calling them back in a timely manner, showing up to a scheduled event on-time, or giving your undivided attention, this will make a big impact on how close you are with that person. Make someone feel valued. If you show through your words and actions that this person is both interesting and important, it is likely that the person will respond the same way. Treat others as you would like to be treated. If this is a romantic relationship, let someone know you're thinking of them. While it's important to have boundaries in any relationship, fostering love by making someone feel special is key. Consider giving a small gift for special occasions, or even just for times when you think they really could use the support. Offer your help if they are stressed, worried, or in need of some assistance. Being handy and helpful can make a big difference in a relationship.

Identify someone that you want to get to know better. Find ways to interact with that person one-on-one. Take an interest in exploring new things with someone. Search for a partner. Venture out on your own. Be a good listener. Spend time together. Discuss difficult topics. Avoid conversations that are only about you. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Gain someone's trust. Make that person a priority.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Dog-to-Lose-10-Pounds

How to Get Your Dog to Lose 10 Pounds

To get your dog to lose 10 pounds, start by finding an online calorie calculator to work out how much your dog needs to eat in order to lose weight. Then, use a measuring cup every time you feed your dog to ensure you're not giving it too much. Additionally, avoid giving your dog human food, which has more calories and lacks nutrients. You should also exercise your dog by taking it for walks or playing games, like fetch. However, give your dog a break whenever you notice signs of exhaustion, and provide plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

Check for external signs. Start by taking a close look at the dog's ribs and its vertebrae (the bones running down its back). Then, gently feel these bones. Look at the shape of the dog's body from above and from the side. Compare your findings to the information below: Dogs with a healthy weight have ribs that you can see and feel easily, but that don't seem to "jut out" sharply (this is a sign of being underweight). The vertebrae should be a series of gentle bumps. Viewed from above, the dog should have a slight "hourglass" shape (its waist should be thinner than its hips and shoulders). Viewed from the side, the dog should have an "abdominal tuck" (its chest should be closer to the floor than its stomach). Overweight dogs have ribs that aren't easy to see or feel underneath a layer of fat. Fat deposits around the base of the tail and waist may also make it hard to see or feel some of the vertebrae. The dog will lack a noticeable "waist" when viewed from above and its stomach may hang as low (or lower) than its chest. Compare your dog's weight to the "ideal" weight for your breed. Just like humans have different body types, some dogs within the same breed will be naturally larger or smaller than others. However, there are certain "general rules" for the weights of different dog breeds that can help you judge whether or not your dog is obese. An excellent table of average dog weights by breed is available here. Note: This chart won't work perfectly for mixed-breed dogs or mutts. You may want to try comparing your dog's weight to that of a similar breed or use the physical test above. Take your dog to a vet to rule out medical causes for obesity. Just like humans, there are a few legitimate medical issues that can make a dog obese even if it lives a healthy lifestyle. Though these are more rare than "normal" obesity, they're worth considering. A veterinarian will be able to tell you whether your dog has one of these problems. Obesity-causing problems can include thyroid disorders, Cushing's disease, and diabetes. Even if your dog doesn't have one of these problems, it's a good idea to take it to the vet if it's overweight anyway. Your vet will be able to offer expert advice to get your dog back in shape. Use a calorie calculator to find your dog's ideal intake. Losing weight may not be easy , but it is easy to understand: your dog just needs to burn more calories every day than it eats and it will lose weight over time. The bigger this calorie gap, the faster it will lose weight. To figure out how much your dog should be eating, use a calorie calculator, like this one. See below for instructions: You have two options for your dog's ideal weight — you can either enter the result from the chart linked to in the section above, or, if you want it to lose exactly 10 pounds, just enter 10 pounds less than its current weight. Next, enter its activity level from the list of options. Finally, enter the calories per serving of the dog food you're using. You can find this on its Nutrition Facts label. The answer you get will be how much you should feed your dog per day , not per meal. Divide this number by two if you feed your dog twice daily to find how much to feed it per meal. Divide by three if you feed it three times daily, and so on. Track your dog's calorie intake carefully. Making your dog lose weight is all about controlling the food it eats. Once you use the calculator above to determine how much it should be eating each day, stick to this nutritional plan. Use a measuring cup every time you feed your dog to make sure you give exactly the right amount of food. Avoid "free feeding. " Some owners have a "free feeding" policy for their dog — in other words, the dog is given access to food whenever it wants it. Unfortunately, this will make weight loss almost impossible. A dog with unlimited access to food will be able to eat as soon as it feels the first twinges of hunger from its new diet, so it won't ever accumulate a calorie deficit and start losing weight. In addition, free-fed dogs can get in the habit of eating out of boredom, even when they're not hungry (just like humans). Switching from free feeding to better feeding practices is easy. One vet source recommends determining how much food the dog needs in each meal (see above), then putting out exactly this amount at each mealtime. If the dog doesn't finish it within 15 minutes, take it away and don't offer any more food until the next meal. It will quickly learn to eat the meals it is given. Avoid using snacks and treats as rewards. If you're used to giving your dogs treats throughout the day, it can seem cruel to stop. It may feel like you're depriving your dog of a source of happiness. However, you're actually doing the opposite — by helping your dog lose weight, you're giving it a happier, healthier life in the long run. Here are just a few things you can use as rewards for good behavior instead of food: Playtime Exercise Petting Cuddling If you do need to use treats, use very small portions. Most dogs are simply attracted to the tantalizing smell of the treat — they don't need to use them as a major source of calories. Consider switching to a high-quality dog food. It's not all about how much your dog eats — it's also about what it's eating. The best dog foods provide plenty of protein, while offering lower-than-average carbohydrates and calories. These dog foods help a dog stay full for longer, making it easier for it to adjust to its diet. They also more closely mirror the dog's natural diet. A good selection of well-reviewed dog foods are available here. If your new dog food has a different calorie content than your old food, don't forget to use the calorie calculator again to determine your dog's new portion sizes. Dogs can have digestive distress if their entire diet is suddenly changed. To avoid this, try introducing the new food gradually. You can try offering frequent small meals or mixing it with the dog's old food at first, then transition to two or three meals per day of the new food. Avoid human food. With a few exceptions, food that's meant for people to eat isn't usually good for your dog. These foods (particularly human snack foods) can be calorie-dense and lack the nutrients that dogs need to stay healthy. In addition, because these foods weren't part of dogs' natural diets, they can produce unexpected digestive effects. In particular, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, avocado, some nuts, grapes and raisins, raw meat and eggs, dairy, onions, garlic, and chives can produce side effects that range from mild to severe. Resist the urge to give in to "puppy eyes. " Though they are cute, loyal companions, dogs are also selfish. They won't feel an ounce of shame begging or harassing you for the "bad" foods they've become accustomed to. Ignore your dog's pleading and offer it only proper, nutritious dog food at approved meal times. If it doesn't eat this food, don't give it anything else. No healthy dog will starve itself — it will soon be eating the food you give it. Consistency is important here. Be sure to educate the people you live with not to feed the dog improper foods. If they do, the dog will quickly learn who's "soft" and won't lose its bad habits. You'll also want to avoid leaving food in places where your dog can get it while it's adjusting to its new diet. Research your breed's exercise needs. Some dog breeds are happiest with an occasional short walk, while others need strenuous exercise daily. If you're not sure how much exercise your dog needs, try looking online, where this information is freely available. Here is a good site that offers exercise specifics on many breeds. Keeping a dog from meeting its natural exercise needs isn't just unhealthy — it's unfair to the dog. A lack of exercise can leave the dog unhappy and hyperactive, leading to numerous behavior disorders. These include excessive barking, destructive chewing, abnormal sleep schedules, rough play, and more. Find exercise opportunities that work for you. If your dog isn't getting enough exercise, don't worry — there are many ways to get it the exercise it needs. Best of all, many of these can give you a workout as well. Good ideas for exercise include: Good for nearly all breeds: Fetch, neighborhood walks, chase, tug-of-war, play-wrestling, laser pointer play, playtime with other dogs. Good for breeds with high exercise needs: Running or jogging, hikes, prolonged soccer-style games, swimming (best for natural water dogs — do not allow dogs to swim unattended). Know how to motivate a lazy dog. Not all dogs will "jump" at the opportunity to start exercising. This may be especially true if your dog is already obese. If you find it tough to get your dog to start exercising (or to get it to keep exercising once it's out of the house), try these tricks: Circle around your dog a few time, talking in an encouraging voice, and then start moving in the direction you want it to go. This will often make dogs want to follow you. Teach your dog the "Let's go" command. See here for more information. Give the dog a chance to rest, then, when it gets up on its own, offer it a small treat (or some affection if it's on a strict diet). Don't use the treat to make it get up in the first place — this will just reward its laziness. If nothing you do seems to make your dog want to exercise, bring it to a vet to rule out health problems. Watch for signs of exhaustion. Just like people, dogs can't exercise forever without a break. If your dog is overweight or obese, it may be able to only exercise a little bit before it gets tired. Don't exercise your dog past the point of exhaustion — this is unsafe. Give your dog ample opportunities to rest in the shade (especially if it's hot out) and give your dog plenty of water to avoid dehydration. If your dog has any health conditions you are aware of, talk to a vet before starting its exercise program. Some issues, like many heart conditions, can get worse with exercise. If necessary, make arrangements with outside help. If your schedule doesn't allow for your dog to get as much exercise as it needs, consider hiring a pet care service to fill in the gaps for you. Many areas have local agencies that, for a reasonable fee, can walk your dog, play with it, and more — perfect for someone with a demanding job. One pet care agency with a wide reach is Fetch! Pet Care, which has services in most (but not all) U.S. states. You can try to find a location near you with the service locator available here. Not that Fetch! is a franchise business, so quality can vary from location to location. You may also be able to find local small businesses willing to provide similar services. Be sure to look for reviews or testimonials on sites like Yelp! to ensure the business you've chosen is a reputable one. Don't forget to adjust its food intake accordingly. When a dog exercises, its body burns more energy in the form of calories than normal. This will help it lose weight, but burning too many calories without replacing them can be unhealthy. For this reason, if your dog suddenly starts a new, more intense exercise routine, use the calorie calculator in the section above to re-calculate its ideal food intake. There's a good chance you'll need to feed it slightly more than if it were dieting without the exercise.

Check for external signs. Compare your dog's weight to the "ideal" weight for your breed. Take your dog to a vet to rule out medical causes for obesity. Use a calorie calculator to find your dog's ideal intake. Track your dog's calorie intake carefully. Avoid "free feeding. Avoid using snacks and treats as rewards. Consider switching to a high-quality dog food. Avoid human food. Resist the urge to give in to "puppy eyes. Research your breed's exercise needs. Find exercise opportunities that work for you. Know how to motivate a lazy dog. Watch for signs of exhaustion. If necessary, make arrangements with outside help. Don't forget to adjust its food intake accordingly.

https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-an-Injured-Dog

How to Take Care of an Injured Dog

To take care of an injured dog, start by contacting your vet so they can examine its injuries and suggest the appropriate treatment. When you approach the dog, speak to it calmly and avoid its face and mouth so it doesn't bite you. Alternatively, cover the dog's head with a towel to reduce its anxiety while you examine it. If the wound is bleeding, press down on it with a piece of gauze and wrap the area firmly with a bandage. Once the bleeding stops, clean the wound with an antiseptic solution and wrap it with gauze.

Learn the signs of injury. Sometimes, when a dog has been injured, you'll be able to see it right away. Other times, the injury will be harder to detect. Make sure to take note of the following signs of injury: Limping or other changes in walking or movement Swelling Avoidance of touch in certain areas, or barking or whining when touched in a certain spot Unexplained and unusual warmth in a certain area Protect yourself. Even a dog which is normally kind and docile is more likely to behave in a hostile way if injured. If you suspect a dog is injured, always take care not to be bitten or otherwise injured. To the extent that you are able, avoid the dog's face and mouth. While your first impulse may be to comfort the animal, do not hug or squeeze it. Approach the dog slowly and calmly, to avoid frightening it any more than it may be already. Covering the dog's head gently with a towel or other piece of fabric can sometimes lessen its anxiety during examination. Muzzle the dog if necessary. If an injured dog attempts to bite you or shows signs of hostility, you may need to cover its mouth to avoid bites. If you already have a muzzle for your dog, carefully put it on him or her. If not, you can wrap the dog's mouth using a towel, stockings, a roll of gauze, or any similar strip of fabric. Wrap it over the dog's snout and under its chin, being careful not to cover its nose or obstruct its breathing. Never muzzle a dog that is vomiting. This can cause it to choke. Never muzzle a dog with chest injuries or a short-snouted dog such as a pug or bulldog. Examine the dog slowly and carefully. Look the dog over to determine where and how it is injured, being as careful as you can not to startle or further hurt it. Speak gently and calmly to the dog as you examine to help it stay calm. Stop the examination if the dog becomes obviously agitated. If the dog has a cut or similar wound, you may need to clip away some of the dog's fur to get a clear look at how bad it is. Spreading a little petroleum jelly over the wound can prevent hair clippings from getting stuck in it. Call a vet immediately if emergency care is needed. Some injuries are minor and can, if necessary, wait to be treated by your regular vet. Life threatening injuries, however, require immediate care, and if your vet isn't available, you'll need to contact an emergency veterinary clinic. Get emergency care for the following: Profuse or unstoppable bleeding Loss of consciousness Inability to stand Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing Paralysis Note that if the injured dog is not yours, and you bring it to a vet, you may be responsible for any costs related to its care. Perform CPR if needed. If a dog is not breathing, you may need to perform CPR. Close the dog's mouth and place your lips over its nose. Give three to four strong breaths. If the dog does not start breathing on its own, continue to give it 10 to 12 breaths per minute. If you can't detect a heart beat, lay the dog on its side and compress its chest with your hands. Give five compressions per breath. Once a dog starts breathing on its own, stop CPR. Move the dog carefully. There is a good chance you will need to move the injured dog, whether you are bringing it home, taking it to a vet, or just trying to get it out of a busy street. An injured dog must be moved gently and with great care. If you are able to, splint, bandage or otherwise stabilize wounded areas before moving the dog to reduce the risk of further harm. Confine the dog while moving it so it can't hurt itself more. If possible, use a pet carrier, but if you don't have one, punch some holes in a box. Larger dogs can be moved using a makeshift stretcher. You can use a board, a door, a rug, or a large blanket, carried by at least two people. Stop any bleeding. If the dog is bleeding from its injury, press down firmly on the injured area with your fingers and palm and apply a firm but not tight bandage. Gauze or a washcloth or towel will often do the trick. If the bandage becomes soaked through with blood, don't remove it. Place additional materials on top. Apply a tourniquet if necessary. If a dog has an injury on it's leg or tail that will not stop bleeding, and is gushing blood in a rhythmic way, it may have a damaged artery. You may need to apply a tourniquet to save its life. Wrap the limb in a bandana or other strip of cloth, between the wound and the heart, tightly enough that no blood can pass through. Every 15 minutes, loosen the tourniquet so blood can pass through for about 10 seconds. If you don't, the dog may lose the limb. Always seek immediate emergency care for a wound of this nature.. Clean and treat lacerations. If the dog has any lacerations that aren't bleeding, clean them with an antiseptic solution, such as hydrogen peroxide, and dry them. If you don't have an antiseptic solution, warm water with a little salt will do. Pat the area dry with some sterile gauze. You can apply some ointment if its not an area the dog can lick. Keep an eye on the injury in case of infection and make sure to keep it clean for several days. Use a cold compress. For bruising or tenderness, you can give your dog some immediate relief using a cold compress. Gently place something frozen, such as a bag of frozen peas, on the injured area. Cool the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove the compress. You can reapply as often as every two hours if it seems to be helping. Seek veterinary care. Even for what seems like a minor injury, it is a good idea to seek professional care. You may not be able to detect some injuries, such as those that are internal. For non-emergencies, call your vet and explain the situation. The vet's office will either make an appointment for you soon or refer you to emergency care if they deem it necessary. For serious bleeding or other major injuries, search online for an emergency vet clinic near you and take your dog immediately. Give the dog medications. Some injuries last a long time, sometimes even for the rest of the dog's life. Treating these injuries requires patience and consistency. To begin with, give your dog any medicine your vet prescribes, following all instructions precisely. There are variety of medications available for treating the pain that may result from an injury, from anti-inflammatory medications to opioids and more. Talk to your vet about the benefits and possible side effects of any medications he or she recommends. Make dietary changes. Changing what your dog eats can also be helpful in treating injuries. For injuries that have resulted from weakened tissue, a high-quality, meat-based diet is best. There are also a number of supplements, foods, and dog treats formulated especially for helping dogs with joint injuries. Use splints and braces as appropriate. If your dog has sustained an injury that makes it difficult to walk or stand, it may benefit from a splint, brace, or cart. There are number of such products available for both short and long-term use. Your vet will be able to help you select the most appropriate option for your dog. Try gentle massage. Some dogs will benefit from a gentle massage of the injured area, once it is no longer too sensitive. Lightly rub affected areas. If the dog exhibits any sign of discomfort, discontinue this immediately. This should be a pleasant experience for your dog, not a painful one. Keep exercise moderate. An injured dog should not overly exert itself, as this may result in further injury/re-injury of the damaged area. Make sure the dog doesn't, for example, walk or run for too long on an injured leg. Total lack of exercise isn't a good idea either. This can result in a dog becoming overweight, which can produce its own problems, especially for dogs that have joint injuries. Try herbal remedies. There are a number of herbal remedies that some people have found helpful in soothing the pain of an injured dog. Although these are not medically proven, you may wish to try the following: Boswellia, bupleurum, cayenne, ginger, turmeric, and yucca have all been used to relieve joint pain in both people and animals. They can be applied in compresses. Hot compresses with these herbs, applied for 10 to15 minute intervals every two to four hours may help relieve your dog's pain. A cool compress with peppermint can have an immediate soothing effect.

Learn the signs of injury. Protect yourself. Muzzle the dog if necessary. Examine the dog slowly and carefully. Call a vet immediately if emergency care is needed. Perform CPR if needed. Move the dog carefully. Stop any bleeding. Apply a tourniquet if necessary. Clean and treat lacerations. Use a cold compress. Seek veterinary care. Give the dog medications. Make dietary changes. Use splints and braces as appropriate. Try gentle massage. Keep exercise moderate. Try herbal remedies.

https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Hearing

How to Improve Your Hearing

If you want to improve your hearing and you don't suffer from any major hearing disorders, try getting involved in cardiovascular exercises like biking or jogging several times a week. Improved blood circulation could help your hearing. You can also train your ears to filter out ambient sound by practicing noise filtering, in which you engage in a conversation while gradually adding 3-4 sources of music or other sounds. In addition, you can download an app to your phone designed to improve hearing.

See your doctor about your hearing problem. If you've noticed a reduction or change in your hearing, schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional so they can examine your ears for any obvious abnormalities and ask you pertinent questions about your history and lifestyle. Most problems that negatively affect hearing are benign and reversible, so don't be scared to seek professional opinions. Don't try to self-diagnose or get an unqualified friend or family member to dig in your ears. Your healthcare professional may refer you to an ear specialist for further examination. See a specialist to get a hearing test. An ear specialist (otolaryngologist) or audiologist can conduct a more thorough ear exam, including a hearing or audiometric test, which evaluates the ability of sound to reach the brain. This is a relatively quick and painless test and vital to understanding if your hearing issue is permanent or not. The otolaryngologist will be able to tell you if your problem is related to SNHL or CHL. Understand your diagnosis and treatment options. Make sure you get the doctor to explain the diagnosis clearly and provide you with various treatment options. If your problem is SNHL, then treatment will likely be forthcoming from an otolaryngologist. However, if you problem is CHL, then you have many more treatment options, possibly including some simple and safe home remedies depending on the cause. Researching hearing loss on the internet will give you an idea of potential treatments, especially for CHL, but always stick to reputable medical sites. Understand that SNHL can't be reclaimed naturally. Although you can't attain normal hearing via natural ways or home remedies if you suffer from SNHL, advances in medicine and technology can certainly help your situation. SNHL is the most common type of hearing loss among Americans, occurring in 23% of the population older than 65 years. Excessive noise exposure is the most common cause of SNHL (particularly high frequency hearing loss) and it affects about 15% of Americans aged 20 to 69. Get a hearing aid. A hearing aid is a small electronic device that is worn in or behind the ear. They make some sounds louder by magnifying sound vibrations entering the ear. A hearing aid has three main parts: it receives sound through a microphone , which converts sounds into electrical signals and sends them to an amplifier , which amplifies them and sends them to the cochlea through a tiny speaker. The sounds then cause little hairs to move within the cochlea, which stimulate nerves to send messages to the hearing center of the brain. These days, hearing aids are quite small and hardly noticeable, so there's no need to be overly self-conscious if they are your best option. Hearing aids can work a little differently depending on their electronics, which are either analog or digital. Get a cochlear implant. If the hairs within your cochlea are too damaged due to an infection, tumor or head injury, then a hearing aid will not be of much use. Instead, you will need an invasive operation called a cochlear implant in order to regain functional hearing, which is an electronic medical device that does the work of the damaged cochlea to provide sound signals to the brain. A cochlear implant is significantly more expensive than a hearing aid. Get a hearing assistive technology (HAT) device. There are a variety of other technologies based on electronic amplification, electromagnetic energy transmission, radio signals or infrared waves that are designed to enhance sound either on their own or work in conjunction with a hearing aid or cochlear implant. Schedule a surgical procedure. Surgery may be needed to drain an inner ear infection, remove a tumor or reshape a genetic malformation in order to help restore hearing loss. Keep in mind that any surgical procedure carries risks, so be well informed before choosing this route. Clean out your outer ear canal. Blockage by earwax or other debris is a common cause of CHL. Earwax is healthy in small amounts and has protective, lubricating and antibacterial properties. Most of the time the ear canals are self-cleaning, but sometimes they become clogged or impacted, which causes partial hearing loss in addition to sensations of ear fullness, itchiness or ringing (tinnitus). Cotton-tipped applicators are not recommended for cleaning deep into the ear canal, so consider safer methods such as placing a few drops of mineral oil, baby oil or glycerin into your clogged ear. Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide drops may also safely dissolve earwax, although they will likely cause a benign stinging or burning sensation for a few minutes. Irrigation or ear syringing can be performed by a physician or at home using widely available and inexpensive irrigation kits. Make sure to use a warm saline solution for best results. A procedure called ear candling is not recommended by doctors to clean ear canals due to risks of burning and eardrum perforation. Clear out your eustachian tubes. The common cold, sinusitis and allergies can clog the eustachian tubes (which connect the middle ear with the upper throat and nasal cavity) with fluid and mucous, leading to ear pain, popping sensations and reduced hearing. Blocked eustachian tubes often get better without attention, but to accelerate their clearing try closing your mouth and holding your nose, then gently blow as if you are blowing your nose. Yawning or chewing gum also may help unclog eustachian tubes. You may feel a "pop" when the tubes open up, which signifies equal pressure between the inside and outside of your ears. Consider the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as the pathogenic bacteria that can cause inner and middle ear infections. If your doctor diagnoses you with an ear infection, then an antibiotic such as amoxicillin might be helpful and help restore your hearing. Keep in mind that some oral antibiotics, such as erythromycin and tetracycline, can also cause hearing loss. Enhance your hearing with exercise. If you don't suffer from either SNHL or CHL, but simply want to improve your hearing then engage in regular cardiovascular exercise because it helps with blood circulation and fine tuning within the ear. Practice noise filtering. Play music at relatively low volumes while having a conversation with a friend. Add a second source of music and then a third source while continuously focusing on the conversation. This will train your ears to filter out ambient sounds. Practice identifying the source of sounds. Close your eyes and ask a friend to walk to a location of their choosing somewhere away from you, perhaps 6 metres (20 ft) away or more. Have your partner make two-second bursts of sound with a horn or bell and then point to where you think the sound came from. Have your friend change their direction and distance each time. Practice recognizing various types of sound. Close your eyes and listen to all the different sounds in your environment. One by one, try to decipher individual sounds that you hear, both near and far away. The more you practice, the more sounds you will learn to recognize. Consider downloading software apps designed to improve hearing. Examples include CLIX (based on identifying differences between words), Forbrain (based on recognizing pertinent sounds in voices), and Category Carousel (based on associating sounds with images). Eat foods that contain nutrients needed for good health and normal ear function. Examples of such food include cold-water fish (herring, salmon, trout), most nuts, seeds and whole grains, and virtually all fresh vegetables and fruits. Antioxidants combat aging throughout the body and include vitamins A, C and E. Antioxidants neutralize oxygen radicals that build up in the body and cause damage. Vitamin B3 (niacin) promotes blood circulation to the ear (and throughout the body) by slightly expanding small blood vessels, whereas B6 (pyridoxamine) is needed for healthy nerve function. Poor vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9) status may be associated with age-related auditory dysfunction, so make sure your levels are adequate via food sources or supplements. Avoid foods that may make a negative impact on hearing. In addition to adding certain foods for health benefits, removing certain foods from your diet may yield health results and better hearing also. A diet high in saturated animal fat is linked to high blood cholesterol levels, which may increase your risk of clogged arteries. Your ears need proper blood flow to perform well. Consuming high levels of salt may increase fluid retention in your ears. Avoid heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic and cadmium. Heavy metals are toxic to nerves (especially small ones like those which innervate the inner ear) and ultimately destroy them. The body can't rid itself of heavy metals very well, so they build up with time and become more dangerous. Foods relatively high in mercury tend to be fish such as shark, swordfish, tilefish and king mackerel. Take measures to stop further hearing deterioration from loud noises. Although you can't reverse SNHL, you can take steps to keep it from getting worse. For example, reduce your exposure to loud and sustained noises and wear earplugs if exposure is unavoidable. Reconsider going to rock concerts or sporting events such as car racing. Turn down the volume on you MP3 device while listening to your favorite music. Protect your ears from sharp objects. Never stick a sharp object into your ear! Sticking a pin, pencil, knife or other sharp object into your ear may perforate your eardrum and lead to permanent hearing loss. A perforated eardrum may be accompanied by pain, dizziness, and a ringing in your ears. Consider the impact medications might have on your hearing. Although some medications are clearly life saving and needed on a regular basis, others that deal with minor symptoms such as headaches may be negatively impacting your hearing. Salicylates such as aspirin have been shown to disrupt electrical current in the inner ear. Medicines used to treat high blood pressure and cancer also create a higher risk of hearing loss. Some chemotherapy drugs can even cause permanent hearing loss. These drugs include cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin, and nitrogen mustard. High doses of aspirin can cause temporary hearing loss. Antimalarial medications such as quinine and chloroquine can also cause temporary sensorineural hearing loss. Treat other health issues promptly that may otherwise impact your hearing. Don't let your cold, flu, sinus infection or allergies get out of control (or become chronic / recurring) such that it impacts your ears and reduces your hearing. Keep your immune system strong so that it can naturally fight off infections. Getting lots of sleep, drinking lots of water, controlling your stress and eating nutritious food all positively impact your immune system. Some serious health conditions, such as diabetes, may lead to hearing loss as well. If you have diabetes, do what you can to keep it under control and seek immediate medical attention if you start having ear pain. This may be a sign of a condition called necrotizing external otitis, which can lead to hearing loss and even death.

See your doctor about your hearing problem. See a specialist to get a hearing test. Understand your diagnosis and treatment options. Understand that SNHL can't be reclaimed naturally. Get a hearing aid. Get a cochlear implant. Get a hearing assistive technology (HAT) device. Schedule a surgical procedure. Clean out your outer ear canal. Clear out your eustachian tubes. Consider the use of antibiotics. Enhance your hearing with exercise. Practice noise filtering. Practice identifying the source of sounds. Practice recognizing various types of sound. Consider downloading software apps designed to improve hearing. Eat foods that contain nutrients needed for good health and normal ear function. Avoid foods that may make a negative impact on hearing. Avoid heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic and cadmium. Take measures to stop further hearing deterioration from loud noises. Protect your ears from sharp objects. Consider the impact medications might have on your hearing. Treat other health issues promptly that may otherwise impact your hearing.

https://www.wikihow.com/Read-a-Chest-X-Ray

How to Read a Chest X Ray

To read a chest x-ray, start by looking for markers on it, like "L" for left, "R" for right, "PA" for posteroanterior, and "AP" for anteroposterior, to identify the positioning of the x-ray. Then, find the airway on the x-ray and check to see if it's patent and midline. You should also look at the bones to see if there are any fractures, lesions, or defects. Next, check to see if the diaphragm is flat, which could indicate emphysema, or raised, which could be a sign of pneumonia. Also, examine the heart, lung fields, cardiac silhouette, and hila.

Check the patient's name. Above all else, make sure you are looking at the correct chest x-ray first. This sounds obvious, but when you are stressed and under pressure you can skip some of the basics. If you have the wrong x-ray you will be wasting time not saving it. Look up the patient's history. When you are preparing to read an x-ray make sure you have all the information on the patient, including age and sex, and their medical history. Remember to compare with old x-rays if there are any. Read the date of the radiograph. Make special note of the date when comparing older radiographs (always look at older radiographs if available). The date the radiograph is taken provides important context for interpreting any findings. Check if the film was taken under full inspiration. Chest x-rays are generally taken when the patient is in the inspiratory phase of the respiration cycle, in layman's termed having breathed in. This has an important effect on the quality of the x-ray. When the x-ray beams pass through the anterior chest onto the film, it is the ribs closest to the film, the posterior ribs, that are the most apparent. You should be able to view ten posterior ribs if it was taken under full inspiration. If you can see 6 anterior ribs, then the film is of a very high standard. Check the exposure. Overexposed films look darker than normal, and fine details are very difficult to see. Underexposed films look whiter than normal, and cause the appearance of areas of opacification. Look for intervertebral bodies in a properly penetrated chest x-ray. An under-penetrated chest x-ray cannot differentiate the vertebral bodies from the intervertebral spaces. It is under penetrated if you can't see the thoracic vertebrae. An over-penetrated film shows the intervertebral spaces very distinctly. Check for rotation. If the patient was not completely flat against the cassette, there may be some rotation evident on the x-ray. If this has happened the mediastinum can look very unusual. You can check for rotation by looking at clavicular heads and thoracic vertebral bodies. Check that the thoracic spine aligns in the centre of the sternum and between the clavicles. Check if the clavicles are level. Look for markers. The next thing to do is identify the position of the x-ray and align it correctly. Check for the relevant markers printed on the radiograph. 'L' for Left, 'R' for Right, 'PA' for posteroanterior, 'AP' for anteroposterior, etc. Note the position of the patient: supine (lying flat), upright, lateral, decubitus. Check for and mentally notate each side of the chest x-ray. Position the posteroanterior and lateral x-rays. A normal chest x-ray will consist of both posteroanterior (PA) and lateral films which are read together. Align them so they are viewed as if the patient were standing in front of you, so their right side would be facing your left. If there are old films available you should hang these adjacent. The term posteroanterior (PA) refers to the direction of the x-ray traversing the patient from posterior to anterior, from back to front. The term antero-posterior (AP) refers to the direction of the x-ray traversing the patient from anterior to posterior, from front to back. The lateral chest radiograph is taken with the patient's left side of chest held against the x-ray cassette. An oblique view is a rotated view in between the standard front view and the lateral view. It is useful in localizing lesions and eliminating superimposed structures. Recognise an antero-posterior (AP) x-ray. Sometimes AP x-rays are taken, but usually only for patients who are too ill to stand up straight for the PA x-ray. AP radiographs are generally taken at shorter distance from the film compared to PA radiographs. Distance diminishes the effect of beam divergence and the magnification of structures closer to the x-ray tube, such as the heart. Since AP radiographs are taken from shorter distances, they appear more magnified and less sharp compared to standard PA films. An AP film can show magnification of the heart and a widening of the mediastinum. Determine if it is from a lateral decubitus position. An x-ray from this view is taken with the patient lying down on the side. It helps to assess suspected fluid (pleural effusion), and demonstrate whether the effusion is loculated or mobile.You can look at the non-dependent hemithorax to confirm a pneumothorax. The dependant lung should increase in density. This is due to atelectasis from the weight of the mediastinum putting pressure on it. If this doesn't happen it is an indicator of air trapping. Align left and right. You need to make sure you are looking at it the right way. You can do this easily and quickly by looking for the gastric bubble. The bubble should be on the left. Assess the amount of gas and location of the gastric bubble. Normal gas bubbles may also be seen in the hepatic and splenic flexures of the colon. Start with a general overview. Before you go on to focus on the specific details, it's good practice to take an overview. The major things that you might have skipped over may change the baseline normals you adopt as reference points. Beginning with this overview may also sensitize to look for particular things. Technicians often use what is called the ABCDE method: check the airway (A), bones (B), cardiac silhouette (C), diaphragm (D) and lung fields and everything else (E). Check if there are any instruments such as tubes, IV lines, EKG leads, pacemaker, surgical clips, or drains. Check the airway. Check to see if the airway is patent and midline. For example, in a tension pneumothorax, the airway is deviated away from the affected side. Look for the carina , where the trachea bifurcates (divides) into the right and left main stem bronchi. Check the bones. Look for any fractures , lesions, or defects. Note the overall size, shape, and contour of each bone, density or mineralization (osteopenic bones look thin and less opaque), cortical thickness in comparison to medullary cavity, trabecular pattern, presence of any erosions, fractures, lytic or blastic areas. Look for lucent and sclerotic lesions. A lucent bone lesion is an area of bone with a decreased density (appearing darker); it may appear punched out compared to surrounding bone. A sclerotic bone lesion is an area of bone with an increased density (appearing whiter). At joints, look for joint spaces narrowing, widening, calcification in the cartilages, air in the joint space, and abnormal fat pads. Look for the cardiac silhouette sign. The silhouette sign is basically the elimination of the silhouette or loss of lung/soft tissue interface, that occurs after a mass or flood in the lung. Look at the size of the cardiac silhouette (white space representing the heart, situated between the lungs). A normal cardiac silhouette occupies less than half the chest width. Look for water-bottle-shaped heart on PA plain film, suggestive of pericardial effusion. Get an ultrasound or chest Computed Tomography (CT) to confirm. Check the diaphragm. Look for a flat or raised diaphragm. A flattened diaphragm may indicate emphysema. A raised diaphragm may indicate area of airspace consolidation (as in pneumonia) making the lower lung field indistinguishable in tissue density compared to the abdomen. The right diaphragm is normally higher than the left, due to the presence of the liver below the right diaphragm. Also look at the costophrenic angle (which should be sharp) for any blunting, which may indicate effusion (as fluid settles down). Check the heart. Examine the edges of the heart; the silhouette margins should be sharp. Observe whether a radiopacity is obscuring the heart's border, in the right middle lobe and left lingula pneumonia , for example. Also, look at the external soft tissues for any abnormalities. A heart with a diameter greater than half thoracic diameter is an enlarged heart. Note the lymph nodes, look for subcutaneous emphysema (air density below the skin), and other lesions. Check the lung fields. Start by checking symmetry and looking for any major areas of abnormal lucency or density. Try to train your eyes to peer through the heart and upper abdomen to the the lung posterior. You should also be examining for vascularity, and the presence of any mass or nodules. Examine the lung fields for any infiltration, fluid, or air bronchograms. If fluid, blood, mucous, or tumor, etc. fills the air sacs, the lungs will appear radiodense (bright), with less visible interstitial markings. Observe the hila. Look for nodes and masses in the hila of both lungs. On the frontal view, most of the hila shadows represent the left and right pulmonary arteries. The left pulmonary artery is always more superior than the right, making the left hilum higher. Look for calcified lymph nodes in the hilar, which may be caused by an old tuberculosis infection.

Check the patient's name. Look up the patient's history. Read the date of the radiograph. Check if the film was taken under full inspiration. Check the exposure. Check for rotation. Look for markers. Position the posteroanterior and lateral x-rays. Recognise an antero-posterior (AP) x-ray. Determine if it is from a lateral decubitus position. Align left and right. Start with a general overview. Check if there are any instruments such as tubes, IV lines, EKG leads, pacemaker, surgical clips, or drains. Check the airway. Check the bones. Look for the cardiac silhouette sign. Check the diaphragm. Check the heart. Check the lung fields. Observe the hila.

https://www.wikihow.com/Lace-Vans-Shoes

How to Lace Vans Shoes

To lace your shoes using the criss-cross method, start by placing your shoe in front of you with the toe facing away from you. Drag your lace through the two eyelets closest to the toe of the shoe, and pull until the lace is an even length on both sides. Then, take the right end of the lace and pass it through the next eyelet down on the left side. Next, take the left end of the lace and pass it through the next eyelet down on the right side. Repeat this pattern until there are no more empty eyelets. If your heels slip a lot in your shoes, use the heel locking lacing method instead. Follow all of the steps for the criss-cross method until the last pair of eyelets. Then, instead of crossing each lace to the other side, thread the laces over and through the eyelets directly below them. Take the left lace and pull it through the loop you just created with the right lace. Take the right lace and pull it through the loop you just created with the left lace. Finally, finish tying your shoes as you normally would.

Count the number of eyelet pairs on your shoe. Vans with an even number of eyelets can be cross-laced. if your shoes have an odd number, the basic principle will still apply but you will have to adjust your technique somewhat. Insert each end of the shoelace downward through one of the bottom two eyelets. The shoelace should now form a bar across the bottom with the laces going inwards. Keep the left lace on the left side and the right lace on the right side. Feed the right lace underneath the shoe so that it pops out of the second eyelet on the right side. Hiding the inner lacing is what gives this technique its unique look. Whether you go by your right or the shoe's right doesn't matter. Make sure you stay consistent and the end result will be the same. Feed the left lace underneath the shoe. It should pop up out of the third eyelet on the left side. You should now have an empty eyelet on the left side between the original bar and the emerging lace. Cross the right lace over to the left side and insert it downward through the second eyelet. You should now have two bars in your lacing and both laces should be on the left side. Cross the lace emerging from the third eyelet to the right side. Insert it downwards through the third eyelet. You should now have three bars in your lacing and each lace should be on a different side of the shoe. Continue repeating this pattern. Feed the left lace underneath the shoe so that it pops up out of the fifth eyelet on the left side. Then, feed the right lace underneath the shoe so that it pops up out of the sixth eyelet on the right side. Cross each lace over to the corresponding eyelet on the other side to form new bars. If your shoes have more than six eyelet pairs, repeat as necessary, continuing to reverse sides after every two bars are completed. Insert each end of the shoelace downward through the bottom eyelets. Push both ends of the shoelaces through the eyelets closest to the toe of the sneaker. The shoelace should now form a bar across the bottom with the laces going inwards. Pull the ends of the laces up over the bar and then downward toward the toe. Cross the right lace over to the left side. Insert it down through the second eyelet going up the shoe. The right lace should now be crossing the tongue of the shoe with left lace emerging from between the bar and the cross-lace. Pull the crossed lace to the left (away from the shoe) to get it out of the way. It's usually easiest to do this with the shoes off and the sneaker facing you. Whether you go by your right or the shoe's right doesn't matter. Just stay consistent and the end result will be the same. Cross the left lace over to the right side. Insert it downward through the second eyelet up on that side, just as you did on the other side. You should now have a bar and two cross-laces in your lacing. Pull the newly-crossed lace to the right (away from the shoe) to get it out of the way. Continue lacing in this pattern. Start by crossing the lace on the right-hand side over to the left side and downward through the eyelet, making sure that the other lace now emerges from between two crossings. Pull the newly-crossed lace to the left to get it out of the way, then cross the left lace over to the right side. Repeat until the shoe is completely laced. Lacing the shoes this way ensures that cross-laces going in one direction always dominate the cross-laces going in the other. When the time comes to lace your other shoe, be sure to reverse the process so that your laces mirror each other. Keep your shoelaces from twisting. The straight, flat-laced look is classic Vans, so don't let your laces get sloppy or it won't look right. If you want your vans to look crisp and new, keep the laces as straight as possible. Every time you pull your laces through the eyelets, make sure to flatten them out and keep them from twisting up. Go slowly. Don't over-tighten the laces, which can cause them to bunch up and look uneven, if they're actually pretty straight. Take your shoes off and turn them to face you. It's a lot easier to lace up your sneakers when they're on the ground, with the toe facing you, instead of the other way around. If you want them to look right, take them off and turn them around. Use thick white laces. Vans white laces are usually the best laces for Vans, but any variety of white sneaker lace would be fine. In general, skate laces are pretty puffy and white, whereas some basketball laces can be really thin and cylindrical, or other sneaker laces can be kind of lighter. You can use any color, of course, but new white laces are the most commonly associated with Vans. Change your laces regularly. Having a fresh set of laces always looks cool. It's a good idea to change your laces every couple of weeks, especially if you're skating regularly and breaking laces, or scuffing them up. Change up the way you lace your shoes. To get the most life out of your shoes, it's a good idea to alternate between the styles you use when you lace your shoes, so that they won't wear from repeated lacings. If you bar-lace your shoes, cross-lace them every now and then to keep them looking new If you cross-laces your Vans, change the direction of the crosses, so that the right side isn't always over the left, or vice versa. This will help to keep the shoes from wearing unevenly.

Count the number of eyelet pairs on your shoe. Insert each end of the shoelace downward through one of the bottom two eyelets. Feed the right lace underneath the shoe so that it pops out of the second eyelet on the right side. Feed the left lace underneath the shoe. Cross the right lace over to the left side and insert it downward through the second eyelet. Cross the lace emerging from the third eyelet to the right side. Continue repeating this pattern. Insert each end of the shoelace downward through the bottom eyelets. Cross the right lace over to the left side. Cross the left lace over to the right side. Continue lacing in this pattern. Keep your shoelaces from twisting. Take your shoes off and turn them to face you. Use thick white laces. Change your laces regularly. Change up the way you lace your shoes.

https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Floaters

How to Reduce Floaters

To reduce floaters in your eye, start by moving your eye up and down or from side to side, since moving your eye can shift the floater. You can also try using home remedies, like taking turmeric or rose hips, which some health professionals believe can help. Additionally, lower your stress by practicing yoga, meditation, or another stress management technique, since stress can make floaters worse. However, if your floaters are frequently disrupting your vision, see an ophthalmologist in case additional medical treatment is necessary.

Shift your eye. If you happen to focus on a floater, try moving your eye up and down or side to side. The movement of the eye can shift the floater and provide relief. Talk to your doctor about floaters. If you have floaters that frequently disrupt your vision, new floaters that suddenly appear, or just have questions about them, talk to your ophthalmologist or physician. These professionals can help you determine if your floaters require medical intervention, based on your symptoms. Although most eye floaters can be chalked up to a normal part of the aging process and treatment for eye floaters is not always needed, some rare cases require targeted medical intervention. Have your eyes checked by an optometrist or ophthalmologist at least once every two years or more often if you have certain medical conditions (like diabetes). Do nothing at all. Although floaters may be annoying, they usually don't interfere with your vision so much that you can't perform daily tasks. Normally, your brain learns to ignore floaters and adapts your vision accordingly. Nearsighted people or those with previous eye injury or certain conditions such as diabetes are more likely to experience floaters, or to experience them more frequently. You may have floaters for years, and they may fade in time. If you notice new ones, however, contact your ophthalmologist for an examination. See a doctor immediately if floaters are accompanied by flashes of light or a loss of side vision. If not treated immediately, the underlying condition could cause a loss of vision. Serious conditions associated with floaters include: Vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding between the lens and the retina) Vitreous and retinal inflammation (caused by infections or autoimmune inflammation) Eye tumors A tear in the retina (when numerous floaters suddenly appear) A detached retina (when accompanied by blurry or clouded vision) Talk to your ophthalmologist about special treatments if the eye floaters are causing serious vision disturbances. Severe cases of floaters can be treated with surgical techniques. Surgery to remove the incidence of floaters comes with serious risks. Most often, the risks associated with surgery are deemed far worse than the minor annoyance of an occasional floater. Your ophthalmologist can help you decide if surgery is needed or advisable, given your particular case. Risks associated with eye surgery include cataracts, retinal tears, and retinal detachment, so surgical treatment is only recommended in extreme cases. Surgery may not be a permanent solution for floaters, since new ones can appear at any time. Undergo surgery if it is deemed necessary. If you and your ophthalmologist decide that special treatments are necessary to reduce your floaters, there are a few options available. Make sure to ask your ophthalmologist any questions you may have about these procedures. A procedure known as vitrectomy removes the actual vitreous from the eye and replaces it with a saline solution, eliminating the eye floaters in the process. Freezing therapy or laser therapy which super cools the eye, may be needed to correct retinal tears, and to reduce floaters. Try dietary supplements to reduce floaters. Some health professionals believe that certain nutritional supplements may help get rid of eye floaters. Nutritional supplements have not been clinically shown to reduce floaters, but some people may find them to be helpful. Discuss these treatments with your ophthalmologist before starting any of them: Try antioxidant-rich substances such as turmeric and rose hips. There is some evidence that these antioxidants are effective in treating macular degeneration, but not in directly reducing floaters. Rose hips are commonly available as an herbal tea, and turmeric as a spice. Consider hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid has been shown to be effective in helping eyes heal after cataract surgery. Some use hyaluronic acid to treat floaters, although no established medical connection has yet been formed. Take supplements that increase blood flow. The idea is that increased blood flow will help your eyes better flush out the gelatinous protein from the vitreous. No proven connection, however, has been formed by the following supplements and floater reduction, so discuss these treatments with your ophthalmologist before starting them: Try Ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo biloba has been proven effective in increasing ocular blood flow and is used by patients suffering from glaucoma. Try lysine. Lysine is a vasodilator, which means that it widens blood vessels, particular in large veins. Lysine has proven effective in widening blood vessels in some areas, but not necessarily in the eyes. Try bilberry. Bilberry is used both for improving eyesight and for widening blood vessels. More tests are needed to investigate the efficacy of bilberry in treating floaters. Find ways to reduce stress. Another potential irritant for eye floaters is stress, so practicing stress management techniques may reduce the visibility of them. Meditation, prayer or spending time in nature are some options people find helpful to lower stress levels. Daily exercise like yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi can also reduce stress and help you develop a more relaxing lifestyle.

Shift your eye. Talk to your doctor about floaters. Do nothing at all. See a doctor immediately if floaters are accompanied by flashes of light or a loss of side vision. Talk to your ophthalmologist about special treatments if the eye floaters are causing serious vision disturbances. Undergo surgery if it is deemed necessary. Try dietary supplements to reduce floaters. Take supplements that increase blood flow. Find ways to reduce stress.

https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-Doves-Are-Right-for-You

How to Know if Doves Are Right for You

To determine if doves are right for you, consider if you can provide the kind of diet they need, which is primarily seeds, fresh vegetables, and fruit. You'll also need to be able to provide a large flight cage that will offer them plenty of room to fly, exercise, play, and roost. Look for a sheltered area outside your home where you can put the cage, since it will probably be too large to keep indoors. Before buying doves or any housing and equipment, look at your budget to determine what you can afford. You'll likely need to spend at least $300 just to get started. Since some doves can live up to 25 years, it's also important to consider the long-term costs, including food and vet bills.

Familiarize yourself with the requirements for a proper diet. In order to determine if a dove is right for you, you should know what it needs to eat. Doves tend to eat a mixture of seeds and fresh fruits and vegetables. Seeds should make up about 60 to 70 percent of the bird's diet, with a variety of fruits and vegetables making up the rest. There are some fruits and vegetables that a dove shouldn't eat, including avocados and fruit seeds. Doves also need access to grit in order to properly digest the seeds that they eat. Figure out how to create a proper habitat for a dove. Doves need a lot of room to flutter around, so their cages should be larger than the cages for most other pet birds. They are typically kept in flight cages, which should be 24" wide, 24" deep, and 24" tall at minimum. You should try to find the biggest cage you can afford for your doves. This will let them fly and exercise as much as possible. Doves will also need a variety of perches and toys to keep occupied. Be sure to give them perches of different diameters, too, to exercise their feet. Doves need a lot of space because they need to be able to fly up to perches and food dishes instead of climbing up to them the way other birds, such as parrots, can. Find a place to keep your dove's cage. Since a dove's cage needs to be relatively sizable, it can be hard to find a place indoors to keep it. If you really want to keep doves but you have a small home, you may need to put its cage outdoors. Keeping a cage outdoors will require that the cage is protected from weather and extreme temperatures. Try to keep your cage off the ground and away from things like drafts, as well. Determine if you can pay for start up costs. In order to determine if a dove is right for you, figure out how much money you can spend on it. In general, you should to spend at least $300 for all the equipment and the bird. However, it may cost more depending on the quality of the supplies that you buy. Make a realistic budget for yourself and determine whether you have expendable income that can be used for start up costs. Start up costs include the cost of the bird, the cage, food and water dishes, food, perches, and other supplies. Calculate long-term costs. In addition to the initial cost, caring for doves requires that you buy supplies for the life of the bird – as long as 10 to 25 years, depending on the variety and the care they get. The most obvious long-term cost is the bird's food but there can be other costs, such as cleaning supplies. Long-term costs can also include the cost of veterinary care. This may or may not be required but should be taken into consideration. Commit to spending time caring for your doves every day. Doves require care every day. The daily care they require includes covering their cage at night and uncovering it in the morning, giving them fresh fruits and vegetables, cleaning and replacing the seeds in seed dishes, and cleaning and replacing the bird's water. Additionally, it is a good idea to spend a bit of time each day around the cage so you can bond with the bird. There are also weekly chores that you will have to complete in order to take care of a dove properly. The most time consuming of these is cleaning your bird's cage from top to bottom. If you think you have the time to do all this, then a dove might be right for you. Don't expect a cuddly pet. Doves are not cuddly pets that enjoy handling. They should be handled infrequently, as handling can cause the bird great distress. However, they do benefit from interaction. You should let a doves out of their cages regularly or keep them in pairs so that they get stimulation from one another. If you try to have too much direct contact with a dove it can cause the bird to injure itself when it flies away from you in its cage. While doves don't offer much direct contact, they still make good pets. Many people especially enjoy the soft cooing that doves make. Expect a calm and gentle pet that is easy to care for. A dove can be a wonderful pet that is easy to care for. While you will need to give it daily care, this does not take up very much time. If you want a great beginner pet, you may want to try a dove. In comparison to other birds, such as parrots, the amount of time needed to care for a dove is minimal.

Familiarize yourself with the requirements for a proper diet. Figure out how to create a proper habitat for a dove. Find a place to keep your dove's cage. Determine if you can pay for start up costs. Calculate long-term costs. Commit to spending time caring for your doves every day. Don't expect a cuddly pet. Expect a calm and gentle pet that is easy to care for.

https://www.wikihow.com/Preserve-Fall-Leaves

How to Preserve Fall Leaves

To preserve fall leaves by drying them, sandwich the leaves between 2 sheets of paper and set them underneath a heavy book for 1 week. For a faster option, try placing your leaves between 2 paper towels and microwaving them for 30 seconds or until they're fully dry. Let your dried leaves sit in a draft-free, shady area overnight, then seal them using craft spray.

Select vibrant leaves. Harvest freshly fallen leaves that are bright in color and fairly supple. The leaves can be somewhat dry, but they should not be so dry that they are brittle or turning up at the ends. Avoid leaves with rips or rotten spots. Your leaves are going to lose some color when you dry them out, so the brighter your leaves are when you select them, the less noticeable this loss of color will be when you're done. Coat both sides of each leaf in decoupage. Decoupage is a white, gluey substance that turns clear when it dries. You can find it at your local craft store. Use a foam brush to carefully apply a liberal coat of decoupage to one side of each leaf. Set them to dry on a piece of newspaper. In most cases, you should apply the decoupage to the leaves the same day you collect them. If you wait too long, the leaves will dry out, becoming brown and brittle. If the leaves are very moist, however, or if you plucked them directly off the tree instead of waiting for them to drop, you can dry them out slightly by pressing them in between the pages of a heavy book for a few days. Allow the decoupage to completely dry. It will turn clear and will no longer be sticky. Repeat on the other side. Turn the leaf and apply the decoupage to the other side. When the second side is dry, the leaves are ready to use. This method preserves the color and form of the leaves for an extended period of time. Choose fresh leaves. Start out with leaves that are vibrant, and newly fallen. Coating the leaves with paraffin wax will preserve them at the height of their brilliant color. Dry them off with paper towels before you begin. Melt paraffin wax in a disposable pan. You can buy a a 16-oz (453 g) box of paraffin wax at your local craft or grocery store. Melt it in a disposable cake pan by heating the pan on your stove over low heat. To make the paraffin wax melt more quickly, slice it into thick chunks and spread them evenly along the bottom of the disposable pan. If you do not use a disposable pan, use a cake pan that you do not plan on using for cooking anymore. The wax can ruin the pan, so you should not use a pan that you frequently use for cooking and baking. Remove the melted wax from the stove. Exercise caution, since melted wax is very hot. Transfer it carefully from the burner to your work table. Pay close attention to it to make sure that it does not get knocked over, especially if you have pets or small children. Dip each leaf into the melted wax. Hold a leaf at the tip of the stem and dunk it into the liquified wax several times. Make sure both sides of the leaf get coated in wax. Avoid getting your fingers too close to the wax. Repeat with the remaining leaves. Lay the leaves out to dry. Lay each wax-covered leaf out on wax paper until the wax hardens. Let the leaves dry in draft-free area for several hours. Once dried, they should lift off the wax paper easily. This method preserves the form and color of the leaves for a long time. To be extra safe, line the counters with newsprint before lining them with a layer of wax paper. The double-layer minimizes the risk of getting wax drippings on the counter. If they get on the counter, wax drippings can be extremely difficult to scrape off. Select fresh leaves or a small branch with leaves attached. If you would like to preserve an entire branch of fall leaves, this preservation method is easier to use than wax. Choose a branch with leaves that are vibrant and firmly attached. This method will make the colors more vibrant. Yellows become more intense, and reds and oranges become a vibrant ruddy color. Look for sprigs that have fallen off the tree on their own instead of breaking them off the tree yourself. Removing a branch from a tree can damage it. Do not choose branches that have diseased leaves or those that have gone through a frost. This method does not work on leaves that have already gone through a frost. Open up the end of each branch. Strike the end of each branch with a hammer to split it open, exposing the live portion of the wood. This exposes the live wood of the branch so that it can absorb the glycerin solution properly. Otherwise, the solution will not be able to reach the leaves. If you're just preserving individual leaves, you can skip this step. Mix up a glycerin solution. You can find vegetable glycerin in your local craft or grocery store. To make a solution, add 17 oz (530 ml) of liquid vegetable glycerin to half a gallon (2 liters) of water in a large bucket or vase. Glycerin is a natural product derived from vegetables, making this a fairly organic option to preserve your leaves. If you're preserving a large, woody branch, mix in four to five drops of mild liquid dish soap. The dish soap acts as a surfactant, breaking the surface tension of the glycerin so that the molecules can penetrate the wood more easily. For best results, use a mild dish soap with no added colors or scents. You could also use liquid surfactant, which is available at most gardening stores. Stand the branch in the solution for three to five days. Allow the branches and leaves to absorb the glycerin for at least three to five days. Store the bucket in a shaded place during the absorption process. If you're preserving individual leaves, you'll need to weight them so they stay submerged. Pour the solution into a flat pan, place the leaves in the solution, and cover them with a plate or lid to hold them down. Remove the branch and leaves from the solution. The color will look brighter, and the leaves should feel supple. You can use the whole preserved branch in your crafts or you can pluck the leaves off and use them separately. Sandwich fresh leaves between paper towels. This is a great way to dry leaves for crafts, but some color fading will occur. Place fresh leaves on top of two paper towels. Cover them with another single layer of paper towel. Use freshly fallen leaves that are still vibrant and pliable. Avoid leaves that are curling at the ends or those that have rips or rotted spots. For best results, leave a little space in between each leaf to prevent them from sticking together as they dry. Microwave the leaves to dry them out. Place the leaves in the microwave and heat them for 30 seconds. Afterward, continue microwaving the leaves in 5-second intervals. Autumn leaves will generally need to be microwaved 30 to 180 seconds before they are sufficiently dry. Be very attentive when microwaving leaves. If cooked too long, leaves can actually catch fire. Leaves that appear scorched have been microwaved too long. Leaves that curl at the ends after being removed from the microwave have not been microwaved long enough. Let the leaves sit out overnight. Store the leaves in a draft-free, shady area. Leave them there overnight, at minimum, or for two days, at maximum. If you notice a change in color, the leaves should be sealed immediately. Seal the leaves with craft spray. Spray both sides of each leaf with clear acrylic craft spray to preserve the remaining color. Let the leaves dry before using them as decorations or for crafts. Place the leaves between two sheets of paper. This preservation dries leaves, but does not preserve their color. Sandwich your fall leaves in between two clean sheets of heavy white typing paper. Use paper that is at least as heavy as typing paper, rather than something thin like tracing paper. Otherwise, the leaves may bleed through and create stains. Lay the leaves out in a single layer. Do not stack or overlap the leaves since doing so will cause them to stick together. Choose leaves that are in good shape. They should be recently fallen and moist. The tips should not be dried or turned up. Lay a heavy book over the paper. A large, heavy book should work. To reduce the risk of staining the book or other pressing object, as well as the work surface, place sheets of blotting paper or paper towels in between the typing paper and the book. This will help to absorb the moisture from the leaves. Alternative pressing with a book: Press the leaves directly inside the book. Use an old book that you do not mind staining just in case the leaves damage the pages. Simply tuck the leaves away into the pages of the book. Allow at least 20 pages in between leaves for best results. Telephone directories work very well, if you have one available. Put weight on top of the book. The pressing helps press out moisture as well as keep the leaf flat. This can be other books, bricks, or any object with some heft. Check your progress after one week. They should be dried; if they are still pliable, press them for another few days. Choose fresh leaves. Start out with leaves that are moist, vibrant, and newly fallen. Pressing the leaves with wax will preserve them at the height of their brilliant color. Dry the leaves. Place the leaves in a single layer in between two paper towels to dry them if they're wet. Make sure they aren't overlapping, since this will cause the leaves to stick together. Use a medium-hot iron to iron each side. Iron each side for three to five minutes to absorb extra moisture. Drying the leaves out beforehand will allow them to retain their color and quality after being sealed into the wax paper. Do not use a steam setting on your iron, since steam will keep the leaves moist. Only use a dry setting. Feel the leaves after ironing them for 3 to 5 minutes. If a leaf does not feel dry, iron both sides for a few more minutes. Place the leaves between two sheets of wax paper. It does not matter which side of the wax paper faces the leaves, since both sides are waxed. Arrange the dried leaves in a single layer in between the wax paper sheets. Leave a little space around each leaf. The wax paper will need to be able to adhere to itself. Sandwich the wax paper between two pieces of typing paper. You can also use brown paper bag material or another thick paper. Make sure all of the wax paper is covered by regular paper, so the iron won't stick to the wax. Make sure that the leaves remain spaced apart and in a single layer. Seal the wax paper with your iron. With the iron on a medium-hot setting, iron both sides of the paper to seal the wax together. Keep the iron constantly moving so it won't burn the wax. Heat the first side for three minutes, then flip the paper, wax and leaves over carefully and repeat on the other side. Do not use a steam setting on your iron; only use a dry setting. Handle the hot paper carefully. If your skin is sensitive, you may want to wear gloves to protect your hands. Let the wax cool. The wax will have slightly melted around the leaves, and as it cools it will adhere to them. Wait until the wax is cool before handling it. Cut around the leaves. After the whole thing has cooled to the touch, remove the paper sheets from the wax paper. Carefully cut around each leaf using scissors or a sharp craft blade. Leave a small border of wax paper around the edge of each leaf so that the leaf remains securely sealed in between the layers of wax paper. You could also try to peel the wax paper off the leaves instead of cutting them out. A coating of wax should remain on the leaves, and it may be enough to keep the leaves preserved.

Select vibrant leaves. Coat both sides of each leaf in decoupage. Allow the decoupage to completely dry. Repeat on the other side. Choose fresh leaves. Melt paraffin wax in a disposable pan. Remove the melted wax from the stove. Dip each leaf into the melted wax. Lay the leaves out to dry. Select fresh leaves or a small branch with leaves attached. Open up the end of each branch. Mix up a glycerin solution. Stand the branch in the solution for three to five days. Remove the branch and leaves from the solution. Sandwich fresh leaves between paper towels. Microwave the leaves to dry them out. Let the leaves sit out overnight. Seal the leaves with craft spray. Place the leaves between two sheets of paper. Lay a heavy book over the paper. Alternative pressing with a book: Check your progress after one week. Choose fresh leaves. Dry the leaves. Place the leaves between two sheets of wax paper. Sandwich the wax paper between two pieces of typing paper. Seal the wax paper with your iron. Let the wax cool. Cut around the leaves.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Electronic-Music-Using-FL-Studio-Demo

How to Make Electronic Music Using FL Studio Demo

The best way to make amazing music with FL Studio Demo is to start with a drum beat, then layer on a bass line and melody. Enter notes through the piano roll, arrange your song with the Playlist window, and use the mixer to filter and add cool effects. Play around with different instruments and channels, then export it so you can jam along anytime.

Test the demo first. You can test the demo on image-line.com before downloading. It will help you see how the program works on your machine. The faster your CPU, the more you'll be able to do simultaneously in FL Studio Demo. Download FL Studio Demo. Download the latest version from image-line.com. You'll need 1GB of free disk space, and about 1GB of RAM is recommended to run the program. Versions are available for PC and Mac in 32- or 64-bits. On PCs, you'll need Windows XP, Vista, 10, or later. For Macs, you'll need Boot Camp/Windows (or OS X 10.8 or 10.9 for a Beta version). Yosemite is not supported. Open FL Studio. Start the program and look at the setup and options. There's a toolbar at the top and five main windows, listed here with their respective keyboard shortcut keys. Channel rack (F6): This includes your instruments as plugins. Plugins are the main way you add new instruments, and you can use instruments individually or in combination. Note that the height of the rack will change as you add or remove plugins. Piano roll (F7): The piano roll loads the note data from plugin instruments on its channel. Pitch is displayed on the vertical axis, and time is on the horizontal axis. This display will help you track visually what you're playing musically. Mixer (F9): All audio passes through the mixer. Your channels on the channel rack are bound to the mixer tracks. Playlist (F5): This is the player that plays (sequences) all the sounds that comprise your final song. Browser (Alt + F8): The browser is a table of contents with three important sections: All, Current Project, and Plugin database. Through these, you can access projects, samples, plugins, and libraries. Map out your song. Plan the basics of your song on some paper, your computer's word processing program, or a spreadsheet before you start making it. Determine what instruments and plugins you might want to use or at least start with. Simulate the program by using either a piece of grid paper or your computer. If it's a short 3-4 minute song, you may wish to start off with a simple melody, pads, vocals, and so on. Develop your song using different layers. Particularly if you are doing an extended piece, consider building the track in layers. The first layer can be a drum pattern to establish the beat. A 4/4 time beat is common in pop and dance songs. Another way of thinking about this is to emphasize the first and third beats of a measure. Bring in a simple bass line. The most common bass line would probably be a bass guitar sound or a standing bass, but you could also try a bass sax, tuba, or related sounds. You can then add in the melody on top of this. With rhythm and bass established, you can get a better feel for the track and begin to introduce melody. Begin simply with a few of FL Studio's pre-recorded chords. This will give a richness and depth to your sound that individual notes often lack. Determine which instruments to use. FL Studio Demo includes a full group of software instruments, with each channel containing one instrument plugin. You add a plugin/instrument by clicking the “+” sign on a channel. Usually, an instrument is a synthesizer or a sample player, used to make your melodies and percussions. FL Studio also offers vintage instruments and analog-sounding ones. There are also special effects and sample voice sounds. You can add new instruments by adding new plugins through a Virtual Studio Technology (VST) interface. You may want to add an instrument if, for example, you don't see the instrument you want, you want to use a rare/uncommon instrument, or you want to try a different version of an instrument you do have. Plan one instrument at a time for longer songs. For melody especially, you'll usually want to plan one instrument at a time as you would do using the piano roll. That said, you don't have to map out your entire song. You may get inspired on the spot to fill in remaining gaps in the track. You might also intentionally leave space in the song for improvisation. Know your beat and break options. A step-based drum machine lets you create your own beats. The step system rounds note length to an established duration, making note length uniform. You can also use something called the Fruity Slicer to chop up breaks. The Fruity Slicer plugin can be added through the Channels menu in the Main menu bar. Follow your plan to build your song in FL Studio. It's best to plan your song in advance, and start working on it the next time you have a whole day to work on it in one sitting. If you can leave your computer in sleep mode, you may leave your project overnight and come back to it at a later time. Compose. You can enter notes directly through the piano roll. Alternatively, you can play music live using a controller keyboard. The step sequencer plays percussion samples, and you can record with Step Recording on the Recording Panel. Sequence. A sequencer is an interface that records, edits, and plays back audio samples. The recording and playback features of a sequencer is one of the biggest advantages of composing digitally, rather than with individual analog instruments. Left-click on step-sequencer squares to turn them on, and right click to turn them off. To change patterns, go to the Pattern Selector in the toolbar, and slide (left-click and hold) squares up and down. Arrange. You have a lot of freedom here in FL Studio. You can arrange clips in any order you like and overlay clips as well. You can even think of clips like notes in the piano roll. Use the Playlist window to make your clip arrangements. There, you can add, delete, slice (Fruity Slicer!), rearrange, or mute clips. Mix. Left click an instrument channel button in the channel rack to select a mixer track, which will then be highlighted with a green fader. This is where all the sound from your instruments is routed. So, think of the mixer as a filter you can use to modify sound as it travels through the mixer. Use the mixer for levels and effects, such as reverb and delay. These effects are also automatable. Recorded sound will be displayed in the Playlist as an Audio Clip. Use the Playlist window to play back audio and rearrange clips. Utilize pre-made patterns. In any channel, you can go to the Piano Roll window and the Tools menu to select the Riff Machine. This includes a wide variety of riffs, chords, and arpeggios that you can adjust. As opposed to building music note by note, riffs offer depth through multiple notes, and chords add multiple notes played simultaneously. Click Throw Dice to begin a new melody/beat, and then click Accept to add it to Piano Roll. Try pre-recorded chords. Also in the Piano Roll Tools Menu, find the Chords submenu. Here, you can add chords to the Piano Roll without having to create and play them manually. Pan the different parts when you're finished. This means adjusting the distribution of your sound through different channels, such as left and right speakers. Most songs don't sound as good when they're played in just one channel (mono). Listen to your song through completely and do a bit of mixing. You might need to adjust the panning and volume. Record. Maybe you've tried recording riffs or segments of your track already, but remember to record your complete track as well. FL Studio has a helpful function if you forget: it remembers MIDI notes from about the previous five minutes, even when not recording. To regain a riff, go to an empty pattern, and then click “Dump Score Log To Selected Channel”. Change your song's metadata. Before you export your song, you can go into options and modify the "project info" or metadata that a media player will display. Here, you can change such things as the name your song, the artist's name, comments, and the song's genre. Export your song once you are satisfied with it. You can save to file forms WAV, MP3, MIDI and OGG. Exporting is done through the File menu in a process called rendering. Pull down the menu and select the file type and quality you'd like to save your project as. You won't be able to play back saved projects in the FL Studio Demo version. To open saved projects fully, you'll have to register FL Studio and plugins. The only other limitation of the demo version is that you might also hear some static, white noise, or silence using some of the plugins. That said, the demo version is still very functional and a great way to learn FL Studio.

Test the demo first. Download FL Studio Demo. Open FL Studio. Map out your song. Develop your song using different layers. Determine which instruments to use. Plan one instrument at a time for longer songs. Know your beat and break options. Follow your plan to build your song in FL Studio. Compose. Sequence. Arrange. Mix. Utilize pre-made patterns. Pan the different parts when you're finished. Record. Change your song's metadata. Export your song once you are satisfied with it.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-Popular-in-School

How to Become Popular in School

To become popular in school, start saying “Hi” to everyone you meet, which will broaden your social circle. When dealing with other people, avoid bullying or being judgemental, which will only make people dislike you. Instead, offer to support others by congratulating people on their accomplishments, or offering to help someone with their homework. Additionally, get more involved with the people around you by attending parties and events or joining a club or sports team.

Evaluate why you want to become popular. Before you dedicate your time, effort, and resources to becoming cool, take a moment to evaluate your desire to be popular. Are you searching for acceptance? Are you looking for attention? Are you trying to rebel or reinvent yourself? Even if you try really hard to be well-liked—you do everything perfectly—you may never become popular in society's eyes. What will happen if you don't become popular? How can you cope with failing to fulfill this desire? What other outlets could you explore as you try to discover your authentic self? Be true to yourself. In order to become popular, you do not conform to societal norms or completely reinvent yourself. Strive to develop into the best version of yourself—the most compassionate, spunky, authentic you. As you become self aware, your confidence will grow. You will become more adventurous, passionate, and interesting. Your social anxiety will decrease and people will be more drawn to you. Discover what you believe in and who you are independently from others. Don't alter your personality to fit in or to try to get people to like you. Stand up for your beliefs. Never compromise your personal beliefs and opinions in exchange for popularity. Instead, openly embrace what you believe in and love. Follow the fashion trends that you like, and not because you saw a celebrity wear it. If you want to, start new trends, instead of following old ones. Remain humble. Never underestimate the power of humility. People that take themselves too seriously are difficult to be around—lighten up and live a little! Likewise, it is not attractive to brag about your accomplishments, money, or things— wait for others congratulate or compliment you. When they do, accept the compliment. When you make a mistake or a social faux pas, don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. When you accomplish something incredible or do something wonderful for another person, don't broadcast your achievement. When you get a new outfit or item, don't rub it in others' faces. Care about your appearance. Taking pride in your appearance is one of the simplest ways to improve your social prospects and alter the way people think about you. You do not have to wear expensive or trendy clothes to become popular. Instead, aim to look presentable at all times—put thought into your outfits, hairstyles, and personal hygiene. Experiment with developing your own eclectic sense of style. Make sure that your following the school dress code though, you don't want to get in trouble and embarrass yourself while trying to be popular. Expand your social circle. While popular people are not always liked by everyone, they are known by everyone. In order to increase your popularity, you need to broaden your social circle. Go out of your way to meet and hang out with new people and join new clubs at school. Smile and say “Hi” to everyone you meet. Eat lunch with someone new. Avoid judging and bullying others. As you strive to become popular, don't tear others down in the process.Remember, a kind, compassionate person wins over more friends than a nasty, unconfident person. Never judge people, but always jump to their defense. Don't bully others, but befriend them. Plus, you don't want "friends" that are only friends with you because their afraid you'll bully them. Be kind to people outside your group. Being a clique that despises outsiders will not earn you many friends beyond the group. Instead, work to earn the respect and friendship of outsiders. Support and help others. Helping others accomplish their goals and reveling in their success, is an excellent way to develop a positive reputation. Set aside your desire for attention or your need to be the best. Instead, encourage and assist those around you as they strive to succeed. Your compassion will surprise and delight others. Offer to help someone with their homework or a project. Stay after practice to workout with a teammate. Congratulate others on their accomplishments. Address and cope with people that dislike you. Bullies, haters, negative and unkind people will always be present in your life whether you are popular or an outcast. You may know these individuals or they may be complete strangers to you. In order to lead a healthy life and live as the most authentic you—even if you never become popular—it is important that you address and cope with people that dislike you. Remove toxic people from your environment. Stop spending time with that negative friend that always belittles you. Stand up for yourself. Let this person know that you do not appreciate and will no longer tolerate their negative treatment of you. Don't take it personally. Bullying is not a reflection on you, but a self-reflection on the bully. You are not the problem; they are the problem. Keep in mind that you should be friends with someone because they are kind and funny, not because they are really popular Say “Yes” to trying new things. Exposing yourself to new experiences and adventures is an excellent way to develop self-confidence and meet new people. When someone asks you to try something new, don't be afraid to say “yes.” Set aside any anxiety or doubts and immerse yourself in the opportunity to expand your horizons. Although, don't say yes to things that can harm you or affect you negatively. You may discover a new hobby or develop a new friendship along the way! Try new restaurants, it might be your new favourite! Sign up for an art class or work-out class. Learn how to play a new instrument. Attend events and parties. Going to sporting events and parties are excellent ways to expand your social circle and increase your popularity. These events provide you with a chance to interact with others in a more relaxed and intimate environment. Mix and mingle with new people at a tailgate. Get to know your co-workers at a holiday party. Join a sports team, club, or committees. Participating in extracurricular activities is a wonderful way to increase your social circle and popularity. You will form lasting relationships with your fellow members. Your accomplishments will attract the attention and praise of those around you. Try out for the school musical. Join the debate team. Run for student council.

Evaluate why you want to become popular. Be true to yourself. Stand up for your beliefs. Remain humble. Care about your appearance. Expand your social circle. Avoid judging and bullying others. Support and help others. Address and cope with people that dislike you. Say “Yes” to trying new things. Attend events and parties. Join a sports team, club, or committees.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Buddha

How to Become a Buddha

If you want to become a Buddha, which means reaching the highest level of spiritual awakening possible, start by trying to show compassion whenever possible, so you can learn to see things from outside of your own perspective. You should also try to be present as much as you can by paying attention to all of your senses. Try to meditate each day to help you cultivate this sense of mindfulness. Another important factor is to reduce your attachment to objects around you by getting rid of things you don't need or use anymore. The final step to being an enlightened Buddha is to let go of your selfishness and understand that your ego is an illusion, which is the state Buddhists call nirvana.

Choose Buddhist texts to study based on your preferences. There's no set path for what teachings to read and when. Pick what speaks to you, or what interests you, and dive in. For example, if you're really interested in meditation, choose pieces on mindfulness and breathing. Some popular classic texts include The Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva, The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh, and On the Path to Enlightenment by Matthieu Ricard. If there's a Buddhist center or community near you, ask one of the teachers for recommendations on what to read first. You can find Buddhist texts and books online or at a bookstore or library. Follow the 3 stages of understanding when reading Buddhist texts. These 3 stages of studying Buddha's teachings, which are known as dharma , are hearing, contemplating, and meditating. First, read, or “hear,” the text. Then think about what it means and make sure you understand it. Finally, meditate on the teaching to let it fully soak in. Set aside time each day to spend reading and absorbing the material. Studying the teachings consistently will help you absorb it all better. Pick one phrase or mantra from your teaching that day to use in your meditation. Learn the Four Noble Truths for a summary of Buddha’s teachings. Think of these truths like the core pillars of Buddhism. They outline how to recognize and let go of pain throughout your life. If you don't understand the Four Noble Truths, you won't be able to be free of suffering or reach nirvana. The 4th truth contains the Noble Eightfold Path, which is a Buddhist set of principles detailing 8 steps to spiritual awakening. Find a spiritual teacher if you want more guidance. Learning from someone who knows a lot about the religion can help deepen your own knowledge and understanding of Buddhism. Ask the Buddhist temple or center in your area to find out if there are any teachers who would be interested in taking on a new student. You can even find a teacher who is already a Buddha to act as a mentor and role model. If you know a Buddhist who is very experienced or knowledgeable, consider asking them to become your teacher. Say something like, “I really want to become a Buddha but I need extra help. Would you be willing to tutor me?” Another option is to take a group class at a local community college or meditation center. There are also online courses led by Buddhist gurus you can sign up for. Make the most of every moment to understand nothing is permanent. According to Buddha, the only guaranteed thing in life is death. It may sound morbid, but being aware of your impermanence can actually enhance your life. Live every minute as if it's your last, focusing your energy on enjoying whatever that might be and always looking for the positive. Check in occasionally by asking yourself, “If I died right now, would I be happy or proud of how I spent my last moments?” If the answer is no, find a way to improve your current situation to change that to a yes. For instance, if you're in a boring meeting at work, instead of dwelling on how long it's dragging on, appreciate the softness of your favorite sweater on your back or impress your boss by offering a new idea. Practice putting yourself in someone else’s shoes to learn compassion. The next time you walk by a homeless person on the street, for example, pause and try to see things through their eyes. Not only will you better understand the situation and get a new perspective on it, you'll also be able to react more sensitively and compassionately. For example, maybe you're walking fast because it's freezing outside and you only have a thin coat on. But then you realize the homeless person has no coat, and nowhere to go. Imagine if that was you. Since you stopped to considered their point of view, you might give them some of your loose change to buy a warm meal instead of just passing by. This practice spreads more love and peace, rather than indifference and hurt. Focus on the present by being more mindful with your actions. Mindfulness is one of the most important aspects of Buddhism. To incorporate it into your own life, try a technique known as savoring. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, textures, or tastes of whatever is happening right now. For example, if you're eating a brownie, notice the chewiness or the way the chocolate chips melt on your tongue. Avoid dwelling on the past or living for the future. If you notice those thoughts pop up, like when you start worrying about your big date tonight, redirect your attention to the current moment instead. A good way to bring yourself back to the present is by taking a few deep breaths and focusing on the sensation of the air moving in and out of your nostrils. Create balance in everything you do by taking the middle path. In Buddhism, the middle path states that you should never be at one extreme or another. Instead, you should live your life in the middle, striking a healthy balance between the two. Work this principle into all aspects of your life, like work, family time, and even the food you eat. For example, don't spend all of your time working, but don't laze around 24/7 either. The middle path would be spending 8 hours a day at the office, and then coming home to relax or be with your loved ones. This applies to how you treat others, too. While you don't want to be rude to someone, for instance, you also don't want to be fake. The balance would be to be honest about your feelings while still being compassionate. Meditate every day to learn how to control your thoughts. Meditation can change how your brain functions, building new neural pathways that make you happier and calmer. Sit or lay in a comfortable pose, close your eyes, and begin bringing your attention to your breath. As you meditate, notice any thoughts that come up (good or bad), then let them go instead of dwelling on them or avoiding them. Download a meditation app on your phone or follow along with a guided video online if you want help getting started. You can meditate on a mantra, like "be the change you wish to see in the world," if you have a specific intention you want to focus on that day. You can also try chanting “om” or listening to soothing sounds, like crashing waves or birds chirping. Meditate any time of the day for as long as you'd like. You can always start with 5 minutes, then slowly build up to 1 hour a day, for instance. Become a Bodhisattva by following the 10 Meritorious Deeds. A Bodhisattva is someone who is seeking enlightenment. Aim to live according to the Ten Meritorious Deeds, which are a set of commandments taught by Buddha himself that include things like helping others, learning the “right view,” and avoiding stealing or lying. The “right view” in Buddhism means seeing the world and yourself as they really are, instead of how you've been taught or influenced to see them by society. Write the 10 Meritorious Deeds somewhere that you see them everyday as a reminder, like in the notes app on your phone or on a piece of paper on the fridge. Live a minimalist lifestyle to learn non-attachment. Part of becoming a Buddha is reducing how attached you are to material things, like money or clothes. Declutter your house by getting rid of anything you don't need or use anymore. Pare it down to the basics, keeping only what is absolutely necessary, like the pillow you sleep on rather than the decorative throw pillows. Be picky when selecting what to keep and what to get rid of. Do you really need all of those shoes in your closet? Apply the minimalist mindset to your buying habits, too. Only purchase what you need and avoid impulse buys. The more uncluttered your life is, the more uncluttered your mind will be. Erase any doubts you still have about Buddhism. There are 4 primary stages that a Buddha goes through to reach nirvana. The first stage, known as Sotapanna or "Stream-enterer," is mainly characterized by no longer questioning Buddhist readings. Once you accept Buddha's teachings as the ultimate truth, you will be confident in your spirituality. You'll know you're a stream-enterer when you're practicing Buddhism because you know it's the right thing to do, not because you feel like you should to fit in. If you're struggling to get rid of lingering doubts or insecurities, find a guru or teacher to help guide you and answer any questions you have about what you're learning. Move to the 2nd stage of enlightenment by releasing the 3 poisons. This stage is known as Sakadagami , or "Once-returner." In it, you'll let go of the 3 poisons, which are greed, anger, and ignorance. To do this, be mindful of when you're having poisonous thoughts, and then free yourself of those thoughts instead of dwelling on them. You can practice giving to overcome greed, empathy and compassion to overcome anger, and observing karma to overcome ignorance. You can also overcome greed by doing more service, like by volunteering in the community or helping others. Eliminate attachment to sexual desires to reach the 3rd stage. Known as Anāgāmi or "Non-returner," this is the stage when you not only continue to calm your mind, you also are able to control impure thoughts and lust. Note that you don't have to forego sex or pretend you have no desires. The goal is to stop being obsessed with those desires. An easy way to do so is by practicing observation and imagination of our body simply as a vessel of blood, flesh, skeleton, pus, phlegm, urine and feces under a thin layer of skin. This method is particularly very helpful in resisting temptations. Buddha described in many sutras about the details of how our body decays and decomposes after we die as a mean to overcome greed over human body. Meditating on purity every day can help tame sexual thoughts. Some Buddhists do choose to be completely celibate to help prevent any attachment to lust or fantasies. Reach nirvana by accepting the idea of no-self. No-self means that you are not a soul or identity, but rather a temporary existence formed by mental and physical parts. This stage is about letting go of ego and selfishness. Be patient if you don't understand no-self completely. It's a very abstract concept that can take years to grasp. As all sentient beings have the same buddhahood by nature, we are all equal by nature. You can practice the observation of karma and recognise the fact that everything as an unity to gradually achieve no-self. Nirvana also requires a very advanced meditation practice. Focus only on the sensation of your breath to completely clear your mind of all thoughts and achieve this state. A convenient way for people in this era to achieve this state is by substituting all wandering thoughts with one single yet powerful thought - Amitabha Buddha. Shakyamuni Buddha has foreseen that we egoistic people in this era are impossible to achieve the state without the help from a buddha who has yet to enter nirvana. He described in the Buddha Speaks of Infinite Life Sutra (Sukhāvatī-vyūhaḥ-sūtra) how Amitabha Buddha made 48 vows to help all sentient beings attain buddhahood in the most convenient and effective ways.

Choose Buddhist texts to study based on your preferences. Follow the 3 stages of understanding when reading Buddhist texts. Learn the Four Noble Truths for a summary of Buddha’s teachings. Find a spiritual teacher if you want more guidance. Make the most of every moment to understand nothing is permanent. Practice putting yourself in someone else’s shoes to learn compassion. Focus on the present by being more mindful with your actions. Create balance in everything you do by taking the middle path. Meditate every day to learn how to control your thoughts. Become a Bodhisattva by following the 10 Meritorious Deeds. Live a minimalist lifestyle to learn non-attachment. Erase any doubts you still have about Buddhism. Move to the 2nd stage of enlightenment by releasing the 3 poisons. Eliminate attachment to sexual desires to reach the 3rd stage. Reach nirvana by accepting the idea of no-self.

https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Compounded-Annual-Growth-Rate

How to Calculate Compounded Annual Growth Rate

Compound annual growth is the average annual growth rate of an investment over a period of time, and there's a special formula you can use to calculate it. First, divide the ending value of your asset by its beginning value. Then, raise the result to the power of 1 divided by the number of years in the time period. Finally, subtract 1 from the result. For example, if you wanted to work out the compound annual growth of an investment over 3 years with a beginning value of $10,000 and an ending value of $19,500, first you would divide 19,500 by 10,000 and get 1.95. Then, you would raise that to the 1/3 power and get 25.93. Finally, you would subtract 1 and get 24.93. Therefore, the compound annual growth rate is 24.93 percent.

Learn the definition. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is the mean annual growth rate of an investment over a defined period of time. The defined period of time is typically more than one year. It can either be calculated with a mathematical formula or found using spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel. You can also find CAGR calculators on the internet. Understand the meaning of mean growth rate. The mean is the mathematical average of two or more numbers. The formula for CAGR calculates the average annual growth of an investment. For example, suppose you invested $10,000 in stocks in 2012, and the value grew to 14,000 in 2013, to $15,000 in 2014, and to $19,500 in 2015. The formula for the CAGR would calculate the average amount by which the stock's value grew each year. The CAGR represents how much an investment would have grown each year as if it had grown at a steady rate. However, investments don't grow at a steady rate. Rather, they experience peaks and valleys. The CAGR averages all of these changes in value. Understand the meaning of annual growth rate. The growth rate is the amount by which an investment increased in value over a specific period of time. In this case, it refers to how much an investment has grown in a year. Calculations of historical growth rate are often used for estimating future growth. The CAGR does not measure what happened in one year. Rather, it refers to the average annual change in an investment over a period of several years. Understand the meaning of compound interest. The term compound refers to the way that compounded interest investments grow exponentially. Investments generate earnings. These earnings are then reinvested and generate earnings of their own. As this process continues over time, investments can continue to grow, even if you don't add any money to them. In other words, compound interest differs from simple interest in that interest is earned both on the original investment and interest earned, rather than simply on the original investment. Gather the information. In order to calculate the CAGR, first you need to define the period of time for which you want to do the calculation. Next, you need to know the beginning value of an investment. Then, find out the ending value of the investment for the time period. Calculate CAGR with a mathematical formula. Divide the ending value by the beginning value. Then raise the result to the power of 1 divided by the number of years in the time period. Finally, subtract 1 from the result. Raising a value to an exponent is done on a calculator by entering the first value, pressing the exponent button (usually represented as x y {\displaystyle x^{y}} ), then entering the exponent value and pressing enter. Alternately, you can type the expression into Google using the "^" symbol between the base number and exponent. The search engine will solve it for you. Learn with an example. In the example above, the period was three years, from 2012 to 2015. The beginning value was $10,000. The ending value was $19,500. Use the following formula: C A G R = ( ( e n d i n g v a l u e / b e g i n n i n g v a l u e ) 1 n u m b e r o f y e a r s ) − 1 {\displaystyle CAGR=((endingvalue/beginningvalue)^{\frac {1}{numberofyears}})-1} Using the above formula, C A G R = ( ( $ 19 , 500 / $ 10 , 000 ) 1 3 ) − 1 {\displaystyle CAGR=((\$19,500/\$10,000)^{\frac {1}{3}})-1} This equals ( 1.95 0.333 ) − 1 {\displaystyle (1.95^{0.333})-1} This then equals 1.2493 − 1 {\displaystyle 1.2493-1} Which solves to 0.2493, or 24.93 percent. Enter data in the spreadsheet. Create rows and columns in the spreadsheet to display the year and the investment's value that year. Once you have the data entered, create a row where you will enter the formula for the CAGR. Once you enter the formula, Excel will perform the calculations for you. Using the above example, in cell A1, you would enter the word “YEAR.” Then, in cell B1, you would enter the year 2012. Then you would enter the years 2013, 2014 and 2015 in cells C1, D1 and E1. In cell A2, you would enter the word “VALUE.” Then in cells B2, C2, D2 and E2, you would enter $10,000, $14,000, $15,000 and $19,500. In cell A3, you would enter the letter “n,” where n equals the year count. In cell C3, under the information for 2013, you would enter the number 1. Then enter the number 2 in cell D3 and the number 3 in cell E3. Enter the basic formula to calculate the CAGR. In cell E4, enter the formula ((E2/B2)^(1/E3))-1. Cell E2 is the ending value, $19,500. Cell B2 is the beginning value, $10,000. Cell E3 is the number of years in the time period, 3. The calculated CAGR for the time period is 24.93 percent. Use the POWER function in Excel to calculate the CAGR. Instead of entering the formula used above, you can use the POWER function to calculate the CAGR. It will result in the same answer, but some Excel users prefer to use functions instead of entering manual formulas. In cell E4, enter the formula POWER(E2/B2,1/E3)-1. The POWER function returns the result of the ending value divided by the beginning value, raised to the power of 1 divided by the number of years. The answer is the same, 24.93 percent. Use the RATE function to calculate the CAGR. The RATE function returns the interest rate over the time period in question. This function looks a bit complicated. But once you understand the elements, then you can quickly create this function on the spreadsheet. Some people like this method because it expresses the result as a percentage instead of as a decimal. The first element in the function is nper, which is the number of years, which is in cell E3. The next element of the function is pmt. This would be the payment made each period on a loan or annuity, but we don't need that to calculate the CAGR. Just leave that space blank. The next element is the pv, which stands for present value. But it refers to the beginning value of the investment, which is in cell B2. The last element is fv, which is the future value. This refers to the ending value of the investment, which is in cell E2. In cell E4, enter the formula RATE(E3, ,-B2,E2). You need to enter the beginning value, cell B2, as a negative number. Otherwise you will get a #NUM! error. Using this formula, you will get the same answer, 24.93 percent. Compare different types of investments with each other. Suppose you have money in a savings account with a fixed annual interest rate and you also stock in a portfolio with a varying return. Use the CAGR to compare the growth rate of the portfolio investment over time with the growth rate of the savings account. This can help you to decide which investment is has the higher rate of return over time. For example, suppose you put $5,000 in the savings account for three years, and it had a 1 percent fixed annual interest rate. At the end of the third year, you would have $5,151.50. Suppose the market was very volatile over the same time period, and you had a $3,000 portfolio investment. The value varied widely over the three years, but at the end of that time period, the investment would be worth $3,200. If you calculate the CAGR on the portfolio with the formula [(3,200/3,000)^(1/3)]-1, you get a CAGR of 2.17 percent. Compare the CAGR of the portfolio to the savings account. Even though the market was so volatile, a CAGR of 2.17 percent is a better return than the 1 percent growth offered by the savings account. Compare the performance of multiple business measures within a company. Looking at the CAGR of different metrics over time might provide a clearer picture of a company's strengths and weaknesses. For example, suppose the CAGR of a company's market share was 1.82 percent over a five-year period. But suppose in the same time period, their customer satisfaction CAGR was -0.58 percent. This discrepancy highlights areas in which the company could improve. Understand that growth of an investment is never steady. The CAGR artificially smooths the rate of growth of an investment. Don't assume that the rate of growth was really that steady. Remember that the market can be volatile. Check the values that go into the CAGR each year to understand how the market fluctuated during the time period in question. Understand that historical growth may not accurately indicate future growth. No matter how steady the CAGR appears, even if you have checked the annual values, never assume that steady historical growth implies steady future growth. Market volatility and other factors may affect the future growth of the investment. Use other metrics along with the CAGR to evaluate the expected rate of growth of your investments. Understand the limitations of representation. Depending on the time period you analyze, you can get very different results for the CAGR. Once you calculate the CAGR for a specific time period, look further back in time to see if changing the time period significantly alters your result. You may find a much more modest CAGR over a longer period of time. For example, suppose over the course of five years, a $100,000 investment lost money in the first two years, but then grew significantly in the last three years. The CAGR for the last three years would be high, because the investment grew. But if you look at it over a five-year period, you include the reductions in value, and the CAGR would be more modest. For example, suppose the $100,000 decreased to $67,000 in year one and to $43,000 in year two. Then in year three it started to recover and grew to $75,000, then to $92,000 in year for and to $125,000 in year 5. If you calculate the CAGR for the last three years, you would use the formula [(125,000/43,000)^(1/3)] -1 = 42.72 percent. However, if you calculate the CAGR for the entire five years, you would use the formula [(125,000/100,000)^(1/5)] – 1 = 4.27 percent. This is far more modest.

Learn the definition. Understand the meaning of mean growth rate. Understand the meaning of annual growth rate. Understand the meaning of compound interest. Gather the information. Calculate CAGR with a mathematical formula. Learn with an example. Enter data in the spreadsheet. Enter the basic formula to calculate the CAGR. Use the POWER function in Excel to calculate the CAGR. Use the RATE function to calculate the CAGR. Compare different types of investments with each other. Compare the performance of multiple business measures within a company. Understand that growth of an investment is never steady. Understand that historical growth may not accurately indicate future growth. Understand the limitations of representation.

https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Leaking-Shower

How to Fix a Leaking Shower

To fix a leaking shower head, shut off the water and twist the shower head counterclockwise to take it off. Examine the piece for worn or broken washers and rubber O-rings and replace the pieces, as needed. Next, mix 3 cups of water and 3 cups of vinegar in a pot, bring the mixture to a boil, and remove it from the heat. Then, soak the shower head in the solution for 20-30 minutes to remove mineral buildup. Finally, reattach the shower head and test it out!

Turn off the water main. Shut off the water to your entire house to keep from making a huge mess. Get a towel or two to help sop up any water left in the pipes. The main water controls should be in your basement or outside the house. If you can find a dedicated shut off valve for the shower (usually behind a panel on the other side of the wall), you can turn the water off there instead. However, this is not easily accessible in all homes. Unscrew the showerhead. Grasp the showerhead by hand and turn it to the left (counterclockwise) until it comes off. If it's stuck, grab it with an adjustable wrench and try turning it again. Wrap the wrench teeth with duct tape to prevent damaging the finish on the shower head. Check the condition of the showerhead. Look at the plastic washer or rubber O-ring inside the threads. If this is worn or broken, it can cause a showerhead to leak. If the washer or O-ring is worn out, go to the hardware store and buy a new one. Clean the showerhead. Mix 3 cups of water and 3 cups of vinegar (about 700 mL of each) in a pot and let it boil. Cut off the heat, and place the showerhead in the pot. Keep it there for 20-30 minutes, then scrub and rinse it. This will remove mineral build-up that can slow down or block the faucet. Tape the pipe threads before reattaching the showerhead. Wrap a thin layer of Teflon tape around the threads at the end of the pipe that holds the showerhead. Then screw the showerhead back on. This tape ensures a good seal. Unscrew and tape the showerhead arm if the leak is from the wall. If you notice water dripping at the point where the metal pipe the showerhead is attached to meets the wall, the pipe threads may not be sealed correctly. Grasp the whole pipe, including the showerhead, and turn it counterclockwise until it comes out from the wall. Wrap a thin layer of teflon tape around the exposed threads at the end of the pipe. Turn the pipe clockwise to screw it back into the wall. Check that you have a cartridge-style faucet. The most common type of shower faucet has a single handle that turns left or right to make water hot and cold. This type is controlled by an internal cartridge that is easily replaced if it's faulty. Other faucets have two handles (one each for hot and cold water), or work as a lever rather than turning left and right. These use either ball valves or ceramic disks and are more complicated to repair. Contact a plumber for assistance. Take off the cap on the handle. Make sure to turn off the water to your shower first. Then, take a small flathead screwdriver or pocket knife to pry off the cap at the tip of the faucet handle. You'll see a screw underneath it. Cover the shower drain with a rag to keep screws from accidently slipping down it. Loosen the screw inside the handle. Grab a phillips-head screwdriver and set it on the screw at the center of the faucet handle. Turn it to the left (counterclockwise) to loosen it. Keep turning until you are able to pull the handle off. The cartridge may have a hex screw instead. If so, use a hex wrench to loosen it. The handle may stick a little bit. If so, try blowing on it with a hairdryer for a few minutes, then try again to pull it off. If that still doesn't work, go to your local hardware store and ask for a device called a “handle puller” which will give you additional leverage to pull the handle off. Pop off the retaining clip. If you look at where the faucet was, you'll see the tip of the cylindrical cartridge. You'll also see a small metal clip that holds the cartridge in place. Slide a small flathead screwdriver under the edge of the clip, and pry upwards until it pops off. Twist out the cartridge. Remove the small round washer around the tip of the cylinder, just by pulling it off. Then, twist the cartridge counterclockwise to loosen it, and pull until it comes out. Use pliers to grab the cartridge cylinder and twist/pull if necessary. If the cartridge is stuck and won't come out, Use the cartridge puller. This slides over the end of the cartridge and gives you additional leverage to twist it out. Purchase a new cartridge cylinder. Take the cartridge with you to the hardware or plumbing supply store. Make sure you buy the same type. Ask an assistant to help you if you can't find the right one. Replace the cartridge. Insert your new cartridge exactly where the old one went. Slide the retaining clip back in to hold the new cartridge in place. Slide the washer and faucet handle back on. Screw the faucet in place by turning the screw clockwise, pop the cap on the end of the faucet, and you're done. Remove the faucet plate. Also known as the escutcheon, the plate behind the faucet handle is a common site for leaks. Unscrew the faucet handle with a philips head screwdriver just as you would to replace the cartridge. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the couple of screws holding the plate in place against the wall. Pull the escutcheon off of the wall when you're done. Gently pry at it with a flathead screwdriver if it seems stuck. Check the escutcheon gasket. You should see a rubber or foam seal going around the inside of the escutcheon. If it is missing or worn out, or doesn't go all the way around the escutcheon, it's time to replace the seal. Create a ring of plumber's putty to form a new gasket. Grab a fist-sized wad of plumber's putty and knead it in your hands until it is soft and pliable. Roll it into a line about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) thick. Wrap this line around the inside of the escutcheon. Replace the escutcheon and faucet handle. Set the escutcheon back on the wall and screw it back into place. Then reattach the faucet handle. Some of the plumber's putty will probably squeeze out of the sides of the escutcheon. If so, just wipe it away with a damp cloth. Check the shower seal for holes. Look around the edges on every side of the shower. If you see any holes between the shower lining and wall, or between the shower door and wall (if applicable), you'll need to seal these up to prevent leaks. Clean any damaged areas. If any existing caulk or sealing material is damaged or loose, remove it. If it doesn't come away easily, use a sharp knife to cut it off. Clean the areas with a bathroom cleaner to remove dirt and debris before repairing the damage. Caulk any holes you see with silicone caulk. Find silicone caulk at any hardware store. Squeeze some out of the tube onto any holes you notice in the seals around the shower edges or shower door. Silicone caulk is waterproof and widely available. It's the best option for sealing showers. Look for a variety specially marked for kitchens or baths, if possible. Remove the excess caulk. Working from the bottom to the top, scrape over the caulking with a popsicle stick or similarly shaped object. Go slowly, and wipe the excess off onto a rag. When you're done, spray the caulked area down with any mild household cleaner, then wipe it with a cloth rag to make the area look nice. Scrapping over the caulk with a popsicle stick and wiping it with a wet rag just helps make a smooth, even surface. For a simpler fix, you can go over the caulk with a wet finger instead.

Turn off the water main. Unscrew the showerhead. Check the condition of the showerhead. Clean the showerhead. Tape the pipe threads before reattaching the showerhead. Unscrew and tape the showerhead arm if the leak is from the wall. Check that you have a cartridge-style faucet. Take off the cap on the handle. Loosen the screw inside the handle. Pop off the retaining clip. Twist out the cartridge. Purchase a new cartridge cylinder. Replace the cartridge. Remove the faucet plate. Check the escutcheon gasket. Create a ring of plumber's putty to form a new gasket. Replace the escutcheon and faucet handle. Check the shower seal for holes. Clean any damaged areas. Caulk any holes you see with silicone caulk. Remove the excess caulk.

https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Window-Well

How to Install a Window Well

If you want to install a window well, start by buying a prefabricated well that matches the dimensions of the window. Next, dig a hole that's slightly wider and deeper than the well and bore through the ground to the gravel under the foundation with an auger. Put a perforated tube with a drain cap in the hole so the well can drain and backfill the hole with gravel. Then, nestle the window well in the hole and push it firmly against the walls of your foundation. Use a marker to mark the center of each predrilled hole and drill the pilot holes into the foundation with a masonry bit. Finally, screw the window well into place using masonry anchors and tighten the nuts with a socket wrench.

Measure the size of your window so you know how large of a well you need. Measure the height and width of your window with a tape measure so you know the dimensions. Add 8 inches (20 cm) to the height and 6 inches (15 cm) to the width measurement you took so the well can fit around the outside of the window. For example if you have a window that's 12 by 30 inches (30 cm × 76 cm), then you need a well that's at least 20 inches (51 cm) tall and 36 inches (91 cm) wide. Find a prefabricated well that fits the size of your window. Window wells come in various styles so choose one that looks best with the rest of your home. Pick either a plastic or steel window well for the most durable materials. If you have wells on other ground-level windows, get a matching well for the new one that you're installing. You can buy window wells from your local hardware or home improvement store. Dig a hole that's slightly wider and deeper than the well. Start your hole next to your home's foundation about 6 inches (15 cm) from the side of your window. Shovel the dirt into a wheelbarrow or tarp so it's easy to transport away from the hole. Continue digging around the window until the hole is about 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) deeper than the bottom of the window sill and 6 inches (15 cm) wider than the well. Contact your utility companies before you start digging to check for any power, gas, or water lines where you plan on putting the window well. Use an auger to bore through the ground to the gravel under your foundation. Augers are large drills that help dig straight holes in the ground. Position the end of the auger in the center of the hole you just dug to place your drain. Turn the auger on and push it slowly into the ground so it bores down about 1 foot (30 cm). Pull the auger out from the ground to clean off any dirt on the blades. Continue digging out 1 foot (30 cm) at a time until you reach a layer of gravel under your home. If you don't have an auger, then you can use a shovel but it may be more difficult to break through the ground. Put a perforated tube with a drain cap in the hole so the well can drain. Look for a perforated tube with a 4–5 in (10–13 cm) diameter at your local hardware store. Measure the depth of the drain hole and get a tube that's the same length. Place the tube in the center of the drain hole and drain cap on top so dirt and gravel can't get inside and clog it. You can buy drain caps from your local hardware store. If you can't find a pipe with perforation, then cut 2 in (5.1 cm) long slits on each side every 1 ft (30 cm) along the pipe's length. The drain tube will help divert water out of the well toward your home's weeping tile, which is the underground drainage pipe that moves water away from your home. Backfill the hole around the tube with gravel. Make sure the tube is centered in the drain hole and hold it in place. Pour gravel around the outside of the tube to provide better drainage for the well and to hold the tube in place. Continue packing gravel into the hole until it's level with the drain cap. You can purchase bags of gravel from home improvement or landscaping stores. Set the window well against your foundation so it's level. Put the window well in the hole you dug and push it firmly against the walls of your foundation. Make sure that the edges of the sides of the well are about 3 inches (7.6 cm) from either side of the window, and check that the top of the well extends 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) above the dirt. Set a level on top of the well to see if it's straight, and pack dirt underneath the lower side if you need to. Ask someone to help you lift and set the well in place if it's too heavy to safely lift on your own. If the window well is closer than 6 inches (15 cm) to your siding, dig your hole deeper until you have a 6 in (15 cm) buffer. Mark the location of the predrilled holes on your foundation with a marker. Hold the window well tightly against your home and use a marker to put dots on your foundation in the center of each hole. Check that the window well doesn't shift around while you're making your marks or else the holes won't line up when you try to attach the well later on. After you draw all of the marks, take the window well out of the hole. If your window well doesn't already have holes drilled in the sides, then you may need to make your own holes. Use a ⁄ 8 in (0.95 cm) drill bit meant for metal or plastic depending on what your well is made from, and space your holes about 5 inches (13 cm) apart down each side. Drill 2 in (5.1 cm) pilot holes in the foundation with a masonry bit. Use a ⁄ 8  in (0.95 cm) masonry bit in a hammer drill to cut through your foundation. Hold the drill bit straight against one of your marks on the foundation and turn it on to cut through the concrete. Make the holes about 2 inches (5.1 cm) deep so the anchors can easily fit inside. Continue drilling holes at each of your marks along the foundation wall. Put on a pair of safety glasses so you don't get hurt while drilling the holes. You can use a regular rotary drill, but it will take longer and may damage the machine. Check your local hardware store to see if they rent hammer drills so you don't need to buy one. Screw the window well into place using masonry anchors. Use masonry anchors that are ⁄ 8  in (0.95 cm) in diameter and 1 ⁄ 8  in (4.8 cm) long. Unscrew the nuts from the anchor sleeves and slide the sleeves into the holes you drilled. Position the window well in front of the sleeves and screw the nuts back into the sleeves. Tighten the nuts with a socket wrench so the window well stays firmly in place. You can buy masonry anchors from your local hardware store. Apply a line of caulk around the well if you want additional protection. Caulking around the sides can help seal the window well from water to prevent more leaks. Load the caulk into a dispenser and squeeze the trigger to apply it. Work around the sides of the window well with a thin line of caulk to seal it. You don't need to caulk around the sides of the window well if you don't want to. Fill the bottom 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) of the window well with gravel. Pour the gravel around the inside and outside of your window well, and pack it down with the bottom of your shovel. Spread the gravel evenly over the area so you have a 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) layer at the bottom of the hole. Make sure the layer of gravel is lower than the window sill or else it could leak into your home. The gravel will help improve the window well's drainage so water doesn't pool up or flood into your basement. Pack dirt around the outside of the well until you fill the hole. Use the dirt you originally dug up around the side of your home to fill in the hole. Pour about 1 foot (30 cm) of dirt along the outside of the well, and press it down with your foot to pack it tightly. Continue alternating between adding 1 foot (30 cm) of dirt and tamping it down so the soil around the well is tightly packed. Leave the top 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) of the window well exposed so water and dirt can't leak into it. If you can't fit your foot in the hole to pack the dirt in, use a hoe or a tamper to press the dirt down. Secure a cover on top of the well to prevent anything from getting inside. Get a window well cover that matches the size of your window well and place it over the opening. If you want the cover permanently installed, make holes in your foundation with a hammer drill and a masonry bit before securing the cover in place with anchors. If you don't want it permanently installed, lay a heavy piece of wood or rock on top of the cover so it doesn't blow away. You can buy window well covers from your local hardware or home improvement stores. You don't need to put on a window well cover if you don't want one.

Measure the size of your window so you know how large of a well you need. Find a prefabricated well that fits the size of your window. Dig a hole that's slightly wider and deeper than the well. Use an auger to bore through the ground to the gravel under your foundation. Put a perforated tube with a drain cap in the hole so the well can drain. Backfill the hole around the tube with gravel. Set the window well against your foundation so it's level. Mark the location of the predrilled holes on your foundation with a marker. Drill 2 in (5.1 cm) pilot holes in the foundation with a masonry bit. Screw the window well into place using masonry anchors. Apply a line of caulk around the well if you want additional protection. Fill the bottom 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) of the window well with gravel. Pack dirt around the outside of the well until you fill the hole. Secure a cover on top of the well to prevent anything from getting inside.

https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Well-in-School

How to Do Well in School

To do well in school, always take thorough notes in class so you can use them to help you study and do homework. Also, try rewriting your notes and taking practice exams when you're studying for tests since it makes it easier to remember the material. If you're assigned a big project, start working on it right after it's assigned so you don't run out of time later on. You can help yourself stay on top of your project, as well as your other school work, by writing down all of your due dates in a notebook or calendar.

Take notes while you listen or read. Taking notes not only helps you remember what you hear or read, but it also helps your brain stay active and absorb information better. If your teacher allows it, take notes while they're talking in class. While you read, write down key points in the text or make note of questions you have about the material. Although typing your notes can be quicker and easier, writing your notes by hand may help you absorb and remember the material better. Ask questions if you don’t understand something. It's your teacher's job to help you learn and understand, so don't hesitate to ask them questions! Asking questions will not only help you learn the material better but will also show your teachers that you're engaged and interested. If you're too shy to raise your hand and ask questions during class, try approaching your teacher after class or sending them an email. If you're in college or university, your instructor may have office hours when you can ask them questions and discuss the material with them one-on-one. Keep up with your homework assignments. This may seem pretty obvious, but it can be easy to get swamped and lose track of all the work you're supposed to be doing. Make sure to complete your assigned reading and stay on top of any work you're required to hand in. Not only will your grades suffer if you don't do your assignments, but you also won't learn as much! Maintain good attendance. Come to class every day if you can. Even if attendance isn't mandatory in your classes, showing up will ensure you learn more and don't miss anything important. If you do have to miss class, reach out to your teacher or a classmate to find out what you missed so that you can review it. Someone might be willing to share their notes with you. \Sometimes you may want to skip class but you need to stay because your attendance counts as part of your grade, let your teacher know if you can't be there. They may be able to excuse you that day or offer a way to make it up. Participate in extracurricular activities. Consider signing up for school clubs, sports teams, or student committees. These activities can be fun and enriching, and they're also a good way for you to get to know your teachers and fellow students. Plus, they will look good on college and job applications! Studies show that students who participate in extracurricular activities have better attendance, get higher grades, and are more likely to continue their education than students who don't. Quiz yourself on the material. Quizzing yourself can help you improve your understanding of the material you're studying. It will also help you identify your weak points so that you'll know where to focus during review. Try different methods of testing your knowledge, such as: Making flashcards Having a friend ask you questions and trying to answer them Taking advantage of quizzes and knowledge checks in your textbooks Taking practice tests or quizzes, if your teacher provides them Find a quiet, comfortable study environment. To help you stay focused , look for a place to study where you won't be bothered by noise or interruptions. Your study space should also be tidy, well-lit, and not too hot or too cold. For example, you might study at a desk or table in your bedroom, find a favorite corner at the library, or work in a quiet coffee shop. Just be careful not to get too comfortable! If you study in bed or on a comfy couch, you may be tempted to fall asleep. Put away your phone or other distractions. Distractions can be a huge problem when you're trying to study. While you're studying, put your phone away somewhere (like your bag or desk drawer) or turn it off. Turn off the TV, radio, or anything else that might distract you. If you're too tempted to play with your phone, try installing a productivity app that will limit your access during study time, like Offtime or Moment. If you're studying at home, let other people in your home know that you need quiet time without distractions while you're studying or doing homework. Take frequent breaks while you study. When you're working or studying, try to take a 15 to 20-minute break every hour or so. This will help re-energize you and get you back on track if your mind starts to wander. During your break, you can get up and walk around, have a healthy snack, watch a short video, or even put your head down for a quick power nap. Going for even a short walk can give your brain a boost and improve your problem-solving and creative thinking skills! Use a planner to keep track of your class schedule. If you're taking a lot of classes, keeping a daily or weekly planner can help you keep track of them all. Sit down at the beginning of the term and write out your schedule for each day of the week. Note when, where, and how long each of your classes is. If you have extracurricular activities, like clubs or sports, write those down as well. You can use either a paper planner or a planner app, like Any.do or Planner Pro. Schedule times for homework, chores, and fun. Once you've blocked out your class schedule, you should also schedule in times for the other things you need to do each day. This will help you avoid spending too much time on any one thing. For example, you might schedule in 2 hours for studying after your last class on Monday, followed by half an hour for tidying up and 1 hour to work on hobbies, play games, or spend time with friends. Write down important dates and deadlines. In addition to keeping track of your regular schedule, you'll also need to stay on top of things like upcoming tests or assignment due dates. Make sure to mark those in your calendar or planner so you don't lose track or forget. You can use an app like Google Calendar to set reminders for yourself so that you'll get an alert on your phone or computer when an important date or deadline is getting close. Prioritize your assignments and other responsibilities. When you have a lot of things on your plate, it can be hard to know where to begin. To avoid feeling overwhelmed or stuck, create a to-do list and put your most difficult or urgent assignments at the top. Once you've dealt with those, you can move on to smaller and less urgent items on the list. For example, if you have a big math test coming up tomorrow, you might put reviewing for the math test at the top of your list. Reviewing this week's French vocabulary words can go lower on the list. Keep your school supplies together. In addition to organizing your time, it's also important to organize your things. Keep your textbooks, notes, handouts, school supplies, planners, and anything else you need together in one place so that you can find them easily when you need them. To keep track of your notes, handouts, and assignments, try using a binder with different sections for each class. Set up a tidy, designated spot for doing school work so that your books and papers don't end up scattered in different places. Get plenty of good-quality sleep. You won't do well in school if you're too exhausted to focus. Plan to go to bed early enough each night so that you can get 9-12 hours of sleep if you're a kid, 8-10 if you're a teen, and 7-9 if you're an adult. To help you sleep better, establish a relaxing bedtime routine, like doing light yoga , meditating , or taking a warm bath before bed. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Practice good sleep hygiene by turning off bright screens at least half an hour before bed, avoiding caffeine and other stimulants late in the day, and keeping your room quiet, dark, and comfortable at night. Eat 3 healthy meals per day. If you're not getting enough to eat, you'll feel tired, unfocused, and irritable. Make sure to eat at least 3 balanced meals during the day. It's especially important to have a nutritious breakfast so that you start your day energized and ready to learn. In every meal, try to include: Fresh fruits or vegetables Whole grains Lean proteins, like chicken breast or fish Healthy fats, like those found in fish, nuts, and vegetable oils Stay hydrated. Keep water on hand throughout the day so that you can drink whenever you start to feel thirsty. Staying hydrated will help you focus and keep your energy up. While drinking water is the best way to get hydrated, you can also get some of the fluids you need from juices, herbal teas, soups, or juicy fruits and vegetables. How much water you need depends on your age. For example, if you're 9-12 years old, aim to drink 7 glasses of water a day. Older kids and adults should try to drink 8 glasses a day. If it's hot or you're doing a lot of physical activity, you may need to drink more. Always listen to your body and drink if you feel thirsty. Avoid drinking a lot of sugary drinks and caffeinated beverages, which can give you a temporary energy boost but will ultimately leave you feeling drained and tired. Do stress-relieving activities. School is stressful, so take time to unwind and do things you enjoy. You'll do much better in school if you aren't tense and anxious all the time. Some good stress-relieving activities include: Doing yoga or meditating Going for walks and spending time outdoors Spending time with friends, family, and pets Working on hobbies and creative projects Listening to music Watching movies or reading books Reward yourself for your accomplishments. When you get something done, take the time to celebrate! This will help motivate you to keep studying and working hard. Remember to reward yourself for your small achievements as well as your big ones. For example, after an hour of studying, you might reward yourself with a favorite snack or a few minutes of funny videos on YouTube. If you do well on a big test, you could celebrate by going out for pizza with your friends. Practice positive thinking. Having a positive attitude about school will not only make your experience less stressful but will also help you do better in your classes. If you find yourself thinking negatively about school or the subjects you're studying, try to replace the negative thoughts with more positive ones. For example, instead of thinking, “I hate math! I'll never be good at it,” try replacing that thought with “This is really challenging, but if I work hard, I'll keep getting better at it!” Scientists have found that keeping a positive attitude may actually help your brain's memory center work better! Reach out for support if you need it. If the stress of school is getting to you, you don't have to struggle with it alone. Talk to your friends or family about how you're feeling, and let them know if there are ways they can help. If you need extra help or don't have a strong support network, find out if your school has a counselor you can talk to. Sometimes just talking to a friend about how you're feeling can help you feel better. Don't be afraid to ask for practical support, either. For example, you could say, “Mom, I'm really stressing about this test. Can you take a few minutes and quiz me with some questions from the review sheet?”

Take notes while you listen or read. Ask questions if you don’t understand something. Keep up with your homework assignments. Maintain good attendance. Participate in extracurricular activities. Quiz yourself on the material. Find a quiet, comfortable study environment. Put away your phone or other distractions. Take frequent breaks while you study. Use a planner to keep track of your class schedule. Schedule times for homework, chores, and fun. Write down important dates and deadlines. Prioritize your assignments and other responsibilities. Keep your school supplies together. Get plenty of good-quality sleep. Eat 3 healthy meals per day. Stay hydrated. Do stress-relieving activities. Reward yourself for your accomplishments. Practice positive thinking. Reach out for support if you need it.

https://www.wikihow.com/Practice-Shamanism

How to Practice Shamanism

If you want to practice shamanism, try meditating with your eyes closed or steadily beating a drum while blindfolded. These practices may help you enter the spirit world through a trance. Alternatively, you could try recording your dreams using a dream journal as they may hold spiritual significance which you can refer back to. To deepen your understanding, find a teacher who can show you how to conduct practices like healing rituals by making offerings to spirits. You teacher can also assist you if you want to perform divination using séances to communicate with spirits.

Learn the history of shamanism. The word "shaman" originated in the Evenki language of Siberia, where its exact meaning is unclear. From this murky beginning, anthropologists have spread the term to describe spiritual practitioners of many cultures, and the term "shamanism" has been adopted by many native Americans and other groups. There is still an incredibly wide variety in the types of traditional shamanism practiced across the world. Understand neoshamanism in Western culture. In the 20th century, the historian Mircea Eliade and the anthropologist Michael Harner separately argued that many varieties of spiritual traditions around the world could all be defined as "shamanism," with core principles at the heart of different practices and beliefs. This directly led to many new traditions, mostly started by white Westerners, such as "core shamanism," and many types of "neoshamanism" or "New Age shamanism." Understand the controversy. Traditional shamanism, in its hundreds of different forms, is still alive today, and its practitioners (as well as scholars of religion) have a range of reactions to more recent shaman traditions. There are many sides to this discussion, and not all types of shamanism or individual shamans agree with all of these points, but you may wish to be aware of as you begin exploring shamanism: Although it is not uncommon for shamans to charge for services, some new "shaman businesses" are often considered cynical. Most new-style shamans use traditions from other cultures. This can be done respectfully and knowledgeably, or in an uninformed or incorrect way that many find offensive. Western shamanism is often taught as a self-improvement technique, while many older traditions cause harm to the shaman, include "evil" or "grey area" practices, or focus on helping the community. Study Western neoshamanism. If you decide you would like to learn more about a modern shamanism tradition, you can find many materials online or in mass-published books. Most of these are unique theories and practices developed by a single person, but a few resources listed below are examples of especially influential voices. You can also read more about general trends in these movements in the section below on practicing shamanism. The Foundation for Shamanic Studies promotes "core shamanism," claiming to teach the essential principles at the core of shamanic traditions worldwide. Cleargreen Incorporated practices 20th-century pseudo-Mexican shamanism called "Tensegrity." Terence McKenna was an influential supporter of shamanism in the 1990s, tying it to many New Age theories and psychedelic experimentation. Study traditional shamanism. The method of becoming a traditional shaman varies from culture to culture but typically involves a sudden supernatural event, inheriting the position, or training as an apprentice. If you do not belong to a culture with shamanic traditions, you may need to visit an indigenous community to study under a shaman or someone in a similar role. You can also learn more about these traditions by reading books by anthropologists and other people who describe shamanistic practices of a specific culture: This interview and description of an Oroqen shaman in northeastern China. The book Ancient Land, Sacred Whale by Tom Lowenstein describes the rituals and myths of the Alaskan Tikigaq whale hunters. This article describes thriving shamanic traditions across Nepal, and discusses how they are different from other ritual practices. Induce a drumming trance. Entering the spirit world, or discovering another reality next to our own, is one of the most common shamanic practices. One of many ways to do this is to enter a trance. Try blindfolding yourself and beating a drum with a steady beat for several minutes, or until you enter a different state of awareness. Meditate. Another way to enter a trance, or to become in touch with your inner self, is to practice meditation. Many people consider it a solid foundation for any spiritual path, and a source of health benefits that match well with some shamanic tradition's message of self-improvement. There are many schools of meditation, but it all begins with closing your eyes and sitting in a quiet place. Listen to your dreams. Dreams are often important to people practicing shamanic rituals. They may be holding great truths, revelations or some other spiritual significance. Keep a dream journal so that when you wake up, you'll be able to write or draw some of the images down. The images you draw may hold power. Be wary if you do not know what they represent. Interact with spirits and other entities. There is no universal way to encounter these entities, but in many traditions, you cannot be a shaman without doing so. During a trance, a meditation, or a sudden, unexpected experience, you may encounter another being. This may be a nature spirit, a spirit in the afterlife, or even entities that some consider gods. There is no single pantheon or worldview that can explain what you encounter, but an experienced shaman can help you identify them and teach you how to make deals with them, serve them, or master them, depending on the traditions you follow. Be aware that some of these entities may be malevolent or tricky to deal with. Often, rituals that involve drugs, sacrifice, or other sources of power attract potentially more dangerous entities. Find a teacher. While you can develop your own shamanic practices, almost everyone finds the guidance of a teacher of a fellow journeyer helpful. This could be a shaman practicing the traditional shamanism of her culture, or a shaman from a "neoshamanism" tradition. This step is recommended before trying any of the steps below, or if you have a dangerous or frightening encounter with spirits. Be cautious with drugs. Entheogens, or substances that "generate the divine within," can be powerful allies in affecting our consciousness, but they are not always necessary. Learn how to hone your own abilities as a Shamanic Practitioner before integrating these into your practice, and learn how to use them with trusted, human individuals watching over you. Plenty of legal substances are used in shamanic traditions, such as tobacco. In the United States, drugs such as peyote and ayahuasca are legal or in a legal grey area when used by people who can prove they are part of traditional culture. Conduct healing rituals. Healing is a major duty of many experienced shamans. The exact ritual varies and is usually passed on by teachers. This can involve many techniques: Dancing, singing, or playing instruments to attract spirits. Making offering to the spirits of food, drink, tobacco, and other substances. (Sometimes, the spirits are brought inside your body first.) Drawing the sickness out of the body and into an animal, object, or symbol. Traveling to another reality to intercede with the spirits on the sick person's behalf. Perform divination. Many New Age shamans use divining rods, séances, crystals, or other divining implements. Some attempt to see the future, while others use these tools to seek guidance for their own life, or to communicate to spirits in the afterlife.

Learn the history of shamanism. Understand neoshamanism in Western culture. Understand the controversy. Study Western neoshamanism. Study traditional shamanism. Induce a drumming trance. Meditate. Listen to your dreams. Interact with spirits and other entities. Find a teacher. Be cautious with drugs. Conduct healing rituals. Perform divination.

https://www.wikihow.com/Set-Up-a-Pacman-Frog-Enclosure

How to Set Up a Pacman Frog Enclosure

To set up a Pacman frog enclosure, purchase a 10-gallon aquarium and line the bottom with 2 inches of potting soil or coconut husk fiber. Next, add a shallow dish of non-chlorinated water to the tank. Then, place a few logs, branches, and rocks inside for your frog to climb on. Finally, use a heating pad under the tank to maintain a temperature of 70 °F and fit the tank with a UVB fluorescent light on a 12-hour timer.

Purchase at least a 10 US gal (38 L) tank or aquarium. Even though it is a relatively large frog, the Pacman frog prefers to sit and wait for food than spend a lot of time hopping about. Purchase a tank or aquarium that is roughly 20 by 10 by 12 inches (51 by 25 by 30 cm) and has a capacity of 10 gallons (38 L) for your frog. Pacman frogs are used to being on the ground rather than moving vertically, so your frog will be more comfortable in a tank that is longer than it is tall. Tanks and aquariums should be available online or from your local pet store. Lay down roughly 2 inches (5.1 cm) of a substrate material. Pacman frogs like to burrow into the ground to sit and wait for something to eat. As such, you'll need to put down a layer of potting soil, coconut husk fiber, or another soil-like substrate. Purchase the substrate of your choice and pour roughly 2 inches (5.1 cm) over the bottom of the tank. Avoid using a substrate that has fertilizers or any other chemical add-ins, as they may hurt your frog. If you use substrates made up of sand, gravel, or big pieces of bark, your frog may ingest some while eating. This can lead to choking or indigestion, which could kill your frog. If you must use a gravel substrate or something similar, feed your frog with tweezers to reduce the chance of it eating chunks of rock. Add a shallow dish of non-chlorinated water. Your Pacman frog will need to remain moist and damp to stay happy and healthy in its new enclosure. Put a shallow dish in a corner of its enclosure where your frog can sit and be sheltered. Fill the dish with filtered water, bottled water, or water that has been treated with a dechlorination tablet. Tap water often has added chlorine and other chemicals which can be harmful to your frog if absorbed. Always use filtered, bottled, or treated water when refilling the water dish. Your frog will spend more time sitting in the water than swimming, so make sure the dish is shallow enough that your frog can comfortably sit in it. Provide logs, branches, and rocks for your frog to climb on. Purchase some artificial or real plants to put in your frog's enclosure, particularly around the water dish. Add a small log or branch to the tank that your frog can hide or burrow under, or put in a medium-sized rock it can sit on during the day. Place these decorations around the enclosure to decorate it and give your frog places to hide. Make sure that you don't overcrowd the enclosure with decorations. Try and leave around 1/3 of the tank empty so your frog still has room to move around. Use a rainforest background to make your frog feel more at home. Covering the back and sides of your aquarium will help make the frog feel more enclosed and at home in its tank. Look online or ask at your local aquarium to find a rainforest backdrop for a tank or aquarium. Attach it to the outside of the glass on the sides and back, so that it faces into the tank. A background that looks like a rainforest will make your frog feel the most comfortable and at home, but anything green and leafy will work just as well. Adding a backdrop will also improve the look of the tank from the outside. If you would rather your entire tank be clear glass so that you can see through it, you can skip this step. Adding a background will make the frog more comfortable, but excluding it won't make its enclosure uninhabitable. Place a heating pad underneath the tank. Pacman frogs are adjusted to living in temperatures around 70 °F (21 °C) when in the wild, so your frog will need a similarly warm environment in its new enclosure. Place a heating pad underneath the tank and plug it in to begin regulating the temperature. Heating pads designed for Pacman frogs and other amphibians should be available online or from your local pet store. You should always place the heating pad under the tank, rather than placing it under the substrate. As your toad burrows, it could burrow down far enough to come into contact with the heating pad, and it could suffer a burn. Attach a thermometer to the side of the tank to monitor its temperature. Purchase a terrarium or tank thermometer and attach to the outside of the glass in a corner of your tank. Check the thermometer at least once each day to make sure the inside of the tank remains around 70 °F (21 °C). As your frog can burrow into the substrate or sit in the water to regulate its temperature, some believe you don't need to worry too much about the temperature. As long as it's between 60 to 80 °F (16 to 27 °C), your frog should be comfortable. Thermometers designed to attach to the glass of a tank or aquarium should be available online or from your local pet store. Put in a hydrometer to keep an eye on the humidity. A hydrometer will measure the level of humidity inside the tank, which will help determine if it's within a suitable range for your Pacman frog. Purchase a hydrometer and attach it to the outside of your tank, near the thermometer. Check it regularly the ensure that the tank is humid enough for your frog. Pacman frogs go through wetter and drier periods in the wild, so your frog won't panic too much if the humidity is off. Try and keep the humidity inside the tank around 65%, misting the tank more or less frequently to adjust it if need be. Add a UVB light to your enclosure. UVB lights may help your frog process calcium and other vitamins, as well as helping any real plants in your enclosure to thrive. Purchase a tank light and fit it with a UVB fluorescent light. Place it over the lid of the tank, and set it on a 12-hour timer so that it doesn't bother you or your frog at nighttime. Some people don't think that UVB lights help Pacman frogs that much, but at the very least they don't hurt them. If you want to go the extra mile for your frog, purchase a lamp with a UVB light. Otherwise, you can skip this step and your frog will still be happy and healthy. Mist the substrate each day to keep it damp, but not wet. Your Pacman frog needs a humid environment in order to live comfortably, as well as damp substrate so that it can burrow into it. Fill a small spray bottle with filtered, bottled, or treated water, and use it to mist the bottom of the tank each morning. Mist the substrate just enough to dampen it. Don't soak it, but you also shouldn't allow it to dry out. Replace the water every time it becomes dirty. If your frog spends a lot of time sitting or soaking in its water dish, the water inside will become dirty very quickly. Check the water each morning, and pour it out if it's looking dirty or muddied in any way. Refill the dish with filtered, bottled, or treated water. Make sure you only use water that does not contain chlorine, as even small amounts will be harmful to your frog. Remove any uneaten food from the enclosure. Pacman frogs only need to be fed 2 to 3 times a week with live insects or worms. At the end of each feeding day, check the enclosure for any food that has gone uneaten. Remove any uneaten food from the tank to prevent it from rotting in your frog's enclosure. Use tweezers, feeding tongs, or something similar to remove the uneaten food, as your frog may try to bite your fingers otherwise. Take care of any live plants in the tank. If you decide to use real plants to decorate your frog's tank, you'll need to care for the plants as well as your frog. Check the care instructions on the plants when you buy them to find out how much water they need to survive. Some plants will be able to easily draw enough moisture from the damp substrate to stay alive. For other plants, you will need to water them as well as misting the inside of the tank regularly. You should also check every week or so to make sure that your frog hasn't dug up the roots of the plants in its enclosure. If they do, you can keep the plants inside buried pots to prevent this in future. Clean the tank at least once a month. Over time, the glass inside the tank will get grimy and the substrate at the bottom will need to be changed. Take your frog out of the enclosure and put it somewhere safe, before emptying everything else out of the tank. Scrub the glass with clean water, wipe it dry, add in new substrate, and put the decorations back in where they were before. You should clean the tank at least once a month, or potentially more often if you notice it becoming dirty a lot sooner.

Purchase at least a 10 US gal (38 L) tank or aquarium. Lay down roughly 2 inches (5.1 cm) of a substrate material. Add a shallow dish of non-chlorinated water. Provide logs, branches, and rocks for your frog to climb on. Use a rainforest background to make your frog feel more at home. Place a heating pad underneath the tank. Attach a thermometer to the side of the tank to monitor its temperature. Put in a hydrometer to keep an eye on the humidity. Add a UVB light to your enclosure. Mist the substrate each day to keep it damp, but not wet. Replace the water every time it becomes dirty. Remove any uneaten food from the enclosure. Take care of any live plants in the tank. Clean the tank at least once a month.

https://www.wikihow.com/Reheat-a-Rotisserie-Chicken

How to Reheat a Rotisserie Chicken

To reheat a rotisserie chicken in the oven, first preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Set the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Roast the chicken for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let the chicken bake for an additional 5 minutes so the skin is crispy. To reheat a rotisserie chicken on the stovetop, first cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of vegetable oil in a wide saucepan over medium-high heat. Let the oil heat for 5 minutes, then add the chicken to the pan. Let the chicken cook for 8 minutes, stirring it regularly. To microwave rotisserie chicken, first shred the chicken into small pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chicken for 3 minutes, then check the temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken is ready once the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and get out a dish. While the oven preheats, remove the rotisserie chicken from the packaging and put it in an oven-safe dish. Cover and roast the chicken for 25 minutes. Put the lid on the dish and put the chicken in the preheated oven. Roast the chicken until it reaches 165 °F (74 °C) with an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. If your dish doesn't have a lid, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Remove the cover and roast the chicken for 5 minutes for crispy skin. If you'd like the chicken to have a crispy browned skin, take the lid off of the dish and return the chicken to the oven. Cook it for 5 minutes so the skin turns golden. Shred or cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you only have part of a rotisserie chicken left or you just want to reheat some of the chicken, tear off the portion you want to use and cut or tear the chicken. The pieces should be between 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5 cm) in size. Heat a 1 to 3 teaspoons (5 to 15 ml) of oil over medium-high heat. Use less of the oil if you're reheating a small amount of chicken and use more oil if you're sautéing a skillet full. Use vegetable, canola, or coconut oil. Stir in the chicken and cook it for 4 to 5 minutes. Keep stirring the meat as it reheats. Turn off the burner once all of the chicken is completely hot. Keep in mind that some of the edges may become crispy as the chicken reheats. Because the pieces will be too small to check with a meat thermometer, it's important to heat them until they're steaming hot. Adjust your microwave setting to medium. If your microwave is programmed by percentages, set it to 70%. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. If you're microwaving a whole rotisserie chicken, consider putting it in a microwave-safe baking dish so any juices are caught. To speed up the reheating time, try pulling the chicken into pieces or shredding the meat. Set the pieces or shredded meat on the microwave-safe plate. Microwave the chicken for 1 1/2 to 5 minutes. If you're microwaving a whole chicken, heat it for 5 minutes before you check the internal temperature. If you're reheating pieces or shredded chicken, heat the meat for 1 1/2 minutes before you start checking the temperature. Check to see if the meat has reached 165 °F (74 °C). Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165 °F (74 °C) once it's safe to eat. Consider heating it in the oven for 5 minutes if you want crispy skin. If you'd like the whole rotisserie chicken to have a crisp skin, transfer it to a 350 °F (177 °C) oven. Ensure that the chicken is on an oven-safe plate and heat it for 5 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and get out a dish. Cover and roast the chicken for 25 minutes. Remove the cover and roast the chicken for 5 minutes for crispy skin. Shred or cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat a 1 to 3 teaspoons (5 to 15 ml) of oil over medium-high heat. Stir in the chicken and cook it for 4 to 5 minutes. Adjust your microwave setting to medium. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave the chicken for 1 1/2 to 5 minutes. Check to see if the meat has reached 165 °F (74 °C). Consider heating it in the oven for 5 minutes if you want crispy skin.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Dog%27s-Bladder-Infection

How to Treat a Dog's Bladder Infection

A bladder infection can be very painful and dangerous for a dog, so you should take it to the vet if you suspect it has one. If the vet prescribes antibiotics, make sure to give the dog its medicine as directed for 10-14 days, or as long as it's prescribed. To prevent bladder infections in the future, make sure your dog always has plenty of clean, cool water to drink, and ask your vet about supplements you can give your dog. Your vet may also recommend that you change your dog's diet.

Identify the signs of a bladder infection. When a dog has a bladder infection, it will likely have physical and behavioral symptoms. It could have a variety of symptoms, which include: Frequent urination Attempts to urinate (while only being able to pass a few drops) Increased thirst Fatigue Restlessness Blood in urine Urination accidents Signs of pain, including crying out and resistance to movement Excessive licking at the urinary tract opening Take your dog to be seen by a veterinarian. If your dog is exhibiting the signs of a bladder infection, then it needs to be treated by a veterinarian. Your vet will be able to assess the severity of the infection and create a treatment plan that will help clear up your dog's infection. If you notice the signs of a bladder infection when your normal veterinary office is not open, contact an emergency veterinary hospital. Tell them about your dog's symptoms and discuss whether immediate treatment is needed. Test the dog's urine to identify the cause of the bladder infection. When you bring your dog to the vet, tests should be done to determine the cause. These tests often include a urine sediment test, which can identify bacteria and urinary crystals, and a urine culture, which identifies bacteria in the urine. With a urine sediment test, a sample of urine is centrifuged so that the debris settles to the bottom. A sample of this debris is put on a slide and examined under the microscope. This can identify any unusual bacteria and urinary crystals which could chaff the lining of the bladder. A urine culture involves growing the bacteria in the urine to check its sensitivity to different antibiotics. This helps to give a definitive answer as to whether infection is present or not. Have imaging done. It is often possible to identify the cause of infection, which could be urinary crystals, a bladder stone, a bladder polyp, or bladder cancer, with the help of imaging. Veterinary offices usually use either X-rays or ultrasounds, depending on what is available. X-rays of the dog's abdomen can help identify bladder stones. However, not all stones show up on x-ray, depending on their mineral composition. Thus, ultrasound is a better test. Ultrasounds can detect bladder stones no matter what their mineral composition. Bladder stones often create similar symptoms to bladder infections. Give your dog a broad spectrum antibiotic. If your dog has a bladder infection, your veterinarian will often prescribe an antibiotic to get rid of it. You will have to give your dog its prescription antibiotic for 10 to 14 days, unless otherwise told otherwise by your veterinarian. Broad spectrum antibiotics, such as amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (trade names Synulox or Clavamox), are often prescribed. This type of antibiotic works by destroying the bacterial cell membrane and causing it to implode. The dose is generally 12.5mg per kg twice a day by mouth. A 20kg dog needs a 250mg tablet twice a day. Try to give the evening pill as late as possible, as this allows the antibiotic to sit in the bladder overnight. Give a second round of antibiotics, if necessary. After your dog has gotten its entire course of antibiotics, your veterinarian will test the dog again to make sure the infection is gone. If the bacteria are still alive, your veterinarian should prescribe a different antibiotic based on the results of the second urine culture. This second antibiotic is usually also a 2 week course. Your dog's urine will be assessed after another 7 days have passed to make sure this second antibiotic is working. Eliminate bladder crystals with dietary changes. Bladder crystals are a common cause of bladder infections. If bladder crystals are present, it is likely that your veterinarian will suggest putting the dog onto a specialized urinary tract diet. These specialty foods are designed to dissolve stones and prevent their further development. Your veterinarian may suggest a prescription diet that can only be purchased through a veterinarian. These diets are more effective than the specialty diets available at pet stores. Consider surgery if crystals are numerous. If your vet thinks that your dog has too many crystals to be dissolved by a specialty diet, they may suggest surgical removal. This surgery should be followed by a dietary change to specialized food and a focus on hydration. Remove bladder polyps with medication or surgical removal. Bladder polyps are benign growths that are another common cause of bladder infections in dogs. In some cases they can be resolved if the dog is put on an anti-inflammatory medication, such as meloxicam. This is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help to reduce inflammation. However, in many cases the polyps need to be removed surgically. A dose of meloxicam is typically 0.05mg per kg by mouth once a day with or after food. The oral suspension contains 1.5mg per ml, so a typical 30kg Lab requires 1 ml daily with its food. Give treatment for bladder cancer, but understand its limits. Bladder infections can be a side effect of bladder cancer. In most of these cases, treatment is largely palliative. While radiation and chemotherapy have been helpful to some dogs with bladder cancer, the long-term prognosis for this condition is generally poor. Surgery is not typically a treatment option for bladder cancer. Unfortunately, bladder cancer tends to grow in an area of the bladder called the trigone. This is a vital area where the ureters are plumbed in, which makes bladder cancers poor candidates for surgery. Make sure your dog is drinking water every day. Lack of enough water is a common cause of urinary tract and bladder infections. To prevent dehydration, make sure fresh, clean water is always available to your dog. When your dog drinks plenty of fresh water, its urine will be more diluted, which helps to reduce the concentration of toxins in its system. Putting ice cubes in your dog's water bowl on a hot day can entice the dog to drink. You should place a large water bowl in every room that the dog is likely to spend time in. Sometimes the sound of running water entices a dog to drink, so consider purchasing a pet drinking fountain. Feed your dog wet food. In order to get more water in your dog's diet, you can transition from dry kibble to canned food. Canned food contains quite a bit of water, so feeding your dog this food will help your dog's hydration. Consider putting your dog on a prescription diet. Foods are available that promote the optimum urinary pH to discourage bacterial growth. They are also low in the minerals which promote crystals to form in the urine. Talk to your veterinarian about what products might be right for your dog. There are some types of bladder infections that can be helped by prescription food, and some that cannot. This is why it is important to consult with your veterinarian about your dog's condition. Acidify your dog’s urine with vitamin C supplements. If your dog refuses to eat a prescription diet, then you can add vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to its diet. Adding acid to your dog's urine helps prevent infection, as dogs with alkaline urine are more prone to infection. The dose can vary but is typically 250 mg twice a day for a dog less than 10kg, and 500mg twice a day for dogs over 10kg. Before acidifying your dog's urine, have a urinalysis done at its veterinary clinic. You want to make sure that it doesn't already have acidic urine, which is a pH of 6 or lower. Stick with the recommended dose because if the urine becomes too acidic, this can irritate the bladder lining and mimic the symptoms of cystitis. Acidifying your dog's urine can cause bladder stones. Before giving your dog Vitamin C, ask your vet for advice. Give your dog cranberry juice or cranberry supplements. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, or "PACs," which decrease bacterial attachment to the lining of the bladder. With the bacteria less able to "stick" to the bladder, they are more easily washed away when the pet urinates. In order to give your dog this benefit, either give the dog A dog that is 35 kilograms (77 lb) or less can be given 150mg of cranberry extract twice a day. A dog that is more than 35 kilograms (77 lb) can be given 300mg twice a day. It is typically safe to give your dog cranberry juice or cranberry supplements in moderation. However, you should discuss this treatment with your veterinarian before proceeding.

Identify the signs of a bladder infection. Take your dog to be seen by a veterinarian. Test the dog's urine to identify the cause of the bladder infection. Have imaging done. Give your dog a broad spectrum antibiotic. Give a second round of antibiotics, if necessary. Eliminate bladder crystals with dietary changes. Consider surgery if crystals are numerous. Remove bladder polyps with medication or surgical removal. Give treatment for bladder cancer, but understand its limits. Make sure your dog is drinking water every day. Feed your dog wet food. Consider putting your dog on a prescription diet. Acidify your dog’s urine with vitamin C supplements. Give your dog cranberry juice or cranberry supplements.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Own-Pore-Strips-at-Home

How to Make Your Own Pore Strips at Home

If you want to make your own pore strips at home, all you need are some egg whites and toilet paper. Start by washing your face with warm water to open your pores up, which will make the strips more effective. Once your face is clean, crack an egg and separate the egg white from the yolk. Next, soak some toilet paper in the egg white and put it on any problem areas. Let the egg-soaked paper sit on your face for 10 to 20 minutes, or until it hardens and sticks to your skin. Then, slowly remove the paper, splash your face with cold water to close your pores, and apply some moisturizer.

Wash your face with warm water. Before applying a pore strip, you should always wash your face. This will remove dirt and oil. The warmth will also open up your pores, making the strips more effective. It is important that you are not wearing any makeup when you apply the pore strips. Put a spoonful of milk and gelatin in a container. You should use equal parts milk and gelatin. Approximately a tablespoon of each should work, but you might find that you can use less than this. Any type of milk should work. You can use whole, skim, almond, or soy milk. The gelatin should be unflavored, so as to avoid introducing extraneous substances into the pore strip. Some people recommend adding a drop of lavender essential oil to the mixture. Mix it thoroughly. Use a utensil, possibly the brush you will use later, to mix the milk and gelatin together. By the time that you are done, it should have a thick, chunky, cloudy appearance. Heat the mixture. You will need the mixture to be warm, but not hot. You can either microwave it or heat it on the stove. If you microwave it, be sure to do so in a microwave safe container. If microwaving, heat the mixture for 10 seconds. If using the stove, place in a small container. Heat slowly, mixing as it heats. This method will allow you to better monitor the temperature. Stop when the mixture is warm, but not hot. Allow the mixture to cool slightly. If you used the microwave, remove the container from the microwave. Allow it to cool for 20 seconds. It should look even cloudier than before. Test the temperature. Use the brush to test the temperature on your hand. It should be warm, but not hot. Put a small amount of the mixture on the brush and see how it feels on your hand. Apply the mixture across your face. Use a makeup brush or your fingers to spread the mixture across your face. Be sure to target areas in which you have had outbreaks in the past. If you use a makeup brush, clean it off thoroughly before using it again. Wait until the mixture hardens. As the mixture cools it should solidify and form a mask. This could take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the mixture will attach to the dirt in your pores. This will allow you to better pull out the dirt. Therefore, it is best to error on the side of leaving the mixture on for a longer period of time. Peel off the mixture. Start from the outside and peel the hardened mixture off your face. Progress slowly. If you try to rip the whole mask off at once, you might hurt yourself. Wash and moisturize. After removing the strip, rinse your face with cold water to remove any additional pieces of the mixture from your face. The cold water will also close your pores. Afterward, apply moisturizer. Wash your face with warm water. You should always wash your face before using a pore strip. Washing removes dirt and oil. Using warm water will also open up your pores. It is particularly important to remove makeup before applying the pore strips. By opening up your pores, warm water will make it easier for the pore strip to attach to dirt inside the pores. Thus you can pull it out and prevent blackheads from forming. Purchase egg white. For these pore strips, you will need the egg white specifically, which can be difficult to separate from the yolk. Consider saving yourself the trouble and purchase egg white that has already been separated. Alternatively, you can use an egg white separator. Crack the egg and let it run through the separator. The yolk will get caught in the separator and the white will flow through. Have a container underneath to catch the egg white. You can also break the egg into a bowl. Use your hands to gently pick up the yolk and move it to a separate container. Soak paper in egg white. Put egg white in a small bowl and place a large piece of two-ply toilet paper or paper towel in the bowl. It is imperative that the paper be thoroughly soaked in egg white. Alternatively, you can use a makeup brush to spread the egg white directly on your face, stick the paper on your face, and then use the paper to apply an additional layer of egg white on top. Apply the paper with egg white on your face. A large piece of paper can be spread across your entire face, or at least most of it. This will allow you to get a lot of blackheads at the same time. Be especially careful to target problem areas, where you have or are experiencing blackheads. Allow the paper with egg white to sit on your face. The paper should harden, so that it sticks to your face. This might take anywhere from 10-20 minutes. There is no need to tear the paper up into thin sheets, like store bought pore strips. You can use one large paper towel or piece of toilet paper to cover much of your face. This makes the process quicker and easier. Peel the paper off your face. After approximately 10-20 minutes, slowly remove the paper from your face. Start from the edge when peeling it off. Do not pull it off so quickly that you hurt yourself. Splash face with cold water and moisturize. After removing the strip, rinse your face with cold water. It is possible that small pieces of the pore strip will stick to your face if you do not wash. After you wash, apply moisturizer to your face. You should use cold water when washing after removing the pore strip. Cold water will close your pores. Experiment with different methods. Before you commit yourself to one type of pore strip, try them to see which is most effective. If you are having difficulty with a specific type of pore strip, try altering the way that you use or apply it. Some people report that paper towels are much more effective than toilet paper when making an egg white pore strips. To tell if your pore strip is working, look at it afterward to see if pieces of dirt and grime have been picked up. If so, the strip is working. It is also a good sign if the strip seems to stick well to your skin. If it is hard to remove, then it is working well. Watch out for pimples. The egg white solution might remove blackheads, but can also cause pimples. Sometimes this is temporary. However, if this is a reoccurring problem, consider a different method. Repeat regularly. You can reserve this treatment for when a blackhead appears. But to ensure that blackheads are a thing of the past for you, try this treatment every 1-2 weeks. This will keep your pores clean and forestall the appearance of blackheads.

Wash your face with warm water. Put a spoonful of milk and gelatin in a container. Mix it thoroughly. Heat the mixture. Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Test the temperature. Apply the mixture across your face. Wait until the mixture hardens. Peel off the mixture. Wash and moisturize. Wash your face with warm water. Purchase egg white. Soak paper in egg white. Apply the paper with egg white on your face. Allow the paper with egg white to sit on your face. Peel the paper off your face. Splash face with cold water and moisturize. Experiment with different methods. Watch out for pimples. Repeat regularly.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Baby-Spinach

How to Cook Baby Spinach

To cook fresh baby spinach, start by rinsing and drying the spinach thoroughly. You can leave the spinach as it is or remove the stems and cut the leaves into smaller pieces if you prefer. Next, place the spinach in a skillet and saute it over medium heat, turning the leaves frequently with tongs so they cook evenly. Then, remove the spinach from the heat once the leaves have wilted and turned bright green.

Rinse and dry the spinach. Fill a bowl or clean sink with your fresh baby spinach and enough cool, clean water to cover it. Swish the spinach around to clean it, then remove it to dry with a towel. After moving the spinach around in the water, avoid further agitation so that any dirt removed from the leaves can settle to the bottom. Remove the spinach by hand or with tongs after washing so that you can dispose of the dirty water. Repeat if necessary. You can dry the spinach in a salad spinner if you have one, but patting it dry on a clean towel or paper towel should be all that is necessary to remove most excess water. Cut the spinach if you wish. Remove the stems of the leaves if you prefer not to eat them, and cut the leaves into pieces if you wish or if your recipe calls for it. The stems are perfectly edible, but can be slightly tougher or stringier than the leaves when eating. If you cook down your spinach to a soft texture, you will likely not even notice this difference. In addition to any cutting, the baby spinach will reduce its size on its own when cooking. Saute the spinach in a skillet. Place your rinsed and dried baby spinach into a skillet or other pan and stir or turn until it is cooked evenly. You may cover the pan with a lid for faster cooking. Saute the spinach over medium heat. You may add oil or butter first, but the water content of the spinach will quickly be released and prevent it from sticking to the pan on its own. Continue to stir or turn the spinach with a spatula or tongs until all leaves are heated evenly, appear wilted, and turn a bright green. Fresh baby spinach reduces in size considerably as it cooks. You can add more spinach to the pan as it cooks down and makes more space, if desired. Try boiling your spinach. Place your rinsed and dried baby spinach into a pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook for one minute before removing. You can boil the spinach for longer than a minute, but it will quickly get tender and turn a bright green after very little time. After boiling, pour the contents of the pot into a colander to drain. Steam the spinach. Try steaming your spinach by placing your rinsed baby spinach into a steaming basket and putting it into a pot with a small amount of water to boil for three to five minutes. This method cooks the spinach lightly and skips the draining step necessary for boiling. If you are pressed for time, you can also steam fresh spinach in the microwave by placing it in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water, covering the bowl with a lid, and microwaving for 30 seconds to two minutes depending on your microwave and desired cooking level. Remove spinach from the freezer to thaw. Let your frozen baby spinach thaw out in the refrigerator or out in the kitchen in room temperature in advance of cooking it. Place the frozen spinach into your refrigerator a day or two in advance, or into a room temperature environment if you can only thaw a couple hours in advance. Keep frozen spinach in its original packaging or in a sealed bag or container to prevent mess from excess liquid during thawing. Use a microwave to defrost the spinach last-minute if you could not thaw it in advance. Don't microwave it long enough to cook the spinach, only to defrost it. Drain excess liquid if needed. Remove the excess moisture created from thawing the frozen baby spinach, if desired, by squeezing or pressing the spinach lightly. You only need to remove extra liquid if you are intending to later add the spinach to a bread, souffle, dip, or another similar recipe for which excess liquid could create a problem or different outcome. Try placing thawed spinach into a cloth towel or a few paper towels and squeezing or patting it dry. Or, try using a potato ricer tool to press the liquid from the spinach. You may decide not to drain spinach for recipes that won't be harmed by extra liquid, or could even benefit from it by adding extra moisture while cooking. Saute the thawed spinach in a pan. Cook your baby spinach in a skillet by adding the thawed spinach to a nonstick pan and heating evenly. You can heat oil or butter over medium heat in the skillet before adding spinach, or simply use the natural water content of the spinach to protect it from sticking to the pan. Add your thawed baby spinach to the pan and gently stir or turn it with a spatula or tongs to heat the spinach evenly. You can cover the pan with a lid or simply continue to stir the spinach until it appears wilted and is heated through. Boil the thawed spinach. Place your thawed baby spinach into a pot and cover it with water. Place the pot over high heat to bring the water to a boil. Leave the spinach in the boiling water for three to five minutes before removing the pot from heat and pouring the contents into a colander to drain. Use a steamer basket if you have one by filling it with spinach and placing it in your pot over a small amount of water. Boil the water for three to five minutes to steam the spinach and avoid the draining step. Microwave for quick cooking. Put your thawed baby spinach into a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high for 30 seconds to two minutes. This method works well if you do not have the time or materials to cook your baby spinach by another method. You may want to avoid draining the excess liquid from thawing, or add in some water, before microwaving in order to preserve moisture. You can also cover the bowl with a lid to keep steam inside. Add garlic, lemon, or other seasonings. Add oil or butter to add richness to cooked spinach, or common additions like garlic, onion, or lemon juice to add flavoring. If you use garlic or onion when sauteing spinach, chop and add them to the pan with a little butter or oil first to cook for a few minutes before adding in the spinach. A pinch of sea salt, black pepper, chili flakes, or any other seasonings you like can be added to cooked spinach as well. If you are boiling or steaming your baby spinach, add any additional ingredients or flavorings after you have removed it from heat and drained the water out. Cream the spinach. Create a popular cooked spinach dish by adding it to a mixture of whipping cream, butter, onion, garlic, and spices. Saute chopped onion, minced garlic, and butter in a skillet for about five minutes. Stir in the whipping cream along with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring the whole mixture to a boil until cream starts to thicken. Cook your baby spinach using the boiling method, then add it to the pan with the cream mixture. Simmer uncovered for about two minutes until the whole thing is thickened. You may want to add additional seasoning to taste, like more salt and pepper, after the spinach is added in. Drain spinach for use in other popular dishes. Cook your spinach and be sure to dry and drain it thoroughly for use in dips and baked goods. Try a spinach artichoke dip by combining cooked spinach with artichoke hearts, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, mayonnaise, and seasonings for any easy party platter with chips, bread, or vegetables for dipping. Make spanakopita by layering phyllo dough with feta and ricotta cheese, eggs, and a mixture of spinach, parsley, garlic, and onions to bake into a traditional Greek pie. Add cooked spinach into any existing soup, like minestrone, or pasta dish, like lasagna, for a healthy addition of greens to your meal.

Rinse and dry the spinach. Cut the spinach if you wish. Saute the spinach in a skillet. Try boiling your spinach. Steam the spinach. Remove spinach from the freezer to thaw. Drain excess liquid if needed. Saute the thawed spinach in a pan. Boil the thawed spinach. Microwave for quick cooking. Add garlic, lemon, or other seasonings. Cream the spinach. Drain spinach for use in other popular dishes.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Lamb-Stew

How to Make Lamb Stew

To make lamb stew, dice the lamb meat into 1-inch cubes and quickly brown them in a Dutch oven until the outside no longer looks pink. Next, add olive oil to the Dutch oven, trim and chop the veggies, and saute them with the fresh herbs for 10 minutes. Then, stir in the flour, lamb, stock, and tomatoes and cover the Dutch oven. Finally, put the Dutch oven inside your regular oven and heat the stew at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour.

Buy lamb stew meat, rather than ground lamb. It may come pre-cut into strips or cubes. Dice it into one-inch (2. 5cm) cubes if it is in larger strips. Make sure to use a non-wooden cutting board so it can be effectively sanitized after use. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 Celsius). Place your Dutch oven on the stovetop. Turn the burner to medium heat. Add one tbsp. (15ml) of olive oil. Place the cubes of lamb in the heated Dutch oven. Brown them just until the surface is no longer pink. Remove the cubes with a slotted spoon and set aside in a bowl. Trim the ends off the celery, onions and carrots. Peel the carrots. Chop the celery stalks, carrots and onions into rough sections. For a hearty stew, make sure they are about 1 inch (2.5cm) in size. Larger vegetables will keep their consistency better when heated. Consider peeling and cubing four small potatoes if you want an even heartier stew. You could also use turnips, parsnips or rutabagas in place of potatoes. Add two more tbsp. (30ml) of olive oil to the Dutch oven. Add your vegetables and stir them with a wooden spoon. Add the chopped fresh rosemary and fresh thyme. Fry the vegetables and spices for 10 minutes. Loosen the browned lamb bits from the bottom of the pan as you heat the vegetables. Add your all-purpose flour and meat. Stir for two minutes, until everything is well coated with flour. Add the stock and the can of diced tomatoes. You can also replace half of the stock with dry red wine for a brighter color and richer flavor. For a Guinness lamb stew, replace half or all the stock with Guinness stout beer. Season with a tsp. of salt and one-fourth tsp. of fresh ground black pepper. Cover your Dutch oven. Place it in the oven. Check your stew after one hour. If the meat and vegetables are tender, you can remove it from the oven. If they are still crisp, leave it in the oven for a half hour to one hour. Finished.

Buy lamb stew meat, rather than ground lamb. Dice it into one-inch (2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 Celsius). Place your Dutch oven on the stovetop. Place the cubes of lamb in the heated Dutch oven. Trim the ends off the celery, onions and carrots. Chop the celery stalks, carrots and onions into rough sections. Add two more tbsp. Add the chopped fresh rosemary and fresh thyme. Fry the vegetables and spices for 10 minutes. Add your all-purpose flour and meat. Add the stock and the can of diced tomatoes. Season with a tsp. Cover your Dutch oven. Check your stew after one hour. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Drink-Baileys-Irish-Cream

How to Drink Baileys Irish Cream

Baileys Irish Cream is a whiskey-based liqueur that can be drank straight or used to make sweet and creamy cocktails. One common Baileys shooter is a B-52, which is a creamy, citrusy shot. To make one, layer ½ ounce each of Kahlua, Baileys, and Triple Sec. You can also make Baileys martinis. First, mix 2 ounces of Baileys with ¼ ounce of vodka. Then, shake it with ice cubes in a cocktail shaker and strain it into a martini glass. For a flat white martini, mix 1/8 ounce of Baileys with 1 ounce of espresso and 1 ounce of vodka. You can also add a shot of Baileys to coffee or hot chocolate for an alcoholic pick-me-up.

Brew your coffee. Strong coffee works best. Use automatic drip, a French press, or the pour-over method. Instant coffee can work as well. Make your whipped cream. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream and 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of Baileys into a metal bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat until stiff peaks form. Mix your whiskey, sugar, and coffee. Choose a tall glass and pour in: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) to 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of Irish whiskey (Irish whiskey is the go-to liquor for Irish coffee, but other bourbon, whiskey, or rye can work as well) 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of brown sugar (White sugar can work as well, as can honey, maple syrup, or other sweeteners) Around 1 cup (240 ml) of coffee, leaving.5 inches (1.3 cm) at the top for the whipped cream Finish your drink with whipped cream. Top your drink with a liberal amount of the Baileys whipped cream you prepared in step two. Add a citrus twist to your coffee and cream with a B-52. The B-52 is a layered shot that starts with the densest liquid on the bottom of the shot glass. Pour.5 fluid ounces (15 mL) of Kahlua, then.5 fluid ounces (15 mL) of Baileys, then.5 fluid ounces (15 mL) of Triple Sec (orange liqueur) to create a triple-decker combination of coffee, cream, and citrus flavors. Make a Blow Job for a creamier drink. The Blow Job contains Baileys Irish Cream as well as whipped cream, so it's a dairy lover's drink. Layer this shooter, rather than mixing or blending it. Start by pouring.5 fluid ounces (15 mL) of Amaretto into a shot glass, then follow with.20 fluid ounces (5.9 mL) of Baileys, and then top your drink with a liberal amount of whipped cream. Tradition has it that this shot should be taken hands free, so drinkers should keep their hands behind their backs and lift and drink the shot using their mouths alone. Pour a Screaming Orgasm for a stiff drink that's still sweet. Pour an equal amount (.25 fluid ounces (7.4 mL) each) of Baileys, vodka, Amaretto, and Kahlua into a cocktail shaker. Shake with ice until cold and fully mixed. Strain into a shot glass. Keep it classic with a Baileys martini. Mix 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of Baileys with.25 fluid ounces (7.4 mL) vodka. Shake with ice cubes in a cocktail shaker, then strain it into a chilled martini glass. Win over coffee lovers with a Baileys flat white martini. Pour.2 fluid ounces (5.9 mL) of Baileys, 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of espresso, and 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of vodka into a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes. Shake your drink until it's good and cold, and then strain it into a martini glass. Sweeten things up with a Baileys chocolatini. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes, and then pour 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) of Baileys, 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) of vanilla vodka, and.25 fluid ounces (7.4 mL) of chocolate liqueur. Shake your drink, and then strain it into a martini glass. For a flourish, you can garnish your glass with shaved chocolate, or drizzle the inside of the glass with chocolate syrup before you pour the drink. If you prefer a coffee flavor, swap out the chocolate liqueur for a coffee liqueur to make a classic mudslide. Pour it into a rocks glass or martini glass. You can even serve it frozen for an extra-refreshing treat. Pour a Baileys Jack Knife for a stiffer martini. Make this strong drink by mixing 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of Baileys with 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of whiskey. Shake your concoction until it's cold, and then strain it into a martini glass. Prepare the hot chocolate. You will add Baileys at the end of the process, so you can make hot chocolate according to your own recipe. Mix cocoa, milk, and sugar and cook on the stove. Instant hot chocolate can work too, as can hot chocolates flavored with mint or caramel. Add Baileys. Add 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) to 3.5 fluid ounces (100 mL) of Baileys per 1 cup (240 ml) of hot chocolate. Start with less, then taste to gauge the flavor before you add more. Bring the heat back up. If your Baileys is room temperature, it won't bring down the heat of your hot chocolate very far, so you'll only need to heat the mixture for another minute or so. If you pulled an open bottle of Baileys from the refrigerator, you may need to continue heating for another 2 to 3 minutes. Finish with a flourish. Top your hot chocolate with miniature marshmallows or whipped cream and chocolate shavings. For even more flourish: Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce Stick a chocolate wafer cookie into the whipped cream. Serve the milkshake with a cookie straw. Choose your ice cream. Chocolate and vanilla are the old standbys, but feel free to get creative. Select flavors that pair well with Baileys. Of course Baileys and coffee ice cream go well together, but consider mint chocolate chip, peanut butter, rum raisin, pumpkin, or cookies and cream. Choose your mix-ins. Select flavors that pair well with Baileys, like chocolate, citrus, or Amaretto. Consider adding: Syrups such as hot fudge, caramel, or butterscotch. Fresh fruit like a banana, peaches, or strawberries. Peanuts, walnuts, or almonds. Mix ice cream, Baileys, and your mix-ins and blend to your desired consistency. For a single-serving milkshake, measure 1 cup (240 ml) of ice cream with 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) of Baileys and.5 cups (120 ml) of milk and blend in your blender or milkshake maker. For a thicker milkshake, use a little less milk. For a thinner milkshake, use a little more. Top your drink with whipped cream. Whipped cream from a can is fine, or you can get ambitious and make your own Baileys whipped cream by whipping 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream and 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of Baileys into a metal bowl and beating with an electric mixer until it's stiff.

Brew your coffee. Make your whipped cream. Mix your whiskey, sugar, and coffee. Finish your drink with whipped cream. Add a citrus twist to your coffee and cream with a B-52. Make a Blow Job for a creamier drink. Pour a Screaming Orgasm for a stiff drink that's still sweet. Keep it classic with a Baileys martini. Win over coffee lovers with a Baileys flat white martini. Sweeten things up with a Baileys chocolatini. Pour a Baileys Jack Knife for a stiffer martini. Prepare the hot chocolate. Add Baileys. Bring the heat back up. Finish with a flourish. Choose your ice cream. Choose your mix-ins. Mix ice cream, Baileys, and your mix-ins and blend to your desired consistency. Top your drink with whipped cream.

https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Cologne

How to Apply Cologne

Before you apply cologne, take a shower, because the warm water will open your pores, helping the cologne last longer. Hold the bottle several inches away from your skin and spray it onto 1 or 2 spots, like your neck, wrists, or behind your ears. If the bottle doesn't have a spray nozzle, cover the open bottle with your finger, then tilt the bottle briefly. Dab your finger onto the area where you wish to apply the cologne. Do not rub your cologne in after applying it, as it will change the scent.

Wear cologne at the appropriate times. Cologne is not necessary at work, but it's generally acceptable. A big event, such as a wedding, funeral, party, or night out on the town, might easily call for cologne. Be aware of how your body's oils interact with your cologne. If you're going clubbing, for example, it may not be the best idea to apply lots of cologne: your natural body odor mixed with cologne may be even worse smelling than just your natural body odor. Some people are allergic to cologne. You'll need to be sensitive of this potential issue when working in an office or spending time in other indoor areas. Wear cologne because it makes you smell good, feel good, and act confident. Any other reason to wear cologne ("Because I want to feel like a man," "Because my friend is doing it," etc.) is pointless. That being said, apply it when you feel like it and enjoy your scent. Choose different colognes for different occasions. Many men prefer to wear one cologne during the day, at work, and a completely different one when they go out. Some sources recommend a lighter, citrus-based scent for afternoons and workplace environments, and a stronger scent with spice undertones or musky notes for the night. Apply the cologne to your pulse points. These are the areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat. The heat will cause the fragrance to continue to smell good all day long. If you just put the cologne on your clothes, it may not be detectable for long. The insides of your wrists are a good spot for cologne. Behind the ears is another spot that many men like to utilize. Consider the chest. This is a great place to apply cologne since it scents your shirt and provides a nice burst of scent to whomever you might end up hugging. Don't forget the neck. If you're relatively sure your date's head may be close to your neck at some point during the evening, be sure to dab some cologne on your neck for good measure. Cologne applied here mixes with your natural scent, creating a unique smell that is truly you. Keep it clear of areas where you sweat excessively. If you tend to get body odor, don't use cologne as a way to mask it. Less appealing smells don't mix well with cologne, so it's best not to layer it on in the wrong areas. Choose one or two spots. You don't have to put cologne on every pulse point; in fact, if you do so your scent will probably be overwhelming for those around you. Choose a few spots, and keep it subtle. Take a shower first. The hot water cleanses your skin and opens your pores, providing a good base for the cologne. It won't smell good mixed with dirty skin, and if you spray it on dry it may not last as long. Spray from several inches away. If your cologne has a spray bottle, do not spray right next to your skin; you don't want the liquid dripping down your shirt. It'll be way too strong, so hold it a few inches from your body and give yourself a light squirt. Dab very sparingly. If your bottle doesn't have a spray nozzle, use the dabbing method. Cover the open bottle with your finger, tip the bottle, then right the bottle and put it down. Dab the liquid on your finger in the area where you wish to apply the cologne. One small dab is sufficient; don't double-dab. Wash your hands after using this method, so you don't get cologne smell on everything you touch. Don't rub it in. This changes the way the cologne smells and makes the scent go away faster. Instead of rubbing the cologne, just spray or dab it on and let it dry on the skin. Don't mix cologne with other smells. You shouldn't wear cologne with strongly-scented deodorant or aftershave. The smells might not go well together, and the combination could leave you smelling like a department store perfume counter. Don't reapply too often. You'll quickly grow used to the smell of your cologne, to the point where you might think it's completely worn off. Other people, however, will still be able to smell it. You probably don't need to apply cologne more than once a day, right before you go out. If you absolutely feel the need to put on some more, keep it light.

Wear cologne at the appropriate times. Wear cologne because it makes you smell good, feel good, and act confident. Choose different colognes for different occasions. Apply the cologne to your pulse points. Consider the chest. Don't forget the neck. Keep it clear of areas where you sweat excessively. Choose one or two spots. Take a shower first. Spray from several inches away. Dab very sparingly. Don't rub it in. Don't mix cologne with other smells. Don't reapply too often.

https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Toy-Breed-Dogs-Safe-Around-Kids

How to Keep Toy Breed Dogs Safe Around Kids

To keep toy breed dogs safe around kids, supervise all interaction between your child and dog so you can intervene if necessary. For example, you could make it a rule that the kids can only play with the dog in the living room or backyard so you can see them. You should also explain to your child that they shouldn't approach your dog from behind or hover over it, since this can cause toy dogs to become anxious. When your child is playing with your dog, warn them to leave it alone if it tucks in its tail or licks its lips, which are signs it may be getting ready to bite or lash out. Additionally, remind them to look out for the dog, since they may stumble over it or hit it with a door if they're not paying attention.

Supervise the children around the dog. To keep your kids from harming your toy dog, or vice versa, you should always supervise interactions between them. If your child wants to play with the animal, make sure that they do it where you can watch them. This way you can quickly intervene and stop your child from harming the dog. It also makes it easier for you to provide teachable moments about proper pet care. Make it a rule that the kids can only play with the dog in the living room or backyard so that you can keep an eye on them. Teach your children proper dog manners. To ensure that your child and dog do not have a bad interaction, you should teach your child about how to interact with the dog. Because toy dogs are already particularly anxious dogs, you should instruct your child to avoid approaching the dog from behind or hovering over it. This increases the dog's anxiety levels and the likelihood that it may hurt itself. It also increases the likelihood of the dog biting the child. In order to maintain your dog's health, it is important that your children not startle or scare your toy dog. High anxiety can lead increased illness for your dog. For example, your child may scare the dog, causing it to jump and hurt itself. Teach your kids to always leave a clear escape route for the dog when they interact, so that the dog does not feel cornered or trapped. Familiarize your children with dog body language. Small dogs feel threatened easily, and they may lash out or bite if they feel cornered, trapped, or harassed. A dog's body language can offer clear warning signs that the dog is feeling anxious or defensive. Teach your child to leave the dog alone if they see the it: Tucking in its tail. Averting its eyes. Licking its lips. Tell your children to be mindful of the dog. Because of their small size, toy dogs can sometimes go unnoticed. If they are not watching where they are going, your child can easily trample the dog. They might also hit it with a swinging door or drop things on it. Remind your children that they should look down and always have an idea of where the dog is located. Ask your children to not run in the house or swing any doors. This will help keep them from inadvertently hurting the dog. Keep smaller children away from toy dogs. Many children, particularly when they are young, have a hard time gently showing affection. They often cause dogs pain by squeezing, pinching, hitting, and poking them. Younger children often have no idea that they are hurting the animals. With toy dogs, young children can seriously hurt a dog or cause it to bite them. Toy dogs are not ideal for children. They are often territorial and anxious, which makes them a bad match for rambunctious and intrusive children. Talk to your veterinarian if you are thinking about a toy dog for your child. Show an older child how to touch a dog gently. Teach your older children to be gentle with your toy dog by demonstrating how to properly hold and pet the dog. Inform your children that hard pats can easily frighten the dog and even injure it. Instead, tell them to gently caress the dog and give it soft touches. Teaching gentle touching will also ensure that your children are not bitten. Demonstrate how to play with the dog nicely. Although they are small, you will need to remind your children that the toy dog is not actually a toy. They need to be gentle when playing with the dog to avoid hurting it. Any kind of rough play could severely injure the dog. Toy dogs can easily suffer fractures and broken bones from seemingly simple accidents. You child's weight alone could easily crush some small dogs. Toy dogs can play many games like fetch and tug of war. However, the child should scale back the intensity of play because of the dog's small size. Teach your children to play with the dog in safe locations. Your children need to be mindful about playing with the dog in safe places. It is important to avoid playing with the dog in places where it might fall or become stuck. For example, because it might fall and hurt itself, the top bed of a bunkbed is not a safe place to play with a toy dog. Make sure that you have properly sized toys. Toys that are too large for your dog can be very dangerous to them. Large thrown toys can easily injure your dog. Make sure that your child knows to use appropriate sized toys when playing with the toy dog. For example, if your child wants to play catch with the dog, make sure that they are using an appropriately sized toy. A large ball or stick could injure the animal. Tell your children to not overexert the dog. Small dogs can easily overexert themselves with physical activity. This can lead to illness or injury. To avoid this, instruct your children to limit the amount of vigorous activity they participate in with the dog. Although toy dogs can mostly enjoy the same activities as larger dogs, exercise should be less frequent and for shorter periods of time. A toy dog only needs about 30 minutes of exercise a day. Small dogs cannot walk as long or as far as larger dogs. Your toy dog will quickly get tired. For a toy dog, your living room is a veritable playground. Demonstrate to your children how to feed the dog properly. When caring for a toy dog, it is easy to give them too much food. They do not need nearly as much as a larger dog. A seemingly minuscule amount of food will suffice. Talk with your veterinarian about how much to properly feed your toy dog. For most dogs under 5 pounds (2.26 kg), a half cup (120 ml) of dog food each day should be enough. Show your kids how to groom the dog. When grooming your dog, it is important to be gentle. Brushing too hard or scrubbing too vigorously can hurt your small dog. Show your children how to wash your toy dog softly and how to brush its hair gently. Small dogs can also get cold quickly if they are wet for a long time. Make sure that your children know to dry off your dog quickly if they bathe it. Protect your dog from the elements. Because they are small, toy dogs also get cold easily. If you child takes the dog out during the winter, make sure that they take a sweater or some kind of clothing for your dog. In the summer, smaller dogs are also susceptible to overheating. Make sure that your children know to provide your toy dog with plenty of shade and lots of water. In general, smaller dogs should not spend much time outside. Let your children know that your toy dog needs to spend most of its time indoors. Have your children properly carry the dog’s carrier. Because many toy breeds cannot walk very far, many people carry them in carriers. Teach your child to carry the toy dog's carrier properly to avoid injuring it. Make sure that they know to not swing the carrier around or drop it while the dog is inside. Being careless or rough with the carrier while the dog is inside can seriously injure the animal. Keep the dog in its bag, if applicable. Because they can become physically exhausted so easily, you will likely want to keep your dog in its bag when you are in public. This will also keep your small dog from being injured by children or other animals. Keeping your dog in its bag also ensures that the any children who want to see your dog have to approach you before gaining access. Ask children not to approach your dog. If your small dog is skittish, let children know that they should leave it alone when you are in public. When children approach your dog, do not let them play with it unsolicited. Let them know that your dog is delicate and that they need your approval to play with it. Say something like “Please do not touch the dog,” or “You can play with the dog, but you have to be gentle.” Let the dog approach the children. When you are at a park, you can also let your dog dictate who touches it. You can monitor your dog and see whom it approaches. If it your dog goes near some children, keep a close eye on the situation. You can also let the children know that they need to be careful handling your dog. Say something like “Please do not pick up my dog,” or “Be gentle when you touch the dog.” Remove your dog from dangerous situations. If the children will not listen to you, pick up your dog and leave. Because of its small stature, the children could easily injure your dog. They may also make it extremely anxious and cause it psychological distress. Take your dog away from any situations that you feel are not safe. Say things like “If you are not going to play nice, we're going to leave,” or “Be nice to the dog or we're leaving.”

Supervise the children around the dog. Teach your children proper dog manners. Familiarize your children with dog body language. Tell your children to be mindful of the dog. Keep smaller children away from toy dogs. Show an older child how to touch a dog gently. Demonstrate how to play with the dog nicely. Teach your children to play with the dog in safe locations. Make sure that you have properly sized toys. Tell your children to not overexert the dog. Demonstrate to your children how to feed the dog properly. Show your kids how to groom the dog. Protect your dog from the elements. Have your children properly carry the dog’s carrier. Keep the dog in its bag, if applicable. Ask children not to approach your dog. Let the dog approach the children. Remove your dog from dangerous situations.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Deep-Facial-Wrinkles

How to Remove Deep Facial Wrinkles

While it's not really possible to remove deep facial wrinkles, you can reduce their appearance by using a moisturizer with ingredients like retinoids and idebenone, which have been proven to reduce lines and wrinkles. Additionally, wash your face no more than twice a day, since over-washing can remove your skin's natural oils and make wrinkles look deeper. You can also try a glycolic acid peel or a peel with salicylic acid to reduce the intensity of wrinkles, or consider laser resurfacing for particularly deep wrinkles that don't respond to other treatments.

Wear sunscreen. Studies have named the sun as the No. 1 cause of wrinkles. Wear a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. There is no need to go above SPF 50. You need to wear sunscreen even when it's not sunny. If you're tanned, this doesn't mean that you're protected from the sun. Wear sunscreen no matter what! Wearing sunscreen will not only prevent wrinkles; it will also reduce your risk of getting skin cancer. Reapply your sunscreen often — at least every 2 hours. Wash your face every day. Doctors recommend washing your face twice a day — no more than that. Over-washing your face can strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture so that wrinkles appear deeper; it may even cause new wrinkles to form. Even if your skin is oily, don't wash your face more than twice a day, as it can irritate your skin and, if you have acne, it can cause further breakouts. People with mature skin (ages 40 and up) can likely get away with washing their faces with a cleanser each night, and only rinsing with cool water in the morning. Use a toner after you wash your face. Applying a toner to your skin after you've washed your face can help balance your skin's pH and keep it looking healthier. Just be sure to avoid toners containing alcohol, as this can dry out your skin. Use a good-quality face moisturizer that targets wrinkles. Many moisturizers contain ingredients aimed at fighting and preventing wrinkles. Apply a moisturizer to your face twice a day: once after your morning face-wash and once after your evening face-wash. Try using creams that are formulated for your skin type and that are labeled with something like "anti-aging" or "wrinkle fighting." Use a good eye cream. The skin around your eyes is different from the rest of your facial skin: it is thinner and more delicate, quicker to wrinkle and droop. For this reason, it's worthwhile to use an eye cream in addition to your facial moisturizer. Look for an eye cream that contains collagen, vitamin C, peptides, and/or retinol. Treat your wrinkles with retinoids. Some health professionals claim that retinoids are the best-proven way of reducing wrinkles and other signs of aging. At first, medications containing retinoids can cause redness and peeling, but once the peeling stops, your wrinkles should be improved. You can get a retinoid cream as a prescription from your doctor. If you use retinoic acids consistently over a period of time, you may notice the lines on your face starting to fade. Many drugstore skincare brands offer creams containing retinol, a less irritating form of the prescription acid, retinoid. These do not require a prescription. They vary in quality, so it's important to know what to look for. It's best to use retinol at night, as it may be deactivated by sunlight. It could also make your skin more sensitive to the sun temporarily. Since retinol degrades with exposure to light and air, choose a product whose packaging blocks out both. Seek brands that offer retinol treatments in single-dose capsules, opaque glass bottles with air-tight pumps, or aluminum containers. Use skincare products containing idebenone. Idebenone is a powerful antioxidant. A recent study showed that in 6 weeks of topical use, idebenone was able to reduce lines and wrinkles by 29%. Use skincare products containing alpha-hydroxy acids. Alpha-hydroxy acids will not irritate your skin as much as retinoids, but they also won't give you the same results. These skincare products will only subtly reduce your wrinkles. Use skin products containing antioxidants. Skincare products containing vitamins A, C, and E plus beta-carotene can mildly improve wrinkles. Try a skin peel. There are a variety of skin peels available both through medical professionals and over the counter. Note that the deeper the peel, the more likely it is to irritate your skin. Peels can even cause scarring and changes in skin color. Glycolic acid peels are superficial and can subtly reduce the intensity of fine wrinkles. Peels with ingredients like salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid go deeper than glycolic acid peels; as a result, they are better at removing fine lines. Talk to your doctor about the directions for your skin peel in advance of the procedure so that you can make any necessary arrangements. Some peels may require particular aftercare, such as staying out of the sunlight for several days afterward. Consider laser resurfacing. Lasers can stimulate collagen production, making the skin look plumper. If your wrinkles are particularly deep and you've found that nothing else works, ask your doctor to see if this might be an option. Consult a medical professional. If you have tried everything and are still struggling to reduce or remove your wrinkles, speak to a doctor or a board-certified dermatologist. A medical professional may be able to help you select a wrinkle-removing option that's right for you — for example, a medication, a medical procedure, or a prescription cream. Talk to your doctor about Botox, an FDA-approved injection to reduce the appearance of forehead wrinkles. In addition to the temporary effects, it may actually help get rid of the wrinkles. That's because when the muscle is paralyzed, you can't move it the same way you did before, so the lines formed by that movement will start to fade. Avoid the sun. Dozens of studies have named the sun the No. 1 cause of wrinkles. One study even found that sun exposure was more important than heredity in determining wrinkles. Best stick to the shade! If you must go out in the sun, ensure that you're covered up: wear sunglasses, a hat, and at least SPF 30 sunscreen. Particularly avoid going out in the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when its rays are at their strongest. Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, here's another reason to quit: many studies have confirmed that cigarette smoke ages skin; it does this primarily by releasing an enzyme that breaks down collagen and elastin, which are important to keeping your skin looking young. Avoid alcohol. Excess alcohol consumption can damage blood vessels in the skin. It can also harm the liver, which can cause wrinkles. Drink enough water. When you're dehydrated, your wrinkles can appear deeper. Staying well-hydrated will keep your skin looking healthy. If you're unsure of how much water you should be drinking, divide your body weight (in pounds) in half: that's how many ounces of water you should drink each day. For instance, a 150 lb (68 kg) woman should drink 75  fl oz (2,200 mL) of water each day. If you exercise or live in a hot climate (i.e. if you sweat a lot), you'll need to increase your water intake. A reliable way to tell if you're getting enough water is by paying attention to your urine: if it's bright yellow or has a strong smell, you're likely not getting enough water. Eat healthy, anti-inflammatory foods. Some doctors have linked inflammation to poor skin quality (including wrinkles) as well as diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, raw nuts, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar — particularly processed foods. Get enough antioxidants. Antioxidants such as vitamin E, C, A, and B are essential for healthy skin. To ensure that you get enough of these vitamins, eat 5 to 7 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day. Some recommendations in case you're unsure of where to start: tomatoes, citrus, green leafy vegetables, and carrots. In addition to eating foods rich in vitamin C, using vitamin C as a topical agent can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The most potent form of topical vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid; search for this ingredient in face creams. Get enough vitamin K. Some studies have linked vitamin K to improving skin elasticity. Load up on vitamin K with leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, and broccoli. Get enough sleep. When we don't get enough sleep, our bodies produce excess cortisol, which breaks down skin cells. When you get enough sleep, your body will produce more human growth hormone (HGH), which will help your skin look thicker and more elastic. The average adult needs between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. Teenagers need between 8.5 and 9.5 hours of sleep each night. When you do sleep, sleep on your back if possible. Sleeping on your back can help prevent wrinkles on your cheeks and chin if you're a side sleeper, and on your forehead, if you sleep on your stomach. Reduce stress. Cortisol, which breaks down skin cells and promotes wrinkle formation, is the primary stress hormone. Beyond that, physical expressions of stress can also lead to deep facial wrinkles: frown lines around your lips and forehead, wrinkles between your eyebrows. Try these techniques for reducing stress: Meditate for a few minutes each day. Sit up straight on a chair or in a cross-legged position on the floor. Close your eyes and focus your attention on reciting a positive mantra — for example “I feel at peace” or “Breathe in love, breathe out fear”. Place one hand gently on your stomach to remind yourself to breathe deeply into it. Practice deep breathing. Sit straight with your eyes closed and your hand on your abdomen. Slowly inhale through your nose, imagining that you are inflating a balloon deep down in your stomach. Slowly exhale through your mouth, paying attention to how your body feels as the breath moves out of you. Do something nice for yourself. Light some candles and draw yourself a nice hot bath with some stress-reducing lavender oil. Go for a slow, mindful walk and take in the scenery around you. Watch 10 minutes of cute animal videos. Whatever makes you feel good, do it!

Wear sunscreen. Wash your face every day. Use a toner after you wash your face. Use a good-quality face moisturizer that targets wrinkles. Use a good eye cream. Treat your wrinkles with retinoids. Use skincare products containing idebenone. Use skincare products containing alpha-hydroxy acids. Use skin products containing antioxidants. Try a skin peel. Glycolic acid peels are superficial and can subtly reduce the intensity of fine wrinkles. Consider laser resurfacing. Consult a medical professional. Avoid the sun. Don’t smoke. Avoid alcohol. Drink enough water. Eat healthy, anti-inflammatory foods. Get enough antioxidants. Get enough vitamin K. Get enough sleep. Reduce stress.

https://www.wikihow.com/Photograph-the-Eye-Close-Up

How to Photograph the Eye Close Up

By getting close enough to see the intricate details and using the zoom function, you can take stunning close up photos of the eye. Start by choosing a part of the eye that you want to focus on. Look over the colors in your subject's iris, their pupil, and the wrinkles around their eye before deciding which part you would most like to capture. Next, move your camera as close to your subject's eye as possible. As you move forward, make sure that the shot doesn't go blurry and that the camera doesn't block the light source. Lastly, use the camera's zoom to get the best shot of your subject's eye. Make the shot wide enough to include some context but close enough to focus on the intricate details that you like.

Have your subject look at the lens or other fixed point. Having your subject look directly at the camera lens will help you take a detailed photo of their iris and pupil. If you want to capture the eye from a different perspective, have your subject look at a fixed point so you can find the best angle from which to take the shot. Examine the eye closely and decide what most interests you. Are you drawn to the colors and patterns of the iris, or the reflection of the light on the pupil? Do you want to focus on the wrinkles around the eye, or the curvature of the eyelashes? Your answer to this question will be the main detail you focus on when taking your shot. Produce a catch light with a continuous light source. A catch light is the small white spot you sometimes see in close-up photographs of the eye. You can create a catch light by setting up a stable, continuous source of light. You can use a softbox, an umbrella, a ring light, or natural light to create this effect. Make sure that your camera isn't casting a shadow over your shot. Get as close as you can to the eye. Many close-up shots of the eye don't turn out for the simple reason that the photographer didn't get close enough to the eye. Position your camera's lens as close your subject as it can be without your shot going blurry. Be careful not to block the light you need for your shot. Use your camera’s zoom to hone in on the eye. Adjust your zoom until you find a viewpoint you like. Widening your shot to include other detail can provide some context, but may take away from the detail you've chosen to focus on. Keep your camera steady with a tripod or other sturdy surface. When taking a close-up shot, the slightest shake of your hand can blur your photo. Using a tripod or other surface to support your camera as you take your photo will help prevent this from happening. Set up a mirror behind your camera to take a photo of your own eye. If you want to take a macro photograph of your own eye, a camera with flip screen is the best option because it will allow you to easily see whether your shot is on target and in focus. If your camera doesn't have a flip screen, however, placing a small mirror behind your camera will also give you a view of the display screen. If you're taking a photo of your own eye with a cellphone, you'll also want to use a mirror. This is because taking a photo of your eye on the selfie setting of your phone will affect the lighting of your shot. Put a macro lens on your camera. A macro lens will allow you to best capture the detail of the eye. Macro lenses vary in focal length from 50 to 200mm. You can still take a good close-up photo of the eye with a regular lens, but you may not be able to get the eye to fill the entire frame or capture all the detail you want. If you don't have a macro lens and don't want to spend the money to get one, try using a close-up filter as an alternative. Use a macro mode or macro lens attachment when using a cellphone. Many cellphones have a macro mode, which will allow you to take a more detailed photograph of the eye than with your camera's standard settings. A macro lens attachment for your cellphone will produce even more detailed shots. You can find a macro lens attachment for your cellphone at most major retailers and electronics stores. If you're planning to buy a macro lens attachment, make sure you choose one that fits your phone model. Consider adding an extension tube to make the lens focus closer. Extension tubes fit between the rear mount of the lens and the camera body. Using an extension tube will magnify the eye in your shot, allowing you to capture more intricate details. Make your camera’s aperture smaller for a shallower depth of field. For a close-up shot, the best depth of field is shallow. Set your camera to camera's aperture number to between f/5.6 and f/11. The aperture number you choose will depend on what details of the eye you want to highlight in your photograph. Play around with the aperture to see how the aperture setting changes your shots. Use a fast shutter speed to eliminate blurriness. The eye is constantly moving, which can blur your shot. For a sharper image, set your shutter speed to at 1/100th of a second or faster. Using a tripod will also allow you to set a higher shutter speed. Lower your ISO value to prevent digital grain. Increasing your ISO value allows you to take photographs in low-light conditions, but will make your photo grainy. If you're taking your photo in a well-lit area, keep your ISO value as low as possible. Focus your lens manually. Autofocus may not focus on the details you want to focus on, so it is best to just turn it off and focus the shot yourself. To manually focus your lens, turn your focus ring so that everything is out of focus. Then turn it back the other way until the details you want to highlight in your shot are in focus. Turn off your camera’s flash. Avoid using your camera's flash or shining other bright lights at your subject's eyes. Bright light can damage their eyes, and can cause your subject to squint, interfering with your photograph. Take lots of photos to capture the perfect shot. It's impossible to know what combination of viewpoint, composition, focus, and depth of field will produce the best shot. So try as many combinations as you can. When taking a close-up shot, the small changes you make can give you very different photos.

Have your subject look at the lens or other fixed point. Examine the eye closely and decide what most interests you. Produce a catch light with a continuous light source. Get as close as you can to the eye. Use your camera’s zoom to hone in on the eye. Keep your camera steady with a tripod or other sturdy surface. Set up a mirror behind your camera to take a photo of your own eye. Put a macro lens on your camera. Use a macro mode or macro lens attachment when using a cellphone. Consider adding an extension tube to make the lens focus closer. Make your camera’s aperture smaller for a shallower depth of field. Use a fast shutter speed to eliminate blurriness. Lower your ISO value to prevent digital grain. Focus your lens manually. Turn off your camera’s flash. Take lots of photos to capture the perfect shot.

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

How to Draw Eyes

To draw eyes, start by drawing two almond shapes with the inside corners tapering down. Then, draw a large circle inside each of the almond shapes, leaving some space between the bottom of the circles and the bottom of the shapes. Next, draw an arc near each inside corner for the tear ducts and a line that starts at the base of each tear duct and runs along the lower eyelid. Finally, draw a smaller circle inside each of the circles you drew earlier to make the pupils.

Draw a light horizontal guideline across. Draw an almond shape with one corner tapering downwards. Draw another almond shape of the same size. The space between these eye shapes is equal to the length of one almond shape. Erase the guidelines and draw a circle inside each of the eye shapes. The diameter of the circles is equal to the height of the almond shapes. Leave some space between the bottom of the circle and the lower edge of the eye shape. Draw an arc for each eye to create tear ducts. Draw the eyes' waterline. Draw these from the base of the tear duct passing between the iris and lower eyelid going to the upper lash line. Draw a circle for the pupils. Don't forget to draw an arc for the upper lid. Darken the pupils and erase the part of the iris that intersected with the upper eyelids. Lightly erase the guidelines and start shading using your pencil. Darken the lashlines, upper lid fold and the pupils. The eyeballs should be shaded very lightly. Draw lines around the iris. These lines should should look like rays radiating out of the pupils. Darken (smudge effect) the upper portion of the iris of both eyes. To add highlights, use a kneaded or putty eraser. Shape the eraser thinly to easily erase thin lines above the upper lashline, lower eyelid, above the waterline, outside the tear duct, inside the lower part of the pupil and inside the eyeball. Draw the lashes. Draw eyelashes from the root (eyelid). Start by pressing firmly with your pencil then slowly release the pressure as you curve it towards the tip. The lower lashes should be thinner and shorter than the upper eyelash. To create the round catchlights in the eyes, use correction fluid or white paint to make the dot. Draw two slightly squished oblongs. Instead of drawing the eyelashes hair by hair, anime lashes can be drawn by one very thick arc. Follow the guidelines to make the upper lash line and the thinner lower lashline. Erase the guidelines and draw oblongs for the iris. They can be unevenly shaped. Draw smaller oblongs inside the iris to make the pupils. Leave some space between the bottom of the pupils and the lower edge of the iris but make the top edges touch. Draw ovals to make the catchlights of your anime eyes. Thicken the outline of the iris. Again, this doesn't have to be perfectly done. Darken the insides of the pupils. Do not color the catchlight. Fill the lower portion of the iris with the color of your choice. Create extra highlights by drawing a U inside the colored space. The U should be lighter than the first color you used. Create shadows underneath the upper eyelash.

Draw a light horizontal guideline across. Draw another almond shape of the same size. Erase the guidelines and draw a circle inside each of the eye shapes. Draw an arc for each eye to create tear ducts. Draw the eyes' waterline. Draw a circle for the pupils. Darken the pupils and erase the part of the iris that intersected with the upper eyelids. Lightly erase the guidelines and start shading using your pencil. Draw lines around the iris. To add highlights, use a kneaded or putty eraser. Draw the lashes. Draw two slightly squished oblongs. Instead of drawing the eyelashes hair by hair, anime lashes can be drawn by one very thick arc. Erase the guidelines and draw oblongs for the iris. Draw smaller oblongs inside the iris to make the pupils. Draw ovals to make the catchlights of your anime eyes. Thicken the outline of the iris. Fill the lower portion of the iris with the color of your choice. Create shadows underneath the upper eyelash.

https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-Under-Martial-Law

How to Survive Under Martial Law

To survive under martial law, treat your new leaders with respect and obey their directions and orders. Be a friend to the regime by helping out military personnel and spreading information you have permission to disclose. To hide from the new government, stock a survival bunker with food, water, medicine, a radio, and other supplies. Enter the bunker as soon as possible and stay there until it is safe to leave. Remember that you put yourself at risk of capture every time you leave the bunker.

Prepare for the civil unrest. Pay attention to current events. Know when potential threats are coming to the area. You may have no warning when another country invades yours. However, you may know if a hurricane or tornado is coming your way. Websites like www.ready.gov are devoted to disaster preparedness. Stock your home with supplies. Before martial law is enacted, you may be on your own during a breakdown of civil authority. Be ready to survive at least 72 hours without help. Protect your home and business. After civil authority has broken down, people may become opportunistic. Homes and businesses may be looted. Secure your home and business in advance. Board up windows and barricade doors. Stay in your home with your own supplies until military help arrives. Recognize the legitimacy of martial law. For whatever reason, martial law has been declared and you are one of the citizens functioning under it. If your country has been invaded (i.e., your area is still under the protection of your country's military) or a major natural disaster has occurred you should recognize that martial law might be best for moment. The soldiers are there to maintain order and keep you safe until civilian authority can be re-established. Show respect and courtesy to authorities. They are not perfect human beings and mistakes will happen. The best thing you can do is assist and obey. Keep your head down and don't draw attention to yourself. This isn't the time for political activism if you want to survive. Keep everything you can't live without on your person. If you are being moved there may be no time to go back for your things. Have everything you need on you at all times in case you have to move immediately. Anything you might be tempted to go back for, keep on you. If there is some object too big to carry around you may have to leave it. In rare situations you may be able to hide something special until you are able to come back for it. You may want to consider burying a "time capsule" in a waterproof container to retrieve when you return. Follow all directives given to you. No matter how odd or strange it is best to do as you are told. If a curfew is set, be in your quarters by then. If you are given a meal time, don't think you will be served if you show up late even if you are hungry. If certain areas are off-limits, do not go exploring beyond the boundary. Your rights are greatly limited until civil order is re-established so don't push your boundaries if you want to survive. If you are under martial law in a country that you know intends to do you harm (e.g., Jewish Germans or Japanese-Americans during World War II) you may want to consider hiding from the government instead of being a good citizen. You may want to learn military time. Some watches and phones can be adjusted to show military time automatically. In general, times are written out differently such that 9:00AM ("nine o'clock AM) becomes 0900 ("zero nine hundred) and 3:30PM ("three-thirty PM) becomes 1530 ("fifteen thirty). In other words, PM times are 12 greater than normal and times are described as if they are four-digit whole numbers without the colon with the hour always represented as two numbers (don't drop leading zeros). Hours may be referred to in "hundreds" but never "thousands". Obey orders as you are instructed. Orders are usually quick and fast and without explanation. Resisting or forcing an explanation may be dangerous. Military personnel may be given orders they don't even understand. They expect you to follow orders just as they are doing. Time sensitive orders they may not have time to explain or their explanation may cause a panic. Trust that their goal is to protect you and any failure they would take personally. Help others as much as you are able. The military personnel may be short staffed. Offer to help as much as you can. You will garner their respect this way. You may then learn more about what's going on and why things are happening as they are. If you find out important information that you have permission to share, spread the word. Make sure other people know what's going on and hopefully everyone will be able to survive the event. Establish a survival bunker in a hidden location. This bunker should be able to keep you and your family safe for several years. The best bunkers are usually underground. Many are underground but in the sides of mountains or hills. The goals is to be able to get in and out but for no one else to be able to find you. Keep your bunker secret by never carrying your phone or GPS enabled device with you when you visit. Even when you turn your GPS off, you may still be tracked with cell phone tower signals. Don't discuss your plans with anyone outside your family and resist the temptation to "show off" on social media. Stock your survival bunker with supplies. Everything you would need for several years worth of living. This will include food, water, and medicine. You can consult a survival guide or book to determine the best setup. Think about everything you and your family uses frequently over the course of a year and make sure you have everything you absolutely need. Some items such as medicines may be difficult to acquire by legitimate means. Proper storage may also be difficult. Favor solid form pills over liquids as their shelf life tends to be longer even after the expiration date. Store medicine in a cool dry place to extend potency, and remember that taking drugs after their expiration date is rarely harmful. Get to your survival bunker as quickly as possible. If you are going to stay ahead of the military you will need to move fast. As soon as martial law is declared you may not have time to discuss what to do next. You may think the military isn't there yet but local law enforcement may start implementing martial law beforehand. Have everything you want or need in your survival bunker and move there as soon as humanly possible. Keep a radio on hand to keep track of when martial law has ended. Most likely you will not be able to stay in your bunker forever. You will need to keep contact with the outside world. You need to know when it will be safe to emerge. Since batteries degrade, you may want to use a survival radio that incorporates a hand-crank for power. Be cautious of pro-military propaganda. Know what frequencies local militias are broadcasting on and any code words. Don't listen to just anything but wait until the militias give you the OK that civil authority has been restored. Stay in your bunker until you are sure it is safe to leave. The hardest part of hiding is the isolation. However, each time you step out of the bunker may risk the fate of your whole family. Someone may see you entering or exiting your bunker. You may accidentally leave tracks or human scent near the entrance. Search dogs may then be able to find you. Stay in your bunker as long as you possibly can before emerging. If you are in your bunker for a long time, prioritize your food based on expiration date. Eat whatever might expire soon first. Have a go-bag ready for the day martial law is declared. If you think martial law is going to be enacted by any military force hostile to you then you should consider being ready. Will you have a better chance resisting or submitting? Have a go-bag with all the supplies you need to make it from where you are to where you are supposed to be. Your go-bag should be light but fully stocked. Estimate how far you may ever be from your bunker to determine what you need for your bag. You should favor small and light items as you may be carrying the bag. This includes basic survival gear and food in case you have to walk or hike to your bunker. Stash guns, ammo, supplies, and survival gear in a hidden bunker. This will be your family's rally point when martial law happens. Be sure to include everything you will need to wait out the storm. Your bunker should be equipped such that once you go in, you won't need to leave for supplies for months. If you have valuables you don't want to leave behind, go ahead and store them in your bunker in advance. You may not have time to go home to pack before the military rolls into town. Stocking your bunker with supplies can be difficult and cost-prohibitive. Start with a 72-hour setup for natural disaster preparedness. Then move toward a two-week day bomb shelter. Once you get the hang of it, increase to however long you think you'll need. Know the rally point established by the local militia. Most likely you are not the only person or family to see what's coming. Other people are likely getting ready for the military to take over. Become part of your local militia and find out what your plans are to resist a malevolent military. You may need to be quick in attacking local supply depots and establishing an effective resistance. Group up with your militia as soon as humanly possible. Once you have your own home base established with your family protected, be ready to move. Militias survive as long as there are enough people to protect strategic locations. Your militia will need all the manpower they can get. Take a few supplies and rations but leave most of it in your bunker. Your militia should have their own hidden stockpiles of supplies if they will ever be successful. Be careful not to reveal your home base or inventory of supplies to your militia. If the militia crumbles you need a safe place to fall back to. If your militia is in danger, they may see your home base as a supply depot leaving you and your family in jeopardy. Establish a chain of command and follow orders. Until now a military chain of command may have been hypothetical or loosely enforced. Now its time to follow orders without question. Establish the leadership structure and who you must report to and who reports to you. Most likely there will be people in your ranks with prior military experience. Their expertise will be crucial to maintaining order. Stay with your militia as you move to a safe location. If you survive and fight long enough, you may need to move to another safe location. This may be a retreat or you may be grouping up with other local militias to form a larger resistance force. You may be moving to re-establish civil authority. Regardless, if the supplies of your bunker are running out your options are limited. You will likely not be alone in this respect. You will need to move with the militia to a safe location to continue resisting the government long term.

Prepare for the civil unrest. Recognize the legitimacy of martial law. Show respect and courtesy to authorities. Follow all directives given to you. Obey orders as you are instructed. Help others as much as you are able. Establish a survival bunker in a hidden location. Stock your survival bunker with supplies. Get to your survival bunker as quickly as possible. Keep a radio on hand to keep track of when martial law has ended. Stay in your bunker until you are sure it is safe to leave. Have a go-bag ready for the day martial law is declared. Stash guns, ammo, supplies, and survival gear in a hidden bunker. Know the rally point established by the local militia. Group up with your militia as soon as humanly possible. Establish a chain of command and follow orders. Stay with your militia as you move to a safe location.

https://www.wikihow.life/Tenderize-Meat

How to Tenderize Meat

The easiest way to tenderize meat is to hit it repeatedly with a meat tenderizing mallet on both sides. If you don't have a mallet, use a knife to make shallow cuts going against the grain of the meat, which will loosen the fibers so the meat is more tender. You can also marinate the meat in pureed kiwi, pineapple, or papaya for at least 24 hours to tenderize it. If you're making brisket or ribs, you can slow cook the meat in a cooking stock to make it more tender.

Place your cut of meat on a cutting board. If you want, you can lay a piece of wax paper under and on top of the meat to reduce the mess made by this method. Note: you should not put wax paper on top of the meat if you are planning on using a knife. Keep in mind that using metal tools to tenderize your meat will break up both the meat's connective tissue and the meat fibers themselves. Choose your tenderizing tool. There are two options that will work the best during mechanical tenderisation. Either you can use an actual meat tenderizer (which looks like a Medieval torture device) or a knife. The choice is yours. Tenderize your meat. Tenderizing meat essentially means that you are pre-chewing the meat with a tool to make it thinner and more tender. If you are using a meat tenderizer, hold it in your hand and bang on the meat like you would with a hammer and nail. Hit the meat evenly over the whole surface, flip it over, and continue to hit the meat with the mallet. If you are using a knife, make cuts or scores that go across the muscles fibers. Your cuts should be long and thin but necessarily very deep. Understand how tenderizing meat with heat works. Muscle fibers in meat are surrounded by layers of collagen, which is connective tissue. When the collagen gets heated up to a temperature of 140ºF (60ºC), the collagen will tighten and shrink, causing the meat's juices to be squeezed out, making for a very dry cut of meat (which you don't want unless you love really well-done steak). Instead, heat meat to 160ºF (71.1ºC) or more and the collagen will start to become gelatinous, actually giving the meat a 'fork tender' texture that will melt in your mouth. Tenderizing meat with heat is best used on brisket, ribs or other meats with a lot of collagen. It does not work well on pork chops or filet mignon. Choose your heat tenderizer. You can use either dry heat or wet heat. Grilling is a great example of dry heat, while braising is a good example of wet heat. During the grilling process, the grilled meat is cooked slowly, allowing the meat to become tender. Braising meat is when you submerge meat in a flavorful liquid and cook it. Tenderize your meat slowly. Regardless of what method you use, the key to getting your meat tender with heat is to cook it slowly. If you do not cook your meat slowly, the outer surface of the cut will start to burn before the collagen in the meat has a chance to turn into gelatin. Know what enzymatic tenderizing is. Enzymes are molecules that help speed up the process of a reaction (in this case, the breaking down of meat). Various fruits contain enzymes that will help this tenderizing process along. Acidic fruits and substances like lemon or buttermilk will also increase the tenderness of your meat. Know which sort of fruits contain these enzymes. The most commonly used fruits for this process are pineapples, kiwis, and papayas. Of all of these, the kiwifruit has the most neutral flavor (which means it will affect the flavor of your marinade the least). Be wary of pineapple--it contains the enzyme Bromelain, which will actually turn your meat to mush if you leave it sitting in the pineapple marinade for too long. Add a tablespoon or two of the pureed fruit of your choice. Pureeing your fruit will help it mix into the marinade better. You could also make a simple marinade of oil and lemon if you would prefer that to a marinade with kiwi. All of these ingredients will help to break down the muscle fiber in your meat. Place your meat in a pan, bowl, or resealable bag. Add your marinade of choice to the meat and cover or seal whatever you are keeping your meat in. Let the meat rest in your marinade for at least a day (though the longer the better). Know what dry-aging is. Dry-aging your meat is the natural way to cause enzymatic tenderization. Enzymes in the meat will break muscle fiber down and make the cut more tender, and more flavorful, as the meat ages. Note, however, that this process can take 20 or more days. Know what meats are ideal for dry-aging. You want to look for large cuts of meats that are cooked using a quick cooking method. This means the porterhouse steak, New York strip steak, and rib steak the best cuts for dry-aging. It is important that you get a really large cut--you will not be able to dry-age individual steaks, as you will need to cut away the exterior before you cook your meat, and a small steak will wither down to next to nothing if you dry-age it. If you are dry-aging ribs, go for the 109A (which is a cut of rib--ask your butcher and he will know what you are talking about). It is a cut that has had chine bone almost entirely sawed off, but the fat cap is put back on. Set up your aging station. You will either need space in your refrigerator, or your own mini-fridge that you can use solely for aging meat. A mini-fridge is really the best way to go, as dry-aging meat can get a little smelly and may stink up your normal fridge. You will also need to add a small fan to your fridge--a normal desk fan will work fine. Cut a hole in the fridge door's seal so that you can run your fan's cord through it. The fan is important because it helps to create an even dry-aging environment that will result in a piece of meat that is evenly dried on all sides. Place your piece of meat on a rack. Your meat must be aged on a rack rather than on a plate or directly on the surface of your fridge. The plate does not allow your meat to dehydrate and could very easily result in your meat rotting away. Give your meat time to tenderize. Generally, you will want to shoot for a minimum of 20 days of aging. 14 to 28 days is generally the average time restaurants take to age their steaks. 28 to 45 days is when really intense flavor starts to emerge and the meat gets very tender. Anything after 45 and the flavor gets incredibly strong (some would even say too strong) but that really depends on your preferences in flavor. Trim your meat down. When you dry-age meat, you will need to trim it down before you eat it and cook it. You will want to cut your meat down into individual steaks.

Place your cut of meat on a cutting board. Choose your tenderizing tool. Tenderize your meat. Understand how tenderizing meat with heat works. Choose your heat tenderizer. Tenderize your meat slowly. Know what enzymatic tenderizing is. Know which sort of fruits contain these enzymes. Add a tablespoon or two of the pureed fruit of your choice. Place your meat in a pan, bowl, or resealable bag. Know what dry-aging is. Know what meats are ideal for dry-aging. Set up your aging station. Place your piece of meat on a rack. Give your meat time to tenderize. Trim your meat down.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Condom

How to Use a Condom

To use a male condom, take the condom out of the packaging and pinch the tip at the center between two fingers. Then, hold the condom at the tip of your erect penis and roll the edges down the shaft of your penis until the condom is completely on. If the condom breaks, throw it away and start over with a new one. After you ejaculate, pull the condom off of your penis and tie the open end in a knot. Throw the condom away in a trash can.

Store condoms safely. Condoms can become brittle and more likely to break if you don't store them correctly. Condoms that are exposed to heat or light are more likely to tear. Don't keep condoms in your back pocket, wallet, or glovebox. If you think you may get lucky, put a couple in your wallet or car right before you hit the town. Don't leave them there for days or weeks. Store condoms in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep condoms in their wrappers until you're ready to use them. Check the condom package. Before you purchase condoms, check the expiration date printed on the box. You should also double check the date stamped on the wrapper before you use it. If it's expired, toss it out. Never use an expired condom. It could tear or fail. Check out the wrapper for any signs of obvious rips or tears. If the package is torn or ripped, toss the condom out and use a new one. If the condom is sticky, brittle, or looks discolored, toss it out and use a new one. Put the condom on before your penis touches your partner’s genitals at all. Men produce fluid known as pre-ejaculate (“pre-cum”) that can transmit STDs and, in some cases, contains sperm that can lead to pregnancy (though this is unlikely). Before you play, wrap it up. You should also put on a condom before oral sex, anal sex, or oral-anal contact. You can contract an STD from oral sex, so it's important to still use a condom for these activities. A condom can be cut open to cover a woman's vulva during oral sex or to cover the anus during oral-anal contact. You may also want to put on a condom before mutual masturbation. This will keep fluids from getting on your hands that could easily be transmitted to your partner's genitals or mouth. If you are using a sex toy, use a condom on the toy as well. The materials used to make some of the toys are not always safe to use in your body (like plastics containing phthalates). It can be hard to keep toys clean, meaning bacteria can build up, especially on toys made of porous materials. Open the condom wrapper using the easy-tear edges. Push the condom away from the edge you plan to tear, and use the easy-tear edges. These are the zig-zag edges on either side of the wrapper that are designed to tear apart quickly and easily. Don't get carried away in your passion. Don't shred open the foil, and stay away from scissors, teeth, machetes, or any other sharp instrument to open a condom wrapper, or you could tear the condom itself! A torn condom won't protect against pregnancy or STDs. If it's your last condom and you destroy it, party's over! Determine which way the condom is rolled. This can be difficult to do, particularly if you're in the dark. However, checking by sight is the safest way to determine which way the condom is rolled, so you don't risk unrolling it too far or tearing it with your fingers. If the condom is right-side-out, there will be a lip or rim on the edge. If it's inside-out, the edge will be smooth. You can use your fingers to help you: Place the condom on your thumb, but don't unroll it. Let it balance there like a little hat. Run your pointer finger down the side of the condom, from the tip to the edge. If your finger catches on the rim, it is right-side-out. If your finger slides smoothly off the rim, then it is inside-out. If the condom is inside out, hold the rim of the condom with the inside-out tip pointing towards your mouth. Blow on the tip to invert it and turn it right-side-out. Cautionary tale: don't unroll the condom, as unraveling it will reduce the condom's efficacy—and make it frustratingly difficult to put on. Make sure the reservoir at the tip of the condom is pointing in the right direction. This reservoir should already be on the outer tip of the condom, but it can sometimes become inverted during packaging. Make sure the reservoir is oriented so that the rest of the condom rolls away from it. Lube it up. Consider placing a small drop of water-based lubricant inside the reservoir. This can make the condom easier to apply, especially if you are uncircumcised. Make sure this is a very small drop, as you don't want to compete with the sperm for space inside the reservoir tip. Do not apply lotion, baby oil, petroleum jelly, or oil-based lube, as it will degrade and weaken the latex. Make sure the penis is fully erect. A condom should always fit snugly over a penis, leaving no tight or baggy spots. If rolled over a penis that is not yet fully erect, it will fit awkwardly and be more likely to fall off or tear during sex. The condom should go from the package to your genitals relatively quickly. Don't unwrap the condom until you are fully erect and ready to use it. Never try to reuse a condom. Pinch the entire reservoir at the tip of the condom shut. This eliminates the possibility of creating an air pocket inside the condom when it is worn, reducing the chance of breakage and providing the semen with a place to go during ejaculation. Roll the condom on. The condom should easily unroll down the length of the shaft. If it turns out that you are trying to put the condom on backwards, throw it away and start over. An erect penis produces fluid prior to ejaculation (called “pre-cum”) that can contain sperm. If a condom has been exposed to this fluid, flipping it over and re-applying it may cause pregnancy and/or the transmission of an STD. To apply the condom, follow these steps: Pinching the reservoir shut with one hand, place the condom against the tip of the erect penis. With your other hand, push your pubic hair out of the way if necessary. Then, gently roll the condom down the entire shaft of the penis, smoothing out any air bubbles that may appear. Follow these same steps for putting a condom on a sex toy. Smooth lubricant over the condom if necessary. Sexual lubrication decreases the risk of damage to not only the condom, but also reduces friction and increases pleasure for those having sex. Some lubricants even contain spermicides that can help reduce the risk of pregnancy. However, spermicides can increase the risk of transmitting an STD. If your condom isn't already lubricated, apply it to both the condom and the other partner, particularly if you are engaging in anal sex. Do not over-apply lube, as too much may cause the condom to fall off and friction is necessary for stimulation. Again, Never apply an oil- or petroleum-based lubricant to a latex condom , as these can cause it to deteriorate. Water- and silicon-based lubricants are both safe to use with latex, but water-based lube washes off more easily and won't stain your sheets. Check the condom periodically during use for breaks. If a condom breaks or comes off during sex, replace it immediately and consider using emergency contraception such as the emergency contraception pill. An emergency contraception pill (sometimes called the morning-after pill) prevents pregnancy before it happens by delaying ovulation or blocking fertilization; it is not an "abortion pill." Replace the condom if alternating between different types of sex. If switching from anal to vaginal sex, for example, switch condoms to reduce the risk of infection. For example, e. coli from the rectum can cause bladder infections or a severe vaginal infection. If the penis goes from anus to mouth, that can cause a serious infection in the stomach. You should also replace the condom if you are using it on a sex toy that you're sharing between partners. Basically, if the condom has your fluids in or on it, change it out before sharing. Withdraw the penis and remove the condom immediately after ejaculation. Grasp the bottom of the condom with your hand and withdraw, preventing the condom from slipping off or spilling. Do not allow the penis to go flaccid within the condom before withdrawal, as this can cause the condom to fall off and remain inside the partner. Dispose of the condom discreetly. Tie the open end in a knot to prevent spillage, wrap it in toilet paper or tissue, and throw it in a trash can. Don't flush condoms down the toilet. Most septic systems can't handle them, and they may clog up the toilet. Check the condom package. Before purchasing, check the expiration date on the package. Then, before use, make sure you also check the expiration date printed on the condom wrapper. If it's expired, toss it out. Never use an expired condom. It could tear or fail. Check out the wrapper for any signs of obvious rips or tears. If the package is torn or ripped, toss the condom out and use a new one. Insert the condom before vaginal or anal sex. Female condoms are polyurethane or nitrile pouches with flexible rings at each end that you insert into the vagina or anus. They collect pre-cum and semen, preventing pregnancy and reducing the transmission of STDs. Female condoms don't protect women during oral sex. For that, you will need to use a dental dam, or a condom that is cut open. Don't use a female condom and a male condom at the same time. It doesn't provide twice the protection — in fact, it can cause breakage in either or both condoms. Open the condom wrapper using the easy-tear edges. These are the zig-zag edges on either side of the wrapper that are designed to tear apart quickly and easily. Don't get carried away in your passion. Don't shred open the package, and stay away from scissors, teeth, machetes, or any other sharp instrument to open a condom wrapper, or you could tear the condom itself! A torn condom won't protect against pregnancy or STDs. Female condoms are more expensive than male condoms, at about $4 apiece. Get into a comfortable position. Many women find it easy to stand with a foot on a chair, lie down, squat, or raise one leg up. You'll find out what works best for you with a little practice. Squeeze the inner ring at the closed end of the condom. Female condoms have a flexible ring at each end. One end will be closed, a lot like a male condom. Pinch the ring at the closed end of the condom with your thumb and middle finger so it narrows. The open end should be hanging down. Insert the inner ring into the vagina. If you've used tampons before, this is the same process. Squeezing the ring to keep it narrow, insert the closed end of the condom as far as it will go. Insert your index finger into the condom and push it gently into your vagina. Be very careful if you have long nails — tearing the condom will render it ineffective. You should feel it meet resistance at some point. That's a sign you've reached your cervix. Make sure the condom is not twisted inside your vagina. Pull out your fingers. If you've inserted the condom correctly, the outer ring should be hanging about an inch outside your vagina. It is possible to use the same method to insert a female condom into your anus for anal sex; however, the easiest way is to remove the inner ring and place the female condom on the penis (or sex toy). The penis is then inserted into the anus. Apply water-based lubricant to the penis or sex toy. Regardless of what's going into your vagina (or anus), adding some lubricant will help reduce friction. This makes it less likely for the condom to tear. Because female condoms are made from polyurethane or nitrile (a synthetic latex) and not latex, it is safe to use oil-based, water-based, or silicon-based lube with a female condom. Guide the penis or sex toy inside you. It's important to use your hand to guide the penis or sex toy inside you so that it doesn't end up sliding outside the condom pouch. Stop immediately if something goes wrong. You should stop having sex immediately, remove the condom, and insert a new female condom if any of these things happen: The condom slips The penis or sex toy enters your vagina (or anus) outside the condom pouch during sex The outer ring of the condom enters the vagina You may wish to consider using emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) if your partner has ejaculated inside your vagina, on the vaginal opening, or if semen drips from the anus onto the vaginal opening. Remove the condom slowly. Squeeze the outer ring closed with two fingers. Gently slide the condom out of your vagina or anus. Don't yank or tug on it, as this could break the condom. Dispose of the condom discreetly. Tie the open end in a knot to prevent spillage. Wrap it in toilet paper or tissue, and throw it in a trash can. Don't flush condoms down the toilet. Most septic systems can't handle them, and they may clog up the toilet. Don't reuse female condoms. Sure, they're expensive — but accidental pregnancy or an STD costs way more.

Store condoms safely. Check the condom package. Put the condom on before your penis touches your partner’s genitals at all. Open the condom wrapper using the easy-tear edges. Determine which way the condom is rolled. Make sure the reservoir at the tip of the condom is pointing in the right direction. Lube it up. Make sure the penis is fully erect. Pinch the entire reservoir at the tip of the condom shut. Roll the condom on. Smooth lubricant over the condom if necessary. Check the condom periodically during use for breaks. Replace the condom if alternating between different types of sex. Withdraw the penis and remove the condom immediately after ejaculation. Dispose of the condom discreetly. Check the condom package. Insert the condom before vaginal or anal sex. Open the condom wrapper using the easy-tear edges. Get into a comfortable position. Squeeze the inner ring at the closed end of the condom. Insert the inner ring into the vagina. Pull out your fingers. Apply water-based lubricant to the penis or sex toy. Guide the penis or sex toy inside you. Stop immediately if something goes wrong. Remove the condom slowly. Dispose of the condom discreetly.

https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-360-on-Skis

How to Do a 360 on Skis

To do a grounded 360 on skis, start on a flat, gentle slope and build up a little speed. Next, crouch down slightly and spring up, using your head, arms, and shoulders to rotate your body. Keep your legs shoulder-width apart and your skis completely flat on the ground and parallel to each other throughout your turn. Remember to look up and over your shoulder until you've completed the rotation and returned to your starting point.

Start generating a little speed. You should be skiing at a bit of a slope to help get you moving. Start in flatter and easier slopes. This will give you enough speed so that you can turn without stopping, which can make you lose your balance. Crouch slightly and spring up while turning your body. Use your head, arms, and shoulders to rotate. While turning, make sure that the skis are completely flat, so that the entire surface area of the ski is touching the snow. This will not only stabilize your balance, but it will also lessen the chances of you falling. Your arms and shoulder create a lot of the spin, so really focus on using them to help you spin. Your skis should be parallel to each other throughout your turn. Keep your legs shoulder-width apart. Look up and over your shoulder throughout the turn. Keep looking over your shoulder until you've returned to your starting point. Avoid looking down at the ground. This can throw off your balance and contribute to a fall. Continue skiing down the slope. Your skis should stay on the ground through the entire rotation. Continue practicing as you ski down. Gradually add pops, or tiny jumps, during your grounded 360s. This will be good practice for eventually doing an aerial 360. Find a park jump. The park jump, or ski ramp, shouldn't be enormous when you're starting to learn 360s. Try to find one that few people are using, since you'll need to be aware of other skiers when jumping. Prepare for a straight takeoff. Your legs should be a little wider than shoulder-width apart. Balance your weight on your toes and keep your skis parallel. Lean forward with your whole body. Wind up for the jump. You should squat and twist your arms down to the side and back in the opposite direction you intend to spin. The windup is important since it creates a spring action. This is what allows your body to twist in mid-air. Jump and spin. Wait to pop up a bit and turn your skis once you're in the air. Then twist your upper body in the direction you want to spin the 360. The harder you twist, the faster you'll spin. Focus on your landing spot. At first, turn your head over your shoulder looking in the direction you are spinning. Keep your head fixed while you spin and as you release, look at where you'll land. Release the spin. Once you come around, pull your arms out and away from your body to slow down your spin. Be flexible when you land. Shift your weight forward and avoid tensing your muscles into a locked position. Remember to relax so you can absorb the landing with your hips, knees, and ankles. Try leaning forward and bending your knees slightly to soften the landing. Ski away. If you are intending to stop, stop at the side where you are out of the way of others. If you are intending to spin another 360, repeat these steps.

Start generating a little speed. Crouch slightly and spring up while turning your body. Look up and over your shoulder throughout the turn. Continue skiing down the slope. Find a park jump. Prepare for a straight takeoff. Wind up for the jump. Jump and spin. Focus on your landing spot. Release the spin. Be flexible when you land. Ski away.

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

How to Draw a Squirrel

To draw a cartoon squirrel, draw a circle for the head and a pear-shaped figure just below it for the body. When you're ready to add some details to the face and head, use pointed arcs for ears, a horizontal oval for its jaw and cheeks, a button nose, and a large tooth or two protruding from its mouth. Add a puffy tail by drawing a large letter “S” at the base of the pear. You can also add small U shapes for its arms, circles at the base of the oval body to show its haunches, and horizontal ovals for feet. When you're done sketching your squirrel, don't forget to color it grey or brown and to add some texture to show its hair.

Draw the head and the body. Draw a circle for the head and a pear-shaped figure just below it. Optional: draw a vertical line from both ends of the pear. Make sure that you are using a pencil for the draft sketch so you can erase it afterwards to make it neat. Add the ears and the jaw. Draw 2 tall pointed arcs for the ears. Add a horizontal oval at the bottom of the head. This will be the jaw or the cheek of the squirrel. Add a big letter “S”. This will be your squirrel tail. Add arm(s) and legs. Draw a circle at the base of the pear, this will be the squirrel's hip bone. Since the angle is on the ¾ view, only half of the other hip bone should appear. For the arm, add a long tilted U on the body. Add 2 set of long ovals under the each circle. This will be your squirrel's paws. Using a pen, draw on top of your sketch. Put in mind the overlapping lines and parts that should be hidden. The line art might not look perfect and crisp but it should look neat when the pencil is erased. Erase the pencil sketch and add details. You can add details like the ears, eyes, mouth, nose and fur. You can also add extra lines to emphasize the paw and the fur. Color your squirrel. Squirrel can go in different shades from orange to red or even brown or gray, all depending on the breed. Draw a big circle and a tear shaped figure on the side. This will be your squirrel's head and body. Add arm and leg joints. To do this, draw two circles. One should be bigger (the leg joint) than the other one. The circles and the head should form a slanted row of figures. Add ears and legs. Add two curved figure for the ears. Depending on the breed, you can also modify the ears a little. Some squirrels have longer and pointier ears. for the legs, add some trapezoids at each circle. There should be one trapezoid at the base of the hind leg circle, another connected to the arm/foreleg circle and a small trapezoid for the body. The smallest trapezoid is for the leg hiding behind the squirrel's body. Add tail, paws and face. Draw a big flipped “S” from the body. This would be the squirrel's tail. At the end of each trapezoid, add small triangles for the paws. For the face, add two small circles: one for the eyes and another for the nose. Using a pen, draw on top of your sketch. Put in mind the overlapping lines and parts that should be hidden. The line art might not look perfect and crisp but it should look neat when the pencil is erased. Erase the pencil sketch and add details. You can add details like the ears, eyes, mouth, nose and fur. You can also add extra lines to emphasize the paw and the fur. Color your squirrel. Squirrel can go in different shades from orange to red or even brown or gray, all depending on the breed. Sketch a big oval shape in the middle of the page. This will be the head. Sketch the ears and the eye. On each side of the upper part of the oval shape draw a small egg shape. Inside the oval shape draw a smaller oval. Under the right side of the head draw a horizontal oval shape. This will be the body. Sketch the cute little hands! Draw a big long oval overlapping a smaller oval on the upper part of the body shape. Draw a big circle and two long slim ovals over the body for the legs and feet. On the right side of the body shape draw an arched long oval. This will be the tail. Outline the shape of the cute little squirrel and add details like the eye, long slim fingers, and a lot of frizzled hair all over the body. Carefully erase the sketch lines and make the contour stronger. Add in the color and you're done! Sketch an oval shape in the middle of the page. This will be the head. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/7\/7a\/Draw-a-Squirrel-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7a\/Draw-a-Squirrel-Step-11.jpg\/v4-307px-Draw-a-Squirrel-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":459,"bigWidth":"307","bigHeight":"306","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/2.5\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Draw two pointy ovals at the upper part of the head for the ears. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/0\/0d\/Draw-a-Squirrel-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Draw-a-Squirrel-Step-12.jpg\/v4-307px-Draw-a-Squirrel-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":459,"bigWidth":"307","bigHeight":"306","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/2.5\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Inside the head draw a slim oval. This will be the eye. On the lower part of the head draw another pointy oval. This will be the mouth. Draw a vertical oval under the head, for the neck. Under the neck, draw a long oval. This will be the body. Draw a bent long oval, ending with a small circle for the hands and paws. At the end of the small circle draw a bigger one. This will be a cute acorn for the squirrel. Draw a big circle and two long slim ovals over the body for the legs and feet. On the right side of the body draw a question mark like shape. This will be the fluffy tail. Outline the shape of the squirrel and add details like the eye, a cute little nose, smiling mouth with teeth, little fingers and toes. Carefully erase the sketch lines and strengthen the contour with a pencil. Add in the color and you're done!

Draw the head and the body. Add the ears and the jaw. Add a big letter “S”. Add arm(s) and legs. Add 2 set of long ovals under the each circle. Using a pen, draw on top of your sketch. Erase the pencil sketch and add details. Color your squirrel. Draw a big circle and a tear shaped figure on the side. Add arm and leg joints. Add ears and legs. Add tail, paws and face. Using a pen, draw on top of your sketch. Erase the pencil sketch and add details. Color your squirrel. Sketch a big oval shape in the middle of the page. Sketch the ears and the eye. Under the right side of the head draw a horizontal oval shape. Sketch the cute little hands! Draw a big circle and two long slim ovals over the body for the legs and feet. On the right side of the body shape draw an arched long oval. Outline the shape of the cute little squirrel and add details like the eye, long slim fingers, and a lot of frizzled hair all over the body. Carefully erase the sketch lines and make the contour stronger. Add in the color and you're done! Sketch an oval shape in the middle of the page. Draw two pointy ovals at the upper part of the head for the ears. Draw a vertical oval under the head, for the neck. Under the neck, draw a long oval. Draw a bent long oval, ending with a small circle for the hands and paws. Draw a big circle and two long slim ovals over the body for the legs and feet. On the right side of the body draw a question mark like shape. Outline the shape of the squirrel and add details like the eye, a cute little nose, smiling mouth with teeth, little fingers and toes. Carefully erase the sketch lines and strengthen the contour with a pencil. Add in the color and you're done!

https://www.wikihow.com/Face-Problems-in-Your-Life

How to Face Problems in Your Life

Dealing with a problem in your life can feel overwhelming, but by accepting that you have a problem and finding a solution, you can manage it effectively. Accept that the problem exists, since ignoring or avoiding it will not make it go away. Research your problem so you can understand it better, which will help you come up with solutions. You could also try speaking to someone who has dealt with the same issue or contacting an expert with relevant experience. Make a step-by-step plan of how you're going to tackle your problem, which will help you break it down into manageable goals. As you achieve each step, reward yourself so you feel encouraged to keep going. For example, if your problem is that you struggle to focus on your work, take an evening to relax or watch your favorite show when you complete an important task.

Acknowledge the problem. It can be tempting to stay away from the issue that is causing you problems. However, avoiding the problem does not help solve it. Instead, accept that the problem exists and ask yourself some questions about it. What are the consequences of this problem? Who does it involve? If you don't think you have a problem, but everyone tells you there is a problem, try to see if there is truth to it. If you are having trouble admitting you have a problem, you might be in denial. For example, if you don't want to accept that a close family member is involved with drugs, you might come up with other excuses for her behavior. While denial can be useful at times by protecting your mental health, it can in other cases lead you away from dealing with the problem head on. In fact, avoidance often exacerbates the problem and doesn't provide any lasting relief. Avoiding your problem will continue to create a cycle of stress for you as it will always be weighing on the back of your mind. That said, sometimes a little escapism can be healthy. If you find yourself overwhelmed and stressed out, take a break! Watch a TV show or read a book, or engage in some other hobby you enjoy. You could even just zone out and let your mind wander! Avoid catastrophizing. Catastrophizing means to have irrational thoughts, such as exaggerating your problem by blowing it out of proportion. For example, you might think that because you failed one class it means that you will never get a good job. Catastrophizing can also mean engaging in all or none thinking (e.g., I'm either going to solve this problem or my life is over). You can avoid catastrophizing by being cognizant of when you are doing it. This requires that you monitor your own thoughts and try to check them for accuracy. You can monitor your thoughts by remembering to think about them and by asking yourself if someone else had that thought, would you think they were being accurate? Think of the origin of the problem. When did you first notice this problem? Sometimes you may not notice something until it has been going on for a long time. This might especially be true if your problem involves other people (e.g. your sister may have been involved with drugs for a long time before you noticed). If you think you know when the problem started, think about events that happened at that time. The root cause might be related to it. For example, if your grades started slipping in school after your father moved away, maybe you're having a hard time adjusting to this change. Put things into perspective. Most likely, your problem is not the end of the world: you can still carry on despite it. Every problem either has a solution or can be looked at in a different way that shows it's not really such a problem at all. For example, your problem might be that you don't manage to make it to school on time. By changing a few habits or making different transportation arrangements, this can be changed. Some things can't be changed, such as a permanent disability or the death of a loved one, but you can learn to live with it and thrive in the wake of it. Also keep in mind that people often think negative events will make them feel worse and worse for longer than they actually do. Telling yourself this isn't the end of the world doesn't mean your problem is not really a problem or is insignificant. It just helps you internalize that your problems are not insurmountable. Embrace the challenge. Your problem can be thought of as a negative thing or a thing in which you have the opportunity to rise to the occasion. For example, if you are a failing a class, you could view this as a major problem and become depressed about it. Or, you could embrace the challenge it offers. Your failing suggests you need to work harder or learn new studying and organizational strategies to succeed. You could use this problem as an opportunity to learn such skills. Dealing with problems and solving them can make you more competent and also more empathetic toward others who have their own problems. Write your problem down. Put your problem on paper with pen. This will help the problem seem more tangible and will make you more likely to try to solve it when it is written down and staring you in the face. For example, if your problem is that you don't have enough money, you could write that down. You could also write down the implications of that problem to drive home the point and motivate you to solve it. An implication of not having enough money might be that you are stressed out and that you can't enjoy the kinds of things that you would like to. If the problem isn't something private, put the list somewhere you see it so you don't forget to act on it. For example, you might put it on your fridge. Talk about the problem. Share all the relevant details of your problem with someone that you trust with the information, such as a friend, family member, teacher, or parent. At the least it can help to reduce stress.. In addition, she or he may be able to offer you advice that you hadn't thought of before. If you're going to talk to someone else who has the same problem, you will need to be tactful. Let her know that you just want to learn so you can solve it, too. Embrace your feelings. Your feelings can act as guides that let you know how your problem solving is going. Feelings are important, even the negative ones. If you feel very frustrated or angry, for example, rather than trying to brush those feelings under the rug, acknowledge them and assess their cause. By finding the source, you may also find solutions to your problem. It's okay to feel upset, angry, worried so long as you know that being upset, angry or worried won't help solve the problem. You will have to take action to solve the problem. Still, these emotions can help you realize you have a problem, as well as suggest its source. Some ways to calm down when you're feeling upset include: focusing on your breathing, count to 10 (or higher if you need to), gently talk yourself down (tell yourself "it's going to be alright," or "take it easy."). Try going for a walk or run or listening to calming music. See a counselor. If your problem involves your mental health or well-being, or is impacting either, consider looking up a mental health professional and booking an appointment. These professionals can help you cope with and solve your problems. To find a mental health professional, try this website: http://locator.apa.org/ Research the problem. Many problems are common enough to have plenty of details online. Your research can include journals or discussion forums. Behavioral, financial, academic or any other issue you may have, will most likely have been written about online. Consider talking to people who have been through something similar or are professionals in the subject related to your problem. For example, if your problem is academic related, talk to your teacher about it or another student who has already done the subject or course you're having difficulty with. Understanding how problems come to be might help you face them better. Refocusing your attention on solving the problem will help decrease unproductive emotional tendencies such as guilt and anxiety, which can stymie problem solving skills and capabilities. Seek out an expert. If your problem involves something that an expert can help with, be sure to seek one out. For example, if your problem is that you consider yourself to be overweight and want to lose some pounds, you could try the help of a nutritionist or physical trainer. Make sure that when you seek out advice, it's from a licensed professional in their field, which proves they have the skills needed to help you with your particular problem. There are people who might claim to be an expert. If they are lacking the right credentials, chances are they aren't. Look to others who solved your problem. Think of other people who have been in a similar situation and how they resolved it. Could the same way work for you? For example, if you are struggling with addiction to alcohol, you could attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and get a sense of the strategies successfully sober people used to remain that way. Try asking them how they coped with and solved the problem you share. You may find yourself so wrapped up in your problem that an obvious solution evades you, but it may not evade others. Brainstorm solutions. Make a list of possible solutions to your problem. Think of where you can start, whom you can ask for help and what resources you will need. Be sure to think of lots of solutions and not to judge them as you are thinking of them. Just write down everything that comes to mind and evaluate whether it is a good or bad solution later on. Consider the anatomy of the problem. Usually a problem is not just one problem alone - it has consequences and affects other areas of your life. Which part of the problem do you think you should address first? For example, if your problem is that you never get to go on vacation, sub-problems may be that it is difficult for you to get time off of work, and it is difficult for you to save money to be able to afford a vacation. You could address these sub-problems separately: You could cut back on eating out while simultaneously talking to your boss about how you are burnt out and could use a week off, and make a case that you would ultimately be more productive in the long run if allowed to recuperate. Evaluate your solutions. Ask yourself some questions that may help you decide whether to pursue one approach versus another. Ask yourself: Whether the solution will, in fact, solve your problem. How efficient the solution is in terms of the time and other resources it will require. How you might feel it you choose that solution relative to another solution. What the costs and benefits of the solution are. Whether this solution has worked for others in the past. Put your plan into action. Once you know what you want to do and you've gathered your resources, implement your solution and face your problem head on. If the first solution doesn't work, try your plan B or go back to the drawing board and make one. The important thing is to keep going until you've successfully conquered the problem. As you engage in your plan, reward yourself for your small successes so you are more likely to stick with it when the going gets tough! Resist the temptation to avoid your problems if your plans don't work. Remember not to catastrophize –just because one solution didn't solve the problem, that doesn't mean there isn't another method to solve your problem.

Acknowledge the problem. Avoid catastrophizing. Think of the origin of the problem. Put things into perspective. Embrace the challenge. Write your problem down. Talk about the problem. Embrace your feelings. See a counselor. Research the problem. Seek out an expert. Look to others who solved your problem. Brainstorm solutions. Evaluate your solutions. Put your plan into action.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Cloth-Diapers

How to Use Cloth Diapers

To use cloth diapers, start by buying enough diapers to last 2 to 3 days. Make sure to wash the diapers before using them to make them more absorbent. Additionally, change a cloth diaper as soon as it feels wet, and if it's a poopy diaper, shake anything solid into the toilet, rinse the diaper as best you can, and place it in a diaper pail. In order to clean the diapers, run them through a cold rinse cycle followed by a hot wash and extra rinse cycle before drying them completely.

Change your baby's cloth diaper as soon as you notice it's wet or soiled. The longer you leave a dirty diaper in place, the more likely it is to eventually leak. Keeping urine or feces against your baby's skin also increases the likelihood of diaper rash. And it's just plain uncomfortable for them! If you smell urine or feces or see a bulging diaper, it's time for a change. If you're not sure, don't be shy — take a whiff from close up or a peek beneath the diaper. A newborn can easily go through a dozen or more clean diapers per day, so plan to check at least every hour or two. Remove a wet diaper and place it in a diaper pail for washing. Most modern cloth diaper manufacturers recommend using a “dry pail,” with no added liquid beyond any rinse water in the diaper itself. Rinsing a (wet-only) diaper before you put it in the pail isn't necessary, but it may help reduce the odor of urine. Sprinkling baking soda in the pail can also help. Some cloth diaper proponents still use the “wet pail” method, in which some water (and perhaps cleaners or anti-odor agents) are kept in the pail with the dirty diapers. This method may degrade cloth diaper components (like seams or hook-and-loop closures) more quickly, though, and is not generally recommended by manufacturers. Do not leave the child alone on a changing table while you rinse a diaper off. Unless you have a helper, take care of that after you finish the diaper change. Remove a soiled diaper and clean the baby's bottom with a soft, damp wipe. Poopy diapers require a bit more effort than just wet ones, but it's not so tough that you should say “forget it” and stick with disposable diapers. Just be sure not to leave the baby alone on a changing table while you deal with the dirty diaper — do that later if necessary. Shake solid feces into the toilet, and/or scrape off unformed poop with a spatula, plastic spoon, or other tool that is set aside for that specific purpose. Flush. Rinse the diaper to remove as much poop as you can, and place the diaper in the pail for washing. If your baby is having only breast milk, there is no need to rinse or dump because breast milk will be broken down in the wash washer. Instead of rinsing in the sink (or dunking in the toilet), you can buy a diaper sprayer attachment that easily connects to the water line for your toilet. Put a clean cloth diaper on your baby. The exact process will vary based on the type of diaper you use, but nearly all modern types are simple and rely on hook-and-loop or snap closures (not sharp safety pins!). Allow your baby's bottom to air dry for around 15-30 seconds before applying the new diaper — you can fan them with your hand or the clean diaper to speed the drying process. If you choose to apply a diaper cream, use one that is designed for cloth diapers. Others may interfere with the absorbent qualities of the cloth. Wash new diapers before their first use. All types of cloth diapers need to be prepped before using. Some are fine to wash and dry once before using, but others made from natural cotton need to be washed and dried about 5 times in a row to remove the natural oils. Otherwise, they will not absorb liquids as well. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Remove any diaper inserts, such as a soaking pad, before you wash them. Refer to the instructions included with the specific type of disposable diaper you're using. In virtually every case, though, if the diaper has more than one component, separate them before washing. Run the diapers through a cold rinse cycle first. This will help prevent stains from setting in, and will rinse out most of the urine. Don't add any detergent yet. You can do this rinse by hand if necessary. Follow up with a hot wash and extra rinse cycle. If possible, use a laundry soap that is marketed specifically as cloth diaper-friendly. Most eco-conscious brands will do, since they usually lack the fragrances and enzymes that can cause residue buildup on the cloth. Such residues can cause cloth diapers to leak. Check to see if your diaper manufacturer recommends any specific detergents. If necessary, add an oxygenated bleach, not chlorine bleach. Also, instead of adding a residue-creating fabric softener, you can (if desired) add white vinegar to the wash. Dry the diapers completely before using them again. It may be possible to put some cloth diaper types in the dryer, but it's always preferable to air dry them if you can. The diapers will last longer this way, and your dryer won't be using up electricity and/or gas. PUL (polyurethane laminate) covers always need to be air dried. Check the care instructions for your particular diaper brand. Wool covers must be hand washed in cold water and air dried. Test a few options before you buy a batch of cloth diapers. Cloth diapers come in many different forms and with many unique features. Talk to other parents who've used cloth diapers for their insights — even see if you can borrow a few samples to try out. Ask other parents questions like "Which of these did you find prevents leaks better?" or "How hard is it to undo and re-do these snaps if the baby is fussy?" Just as no two babies are exactly alike, no single diaper type is best for every baby. The only sure way to know what works best in your case is to try out several types. Try all-in-one diapers (AIOs) first if you're used to disposables. AIO are the closest reusable analogue to disposable diapers — you just wash them instead of tossing them. They are made with the absorbent cloth inside next to your baby's skin, and a PUL (polyurethane laminate) cover attached to the outside. Use pre-fold diapers for simplicity and classic appeal. These are the diapers that your great-grandmother would most easily recognize. Pre-folds are rectangular in shape and divide by length into three sections. Follow the included directions and markings that show you how and where to fold the diaper. Use a “snappi” (a flexible plastic harness with gripping "teeth") to hold the diaper together (or, if you insist, safety pins), or place a diaper cover that snaps over it. Try a pocket diaper for extra protection against wetness. This type of diaper has become increasingly popular in recent years, though it isn't necessarily any easier to deal with than other cloth diapers. These diapers have a waterproof exterior and a pocket where you put the removable insert, which will be either washable or disposable. Shop for extra inserts (also called soakers) of various thicknesses. Thicker inserts provide the baby with extra protection for nap and nighttime. If fashion plays into your decision-making, pocket diaper exteriors often come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Use a fitted cloth diaper for heavy wetters. These diapers can be perfect for nighttime because the front, back, and side tabs hold pee in spots where some other reusable types don't. They usually fasten with snaps or hook-and-loop (e.g., Velcro) closures, and are easy to take on and off. Fitted diapers need a waterproof cover. Wool diaper covers are great for nighttime use instead of a PUL cover. Just be sure to read about washing and applying lanolin to waterproof them. Buy enough diapers to last 2 or 3 days. A typical newborn requires 10 to 12 changes per day, and older infants and toddlers often need 8 to 10 changes. If you're switching to cloth from disposable diapers, count your average daily diapers used over several days. You won't need more than three days' worth of diapers, because by that point your diaper pail will be overflowing with dirty diapers waiting for a wash. Expect to wash diapers every other day. Never leave dirty diapers unwashed for more than three days. Purchase some disposable diapers to supplement your reusables. While it's a noble goal to completely eliminate the use of disposables, they are nice to have around in certain cases. For instance, you may unavoidably fall behind on your diaper washing and need a quick, clean option. Or, you may need to use a babysitter or daycare center that's more comfortable with (or requires) disposables. You may think you'll need to use disposables when you're away from home (for instance, when out shopping), but it's really not any more difficult to use cloth diapers when on the road. Just make sure to bring along a dirty diaper storage bag that seals securely (you can purchase these alongside cloth diapering supplies). Seek out secondhand cloth diapers. Don't get grossed out by the thought of using another baby's old diapers. Look at it like using secondhand baby clothes — if they're clean and in good shape, they're perfectly safe and fine to use. If, however, they're heavily stained, torn or frayed, or any of the snaps or other closure mechanisms are worn or damaged, don't use them. Play it safe and wash the diapers yourself before using them. Pay attention to sizing. Just as with disposables, most reusable diapers come in different sizes based on the baby's age and weight. Use age as a general guideline, but focus primarily on the weight category in order to get the best fit for your child. Regular leaks are a good sign that the diapers you're using are either too big or too small. Some cloth brands offer a "one-size" diaper that will fit from right after the newborn stage until potty training. These can save you money (because they'll fit longer), but may not necessarily provide the same level of fit and leak protection. Try one out and see how it works for you. Buy necessary accessories. These include diaper covers, extra inserts, diaper liners, “snappis” or pins, cloth diaper-safe rash cream, and a pail or bucket with a lid to store the dirty diapers. Keep in mind the two-to-three day diaper supply plan. This means you don't need a box full of diaper pins or a giant pail that could hold a week's worth of diapers. Consider repurposing cloth diapers after your baby's done with them. Some parents use them for burp cloths, bibs, and changing pads, among many possibilities. Or, lend, give, sell, or donate them so someone else can become a cloth diaper convert!

Change your baby's cloth diaper as soon as you notice it's wet or soiled. Remove a wet diaper and place it in a diaper pail for washing. Remove a soiled diaper and clean the baby's bottom with a soft, damp wipe. Put a clean cloth diaper on your baby. Wash new diapers before their first use. Remove any diaper inserts, such as a soaking pad, before you wash them. Run the diapers through a cold rinse cycle first. Follow up with a hot wash and extra rinse cycle. Dry the diapers completely before using them again. Test a few options before you buy a batch of cloth diapers. Try all-in-one diapers (AIOs) first if you're used to disposables. Use pre-fold diapers for simplicity and classic appeal. Try a pocket diaper for extra protection against wetness. Use a fitted cloth diaper for heavy wetters. Buy enough diapers to last 2 or 3 days. Purchase some disposable diapers to supplement your reusables. Seek out secondhand cloth diapers. Pay attention to sizing. Buy necessary accessories. Consider repurposing cloth diapers after your baby's done with them.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Frozen-Salmon

How to Cook Frozen Salmon

To cook frozen salmon, start by pulling the salmon out of the freezer and rinsing it off with some cool water. After it is rinsed, pat the salmon dry with some paper towels and then brush both sides with some olive oil. To cook it in a pan, preheat a pan to medium high and then place the salmon skin-side up on the pan to let it sear. After 3 or 4 minutes, flip the salmon and sprinkle on your desired seasonings. Then, lower the heat to medium and cover the pan, letting the salmon cook for 7-8 minutes or until light pink.

Preheat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C) and rinse 2 salmon fillets under cold water. Remove 2 frozen salmon fillets from their packaging and rinse them under the tap just until pieces of ice melt off. Pat the salmon dry and brush each side with melted butter. Use a paper towel to pat the moisture off of the fillets. Then, melt 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of butter into a small dish and dip a pastry brush into it. Brush each side of the salmon with the butter. If you prefer to use a different cooking fat, you could use regular olive (also called light), canola, or coconut oil. Put the fillets skin-side down into a pan and season the fish. You can use any herbs or spices you like. For a simple seasoning, sprinkle 1 teaspoon (5 g) of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of dried thyme over the fillets. Cover the baking dish and cook the salmon for 10 minutes. Cover the baking dish tightly so no steam can escape as the fish cooks. Put the dish in the preheated oven and cook the salmon until it releases liquid. Covering the pan as the fish starts to cook will help it stay tender and prevent it from drying out. Uncover the salmon and bake it for another 20 to 25 minutes. Wear oven mitts to peel the sheet of aluminum foil off of the dish and ensure that the escaping steam doesn't burn you. Roast the uncovered salmon until it reaches 145 °F (63 °C) with an instant-read thermometer. If your fillets are thin [under 1 inch (2.5 cm)], check them after 20 minutes. Wait until closer to 25 minutes if the fillets are over 1 ⁄ 2 inches (3.8 cm) thick. Remove the salmon and rest it for 3 minutes before serving. Set the baking dish on a rack and leave the fish to rest. The fillets will finish cooking and will reabsorb some of the liquid. Then, transfer the fillets to plates and serve the fish with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a garden salad. Refrigerate leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Heat a skillet over medium-high and rinse 2 salmon fillets under cold water. Set a heavy skillet on the stove and turn the burner on while you get the salmon out of the freezer. Remove it from the packaging. Run cold water in the sink and hold the fillets under the tap until pieces of ice melt off of the fish. You can use a nonstick or cast-iron skillet. Pat the salmon fillets with a paper towel and brush them with oil. Dry each side of the salmon with the paper towel and set them on a plate. Then, brush each side with olive oil. This will season the salmon and prevent it from sticking to the skillet. Drying the salmon will help the skin crisp in the skillet. Place the fillets in the skillet and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes. Lay the salmon into the hot skillet so they're flesh-side down. Keep the lid off of the skillet and cook the salmon over medium-high heat until the flesh has browned. You can carefully shake the pan a few times as the salmon cooks to loosen the salmon and keep it from sticking. Flip the fillets and season them. Use a spatula to carefully flip each fillet over in the skillet. Then, sprinkle the fish with 2 teaspoons (4 g) of equal amounts of onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if you'd like a smoky, spicy flavor. Alternatively, you could use your favorite spice blend, such as Old Bay, cajun seasoning, or dry barbecue rub. Cover the skillet and cook the salmon for 5 to 8 minutes over medium heat. Set the lid on the skillet so it traps moisture and prevents the fish from drying out. Then, turn the burner down to medium and cook the fish until it's flaky in the center. To ensure the fish is done, you can insert an instant-read thermometer to see if the fish reaches 145 °F (63 °C). Rest the salmon for 3 minutes before you serve it. Move the fillets to serving plates and get out side dishes while the fish rests. Try serving the pan-seared salmon with stir-fried vegetables, roasted potatoes, or wild rice. Refrigerate leftover salmon in an airtight container. You can store the fish for up to 3 to 4 days. Heat a gas or charcoal grill to high. If you're using a gas grill, turn the burners to high. If you're using a charcoal grill, fill a chimney with briquettes and light them. Dump the briquettes onto the grill once they're hot and lightly covered with ash. If you'd like your salmon to have a smoked flavor, add a handful of soaked woodchips to the grill. Rinse 2 frozen salmon fillets under cold water. Get out 2 fillets that are about 4 to 6 ounces (110 to 170 g) each and remove them from their packaging. Run cold tap water and hold the fillets under the water so ice on the surface of the fish melts. You can also use salmon steaks that are around the same size. Pat the salmon dry and brush it with olive oil. Take a paper towel and pat each side of the salmon with it to remove moisture. Pour 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil into a small dish and dip a pastry brush into it. Brush each side of the salmon with the oil. If you don't have olive oil, use vegetable, canola, or coconut oil, since these can withstand the high heat of the grill. The oil will prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill grate. Season your salmon with 1 tablespoon (6 g) of a dry rub. You can use your favorite seasoning rub or mix up a barbecue dry rub. Combine 1 teaspoon (4 g) of brown sugar with 1 teaspoon (2 g) of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of garlic powder, and a pinch of ground black pepper. Lay the salmon on the grill and cook it for 3 to 4 minutes. Place the fish skin-side down on the grate and put the lid on the grill. Leave the salmon to cook without turning it or lifting the lid. The skin shouldn't stick to the grill because you oiled it. Flip the salmon and grill it for another 3 to 4 minutes. Wear oven mitts to lift off the lid and use a spatula to carefully flip each fillet over. Put the lid back on the grill and let the fish finish cooking. You should see definite grill marks on the salmon skin once you flip it over. Remove the salmon once it reaches 145 °F (63 °C) and rest it for 3 minutes. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a salmon fillet. You can transfer the fish to a serving platter once the fish reaches 145 °F (63 °C) and let it rest a few minutes while you get side dishes ready. Store leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Preheat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C) and rinse 2 salmon fillets under cold water. Pat the salmon dry and brush each side with melted butter. Put the fillets skin-side down into a pan and season the fish. Cover the baking dish and cook the salmon for 10 minutes. Uncover the salmon and bake it for another 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the salmon and rest it for 3 minutes before serving. Heat a skillet over medium-high and rinse 2 salmon fillets under cold water. Pat the salmon fillets with a paper towel and brush them with oil. Place the fillets in the skillet and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the fillets and season them. Cover the skillet and cook the salmon for 5 to 8 minutes over medium heat. Rest the salmon for 3 minutes before you serve it. Heat a gas or charcoal grill to high. Rinse 2 frozen salmon fillets under cold water. Pat the salmon dry and brush it with olive oil. Season your salmon with 1 tablespoon (6 g) of a dry rub. Lay the salmon on the grill and cook it for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the salmon and grill it for another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the salmon once it reaches 145 °F (63 °C) and rest it for 3 minutes.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Fabric-Softener-Stains

How to Remove Fabric Softener Stains

To remove fabric softener stains, start by dampening the stain with hot or warm water. Next, rub a bar or white soap or a few drops of dish soap back and forth on the stain so that it become embedded in the fibers. Once the stain is covered with soap, wash the item in your washing machine as usual. If the stain is particularly stubborn and won't come out with soap and water, try wetting the stain and rubbing some liquid laundry detergent onto it. Then, let the garment soak for a few minutes before washing it in the washing machine.

Wet the stain on your clothing with warm or hot water. Check the tag and use the hottest water safe for the item of clothing you're treating. If you're supposed to wash the garment using cool water only, use cold water instead so you won't warp your clothing. Grab a plain bar of soap. Choose a white bar that doesn't contain dyes, scents, lotions or other additives. You want plain, old-fashioned bar soap. If you don't have a plain bar of soap on hand, try the following: A few drops of dish soap A few drops of shampoo A few drops of body wash Rub the stain with the soap. Press the soap firmly onto the stain and rub it back and forth so that the soap gets embedded in the clothing fibers. If you're using dish soap, shampoo or body wash, use your finger to rub the soap into the stain. Wash the garment in your washing machine. Use the type of cycle appropriate for the garment you're using. Don't add fabric softener this time! Dry the garment as normal. Once the drying cycle is finished, the stain should be completely gone. If you still see a fabric softener stain, repeat the process. Wet the stain on your clothing with warm or hot water. Check the tag and use the hottest water safe for the item of clothing you're treating. If you're supposed to wash the garment using cool water only, use cold water instead so you won't warp your clothing. Rub liquid detergent into the stain. Concentrated liquid detergent is powerful stuff, and it should take the stain right out. Use it only for fabric softener stains that are especially large or stubborn. Let it soak. Leave the garment for a few minutes to let the detergent soak into the stain as a type of pretreatment. Wash the garment in the hottest water that is safe. Use hot water if possible, but if the garment says "cold water only," you'll have to go with that to prevent damage from occurring. Add the same detergent into the washing machine that you used for pretreatment of the stain. Dry the garment as normal. Once the drying cycle is finished, the stain should be completely gone. If you still see a fabric softener stain, repeat the process. Follow the instructions on the back of your fabric softener. Many stains occur as a result of improperly following instructions. If you use too much fabric softener, for example, the residue could end up leaving stains. Consider diluting your fabric softener. Concentrated fabric softener is more likely to stain than a diluted version. To dilute, pour your fabric softener into the dispenser, then pour in the same amount of water (such as one capful). The diluted softener won't leave a residue on your clothes. Don't pour it directly onto your clothes. If your washing machine doesn't have a dispenser, wait until the machine has filled with water before adding the fabric softener. Pouring it over dry clothes will be more likely to leave a stain. Use white vinegar as a natural fabric softener. It does the same job without leaving stains. Just pour a cup of white vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser when you do your laundry. The smell will go away after your wash and dry cycles are finished.

Wet the stain on your clothing with warm or hot water. Grab a plain bar of soap. Rub the stain with the soap. Wash the garment in your washing machine. Dry the garment as normal. Wet the stain on your clothing with warm or hot water. Rub liquid detergent into the stain. Let it soak. Wash the garment in the hottest water that is safe. Dry the garment as normal. Follow the instructions on the back of your fabric softener. Consider diluting your fabric softener. Don't pour it directly onto your clothes. Use white vinegar as a natural fabric softener.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Popsocket

How to Remove a Popsocket

If you need to remove a popsocket from your phone, push down on the top of the popsocket to ensure it's not expanded. Work your fingernails under the base of the popsocket, then slowly peel the popsocket off of your phone. If your fingernails won't fit, try sliding a few inches of dental floss under the popsocket instead.

Push the top of the popsocket down if it’s expanded. Don't try to remove the popsocket from your device while it is still expanded. The popsocket could potentially detach from its base during the removal process. Work your fingernails under the base of the popsocket. Press your fingernails against the sides of the popsocket's base and push until you can feel them sliding underneath. You don't need to push very far—just enough until you have a good grasp on the popsocket. You should already be able to feel the base of the popsocket pulling away from your phone. Slide a few inches of dental floss under your popsocket if your fingernails won't fit under the base. Pull the popsocket off of your phone slowly. Grip the popsocket lightly as you pull. Work slowly and gently until the popsocket comes off. Try peeling the popsocket off, starting from one side and pulling toward the other. Run the base of the popsocket under cold water for 3 seconds. Your popsocket is small and already very sticky, so you won't need a lot of water to clean it and help it restick. Too much water could lengthen its drying time past the 15 minute limit and ruin its stickiness. Let the popsocket dry for around 10 minutes. Leave your popsocket out in the open air to dry naturally. Lay it on a paper or cloth towel with the sticky side facing up. Avoid letting your popsocket sit out for any longer than 15 minutes. Otherwise, it will lose its ability to stick. If your popsocket still isn't dry after 10 minutes, wipe the base gently with a paper towel. Stick the popsocket back onto your phone or another flat surface. Any clean, flat surface will do. However, keep in mind that a popsocket may not stick as well to surfaces made from leather or silicone, or waterproof surfaces. Mirrors, windows, tablets, and smartphones are the best surfaces to attach a popsocket to. Let your popsocket rest for around 1 hour before expanding or closing it. This will give it enough time to fully adhere to your phone again.

Push the top of the popsocket down if it’s expanded. Work your fingernails under the base of the popsocket. Pull the popsocket off of your phone slowly. Run the base of the popsocket under cold water for 3 seconds. Let the popsocket dry for around 10 minutes. Stick the popsocket back onto your phone or another flat surface.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Lemon-Juice

How to Make Lemon Juice

To make lemon juice, cut your lemons in half and twist them on a citrus squeezer to drain any juice from the fruit. If you don't have a citrus squeezer, you can also try hand squeezing the lemons or using a food processor. Finally, combine the lemon juice with water and sugar for a refreshing glass of lemonade.

Cut the lemons lengthwise in half with a sharp knife. Most people cut across the width of a lemon. Instead of doing that, make a vertical cut down the center of each lemon. It makes the lemon halves easier to squeeze, allowing you to get a little more juice out of them. Squeeze the juice out into a bowl if you’re doing it by hand. Place the bowl on a countertop and juice the lemon halves into it one at a time. Most of the juice will flood out after a gentle squeeze. After the juice stops flowing, apply more pressure to wring out the remaining drops. Finish by poking the cut part of the lemon with a fork and twisting to remove any remaining juice. Filter out the seeds by holding a strainer over the bowl as you squeeze each lemon half. Otherwise, you will need to pick out the seeds and bits of pulp that fall into the bowl. Crush the lemon in a citrus press as an alternative. Position the lemon with the cut side down. Press the handles together to crush the juice out. If you have a round juicer, push the cut end of the lemon onto the plastic spike in the center. Spin the lemon back and forth while pushing down on it. A citrus press is the easier type of juicer to use. The spinning press can lead to pith in the juice, so filter it over a strainer if you wish to remove it. Put the lemon in an electric juicer if you don’t mind pulp. Electric juicers are similar to the spiked manual ones. Push the cut end of the lemon onto the spike in the center, then turn on the juicer. The spike rotates to make as much juice as possible. The only downside is that it also cuts up the pith you may not want in your juice. If you need to remove the pith, you can pour the juice through a strainer. Some blenders and stand mixers have juicer attachments. Connect the attachment to your device for a quick way to create lemon juice! Mix water or sugar into the juice if it tastes too sour. The juice is finished once you're done squeezing, especially if you used big, juicy lemons that aren't very acidic. Taste the juice to see if it's the way you want it. If it seems too strong, mix in about 1 teaspoon (4 grams) of sugar for each lemon you used. You could also add up to 1 cup (240 mL) of water per lemon to dilute the juice. Sugar and water make the juice much easier to drink or cook with, especially if it tastes very tart or acidic. Keep in mind that the juiciest varieties, such as Meyer lemons, already have a unique, sweet taste that could be ruined if you plan on using the juice to flavor food. To avoid changing the juice's flavor too much, add the sugar or water in small amounts. Taste the juice each time. Store the juice in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Pour the juice into a resealable container labeled with today's date. It will turn bitter after that, so freeze it if you don't plan on using it right away. The juice will retain its quality for up to 4 months after freezing it. Lemon juice doesn't spoil. It is safe to drink after 3 days in the refrigerator, but it won't taste very good. It also lasts indefinitely in the freezer but loses quality over time. To thaw frozen juice, let it sit at room temperature for up to an hour. You can also warm it in the microwave at a low temperature. Juice 6 lemons into a small glass or bowl. Freeze, then microwave and roll the lemons around to free more of the juice. After cutting the lemons in half lengthwise, squeeze out as much of the juice as you can get. Use a fork or a citrus juicer to get more out of each lemon. You will end up with about 1 ⁄ 4 cups (410 mL) of fresh juice. Cut up additional lemons if you need more juice. Each lemon will give you ⁄ 4 to ⁄ 3 cup (59 to 79 mL) of juice. Grate a fresh lemon peel to add to a stovetop pot. You will need about 1 tablespoon (6 grams) of lemon zest. It's easy to make by rubbing the skin from one of the lemon halves over a grater, microplane, or another tool. Keep it separate from the lemon juice. Put it in a pot that is safe to use on the stove. The zest is the lemon's skin. Be careful to avoid adding the white pith underneath it. The pith is bitter and can affect the juice's flavor. The zest isn't essential. It adds a stronger lemon flavor to the juice, but you can skip it if you aren't able to get any. Combine water and sugar with the lemon zest. Pour about 1 cup (0.24 L) of water into the stovetop pot with the lemon zest. Then, mix in 2 cups (400 g) of sugar. If you like your lemon juice sweeter, add another 1/4 cup (50 g) of sugar. Heat the pot over medium heat until the water starts to simmer. Turn the stove on and wait for the water to heat up. When it begins simmering, it will reach about 185 °F (85 °C). It will also start to steam and release bubbles every second. If you don't wish to juice the lemons in advance, take advantage of the time spent waiting for the water to heat up. Just be sure to keep an eye on the pot so it doesn't boil over! Cook and stir the water for 4 minutes until the sugar dissolves. Get a spoon or spatula and gently swirl the water around. Watch for the sugar to disappear into the water. Once you are no longer able to see the sugar, set the pot aside. Remember to turn the stove burner off after moving the pot off of the heat. The mixture will form a lemon-flavored syrup you can use to flavor drinks or freeze to make lemonade. Pour the lemon juice into the pot. Add the fresh lemon juice and stir the liquid around to combine it. Make sure it is well-mixed, then taste test it once it cools. Your lemon syrup is ready! Mix in 4 cups (0.95 L) of lukewarm water as well if you want to make lemonade. If you're planning on using the syrup some other time, store it in a sterilized canning jar. Put the juice into the refrigerator or freezer until it is cold. Put the juice into a resealable container labeled with today's date if you don't plan on using it right away. It will last about 3 days in the refrigerator before it starts losing its flavor. For an alternative storage method, freeze it for up to 4 months. This kind of juice is basically lemonade with a homemade syrup. It's better for drinking than cooking. Drink or use the juice after it has had a chance to chill. After mixing in the additional water, you can enjoy the juice as a refreshing drink within about 30 minutes. For lemon syrup fresh off the stove, use it as soon as you need it for a recipe. It can be drizzled onto a cake, added to pan-fried fish, or mixed into smoothies and other drinks, for example. Lemon juice is often used when marinating fish or meat. The acid causes the food to absorb more flavor. Choose heavy varieties of lemons to get more juice out of them. Meyer lemons produce a ton of juice, but Fino, Lapithkiotiki, or Primofiori are a few other options. Meyer lemons are fairly sweet, so you could choose another type if you want a tart taste. These varieties are all smaller than regular grocery store lemons but feel heavy for their size. Pick up the lemons to test their weight. Set aside the heaviest ones for juice. Eureka and Lisbon lemons are the regular lemons you will commonly find year-round at stores. They are larger and paler than Meyer lemons but also very tart. Add sugar and water to the lemon juice if you want a sweeter flavor. Pick lemons that feel soft but not mushy. Hold the lemons and squeeze them gently between your fingers. Soft lemons already have plenty of juice and will be ready for use as soon as you get home. The lemons should also have smooth skin with a deep yellow color. Lemons that feel mushy have already spoiled and should be avoided. Also, avoid lemons that feel hard or look shriveled. Lemons with light or green skin tend to be more acidic. You can use them if you want, but ripe lemons are usually better for juice. Freeze the lemons until you’re ready to juice them. Put the lemons into a resealable plastic bag. Push as much air out of the bag as you can before closing and storing it. The lemons become much easier to squeeze after they have spent some time in the freezer. It's also a good way to save some juicy lemons to use whenever you need them throughout the year. Lemons don't spoil in the freezer. Instead, they dry up over time. Use them within 3 months for optimum quality. Thaw the lemons by microwaving them for about 30 seconds. When you're ready to use the frozen lemons, take them out of the bag and place them in the microwave. Heat them at a low setting until they reach room temperature. Make sure they feel soft to the touch before attempting to juice them. You could also put the lemons in a bowl of warm water until they feel soft to the touch. Press and roll the lemons on a cutting board to free more of the juice. Set the lemons down on a flat surface, then push down on them with a firm amount of pressure. Move them around like you're pushing a rolling pin or kneading dough. Roll each lemon for 1 or 2 minutes until it feels very soft and pliable. That means the membranes inside the lemons have broken and released juices. To avoid getting lemon juice on your cutting board, cover it with a paper towel or roll the lemons on a covered countertop instead. If you don't want to roll the lemons, you could also puncture them a few times with a sharp knife or peel them. These options are much messier than rolling them, however. If you have a citrus juicer, you can skip rolling the lemons. Juicers are efficient enough to remove all of the juice without the extra help!

Cut the lemons lengthwise in half with a sharp knife. Squeeze the juice out into a bowl if you’re doing it by hand. Crush the lemon in a citrus press as an alternative. Put the lemon in an electric juicer if you don’t mind pulp. Mix water or sugar into the juice if it tastes too sour. Store the juice in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Juice 6 lemons into a small glass or bowl. Grate a fresh lemon peel to add to a stovetop pot. Combine water and sugar with the lemon zest. Heat the pot over medium heat until the water starts to simmer. Cook and stir the water for 4 minutes until the sugar dissolves. Pour the lemon juice into the pot. Put the juice into the refrigerator or freezer until it is cold. Drink or use the juice after it has had a chance to chill. Choose heavy varieties of lemons to get more juice out of them. Pick lemons that feel soft but not mushy. Freeze the lemons until you’re ready to juice them. Thaw the lemons by microwaving them for about 30 seconds. Press and roll the lemons on a cutting board to free more of the juice.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Social-at-a-Party-when-You-Don%27t-Know-Anyone-There

How to Be Social at a Party when You Don't Know Anyone There

To be social at a party when you don't know anyone, remember to smile and act confident, even if you're feeling nervous, since it will make you seem more approachable. Also, try to introduce yourself to other people or give someone you don't know a friendly compliment to get a conversation going. You can even tell them that you don't know anyone at the party so they introduce you to their friends. If you're not sure what to talk about with people, try commenting on the party or talking about how you know the host.

Calm your anxiety before going into the party. If you're nervous about entering a party when you don't know anyone there, it's a good idea to calm yourself before trying to meet anyone. Take a deep breath, breathing all the way down to your belly, and breathing out slowly through your nose. Repeat this slow, deep breathing several times. Make sure your feet are placed firmly against the floor, so that you're well-grounded. Bring to mind a positive visualization. For example, imagine yourself looking sleek and sexy on the dance floor, or someone attractive laughing at your sense of humor. Realize that no one's paying attention to you, so there's no need to feel self-conscious. After all, most people attending parties are also nervous. Repeat this process anytime you start to feel nervous at the party. Smile at other guests to appear more confident. You may be feeling terrified, but if you smile you're more likely to look confident. Even if you don't know anyone else at the party, you can increase your social abilities through smiling. In addition, if you're feeling nervous, smiling can help to improve your mood, and reduce stress. People often respond to a smiling person with a smile of their own, which will make you feel even better. Even a slight smile will be enough to help your facial muscles relax, and your appearance seem less threatening to other party guests. When you look confident, you'll start to feel confident. Think about the purpose of the party. What kind of party is it? Social interactions will vary depending on the reason you're gathered together. If you're attending a frat party, you'll need different social skills than you might at a Christmas carol party held by your mom's church choir. Remember that other people may not know one another either. Considering the nature of the party, try to gauge how likely it is that many people may be making their first introductions. Learn your way around the party. It will help you feel at ease to figure out the physical layout of the party, if it's unfamiliar to you. Figure out where the bathroom is, where the food is, where the drinks are, as a way to get comfortable at the party. Making your way around the party will also help you take stock of how many people are there, and what kind of party it is. There might be different activities going on in different parts of the space. If this is the case, you can start with the area in which you feel most at ease. Tweak your personal habits to be more approachable. There's no need for a dramatic personality shift. Simply make a few small changes to help you blend in and connect with new people at the party. If you naturally slouch and have a bored expression, make an effort to stand up straight and smile. If you usually dress for comfort but you know the party will be dressier, step up your outfit. Put on makeup or spend a couple extra minutes on your hair so you stand out in the right way. Look at the other party guests. Are people seated at tables in small groups? Or are there lots of people walking about? You can model your physical behavior on what others are doing. For example, if people are dancing, notice if they're dancing alone or if they're paired up. Try to position yourself in a part of the room where you're likely to be most comfortable. Think about what you’re likely to have in common. If you focus on what you have in common, you're likely to start to feel more confident. One of the reasons that strangers often talk about the weather is that it's one thing we all have in common. This isn't a bad place to start, but try to think of other options. For example, you might notice that someone's wearing a tee-shirt of your favorite band, which makes for a good conversation starter. If you're feeling self-conscious, finding similarities with others can help you calm down. Even in a new city or a country where you don't speak the language, you'll be able to find similarities if you're focused on finding them. Offer to help the host. This can be a good way to get adjusted to the party, especially if you have a social connection to the host. Asking what you can do to help with the food or drinks is often appreciated, and gives you a good way to circulate through the party as well. Even if the host doesn't need your help, she may pick up on your unspoken apprehension and provide something for you to do, or someone to introduce you to. If you've brought some food or a bottle of wine with you to the party, this provides an instant project for your arrival. Upon arrival, you can ask where would be the best place to put it, or where the host would like you to put it. Find the buffet table. Food makes a great topic of conversation between people who don't know each other. Find someone who looks friendly at the buffet table, and make a pleasant remark about the food. For example, you might say something about how much you like one of the items or how glad you are to see that they've included vegetarian options. Asking a question about the food is another good conversation starter. You might say, “Everything looks so good. Which kind do you think you're going to pick?” You can follow up by introducing yourself or making follow-up statements. If the other person doesn't reciprocate, it's quite easy to move along. Introduce yourself to other guests. Say your name, and if it's an unusual name you might add spelling or a rhyme that the person can use to help remember your name. If appropriate, add a detail about the reason you're at the party. For example, “I'm Pam's daughter,” if the people at the party are friends of your mother, or “I'm an anthropology major,” if this is a college department party. You can follow up by asking the other person to say his own name, but most of the time people respond by introducing themselves without being asked. Pay a compliment to start a conversation. People always like to hear nice things said about themselves. To have a great conversation with someone you've just met, say something nice about something the person is wearing. At most parties, other guests will have taken care with their appearance and will appreciate the attention. You can also use a compliment to start a conversation by pairing it with a question. For example, you might say, “That's a really cool scarf. Where did you get it?” Avoid compliments about the person's appearance, as this might make her uncomfortable. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. If you don't know anyone at the party, it's okay to say so. This is easily done as you introduce yourself. For example, “Hi, I'm Mike. I hope you don't mind, but I don't know anyone here and you seemed nice.” If the person is an extrovert, they may be happy to chat with you and introduce you to others in the group. Chances are, others may be in a similar situation. If you're both newcomers to the group, you can laugh and talk about the challenges of being in this situation. Avoid bringing up conversation killers. There are certain topics that are likely to be met with awkward silence. If you don't already know the political orientation of the party-goers, for example, never bring up the topic of politics or you might find yourself unintentionally offending others. Don't bring up overly personal details, whether of money, sex, illness or intimacy. Save these topics for people you know well. Making judgmental comments isn't likely to be appreciated. For example, “You'd think she would know better than to wear that color with her complexion,” may not be appreciated. Never ask a woman if she's pregnant. If she's gained weight, she may feel embarrassed. Make sure your body language is friendly. Make brief eye contact with other people. A slight smile will help others know that you're open to conversation. When someone speaks to you, look at them attentively at least 70% of the time. Angle the front of your body towards the person who's talking, which will help the person know you're listening. You don't want to maintain eye contact for too long, as this might seem aggressive or overly flirtatious. Instead, limit the eye contact for 4-5 seconds, before looking away, then looking again. Tell a funny story to put others at ease. If you don't know anyone at the party, no one will have heard you tell your favorite funny anecdotes. Think about sharing a funny thing that happened to you. This will make you seem more relatable and friendly. Be careful not to tell a story that may offend others. After all, humor is sometimes different across different groups of people. If you have a good story, it can fill in a conversational lull. Or you can connect your story to someone else's statement, saying, “That reminds me of something that happened to me one time…” Be prepared to make small talk. Making small talk is a way of sharing general information with another person as a means to learn what you might have in common. For example, asking about favorite movies is often a good way to find mutual interests. Something as simple as asking about the recent blockbuster can lead into multiple conversational paths. Making small talk might lead to deeper conversations, or it might not. Small talk is often less about the information shared than the good feelings that it provides. You'll want to stick to non-intimate, non-controversial topics to keep your conversation on a light note. Talk about the party or setting. One of the things you'll have in common with everyone else at the party is that you're both there. Perhaps you all had to battle traffic to get to the party. Use this as a means to get to know other people, whether through questions, comments, or observations. Be unfailingly complimentary in your comments. This would be the wrong time to complain about the lack of your favorite drink, or how you've always hated evening gatherings. You could ask other people how they know the hostess, or if this is their first time among the group also. Be an active listener. When you're nervous about not knowing anyone at a party, it might be difficult to concentrate on the conversations that come up. It will help your focus to repeat parts of what another person has said to assure them you've heard what was said. Use nonverbal cues, such as nodding, eye contact, and leaning towards the person, to let the other guest know that you're actively listening to what she has to say. Try to avoid talking over the other person while she's talking, even if she's talking about a topic you're interested in. Ask plenty of open-ended questions about topics the other guest has brought up in order to keep the conversation going. Be sensitive to the emotions that the conversation is bringing up in the person. Generally, party conversations tend to be fun and light. If you find your conversation getting too intense or emotional, it's okay to back off a little. Pay attention to feedback to choose topics of conversation. Look for subtle signals in body language to help you gauge whether you should change the topic or find someone new to talk with. Be observant--these are signs you should be able to notice in almost everyone you meet. For example, if someone is making eye contact with you and nodding, they're interested in the conversation. Keep talking to them and doing what you're doing! If they're facing partially away from you or glancing around the room, they're not very engaged. Change the topic back to them with a question or find another person you haven't yet introduced yourself to. End the conversation gracefully. Conversations at parties start and end rapidly, and if you're talking with someone you've just met, it's a good idea not to keep the conversation going on too long. Have an excuse prepared for needing to leave. This is a time when it's okay not to tell the truth. You can always say, “I have to get up early tomorrow,” or even just, “Please, excuse me. I need to find the ladies'.” You can say, “It was nice to meet you,” or “Great talking to you!” Some people like to shake hands, but at some parties this might be too formal. If you like, you can include an excuse for breaking off the conversation. For example, you can say, “I don't want to dominate your evening,” or “I should probably let you talk to other people here.” Realize that you need to be more assertive. You'll need to speak with a louder voice if you want to be heard. You'll need to let others know that you'd like to talk by physically moving closer to them than you might at a quieter party. Large parties are often more chaotic, with people interrupting one another, or talking quickly to make sure they get their point across. One way to effectively join in a group conversation is to repeat the last phrase that another person said, and join it with your own thoughts. For example, if someone's just shared a story about being in Paris in April, you might echo, “Yes, Paris in April is beautiful, and for my college graduation, I was able to go to Rome, which I thought was wonderfully diverse.” Topics often change very quickly in a group conversation, so don't worry too much about being exactly on topic. Being friendly is the main consideration. Get into a party state of mind. If you're the kind of person who'd rather be at home with a book, you might have a hard time adapting to being in a large group of people. Each person has her own way of getting energized for a party. You might listen to the music, and try to get into the rhythm of it. Or, you can think of party scenes from some of your favorite movies, and imagine yourself in the role of the heroine. Even if you're not totally at ease about being at the party, trying act as if you're comfortable can help speed the process. (This is sometimes called, “Fake it until you make it!”) If you find yourself getting drained, make an excuse to get away for a short time. Taking a break by yourself can be a way for an introvert to recharge her batteries and return to the party refreshed. Accept that you’re unlikely to have a quiet conversation. If you really appreciate the kind of focused conversation that can happen between two people who know each other well, you'll have to adjust to the fact that this isn't likely to happen at the large party. Rather than becoming grumpy about what's not going to happen, it's a better idea to rescale your expectations. Conversations in groups tend to be very broad, about a wide range of rapidly shifting topics. The goal of party conversations tends to be less on exchange of information and ideas, than on sharing a common good feeling. Good conversational choices for talking in groups include: short funny anecdotes, joking around, wordplay. Topics to avoid include: detailed analysis of a topic, anything that might unintentionally offend others, including political discussion, or discussions of religious faith and practice. Start a side conversation. In a large group of people, you can sometimes find conversation easier by addressing one person, rather than the whole group. Little side conversations often break off of larger group conversations, either related to the topic the larger group is discussing or completely unrelated. It's okay to talk while others are talking when you're in a large group; it's not rude to have a side conversation. Sometimes the conversation might end abruptly if the group conversation shifts to something more interesting. It's okay to move back and forth between the small side conversation and the larger group conversation. Notice if you can help someone else. If you're attentive, you may notice that there's another person who can't make his way into the conversational flow. See if you can signal your willingness to help him by making eye contact with him, nodding or smiling. Sometimes you can help support another person who's trying to make a point. For example, by asking a clarifying question about the subject he's brought up or restating what he's said in a new way. If you're good at talking in groups, make sure that you're not taking up too much of everyone's attention. One way to do this is to use your skills to help others join in the discussion.

Calm your anxiety before going into the party. Smile at other guests to appear more confident. Think about the purpose of the party. Learn your way around the party. Tweak your personal habits to be more approachable. Look at the other party guests. Think about what you’re likely to have in common. Offer to help the host. Find the buffet table. Introduce yourself to other guests. Pay a compliment to start a conversation. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Avoid bringing up conversation killers. Make sure your body language is friendly. Tell a funny story to put others at ease. Be prepared to make small talk. Talk about the party or setting. Be an active listener. Pay attention to feedback to choose topics of conversation. End the conversation gracefully. Realize that you need to be more assertive. Get into a party state of mind. Accept that you’re unlikely to have a quiet conversation. Start a side conversation. Notice if you can help someone else.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Bedroom-Better

How to Make Your Bedroom Better

To make your bedroom better, try using household items to change up its look. Place a blanket over your bed, or add a couple of plants to a shelf to bring some greenery indoors. Add decoration by using pictures, vases, or other nicknacks. If you enjoy crafts, try creating your own art to decorate the walls, such as collages, drawings or paintings on paper. For the floor, put down a rug to add some color. You could also hang a curtain or sheet behind your bed to make an inexpensive headboard.

Make your bed every day to instantly improve the look of your room. The easiest way to make your bedroom better is to always make your bed. It keeps your bedroom clean and tidy. Create a habit of making your bed as soon as you get up in the morning. Figure out the easiest way to make your bed so it's simple and quick. For instance, you might just pull the blankets up over your pillows and smooth everything out. Clean your room once a week so it stays neat and tidy. It's normal for your room to get messy and dusty, so you need to clean it regularly. Set aside time once a week to clean your room. Dust everything, wash your windows, clean your floors, and tidy your bed and decorative items. You don't need to set aside hours at a time to clean your room. If you do it every week, it'll likely take 20-30 minutes to clean your space. If it takes longer, cutting down on your decorative items may help. Purge your closet of clothes you don’t wear regularly. Take everything out of your closet and put it on your bed. Place all of the clothes you don't wear often into a box to donate them. Then, try on the rest of your clothes and only keep items that look great on you. Finally, put the clothing you want to keep back in your closet. If you also keep clothes in a dresser, go through these clothes, as well. It's okay to keep seasonal clothes that you don't wear often. For instance, you might only wear your overcoat for a couple of months every year, but it's an important part of your wardrobe. Reduce the clutter in your bedroom so it looks more stylish. Clutter can overwhelm you and detracts from the aesthetic of your room. Go through the items in your room and only keep what you really love. Donate or sell the items that you don't want. If you have several items that you don't want, host a swap with your friends so that each of you can get rid of items that you don't want and get items that are new to you. Organize your closet and furniture so your room looks nice. Being organized creates a tidy look and makes life easier for you. Designate a spot for everything you own and put items up after you use them. Use the space you have on your shelves, in your furniture pieces, and under your bed. Use a shoe rack and decorative containers to organize your closet and add some style. Organize small items in a container so that they look neat and are easy to find. Rearrange your furniture to change up the look. Moving your furniture will instantly change the look of your room without you spending a dime. Take everything off of your furniture and set it out of the way. Then, move your furniture to the center of your room or into the hallway outside your room. Finally, re-position your furniture like you want it. Try sketching out a floor plan for your room so you can plan out where things will go. Add a statement piece that draws the eye. Making a bold change to your room can dramatically alter the look with just 1 piece. Pick a large or bold item so that people will naturally look at it. Here are some ideas: Hang fairy lights behind your bed. Cover a wall in art or photos. Hang a large piece of art. Apply a sheet of adhesive vinyl to 1 wall. Use a wall sticker to decorate a wall. Recycle items from another room to decorate your bedroom. You may already have great decorative items that are creating clutter in another room but will work great for your bedroom. Go through your house and your attic to look for items that you can repurpose for your bedroom. Use these items to decorate your bedroom so that it looks better. If you live with your family or a roommate, ask them if they have any items that they don't want anymore. Make art for an inexpensive option for decorating your room. Artwork makes great room decor, but it can become expensive. Fortunately, you can make your own art! Use pencils, pens, markers, or paint with paper or canvas to create art pieces that you can hang. If you're good at drawing, use your interests and hobbies as inspiration for your drawings. If you're not confident in your drawing abilities, make abstract art by mixing colors and brush strokes. Print online images or pull pictures from magazines. For instance, you might enter words like “boho,” “cats,” “nature scene,” or “dancer” into your Internet search engine. Then, open the pictures you like and print them using your computer. Use washi tape to create a design on your wall. Create a pattern of squares, arrows, or triangles using your washi tape. Drape a throw blanket onto your bed or furniture to change up the look. Get a beautiful throw blanket at a local department store, thrift store, garage sale, or online. Then, drape the blanket over the end of your bed, over a chair, or over the top of your dresser. This will change the look of your furniture so it looks more stylish and cozy. You can pick a solid color throw, a print, or a design, depending on your preferences. A thicker throw will create a cozier look. In addition to making your room look nice, your throw is practical because you can use it to stay warm during cold weather. Add a couple of plants to your space to bring nature indoors. Plants will upgrade the style of your room and also provide benefits like cleaning your air and helping you feel calm. Get 1-3 indoor plants, then position them around your room. If they need sunlight, make sure you put the plants on a windowsill. If you don't like caring for a plant, try getting a fake plant. It won't help clean your air, but it'll still look nice. Create a unique headboard using cheap or recycled items. A headboard can add a stylish flair to your room, but getting new furniture can be expensive. Fortunately, you can create the look of a headboard with inexpensive options. Here are some ideas: Hang a curtain, sheet, or tapestry behind your bed. Apply adhesive vinyl or a wall sticker behind the bed. Hang a large mirror or framed art over your bed. Cover a large piece of cardboard with fabric and place it behind your bed. Get new bedding to change the look of your room. Your bed is likely a focal point in your room, so changing your bedding will make a big difference for the look of your room. Look for bedding that works well with the furniture and decor that you already have. Then, choose the best option for your budget. You can use the same linens, but it's best to get a new set of sheets so that your new look feels completely updated. Look for sales online to find what you like at a great price. Use a rug to change up your flooring. It's expensive to change your flooring, but a new rug can be an inexpensive alternative. Look for a rug at a discount homegoods store, a department store, or online. Pick a rug that reflects your style and matches your other decor. Then, lay your rug in a spot that's very visible in your room. Rugs can be really expensive, depending on the size. However, you can find an affordable option if you shop around. You can pick a solid color rug or a printed rug, depending on your personal style. Paint your walls a color that makes you feel relaxed. Get paint samples to pick a color scheme for your room that feels calm and comforting to you. Then, choose a paint color or colors that you like. Apply 2 coats of paint to your walls, allowing it to dry for at least 24 hours between coats. If you can't afford enough paint for your whole room, paint just 1 wall to create a focal point in your room. If you're not sure which type of paint is best for you, ask the associate at your local home improvement store for assistance. Buy new furniture to completely change the look of your room. Look for new furniture that fits your personal style and fits the lifestyle you want. Once you identify the type of furniture you want, choose furniture that fits the scale of your room to maximize the space in your room. Use big furniture pieces to make a large room look cozy, or get smaller furniture pieces to make a small room look larger. For example, you might get a loft bed with a desk underneath it if you want to create a study space in a small room. If you like a modern or minimalist look, you might choose simple furniture with plain lines and no adornments. On the other hand, if you like a boho look, you may mix and match pieces to create a unique arrangement. As another option, you might choose a large bed with a canopy if you're going for a dreamy look in a large bedroom. Hang shelves in your room and display your favorite items. Look for shelving that fits your design preferences. Try floating shelves for a clean look or pick enclosed shelves if you want them to stand out. Then, use the installation kit that comes with the kit and a hammer or screwdriver to install the shelves on your wall. Use the shelves for storage and to display items as part of your decor. Hang high shelves to store items you don't use often. Install low shelves near your furniture pieces for items that you use often. For instance, you might install a shelf by your bed to use as a nightstand or a shelf near your desk for your study materials. Hang decorative shelves around eye level so they're more visible. Change your lighting to add a design flair or brighten your room. You have several options for improving your lighting. If you want to change the look of your lighting, replace your current light fixture with a new fixture that fits your personal style. As another option, use a decorative floor lamp or table lamp to add more light to your room. You can look at different light fixture options at a local home improvement store or online. For instance, you might switch out a dome light with a pendant or chandelier for a glam or boho look. As another option, you could replace a ceiling fan light fixture with a plain dome light if you want a clean, minimalist design. If you prefer a lamp, pick a floor or table lamp that fits your style. For a minimalist look, pick a black, white, or silver lamp that will create clean lines. For a traditional style, you might pick a lamp with a nice wood or ceramic base. If you're going for a vintage look, get a lamp that has a mod design. Mix together things that you like to create a personal, eclectic look. Your bedroom should be a space that expresses who you are and makes you feel at home. Create a style that's all you by choosing a mix of items that are important to you. Combine your decorative items in unexpected ways to create a look that's personal and different. For example, a vintage typewriter, crystals, and glamorous photos of movie stars might fall into 3 separate styles, but you could combine them on your desk to create an eclectic look. Go for a monochromatic look if you prefer to be minimalist. You might prefer to keep your decor simple so you don't get overwhelmed. To help you feel calm, decorate primarily using black and white or a single color. This includes your paint, bedding, art, and decor. For example, you might decorate your entire room in shades of grey. If you like color, you could make your favorite color the foundation of your decor. Create a gallery wall using art or photos that you like. A gallery wall is a collection of artwork or pictures that are arranged on a wall. Pick 3 or more pieces that you like. Look for art or pictures that are different sizes, or choose items that are all the same size. Then, arrange the art on the floor until you're happy with the arrangement. Next, hang the art on your wall to create the gallery wall. A gallery wall lets you show off a variety of things you like. It can also help create a designer look in your bedroom.

Make your bed every day to instantly improve the look of your room. Clean your room once a week so it stays neat and tidy. Purge your closet of clothes you don’t wear regularly. Reduce the clutter in your bedroom so it looks more stylish. Organize your closet and furniture so your room looks nice. Rearrange your furniture to change up the look. Add a statement piece that draws the eye. Recycle items from another room to decorate your bedroom. Make art for an inexpensive option for decorating your room. Drape a throw blanket onto your bed or furniture to change up the look. Add a couple of plants to your space to bring nature indoors. Create a unique headboard using cheap or recycled items. Get new bedding to change the look of your room. Use a rug to change up your flooring. Paint your walls a color that makes you feel relaxed. Buy new furniture to completely change the look of your room. Hang shelves in your room and display your favorite items. Change your lighting to add a design flair or brighten your room. Mix together things that you like to create a personal, eclectic look. Go for a monochromatic look if you prefer to be minimalist. Create a gallery wall using art or photos that you like.

https://www.wikihow.com/Exercise-in-the-Morning

How to Exercise in the Morning

To exercise in the morning, eat a healthy snack and drink some water 45 minutes before you start exercising so your body has time to digest. While you're waiting, take time to shower, get dressed, and stretch so you're feeling more awake for your workout. Then, try to work out for 30-40 minutes at a high-intensity level so you're not prolonging your workout and making yourself tired again. Some exercises you can try in the morning are push-ups, curls, squats, lunges, and jumping jacks.

Prepare for the following morning. Lay out all clothes and equipment that you will need for your morning workout before you go to bed. Minimize the number of tasks that you need to perform in the morning so you can start your workout with as few distractions as possible. If you go to a gym rather than exercise at home, make sure your to-go bag is packed with everything you'll need before turning in for the night. Get an adequate amount of sleep. Get seven to nine hours of sleep before attempting morning workouts. Ensure that you will wake easily with a sufficient amount of energy to perform your workout efficiently. If you need to seriously adjust your sleep schedule to achieve this, stick to shorter workouts in the morning. Gradually go to bed earlier each night by 15-minute increments until you are sleeping a full seven to nine hours. Force yourself to get out of bed. Place your alarm clock on the other side of the room from your bed. Preempt the risk of a sleepy hand hitting the snooze button and upsetting your routine. If you hate springing immediately out of bed upon waking, set a second alarm so you can adjust with another 10 or 15 minutes spent lying down. Resist climbing back under the sheets, however, in order to avoid getting too comfortable. Control your environment. Turn on the radio or design your own invigorating playlist to stimulate your brain. Switch on all the lights to wake up your eyes and lessen the desire to crawl back into your dark bed. Keep the temperature in your house cool to cold to keep you alert and eager to warm up through exercise. Consult a doctor. Before beginning a new routine, make an appointment if you suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, too much cholesterol, or obesity. Let your doctor know that you intend to start a morning exercise routine. Ask their advice to establish a workout regime that accommodates your personal needs and risk factors. Warm up. Before you start your workout, do something to get moving and prepare to work out. Here are some ways that you can warm up: Ride a stationary bike for ten minutes on low resistance, or go for a really quick jog around the block. Jump rope for five minutes. Perform squats. Strengthen your legs, hips, and knees all at once. Place your feet slightly more than hip-width apart, with your toes pointed forward. Raise your arms straight in front of you. Sink into a squat until each knee forms a 90-degree angle. Then push with your heels to rise back into a standing position. Limit yourself to two sets of 15 reps each at first. Then either add reps to each set or add another 15-rep set to your workout. Sink into a lower squat for a more demanding squat as you develop strength and flexibility. Strengthen additional leg muscles with lunges. Target your glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps. Position your feet under your shoulders. Keep your hands on your hips. Take one step forward so that your knee is directly above your toes. Your other knee should almost touch the floor as you do so. Use your forward foot's toes to push yourself back into your original position. Repeat with your other leg. Start with one set of 8 reps per leg, for a total of 16. Add additional reps as you grow used to each set. Aim for 12 reps per leg, for a total of 24. Be careful not to push yourself too hard with this exercise. Keep your reps to a moderate number. Stagger your sets so you are only performing lunges every other day. Do push-ups. Exercise your triceps along with the muscles in your chest and shoulders. First, lie on your stomach. Place your hands under your shoulders and then extend your arms. Now raise your body into your starting position, so only your toes and hands are touching the floor. Lower your body again, inhaling as you do. Now “push up” with your arms, exhaling at the same time. Limit your sets to a reasonable number in the beginning. Make sure that your arms are controlling both the rate of ascent and descent. If you are so tired that you are letting gravity do the work for you, lower the number of reps per set until you are back in control of each whole rep. If you can't do a full push-up, you can put your knees on the ground to help build up your strength. You can also stay in the top point of your push-up position, your "plank," as an exercise for your arms, shoulders, and core. Do jumping jacks. Place your feet side by side with your toes pointed forward and your arms hanging by your sides. Then jump from your toes, spreading your feet apart from each other. At the same time, raise your arms to either side and over your head until they touch. After landing with your feet a little more than shoulder-width apart, jump again, bringing your feet back together and your arms back down to your sides. Begin with 1 full minute of jumping jacks. Add another once the first minute is easily accomplished with minimal tiring. Continue to add 1-minute increments until you reach your desired total. Do calf raises. Calf raises are a great way to define your calf muscles and build strength in your legs. To do calf raises, stand on a step or a raised surface, with the balls of your feet on the step and your heels hanging off. Pull in your abs. Raise your heels so that they are higher than the balls of your feet. Hold this position, and then lower. Repeat. Use curls to build your biceps. While seated, place your elbow slightly behind your knee, on your thigh, with a dumbbell in your grip and your forearm extended directly in front of you. Then “curl” the weight by drawing the dumbbell up until it is level with your shoulder without moving your elbow. Draw your breath in as you do so, and then let it out as you lower the weight. Start your morning routine with one set of 10 reps per arm. Complete one arm's entire set in one go before switching arms. As each set becomes easier, either add more reps per set, or alternate between arms with multiple sets of 10 reps. As your muscles develop, try standing up instead of sitting down to strengthen other muscles in your legs, hips, and core that help stabilize your body during lifts. Do kick backs to build your triceps. Stands with one leg forward. Keeping your back flat, bend your torso forward. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, keeping them parallel to your torso with your elbows bent. To do the kick back, keep your upper arms still and straighten your elbow, bringing your lower arms as far back as possible. Return to the original position, with your elbows bent, and repeat. Do high knees. Doing high knees is like jogging in place, except that you should lift each knee to at least hip height. Your arms should naturally follow with this motion. You should be touching the ground only with the balls of your feet. Go for a jog. Aim for a half-hour run at 5 mph. If needed, take baby steps and start by simply walking. Go out for a brisk 10-minute walk at first to get used to your morning routine. Gradually bump up the time by 5-minute increments each day. When you feel ready, break your walk up into running/walking intervals. Jog for one minute, walk for the next four, and repeat. Increase the amount of time spent jogging and decrease the time spent walking by one-minute increments until you are comfortably jogging for 30 minutes straight.. You can either make your jog a daily part of your routine in addition to your other exercises, or alternate between jogging one day and doing other exercises the next. Stretch afterward. Either include a post-workout stretching session in your daily routine, or join a yoga or pilates class with your workout timed just beforehand. Increase your flexibility while minimizing the risk of injury during future workouts. Hold static poses for a minimum of 30 seconds, before mild pain and tightness has a chance to become major. Stretching (especially static stretching) is more beneficial after workouts than before. Although stretching beforehand can increase flexibility, studies have shown that it does little if anything to prevent injury. It also may reduce the power and speed of your exercises. Eat a snack and hydrate. Boost your energy levels with roughly 200 calories before working out. Allow at least 45 minutes for your stomach to digest this before exercising. Use this time to stretch, go to the bathroom, shower, or perform other small tasks. Depending on climate, drink between 8 and 16 ounces of water roughly 20 minutes after eating to hydrate yourself without impeding digestion. If you're trying to refuel after a workout, you should try a combination of proteins and carbs. For example, you could have a few slices of deli turkey, a cheese stick, and an apple. You could also eat a protein shake and a banana. Watch tutorial videos. Buy, rent, or subscribe to workout videos or apps. Use visual guides to see exactly how to place and move your body so you perform exercises correctly with less risk of injury. Seek out DVDs or programs that deal specifically with any issues that you might face (such as weight-gain, scoliosis, or other physical factors) to find exercises that will meet your needs. Research videos online before following their instructions. Make sure that an exercise physiologist helped develop the program to ensure that you are following the best practical advice. Alter your routine. After you grow accustomed to working out each morning, change what you do each day. Avoid having your body grow too comfortable with doing the same thing day in, day out. Build a new schedule so that you are doing exercises A, B, and C one morning, and exercises X, Y, and Z the next. Add new exercises to your routine to challenge your body. Maximize your time by sticking to compound exercises, which target muscles throughout your body for a more thorough workout. In addition to lunges, push-ups, and squats, try bench presses, deadlifts, dips, good mornings, military presses, pull-ups, and rows. Maintain your intensity. Keep your routine relatively short (ideally 30 to 40 minutes). Use this short time to perform your exercises with a high level of energy. Avoid conserving energy to work out for prolonged periods. Expect your body to be tired after your half hour workout. When starting from scratch, expect your body to need about 4 weeks to build endurance. Don't push yourself too hard too soon.

Prepare for the following morning. Get an adequate amount of sleep. Force yourself to get out of bed. Control your environment. Consult a doctor. Warm up. Perform squats. Strengthen additional leg muscles with lunges. Do push-ups. Do jumping jacks. Do calf raises. Use curls to build your biceps. Do kick backs to build your triceps. Do high knees. Go for a jog. Stretch afterward. Eat a snack and hydrate. Watch tutorial videos. Alter your routine. Maintain your intensity.

https://www.wikihow.health/Survive-a-Plague

How to Survive a Plague

To survive the plague, take steps to avoid getting infected, such as staying away from dead animals or wearing flea repellant. You should also bathe regularly and wash your hands with disinfectant several times per day. If you've been infected, seek medical attention immediately to treat the deadly disease. In the meantime, if you can't get to a hospital straight away, be sure to remain isolated from others to reduce the chance of you infecting them. To get assistance, you should contact the Centers for Disease Control as soon as you or someone you know contracts the plague.

Reduce rodent habitats around the home. Plague is spread through populations of infected rats and the bites of fleas that use them as hosts. Eliminate possible nesting places for rodents in and around your home. Tool sheds, brush piles, basements, garages and attics should all be checked for signs of infestation. Rat droppings are often a sign that rodents are nesting in or passing through your home. If you happen to find rodent excrement, remove it quickly and carefully, as the plague bacteria can survive and be passed on through contact with infected feces. Always wear gloves and some type of breathing protection (a medical mask or tied handkerchief) when cleaning rat droppings to prevent contracted the disease yourself. Avoid contact with sick or dead animals. After an animal has died, the Yersinia bacteria can remain active in its tissues or in fleas that it carries. Stay away from animals that have become ill or succumbed to plague symptoms. Plague may spread from diseased tissues or fluids to a living host. Call animal control or sanitation services to dispose of dead animals. Their technicians are equipped with protective gear and can remove potentially infected carcasses with minimal health risk. Use flea repellent when spending time outside. Wear a repellent spray or rub containing DEET if you plan on spending a lot of time outside. One of the most common means of plague transmission is through the bites of fleas that burrow into the fur of rodents and feed on infected blood. DEET and other repellents will keep fleas away, and keep you safe. People who hike, camp or work outside frequently, or who live in heavily wooded areas, should consider using a flea repellent. DEET repellent sprays are safe to use directly on the skin and pose no threat of environmental harm. They work by neutralizing the body's natural scents, making it difficult for biting insects to detect a human target. Bathe thoroughly and regularly. Wash your hands and face with disinfecting soap and water multiple times throughout the day, and anytime you've been outside or handled animals or animal droppings. Plague bacteria can enter through the delicate tissues of the mouth, nose and eyes. Practice good basic hygiene habits and be aware of risk factors in your environment. As much as possible, try not to touch your face with your hands. The disease spreads easily to sensitive tissues, and you never know when you might have touched something carrying traces of the bacteria. Acquire medication to stop the disease. In some cases, medication can be prescribed to people whom pathologists have reason to believe may have been exposed to plague. These drugs bind to and eradicate Yersinia bacteria in the bloodstream before it has a chance to multiply. If you believe you or someone you know might be at risk of contracting the disease, talk to a doctor about your options. While there used to be a preventative vaccine offered to defend against plague, it has since been pulled from use. It is uncertain if or when a new vaccine will be formulated. Seek immediate medical attention. Once an individual has been infected, the only course of action is to treat the disease with powerful antibiotics. Most hospitals keep these antibiotics on hand in case of epidemic emergencies. Do not hesitate to seek medical intervention right away if you've been unfortunate enough to become stricken by the disease. Plague is almost guaranteed to be deadly if left untreated, or not treated quickly enough. Young children, the old and infirm are at the greatest risk. Plague infects the blood as it spreads through the bloodstream, attacks lymphatic sites and can eventually lead to toxic shock and necrosis of tissues. Isolate infected parties. For the safety of those around them, people who have caught the plague need to be safely isolated until they receive treatment. Some medical centers are equipped to quarantine infectious disease victims in a highly controlled environment; if getting to a hospital isn't an immediate possibility, place the infected individual in a separate building or room a sufficient distance away from uninfected persons until help arrives. Contact the Center for Disease Control (CDC) without delay if you or someone you know contracts the disease. The CDC has offices all over the United States and can dispatch personnel to collect and treat the infected party. Keep a distance of at least 3 feet from anyone who may be infected with an airborne form of the plague. You also might be treated with powerful antibiotics, such as gentamicin, doxycycline ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin. Know if your location has had instances of the plague before. Breakouts of the plague are more prevalent in rural areas that are overpopulated. These areas typically tend to have poor sanitation and more rodents. Most frequently, the plague affects areas in Africa. Know if your occupation puts you at risk for the plague. Veterinarians and their assistants, who come in contact with animals on a daily basis, are more likely to contract the plague. People who work outdoors are also more prone to becoming infected. See if your hobbies put you at risk for the plague. Outdoor activities like camping put people more at risk for developing the plague. Be especially cautious if you are in an area you know has been infected by the plague. Take extra precautions not to be bitten by animals or bugs. But also, remember that there are only 5,000 cases of the plague worldwide each year. Be aware of the symptoms. Plague may not manifest any symptoms for several days. Within a week, the infected will start to exhibit flu-like symptoms, including chills, fever, cold sweats and nausea and vomiting. As the disease progresses, the lymph nodes become swollen and tender as the body attempts to fight off infection. Advanced stages of plague can cause sepsis, or blood toxicity, decomposition of bodily tissues and eventually death. People infected with the plague might also include cough with a watery or bloody sputum, pneumonia, and abdominal pain. It is extremely important to stay informed of possible plague outbreaks in your area. If you happen to become sick, you might not know that you have anything worse than a common illness until it's too late. As many as 8 cases of plague were reported in major California cities between 1994 and 2006—it is not solely a Third World disease. Don’t let pets sleep in the bed with you. Because Yersinia Pestis is most often spread through animal interaction, it is advisable not to allow household pets to sleep in your bed, especially if you live in a wooded area or a region where plague has been identified. Your pet may have had physical contact with another infected animal, or may be host to fleas that can bite and transmit the disease to humans. Pets should be inspected routinely for fleas, ticks and other disease-carrying parasites. It is also recommended that pet owners use medicines and oil repellents to treat household animals for these bugs. Dogs may not exhibit any symptoms of illness but are more likely to shed fleas in the home, whereas cats are very susceptible to various forms of plague and can spread bacteria through saliva droplets spread through coughing and sneezing. Wear protection when working with animals. Make sure to wear gloves and use a disinfectant when cleaning up your pet's' feces. Veterinarians, pest control specialists and people of other professions where contact with living and dead animals is common, such as game hunters, should wear hand, eye and breathing protection when handling animals that might carry the disease. Dead animals especially should be handled only be sanitation experts. Get tested for plague if you travel frequently. In impoverished and less developed parts of the world, plague outbreaks occur with unfortunate frequency. Do some research if you're planning a trip to a country where there is a risk of catching the plague and take the necessary medical precautions. If you've returned from such an area within the last few weeks, you should undergo a thorough examination to test for the presence of plague bacteria. All it takes is one unaware person to become Patient Zero in a lethal outbreak. Though there exists no medication for preventing the plague before it is contracted, a doctor can advise you about other ways to protect your health in your travels, as well as areas that you might be better off steering clear of. Frequent travelers should undergo a battery of tests to screen for dangerous and communicable diseases before and after all journeys to at-risk areas.

Reduce rodent habitats around the home. Avoid contact with sick or dead animals. Use flea repellent when spending time outside. Bathe thoroughly and regularly. Acquire medication to stop the disease. Seek immediate medical attention. Isolate infected parties. Know if your location has had instances of the plague before. Know if your occupation puts you at risk for the plague. See if your hobbies put you at risk for the plague. Be aware of the symptoms. Don’t let pets sleep in the bed with you. Wear protection when working with animals. Get tested for plague if you travel frequently.

https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Fuses

How to Check Fuses

To check fuses in your home fuse box, first find the fuse box, which may be located in your garage, basement, utility room, or attic. Once you find the fuse box, shut off the power at the main switch. To avoid overloading the replacement fuse, also unplug any appliances that turned off when the fuse blew. After the power is off, locate the fuse that corresponds to the room where the power went out and twist it out of its socket. Check if the fuse is broken by looking inside the glass for black char marks or a broken filament wire. When you've identified the blown fuse, replace it with a new one that has the same power rating, then turn the power back on to test it.

Look for the fuse box in your basement or garage. Check for a metal box with a door; inside you'll see lots of glass fuses that screw into sockets. Typically, fuse boxes are located in basements, garages, laundry rooms, and attics. If you have trouble finding your fuse box, check the utility meter outside your home. Try to follow the wire that leads from the meter. Fuse boxes and circuit breakers are usually located near where power enters the house. Older homes have glass fuses that look like light bulbs. When fuses blow, they need to be replaced. Newer homes, on the other hand, have circuit breakers instead, which just need to be flipped and reset. Turn off the power and unplug the appliances on the blown circuit. Look for a large switch at the top of the panel and toggle it from “On” to “Off.” In addition to shutting off the main power, unplug the appliances that turned off when the fuse blew. That way, they won't overload the replacement fuse when you turn on main power. If there's no main power switch, you should see a large block at the top of the panel. Pull it out and check for “On” and “Off labels. If it's labeled, reinsert it with the “Off” side facing up. If there's no label, set the block aside while you replace the blown fuse. Check the fuses for charred glass or broken filaments. See if there's a diagram or labels on the inside of the panel door. If you're lucky, you'll be able to look up the room where the power went out and track down the corresponding fuse. Twist that fuse counterclockwise, pull it out from the socket, and look inside the glass for black marks or a broken filament wire. If your fuse box is unlabeled, check each fuse individually for charred marks or broken filaments. Once you've found the one that blew, label it! If you label your fuses every time you replace one, you'll eventually have a full diagram of the box. Swap the blown fuse out for one with the same power rating. Look for a number on the fuse, which indicates its amp rating. Write down the number or take the blown fuse with you to the hardware store to ensure you get an identical match. Then, plug the replacement fuse in and turn it clockwise to lock it in place. Fuse ratings vary by country, but common amperages include 15, 20, and 30. Turn the power back on to test the new fuse. Once you've plugged in the fuse, double-check to make sure you disconnected all of your electrical devices from the broken circuit. When you're ready, flip the main fuse switch or reinsert the main block to restore power to your home. Then test the circuit by checking the lights or plugging in your electronic devices. If your electronics still don't work after replacing the fuse, shut down main power and make sure the fuse is tightly connected. If the fuse blows again soon after you replaced it, you may be using more electrical devices than the circuit can handle. Try using fewer devices or unplug non-essential appliances when they're not in use. If you still can't find the problem, call an experienced electrician. It could mean that your home's wiring is faulty. Look under the hood or dashboard for your vehicle’s fuse box. Many cars have 2 or more fuse boxes, but there's no universal standard for their placement. Most manufacturers place them near the car's engine or battery, beneath the steering wheel, or inside the glove box. Look for a gray or black box; it may be labeled as “Fuses.” Check your car's manual if you have trouble finding the fuse boxes. If you don't have your manual, search online for “fuse box placement” plus your car's year, make, and model. Find the fuse that controls the device that’s stopped working. Lift the latch on the side of the fuse box to loosen the cover. Check the inside of the lid for a diagram of the devices each fuse controls. Your manual may also include a diagram but, if all else fails, you can also find information on your specific vehicle online. The diagram will also list the fuse's amperage, which you'll need to know to purchase a replacement. Be sure to turn your car off before troubleshooting the fuse box. Remove the blown fuse from the box using fuse pullers or tweezers. Some cars and fuse replacement kits include small plastic fuse pullers, which you can use to pluck the fuse from the box. If you don't have fuse pullers handy, a pair of tweezers will do the trick. In a pinch, you can also carefully pull the fuse from the box with your fingers. Make sure your car is completely off before you pull out the blown fuse. Keep the keys out of the ignition to avoid accidentally putting it in “Run” or “Accessories” mode. Otherwise, you could get a nasty shock. Check the fuse for a broken filament or discoloration. Car fuses are small, so it's a little tougher to find signs that one blew. Hold it up to the light and look closely inside for a thin wire that connects the 2 sides of the fuse. If the wire is broken, or if you see charred marks, the fuse has blown. If the wire is intact and the fuse seems fine, double-check your diagram to ensure you have the correct fuse. If you've checked each fuse individually and none have blown, your car's electrical system may need a mechanic's attention. If you're not able to visually tell if the fuse has blown, then you may need to check the fuses with a multimeter to determine if it's working. Install a new fuse with an amperage that matches the one that blew. Head to an auto shop or major retailer's automotive department to find fuses for your car. Bring the blown fuse with you to ensure you get the right match. Once you've purchased the right replacement, simply insert it into the slot where you removed the blown fuse. Make sure the car is off before you set the fuse into the empty slot. Press down with a little pressure until it pops into place. Car fuses are color-coded, so if the fuses are a different color, you know right away they aren't a match. Additionally, be sure the prong shape of the new fuse matches the old one. If necessary, ask an employee at the store for help finding the right replacement. Check automotive fuses with a simple test light. Put your key in the ignition and turn it to accessories mode. Open the fuse box, then insert the tester's probe into the tiny port on the face of a fuse. If the tester lights up, the fuse is working properly. Using a test light is a great way to find a blown fuse when you can't identify visual signs, such as a broken filament or black marks. You can find car fuse test lights online, at auto shops, and in the automotive department at most major retailers. The tester has 1 or 2 prongs that fit into the tiny test ports on the outside face of all automotive fuses. Test a plug fuse with a multimeter if you don’t see signs that it blew. Set your multimeter to test resistance; the setting looks like the Greek letter omega, or “Ω.” Turn off the fuse box's main power switch, then remove the fuse you'd like to test. Set the fuse glass-side-down on a non-conductive surface, such as a wood workbench or laminate counter, so the metal plug end faces up. Plug fuses, which are often found in home fuse boxes, have threaded terminals that look like the ends of standard light bulbs. To test it, touch one of the multimeter's probes to the very tip of the fuse's terminal. Touch the other probe to the side of the terminal near where the threading stops. If the multimeter displays a resistance between 0 and 5 Ω (ohms), the fuse is good. A higher resistance means a degraded or potentially blown fuse, and a reading of OL (over limit) means the fuse is definitely blown. Like an automotive test light, using a multimeter to test a home plug fuse is a good solution if you suspect a blown fuse but can't find any clear visual signs. Use a multimeter to test cylindrical fuses in electronic devices. If your electronic instrument or appliance is on the fritz, remove the fuse according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, electronic devices use tube-shaped fuses with a glass body and terminals at each end. Set your multimeter to test resistance, and place the fuse on a non-conductive surface. Touch one of the multimeter's probes to each of the fuse's terminals. As with plug fuses, a resistance reading of 0 to 5 Ω means the fuse works. A higher reading or a reading of OL means the fuse is bad. You can inspect cylindrical fuses for broken filaments or charred marks just like automotive and plug fuses. However, if you can't see clearly inside the fuse, testing it with a multimeter can help you figure out whether or not it works.

Look for the fuse box in your basement or garage. Turn off the power and unplug the appliances on the blown circuit. Check the fuses for charred glass or broken filaments. Swap the blown fuse out for one with the same power rating. Turn the power back on to test the new fuse. Look under the hood or dashboard for your vehicle’s fuse box. Find the fuse that controls the device that’s stopped working. Remove the blown fuse from the box using fuse pullers or tweezers. Check the fuse for a broken filament or discoloration. Install a new fuse with an amperage that matches the one that blew. Check automotive fuses with a simple test light. Test a plug fuse with a multimeter if you don’t see signs that it blew. Use a multimeter to test cylindrical fuses in electronic devices.

https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Your-Learning-Style

How to Find Your Learning Style

Discover your learning style by trying out different approaches to see which ones you like best, such as by drawing a picture of a concept to test out your visual learning abilities. If you take in more information by listening to a lecture or reading a book, you may be a verbal learner. Think about whether you learn more in a group setting or by yourself to decide if you're a social or solitary learner.

Read about the different learning types. In order to figure out your learning style, it is important to understand the difference between the types of learners. There are many books and websites that you can use to research the topic.Head to your local library and ask the reference librarian. Or ask the guidance counselor at your school for some information. Most people acknowledge that there are 7 different learning styles that are common: visual, auditory, verbal, physical, logical, social, and solitary. People often associate with several of these styles. Ask the guidance counselor at your school for some information. This person should be familiar with all of the styles. Try visual learning. After you do some research, start experimenting with different learning styles. It can be useful to try a new method of learning to figure out which one is your style. You can start with visual learning, which means that you learn by using pictures and other images. Ask yourself if you rely on images to help you understand key topics. For example, when you are reading your Biology text, do you find the diagrams more helpful than the written content? Try adding more images into the topic you are learning. If you are studying for a history test, make a chart that illustrates the key topics. If this is helpful, you may be a visual learner. If you are a visual learner, you may find it easier to navigate using a map with markers rather than written directions. Experiment with auditory learning. Aural, or auditory, means you learn effectively through sound and music. If you are not sure if this applies to you, spend some time adding sound to your study sessions. You could begin by reading select passages of your textbook out loud or listening to an audiobook to see if this helps you focus and understand the text. If you need to hear something out loud in order to fully grasp the concept, you may be an auditory learner. Experiment by repeating key concepts to a classmate to see if hearing the material is useful to you. Do you find yourself talking while you read? That indicates auditory learning. Another clue that you are an auditory learner is if you often find yourself annoyed by pictures and the written word. During your next study session make up some rhymes to help you remember the material. For example, "President Carter would never barter with the Soviets." If this seems helpful, you are likely an auditory learner. Learn through words. Verbal learners are most comfortable with words, both spoken and written. If you are an avid reader, you are likely comfortable with verbal learning. Reading is one of the most effective ways for you to retain information. Ask yourself if you are most comfortable listening to a spoken lecture or presentation. Verbal learners often resist group projects or activities. When you study, do you make written outlines of the material? This is an indication that verbal learning is your preference. Use movement to learn. Kinaesthetic learning is another common type of learning style. Physical learners rely on their hands, sense of touch, and physical activity. Movement is key to retaining information for this style of learning. If the thought of sitting through a lecture makes you nervous, you might learn better through physical activity. Do you fidget a lot? That is another sign. To find out whether you are a physical learner, try adding some movement to your routine. Try standing up while reading. Use as many physical objects as possible. Try making flashcards so that you can physically flip through the information. Investigate logic. Another learning style that you can experiment with is logical learning. Logical learners are puzzle solvers who prefer to use reasoning and systems to find answers. People who are good at math are often logical learners. To determine whether you are a logical learner, try rearranging the way you think about material. Look at each individual part instead of just the whole picture. For example, if you are studying World War II, don't just think about who won the war. Spend time thinking about why and how. Making connections is one of the keys to logical learning. If it is your natural instinct to draw clear lines between different topics, you are likely a logical learner. Learn with others. Some people learn best when they are interacting with other people. Social learners learn best in groups or with at least one other person. If you prefer to work with others, you may be a social learner. Many social learners have siblings or grew up in a home with lots of other people. Does the prospect of a group project make you excited? Do you dread studying by yourself? You likely lean towards social learning. To figure out whether social learning works for you, try forming a study group. Ask one or more classmates to join you after class to work through the material together. If other people often ask you for help with material, that is another indication that you are a social learner. People will notice that you like to discuss what you are learning. Practice solitary learning. Another common type of learning style is known as solitary learning. Solitary learners work best independently. If you are most effective without the help of others, you may be partial to this style. Do you enjoy spending time reflecting on a topic? That is an indication that you are a solitary learner. Instead of trying to just memorize information, solitary learners like to sit back and take time to think about each aspect of the content. Solitary learners often like to make plans ahead of time. They also typically make individual goals for most aspects of life. Take several self-assessments. After you experiment with different learning styles, you can spend some time clarifying which style is best for you. This is a fast and simple way to determine your learning style. Many reputable websites offer online quizzes that will analyze your learning style based on your responses. Search the web for a reputable site, and take several quizzes, as it's common to get different results. This may indicate that you utilize several different learning styles. Avoid sites that appear to be overtly selling a product. Look for a site such as HowToStudy.com that focuses on educational resources. Start the quiz. Be prepared to answer questions such as "What kind of book would you like to read for fun?" or "What are you most likely to do when waiting in line?" Most assessments are multiple-choice. They generally take between 5 and 20 minutes to complete. Remember that there are no right or wrong answers. Everyone learns a little differently, and that is okay. Reflect on your experiences. The results of your self-assessments can give you a good idea of which learning style(s) applies to you. However, it is important to take some time to think about your personal preferences. Think back on some of your most memorable learning experiences. Maybe you vividly remember learning about the Civil War in elementary school. Was it because your teacher asked you to build a model of a canon? That might mean you are a physical learner. Perhaps high school English was your favorite class. Did it really make an impression when your teacher read Shakespeare aloud? You might be more of a verbal learner. Take what you know about yourself and combine it with the results of your self-assessment quizzes. This should give you a good indication of your learning style. Talk to an instructor. It can be helpful to get some additional feedback to determine your learning style. Talk to one of your current or past teachers. Ask if the instructor has some time to talk to you about your education. Prepare some questions to ask. Try saying something such as, "Do you have any particular observations about the way I learn?" You can also ask, "Did you ever notice a topic or skill that I seemed to struggle with?" Ask the teacher for tips about how to improve your quality of learning. Talk to more than one person if possible. Put your findings to the test. Once you start to understand your learning style, you can tailor your educational experiences so that you can learn more quickly and easily. For example, if you believe that you are a visual learner, seek out images and pictures when first approaching a new topic. As you get to know yourself better, you'll figure out the best way for you to access and remember information. Maybe you are having trouble understanding the chapter you're reading in your biology textbook. If the paragraph on photosynthesis just doesn't make sense, try searching for online images. A chart or illustration might help cement the information. If you are an auditory learner, it can be hard to succeed in largely verbal subjects such as English. Try having a friend read aloud some passages to you of To Kill a Mockingbird. Perhaps you are trying to teach yourself a new skill, like knitting. If you are a physical learner, don't spend too much time becoming frustrated by reading a description of how to knit. Instead, pick up the needles and start learning with your hands. Study more effectively. Knowing your learning style can help you retain information in a more effective manner. If you choose the best way for your brain to learn, you will pick up on concepts more quickly. Arrange your study sessions around your learning style. Forming a study group can be helpful for many types of learning styles, except for solitary learners. Ask classmates to join you at a set time and location each week to work together. It's best to study with people who have a similar learning style to your own. Social learners learn best in group settings outside of school, too. For example, a social learner would do best to take a group cooking class rather than reading a cookbook. If you are a solitary learner, plan your study sessions for times when you know you will be alone. If necessary, work out a schedule with your roommates or family members to ensure you'll have the alone time that you need. Combine learning styles. Most people learn best by using a combination of learning styles. Don't be afraid to use different methods to approach one topic or lesson. Combining learning styles can really accelerate the rate at which you learn. Use different methods to take notes. If a skill seems like it is best recalled with words, just paraphrase the lecture. But if a picture would help, don't hesitate to draw a diagram in your notes to help you process the information. If you are a verbal learner, you probably rely mostly on words. Sometimes, it can be helpful to use an alternate style. For example, if you are trying to learn to play the piano, you will definitely want to listen to recordings and practice getting a feel for the keys. Use your senses. Once you have identified your learning style, you can begin using all of your senses to increase your knowledge. For example, if you are an auditory learner, you will learn to value your hearing. Try using a tape recorder to record lessons instead of just writing things down. Physical learners learn best when moving. Try mentally reviewing your vocabulary list while going for a jog. You could also benefit from standing up when reading or writing. Physical learners retain more information when not sitting still. If you are a visual learner, try drawing a picture of any concept you want to master. You can also post sticky notes around your house with information. Seeing information regularly is key for you. Know your strengths. When you are trying to grasp a new concept, look for the most effective way to convey the information to your brain. Choose a method that fits your learning style. Don't be afraid to utilize more than one method. If you are a solitary learner, find a quiet place to study. You can try a library or a coffee shop that isn't very busy. Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone. Supplement your solitary learning style by asking questions or comparing notes with a classmate. It's important to play to your strengths, but it's also a good idea to flex your mental muscles. You should occasionally try to switch up your method of learning. This is especially important so that you can learn well in multiple settings, including a traditional classroom. Though many teachers attempt to teach using various learning styles, it's important to be flexible so you can learn well in any setting. Learn more efficiently. Once you have identified your learning style, you will likely see a change in your mental capabilities. It will likely take you less time to learn a new concept. You will also likely retain information better. If you adapt your habits to fit your learning style, you will eventually have to spend less time studying each topic. This doesn't mean you will spend less time learning--it just means you can learn more information in less time. Gain confidence. If you feel more comfortable learning new skills or information, you will be more confident. Confident learners tend to learn more quickly and effectively. You will be more likely to seek out new information. Confident learners are more likely to speak up and ask questions. This is a great way to add to your knowledge base. Enhance your performance. Knowing your learning style can help outside of school, too. Use your knowledge to help improve your job performance. You will be able to become more productive and increase your value to your employer. Maybe you are a visual learner. If your job is in sales, make sure to track your output using charts and graphs. You'll be able to easier spot trends and ways to improve. If you are an auditory learner, ask your boss if she minds if you record your performance review. You can listen to the feedback again later and better absorb the information.

Read about the different learning types. Try visual learning. Experiment with auditory learning. Learn through words. Use movement to learn. Investigate logic. Learn with others. Practice solitary learning. Take several self-assessments. Reflect on your experiences. Talk to an instructor. Put your findings to the test. Study more effectively. Combine learning styles. Use your senses. Know your strengths. Learn more efficiently. Gain confidence. Enhance your performance.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Strawberry-Cake

How to Make a Strawberry Cake

To make a strawberry cake, start by creaming butter, sugar, and strawberry-flavored gelatin in a large mixing bowl. Then, stir eggs, flour, baking powder, milk, vanilla, and strawberries into the mixture. Next, pour the batter into a cake pan, and bake it for 30 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, let the cake cool before frosting it.

Prepare to make the cake. Preheat the oven to 375° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius). Grease and flour two 9 inch cake pans. Cream the butter, sugar, and gelatin. In a large mixing bowl cream the softened butter, sugar, and gelatin using hand a or electric blend. Blend for about a minute, until the mixture is fluffy and resembles a reddish color. Crack in the eggs. Crack in the four eggs into the creamed mixture, adding one at a time. Blend and fold in the eggs until there are no more egg streaks. Add the flour and baking powder. Stir in the cake flour and baking powder in with the creamed butter mixture. Blend on medium speed until the batter is crumbly. Stir in the milk, vanilla, and strawberries. Pour in the milk, vanilla extract, and pureed strawberries into the cake batter. Blend on medium speed for about two minutes until the cake batter resembles a bright pink color and is creamy. There should be no more flour streaks. Pour the cake batter into the cake pans. Using a rubber spatula, scrape out the strawberry cake batter and pour it into both cake pans. Scrape the edges of the bowl to remove any excess cake batter off the sides. Bake the cake. Place both cake pans in the oven and have the cake bake for about 25-30 minutes, until it rises and the edges are slightly brown. To test if the cake is done, poke a toothpick in the middle of the cake. If the toothpick comes out dry the cake is ready to be removed from the heat. Have the cakes cool. Flip both cake pans on a wire rack. Leave the cakes to cool for about 10 minutes, until cool enough to handle and frost. Frost and decorate. Stack both cakes together with frosting to form a bigger strawberry cake. Consider frosting the cake with strawberry frosting , cream cheese frosting , or vanilla frosting. Decorate with sprinkles, extra strawberries, cherries, coconut flakes, and/or fondant flowers. Serve and enjoy! Slice a piece of strawberry cake and lay it on a serving plate. Serve with a glass of milk if desired. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit (176° Celsius). Grease and flour three 8 x 2 inch round cake pans. Mix the eggs, strawberry, and both extracts. In a small bowl beat the eggs, strawberry puree, vanilla extract, an strawberry extract using a fork. Mix until the egg yolks break and the wet ingredients are well-combined. Whisk the dry ingredients. In a large bowl whisk the cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are properly combined and folded in. Add the butter and oil slowly. Add the butter into the flour mixture, only adding a couple tablespoons at a time. Pour in the vegetable oil and blend on low speed for about a minute until the cake batter is crumbly. Add the wet ingredients into the dry. Slowly pour in only half of the wet ingredients. Blend on high speed for about three minutes and then add the rest of the wet ingredients. Mix until the cake batter resembles a bright pink color and is creamy. There should be no more flour streaks. Pour the cake batter into the cake pans. Using a rubber spatula, scrape out the strawberry cake batter and pour it into both cake pans. Scrape the edges of the bowl to remove any excess cake batter off the sides. Bake the cake. Place both cake pans in the oven and have the cake bake for about 30-35 minutes, until it rises and the edges are slightly brown. To test if the cake is done, poke a toothpick in the middle of the cake. If the toothpick comes out dry the cake is ready to be removed from the heat. Have the cakes cool. Flip both cake pans on a wire rack. Leave the cakes to cool for about 10 minutes, until cool enough to handle and frost. Frost and decorate. Stack both cakes together with frosting to form a bigger strawberry cake. Consider frosting the cake with strawberry frosting , cream cheese frosting , or vanilla frosting. Decorate with sprinkles, extra strawberries, cherries, coconut flakes, and/or fondant flowers. Serve and enjoy! Slice a piece of strawberry cake and lay it on a serving plate. Serve with a glass of milk if desired. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit (176° Celsius). Grease and flour a 9 inch round cake pan. Whisk the dry ingredients. In a large bowl whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until the dry ingredients are well-combined and folded in. Cream the butter, sugar, and strawberry puree. In a medium-sized bowl cream the melted butter, sugar, and strawberry puree until the mixture is slightly liquid-like and resembles a bright red color. Add the dry ingredients in with the wet. Fold in the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and blend on medium speed for about two minutes, until the cake batter resembles a bright pink color and is creamy. There should be no more flour streaks. Pour the cake batter into the cake pan. Using a rubber spatula, scrape out the strawberry cake batter and pour it into the cake pan. Scrape the edges of the bowl to remove any excess cake batter off the sides. Bake the cake. Place the cake pan in the oven and have the cake bake for about 35-45 minutes, until it rises and the edges are slightly brown. To test if the cake is done, poke a toothpick in the middle of the cake. If the toothpick comes out dry the cake is ready to be removed from the heat. Have the cake cool. Flip the cake pan on a wire rack. Leave the cake to cool for about 10 minutes, until cool enough to handle and frost. Frost and decorate. Consider frosting the cake with strawberry frosting , cream cheese frosting , or vanilla frosting. Decorate with sprinkles, extra strawberries, cherries, coconut flakes, and/or fondant flowers. Serve and enjoy! Slice a piece of strawberry cake and lay it on a serving plate. Serve with a glass of milk if desired. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit (176° Celsius). Grease and flour a 9 inch round cake pan. Whisk the wet ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl whisk the almond milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and eggs. Beat until the egg yolks break and the wet ingredients are well-combined. Mix the dry ingredients and butter. In a large bowl combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar using a hand or electric blender. Add the butter, only adding a few pieces at a time. Blend until the dough becomes slightly doughy. Add the wet ingredients into the dry. Pour in the wet ingredients with dry and mix on low speed for about three minutes. Blend until the cake batter resembles a bright pink color and is creamy. There should be no more flour streaks. Pour the cake batter into the cake pan. Using a rubber spatula, scrape out the strawberry cake batter and pour it into the cake pan. Scrape the edges of the bowl to remove any excess cake batter off the sides. Bake the cake. Place the cake pan in the oven and have the cake bake for about 30-40 minutes, until it rises and the edges are slightly brown. To test if the cake is done, poke a toothpick in the middle of the cake. If the toothpick comes out dry the cake is ready to be removed from the heat. Have the cake cool. Flip the cake pan on a wire rack. Leave the cake to cool for about 10 minutes, until cool enough to handle and frost. Frost and decorate. Consider frosting the cake with strawberry frosting , cream cheese frosting , or vanilla frosting. Decorate with sprinkles, extra strawberries, cherries, coconut flakes, and/or fondant flowers. Serve and enjoy! Slice a piece of strawberry cake and lay it on a serving plate. Serve with a glass of milk if desired. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit (176° Celsius). Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans. Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl whisk the gluten-free flour, sugar, strawberry gelatin, baking powder, salt, and xanthan gum. Whisk until well-combined and the dry ingredients are properly mixed. Whisk the wet ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl whisk the oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and pureed strawberries. Beat until the egg yolks break and the mixture resembles a bright red color. Add the wet ingredients into the dry. Pour the wet ingredients in with the dry. Using a hand or electric blender, mix on medium speed for about two minutes until the cake batter resembles a bright pink color and is creamy. There should be no more flour streaks. Pour the cake batter into the cake pans. Using a rubber spatula, scrape out the strawberry cake batter and pour it into both cake pans. Scrape the edges of the bowl to remove any excess cake batter off the sides. Bake the cake. Place both cake pans in the oven and have the cake bake for about 40 minutes, until it rises and the edges are slightly brown. To test if the cake is done, poke a toothpick in the middle of the cake. If the toothpick comes out dry the cake is ready to be removed from the heat. Have the cakes cool. Flip both cake pans on a wire rack. Leave the cakes to cool for about 10 minutes, until cool enough to handle and frost. Frost and decorate. Stack both cakes together with frosting to form a bigger strawberry cake. Consider frosting the cake with strawberry frosting , cream cheese frosting , or vanilla frosting. Decorate with sprinkles, extra strawberries, cherries, coconut flakes, and/or fondant flowers. Serve and enjoy! Slice a piece of strawberry cake and lay it on a serving plate. Serve with a glass of milk if desired. Enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit (176° Celsius). Grease and flour a 13 x 5 cake pan. Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl combine the all-purpose flour, wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, vegan gelatin, and flax seeds. Stir with a whisk until well-combined. Whisk the wet ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl mix vegetable oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, pureed strawberries, and vinegar. Mix until well-combined and the wet ingredients are mixed properly. Add the wet ingredients into the dry. Pour the wet ingredients in with the dry and blend using a hand or electric blender, until the cake batter resembles a bright pink color and is creamy. Pour the cake batter into the cake pan. Using a rubber spatula, scrape out the strawberry cake batter and pour it into the cake pan. Scrape the edges of the bowl to remove any excess cake batter off the sides. Bake the cake. Place the cake pan in the oven and have the cake bake for about 50-55 minutes, until it rises and the edges are slightly brown. To test if the cake is done, poke a toothpick in the middle of the cake. If the toothpick comes out dry the cake is ready to be removed from the heat. Have the cake cool. Flip the cake pan on a wire rack. Leave the cake to cool for about 10 minutes, until cool enough to handle and frost. Frost and decorate. Consider frosting the cake with strawberry frosting , cream cheese frosting , or vanilla frosting. Decorate with sprinkles, extra strawberries, cherries, coconut flakes, and/or fondant flowers. Serve and enjoy! Slice a piece of strawberry cake and lay it on a serving plate. Serve with a glass of milk if desired. Enjoy!

Prepare to make the cake. Cream the butter, sugar, and gelatin. Crack in the eggs. Add the flour and baking powder. Stir in the milk, vanilla, and strawberries. Pour the cake batter into the cake pans. Bake the cake. Have the cakes cool. Frost and decorate. Serve and enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Mix the eggs, strawberry, and both extracts. Whisk the dry ingredients. Add the butter and oil slowly. Add the wet ingredients into the dry. Pour the cake batter into the cake pans. Bake the cake. Have the cakes cool. Frost and decorate. Serve and enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Whisk the dry ingredients. Cream the butter, sugar, and strawberry puree. Add the dry ingredients in with the wet. Pour the cake batter into the cake pan. Bake the cake. Have the cake cool. Frost and decorate. Serve and enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Whisk the wet ingredients. Mix the dry ingredients and butter. Add the wet ingredients into the dry. Pour the cake batter into the cake pan. Bake the cake. Have the cake cool. Frost and decorate. Serve and enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Mix the dry ingredients. Whisk the wet ingredients. Add the wet ingredients into the dry. Pour the cake batter into the cake pans. Bake the cake. Have the cakes cool. Frost and decorate. Serve and enjoy! Prepare to make the cake. Mix the dry ingredients. Whisk the wet ingredients. Add the wet ingredients into the dry. Pour the cake batter into the cake pan. Bake the cake. Have the cake cool. Frost and decorate. Serve and enjoy!

https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Maid-Service

How to Start a Maid Service

To start a maid service, work out of a private home to keep your costs down if you have a small budget for supplies. Alternatively, you could join a franchise, which will give you more financial and logistical support. Whichever route you take, you'll want to come up with a unique selling point to promote your business, such as your use of eco-friendly products. Then, advertise your services on social media and by printing flyers to leave in public places.

Decide if you want to run your own business. Owning a maid service requires much more thought and planning than just buying some cleaning supplies. Designing a business plan will help you think of all the different steps you should take to build a strong foundation for your business. If you have other major demands on your time -- such as caring for a sick relative or going to school part time -- you might want to consider if this is the best time to start your own business. Although the cleaning industry generally has low start-up costs, you will still need a minimum of $5,000 to purchase equipment and insurance, hire a lawyer to protect your legal interests, and get an accountant to run your payroll division and sort out your taxes. Define your budget. One the key components of your business plan is your budget, or the amount of money you have to invest in your business. This will often determine the scope of your business plan, how many employees you plan to take on, etc. Do you have the money to spend on the massive amount of cleaning products that a large office building will require or are you intending to work out of a smaller, private home? Your budget may also help determine if you will join a cleaning franchise (like Molly Maids, Merry Maids or Vanguard Cleaning Systems). Franchises often require expensive joining fees (usually between $30,000-$50,000), but they also help cover some structural needs like marketing, employee training, support for franchise owners, etc. Write down your Unique Selling Point. It is likely that you won't be the only maid service available in your area. What do you offer that no one else does? Why should your clients pick you over your competitors? For example, will you offer eco-friendly cleaning supplies? Will you offer carpet or rug cleaning services? Do you offer hours on the weekends or evenings? Write down three or four words that will define the core values of your brand. What three words do you want your customers to remember when they think of you? Some key words might be loyalty, trust, care, reliability, spotless, pristine, etc. Define a customer service plan. So much of the cleaning industry is based on customer service. If your clients don't trust you, they won't feel comfortable allowing you into their homes. Consider special incentives you can offer to your most loyal clients. You could start a referral program where your clients get 10% off if they refer your services to a friend or family member. Set your price. Your price should be competitive enough that you won't lose potential clients, but high enough that you can still make a profit. Charge by the hour. Some cleaning services change by the hour. The national average for house cleaners is $14/hour, but cleaners in large cities average prices between $18-20/hour. You might find this is the best route to go when you have new clients and don't know how long it will take to complete a project. Charge by the room or square footage. You might also consider charging by the physical amount of space in the home or office. If you have a very large home to cover (like a vacation home that needs to be prepared after months of being unoccupied), this might be the smartest method to choose. Set a flat rate. Many cleaning services also just set one flat rate for each visit, especially if they clean the house more than once a month. If you clean weekly, or even multiple times a week, you will find that charging a flat rate will be more effective than charging by the hour. However, if you only clean for the client once a month or less frequently, then you will have more work to do. You should factor in other things to your fee, such as the cost of transportation to different clients' homes and the cost of repurchasing cleaning supplies and appliances like vacuums or carpet cleaners. You should also have a clear billing system in place. If you are working through a franchise like Merry Maids, it is likely they will have a system put into place already. But if you are working independently you should decide if you are going to have an invoice system where you send your customer a bill, if you will accept checks or credit cards on the spot, or if you will take payment at the beginning or end of the month. Hire high-quality staff. The cleaning industry has a very high turnover rate -- an average of 300%.. Although it might initially be more expensive to hire staff with lots of experience and great recommendations, investing in your employees and giving them favorable working conditions will mean you will save money in the long run. Talk to your lawyer about the legal categorizations of workers. In most industries, you are not allowed to legally take on part time, contract workers when they actually complete the essential work of your business. Market your business. If you have worked in the cleaning industry previously, you might already have a loyal following of customers who can use word of mouth to market your new business. But if you don't, there are number of other routes you can take: Create brochures that you can leave in high-traffic areas, like community centers, gyms, churches and other places where your potential clients meet. Outreach to potential clients through a Facebook page, Twitter or other social media page. You could use these to feature "Before" and "After" pictures of your work, promote special deals, or create content relating to your business. Market yourself locally. Join the listservs of different neighborhood associations or websites like Nextdoor to advertise your services. Some websites like Handy and Homejoy function as a space where you can list your services through their web site directly (like AirBnB). However, some of these websites have been shown to charge very high rates to their customers, but not give the same wages to their maids while also not allowing their maids to list their services on other web sites. Use caution when listing on these sites -- you might make more money on your own. In all of your promotional materials -- like brochures, flyers, web site design, business cards, etc. -- use a consistent logo and color palette. You want to position your business as a brand experience, where your customers get a consistently superior service. You can also consider having your employees wear a particular uniform, such as slacks and a polo shirt with your company's logo on it. Seek out your target market. Your target market is your core demographic of clients. Do you want to work at the homes of busy working parents who don't have extra time to clean? Or do you want to help clients who are elderly and are incapable of cleaning for themselves? Establishing a key target market will help you specify your marketing campaigns? Look for unmet needs in your local cleaning market. Perhaps there aren't many cleaners who offer environmentally friendly products. If this is the case, position yourself as filling a void for your clients. Hire an accountant and a lawyer. An accountant can give you great advice on how to grow your business financially and a lawyer can keep your legal interests protected as your business grows. They will also be able to advise you if you should turn your business into an LLC or an S Corporation. If you are an S Corporation you can still be an employee (or cleaner) and get the benefits of begin on payroll while you are also the owner of the business. If you are an LLC, you cannot do this. Get CIMS certified. The Cleaning Industry Management Standard certificate is generally not required to expand your business, but you will find that it gives you much more credibility within your profession. To get certified, you will need to pay a $500 application fee and a certification ($995 if you are already a member of CIMS, $1695 if you are nonmember). A CIMS assessor will then visit your business to inspect your cleaning processes to make sure they fit their standards. The price for this is $1500 for each assessment date required. Expand your business. As you grow and gain more income, consider expanding your business into other cities in your state. If you have upper-level members of your staff, you can consider making them responsible for another branch of your business. Make sure you keep your insurance as you take on more workers. If your employees are working with harsh chemicals, then you should make sure you have liability insurance and also offer worker's compensation for your employees.

Decide if you want to run your own business. Define your budget. Write down your Unique Selling Point. Define a customer service plan. Set your price. Hire high-quality staff. Market your business. Seek out your target market. Hire an accountant and a lawyer. Get CIMS certified. Expand your business.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pizza-Dough-Without-Yeast

How to Make Pizza Dough Without Yeast

To make pizza dough without yeast, start by combining the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Next, add warm water and oil, and stir the ingredients until the mixture forms a ball. Then, turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for several minutes. Finally, spread the dough evenly onto a pizza pan or baking sheet and bake the crust at 400°F for 15-25 minutes. After you remove the baked crust, add your desired pizza toppings and enjoy.

Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Add the warm water and the oil. Stir all ingredients together until the mixture forms a ball. (Add more water if the dough becomes too stiff.) Turn out the dough onto a floured cutting board and knead the ball of dough gently for a few minutes. The dough should be soft, but not sticky. Sprinkle a little flour on the dough if it is too sticky to knead. Spread the dough onto a pizza pan or a flat baking sheet. Smooth out the dough so that it is uniformly even. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 15 to 25 minutes. Remove pizza from oven and add desired toppings.

Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Add the warm water and the oil. Stir all ingredients together until the mixture forms a ball. Turn out the dough onto a floured cutting board and knead the ball of dough gently for a few minutes. Spread the dough onto a pizza pan or a flat baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 15 to 25 minutes. Remove pizza from oven and add desired toppings.

https://www.wikihow.com/Help-a-Bird-with-a-Broken-Wing

How to Help a Bird with a Broken Wing

To help a bird with a broken wing, start by putting on a pair of gloves to protect you from any germs the bird might be carrying. With gloves on, gently wrap the bird in a towel, which will help it calm down and prevent it from hurting itself further. Once you've wrapped the bird up, place another towel in a cardboard box and put the bird inside to keep it safe and comfortable. Avoid giving it food or water, since it will probably be too scared to eat or drink. When you've settled the bird in a box, call your local vet to ask for their advice. If they can't help you, try contacting bird rescues in your area to see if they can take the bird in.

Wear gloves when handling the bird. Birds can carry a lot of gross diseases, so it's important to protect yourself even when you're trying to help the bird. Never pick up a wild bird with your bare hands. Wear protective gloves and wash your hands immediately after handling the bird. You should wear gloves even if it is a domestic pet bird that is injured, as hurt birds may be frantic and lash out at you if they are feeling vulnerable and in pain. It's best to use thick canvas or cloth gloves – like those used in gardening. These will be the most effective in protecting you from the bird's beak and claws, as well as from any potential diseases the bird might be carrying. If you don't have any gloves handy, try using a towel to pick up the bird. If the injured bird is a large bird of prey, you are best off not handling it at all. Instead, call the animal control or a bird rescue organization in your area. Avoid putting the bird too close to your face. Even small birds have sharp beaks and talons. Whenever you are handling an injured bird, always keep it away from your face to protect yourself. Even your own pet bird might snap at you if it is hurt and feeling scared. A bird with a broken wing will likely feel more vulnerable and might lash out at you with its beak or claws. Refrain from giving the bird food or water. An injured bird will typically be too scared to eat or drink. You should try to take quick action to get the bird the help it needs, so you shouldn't need to provide it with food or water in the short time the bird is in your care. It's easy for an injured bird to choke on water when it is force-fed. Don't do this. Wrap the bird in a towel. Injured birds, whether wild or domestic, feel much better when they are wrapped up in something protective, like a towel. It will help the bird stay calm, and it will also keep the bird from moving more and hurting itself. Try to protect the injured wing when you wrap the bird in the towel. Gently place the injured wing against the bird's body (not bent in a funny way) and wrap the bird snugly in the towel. Put the bird into a shoebox. Place a towel on the bottom of a shoebox for added comfort, then put the bird on top of it. Make sure the box has a lid that you can close securely to ensure the bird doesn't escape and hurt itself more. For a larger bird, you may need to choose something larger to carry it in. Try a hard-sided cat carrier or a larger cardboard box. Make sure any box you put a bird in has some ventilation holes so that the bird can still breathe inside the box. Move the bird as little as possible. A bird with a broken wing (or other injury) should not be moved except when absolutely necessary, even if it is your pet bird. This will help prevent further injury for the bird. Pick the bird up with a towel, wrap it in a towel, and place it in a shoebox. Then don't move the bird again unless absolutely necessary. Provide an extra heat source. In the bird's weakened state, it is very possible that it will need extra help staying warm. Try putting a warm water bottle in the box with the bird to provide some additional heat. Make sure the water bottle is in a place where the bird can get away from it if it gets too hot. Since the bird can't move around much while it is injured and wrapped in a towel, you should put the water bottle in the opposite end of the box and monitor the bird for signs of overheating. If the bird starts panting, remove the water bottle immediately. You'll need to periodically remove the lid to the box to check and see if the bird is panting. Put the bird in a warm, safe place while you figure out what to do next. While you are deciding what course of action to take, put the injured bird in a safe place where it will be warm and out of harm's way. Keep it somewhere dimly lit and quiet so the bird can feel more calm. The bird should be kept away from small children or other animals who might attack it or accidentally injure it more. Assess the bird’s injuries. Try to inspect the bird and determine the extent of its injuries. If the bird looks dazed, stunned, or unconscious, this could mean that the bird is in shock and is suffering from more injuries than just a broken wing. If the bird is alert – and even trying to get away from you – this is a good sign. Try to look for any visible blood or wounds that can help you assess the severity of the bird's condition. If you think the bird's broken wing is too damaged to repair, or the bird appears to have other injuries as well, the bird may need to be euthanized. If the bird needs to be euthanized, you can take it to a vet for assistance or call the local animal control authorities. Contact a local veterinarian or avian specialist. For an injured domestic bird, call your personal vet for advice. If you don't know what to do with an injured wild bird, you can also call your local vet to see what they recommend. Some vets offer free assistance (like antibiotics or life-saving surgery) to animals injured in the wild. Your vet probably won't be able to house a wild bird while it recovers (unless you pay for it), but they may be able to provide some sort of care or support. Call or talk to several bird rescues in your area. If you found an injured bird in the wild, you may need to contact a bird rescue organisation for help. Look online to find some in your area. They may be able to provide some medical assistance for your injured bird, but have no room to house or rehabilitate the bird. You should specifically ask them about what services they are able to offer: one-time medical assistance, housing, rehabilitation services, and continuous medical care throughout rehabilitation. You may need to ask several rescue organizations if they have room for the bird you found. You may need to call several agencies before you find one that is willing to help you. These rescues typically depend on public donations to function, so they may be running short on funding, supplies, or physical space. Take the bird to a rescue that doesn’t euthanize. If you've determined that the bird's injuries don't seem fatal, inquire about each rescue's euthanization policy. Be sure to ask each rescue what their policy is specifically regarding birds with broken wings. Some organizations believe that birds who have broken wings can never be happy again without the ability to fly, and thus should be euthanized. Others think that it is quite possible for some birds to live a happy life after recovering from a broken wing. You don't want to go to all the trouble of helping a bird with a broken wing, only to have it euthanized by the rescue you take the bird to. Take the bird carefully to another location. Whether you take the bird to a vet or to an animal rescue, you'll need to transport it safely to the next location. Make sure the lid of the box is securely closed so the bird can't get out on the trip. Try to keep the box as still as possible. Put the box in the floorboard of the passenger seat of your car if you are driving. Otherwise, try to hold the box as still as possible.

Wear gloves when handling the bird. Avoid putting the bird too close to your face. Refrain from giving the bird food or water. Wrap the bird in a towel. Put the bird into a shoebox. Move the bird as little as possible. Provide an extra heat source. Put the bird in a warm, safe place while you figure out what to do next. Assess the bird’s injuries. Contact a local veterinarian or avian specialist. Call or talk to several bird rescues in your area. Take the bird to a rescue that doesn’t euthanize. Take the bird carefully to another location.

https://www.wikihow.com/Decide-Between-Cutting-Your-Hair-or-Not

How to Decide Between Cutting Your Hair or Not

To decide between cutting your hair or not, try looking at yourself in the mirror and playing with your hair to see what it would look like at different lengths and angles. If you like what you see, it might be worth trying out a new haircut! You can also look at old photos of yourself to get an idea of what you look like with different lengths and styles. You can even download an app on your phone and upload a picture of yourself so you can try on different haircuts to see what you like.

Look at yourself in the mirror and imagine different hairstyles. Deciding whether or not to cut your hair is a personal decision that's different for everyone, and there's no right or wrong answer. While you're trying to decide, spend some time looking in the mirror, thinking about how your hair would look if you cut it. Play with your hair in the mirror, too–hold it up so the ends hit at a shorter length than normal, or flip the ends of your hair over your forehead so they look like bangs. This can help give you a rough idea of what you would look like with a new cut. Examine old pictures of yourself with different hairstyles. If you're thinking about cutting your hair, flip through pictures where you have different hairstyles, if you have any. Pay attention to how different cuts framed your face, and think about what you did and didn't like about your hair at the time. Another thing to look for is how different haircuts looked when you styled them yourself. For instance, if a cut looked great on you right out of the salon but you had trouble taming your curls at that length, pictures can help remind you. Use an app to try on different hairstyles. There are a number of apps and websites that will let you upload a picture to try on different haircuts. This is a fun way to experiment with different lengths, styles, and even colors to see what you like. You might even discover a cut that you would never have considered before! When you're taking a picture to upload to one of these apps, pull your hair away from your face and look straight into the camera. This will help ensure the sample hairstyles are aligned properly with your face. If you don't have a way to take a picture of yourself, most of these apps will let you try hairstyles on a model's face. Try to pick a model whose face shape most closely resembles yours. Take a screenshot or print out a photo to show to your hairdresser if you find a style you really love. Measure between your ear and your chin to see if a short cut is right for you. Hold a pencil directly under your chin, extending out toward your ear, then hold a ruler perpendicular to the pencil and measure the distance between the pencil and your ear. If the distance between your ear and your chin is less than 2.25 in (5.7 cm), your delicate features are suited for a shorter cut. If it's longer than that, a longer haircut will be more flattering for your features. The pencil test is a guideline developed by John Frieda. To determine the exact length of your cut, your stylist should take into consideration your face shape, hair texture, and personal style. Go short if you live in a hot, humid climate. Summertime humidity can make your hair frizzy and heavy, sticking to your forehead and making you feel even hotter in warm weather. Short hair weighs less and will dry faster if you get a little sweaty on a hot day, helping you to stay cooler. Short styles like crops or pixies are the perfect way to stay cool on a hot day. If your hair is very thick and frizzy, it can be harder to style if it's cut very short. Instead, you might want to leave some length but opt for an undercut, where a portion of your hair near your neck is cut short to lose some volume. Stick to a trim if you’re contemplating other big changes in your life. If you're thinking about leaving your job or breaking up with your partner, it can be tempting to go out and cut off all your hair as a way of shaking things up. However, if what you really want is to make a change in your life, cutting off your hair could be a rash decision that you'll regret. You should also avoid making a dramatic change to your hair if you have a major event, like a wedding or a big presentation. If you don't like how it turns out, or if you are unfamiliar with styling short hair, it could add additional stress to your big day. On the other hand, if you're looking a way to empower yourself, cutting your hair can help you feel like you have control over your choices! Don’t cut your hair just because someone else wants you to. There's nothing wrong with taking advice from friends and family about whether they think a certain haircut will look good on you, but you shouldn't cut your hair because you feel pressured to. Whether it's your mom, your best friend, or the person you're dating, your hair belongs to you, and you should only cut it if you want to. The same thing is true if you're feeling pressured to leave your hair long but you want to cut it. You're the only person who should make that decision. Determine the shape of your face. If you don't already know your face shape, stand facing a mirror with your hair pulled straight back and look at the angles of your face, especially around your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. If you need to, draw the outline of your face on the mirror in lipstick or shaving cream to help you figure out the shape. Go with layers on top or a longer length if you have a round face shape. People with round faces often believe that they can't pull off short hair because it will make their face look too wide. However, as long as you pick a cut with extra volume on the top, it can actually help balance out your round face, making it look longer. For instance, if you have tight curls, you could try a faux-hawk style with plenty of lift to slim your round features. If your hair is straight, you could choose a pixie with choppy layers around the crown. Avoid cuts which hit at the fullest parts of your cheek or right at your jawline. Just below the chin is a good length if you're looking for a more feminine short style. Opt for sweeping waves to soften a square face. If you have a sharp jaw and a wide forehead, layers, waves, or curls can help soften your features. Popular styles for this face shape include soft layers, asymmetrical cuts, and side-swept bangs. If you'd prefer to highlight your strong jawline, choose a classic short cut that's cropped close on the back and sides with a little texture on the top. Keep your hair a little longer if you have a heart-shaped face. Heart-shaped faces, also called triangle-shaped faces, are wider across the forehead and narrower at the chin. Short cuts will emphasize the width of your forehead, so it's best to wear your hair a little longer. If you prefer a short cut, ask your stylist to keep it about 3 in (7.6 cm) long all the way around. Try a 90s-style undercut or a bob with long bangs to balance your heart-shaped face. Pick almost any cut if you have an oval face. Oval faces are the most balanced, and you have the distinction of looking good with almost any hair style. Whether you decide to leave your hair long or shave it all off, chances are you'll pull off the look like nobody else! Remember that a good stylist can help you find the right cut for you. If you're contemplating a chop but you're not sure which direction to go, schedule a consultation appointment with your stylist. Bring a few inspiration pictures and ask what they think will look good on you. The right stylist will know how to help you choose a cut that will work with your face shape and hair texture, so if you want short hair, don't be afraid to go for it! Examine the ends of your hair for split ends. Hold a section of your hair in front of your face and look at the ends to see if you can spot any frayed edges, splits, or small white spots where your hair has split. Once your hair starts to develop split ends, the breakage will travel up the strand of hair until you cut it, so you'll need at least a trim to fix the problem. Other signs of damage include dryness, frizz, or a straw-like appearance. The more damage your hair has, the shorter you'll need to cut it. Opt for a shorter cut if you have thin, limp hair. Fine, straight hair tends to look flat when you wear it long. Choosing a shorter cut will add body, making your hair look fuller and healthier. A layered pixie, choppy bob, or a piecey crop are all great ways to add volume. The shorter your hair is, the more lift it will appear to have. Leave enough for a ponytail if you don’t style your hair every day. Short hair is low-maintenance, but you have to spend at least a few minutes styling it each day. If you're the type to rely on a ponytail or a messy bun for days on end, a short hairstyle could be more work than you're used to. Short cuts also require more frequent trips to the salon. You'll need a trim every 4-6 weeks rather than the 3 months or so you can go between trims if you have longer hair. If you already style your hair every day, a short cut can save you time during your daily routine! Go for the big chop if you’re facing hair loss. Of course, whether to cut your hair or not is a highly personal decision, but if you're facing hair loss, cutting your hair short can make the process easier. Whether it's due to heredity, chemotherapy, or another condition, short hair can make your hair loss less obvious as you go through the process. The length you choose is up to you, but a close crop is often popular for people facing hair loss. Avoid shaving your head all the way down with a razor, especially if your hair loss is due to an illness. If you cut yourself while you're shaving, you may be at an increased risk for infection.

Look at yourself in the mirror and imagine different hairstyles. Examine old pictures of yourself with different hairstyles. Use an app to try on different hairstyles. Measure between your ear and your chin to see if a short cut is right for you. Go short if you live in a hot, humid climate. Stick to a trim if you’re contemplating other big changes in your life. Don’t cut your hair just because someone else wants you to. Determine the shape of your face. Go with layers on top or a longer length if you have a round face shape. Opt for sweeping waves to soften a square face. Keep your hair a little longer if you have a heart-shaped face. Pick almost any cut if you have an oval face. Remember that a good stylist can help you find the right cut for you. Examine the ends of your hair for split ends. Opt for a shorter cut if you have thin, limp hair. Leave enough for a ponytail if you don’t style your hair every day. Go for the big chop if you’re facing hair loss.

https://www.wikihow.com/Take-a-Good-Picture-On-Your-Camera-Phone

How to Take a Good Picture On Your Camera Phone

To take good pictures on your camera phone, start by wiping the camera lens with a clean cloth so your pictures don't turn out blurry. Then, set your phone to the highest picture quality and resolution so your photos look as crisp and professional as possible. Also, always turn off any effects or filters when you're taking pictures since they can ruin a shot. You can always add them in later using the editing settings on your phone or computer!

Clean the lens. Over time the camera lens can collect lint and create a blurred image. Just give it a good wipe with a clean cloth. Set your phone to its highest picture quality and resolution. You might end up taking a good enough shot that you want to print it out; you won't be able to do this if you only have a low-resolution version of the photo. Turn off picture frames. A normally great shot may be ruined by a cheesy frame or background; if you really must have one, add the frame after you take the picture. Turn off any other effects. These include black-and-white , sepia tones, inverted colours, and so on. These aren't as necessarily as cheesy-looking as frames and have their place; nonetheless, these things are much better done in photo editing software later on than on board the phone. You may find, for example, that when you view your photo on a large screen that the colours in your scene are far too good to lose to black-and-white. Set the white balance, if your phone supports it. The human eye usually adjusts for lighting, and so white appears white in any kind of lighting. A camera, however, will see that a given subject is redder than normal under normal incandescent household lighting. Better camera phones will give you the option to adjust the camera for this. If you have such an option, use it. If you're not sure what setting to use, experiment. Avoid subjects in low light, at least if you want them to be consistently lit. The small sensors in camera phones cannot run at high ISO speeds (i.e. high sensitivity to light, permitting indoor photos without a flash) without introducing large amounts of noise. In most circumstances, this precludes indoor photos other than in the best-lit places. If you have to shoot indoors, consider what artificial lighting sources you have. Avoid fluorescent light, as it can cast a green tint on your subjects. Make sure you camera is stable in low light. Camera phones slow the shutter speed in low light, and this can capture any movement you make and blur your photo. Avoid bright reflections, and other "hot-spots". This will either force the camera to under-expose the rest of the shot, or cause the camera to blow out the highlights on the brightest parts of the shot. The latter is worse, since it is sometimes possible to extract details from parts of the image that are too dark, but impossible to recover blown highlights (since there is no detail therein to extract). On the other hand, this can be used to artistic ends, such as with bright light streaming through a window. People pictures will look best in diffuse lighting such as open shade, under a cloudy sky, or in bright artificial light. Try to include bright colors, which will show up well, rather than a range of light and dark areas (which will both lose detail). Avoid anything that requires tight focusing. Due to their very short focal lengths (the distance between a camera's optical elements and the sensor, again, owing to their small sensors), camera phones excel at shots where nearly all of a scene is in focus. However, this (and their typically weak auto-focus mechanisms) usually precludes focusing on objects very close to the phone, or having a very shallow depth of field to get a blurred background effect (which can, with varying degrees of authenticity, be faked in software later anyway). Avoid "mirror shots", as well as arm-length shots taken by yourself. Mirrors also often end up confusing auto-focus mechanisms. Get outside and get someone to take the photo for you. If you'd rather take the picture yourself, most camera phones have an auto-timer feature so you can set the phone somewhere and get into frame. Keep your subject big and prominent. Fine details, such as leaves on trees at a distance, will be smeared out. It is best to shoot things as close to the subject as possible. If you can get up close to your subject and frame it tightly, you will get the best results. Most smartphone cameras have a digital zoom, but using this won't help you get detailed pictures from far away. Using this is just essentially cropping your picture on the screen rather than during editing. Keep your background clutter free. Camera phones won't automatically focus on the foreground and do not have settings to do so. Use your flash judiciously. If you find yourself using a flash because your whole scene is insufficiently lit, you're probably taking photographs indoors in poor light. Don't do this, and go back to the first step; a scene lit entirely by your flash will look un-natural, since on a camera phone it is not typically possible to aim the flash anything but directly ahead (i.e. you can't bounce it off ceilings or walls, as with dedicated flash guns for SLR cameras). On the other hand, a flash is a good option for filling in shadows in harsh sunlight. Frame your shot. Make sure that everything you want in the shot is in the picture, and ready to be captured. Some phones show the entire viewfinder, meaning that what is on the screen is exactly what will be captured in the image. Other phones, however, only show what is in the middle of the image, but will capture more than the viewfinder shows. Err on the side of putting too much empty space into your picture; you can always crop it later. Use the rule of thirds. When composing a picture, imagine two horizontal lines and two vertical lines crossing like a tic-tac-toe grid on top of it. Place strong lines and divisions like the horizon on the gridlines. Let elements of interest fall on the intersections. Use a backdrop when shooting still scenes. A black background is a good start, as it can make objects and colors pop in your photo. Black velvet material is a good choice because it absorbs all light that hits it. It will help diminish shadows and reflections. Make sure the fabric is taught, as wrinkles will show up in the photo and distract from the subject. Finally, take the picture. Keep your hand steady as you press the shutter button. After you take the picture, keep the phone in position to allow the picture to be recorded. If you move immediately after pressing the shutter button, often times you will just get a blur! Save the picture to your phone, if desired, copy it to your computer for any post-processing, and show it to your friends!

Clean the lens. Set your phone to its highest picture quality and resolution. Turn off picture frames. Turn off any other effects. Set the white balance, if your phone supports it. Avoid subjects in low light, at least if you want them to be consistently lit. Avoid bright reflections, and other "hot-spots". Avoid anything that requires tight focusing. Avoid "mirror shots", as well as arm-length shots taken by yourself. Keep your subject big and prominent. Keep your background clutter free. Use your flash judiciously. Frame your shot. Use a backdrop when shooting still scenes. Finally, take the picture. Save the picture to your phone, if desired, copy it to your computer for any post-processing, and show it to your friends!