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https://www.wikihow.com/Enhance-Grey-Hair

How to Enhance Grey Hair

Whether your grey hair is natural or dyed, there are many ways to enhance your grey locks and update your style. If you have any yellow tints in your hair, use a blue or purple-tinted shampoo once a week, which will cancel out your tints. Alternatively, apply a violet-tinted gloss every few months, which will cancel out yellow tones while giving your hair an extra shine. To mix up your hairstyle, consider adding highlights or lowlights to your grey hair with a home dye kit or at your salon. Just stick to dyes a few shades lighter or darker than your hair to complement the grey. If you apply highlights, don't forget to use shampoo for color-treated hair to keep them looking rich and vibrant.

Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Massage the shampoo into your scalp for a few minutes to stimulate the follicles and increase circulation to the scalp. This will help keep your hair healthy. Apply the conditioner next, and leave it on for 1 to 2 minutes, or as directed on the bottle, before rinsing it off. Look for sulfate-free, antioxidant-rich shampoos and conditioners to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. If your hair is oily or tends to suffer from a buildup of product, you can shampoo as often as once every other day. Wash away discoloration with a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoo is formulated to remove stubborn dirt, oils, and built up residues that resist gentler shampoos. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to combat dullness and discoloration in your grey hair. Clarifying shampoo can be very drying, so use it sparingly, especially if you are using other products that might dry your hair or strip away natural oils. Skip the clarifying shampoo if you have highlights or lowlights, since it will strip the color out of your hair. Keep yellow tints at bay with a blue or purple shampoo. The tint in blue or purple-tinted shampoo cancels out yellow tones in grey hair. Apply the shampoo from roots to tips, then leave it on for the time recommended on the bottle before rinsing it out. Depending on the level of yellow in your hair, you can leave the shampoo on for up to 15 minutes. However, leaving the shampoo on for too long can leave you with obvious purple tints in your hair. Look for blue or purple-tinted shampoo made specifically for white or silver hair. Check for "silver" on the label. How often you use this shampoo depends on how yellow your hair is. However, avoid using it more than once or twice a week. Overuse can result in a buildup of dye, causing your hair to look dull or bluish. If you are using a clarifying shampoo, do not use it on the same day as the purple shampoo, as the combination could dry out your hair. Wait a few days after using one before you use the other. Apply a violet-tinted gloss every 2 to 3 months if desired. If using purple shampoo is not convenient for you, consider applying a gloss instead. This will not only balance out the yellow tones, but also give your hair shine. You can do this at a salon or use an at-home kit. Maintain your cut and style. Because everyone's hair is different, you should speak with your hair stylist to find a haircut is right for you. Choose something that is easy for you to maintain and style. Grey hair reflects light, so if your hair is unstyled or not cut properly, it will be even more obvious than usual. As a general rule, you should cut your hair every 6 weeks. If your hair starts to look shaggy or unkempt before then, however, it's time for a trim! Add dimension and texture with highlights and lowlights. Highlights and lowlights have the advantage of having a less obvious grow-out period on grey hair than a solid color. Try to get a range between white/light grey, medium grey, and dark grey/black. You can try to do this at home using a kit, but it would be better to get it done professionally at a salon. Keep the highlights 2 to 3 shades lighter than the rest of your hair. Depending on how light your hair is to begin with, this may or may not be possible because there is nothing to lighten. Place the thickest, lightest highlights around your face. Have them get thinner the further you get from your face. Keep the lowlights 1 to 2 shades darker than your base color. Use them alongside the highlights to help blend them in. Add a secondary color for a more dramatic look. Mixing a second color in with your grey hair can add excitement to your look. You can do it all over your hair as highlights, or even as a single, bold streak. Keep the color light so that it's still the same shade as the rest of your hair. Great options include: ice blue, dusty pink, or light purple. Match the shade of grey to your skin tone. There are different shades of grey, just like there are different shades of blond and brown. What looks good on one person may not look good on you. If you dyed your hair grey and it just doesn't look right, or if you want to add depth or richness to your naturally grey hair, ask for your stylist's recommendation. Keep the following in mind: If you have light skin that is not flattered by ashy tones, a pale champagne blond may be a better choice than grey. A pure white will also look nice. If you have medium skin, you can go with a creamy white or a steel grey. If your hair is naturally dark, you can even go with a bright silver shade. If you have dark skin, opt for a salt-and-pepper look with white highlights and dark lowlights. Use shampoos and conditioners made for color-treated hair. Select products that are formulated to be gentle, moisturizing, and easy on your dye. Some shampoos and conditioners will also boost your color as you wash. Even with color-safe products, limit washing to once or twice a week to avoid drying out your hair and washing out your dye. Repair dryness and damage with a weekly hair mask or balm. Wash your hair with shampoo first, then use the mask or balm in place of your conditioner. Leave the product in your hair for 3 to 5 minutes, or for however long is directed on the container, then rinse it out. Use a mask meant for color-treated hair. Avoid anything containing sulfates. Limit heat styling your hair. Dyed hair is often dry and brittle, and this is especially true of heavily bleached hair. Heat styling, including straightening and curling, will only damage it further. If you must heat style your hair, use a lower temperature and a heat protection spray.

Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Wash away discoloration with a clarifying shampoo. Keep yellow tints at bay with a blue or purple shampoo. Apply a violet-tinted gloss every 2 to 3 months if desired. Maintain your cut and style. Add dimension and texture with highlights and lowlights. Add a secondary color for a more dramatic look. Match the shade of grey to your skin tone. Use shampoos and conditioners made for color-treated hair. Repair dryness and damage with a weekly hair mask or balm. Limit heat styling your hair.

https://www.wikihow.com/Drop-Your-Core-Temperature

How to Drop Your Core Temperature

You can drop your core temperature easily by drinking cool liquids, eating crushed ice, or taking a cold shower. When taking a cold shower, make sure water runs over your scalp because there are many blood vessels there that will quickly cool the rest of your body. After your shower, sit in front of a fan or in an air conditioned room to stay cool, and wear light colored and loose-fitting clothing to trap less heat on you. If you are dealing with a fever, you can also use fever-reducing drugs like aspirin.

Drink cool fluids. Drinking plenty of cool fluids, up to 2 to 3 liters (0.5 to 0.8 US gal) at a time, is a good way to lower your core temperature quickly and safely. Drinking adequate amounts of water can prevent dehydration, which is important in hot environments and during physically-demanding activities. Sugary drinks and popsicles are not as good as pure water, because sugary drinks are not adequately absorbed by the body and can lead to further dehydration. Eat crushed ice. Studies suggest that ingesting crushed ice can be an effective way to quickly and easily cool the body. Crushed ice will also help keep the body hydrated. Take a cold shower or ice bath. Doctors generally agree that cooling the skin is the most effective method of lowering the body's temperature, especially when the person is at risk of heat stroke. Taking a cold shower or soaking in an ice bath can be particularly effective at cooling the skin quickly, particularly in high-humidity environments in which the body is no longer able to adequately sweat. Allow cold water to run over the scalp, as this is the site of a confluence of blood vessels. Cooling the scalp can quickly cool the rest of the body. Place ice packs on your body. Certain areas of the body emit more sweat to aid in cooling down your core temperature. These areas, called hot spots, include the neck, armpits, back, and groin. Positioning ice packs on these crucial areas can help cool you down and lower your core temperature. Relax in an air conditioned environment. Experts suggest that air conditioning is one of the biggest factors in preventing heat stroke and heat-related deaths. If you do not have an air conditioner in your home, try staying with a friend or relative during hot or humid spells, or contact your local health department to find an air-conditioned shelter near you. Sit in front of a fan. Whenever a liquid, in this case sweat, evaporates off the body, the hottest molecules of liquid evaporate the quickest. Since the air temperature is generally cooler than your skin's temperature, sitting in the direct path of a fan's air while sweating can help drop your body's temperature. If you are not sweating enough to cool your body down due to age or health problems, you can try misting your body with cool water while sitting in front of a fan. Just fill up a spray bottle from the faucet and mist your body as needed while the fan blows in front of you. Take fever-reducing medications. Antipyretic (temperature reducing) medications are a safe and easy way to lower your body temperature in case of a fever. These medications work by inhibiting your body's production of cyclooxygenase and lowering your body's levels of prostaglandin E2. Without the help of an antipyretic, these substances cause the cells in the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that regulates temperature) to fire at a rapid rate, increasing the body's temperature. Examples of these medications include acetaminophen, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Aspirin is not recommended for children and teenagers suffering from viral illnesses (including the flu or chickenpox), as it can lead to the development of Reye's Syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease that damages the brain and liver. The dosage of these medications varies depending on your age. Check the recommended dosage on the label and do not exceed the recommended daily dosage. Consult with your physician for proper dosages and recommendations on over-the-counter medications. Avoid extreme or strenuous activities. If you engage in strenuous and vigorous activities, especially during hot or humid weather, your body will heat up due to the expense of energy and physical exertion. Try exercising in less physically demanding ways, such as walking or cycling. If you insist on maintaining your usual level of workout intensity, be sure to take frequent breaks and avoid over-exerting yourself. Swimming can also be a good way to naturally lower your body temperature while exercising, because you will be submerged in cool water. Wear light colored and loose-fitting clothes to reduce heat retention. It's important that your clothing allows air to circulate over your skin to cool you off, but you also want to be sure that your skin is covered to prevent additional sun exposure. Light-colored clothing reflects the sun's light rather than absorbing it, thereby lowering the level of heat in the body. Avoid wearing dark colored and thick clothes, as these clothes are known to attract and trap heat. Avoid eating spicy and fatty foods. Hot and spicy foods can increase your metabolism, acting like stimulants to elevate your body temperature. The compound found in chili peppers, capsaicin, naturally raises your body's temperature. Food with a high fat content can lead to more heat being trapped in the body by increased levels of fat stored in the cells. This is because fat is responsible for storing heat in the body and making the body warmer.

Drink cool fluids. Eat crushed ice. Take a cold shower or ice bath. Place ice packs on your body. Relax in an air conditioned environment. Sit in front of a fan. Take fever-reducing medications. Avoid extreme or strenuous activities. Wear light colored and loose-fitting clothes to reduce heat retention. Avoid eating spicy and fatty foods.

https://www.wikihow.com/Bake-a-Yam

How to Bake a Yam

To bake a yam, gently scrub the yam under cold water, then pierce it 4-5 times with a fork or a sharp knife. Place the yam in a baking pan or dish lined with foil and bake it for about an hour in a 425°F oven. After the hour, slide a knife into the middle of the yam. If it glides in easily, the yam is done. If not, leave the yam in for another 5-10 minutes and test it again. Serve the yam topped with small pats of butter.

Preheat your oven to 425°. Sweet potatoes and yams are forgiving vegetables, so you can cook them at temperatures ranging from 375-450°. This means you can place them in the oven while you cook other food. Line a baking pan or dish with aluminum foil. Yams tend to ooze syrupy juice, which can be difficult to clean up. Lining your pan ensures an easy clean up process. Don't wrap your yams or sweet potatoes in aluminum foil. Simply lay them on the foil. Wash and pierce the yams. Gently scrub the yams under cold water. Poke each yam four or five times with a fork or sharp knife. Put them in the baking dish. You can drizzle vegetable or olive oil on the yams if you choose. Rub the oil evenly over the skins. For a paleo or clean eating variation, coat the sweet potatoes or yams in coconut oil. Bake for approximately 1 hour. Once during cooking, turn them over. The sweet potato or yam is done when the yam is soft. Touch it with an oven mitt and test for softness. Insert a knife into the middle of the potato; it should easily glide into the potato if it's done. If it's not done, continue cooking. Another way to tell it is done is that the outside will be darker when it's done. Cooking time will vary depending upon the size of the yams. Larger yams will take longer to cook. The yams can take from 45 to 75 minutes to cook. Serve. Remove the yams from the pan and slice open with a knife. Serve the yam with small pats of butter. For a paleo or clean variation, cover with coconut butter and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg. Another clean option is to top with maple syrup or honey. Add brown or granulated sugar and pumpkin pie spice for a sweeter taste. Add salt and pepper, paprika, or cumin for a more savory dish. Mix chili pepper with butter for a kick of spice. Preheat oven to 400°. Sweet potatoes can be cooked at any temperature from 375-450°. Peel and cut yams. Take 4 yams, peel, and then cut into one-inch cubes. Spread the medallions out into a roasting tray. An alternate way to cut the yams is to wash and leave the peel on the yams. Slice the yams into medallions, as narrow or wide as desired. Eating the peel provides extra nutrients and aids in digestion. Just make sure to wash extremely well if you are going to eat the peeling. Drizzle with seasoning. First, drizzle oil over the potatoes. If you do not want to cover the yams in oil, brush them with butter instead. Decide if you would like a sweeter dish or a savory dish, or a mixture of both. For a sweeter dish, drizzle the yam chunks with honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Alternately, add brown or white sugar. For a savory dish, sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika over the yams. Bake for 30 minutes. Place into the oven. Cook until tender, or the yams start to crinkle around the edges. Start testing the potatoes when they've been cooking for fifteen minutes. Preheat the oven to 425°. The sweet potato fries can be cooked at any temperature from 375-450°. Wash and cut the yams. Since the peeling will be left on the yams, make sure to wash them thoroughly. Cut the yams into thin slices. For potato wedges instead of fries, cut into eighths. The yams will be in long wedge shapes. Season the fries. Place fries into a large bowl or a plastic bag. Toss the fries with salt, pepper, and olive oil. You can also season the fries with other spices. Try garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder, curry, or seasoning salt in any combination. To make the fries as a paleo or clean eating dish, use coconut oil instead. Place the fries on a baking sheet. Spread the fries on a baking sheet. Bake them for 20-30 minutes, turning them over at least once while baking. Depending on the oven, it may take more or less time. Bake them until the fries are crispy and golden brown. Don't place the fries too closely together or stack them too high. You want them to crisp up. Bake the yams whole. If you want to microwave the yams whole, poke holes all over the yam or sweet potato. If you would rather microwave chunks, peel and cut the yams. Cut them into chunks about an inch wide. Place into a microwave safe bowl. Add seasoning. If you would like to add seasoning, place it on the yams before you microwave. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of your choice of oil. If you would like a sweeter potato, add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, white sugar, or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, or cinnamon or nutmeg. If you want a savory potato, add salt and pepper. Microwave on high. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap. Microwave for 10 minutes, checking the softness at 5 minutes. Continue to microwave in 2-minute intervals until tender. If you have whole yams, turn them over halfway through cooking. If you have chunks, shake the container to spread contents. Finished.

Preheat your oven to 425°. Line a baking pan or dish with aluminum foil. Wash and pierce the yams. Bake for approximately 1 hour. Serve. Preheat oven to 400°. Peel and cut yams. Drizzle with seasoning. Bake for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425°. Wash and cut the yams. Season the fries. Place the fries on a baking sheet. Bake the yams whole. Add seasoning. Microwave on high. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Vegetables

How to Plant Vegetables

To plant vegetables, start by buying vegetable seeds from a garden center. Then, remove the weeds and any vegetation from the garden where you plan to plant, and till the soil thoroughly to break up large clumps of dirt. Follow the directions on the seed packets for planting the seeds to the correct depth in the soil, with enough space between seeds to form roots. Be sure to water your vegetables after planting and keep the soil moist as they start to grow. After planting, keep up with weeding and consider adding fertilizer to the soil if needed.

Decide which veggies to plant. Research vegetables that grow successfully in your area. Your location is one of the largest factors in whether you will successfully grow vegetables. You need to do a bit of research about your region and only decide on vegetables that are compatible with the climate where you live. Looking up the United States Department of Agriculture's growing zones can give you a start in learning about what plants grow well in your area. Start out small. You may want to plant a ton of different vegetables but if you are just starting out gardening you should really focus your energy on just a few. Growing vegetables can be more of a time commitment than people expect, so begin gradually so you don't get overwhelmed. Once you are an experienced gardener, you may be able to replicate the climate of other regions in order to grow any vegetables you like. However, when you are just starting out, planting vegetables that are difficult to grow in your region will most likely just be frustrating and unfruitful. Decide where to plant your veggies. In general, choose a spot to plant your vegetables where sun shines at least 6 hours a day. This amount of sun is considered "full sun." If you want to plant a vegetable that does not require full sun all day, then you will need to locate an area of your yard that gets a significant amount of shade. You do not necessarily have to plant vegetables directly in the ground. Planting veggies in pots can be very successful for a wide variety of plants and it does not require a lot of space. There are benefits to container gardening, for instance you can easily move the plants to a new location if they are not happy where you initially place them and the soil in the pot usually develops fewer weeds. On the downside, however, plants in containers usually need to be watered more often and are more vulnerable to cold and hot temperatures, as a pot changes temperature much more easily than the ground. Decide whether to plant seeds or starts. Seeds will generally need to start earlier but may have to be started inside, to protect them from frost. Vegetable starts, young plants that have been grown from seed in a greenhouse by a professional, will cost you significantly more to buy, but they will establish easier and can be planted later in the growing season. Some plants are difficult to grow from seed. Plants with long germination periods, such as cilantro, can be difficult for home gardeners to cultivate. Consider investing in the added cost of vegetable starts for plants such as this. Many plants, including lettuce, are actually easier to grow from seed. This is especially the case for plants, such as carrots, that don't do well with being transplanted. For plants like this, it makes sense to sew the seeds directly into the ground or in biodegradable seed starting pots that can go right into the ground once the plant sprouts. Figure out when to plant your veggies. Part of deciding when to plant your veggies will be dictated by whether you are planting seeds or starts. In addition, different vegetables need to be planted at different times of the year. There are many vegetables that thrive in the summer sun, but you can also grow a surprising amount of vegetables over the winter months, depending on your location. Buy seeds or veggie starts from a garden center. If purchasing seeds, pick a brand that seems dependable and pick vegetable strains that seem reliable. You may want to do some research before you go to the garden center to decide exactly which type of each vegetable you want. If you are purchasing vegetable starts, pick plants that seem healthy and do not have discoloration or spots. Consider whether you want organic or non-GMO veggie starts or seeds. While some people do not have a problem with genetic modification or pesticides, others do not what these kind of processes involved in the propagation of their food. It's up to you. You can also get good quality seeds and plants from springtime farmer's markets, seed swaps hosted by local organizations, and online seed catalog companies. Test the soil and purchase necessary amendments. These amendments will depend on the current status of your soil and the needs of the vegetables you want to plant. If you have never planted before in the location you are using, take a soil sample and conduct a soil test. There are tests available at any garden center that will tell you the ph of your soil. Soil can go from very acidic all the way to very alkaline, as well as going from very sandy to very clay like. Figure out what kind of soil you have and try to move it more toward neutral by adding amendments. After assessing the soil, add some compost to it. Compost adds organic matter that breaks down and basically becomes food for your plant. Remove all of the weeds and vegetation where you are going to plant your vegetables. Take the time to weed before you plant your veggies. Weeds will compete for nutrients with your new plants, making their success less likely. Get all the weeds from their roots, as many weeds can regenerate if even a bit of their roots are left intact. Break up and amend the soil. You will want to cultivate, or break up, the soil in an area a bit larger than where your plants will actually be. The root systems of many plants will grow to be quite large, moving outward from where the plant is initially planted. You can break the soil up by digging with a shovel or using a roto-tiller. As you mix the soil, add in any amendments you need to add based on the results from your soil test. Dig a hole and place seeds or a vegetable start in it. Be sure to follow any directions on seed packets about how deep and how far apart you should plant seeds. Some seeds can easily grow from a depth of 6 inches, while others need to basically be on the surface of the soil. Vegetable starts, on the other hand, should be planted so that their existing soil is level with the surface. Remember that some plants can only grow in one direction, meaning that a certain part of the seed or clove needs to be facing up in order for it to grow properly. For instance, garlic cloves have a top and bottom. When planting garlic you need to face the pointy side up in order for it to grow. Cover the hole back up with soil. If you are using seeds, pack the soil back in the hole, making sure that it is firm but not totally compacted. If you are planting vegetable starts, push soil in all around the start, pressing the soil firmly so that the start stands firmly upright. Water your vegetables. The first time you water, you will want to soak the entire area. After that, keep the soil moist but don't drown the plants. Keeping up on watering is one of the most important things you can do to make your vegetables thrive. Monitor your plants and soil and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. If you are starting plants from seeds outdoors, keep the water consistently moist until the plants come up. As they grow, you can reduce the watering frequency to once or twice per week. Care for your veggies after planting. Don't just forget about them, or they won't grow very well. Remove any weeds that pop up, fertilize if necessary, and keep on watering. You will need to keep tending to your veggies but once they are planted properly, much of your work is done! To deter weeds from growing, consider mulching around your veggies. The little bit of effort it takes to mulch will pay off when you are not repeatedly weeding around your plants. Some vegetable plants need to be fertilized during the growing season to ensure harvest because they absorb large amounts of nutrients from the soil. Make sure that you're aware of your plants' specific feeding requirements.

Decide which veggies to plant. Decide where to plant your veggies. Decide whether to plant seeds or starts. Figure out when to plant your veggies. Buy seeds or veggie starts from a garden center. Test the soil and purchase necessary amendments. Remove all of the weeds and vegetation where you are going to plant your vegetables. Break up and amend the soil. Dig a hole and place seeds or a vegetable start in it. Cover the hole back up with soil. Water your vegetables. Care for your veggies after planting.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Mixed-Spice

How to Make Mixed Spice

To make mixed spice, decide whether you'd like to grind your own spices or simply mix together spices that are already ground. If you want to grind your own, try using a microplane grater, spice grinder, or a mortar and pestle. Then, simply grind or mix together allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, cloves, coriander, and ginger to make your mixed spice. Keep your mixed spice in an airtight container for up to a year and use it in puddings, pies, and other desserts.

Grate them with a microplane grater. This manual device is a thin grater that's designed to grate a single whole spice at a time. While effective for grinding, a microplane grater is better for very small quantities of spices, such as when you want to grate fresh cinnamon on a hot drink. To use a microplane grater, hold the grater by the handle in one hand. Carefully run your whole spice back and forth on the grater edges. Be very careful not to grate your fingers. Because a microplane grater requires you to get your fingers so close to the grating edge, it works best with large whole spices like nutmeg and cinnamon sticks. Pound them with a pestle and mortar. A pestle and mortar is another manual way to grind spices. Because the bowl allows you to grind more spices at once, a pestle and mortar is great for about a quarter-cup of spices at a time. To grind with a pestle and mortar, place the spices into the mortar (the bowl). Use the pestle to grind the spices into the bottom of the mortar. You can also spin the pestle around in the mortar until you achieve the desired grind. This method doesn't require you to put your fingers close to a grater, so you can grind much smaller spices like pepper, cumin, and caraway. A pestle and mortar can also be used for spreads like pesto and curry pastes. Use a spice grinder. A spice grinder is a small electronic device that has a large cup with a blade inside. When you put in the spices and push down on the lid, the blade spins and grinds the spices. These are simple to use and very effective, especially for larger quantities of spices. To use a spice grinder, simply place your spices into the basin or cup. Put on the lid and push down for about 30 seconds. Remove the lid and check for large pieces of spice. Grind for another 30 seconds if necessary. To clean this device, empty out all the ground spices and add in several grains of rice. Grind the rice to remove any large spice pieces and sweep up leftover spice dust. Dump out the rice and wipe the inside clean with a paper towel. Try a coffee grinder. A basic coffee grinder is essentially the same thing as a spice grinder. The reason the two are differentiated is because spices and coffee both have very powerful and unique flavors. Using a coffee grinder will make your spices taste like coffee and your coffee taste like spices, and vice versa. If you must use a coffee grinder to grind spices, grind up ¼ cup (49 g) of rice first to remove excess coffee from the grinder. Dump out the coffee dust and wipe the grinder with a paper towel. Add and grind your spices. Pour them out and run more rice through the grinder before wiping it out with a clean paper towel to make it suitable for coffee again. Gather your ingredients and supplies. Making mixed spice is quite simple, and you'll only need a couple tools. Along with your spices, you'll also need something to grind whole spices, a small bowl, a spoon, an air-tight jar for storing the mixed spice, and a marker to label the jar. You can start with either whole or ground spices to make mixed spice. Pre-ground spices are more convenient, but grinding your own whole spices will result in a fresher spice mix. To grind your own spices, you can use a spice grinder, pestle and mortar, or coffee grinder. Grind, measure, and blend the spices. For spices that are already ground, simply measure out the correct quantity and transfer it to your jar. For whole spices, grind each spice individually, then transfer it to a small bowl. Measure the ground spice to ensure you have the right quantity, and add it to the jar. When all the spices have been added, stir the mix with a spoon. For a tablespoon of ground allspice, you'll need 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of berries. For a tablespoon of cinnamon, you'll need about 4.5 inches (11 cm) of cinnamon sticks. For a tablespoon of nutmeg, you'll need about 1.5 nutmegs. For a teaspoon of cloves, you'll need about 12 whole cloves. For a teaspoon of coriander, start with a little less than a teaspoon of seeds. Store the mixed spice properly. To keep your spice mix fresh for as long as possible, store it in a cool, dark place. Light and air will degrade the spices, so keep the mix in a pantry or cupboard. Always close the lid on the jar properly when you've finished with the mix. Ground spices that are stored properly will stay fresh for about a year. Add it to baked goods. In British cooking, mixed spice is traditionally used in sweet baking, dessert dishes, and a few savory baked goods. When you use mixed spice in baked goods, a recipe will generally call for about a tablespoon of the mix. Common goodies you can use mixed spice in include: Dessert pies, such as apple and pumpkin Savory pies like pork Tarts Scones Puddings Biscuits Cookies Sprinkle it on fruit. The spices in mixed spice are ideal for pairings with sweet foods like fruit. Next time you make a fruit salad, sprinkle ½ to a full teaspoon of mixed spice on top. Mixed spice can also be whipped into yogurt or whipped cream toppings that are used on fruit dishes. Add it to a smoothie. Similarly, mixed spice is also a wonderful addition to fruit smoothies and juices. Whether you're having a breakfast smoothie to get your day going or a healthy dessert after dinner, add ½ teaspoon of mixed spice to all your favorite fruit and berry smoothies. Top your hot beverages. Mixed spice contains all the spices that are associated with winter holidays, so it makes a great topping for cool-weather drinks like coffee, hot chocolate, and warm apple cider. Blend your own curry powder. Curry is a spice blend that originated in India. It is popular around the world, and is commonly found in meat, vegetable, and fish dishes. There are many regional varieties of curry, and you can experiment with different spices to customize a blend. To make a basic curry spice, combine: 5 tablespoons (30 g) ground coriander seeds 2 tablespoons (12 g) ground cumin seeds 1 tablespoon (10 g) ground turmeric 2 teaspoons (4 g) ground ginger 2 teaspoons (4 g) dry mustard 2 teaspoons (8 g) ground fenugreek seeds 1½ teaspoons (4 g) ground black pepper 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon (1 g) ground cloves ½ teaspoon (1 g) ground cardamom ½ teaspoon (2 g) ground chili peppers Make Chinese five spice. This is a basic blend of five common spices that are often used in Chinese and Asian cuisine. Most grocery stores carry this blend, but you can also make and tailor your own mix. To make your own blend, grind together: 1 tablespoon (7 g) Sichuan peppercorns 6 star anise 1½ teaspoons (3 g) whole cloves 1 stick cinnamon 2 tablespoons (15 g) fennel seeds Create your own herbes de Provence. This is a blend of dried herbs that originated in the Provence region of France. Herbes de Provence is often used with meat, potato, and vegetable dishes, but it's a versatile blend that can be used in many dishes. To make this blend, combine: 4 teaspoons (8 g) dried thyme 4 teaspoons (8 g) dried marjoram 1½ teaspoons (3 g) summer savory ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) dried rosemary ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) dried mint ⅛ teaspoon (0.25 g) fennel seeds Pinch of dried sage Pinch of lavender flowers Try homemade chili powder. Chili powder can be used in a wide variety of dishes, especially meat and vegetable ones. Chili powder blends vary based on region, but a basic blend consists of: 2 tablespoons ground chilies 1 tablespoon (6 g) ground cumin 1 tablespoon (5 g) dried oregano ½ teaspoon (1 g) cayenne 2 teaspoons (4 g) coriander 1 tablespoon (9 g) garlic powder 2 teaspoons (4 g) chipotle chili powder

Grate them with a microplane grater. Pound them with a pestle and mortar. Use a spice grinder. Try a coffee grinder. Gather your ingredients and supplies. Grind, measure, and blend the spices. Store the mixed spice properly. Add it to baked goods. Sprinkle it on fruit. Add it to a smoothie. Top your hot beverages. Blend your own curry powder. Make Chinese five spice. Create your own herbes de Provence. Try homemade chili powder.

https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Giant-African-Land-Snails

How to Care for Giant African Land Snails

To care for a giant African land snails, get an aquarium for it with a tight fitting lid, and line the bottom of it with 1 to 2 inches of damp compost. You should also keep the ambient temperature between 71 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit, or place a heating pad under half the tank to ensure the snail is warm enough but has someplace to go if it becomes overheated. To feed your snail, provide fresh produce, such as apples, bananas, lettuce, and cucumbers, as well as a dish of water. Additionally, give your snail a cuttlefish bone for calcium.

Find an aquarium with a tightly fitting lid. While the snail needs ventilation, it's also important that the lid of its container fits tightly, as it will climb out if given a chance. An aquarium works well or really any plastic or glass container that has a tight lid. Skip wooden containers, as the splinters harm the snail. For two snails, your container will need to be at least 25.5 inches (65 centimeters) by 18 inches (45 centimeters) by 16 inches (40 centimeters). It's fine to keep a snail alone or with a partner. However, snails are hermaphrodites, so if you have more than one in the same container, you're likely to end up with baby snails. Add a substrate. The substrate is basically the flooring your snail needs to be content. Snails like dirt, but you need to use peat-free compost. Don't use what you have in your yard, as it can contain chemicals that will hurt your snail. Use 1 to 2 inches of the material (about 3 to 6 centimeters). Since snails like to burrow, you should provide a deeper area in the tank where they can dig. It's a good idea to put a hideaway spot nearby for the snail's enjoyment. Moisten the substrate. The compost you use needs to be kept moist for the snail to be happy. It doesn't need to be soaking wet. Rather, it just needs to be kept damp. Use a spray bottle to spray it down and keep it damp. Spray the tank lightly each day to dampen the soil and maintain proper humidity. Keep your snail warm. Snails are happiest in temperatures of about 21 degrees Celsius (71 degrees Fahrenheit) to 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit). The best way to achieve a warmer temperature (if the room isn't warm enough) is to place a heating pad under half of the snail's tank. You should only place it under half the tank so the snail has somewhere to go to cool down if need be. Keep track of the temperature in the tank with a thermometer. The giant African snail does okay in temperatures from 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) to 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit) but not any more extreme than that. Provide indirect sunlight. Snails need some light to be happy. However, indirect sunlight is best. Full sunlight is too harsh for the snails, and they'll stay hidden whenever possible. Watch for signs of unhappiness. If your snail doesn't like the conditions of its house, it will likely close itself up in its shell. Often, the snail goes in hiding because the tank is not warm enough. If you fix the problem, encourage the snail to come back out by giving it a bath in warm water. Gently place it in a bowl of water, wiping it down with a soft cloth. Wipe down the tank when it looks dirty. When you notice the tank starts to look smeared or dirty, it's time to wipe it down. Just use a damp cloth to wipe down the sides and the lid. Change the substrate weekly. The substrate will get dirty over time as your snail uses it for a bathroom. That means it needs to be changed out frequently. Once a week, throw out the old substrate and provide the snail with a new, clean layer. Clean the tank fully once a month. Once in a while, you'll need to clean the tank fully. Clean it at least once a month, though some owners clean it weekly. Take everything out, and scrub the tank down thoroughly with hot water. You don't want to use cleaners or disinfectants, as the snails will absorb those through their skin. Bathe the snails once a month. Snails also need regular baths, though only about once a month. Keep in mind that snails absorb through their skin, so you don't want to use soap. Just bathe them in lukewarm water, gently wiping them down with a soft cloth. Wash your hands thoroughly. After you do anything with your snail, from bathing it to cleaning the cage, you need to wash your hands well. Using warm water and soap, scrub them for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. Though the risk is low, snails can act as an intermediate host for certain parasites. Washing your hands well is important for protecting yourself from possible parasites. Choose fresh produce. Giant African land snails will eat almost any vegetarian food, but fresh produce is your best option. Start with foods like lettuce, cucumbers, apples, bananas, and cabbage. Also try corn and bell peppers, as well as zucchini, grapes, melons, watercress, and spinach. Always check up on the food, and remove it when it's gone bad. Skip onions, pasta (starchy foods), and anything with salt in it. Wash your snail's food thoroughly. Make sure to scrub your snail's food thoroughly before giving it to your snail. You want to make sure any pesticides are washed off so that your snail doesn't eat them. Use a small water dish. Place a shallow water dish in the snail's container for the snail to drink. This dish has the added benefit of providing humidity to the tank. Be sure to change it out once a day. Provide calcium to the snail. Snails need a steady supply of calcium to maintain their shells. An easy way to provide it is to place a cuttlefish bone in the tank, which can be found at most pet stores. Use ground eggshells (clean) or ground oyster shells as an alternative. If your snails don't seem to like these, you can find calcium you can spray on top of their normal food.

Find an aquarium with a tightly fitting lid. Add a substrate. Moisten the substrate. Keep your snail warm. Provide indirect sunlight. Watch for signs of unhappiness. Wipe down the tank when it looks dirty. Change the substrate weekly. Clean the tank fully once a month. Bathe the snails once a month. Wash your hands thoroughly. Choose fresh produce. Wash your snail's food thoroughly. Use a small water dish. Provide calcium to the snail.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Vanilla-Frappuccino

How to Make a Vanilla Frappuccino

To make your own vanilla frappuccino at home, brew 1 1/2 cups of strong coffee or espresso. Pour the coffee into a blender along with 1 cup of milk, 1/3 cup of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Fill the blender at least 3/4 of the way with ice, then blend the mixture for 10-30 seconds, or until all the ice is broken into tiny pieces. When you're finished, you should have a smooth, icy, tan mixture. Pour the drink into a cup, and top with whipped cream if you want!

Prepare the coffee or espresso. The sweet vanilla and dairy flavors in a frappuccino can overpower the coffee unless you use coffee that is quite strong. There are a few different ways to do this. See below: One way is to simply brew a pot of extra-strong coffee. Brew a pot normally, then pour the coffee into the water tank and run it through the machine again using the same grounds. After, run a cycle of water (without any grounds) to clean the machine. See our article on using a coffee maker for help. You can also make espresso, but you'll need an espresso machine for this. See our article on using one. Finally, you can try buying liquid coffee concentrate at your local specialty grocery store. Add the liquid ingredients to a blender. Pour the coffee/espresso, milk, condensed milk, and vanilla into a good-quality blender. Make sure this is a blender that can handle ice. Top off with ice. Add a generous amount of ice, filling the blender at least 3/4 of the way to the top (if you wish, you can go up to the rim). You'll be surprised how much ice you need. Once it's crushed, it does not take up very much space. Adding more ice will give you a slushier, more solid drink. Adding less ice will give you something a little more liquid (like a milkshake). If you're in doubt, you can always err on the "less" side and add more if it's not thick enough. Run the blender. You want to blend the ice completely into tiny pieces. No solid chunks should remain. Depending on your blender, this can take anywhere from 10-30 seconds. When you're finished, you should have a uniformly smooth, icy, tan mixture. You may want to use a utensil or stirring stick to feel for chunks in the blended mixture once you finish. Pulse the blender a few more times if you find any. Serve and enjoy. Transfer to a cup. For the complete Starbucks experience, top with whipped cream and drink through a green straw. Combine the main ingredients. Add the milk, coffee/espresso, and sugar to a pitcher or mixing bowl. Stir until uniform. Here, as in the recipe above, you want to use strong coffee for the best flavor. See the section above for tips on getting the right kind of coffee for your frappuccino. Optionally, add pectin. Pectin is a natural chemical substance derived from fruits that's used for thickening (especially when canning). It's tasteless, so it won't affect the flavor of this recipe. However, it will give you a slightly thicker, more "creamy" drink. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Continue to stir until you can't feel any solid sugar remaining in the liquid mixture. This should only take a few minutes. If you're having trouble dissolving the sugar, try using dimple syrup instead. Simply heat equal parts water and sugar on the stove until you have a clear, sweet syrup which dissolves easily in drinks. See our article on making simple syrup for more information. Serve cold. Once all the ingredients are combined and the sugar is dissolved, transfer the container to the fridge and chill. Serve the drink on its own or on the rocks (over ice). Add chocolate for a chocolate frappuccino. Making this variation is easy — since vanilla and chocolate go together, you don't even have to leave the vanilla flavorings out (although you can if you want to). Simply pour chocolate syrup into the mixture along with the other liquid ingredients. For a blended frappuccino, add ice and blend as normal — otherwise, just mix and drink. For a subtler chocolate taste, try adding cocoa powder instead. Add chocolate chips for a blended chip frappuccino. If you prefer your chocolate flavor in the form of tiny chocolate chips flecked throughout your drink, just add chocolate chips or small chunks of your preferred chocolate bar. Blend the drink as normal and enjoy. For even more chocolate flavor, pair this with the chocolate frappuccino recipe above. Add mint extract for minty goodness. Replacing the vanilla extract in either recipe with mint extract gives you a deliciously refreshing mint drink, making it perfect for hot summer days. This variation goes well with blended chocolate chips — a little green food coloring will get you that delicious "mint chocolate chip" look. Try adding to the presentation by garnishing with fresh mint leaves. You're sure to get compliments if you're entertaining guests. Try substituting ice cream for ice. If you don't have the ice for a blended frappuccino (or your blender can't handle it), don't worry. You can get something that's very similar to a "regular" frappuccino by adding a few scoops of vanilla ice cream instead. The drink will be a little thicker, smoother, and richer, but the flavor is fairly similar. Some "imitation" recipes even deliberately call for vanilla ice cream instead of ice.

Prepare the coffee or espresso. Add the liquid ingredients to a blender. Top off with ice. Run the blender. Serve and enjoy. Combine the main ingredients. Optionally, add pectin. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Serve cold. Add chocolate for a chocolate frappuccino. Add chocolate chips for a blended chip frappuccino. Add mint extract for minty goodness. Try substituting ice cream for ice.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Letter-of-Interest

How to Write a Letter of Interest

To write a letter of interest for a job, start by stating your name, what position you're interested in, and how you heard about it. For example, you could write "My name is Katherine Smith, and I am writing to apply for the position of Marketing Director posted to your website on June 19." Then, briefly explain why you think you'd be a good fit and what skills you have that are relevant to the job. Finally, conclude your letter with a brief thank you and your contact information so they can get in touch with you.

Research the company or organization you're interested in. Peruse the organization's website and look at their major divisions. Get a feel for what it does well, as well as its main goals. Try to find the "About Us" page and dig around for a mission statement. To convince someone you should work at their company, you must first know as much as you can about their company. That way, you can match your skills with what they need. For instance, you might notice that the company is mid-sized, but that it seems to be run more like a family business. Alternatively, maybe you notice their primary mission is to produce high-end products, which drives all their decision-making. Examine the company's social media accounts. While the website will show the main projects the company is interested in, social media can show you the kind of company they present themselves as. It also speaks to the potential work environment. They may lean towards a traditional and professional environment, or they may present themselves as hip and up on new trends. Be sure to check out the corporate blog, too, if you can find one. For instance, if the company posts quirky memes and responds with a little bit of snark and humor to their customers, they are likely fairly laid back. Check the company's current or past job listings. Even if they don't have a job listed that you want, the wording they use in their listings gives you an idea of the kind of employee they want. You may need to make inferences based on what they say. For instance, maybe they ask for a "team player," which means they want someone who communicates well and is able to work together with people on projects. Look at the recent press releases and news updates. You can find this on their website. You can also use a search engine if it's a large company. Basically, you just want to know what the company has been focusing on recently so you can use that in your letter of interest. For instance, if the company is creating a new line of products, that tells you where the company is headed. Alternatively, if they are pulling back from products, that could indicate they're in a slump and need a push in the right direction. Check out what past or current employees have to say. Many sites have areas that allow employees to review a company. You can glean a lot of information about the company from these sites, including what they expect from their employees. If you know someone from the company, ask them a few questions. For instance, if you notice the company is moving in a new direction, ask the employee what led to that change. Highlight your most important skills on your resume. Spend some time poring over your resume. Pick out the skills that make you a good fit for the company, and write them on a separate page. For instance, maybe you want to include things like, "Excellent at managing people," "Great communication skills," and "Adept at technology." You can also include your education in this section. Consider the jobs and experience that gave you those skills. Under each skill, list how you became proficient in it. Maybe you learned on the job or took a course in it. Maybe you taught yourself the skill. For example, maybe you're great at managing people because you've been in a management position for 5 years, as well as took continuing education courses. Connect the skills you choose to the company. When writing a letter of interest, your goal is to present yourself as a person who would fit well in the organization, not for a particular job. That means that you need to figure out how the skills and experience you have make you a good fit. Go back to the research you did on the company. Consider what kind of person they're looking for based on what you know about their culture and their job listings. Make the connection for the company between your skills and the company's need. Basically, establish why the company should consider you for an open position. For example, if the company seems to like team players, emphasize how you work well with others because you've been in team-centered companies for the past 10 years. Begin with the heading. Put your name, address, phone number, and email at the top, all on separate lines. Skip a line, and then write out the date. Skip a line again, and write the name, title, organization, and address of the person you're writing, also on separate lines. You can include your title under your name on a separate line. Address the letter to a specific person if possible. Typically, you want to address it to the person in charge of hiring new employees. If it's a large company, that will be different across departments, but try to dig around until you find someone you can address it to. Use "Mr." or "Ms." and the person's last name. If the person has a doctorate, use "Dr." instead. If you can't find anyone, try "Dear Hiring Committee:" Introduce yourself and your purpose in the first paragraph. You are writing this letter to someone out of the blue, so you need to explain why you're doing so. Start by giving a brief explanation of who you are. Then, state why you are writing the letter. For instance, you might write, "My name is Lucy Wright, and I am a mechanical engineer with 12 years of experience in the field. I have always been fascinated by the work your company does, and I am writing to inquire about open positions." Lay out your skills in the second paragraph. This paragraph is to show off the skills that would make you a good employee. Make sure to connect those skills to what you learned about the company in your research. For instance, you might write, "I have worked at the Engineering Company for the last 7 years as a team manager in research and development. While there, I led a team that designed and built a new machine that increased efficiency by 15 percent. I am always working hard to make the production line more efficient while maintaining high safety standards, something I know your company values. It is important to me that anyone under me work together well, and I have taken management courses to learn how to assist with communication problems. From what I have learned about your company, good communication skills and team cooperation are essential to running the company well." Emphasize your flexibility as an employee. In the body of your letter, make sure to let the company know that you're willing to work in a variety of positions. That way, if something opens up, they will ask you to apply. For example, you may say, "I am proud to say I am very flexible. I have worked in a number of departments both at my current job and in my previous positions. I've worked in management, safety testing, research and development, and customer service, just to name a few. If a position should come open at your company, I hope you will consider me for it, no matter what department it is in." Finish with a reminder of why you're writing and what's next. Conclude the letter by stating again that you're looking for open positions. Then, let them know you'll be in touch and how they can contact you. For instance, you might write, "Thank you for your time and consideration. If a position becomes available, please keep me in mind. I will be in touch in the next week or two by email, and you can contact me by email at [email protected]." Use a professional closing and sign the letter. Skip a line, and then write a closing like "Sincerely," "All the Best," "Thank You Again," "Kind Regards," or "Respectfully." Skip 2 lines to leave room for your signature and type your name underneath. Gain a promotion at work with a letter of interest. This type of letter is similar to a letter you write to a company you'd like to work at. However, in this case, you're writing to someone in your own company about an open position or possible promotion. Research the position to learn exactly what will be expected from you. Talk to friends in the department if you can or ask your current boss about the position. You already know a lot about your company, so use that to show why you're a good fit for the promotion. Highlight the things you've done for your company in the letter. Send a letter of interest when you're placed on a college waitlist. When you're placed on a waitlist, a letter of interest can let the university know that you're still very interested in attending school there. Use the letter to demonstrate why you would make a good candidate for the school. Show your enthusiasm for attending, but also discuss anything that may have been perceived as a weakness in your application, especially if you've changed it somehow. Also, you can add anything new that may have happened since you applied, such as new awards or honors. The waitlist is the second tier of potential students for college admissions. In other words, the university has sent out acceptance letters, and they are waiting to hear back to see if all their spots are filled. If not, they will accept people from the waitlist. Treat letters of interest for funding like mini-grants. In the fundraising world, a letter of interest is basically a short version of a grant. A 1-2 page letter makes it easier on the funding organization to make decisions about who they will and will not support. Your letter of interest should contain the same major sections that a grant would. Establish what the charitable need is and how your organization fills it. Discuss your target population, including age, gender, socioeconomic status, and education level. Provide information about your organization, such as a brief history and your primary mission. Discuss how you measure outcomes, as well as how the funding will directly benefit the target audience. Establish how much you want from the funding organization. A letter of interest for funding is part emotion, part story, and part data. You want to move them to help your charity with your story but also back up what you have to say with data. Write a letter of interest to sway a seller to let you buy a property. If a seller has multiple similar offers from buyers, it may be difficult for them to choose. A letter of interest lets the seller know why you want the property and what it would mean to you. For instance, if you love a home in a cozy neighborhood and you know the seller raised their kids there, you might write a letter about how you'd love to raise your family in such a wonderful house with special touches.

Research the company or organization you're interested in. Examine the company's social media accounts. Check the company's current or past job listings. Look at the recent press releases and news updates. Check out what past or current employees have to say. Highlight your most important skills on your resume. Consider the jobs and experience that gave you those skills. Connect the skills you choose to the company. Begin with the heading. Address the letter to a specific person if possible. Introduce yourself and your purpose in the first paragraph. Lay out your skills in the second paragraph. Emphasize your flexibility as an employee. Finish with a reminder of why you're writing and what's next. Use a professional closing and sign the letter. Gain a promotion at work with a letter of interest. Send a letter of interest when you're placed on a college waitlist. Treat letters of interest for funding like mini-grants. Write a letter of interest to sway a seller to let you buy a property.

https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Ghost-in-the-Graveyard

How to Play Ghost in the Graveyard

Ghost in the Graveyard is a fun outdoor game in which you pick a ghost to hide while other players search. The ghost then tries to tag a player while the players try to get back to home base. Start by gathering at least 3 players and figure out the boundaries of the playing area, like a few houses or yards. You can also pick a safe spot where the players run to when the ghost is found. Next, pick a person to be the ghost, then have everyone else stand at home base and count to 50 while the ghost runs off to hide. When the players are done counting, start searching for the ghost. The ghost's job is to jump out and tag a player, who will then be the next ghost.

Find some friends to play with. The more people you can round up, the better. Ghosts in the Graveyard is a game that works best with at least three players. You can add or subtract players as you continue to play as well. If someone wants to join in, just wait until the next round. Likewise, if someone wants to leave, that's ok too. Try to play with at least three people. More people will make the rounds last longer and can be more fun. Designate the playing field. Pick a few houses, yards, or another area in the neighborhood for the boundaries. You will also need a home base at which everyone can run to when the ghost is found. Make sure that all players understand the boundaries of the game. You can even make the rule that if a player goes outside the boundaries that player is eliminated for a round. Your designated safe spot is where the players run to when the ghost is found. It can be a large tree, front stoop, back patio, etc. Try to designate a spot that everyone can physically touch or stand on. Choose one person to be the ghost. You can do this any way you like: picking a number, asking for a volunteer, or rock, paper, scissors , etc. If you want to pick a ghost the old fashioned way, you can have everyone form a circle with both of each player's feet. Then one person says a rhyme while tapping one foot for each word. Each time the rhyme ends that player removes a foot. The rhyme is repeated until there is one foot left. That person is the ghost. The rhyme could be: “Bubble Gum, bubble gum in a dish. How many pieces do you wish?” Then whoever's foot is touched says a number. The leader counts out that number and then says “…and you are out.” After the first round, the next ghost is determined by the losing player. This is the player who was last to reach the safe zone. It can also be the first person if you wish. Begin the round. Everyone but the ghost stands at the home base while the ghost runs off to hide somewhere outside. The ghost must hide somewhere within the designated boundaries. The ghost cannot hide inside anywhere. The ghost should go and hide somewhere that's not close to the base. Finding a spot that's further away and hidden will allow the ghost to have a better chance at tagging a player. Start counting while the ghost hides. Chant slowly as a group, “One o'clock… two o'clock… three o'clock..." and so on, up to twelve o'clock. Then shout, "Midnight! I hope I don't see the ghost tonight!" Alternatively, you can all count to 50 and then chant “Starlight, star bright, I hope to see a ghost tonight!” Depending on how large the playing area and how many places there are to hide, you want to give the ghost a good amount of time. Leave the home base and search for the ghost in the graveyard. The ghost's job is to jump out, surprise, and tag a player. When anyone encounters the ghost that player should yell, “Ghost in the graveyard!" and try to run away. When the ghost catches someone, the new person becomes the only ghost. If the ghost doesn't catch anyone, then the last player to reach the base is the new ghost. Find some friends to play with. The more people you can round up, the better. Ghosts in the Graveyard is a game that works best with at least three players. You can add or subtract players as you continue to play as well. If someone wants to join in, just wait until the next round. Likewise, if someone wants to leave, that's ok too. Try to play with at least three people. More people will make the rounds last longer and can be more fun. Designate the playing field. Pick a few houses, yards, or another area in the neighborhood for the boundaries. You will also need a home base at which everyone can run to when the ghost is found. Make sure that all players understand the boundaries of the game. You can even make the rule that if a player goes outside the boundaries that player is eliminated for a round. Your designated safe spot is where the players run to when the ghost is found. It can be a large tree, front stoop, back patio, etc. Try to designate a spot that everyone can physically touch or stand on. Choose one person to be the ghost. You can do this any way you like: picking a number, asking for a volunteer, or rock, paper, scissors , etc. If you want to pick a ghost the old fashioned way, you can have everyone form a circle with both of each player's feet. Then one person says a rhyme while tapping one foot for each word. Each time the rhyme ends that player removes a foot. The rhyme is repeated until there is one foot left. That person is the ghost. The rhyme could be: “Bubble Gum, bubble gum in a dish. How many pieces do you wish?” Then whoever's foot is touched says a number. The leader counts out that number and then says “…and you are out.” Start playing. All the players who are seeking are at home base while the ghost goes off to hide somewhere. The players should not be looking where the ghost is going to hide. Everyone's eyes should be closed. Start counting while the ghost hides. Chant slowly as a group, “One o'clock… two o'clock… three o'clock..." and so on, up to twelve o'clock. Then shout, "Midnight! I hope I don't see the ghost tonight!" Alternatively, you can all count to 50 and then chant “Starlight, star bright, I hope to see a ghost tonight!” Depending on how the large the playing area and how many places there are to hide, you want to give the ghost a good amount of time. The ghost must hide somewhere within the designated boundaries. The ghost cannot hide inside anywhere. The ghost does not have a flashlight. The ghost should go and hide somewhere that's not close to the base. Finding a spot that's further away and hidden will allow the ghost to have a better chance at tagging a player. Begin searching for the ghost. With your flashlight, head out and start looking for the ghost. If the ghost finds you and tags you, you turn off your flashlight and become a ghost as well. When the ghost finds a seeking player, that player then turns off the flashlight and takes the ghost's hiding spot. The original ghost is then free to move around the playing field and hide somewhere else. The ghost will then wait in a new spot to tag another player. That player then turns off the flashlight and hides. Chase the ghost. If the sneaking ghost is seen by a seeking player going to a new hiding spot that player yells "Ghost in the graveyard!" Once the ghost has been spotted by a player with a flashlight, all the players who are still seeking turn off the flashlight and get some time to hide. The players who are already hiding and are also ghosts will come out. The ghosts will all meet at the home base. Begin searching again. The alive players now go and hide. Then the others who are now ghosts will come out from home base and search the area. Once the original ghost has been spotted the roles of each type of player switch. If you were tagged by the ghost and hiding, you are now a ghost who is looking for the alive players. If you were still an alive player when the ghost was spotted, you now go hide. The ghosts will all go to the home base and count while the alive players hide. Get to home base safely. The ghosts will begin searching for the other players. When the alive players think that it is safe to go to base, the players try to get to the base without getting tagged. As long as it's not too dark and everyone can easily move safely, no one should have flashlights at this stage. If you are running toward the base and get tagged you immediately become a ghost and join the hunt. The first player who gets to home base safely without getting tagged yells out. That player is the winner and gets to start as the ghost the next round. If no one gets to the base safely, then the players pick a new ghost in a way that everyone agrees upon. Find some friends to play with. The more people you can round up, the better. Ghosts in the Graveyard is a game that works best with at least three players. You can add or subtract players as you continue to play as well. If someone wants to join in, just wait until the next round. Likewise, if someone wants to leave, that's ok too. Try to play with at least three people. More people will make the rounds last longer and can be more fun. Designate the playing field and a home base. Pick a few houses, yards, or another area in the neighborhood for the boundaries. You will also need a home base at which everyone can run to when the ghost is found. Make sure that all players understand the boundaries of the game. You can even make the rule that if a player goes outside the boundaries that player is eliminated for a round. Your designated safe spot, or, home base is where players run to when the ghost is found. It can be a large tree, front stoop, back patio, etc. Try to designate a spot that everyone can physically touch or stand on. Choose one person to be the "ghost". You can do this any way you like: picking a number, asking for a volunteer, or rock, paper, scissors , etc. If you want to pick a ghost the old fashioned way, you can have everyone form a circle with both of each player's feet. Then one person says a rhyme while tapping one foot for each word. Each time the rhyme ends that player removes a foot. The rhyme is repeated until there is one foot left. That person is the ghost. The rhyme could be: “Bubble Gum, bubble gum in a dish. How many pieces do you wish?” Then whoever's foot is touched says a number. The leader counts out that number and then says “…and you are out.” Choose a storyteller. This version of the game involves one player being the storyteller and guiding the group through the graveyard. The storyteller is in charge of making up a spooky story. The story usually involves a group of people wandering through a graveyard at night. You can pick the storyteller the same way you pick the ghost, or however you think is fair. If someone volunteers to be the storyteller that works too. Find a spot for the ghost to hide. The ghost and storyteller find a place for the ghost to hide. All of the other players stand at the home base with eyes closed while the ghost and storyteller go choose a hiding place for the ghost. The storyteller needs to know where the ghost is hiding so that this player can lead the others to the ghost. Although everyone's eyes should be closed, it's more fun if the storyteller takes a roundabout route back to home base after leaving the ghost's hiding spot. Not taking a direct path back to base will make it harder for the players to know where the ghost is. Begin searching for the ghost. Once the ghost has hidden, the storyteller walks back to everyone else and starts the story. Everyone follows the storyteller. The job of the storyteller is to lead the group through the playing area. The storyteller should not go right to the ghost. Walk around the graveyard. The storyteller tells a scary story, walking around the play area. The storyteller can choose to tell a story without any help, slowly leading the other players to the ghost. But it can be more fun and interactive for everyone if the storyteller asks the players where to go. And then forms a story around the players' decisions. The storyteller may start the story saying something like "A group of brave adventurers set out to search the graveyard for a ghost who was guarding a great treasure. Which way did the adventurers head first?" Then the other players can decide together where to go and look. Once everyone agrees, the storyteller will lead the players to that area. If the ghost is not there, the storyteller can add to the story with something like "The adventurers came upon an old tombstone. The wind began to howl but upon searching it, they found nothing." This will add suspense. The storyteller can even add a clue that will help the players get closer to the ghost. Reach the ghost. The storyteller will eventually lead the players to the ghost. The ghost then jumps out and tries to tag two players before anyone reaches home base. The two people who are tagged will be "it" the next round. Both players will agree who will be ghost and storyteller, respectively. Alternatively, players can decide that the first two players who reach the home base get to be the ghost and storyteller. If no one is tagged, then everyone will agree on a way to choose the next ghost and storyteller.

Find some friends to play with. Designate the playing field. Choose one person to be the ghost. Begin the round. Start counting while the ghost hides. Leave the home base and search for the ghost in the graveyard. Find some friends to play with. Designate the playing field. Choose one person to be the ghost. Start playing. Start counting while the ghost hides. Begin searching for the ghost. Chase the ghost. Begin searching again. Get to home base safely. Find some friends to play with. Designate the playing field and a home base. Choose one person to be the "ghost". Choose a storyteller. Find a spot for the ghost to hide. Begin searching for the ghost. Walk around the graveyard. Reach the ghost.

https://www.wikihow.com/Convince-an-Anorexic-to-Start-Eating

How to Convince an Anorexic to Start Eating

To convince an anorexic to start eating, be open and honest with your concerns by saying something like, “I've noticed you haven't been eating lately, is something wrong?” If you're close friends or family with the person, avoid making negative regards about your appearance or skipping meals around them, since you want to show them what a healthy relationship with food looks like. To help the person, offer to prepare their meals and sit with them as you eat together. Remember to be patient, don't try to force the person to eat since this will make matters worse.

Plan to talk when the person will be relaxed. Planning the discussion for a time when the person is likely to be relaxed and in a good mood will improve the chances that the conversation will go well. Avoid trying to talk to the person when you know that they will be stressed or preoccupied. For example, avoid raising your concerns when the person is trying to get ready for work or school. Instead, arrange to talk to them on the weekend or a couple hours after they have gotten off work or arrived home from school. The conversation may also go better if you plan to have it somewhere that the person will feel safe and comfortable, such as at home in your living room or at a favorite cafe. Express your concerns in an honest, direct way. When you talk to the person, make sure that you are open and honest with them about your concerns. Don't hint at your concerns; say exactly what they are. Otherwise, the person may not get your meaning or may choose to ignore the hints. Say something to voice your concern, such as, “I am concerned because I have noticed that you are not eating.” Or say, “Your health is deteriorating and I am very worried about you.” Consider asking another concerned family member or friend to talk to the person with you. Having multiple people express concern can make more of an impact than just one voice. Invite the person to express their feelings and reasons for avoiding food. Keep in mind that anorexia is not really about food. It is about feelings. There is something affecting the person's emotions that is causing them to avoid eating. Try asking about their emotions, such as by saying, “How have you been feeling lately?” Understand that the person may not recognize they have an issue with food at all. They may see poor self-image as the problem, for example. Avoid placing emphasis on food. For example, don't ask the person, “Why aren't you eating any more?” Or, “What kinds of foods would you like to eat?” Listen to the person as they share with you. After you have expressed your concerns, allow the person a chance to respond and offer their perspective. They may try to deny that they have a problem, or they may accept the situation. Either way, give the person your full attention while they talk and do not try to rush them. Put away all devices and turn off things that might distract you, such as the television or your computer. Make eye contact and nod your head to show you are paying attention. You can also make neutral statements to show you are listening, such as by saying, “mhmm,” “yes,” “I see,” and “go on.” Ask questions to get them to expand and/or clarify their meaning. For example, you could ask a question for clarity, such as, “It sounds like you are saying that you feel lonely since changing schools. Is that right?” Be accepting and loving as you talk with the person about your concerns. It is important to avoid blame, shame, and judgment when you share your concerns with someone who might be anorexic. Instead, let your friend or family member know that you love and accept them no matter what, and that you only want to help them. Try saying something supportive, such as, “I love you for who you are and I care about your well-being,” or, “I want to help you because I love you.” Model a healthy attitude towards food and your body. If you are the person's parent, sibling, or friend, then it is important to model good behavior regarding food and your body image. Avoid skipping meals, excessive dieting, and making self-deprecating remarks about your appearance. Eat 3 meals per day and include healthy snacks as well. Don't talk about calories or other nutritional aspects of the foods you choose. Just enjoy eating your meals. Say positive things about your body, such as, “I love my hair today!” or, “I like the way my legs look in these pants.” Don’t force the person to eat. Trying to force the person to eat will likely make matters worse. Remember that anorexia is not a matter of disliking food or just choosing not to eat. It is a complex mental health issue. Avoid giving ultimatums, such as by saying things like, “You have to eat dinner or you can't go to the dance,” or, “If you don't eat lunch, I am not speaking to you for the rest of the day.” Don't tell the person to “just eat” or to “snap out of it” either. Remember that they are not simply choosing not to eat. There is a lot going on emotionally that is causing them to avoid food. Take over food preparation for the person, if possible. People with anorexia struggle with choosing what to eat and preparing their food. The whole experience of preparing something to eat is likely very stressful for your friend or family member. If you live with the person, then you may consider helping them by offering to take over food preparation tasks and even preparing their plate for them. This is referred to as the “magic plate” when used as a means to support someone with an eating disorder. Prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the person and offer it to them on a plate or in a bowl. If possible, do not allow them to dish out their own serving because they will likely put much less food on their plate than they need. Sit with them while they eat and eat your meal during this time as well. Let the person know you love and support them before each meal. Encourage them to eat by letting them know how much you love them and support them. This will help to fulfill the person's emotional needs while they eat to meet their nutritional needs. Try saying something like, “I love you and I will not let you go hungry.” Or you could say, “I care about you too much to watch you suffer.” Offer to schedule a doctor's appointment for the person. It is important for your friend or family member to get a diagnosis from a doctor. This will help the person to see that the issue is affecting their health. Their doctor can then connect them with the resources they need to get better. You cannot force the person to see a doctor, but you can offer some gentle encouragement. Try saying something like, “I think that it would be a good idea for you to see your doctor and make sure that you are healthy. I can call your doctor and make an appointment for you if you like.” Or you could say, “When was your last physical? I could schedule one for you if it has been a while.” Help them find a therapist who has experience treating eating disorders. Since anorexia is a mental health condition, your friend or family member will need to begin working with a therapist to get to the root of their problems. You can offer to help them find a therapist who has experience working with people who suffer from eating disorders. You may even offer to make the first appointment for them. Try saying something like, “Talking to someone who is knowledgeable about eating disorders could be helpful. Would you like me to help you find a therapist?” Or you could say, “Therapy is an important part of recovery from an eating disorder. Let's look into local therapists who have experience helping people with eating disorders and make an appointment for you.” Research in-patient treatment centers that might appeal to them. In some situations, in-patient treatment for anorexia may be required. Your friend or family member's doctor can determine if this might be the best option for treatment. However, you can research in-patient treatment centers to give your friend or family member some options if their doctor recommends in-patient treatment. Look into eating disorder treatment programs in your region and outside of the area as well. Try to find a program that might appeal to the person if they are resistant to the idea. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. This is usually the case when the person is severely malnourished, dehydrated, or experiencing an irregular heartbeat.

Plan to talk when the person will be relaxed. Express your concerns in an honest, direct way. Invite the person to express their feelings and reasons for avoiding food. Listen to the person as they share with you. Be accepting and loving as you talk with the person about your concerns. Model a healthy attitude towards food and your body. Don’t force the person to eat. Take over food preparation for the person, if possible. Let the person know you love and support them before each meal. Offer to schedule a doctor's appointment for the person. Help them find a therapist who has experience treating eating disorders. Research in-patient treatment centers that might appeal to them.

https://www.wikihow.com/Maintain-Your-Swimming-Pool

How to Maintain Your Swimming Pool

To maintain your swimming pool, start by buying testing strips from your local pool store so you can test your pool water's chlorine, alkaline, pH, and cyanuric acid levels. Then, test your pool water with the strips and make sure that it has 1-2 ppm chlorine, 80-120 ppm alkalinity, 40-80 ppm cyanuric acid, and a pH between 7.2 and 7.8. If it doesn't, purchase the necessary chemicals and follow the instructions on the label to apply them to your pool water.

Become familiar with your pool's total alkalinity and pH levels. Total alkalinity is a way of measuring the water's ability to neutralize acidity. Your water's alkalinity levels are directly related to your water's pH; the higher the total alkalinity, the higher the pH levels of your pool's water will be. pH levels measure how acidic or basic substances are. The pH scale has a range between 0 and 14, with a neutral pH at 7. Know your pool's chlorine, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, and total dissolved solids levels. Besides the pH and alkaline levels, these are also important considerations. Make sure you understand what they are and how they benefit your water. Chlorine is used to disinfect and sanitize the water. Calcium hardness refers to the amount of calcium present in the water. If the calcium levels are too low your water will become corrosive, potentially ruining the body of your pool. Cyanuric acid protects the chlorine in the water from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Total dissolved solids are mainly composed of inorganic salts (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonates, chlorides and sulfates) and small amounts of other organic materials dissolved in the water. Identify your pool water's pH, total alkalinity, chlorine, cyanuric acid, calcium hardness, and total dissolved solids levels. Keep these recommended level ranges in mind. pH: 7.2 - 7.8 Total alkalinity: 80 - 120 ppm Chlorine: 1.0 - 2.0 ppm Cyanuric Acid: 40 - 80 ppm Calcium hardness: 180 - 220 ppm, though some say 200 - 400 Total Dissolved Solids: below 5000 ppm Know your testing timelines for each water component. When you test your pool's water, you should observe certain timelines in order for your pool to function well, and for the water to stay clean and healthy. Each element, like the pH for example, has to be tested at a specific point. Some professionals advise daily testing, which can be difficult for many people. Keep the following timeframes in mind to ensure proper pool functions : pH should be tested twice a week. Total alkalinity should be tested once a week, and at least once a month. Chlorine should be tested twice a week. Cyanuric acid should be tested twice a season. Calcium hardness should be tested twice a season. Total dissolved solids should be tested once a week, and at least once a month. Purchase testing strips from your local pool store. Buy the strips that identify chlorine, alkaline, pH, and cyanuric acid. Nowadays, you don't have to bother with different tests for different chemicals. Dip the test strip into the pool. Move to an area that's separated from the pool's skimmer, and dip the test strip about 18 inches (46 cm) into the water for about ten seconds. Wait until the different colors fill in. Match the color readings to the color description on the product box or bottle. Make sure to read the product's instructions carefully, as different manufacturers might have different procedures. Make sure that your readings fall in the appropriate range. It's very important to adjust your water in case your readings do not match the recommended ranges. Using the right chemicals will easily adjust the ranges should they not meet suggested standards. Have the right chemicals readily available. From time to time, you'll be faced with water problems that require aggressive chemical solutions. But generally, these chemicals should become part of your pool maintenance routine as you might need to adjust certain levels sporadically. You product's instructions will provide appropriate dosage, should adjusting be necessary. Here are the most common chemicals you'll need : Chlorine Shocking products Algaecide Apply chlorine to your pool. You and your guests won't be too happy with algae and bacteria swimming alongside with you. Chlorine keeps these unwanted guests away. There are a few options out there when it comes to choosing the right chlorine products. Basic Chlorinating Tabs. These tabs dissolve slowly, and can be found in 1-inch and 3-inch sizes. They do a great job at keeping your pool clean. Plus, most chlorinating tablets contain a built-in stabilizer to shield your water's chlorine from the sun's rays. You can use the tablets in your floating dispenser, skimmer or automatic chlorinator. Liquid Chlorine. In liquid form, chlorine is quite similar to household bleach. But beware: it is also much stronger when it is designed for pools. Applying liquid chlorine is relatively easy, but it has a rather short shelf life. It won't last for more than a few weeks. Chlorinating Tabs. Some non-basic chlorinating tabs provide a multifunctional approach to pool maintenance; they sanitize the water while also shocking your pool. Shocking your pool gets rid of all sorts of contaminants. Chlorinating Granules. These granules come in multifunctional varieties that can help you resolve several issues at once; chlorinating, shocking and killing algae with a single, daily application. Shock your pool. Performing this task is crucial, as shocking keeps the water clear, and reduces eye irritation and odors coming from the chlorine. As mentioned, certain chlorine products already have built-in shockers, but if you choose to go with ones that do not, here are some shocking products that get the job done : Basic Shock Products. Basic products take care of killing bacteria, from breaking down cosmetic residue, suntan lotions, and any kind of swimmer waste. Using basic products to shock the water tone down chlorine. Multifunctional Shock Products. These products work fast and restore the water's clarity by eliminating all kinds of bacteria. Multifunctional products also balance the pool water's pH, boost filtration, and provide increased algae protection. The main pro is that these shocking products allow you to get back into the water within 15 minutes of use. Add algaecide to the water. Just imagine, there are millions microscopic plants that can easily make your pool their home. Rain, wind, and fill water can allow these tiny forms of algae to settle into your pool, making the water quickly unusable and diminishing the efficiency of the pool chemicals. Your filters will become quickly clogged, and the water's circulation will become sluggish. Algaecides effectively inhibit these small plants from invading the pool algae. Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully, and then pour the suggested amount of algaecides directly into the pool. Handle necessary chemicals properly and carefully. There are many available, but they can be highly dangerous to humans and animals. Use caution when utilizing any chemical solution. Always wear rubber gloves. Wash hands immediately after being exposed to chemicals. Follow the dosage instructions carefully and store chemicals according to the manufacturer's directions. Never pour or return unused or wasted material to the original package, and do not throw it away in regular garbage. Do not light fires when using chemicals. Always add the chemical to the water, and not the other way around. Manually clean your pool daily, if possible. Use brushes, cleaners, and debris catching devices to remove surface dirt and excessive amounts of leaves or branches. Keep your pool's water between 1/3 and 1/2 way up the opening of the pool skimmer. This is the level at which your pool operates best. A pool skimmer is a device that attracts the surface water of the pool. It pulls in small debris, like leaves and other things that might have fallen into the pool. A few inconvenient, and potentially damaging, things can happen if the water level is too high or too low for the skimmer. If the water level is too high, the water moves too slowly into the skimmer. This can result in debris bypassing the skimmer and accumulating in the pool. If the water level is too low, the skimmer is left with little to suck in and it can bottom out. It will suck in air instead, potentially burning your pool's motor pump. Pour in water before backwashing and vacuuming. The action of vacuuming causes the water level to decrease, which is why you need to add water beforehand. Be aware of different filtration systems. There are three basic filtration types : Sand filters: these filters are made of metal, fiberglass, or concrete and they contain a solid bed of specific sand. The sand does the job of trapping debris. Change the sand in the filter every five years. Cartridge filters: these filters allow water to seep through a fine filtrating surface. This filter keeps the impurities it catches until you clean it. An advantage of cartridge filters over sand ones, is that they have a greater surface area, which results in fewer clogs and easy maintenance. Replace them every 3-5 years. Diatomaceous earth filters: these filters contain porous bone material, which easily filters debris. Installing a DE filter is quite simple, as you place it directly into the skimmer. Backwashing and replacement/addition of a new DE has to be done once or twice a year. Remember to maintain your filters. Your pool filters are some of the most important tools for your pool, and need to stay very clean. So make sure to remember them in your pool care routine.

Become familiar with your pool's total alkalinity and pH levels. Know your pool's chlorine, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, and total dissolved solids levels. Identify your pool water's pH, total alkalinity, chlorine, cyanuric acid, calcium hardness, and total dissolved solids levels. Know your testing timelines for each water component. Purchase testing strips from your local pool store. Dip the test strip into the pool. Wait until the different colors fill in. Make sure that your readings fall in the appropriate range. Have the right chemicals readily available. Apply chlorine to your pool. Shock your pool. Add algaecide to the water. Handle necessary chemicals properly and carefully. Manually clean your pool daily, if possible. Keep your pool's water between 1/3 and 1/2 way up the opening of the pool skimmer. Pour in water before backwashing and vacuuming. Be aware of different filtration systems. Remember to maintain your filters.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Shoes-with-Toothpaste

How to Clean Shoes with Toothpaste

If your shoes are dirty, you can easily clean them with a little toothpaste. Squeeze a small amount of white, non-gel toothpaste onto an old toothbrush. Other types of toothpaste could stain your shoes. Test the toothpaste on a small part of your shoe to make sure it doesn't damage it. If it looks okay after 20 minutes, it's probably safe to use. Gently scrub the dirt off your shoes with the toothbrush. Then, wipe it away with a damp towel.

Buy white non-gel toothpaste. Gel toothpaste won't clean your shoes properly and there's a big chance that it will stain them. Gel toothpaste is especially bad for white shoes. You can use colored toothpaste if you have that lying around your home, but it won't clean the shoes as well as white toothpaste. Get an old toothbrush or a cheap, new toothbrush. There's no point using an expensive, brand new toothbrush to clean your dirty shoes. You won't be able to use it to clean shoes again and you definitely can't use it to brush your teeth. An old toothbrush is perfect for the job. Test the toothpaste on a small spot on one of your shoes. Different types of toothpaste have different ingredients, some of which can damage your shoes. Most toothpaste will be okay to use, but you're better off testing them first. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a small spot on one of your shoes. Check the spot after 20 minutes and wipe it with a damp cloth. If the toothpaste didn't stain the shoe, you can use it to clean both of your shoes. Apply a little bit of toothpaste to the brush. There's no need to use a big dollop of toothpaste on the brush. You're better off using a small dab on the brush to clean your shoes. Too much toothpaste might damage your shoes. Use about half the amount of toothpaste that you'd use when brushing your teeth. You can also use a cleaning pad to scrub your shoes. Use a cleaning sponge to quickly clean your shoes or a wire brush to rigorously clean very dirty canvas shoes or sneakers. Scrub your shoes with the toothbrush. How hard you scrub with the toothbrush depends on the color, material, and condition of your shoes. If you have dark colored shoes or shoes that are very dirty, you can use a lot of pressure to remove the dirt. If you have white shoes that you don't want to scratch, gently massage the toothpaste into your shoes with the brush. Identify any especially dirty spots and scrub back and forth over them with the brush to remove the dirt. Leave the toothpaste on the shoes for 10 minutes or so. During this time, the toothpaste will soak into the material of the shoes. It will make some of the dirt easier to remove with a towel. Wipe the shoes with a damp towel. Once the 10 minutes have passed, hold your towel under the sink for a couple of seconds and wipe the shoes. You can use as much pressure as you like on the shoes when wiping them with the towel. Make sure you clean as much toothpaste from the shoes as possible. Repeat the process if some of the dirt is still difficult to remove. Get a clean spray bottle or rinse one you already have. You should use a clean spray bottle as other substances could harm your shoes. You can get a new, empty spray bottle at the local supermarket or household products store. If you need to clean out an old spray bottle, pour the contents down the drain. Add dish soap to the spray bottle and rinse it out until suds stop forming in the water. Mix 5 parts water and 1 part dish soap in the spray bottle. You can use measuring cups to measure the exact amount of water and soap you put in the spray bottle. If you don't have measuring cups, it's better to use less dish soap rather than more. When you've added both the water and the soap to the spray bottle, put the cap on and shake the bottle to mix them. Spray the solution on a clean cloth and wipe the shoes. Squirt the cloth a couple of times with the solution. Wipe the toothpaste from the shoes with the cloth in circular motions. Pay special attention to the parts of the shoes that were especially dirty before you cleaned them. Make sure you wipe all of the solution from the shoes with the cloth. Dry the shoes with a clean, dry cloth. After wiping the shoes with the spray solution, you need to dry them. Use plenty of pressure to completely dry the shoes with the cloth. If you need to, you can leave the shoes in a cool, dry place to let them air dry.

Buy white non-gel toothpaste. Test the toothpaste on a small spot on one of your shoes. Apply a little bit of toothpaste to the brush. Scrub your shoes with the toothbrush. Leave the toothpaste on the shoes for 10 minutes or so. Wipe the shoes with a damp towel. Get a clean spray bottle or rinse one you already have. Mix 5 parts water and 1 part dish soap in the spray bottle. Spray the solution on a clean cloth and wipe the shoes. Dry the shoes with a clean, dry cloth.

https://www.wikihow.com/Extreme-Coupon

How to Extreme Coupon

To extreme coupon, collect coupons by clipping them from magazines or downloading them from reputable websites like coupons.com. Then, check which products are on sale by using a site like the Grocery Game, which lists sales in major stores. You should also try to match coupons with items on promotional sales like "buy two get the third free" for additional discounts. Additionally, combine manufacturer and store coupons to get even more money off.

Get a cheap Sunday newspaper subscription. Subscribe to a statewide paper and a paper from your town or a nearby town as long as the money you save from the coupons that you find pays for your subscription. Find coupons in the inserts from companies like SmartSource. You can usually find 2 to 3 dedicated coupon inserts every Sunday. Check for sale fliers from your favorite stores. These may have coupons printed across the bottom of the page or next to some of your favorite items. Find out when your favorite store prints its sales flyer. If your favorite grocery store prints its flier in Thursday's paper, then consider subscribing on Thursday as well. Sign up for store emails. Many stores will email coupons to you or send you an electronic copy of their sales fliers. If you purchase or sign up for a loyalty card from a company, be sure that you provide your email address and indicate that you want to receive messages containing deals. Look for coupons on reputable websites. Some ideas include: SmartSource.com Coupons.com Redplum.com CouponNetwork.com Groupon.com Subscribe to a coupon clippers website, such as New England coupon clippers. These subscriptions will deliver coupons to your mailbox based on deals available in your region. Check the websites or Facebook pages of your favorite companies. If your favorite companies have a Twitter feed, then subscribe so you can get a link to deals. Clip coupons from your favorite magazines. All You, for instance, is a magazine sold by Walmart that is chock full of great coupons. Be observant when you walk around stores. You may find coupons on store shelves next to your favorite products. You can also look at the front of your store for a machine that dispenses deals. Some stores have machines into which you can insert your loyalty card and receive coupons based on your past purchase patterns. Seek out QR codes. You can scan these codes with your mobile phone and be led to an online coupon that you can use at checkout. A QR code looks something like this: Purchase a mobile phone app that will read QR codes, such as QRReader for iPhone or QR Droid for Android. Tap on the app to open it. Generally, you point your camera at the code and press the key in the bottom center of your phone to activate a scanner. You then scan the code and the coupon or website opens on your phone. Different apps have different instructions, so check your app to be sure. Organize a coupon swap. If you have friends who also love to extreme coupon, then get together and swap coupons that you don't use for some that are more valuable to you. Collect catalinas after every transaction. Note the expiration date on each. They usually have to be used within 10 days to 3 months of the day they print out. Register on a website like Coupon Network. You can list the stores at which you most commonly shop and receive information about catalinas that they are currently printing. Check forum comments on sites like Hot Coupon World, Slick Deals or Pinching Your Pennies. Extreme couponers leave comments in the forum letting you know what deals are currently out there in the form of catalinas. Roll your catalinas. For instance, if you receive a catalina for $1 off 3 jars of applesauce, try this trick: Come back into the store and buy more applesauce. Use the catalina at the cash register. If you're lucky, another catalina will be given to you after your transaction. Go back for more applesauce as long as the catalinas keep printing. You can usually get away with a maximum of 3 transactions per store. Go to multiple locations of your favorite store. For instance, if you know that your grocery store has 4 locations close to your home, then visit all 4 locations. Use the catalinas to stock up on your favorite items. Be aware that not every location will print the same catalinas, but if the stores are close-by, it's worth exploring. Stack your catalinas. If you receive in-store coupons for $5 off a $30 purchase, then save the catalinas for when you need to purchase expensive items, like meat or seafood. Then, use as many as you can in 1 transaction to save money on these items. Bring your catalinas to a competitor. If a store is willing to accept competitor coupons, then you can get the same deals in a different store instead of waiting on your preferred store to run a sale. Share the wealth. Go to a coupon forum yourself and let your fellow extreme couponers know what catalinas you found. If you are generous with your tips, then your fellow couponers will reciprocate. Wait for a good sale. One good idea is to use a website like The Grocery Game. This site will list the sales flyers for your favorite stores. When you see an item in the flyer, and you know you have a coupon for that item, then it's time to save yourself some money. Otherwise, you can do the research yourself. Organize your coupons. Try 1 of these methods: Use baseball cardholders inside a 3-ring binder to make your coupons easy to reach. Then, use divider tabs to split your coupons into sections by product, by store or by another method that makes sense to you. Use an alphabetically organized accordion file. Place your coupons in order by product name. Sort through each pocket weekly and put soon-to-expire coupons at the front of the pocket so you don't forget to use them. If you can't be bothered cutting out the coupons to insert into separate card slots in a binder, simply hole punch the page and attach a pair of small scissors (such as a child's safety pair) by a string to the binder. That way, you can cut out the coupon as you find the product. Write or print out a list of your current coupons. You can do this on an Excel spreadsheet. As you walk around, you can place the relevant coupon into a small envelope sitting in your bag or in the cart, in readiness to hand over all coupons for items you found to the cashier. As you use coupons, mark them off your list with a pen or pencil. When you get home, delete them from your spreadsheet. Purchase multiple items. If your store is selling cereal in a "Buy 2, Get the 3rd Free" promotion, and you have a coupon for the same cereal, then get as much cereal as you can under the terms of the deal. Watch the language on the sale flyer to make sure the store has a reasonable limit on the amount of items that you can buy under the promotion. Avoid buying perishable items in bulk. For example, don't stockpile dairy or produce. At home, shop from your stash. If you don't know what to cook for dinner, then choose an item from your bulk purchases to avoid ordering takeout or running to the store for something you can live without. Stack your coupons. If you have manufacturer's coupons and store coupons, then combine them to get even more money off your purchase. Order items that are sold out. If your store will let you place a bulk order for the items listed on your coupon, then don't be afraid to ask. Go during off-peak hours. Extreme coupon transactions take time, and other customers will feel impatient if you hold up the line with your coupons. Also, cashiers can become frustrated with many coupons because of not only transaction length but also confusion about store policies. You need to go at a time the store isn't too busy to minimize conflict. Leave your kids at home. Extreme coupon transactions require clear communication. If your children are running wild or trying to talk to you while you're interacting with the cashier, then you won't be able to concentrate on what you're doing. Find a babysitter for your early extreme coupon adventures. Be open to various brands. You may have to go with a brand that isn't your tried and true choice to get a deal. As long as the difference in taste and quality is negligible, the savings will be worth it. Know the store's policy and have a copy of it with you. This is simply a safeguard against cashiers who aren't aware of store policies themselves and don't really want to have to deal with your extreme coupling. It is far easier to say "we don't accept that" than to go to the effort of ringing it all through, so be prepared to politely but firmly clarify the appropriateness of your coupon actions by pointing out the store policy. You will often find the policy online; if not, ask the store manager for a copy. Use appropriate coupon etiquette. Stick to these good practices: Be considerate to your cashier and to the people lined up behind you. Never photocopy coupons. Some stores will no longer accept coupons that even appear to be photocopied. Avoid hoarding. Items usually go on sale on a 6 to 8 week cycle. Stock up on enough to take you through the sales cycle and no more. Don't become a person who stacks cases of toothpaste under your bed. Don't commit fraud. Avoid using coupons for items other than the item printed on the paper. Also, never alter existing coupons or print off counterfeits. Know if your store price matches. Some stores will match and even undercut the price of the same product sold in other stores. Just bring in a sales flyer from the competing store as proof of the price. Plan your menus around store sales and your coupon inventory. You might feel limited at first, but you'll come to enjoy the creative challenge of coming up with meals that your family will enjoy at a low cost. Shop at stores that offer discounts on fuel. If you can accumulate points toward a fuel purchase by shopping at a certain store, then you'll save money on top of your coupon discounts. Know when items go on clearance. For instance, buy a winter coat in the spring, or purchase bedding and home items in January. Look for big post-holiday clearance sales or summer clearance sales. Take advantage of credit card rewards. Don't go crazy with your credit card just to get bargains, but use it wisely to help yourself save money. Some cards offer gift cards to use in certain stores or discounts on certain products. You can also earn rewards toward restaurants, airline tickets or hotel stays. Compare prices of brand-name items to generic items. Sometimes, a store's generic product is cheaper even than a brand-name product combined with a coupon offer. The generic version is often comparably good, so be open-minded. Donate some bulk items to charity. If you can't possibly use all those boxes of pancake mix, then donate them to needy families in your community. Have realistic expectations. You're probably going to have to coupon for at least 3 months to build your stockpile of goods. Then, you will begin to see significant savings.

Get a cheap Sunday newspaper subscription. Sign up for store emails. Look for coupons on reputable websites. Subscribe to a coupon clippers website, such as New England coupon clippers. Check the websites or Facebook pages of your favorite companies. Clip coupons from your favorite magazines. Be observant when you walk around stores. Seek out QR codes. Organize a coupon swap. Collect catalinas after every transaction. Register on a website like Coupon Network. Check forum comments on sites like Hot Coupon World, Slick Deals or Pinching Your Pennies. Roll your catalinas. Go to multiple locations of your favorite store. Stack your catalinas. Bring your catalinas to a competitor. Share the wealth. Wait for a good sale. Organize your coupons. Write or print out a list of your current coupons. Purchase multiple items. Stack your coupons. Order items that are sold out. Go during off-peak hours. Leave your kids at home. Be open to various brands. Know the store's policy and have a copy of it with you. Use appropriate coupon etiquette. Know if your store price matches. Plan your menus around store sales and your coupon inventory. Shop at stores that offer discounts on fuel. Know when items go on clearance. Take advantage of credit card rewards. Compare prices of brand-name items to generic items. Donate some bulk items to charity. Have realistic expectations.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Garlic-Powder

How to Make Garlic Powder

To make garlic powder, start by peeling some garlic cloves and cutting them into thin slices. Then, spread the slices out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and dry them in the oven on the lowest heat setting for 2 hours. Next, grind the dried garlic into a fine powder using a coffee grinder, blender, food processor, or mortar and pestle. Finally, transfer your garlic powder to an airtight container for storage.

Separate the garlic cloves. Peel each head of garlic and separate all the cloves of garlic within each head. The amount of garlic powder you wish to make will depend on how many garlic cloves you use. Each head of garlic will have about 10 cloves; sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. For a smaller batch of garlic powder, use one head of garlic. For bigger batches, use more. Peel the garlic cloves. You can use your fingers to peel away the skin on the clove, or crack open the skin with your knife. Simply place a clove on your cutting board, and lay your knife directly on top of the clove. Gently push on the knife and garlic clove to loosen and crack the skin around the clove. You don't want to push down too hard on the clove, because you want to keep the clove whole, and in tact so you can slice it. Use your fingers to peel off the skin away. Thinly slice each clove. Use a knife to slice off the root ends of the cloves. These ends are tough, and not necessary for flavoring. Then use your sharp chef's knife to thinly slice the cloves of garlic. Slice the garlic cloves about ¼” thin lengthwise, or even thinner if you like. When all the garlic cloves are sliced, place them on a baking sheet or a dehydrator sheet lined with parchment paper. Dry the garlic in an oven. You can dry the garlic in an over or a dehydrator. If you're using an oven to dry out your garlic, preheat your oven to one of the lowest heat setting. On most ovens, this is between 150 and 200° Fahrenheit. When your oven is completely heated at a temperature between 150°F and 200°F, place the sheet of garlic into the oven and cook for about an hour and a half to two hours. While the garlic is drying, you can check on it and stir the garlic bits around to ensure they are drying out evenly. Remove the sheet of garlic from the oven and let the pieces cool. You'll know that the garlic is thoroughly dry when the pieces snap, break, and crumble easily in your hand. Dry the garlic in a dehydrator. If you're using a dehydrator to dry out your garlic, set the temperature to a lower setting, at about 125°F. Allow the garlic to dehydrate for about 8-12 hours. When you remove the garlic from the dehydrator, the garlic bits should be brittle to the touch. That is when you'll know that they are completely dried. Grind the dried garlic. You can use a coffee grinder, blender, food processor, spice mill or mortar and pestle to grind up the garlic pieces. Grind the garlic to your desired consistency. Sift through the powder with your fingers and remove any large chunks. These chunks can be gathered and reground. Grind the garlic for a shorter amount of time if you want the powder to be chunkier. Grind the garlic for a longer amount of time if you want the powder to be finer. Allow the garlic to sit in the grinder for about 10 minutes. This will allow the garlic bits and their fumes to settle, so you don't breathe in the harsh garlic odors. Blend flavors to make a new seasoning. If you happen to have onion or chili powder, red pepper flakes, or other spices around your kitchen, consider blending you garlic powder with other flavors and powders to make a unique and robust seasoning. This blended seasoning can be used on all kinds of food, from pizza to pasta. Store your garlic. Store your garlic powder in an airtight container somewhere cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight. Mason jars are a good storage container for homemade garlic powder. Freezing your garlic powder is also an option.

Separate the garlic cloves. Peel the garlic cloves. Thinly slice each clove. Dry the garlic in an oven. Dry the garlic in a dehydrator. Grind the dried garlic. Blend flavors to make a new seasoning. Store your garlic.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Chocolate-Muffins

How to Make Chocolate Muffins

To make chocolate muffins, mix all of the ingredients together to create the batter. Next, grease the muffin pan and pour the batter into it, filling each muffin cup about two-thirds of the way full. Try to distribute the batter equally so all of the muffins are about the same size, allowing them to bake evenly. If you want your muffins to have a crunchy texture, top them with extra chocolate chips and sparkling sugar, then pop the pan in the oven and bake the muffins for 18-22 minutes!

Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Turn the oven up to 400 degrees Farenheit and wait for it to preheat completely. Use the time that you're waiting to make the muffin batter. Mix the dry ingredients together. Pour the flour, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt into a large bowl. Stir all the ingredients together with a large spoon until they are all mixed together. Beat the egg. Break the egg into a small bowl, the use a fork to mix the egg. Make sure that the yolk and the egg white are completely blended. Mix the wet ingredients together. Pour the beaten egg into a large bowl, then pour in the milk and oil. Whisk the ingredients together until they are all mixed. Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix. Pour the dry ingredients that you just mixed little by little into the wet ingredients, stirring continuously. Stir until all the ingredients are just combined. Make sure not to over-stir, as this can change the consistency of the muffins. Grease the muffin pan or insert muffin wrappers. Use a stick of butter or vegetable oil spray to spray the inside of each compartment of a 12-muffin pan. If you prefer to use paper or aluminum muffin wrappers, place one wrapper into each insert of the pan. Greasing the pan ensures that the muffins won't stick to the pan after they've baked. Using muffin wrappers lets you skip the process of greasing the pan and ensures that the muffins will come out of the pan easily after they've baked. Pour the batter into the muffin pans. Carefully pour or spoon the muffin batter into each insert of the muffin tin until about two-thirds full. Try to distribute the batter equally so that each muffin is about the same size. Smooth the tops of the batter with a spoon if they're uneven on top. You can also hold the muffin tin in each hand and shake it gently side to side to make sure that the batter lays flat in each insert. Put extra chocolate chips and sparkling sugar on top. If you wish, sprinkle some chocolate chips and sparkling sugar on top of each compartment of batter. This will give the top of each muffin more texture and sweetness. You can skip this step if you want a more consistent texture for your muffins. Bake the muffins 18-22 minutes. Put the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. After 18 minutes, poke one muffin with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, take out the muffins. If not, keep checking every minute until the toothpick comes out completely clean. Wait for the muffins to cool. Even if you want to enjoy the muffins warm, wait for a few minutes before taking them out of the muffin pan. Waiting for a bit helps the muffins to solidify and come out of the pan more easily. Place the muffin on a cooling rack. Use a knife to go around each muffin and the pan, then place the muffins on a cooling rack. If you used muffin wrappers, just lift each muffin out of the pan by the wrapper and place them on the cooling rack. Serve the muffins. If you want to eat your muffins while they're warm, take the muffins off the cooling rack and enjoy. If you prefer room temperature muffins that are slightly firmer, wait until they have completely cooled and enjoy. Store uneaten muffins in a closed container. To prevent the muffins from getting stale, store them in Tupperware or another airtight container.

Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Mix the dry ingredients together. Beat the egg. Mix the wet ingredients together. Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix. Grease the muffin pan or insert muffin wrappers. Pour the batter into the muffin pans. Put extra chocolate chips and sparkling sugar on top. Bake the muffins 18-22 minutes. Wait for the muffins to cool. Place the muffin on a cooling rack. Serve the muffins. Store uneaten muffins in a closed container.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-a-Rave--(Guys)

How to Dress for a Rave (Guys)

If you're dressing to go to a rave, anything goes, but you'll want to wear something that embraces the mood of the event. Pick crazy, stand-out colors like neon green, yellow, or orange. Hoodies are another great choice for cooler weather. Go for something that speaks to your personality, like one that's covered in LED lights or a wild animal image. You can even wear a costume to a rave, or coordinate a costume with your friends, like everyone going as a video game character. Consider accessorizing your outfit with a cowboy or trucker hat or sunglasses with colorful frames or reflective lenses.

Choose a t-shirt. You can never go wrong with a simple t-shirt as they will work for any rave whether indoor or outdoor, day or night. They have a relaxed feel which is what raves are all about. Find one that suits the occasion and your personality. Perhaps one with a funny saying like “Keep Calm and Rave On” would work or “Eat, Sleep, Rave.” Try to stay away from an all-white tee. It will probably be 3 shades of brown before the night is over due to sweating and accidental spills. T-shirts made of breathable material are the best way to go. Something like pure cotton will allow you to stay cool and comfy. Wear a tank. Tank tops are great as they allow you to stay cool while still being shielded from the sun. Plus, if you've been spending countless hours in the gym and want to show off those guns, a basic tank top is the best choice for you. There are lots of options out there so pick a crazy, stand-out color like neon green, yellow or orange. You and your buddies can even get similar tanks. This is a good way to spot each other in the crowd. Go shirtless. Try going shirtless if you'll be in the sun the majority of the time. If you're going to a beachside rave, for example, or if you'll be in direct sunlight at an outdoor venue, consider ditching the shirt altogether. Don't forget the sunscreen if you dare to bare. Bring a small towel along to wipe off some sweat. Wear a hoodie. Raves taking place during cooler months or in colder climates call for a hooded sweatshirt. While you may be warm in the middle of the day or while dancing, evenings may be a little chilly. This is especially true for parties taking place in the desert. Avoid a plain, boring one that's gray or black. Find one that still speaks to your personality and is covered in LED lights or a wild animal image. Don't put anything important in your hoodie pockets unless they're on the inside of the jacket. Losing a glow stick is one thing but losing your ID would be a nightmare. Opt for shorts. Wear a pair of shorts if you plan to show off your crazy dancing footwork. Shorts are also a good choice if you're concerned about staying cool. There's no need to go conventional here. Pick something outrageous like disco ball patterned shorts. Cargo shorts are always a good option. All the extra pockets will come in handy for carrying a cell phone and wallet. Wear jeans. Jeans are made from a pretty durable material and can usually take a beating. Stick with this option if planning to hang out at a rave for several days without bringing a bunch of extra clothes. Jeans are also the classic option for events like these. If you decide to go this route, remember to wear a pair that are wide-legged and loose-fitting so you can still move around easily. Anything snug will just get uncomfortable after a while. Be sure to wear a ratty pair you won't mind getting dirty or torn. This is definitely not the time to wear the designer pair you just bought. They will be ruined before the sun sets. Think about a costume. Whether you're a rave veteran or a first-timer, certain events like Coachella, for example, call for a costume. In general, raves are about embracing who you are and indulging in the quirky and outrageous. Showcase this side of yourself and do absolutely anything you want! Whether it's a costume of a giant owl or a robot, there's no right or wrong answer. Go with what you feel inspired by. Consider the particular rave you're going to. For instance, if it's around election time, make a political statement with your get-up. It's a ton of fun to coordinate costumes with friends. You guys could pick something like video game characters. Don sneakers. You'll be on your feet the vast majority of the time while at a rave. Wandering around for hours, sometimes even days can wreck havoc on your feet. To keep them from aching, wear a comfortable pair of sneakers. Make sure that they are really broken in, loose fitting and light weight. Keep in mind that they don't have to look good. No one will be looking at your feet. If you want them to coordinate with your ensemble, jazz them up with brightly colored or LED shoelaces. Remember to bring an extra pair of socks or two. You will be glad you did if yours become soggy from sweat. Skip the flip flops. Flip flops are great for most occasions but this is not one of them. They don't offer any support for your feet and your toes will get trampled by partiers. This is true even if you're on the beach in Miami or Ibiza. Never go barefoot. People drop all sorts of things on the ground, spill things and who knows what else. You will regret going barefoot immediately. Since there is no way to do so safely, stick with shoes at all times. You could step on something really dangerous and ruin your entire trip. Plus, the blistering sand or concrete will be unbearable. Take a backpack. You will want to keep some crucial items with you at all times as it's not really convenient to run back and forth to the car or tent (if you have one). You can keep your hands free to snap pictures and items safe while dancing by carrying a backpack. You won't need a huge one, just something small for the essentials. Bring along an extra cell phone battery and/or charger, chapstick, water canister and ID. Wear a hat. If you'll be attending a daytime rave, it would be a good idea to put a hat on to protect your dome from harsh sun rays. As long as it's cool and helps shield your face and head from the sun, you're in good shape. Even if it's a nighttime rave a sweet baseball cap will be fashionable. Cowboy or trucker hats will do the trick as well. Think outside the box here as well. This is the perfect time to wear that wild wig you've had in the closet. Don’t forget sunglasses. Just imagine partying all night long and waking up without sunglasses. Ouch. Not only will they protect your eyes from the blinding sun, they are cool. Choose inexpensive ones in case you lose them. You don't have to save them for the following morning. These can really set your outfit off during the day too so pick ones with a fun colored frame and reflective lenses.

Choose a t-shirt. Wear a tank. Go shirtless. Wear a hoodie. Opt for shorts. Wear jeans. Think about a costume. Don sneakers. Skip the flip flops. Never go barefoot. Take a backpack. Wear a hat. Don’t forget sunglasses.

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

How to Grow Chamomile

To grow chamomile, start some chamomile seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last expected frost, or plant the seeds outdoors in late spring or summer. If you start the seeds indoors, wait to transplant them until there's no more risk of frost. Since chamomile prefers a lot of sunlight, choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. For soil with poor drainage and not a lot of nutrients, go with German chamomile since it's hardier than other varieties.

Start indoor chamomile seeds in late winter. It's best to start your seeds about six weeks before the last frost hits. For many regions, this will be in mid-February or early March. Adjust the timing based on your area's typical weather patterns. Use a multi-container tray for sowing. Buy a seeding tray at a garden center. These come with multiple small containers, and they can be used to start several plantings. Add moist seed sowing compost to the containers. Buy special soil mix meant for sowing seeds at your local gardening center or online. Fill each container about ¾ full with soil. Add enough water to make the soil moist. Put seeds under a very light covering of soil. Pour chamomile seeds into an empty bowl. Use your finger to pick up several. Put about six in each container by scraping the seeds off your finger with your nail. Cover them lightly with just a little bit of soil. You should still be able to see the seeds through their covering. Mist the containers with a spray bottle. Mist the seeds with water from a spray bottle right away. Continue checking on the seeds each day to make sure the soil stays moist, but not soaking. Spray the seeds as much as you need to keep the soil moist, probably about once per day. You can keep the seeds covered with a loose sheet of plastic wrap if you're concerned that the soil isn't staying moist enough. The plastic will trap the moisture. Leave space for air circulation, and be sure to remove the plastic entirely as soon as you see any sign of green. Alternate the temperature to encourage germination. Ideal growing temperature is between 65-85℉ (18.33-29.44℃). During the day, put the plants in a sunny spot that's set at the higher temperature. At night, make it a little colder. This will imitate the natural warm and cold cycles of the outdoors. Remove one seedling when plants are 2 in. (5.08 cm) high. This will leave only one healthy seedling in each container. To thin the chamomile seedlings, cut the seedling off at ground level. Don't pull the seedling out by its roots, as you may disturb the roots of the chamomile plant you're keeping. Get your plants ready for transplanting for two weeks. Do what's called “hardening off” the chamomile. This prepares them for life outside. Start by putting the plants outside in a covered area for a few hours per day. Increase their outdoor exposure by a few hours each day for two weeks. Do this only when the weather cooperates. If the temperature drops or rises suddenly or there are strong winds, keep the plants inside to protect them. Gentle breezes, however, are good for the little guys. Alter the plants' sun exposure as you go, giving them less and less shade over the course of the two weeks. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this time. Keep the plants indoors at night while hardening them off. Transplant after all danger of frost is past. This should be about six weeks after you started the seeds. Gently loosen the soil and remove the plantings from their containers, placing them in holes double the size of their root balls about 8-10 inches (20.32-25.40 cm) apart. Fill the holes back in with a mix of soil and slow-release fertilizer. Water the plantings about an hour before you transplant them. Then gently mist them once they're in the ground. Make the holes deep enough so the base of the leaves is at soil level. Pick a sunny, warm spot for your chamomile. While chamomile can handle a little bit of shade, it prefers lots of sun. Set aside a spot in your garden that's sure to enjoy plenty of light throughout the day. Rake and even out the soil to prepare it. Remove any rocks, clumps of soil, or weeds by raking and hoeing the area. Go at least 1 foot (30.48 cm) deep. Then rake the soil back into place and pack it down for a nice, smooth planting surface. Plant German chamomile if you have poor soil. German chamomile is a bit hardier than other varieties. It can handle a bit of clay or low nutrition in the soil. German chamomile is technically an annual, which means it needs to be replanted each year. However, it self-seeds, so you don't need to do the replanting! This means it actually acts like a perennial plant. Plant Roman chamomile if you have well-drained, fertile soil. Roman chamomile does better in higher-quality soil. This variety is a perennial, meaning it doesn't need to be replanted each year. If you want to raise the quality of the soil, mix a slow-release fertilizer with the soil before you sow seeds. Sow your seeds in late spring or summer to avoid frost. Be sure all threat of frost has passed before you put in the seeds. This timing will vary depending on where you live. In the United States and Europe, you should be safe to plant by mid-May or June. Warmer states in the southern half of the U.S. may be able to start earlier, depending on the weather. If you're in the southern hemisphere planting in someplace like Sydney, Australia, the last frost should occur in early August. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil. Sprinkle handfuls of seeds across the soil. Don't worry about placement. You'll make them into neat rows later. Use your hands to gently cover them with only a little bit of soil, as these seeds need light to germinate. You should still be able to see the seeds under their light covering of soil. Water the seeds until the soil is moist. The seeds need a lot of water to germinate, so start this process off as soon as they're planted. Use the mist or shower setting on your hose to moisten the soil. Keep the soil moist throughout the germination period, and when the seedlings are small. This will probably require a daily watering. Thin seedlings when they're about 2 inches (5.08 cm) tall. Leave about 8 to 10 inches (20.32 to 25.40 cm) between each seedling, making neat rows of spaced plants. To thin the seedlings, cut the tiny plant off at ground level. Don't pull the seedling completely out of the ground, as you may disturb the roots of the remaining seedlings. Plant pre-grown chamomile in autumn or spring. If you want, buy mature chamomile plants at a garden center rather than starting the seeds either outside or indoors. Dig a hole double the size of the root ball and deep enough so the base of the leaves is right at soil level when the plant is put in the hole. Mix some slow-release fertilizer in with the soil, pack it down loosely, and water it until the soil is wet. While perennial plants can be put in any time of year, they do best when started in early autumn or late spring. Annuals should always be planted during these times. The ideal planting time varies depending on your location, but you should generally stick to a season when the weather is turning and getting either warmer or colder. Avoid planting in extreme heat or cold. Water young chamomile plants frequently. Until you see flowers on your plants, water them daily. This will give them the water they need to fully mature. Don't soak the soil. Water until it's just moist. If you're getting lots of rain, you may be able to reduce your watering. Especially if it's hot out, however, check the soil even if it's rainy. Reduce watering once plants are established. Chamomile is a pretty hardy plant. Once it's fully grown, it does fine with less water. Let the soil go almost dry between waterings, then soak the plants. This usually takes about a week or two. Keep weeds from stealing the plants’ nutrients. Make sure the chamomile garden stays free of nasty weeds! You don't want them to choke off your chamomile. Give the garden a weekly once-over to remove these invaders. While chamomile may attract bees and butterflies, it's usually pest free beyond that. You shouldn't need to worry about pesticides. Cover the plants with evergreen boughs to protect them during winter. Chamomile plants can survive outside during winter, but they need a little bit of protection from dry, harsh winds. Lay several evergreen boughs over the plants at the start of the cold season. Wait about 60-65 days for the plants to mature. It usually takes about two months from the time the seeds are planted for chamomile to produce flowers. This should occur by early to mid-summer, or about two weeks after you're transplanted indoor seedlings. Cut flowers throughout summer once they’ve bloomed. Your plants should continue blooming all summer long. As you snip off blooms with garden scissors, new ones should grow in their place. This will give you plenty of flowers to dry and enjoy all year round! Snip the flowers at the base of their individual stems. You can then trim the stems down to the base of the blooms for drying. Dry the snipped flowers away from dust and sun. Place the flowers on a plate and put them in a cabinet. This will allow them to dry fully. Wait until the plant crumbles easily to your touch, usually about 1-2 weeks later. Store dried chamomile in a sealed jar away from sunlight. Keep the dried flowers safe from moisture and sunlight, which could make them go bad. Mason jars work perfectly, and they'll store easily in your pantry next to the tea. Make tea with a teaspoon of dried flowers per cup. Using a tea ball, make chamomile tea! Put about a teaspoon (5.69 g) of dried chamomile into the tea ball. Let it steep for several minutes in hot water. You can make tea with fresh flowers as well, although dried blooms work better. Double the amount you use. Add some honey to make this bitter-tasting tea sweeter. Use chamomile tea to help other plants. Chamomile can help other plants by preventing fungal infections, aiding in seed germination, preventing pests, and acting as a natural deterrent in your garden. To prevent a fungal infection in saplings, spray a weak chamomile tea over them a few times a week. Spray them in the morning so that they can dry in the sun. Fungal infections are a common issue for saplings. To aid in seed germination, soak the seeds in a weak chamomile tea for 8 to 12 hours before you plant them. To use chamomile tea as an insecticide, make a triple strength tea by using more tea bags and allowing your tea to steep for 24 hours. You can then spray your chamomile tea onto your plants to prevent pests. If you spray chamomile tea onto your plants, it will act as a natural deterrent because of its strong scent.

Start indoor chamomile seeds in late winter. Use a multi-container tray for sowing. Add moist seed sowing compost to the containers. Put seeds under a very light covering of soil. Mist the containers with a spray bottle. Alternate the temperature to encourage germination. Remove one seedling when plants are 2 in. Get your plants ready for transplanting for two weeks. Transplant after all danger of frost is past. Pick a sunny, warm spot for your chamomile. Rake and even out the soil to prepare it. Plant German chamomile if you have poor soil. Plant Roman chamomile if you have well-drained, fertile soil. Sow your seeds in late spring or summer to avoid frost. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil. Water the seeds until the soil is moist. Thin seedlings when they're about 2 inches (5.08 cm) tall. Plant pre-grown chamomile in autumn or spring. Water young chamomile plants frequently. Reduce watering once plants are established. Keep weeds from stealing the plants’ nutrients. Cover the plants with evergreen boughs to protect them during winter. Wait about 60-65 days for the plants to mature. Cut flowers throughout summer once they’ve bloomed. Dry the snipped flowers away from dust and sun. Store dried chamomile in a sealed jar away from sunlight. Make tea with a teaspoon of dried flowers per cup. Use chamomile tea to help other plants.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-Colic-in-Horses-and-Ponies

How to Cure Colic in Horses and Ponies

To cure colic in horses and ponies, try taking your horse for a 30-minute walk, which can help distract it from the pain and relieve gas. If your horse is exhibiting symptoms of a more serious case of colic, like continuously looking at its side, lying down a lot, not eating, or not defecating, you should call your vet so they can determine the cause and prescribe a treatment plan. While you wait for the vet to arrive, take all sources of food away from your horse until the food is ruled out as the cause.

Know the symptoms of colic. The symptoms of colic can vary based on how severe the colic is. Though the pain is in the stomach, your horse may show signs that don't automatically point to the stomach. Mild colic may exhibit in your horse as restlessness, such as pawing at the ground. Your horse also may keep curling his lips or keep looking around to his backside. In a moderate case, your horse may want to lay down more often. He may also pee more often. With severe cases, your horse may start rolling on the ground with violent motions. You may also see in an increase in respiration and sweat. Symptoms of gas colic in particular are loud noises in the abdominal area and gut pain that comes and goes. Impacted colic may prevent the horse from defecating, and he may not want to eat. He will also have pain in the abdomen. Horses should defecate at least 6 times in a 24-hour period, so you should be on the lookout if you suspect your horse has colic. Check the horse's temperature. A horse's temperature should be between about 99 degrees and 101 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a rectal thermometer designed for horses to check your horse's temperature. If it's elevated, that's another indication your horse could be colicky. Get your horse up and walking. Only try to treat the horse yourself if he is exhibiting mild symptoms of colic. If the horse is already in the moderate or severe stage, move on to calling the vet. The first step to treating your horse yourself is to get him moving. Walk your horse around for about 30 minutes. Walking can help your horse if the colic is caused by gas. It may also provide a distraction from the pain he's experiencing. However, walking him too long can make him tired if he's already feeling bad. Know when to call the veterinarian. If your horse is continuously looking at his side and even trying to bite that area, it's time to call the vet. Other symptoms that tell you it's time to call the vet are if your horse is laying down too much, not eating, or not defecating. Also call the vet if your horse's pulse is over 50 beats a minute. Remove all sources of food. Because colic is often linked to your horse's food, it's important to keep him away from any potential dangers until a cause is found. If the colic is caused by an impacted colon, adding more food to his intestine will not help the situation. Let the professionals work. When your vet arrives, he will perform a full examination, though he won't likely be able to pinpoint the exact cause. He will, however, be able to tell you how severe the problem is and what the best course of treatment is. Be prepared to answer questions about your routine, worming process, and feed type. Your veterinarian may do a rectal examination or a belly tap. A belly tap is a process where the horse is sedated and a tube is passed through his nose into his stomach. The belly tap can be helpful in two ways. It can determine if there's fluid in the stomach (which needs to be drained), and it's a way to give the horse mineral oil, which can relieve an impaction by lubricating it. This process can also be way to hydrate the horse. Rectal exams allow the vet to check for problems in the intestine, such as feeling for an impaction. Move on to painkillers. Depending on the determined cause, the vet may treat your horse with pain relieving drugs, such as analgesics like banamine. Most horses need some type of painkiller. Also, your vet may administer laxatives; the mineral oil in the previous step is an example of an laxative he may use to treat an impaction. Ask about IV fluids. If your horse is severely dehydrated, your vet may need to provide him with IV fluids to help with the re-hydration process. You may need to change the bag at some point, so ask your vet for a demonstration if you aren't sure how to do it. Check when you can return to feeding your horse. In the case of an impaction, your horse needs to be off food until the impaction is cleared. Ask your vet how long you should wait after he defecates before you can feed him or if you need to look for a particular sign to return him to feed. Be slow about returning the horse to work. Once the symptoms ease, you can start the horse back to work. However, don't put him on a full day's work at first. Slowly ease him back into his work schedule as he continues to recover. Understand surgery may be required. Often, colic can be resolved by treatment from the veterinarian at your stable. However, if your horse has a problem such as twisted intestines, he will likely need to go to the hospital and have surgery performed. Just because your veterinarian refers you to a hospital does not automatically mean your horse will have surgery. The hospital will first check to see how treatment is working to determine whether he needs surgery. If he doesn't, the hospital can provide more intensive care for severe cases. In some cases, the horse will need to be euthanized because the colic is so bad. However, this outcome is less likely with current medical practices. Continue to evaluate your horse. Check him at two-hour intervals following initial treatment to ensure symptoms ease up. If they don't ease, call your veterinarian again. Educate yourself on the types. Colic can come in a number of forms. From impaction to gas and other diseases, the causes of your horse's colic can vary widely. Impaction is when food is backed in the horse's gut somewhere. It hurts the horse because the intestines are trying to get the food to move, but it won't dislodge. Another type of colic is caused by gas. Horses do have gas as a normal part of everyday life, but sometimes extreme gas causes discomfort because it expands the gut. Still another type of colic is caused by what's known as "intestinal accidents," meaning injuries to abdominal organs, such as when the intestines have a twist in them or the colon moves out of place. Stomach and intestine diseases can also cause colic. For instance, colitis and ulcers can cause symptoms of colic. "False colic" is when the horse exhibits symptoms of colic, but the cause is something outside of the abdomen, such as laminitis or bladder stones. Provide plenty of fresh water. One cause of impaction can be dehydration. Horses need constant water; even being without water for an hour or so can cause problems. Making sure it is fresh is important, because horses may ignore water that isn't as fresh as they'd like it to be. Schedule regular dental care. Dental health is important for maintaining healthy horses. Good teeth encourage your horse to chew properly, which makes an impaction less likely. Give your horse enough roughage. Horses need roughage to make sure food moves through their system as it should. Therefore, ensure your horse has fresh hay available or is allowed to graze in a pasture every day. Provide food in troughs. If you give your horse food on the ground, your horse may accidentally eat other things that are not food. If your horse eats enough of these other particles, it can block his bowels. For instance, your horse may eat too much sand with the hay, causing problems. Exercise your horse regularly. Regular exercise keeps your horse in a routine and can also move the bowels along. Make sure to encourage exercise at least once a day. De-worm on a regular basis. You provide some de-wormers daily, while others require you to give them less often; your vet can help you determine the best kind for your horses. This process helps control parasites, and an excess of parasites can sometimes lead to colic in horses. Ask your veterinarian about de-worming foals, as they may require special treatment.

Know the symptoms of colic. Check the horse's temperature. Get your horse up and walking. Know when to call the veterinarian. Remove all sources of food. Let the professionals work. Move on to painkillers. Ask about IV fluids. Check when you can return to feeding your horse. Be slow about returning the horse to work. Understand surgery may be required. Continue to evaluate your horse. Educate yourself on the types. Provide plenty of fresh water. Schedule regular dental care. Give your horse enough roughage. Provide food in troughs. Exercise your horse regularly. De-worm on a regular basis.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Handprint-Art

How to Make Handprint Art

To make handprint art, first cover your workspace with newspaper for easy clean-up. Next, brush an even layer of non-toxic acrylic paint over the hand you're using for the art. To make a perfect handprint, press the painted hand down on canvas or thick paper and hold it still for 2 seconds before lifting it gently. Repeat this process until you have the amount of handprints that you want. Then, let your project dry fully before decorating it further.

Determine what you hope to accomplish with this project. Do you want to create a single piece of artwork to give to a grandparent or relative or are you planning to track your child's hand size through time using artful designs? If tracking the changes in hand size, purchase a large art folder to keep the paintings in. Always date the back of each piece of artwork for reference. (It's a good idea to keep digital copies too, in case of damage or loss of the original handprint artwork.) Another method to keep a series that tracks your child's development, is to create small cards with your child's hand and mount them to a long piece of tag board. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Make-Handprint-Art-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Handprint-Art-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Make-Handprint-Art-Step-6.jpg\/aid2459120-v4-728px-Make-Handprint-Art-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"486","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Choose your designs. How will you create art from your child's handprint? Will you turn his or her chubby print into swimming fish or animals or perhaps recreate the alphabet? Have a design game plan ahead of time and even sketch out how it will look. You may want to design something more permanent, possibly using clay or even plaster. Take your child's age, time commitment and supplies into consideration before deciding which type of art project you will attempt. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Make-Handprint-Art-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Handprint-Art-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Make-Handprint-Art-Step-5.jpg\/aid2459120-v4-728px-Make-Handprint-Art-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"486","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Decide if your child is ready to participate. Although even a baby can make handprint art, be sure your child is in the right frame of mind and whether the project will be more of a difficult task rather than an enjoyable experience. Identify who will help you with the project. It's helpful to have someone else helping out with supplies if possible. But it's not essential unless you're supervising a group of children. Choose a time when your child is rested, fed and happy. Your child will be more willing to participate when contented. Gather all the supplies you will need ahead of time. Instead of finding items as you go, have everything purchased and unpacked before you bring your child into the project. If you are using paint, pour paint into separate bowls or plates and have plenty of towels and water for clean up. Also, if you plan to create a project (such as a plaster handprint), read the directions ahead of time so the project goes smoothly when your child is ready to participate. Find an area where you can create the art. A picnic table outside or the kitchen table covered in newspaper is a great spot for an art project. Explain the project to your child. If your child will be actively participating in the project, explain what he or she will be doing and every step that will be taken along the way. That way, your child can mentally prepare for what will need to be done and may be more patient. Brush your child’s hand with the paint or plaster to create the print. Instead of having your child's hand in a bowl of paint or plaster, apply the material with a brush. Spread paint or plaster evenly over the child's hand for full coverage. Guide your child’s hand to the paper, canvas or board. Gently press down on his or her hand to make sure you leave an actual handprint. Tell your child to hold his or her hand still (if he or she understands) and then gently lift the hand. Allow the paint/plaster to dry, depending upon your project. If you're working with plaster, you may not be able to wait for the material to dry in order to decorate. Follow the kit's directions for best results. Decorate the handprint using your design. If you waited for the handprint to dry, tap into your imagination and create art from your child's handprint. Ideas for what to do are listed next: Using a marker, draw in faces, wings, fins, arms and legs, etc., to create creatures from the handprints. Add scenery. Draw a background pattern around the hands. Use interesting patterns, neon colors, bright lines, etc. Make modern art. Turn the handprints into imitations of famous modern art pieces. Check online for images of such artworks. Ask your child to decorate the handprints. He or she will be bound to come up with fun ideas. Draw around the handprints several times, so that it looks like the lines are radiating out from the original handprints. Use the colors of the rainbow to do this. If it's holiday time, use holiday themes to inspire the artwork touch-ups.

Determine what you hope to accomplish with this project. Choose your designs. Decide if your child is ready to participate. Choose a time when your child is rested, fed and happy. Gather all the supplies you will need ahead of time. Find an area where you can create the art. Explain the project to your child. Brush your child’s hand with the paint or plaster to create the print. Guide your child’s hand to the paper, canvas or board. Allow the paint/plaster to dry, depending upon your project. Decorate the handprint using your design.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Kiss-in-Middle-School

How to Get a Kiss in Middle School

Although a kiss in middle school can be nerve-wracking, with a bit of confidence it can be exciting too. The most important part of getting a kiss in middle school is to find the right special someone. Think about people in your classes that you might have special feelings for. Then look out for signs that they might like you back, such as them acting nervous around you or having a lot of common interests. Take the time to get to know the person and ask them out when you feel the time is right. Remember, there is no rush! When it comes to the big moment, muster up some courage, relax, and enjoy the kiss.

Think of someone you might want to be your boyfriend or girlfriend. Most of the kissing that happens in middle school happens either between kids who are dating, or kids who are playing kissing games. To find a boyfriend or girlfriend: Think about people you already know that you might have some special feelings for. Telltale signs that you like someone include being nervous or shy around them, getting excited when you think about that person or see them in the halls, and wanting to spend lots of time together. Sometimes people don't find love interests among their friends, and if this happens to you, be open to trying new activities where you might meet new people, such as after-school activities, youth programs, and camps. If somebody asks you out, don't be afraid to say yes, even if you aren't sure you like the person. Sometimes it just takes getting to know somebody to find you have a real connection. Figure out if that person likes you back. It's not necessary to know this, but it can be a real confidence booster if you think the person you like feels the same way. It will also make it a lot easier to ask someone out if you think they like you too. If somebody likes you, that person might: Act nervous around you Show off in front of you Find common interests with you Like lots of things you do on Facebook and Twitter Message and text you often Steal glances at you in class, in the halls, or when you're out together Ask the person out. You can't always wait around for love to find you, and sometimes you have to go out and grab it by the horns. If the person you're interested in doesn't happen to ask you out, take the initiative and do the asking. This can be a really scary thing to do, but sometimes putting yourself out there is the only way you'll get what you want. Chew some gum or pop a mint in your mouth before you ask so that your breath is minty and fresh. Find a time to ask the person when you two have a moment alone together, and that way neither of you will feel pressure from friends. Keep it casual, don't be nervous, and don't make a big deal about it. Say something like, “Hey, I was wondering if you would like to see a movie together sometime?” Or, “I was thinking that maybe if your free we could possibly hangout?!” Make sure you ask in person: don't send a note, and don't make a friend ask for you. Start slow. Getting a boyfriend or girlfriend can be as easy as saying yes when someone asks you out or asking someone out who says yes. But once you get together with somebody, it's important to start out slow. This means: Taking time to talk and learn new things about each other. Holding hands sometimes. Doing things together a couple times a week, like going bowling, playing together at recess, or having lunch or dinner together. Figure out if you're ready to kiss. Knowing when you're ready to take big steps in life can be hard, and kissing someone for the first time is one of those big steps. If you're wondering if you're ready to kiss someone, ask yourself: Do you think about kissing this person a lot? Do you have strong feelings for this person? Are you comfortable around this person? Does the thought of kissing this person make you happy and excited? If you answered yes to all or most of these questions, you're likely ready to kiss that special someone! Signal that you're ready to be kissed. When you're ready to experience a kiss with your partner, there are two things you can do: either wait to be kissed, or initiate the kiss yourself. If you'd rather wait to be kissed, there are ways you can show that you're ready, including: When you hug, hold on a little tighter than usual, and rest your head on your partner's shoulder Make lots of eye contact Smile a lot Try to find excuses to get close Touch your hair, as this is a sign of flirting Pay attention to your partner’s signals. You can also choose to initiate the kiss yourself, and there are signs you can look for that will demonstrate that your partner is ready to kiss as well. These include: Making eye contact with you Making excuses to get close or touch you Complimenting you often Blushing or laughing a lot around you Chewing gum all the time Find the right time and place. Sharing a kiss is something that most people like to do in private, so finding the right time to kiss can be important. For instance, when you pass in the hall in between classes probably isn't the best time to do it! There are lots of places where first kisses happen, including: Bowling alleys At the movies A school dance On a school trip At camp On the bus Muster your courage. Kissing somebody can make you really nervous, but it's important to stay as calm as you can, in order to avoid sweating excessively, throwing up, or getting too scared and not going through with it. Ways you can keep calm are: Have a plan about when and where you're going to do it. Don't rush yourself. If you aren't actually ready, you might feel extremely nervous before a kiss, and this could be your brain's way of saying you aren't ready. Don't make too big a deal out of it. When you're going to do something that scares you, it can be easy to make it seem like a much bigger deal than it is, and this can make you even more nervous! Have your plan ready and then keep your mind off the kiss until you're ready to do it. Ask your partner for a kiss. Figuring out what another person wants based on signals is hard, and it's easy to misinterpret what people want just based on body language. To avoid making a mistake, simply ask your partner before going in for the kiss. You can say something like, “May I kiss you?” or “How about we kiss now?” Don't worry about thinking that asking might ruin the mood. Your partner will appreciate that you're being respectful and considerate, and that you want the moment to be special for you both. Kiss your partner. When the time comes and you're both ready, just go for it! Sit or stand close enough that you can reach your partner without straining. Look your partner in the eye and tilt your head to one side. If your partner tilts to the other side, close your eyes and lean in for the kiss. Pucker your lips slightly, and with your mouth closed, press your lips against your partner's gently but firmly. You want to close your eyes before the kiss because keeping your eyes open can give the impression that you're dishonest. Play a game of spin the bottle. Playing a kissing game at a party can be a good way to get a kiss. This method also works if you're trying to get a kiss from a crush that you don't think feels the same way about you. To play spin the bottle: Gather a group of at least four to six people, and get everyone to sit in a circle. Place an empty bottle in the center of the circle. Draw straws, pick the oldest person, or find some other way to determine who goes first. The person who goes first will spin the bottle. When the bottle stops the tip will be pointing at someone, and the spinner has to kiss that person. The person who got kissed spins next, and so the game continues. Play seven minutes in heaven. Seven minutes is another kissing game, but in this one, the two people selected to kiss are sent to a closet alone together for seven minutes. During their time in the closet, it is expected that the two people will be kissing. Sit everyone in a circle and place a bottle in the center. Have somebody spin the bottle. When the bottle stops, the tip will be facing one person and the end will be pointing to another. Those two people are sent to the closet for seven minutes. When they emerge, the bottle is spun again and the game continues. Play suck and blow. In this game, a piece of paper is passed around a circle from person to person via the mouth, and nobody is allowed to use their hands. To play this game: Sit all the players in a circle. Usually, players arrange themselves in a boy-girl-boy-girl pattern. Take a small piece of paper, such as a business card. The player who starts will press the paper up to his or her mouth, suck air in through the mouth to hold the paper in place, and remove the hands. The player with the paper then turns to the person on the left, and presses the paper onto the mouth of that person. As they connect, the person passing the paper exhales to release the paper, and the person who's accepting the paper sucks air in to secure the paper to the mouth. The paper gets passed around the circle in this way, and the idea is that when the paper gets dropped by accident, the two people passing it will end up kissing.

Think of someone you might want to be your boyfriend or girlfriend. Figure out if that person likes you back. Ask the person out. Start slow. Figure out if you're ready to kiss. Signal that you're ready to be kissed. Pay attention to your partner’s signals. Find the right time and place. Muster your courage. Ask your partner for a kiss. Kiss your partner. Play a game of spin the bottle. Play seven minutes in heaven. Play suck and blow.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Jack-Stands

How to Use Jack Stands

To use jack stands, start by activating your vehicle's parking brake and jacking up the vehicle with a hydraulic floor jack so the tires are 2-3 inches off the ground. Then, slide your jack stand in from the side of the vehicle, and line up the divot on the stand with one of your vehicle's pinch points, which are located behind the tires on the sides. Next, slowly lower your vehicle onto the jack stand. Finally, nudge your vehicle to see if it moves around at all. If it does, try placing the jack stand in a new area.

Find a flat, level surface to park your vehicle. Work on a clean, paved area so your vehicle is on even ground. Avoid jacking your vehicle in a place that's bumpy, near heavy traffic, or covered in gravel. Make sure each side of your vehicle is level so the jack or jack stands can't slip out from underneath it. Working in a garage or a flat driveway is the best place to lift your vehicle. Activate your vehicle's parking brake. Find the lever in your vehicle that controls your parking brake and pull it until it's activated. The parking brake will ensure your vehicle doesn't lurch forwards or backwards while you jack it. Place chocks, or tire wedges, around each of your wheels if you're lifting up the back end of your car. If you don't have tire wedges, you can use 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) boards in front of and behind your wheels. Locate an area underneath your vehicle to place your floor jack. Use hydraulic floor jack for the safest way to lift your vehicle. Slide the floor jack underneath your vehicle so the arm is underneath the frame of your vehicle or at a lift point. Don't use a scissor jack since they are less stable and only meant for emergency situations like changing a tire. Consult with your vehicle's manual to determine the best place to jack it. Raise your vehicle so the tires are 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) off the ground. Crank the handle up and down to lift your vehicle off of the ground. Continue lifting your vehicle until the tire or tires closest to your jack are completely off the ground. Don't lift your car higher than you need or else it could be unstable on the jack. Set the jack stand underneath the pinch points of your vehicle. The pinch points are located on the sides of your vehicle behind your front tires or in front of your rear tires. Slide your jack stand in from the side of your vehicle. Line up the divot on your jack stand with the part of the pinch point that extends down. If your vehicle doesn't have pinch points, set the jack stands underneath the vehicle's frame. Don't crawl underneath your vehicle while it's jacked until you have stands secured in place. Adjust the height of the jack stand if you need to. If you have an adjustable jack stand, lift the top of the jack stand up until it's touching the pinch point on your vehicle. Once you've changed the height of the stand, put the safety pin attached to the stand through the hole at the base to secure it place. That way, it won't fall down when the weight of your vehicle is placed on it. Always place the safety pin in your jack stand, or else the vehicle could fall on top of you while you're underneath it. Some jack stands cannot be adjusted. If yours doesn't change height, you can skip this step. Lower your vehicle slowly onto the jack stand. Slowly turn the lever on your floor jack counterclockwise to drop your vehicle back down. The jack stand will support the weight on the side of your vehicle so you can safely work underneath it. Pull the jack out from underneath your vehicle. If you have room underneath your vehicle, keep the jack in place for additional security. Push your vehicle slightly to make sure it's sturdy. Give your vehicle a small nudge to see if it moves around or shifts its weight. The jack stand and your vehicle shouldn't move when you push it. If it does, avoid going underneath the vehicle and try to place the jack stand in a new area. Place additional jack stands to lift your vehicle completely off the ground. Continue jacking up your vehicle on each side and sliding jack stands underneath the pinch points. Make sure the stands on opposite sides are straight across from one another so your vehicle is sturdy. Once you've placed the jack stands you need, you can start working underneath your vehicle. Make sure any adjustable jack stands are the same height so your vehicle doesn't sit crooked. Raise your vehicle 1 in (2.5 cm) above your jack stand. When you're finished working, roll your floor jack back underneath your vehicle so it's in line with the lift point you used. Crank the lever up and down to lift the vehicle up so you can pull out the jack stand easily. Pull the jack stand out from the side of your vehicle. Reach underneath your vehicle from the side and slide your jack stand out. Don't crawl underneath the front or back of your vehicle while removing jack stands since it's only being supported by the jack. Don't adjust the height of your jack stand until it's out from under your vehicle. Lower the jack until your vehicle is back on the ground. Turn the lever on your floor jack counterclockwise to slowly lower your vehicle. Once your tires are back on the ground, roll your jack out from under your vehicle. Hold the lever on your floor jack low to the ground so the bottom of your vehicle doesn't bump into it. Continue to lift your vehicle and remove the stands until you've got them all. Place your jack underneath the lift points and raise your vehicle on each side if you need to remove additional jack stands. If you jacked your vehicle completely off the ground, remove both of the jack stands from the front before removing the ones in back.

Find a flat, level surface to park your vehicle. Activate your vehicle's parking brake. Locate an area underneath your vehicle to place your floor jack. Raise your vehicle so the tires are 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) off the ground. Set the jack stand underneath the pinch points of your vehicle. Adjust the height of the jack stand if you need to. Lower your vehicle slowly onto the jack stand. Push your vehicle slightly to make sure it's sturdy. Place additional jack stands to lift your vehicle completely off the ground. Raise your vehicle 1 in (2.5 cm) above your jack stand. Pull the jack stand out from the side of your vehicle. Lower the jack until your vehicle is back on the ground. Continue to lift your vehicle and remove the stands until you've got them all.

https://www.wikihow.com/Select-a-Real-Estate-Attorney-for-a-Closing

How to Select a Real Estate Attorney for a Closing

Hiring a real estate attorney for a closing will help the process go a lot smoother. Before you select an attorney, visit your state's bar association website and search for the list of attorneys that specialize in real estate. Cross-reference these names with lawyer review websites to find the right fit for you. It's also helpful to ask friends and family for recommendations. It's likely someone you know has a real estate attorney they would recommend. Once you narrow it down, you'll want to schedule a consultation with at least a couple of different attorneys. You should ask to see their credentials and ask about their fees.

Start searching for a real estate attorney early. Start searching for a real estate attorney at the same time you start searching for a new home. You need time to find a good real estate attorney, otherwise at the last moment, you will have to pick one without any research. Select an attorney with whom you already have a relationship. If you have previously used a real estate attorney to help you with a real estate transaction and had a positive experience with that attorney, don't hesitate hire him or her again. Since you have already worked with this attorney before, you will have a good idea of the quality of the legal work and understand the attorney's process for handling your real estate closing. Plus, the attorney may be willing to negotiate a lower fee since you are a repeat customer. If you have not hired a real estate attorney in the past, but you have used an attorney to help with another legal matter, such as drafting a will, ask that attorney if he or she does real estate law, as well. Many lawyers have a general law practice, meaning that they handle many different types of cases. Real estate law tends to be one area of the law that many general practice attorneys frequently handle. Contact the bar association in your state. The bar association will be able to provide you with a list of attorneys in your area that specialize in real estate law. Using the state bar as a resource has the added benefit of ensuring that the attorney you choose is properly licensed to practice law in your location. You typically can either call the bar association or visit their website to find such a list of attorneys. Ask for a recommendation from friends, family members, or colleagues. Almost everyone who buys or sells a house will hire a real estate attorney to represent him or her at some point during the transaction. Ask people you know that have bought or sold real estate whether they would recommend the attorney that they hired. You can even ask your real estate agent for a recommendation. Personal recommendations are a good tool to use when selecting an attorney, because they give you an opportunity to understand how the attorney handled your friend or family member's particular case. Since you can ask your friends and family the reasons why they either recommend or do not recommend the attorney they used, these recommendations may be more reliable than those from other sources. Examine lawyer review websites. Many resources exist online that allow clients to provide reviews of attorneys whom they have hired to represent them in different types of legal matters. By reviewing other individuals' experiences with a particular attorney, you can judge whether an attorney might be the right fit for you. For an example of a popular lawyer review site, click here. Keep in mind that online reviews may not tell the whole story. If an individual is angry about the outcome of his or her case, for instance, he or she may not totally explain the circumstances, but may simply blame the outcome on the attorney. Search online for local real estate lawyers. Do a simple google search or a search on a website like lawyers.com to find attorneys in your area who handle real estate cases. This will help ensure that you choose an attorney who actually practices in the area of real estate law. Determine whether your state allows attorneys to become certified in real estate law. Some states, such as the state of Texas, permit attorneys to specialize in a certain area of law by completing advanced training in that area of practice. Check with your state bar association to see if attorneys in your state can become certified in real estate law. If so, consider choosing an attorney who is certified in real estate law, as he or she will have extra training and experience that specially qualifies him or her to handle all aspects of real estate transactions. Schedule a consultation with a few attorneys. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations, so schedule appointments with those attorneys whom your friends, family members, or colleagues recommended. When you go to these appointments, your main goal is to get a sense of the attorney's experience in handling real estate transactions. You also will want to judge whether the attorney is someone with whom you would feel comfortable working. Be sure to ask important questions, such as how much the attorney's fees will be and whether the attorney will personally be handling your case, or another lawyer in the law firm. If so, ask if you will have the chance to meet with him or her regarding your real estate transaction. Keep in mind that at your initial consultation, you will probably not receive specific legal advice about your real estate transaction, but will be given an idea of the steps that the attorney will take in order to handle your real estate transaction. Ensure that each real estate attorney is certified to practice law and is in good standing. Check with your state bar association for resources to determine which attorneys are in good standing, as opposed to those whose law licenses have been suspended or are subject to disciplinary proceedings. Each state typically has a searchable database of all lawyers in the state from which you can determine their status. Clarify each attorney’s fee structure. After meeting with each attorney, you should have a clear idea as to how much the attorney charges and a good estimate of how much it will cost you to have the attorney represent you in your case. This should be clear regardless as to whether the attorney bills by the hour or charges a flat fee. It is also important to know the amount of any retainer that you must pay in order to hire the attorney. While unexpected costs and problems certainly can arise in your case, an experienced real estate attorney will be able to give you a fairly clear picture of the type of fees that you will be facing. Clarify who will actually work on your case. Sometimes attorneys hand over the initial work to junior attorneys or someone else who knows the law. During your consultation, ask who will work on your case and whether you are comfortable with that person or not. Pay attention to small things before you make your preference. How do attorneys treat you? Are they in hurry while talking to you? How long do they take to call you back? How approachable are they? Once you have hired an attorney, check the "retainer agreement" or "engagement letter" carefully to fully understand the terms and services the attorney will provide. Retain a real estate attorney. Once you find an attorney who fits your real estate closing needs, hire the attorney. At this point, you will either need to pay the attorney the agreed-upon price, as many real estate transactions are priced at a flat fee, or pay the attorney a retainer, which is a set amount of money necessary to hire the attorney. As he or she does work on your real estate transaction, the attorney will deduct his or her hourly fees from your retainer. Provide your attorney with all documents related to your real estate transaction. This step will allow your attorney to become familiar with your legal matter and ask any necessary questions before a real estate closing occurs. This process also allows the attorney to identify any problems or issues that he or she sees with your real estate transaction before reaching the point of closing. Cooperate with your lawyer. It is your lawyer's job to give you legal advice about your legal matter. That is the reason that you are paying him or her to represent you in a real estate closing. As a result, you should cooperate with your lawyer and take his or her advice for the best possible outcome in your case.

Start searching for a real estate attorney early. Select an attorney with whom you already have a relationship. Contact the bar association in your state. Ask for a recommendation from friends, family members, or colleagues. Examine lawyer review websites. Search online for local real estate lawyers. Determine whether your state allows attorneys to become certified in real estate law. Schedule a consultation with a few attorneys. Ensure that each real estate attorney is certified to practice law and is in good standing. Clarify each attorney’s fee structure. Clarify who will actually work on your case. Retain a real estate attorney. Provide your attorney with all documents related to your real estate transaction. Cooperate with your lawyer.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Florida-Resident

How to Become a Florida Resident

To become a Florida resident, first file a Declaration of Domicile. This is necessary if you live in 2 different states but spend more than 4 continuous months in Florida, and recommended even if you only live in Florida. You'll need to provide proof of your physical presence in Florida and your intent to stay, such as a job or voter registration. Get a Florida driver's license or ID and register your out-of-state car within 10 days of becoming a resident.

Get a Florida driver's license. The sooner you get a Florida driver's license (or Non-Driver ID) the better. If you already have a license from another state, you will not have to take the written or driving tests to get a Florida license. For the record, you have 30 days after filing the Declaration of Domicile to get a Florida driver's license (you may get a Florida license with or without this declaration, which we'll discuss in the second section). To get your license: Bring your out-of-state license to your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (county tax collector). Take an identify document with you too, such as the original or certified copy of your birth certificate. It's also okay to bring a US Passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Provide proof of your Social Security number. This could be your Social Security card, a W-2 or pay stub. Offer two documents that prove your Florida address. A mortgage deed, Florida car registration or recent utility bills are the most commonly accepted, but anything with your new address should suffice. If you don't intend to drive, you need to get a Non-Driver ID card. This is the same exact process as getting a Driver's License (without any tests, of course). Register your out-of-state car. Transfer your car title and get registration for your car ''in Florida''. You have 10 days after establishing Florida residency status to complete this task. Get car insurance in Florida. Submit proof of your policy to the county tax collector. Show the original title to the county tax collector. Bring the car you want to register to your county tax collector's office, so they can check out the VIN. Pay the fees. It costs around $400 to title and register your car for the first time in Florida. You will also have to pay the typical registration fees, which vary depending the age, type, and weight of your vehicle. Register to vote. It is convenient to do this while getting your Florida driver's license – often at the DMV (county tax collector) they will attach a voter registration form along with your new address forms. However, you can also register with the Supervisor of Election. You must wait until the voter registration books open, as they close 30 days prior to an election and reopen after an election. This is a simple form that takes about 5 minutes to fill out. After you hand it in, your work is done. It's as simple as that! If you live in two different states, file a Declaration of Domicile. Just having a home in Florida technically isn't enough. Because plenty of “snowbirds” go to Florida just for the winter, a Declaration of Domicile confirms that it is your primary residence. Your signature on this document, once approved, confirms that you now reside in Florida, and that the state is your permanent residence. This is done through the clerk of the circuit court. To get this declaration approved, you need two things: physical presence in Florida and intent. The former is pretty self-explanatory. As for the latter, “intent” can be shown through employment, having a doctor, being registered to vote, being involved in the community – the list goes on and on, and we'll discuss many aspects below. Having this means that all your taxes now go to the state of Florida and nowhere else (starting with the next full calendar year, of course). Because Florida has no income, death, or estate tax, this may be a wise move. If you only have one residence, a declaration of domicile isn't necessary, though it is wise (for tax benefits). File for a homestead exemption. Florida's Homestead Law protects any Florida resident from losing his or her home to a creditor or any other lien holder, with the exception of mortgages. Should you have to declare bankruptcy, having a homestead exemption can let you breathe a sigh of relief. You can file this once you have a Declaration of Domicile to your name. It also affects your taxes (for the better). The Florida “Save Our Home” Act says that once qualified for the homestead exemption, the assessed value of your property for tax purposes carries an exemption for the first $50,000 of taxable value for all taxing entities except the school district (which allows a $25,000 exemption). In addition, once qualified, the assessed value for tax purposes cannot rise more than 3% in any given year. That means equity you won't have to pay on. Accept employment. One of the clearest methods of making it hard to argue legally that you are a resident of any other state is to accept employment in Florida. With wages coming from Florida and a residence in Florida, no one will question you otherwise! If you are looking to provide intent between two states, this is a good way to do it. Having employment in Florida will add weight to your case should your Declaration of Domicile be in question. If applicable, enroll your child in a Florida school. Another way of showing intent and moving toward veritable Florida residency is to enroll your child in a Florida school, public or private. Child here meaning under the age of 18, of course. With a child in the Florida school system, this too adds weight to your Declaration of Domicile case. File federal taxes after becoming a Florida resident. You will send your tax returns to the Atlanta, Georgia location of the Internal Revenue Service Center when you move to Florida. When you file your final tax return for your previous state, write "final return" on it, and use your current address so it is clear that you have moved. If you live in two states in the same year, look into filing part-year returns. States combine differently (each state has different regulations), so look into your specific situation before assuming anything. Transfer all accounts to Florida institutions. If you belonged to any banks, clubs or churches in your previous state, find a Florida location to join. Doing so will show that you are committed to being a resident of Florida, rather than another state. Here are some ideas: Bank Church Gym Community groups, organizations, or affiliations Insurance-approved medical group Notify the parties necessary of your address change. Whether it's your magazine subscriptions, distant relatives, or your dessert-of-the-month club, notify the parties necessary that your new address is now in Florida. Start by filing an address change with the Postal Service and then contact organizations individually. This can show intent in your Declaration of Domicile, too. Should any tax issues arise, this will certainly help your case. Renew any licensure for the state of Florida. If you have any licenses or certification that are good state-by-state, make sure you get reassessed in Florida so your licensure is valid and you can still practice. Whether you're a nurse, a lawyer, or a real estate agent, this is necessary not only for your workflow, but also to show that Florida is where you intend to stay. If there is any doubt, it's always best to check out your situation. What's more, you may run into new rules and regulations you didn't know if in your research. Get involved in your community. To further prove that you are a Florida resident, start getting involved. Vote, join a gym, be a part of your neighborhood association, find a doctor and a dentist, and establish your roots. The more engrained you are, the more you'll truly be a resident of Florida. It wouldn't hurt to get an annual pass for Disney World, either!

Get a Florida driver's license. Register your out-of-state car. Register to vote. If you live in two different states, file a Declaration of Domicile. File for a homestead exemption. Accept employment. If applicable, enroll your child in a Florida school. File federal taxes after becoming a Florida resident. Transfer all accounts to Florida institutions. Notify the parties necessary of your address change. Renew any licensure for the state of Florida. Get involved in your community.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Entropion-in-Boxers

How to Treat Entropion in Boxers

Before you treat entropion in boxers, watch for symptoms of entropion in your dog, such as watery eyes, excessive blinking, or a buildup of pus around the eyes. If these symptoms occur, you'll need to visit the vet for a diagnosis, and to receive medication for pain and inflammation. Additionally, you may decide to schedule surgery for your Boxer to repair the eyelid. Afterwards, you'll need to administer post-surgery medication and return to the vet for follow-up treatment.

Notice the symptoms of entropion. There are specific symptoms that will develop in your Boxer if he has entropion. Notice if your Boxer blinks one or both eyes excessively, which is due to the eyelash or fur bothering the eye. Your Boxer may also rub excessively at this eye, have excessive watering in this eye, have a buildup of pus in the eye, or become overly sensitive to light. In many cases, entropion may also cause a scratch on your Boxer's cornea, which may lead to the development of an ulcer. This eye irritation, if left untreated, may lead to a buildup of dark scar tissue on the cornea of your Boxer's eye, which is called pigmentary keratitis. This condition may lead to a partial loss of your Boxer's vision or a blurring of his vision due to the buildup of scar tissue buildup. In rare cases, the ulcer may lead to a perforation on your Boxer's eye, which causes pain and may lead to potential blindness or loss of the eyeball. Let your vet diagnose entropion. Entropion can only be officially diagnosed by taking your Boxer to the veterinarian. Your vet will examine your Boxer and decide if his eyelid or eyelids are inverted or folded inwards, which is the cause of the entropion. Your vet will also check your Boxer's eye for any damage made by the folding, such as scratches, scarring, or ulcers. Ulcers or scarring will be diagnosed by performing a stain test on your Boxer's eye. This condition typically arises within the first year of a Boxer's life. This is because the symptoms are so noticeable and irritating for your dog. Consider what entropion does to your Boxer. Entropion is a condition where a portion of your Boxer's eyelid folds in and under on its own accord. This physical abnormality causes the lid to come into contact with your Boxer's eyeball surface or cornea. When this happens, the eyelashes or the fur on your Boxer's eyelids irritate the eye, which causes the physical symptoms. This causes your Boxer's eye to tear or become reddened. If left untreated, your Boxer's condition will only get worse and may result in the loss of the eye. Cure the damage to the eye. Before you can treat your Boxer's entropion, you need to treat any eye damage. Your Boxer's eye may be swollen, infected, scratched, or damaged in some way from the hairs and fur of the eyelid. To treat these things, your vet will give you a combination of eye, pain, and inflammation medication to treat the issues on your Boxer's eye. In rare cases, preliminary surgery to correct severe damage may be needed before you can treat the entropion. The exact medication and doses will vary depending on the exact extent of the damage to your Boxer's eye. Talk to your vet about what is needed for your Boxer's particular case. Treat underlying eye conditions. In some cases, your Boxer's entropion may be caused by a secondary eye condition. These conditions may include certain eye diseases, a history of trauma to the eye, or chronic or acute eye inflammation. If your vet diagnoses an underlying condition that caused the entropion, you need to have these conditions treated before you can treat the entropion. In many cases, treating these underlying conditions will make your Boxer's entropion go away. In this is the case with your Boxer, they will not need any additional treatment. If the entropion does not clear up despite fixing these conditions, your Boxer may still need surgery for the entropion. The types of treatment you Boxer may need to treat the underlying conditions will vary depending on what these conditions are. Tack your puppy Boxer's eyes. If your Boxer is a puppy, your vet will not clear them for surgery until he is older. The vet can't fully assess the dog for corrective surgery until he's finished growing, so the vet performs this temporary and less invasive procedure as a temporary fix. During this procedure, your Boxer's eyelids are tacked with temporary sutures. This will help shift the shape of your Boxer's eyelid so it no longer scratches at his eye. Get follow up tacking treatment. After the original tacking of your Boxer puppy's eyelid, he may need to have follow up tacking treatments. These will be done if your Boxer's eyelid is not pulled back enough to eliminate the entropion. These treatments will continue until your Boxer's problem is fixed or until he is old enough to have surgery. Even if the entropion is not getting better with tacking, your vet will continue it until your Boxer is old enough to get surgery. Schedule surgery for your Boxer. The only way to treat entropion is surgery to repair the lid abnormality. You will have to work with your vet to figure out when the best time is for your Boxer to have the surgery. There may also be other conditions and considerations that need to be taken into account before your Boxer can have surgery. Get your Boxer surgery. In preparation for the surgery, your Boxer will be under general anesthesia for this surgery. During the surgery, your Boxer's eyeball will first be covered in order to prevent damage during the procedure. The vet surgeon will then cut an elliptical shaped piece of tissue from under the eyelid margin and sutures it together with the upper lid. This will pull the eyelid margin and last area back into the place they belong. Keep your Boxer in a cone. After your Boxer goes through the surgery, the eye sutures will need to be protected from irritation, scratching, or anything else your Boxer may do to them. Because of this, your vet will likely give your Boxer a cone to wear until the sutures heal. In some cases, antibiotics drops and ointment may also be used to help protect and heal any eye damage. Your vet will also likely tell you to not bath your Boxer until the sutures come out. Get follow up treatment. Once your Boxer's entropion has been treated with surgery, he will need some follow up visits with the vet to take care of his eye or eyes. Your Boxer will likely be on antibiotics to help prevent any infections from occurring in his eye as he heals from the surgery. You may also need refills for any eye drops or ointments prescribed at the time of surgery to continue healing your Boxer's eye and eyelids.

Notice the symptoms of entropion. Let your vet diagnose entropion. Consider what entropion does to your Boxer. Cure the damage to the eye. Treat underlying eye conditions. Tack your puppy Boxer's eyes. Get follow up tacking treatment. Schedule surgery for your Boxer. Get your Boxer surgery. Keep your Boxer in a cone. Get follow up treatment.

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

How to Be Considerate

Being considerate is thinking about others before yourself and trying to help them whenever you can. Try to consider other people's needs as you go about your day. For example, if someone mentions they have a headache and you have some painkillers, offer them a couple. If you share spaces with other people, like a break room or kitchen, tidy up after yourself so they don't have to deal with your mess. You should also be considerate of other people's time and try to arrive when you're supposed to. When you're talking to people, don't interrupt them or dominate the conversation. That way, you'll have a balanced, empathetic discussion.

Put yourself in someone else's shoes. Before you talk to your friend, co-worker, neighbor, or teacher, ask yourself how that person might be feeling just then. Maybe you're mad at your roommate and want to tell her she's too messy, or you want to ask your best friend to stop calling you so much. Well, before you have a conversation about how you really feel, you need to think about how the other person would react, and to put yourself in their frame of mind. While you shouldn't have to change what you want to say completely to suit another person's needs, thinking of the situation from the other person's perspective can help you best articulate what you want to say while minimizing hurt feelings. Maybe your roommate is really messy, but she's also the one who does all of the grocery shopping. You should find a way to compliment her good qualities as well as her bad ones so she doesn't get defensive or feel like you don't appreciate her as a roommate. Maybe your best friend is calling a lot because she's been lonely ever since her boyfriend broke up with her. You can still say what you want to say, but be considerate of her feelings and try to think of it from her perspective before you proceed. Anticipate the needs of others. Part of being considerate is knowing what people will need before they even realize it themselves. If you're going out for lunch with your coworkers, put down enough napkins for everybody. If you're going to the beach with some friends, bring an extra umbrella for them. If you know your husband is going to have a late night at the office, leave some dinner waiting for him in the fridge. Keep an eye out for what people need, even before they realize it themselves, in order to be a truly considerate person. People will be grateful and impressed by your thoughtfulness. You shouldn't do this because you want something in exchange, but because you genuinely want to help people. Be considerate of others when you're in public. A lot of people tend not to think of their surroundings when they're out and about in public. The next time you're out, think about how what you're doing may be perceived by other people, and how they would react. You may think that loudly talking to your best friend on the phone at a coffee shop where everyone else is trying to study is inoffensive, when in reality, you may be driving the people around you crazy. Here are some other ways to make sure you're being considerate in public: Try to keep your voice at a normal level, whether you're on the phone or talking to friends Avoid taking up too much space If you're in class, avoid unwrapping something loudly or shuffling around so much that you cause a distraction Look where you're going instead of texting and walking Be considerate of other people's financial situations. Before you ask your friends or people you know to pony up for something, you should consider their financial situation as much as you can. If your friend is broke, don't suggest that you go out for dinner at the fanciest place in town — unless it's your treat. You may not think about this if your finances are settled, but you don't want to put other people in an uncomfortable situation because they can't afford to pay. Here are some ways to make sure you're being considerate of other people's financial situations: If you're throwing a wedding, think about your guests. Can your bridesmaids really afford $200 dresses, or a trip to a bachelorette party in Tahiti? Can your guests really pay to fly across the country to celebrate you? Of course, it should be your event, but you should make sure that the people involved don't have to break their bank account to participate. If you're hanging out with people who don't have a lot of money, find cheaper things to do, like going to happy hour or a dive bar or watching a fun movie instead of going clubbing or going to the theatre. Don't embarrass people by making them admit that they can't afford to do things. Choose your timing carefully. Part of being considerate is knowing the best time that you should say something. The most innocuous comment can come off as offensive if you say it at the wrong time. Make sure that the person or people you are talking to are in the right frame of mind to be receptive to your comment, and that you're not interrupting anything or causing complications with what you're saying. Here are some ideas for choosing your timing: For example, maybe you have some great news to share, like you recently got engaged. This news can be perfect for brunch with your friends, but if your coworker is talking about his mother's funeral, then you should absolutely hold off on your big news. On the other hand, if you have some bad news to deliver, make sure the person is in the right frame of mind as well. If your friend is gushing about her pregnancy, it's not the time to talk about how you just got dumped. If you have to give negative feedback to a coworker, make sure you to it when the person isn't caught off guard. Set up a time to talk to the person instead of casually giving negative feedback when the person least expects it. Choose your words carefully. If you want to be considerate, then you have to know that the words you use are just as important as the message you're trying to send. If you want people to be receptive and to not feel bad, then you have to carefully think of the words you'll use when you're speaking. Whether you're finding a delicate way to give negative feedback or even finding the right way to praise somebody, it's important to remember that words do matter. Here are some things to consider as you choose your words: Even if you're giving negative feedback, you can find a delicate way to phrase it. You can tell a coworker he "could be more efficient" instead of saying he's "slow" or you can tell a needy best friend that you feel overwhelmed by her instead of saying she is "clingy" or "needy." You can also make your message sound less offensive if you don't directly use the word "you" all the time. For example, instead of telling your boyfriend, "You are so paranoid," you can say, "I worry about the trust issues in our relationship." This still gets the message across without making your boyfriend feel like you're pointing a finger at him. Don't monopolize conversations. Another thing inconsiderate people tend to do is to talk on and on without realizing that other people couldn't care less. It's one thing if you have a great story to tell, but if you're always the person who is talking and talking and don't let other people have their say, then it's definitely not considerate. The next time you talk in a group or individual setting, be aware of how much you're talking as opposed to everyone else. Make sure you give other people a chance to talk, ask how they are doing, and how they're feeling. This is very considerate. If you have a quick chat with a friend in the halls or at lunch, make sure you both have time to say what's up. If you just tell your friend all about your day and what you're doing next weekend and then say goodbye, that's not very considerate. You should also be considerate when you think about the subject you're discussing. Would your co-workers really want to hear about your drama with your best friend they've never met? Or would your best friend really want to hear a long discussion about the meeting you had at work? Thank people. It's also considerate to be able to thank people truly and honestly for something they have done for you. This could be something big, like letting you crash with them for three weeks while you looked for an apartment, or something smaller, like picking up coffee for you. No matter how small the deed, it's important to thank people so that they know that you appreciate them, and understand that you don't just expect people to do nice things for you. Make eye contact and give the person 100% of your attention when you say thank you so that you show that you truly mean it. If you were an extended house guest at a friend's house or a friend or person did something really nice for you, send or give him or her a bottle of wine or a gift basket to show that you really care. Sometimes, just saying "Thanks!" isn't enough. Get in the habit of writing thank-you cards to show your appreciation. This is a thoughtful and oft-forgotten gesture. You can also go beyond just saying "thank you" and explain how much the person's action meant to you. For example, you can say something like, "Jackie, thank you so much for cooking dinner for me the other night. I was so stressed out with work that day, and you really helped calm me down." Apologize when you've made a mistake. Even considerate people can have flaws. If you've made a mistake, whether you've truly hurt someone or accidentally run into someone, you should make sure to apologize for your actions. Don't just say "Sorry" and look away like you couldn't care less; make a point of making eye contact, telling the person how sorry you really are, and mentioning that it won't happen again. Taking accountability for something is much more considerate than brushing it under the rug because you hope it'll just go away on its own. Though apologizing can be unpleasant, the other person will appreciate it. People who are considerate known when to apologize because they're aware when they've hurt someone's feelings, even if they didn't mean to do it. If you've hurt someone, don't say something like, "I'm sorry you felt bad when I..." This kind of language actually blames the other person and avoids responsibility. Be tactful. Having tact is an important part of being considerate. Being tactful means knowing how to make a point without offending the people around you; it doesn't mean that you have to lie to get your point across. To have tact, you have to know how to give feedback or criticism in a kind, thoughtful way that gets the message across without causing any hurt feelings. You also have to be an active listener and be aware of the people around you so you can make sure they respond in a favorable way. If you end up offending people, then they'll be much less receptive to your criticism. Giving information in a kinder way will make people feel better and will make them more likely to change; it's a win-win situation. For example, if you want to tell your co-worker that he has been working slowly, you can say something like, "I think your projects are always so detail-oriented and thorough. However, I'm wondering if there's a way that you can maintain the quality of your work while boosting your efficiency a bit." Do nice things for people when you see they need help. Being considerate means recognizing when someone would need your help before they even ask for it. This can be anything from opening a door for a person on crutches to picking up lunch for your best friend when she's having a stressful day cramming for an exam. As long as you don't give help to people who really don't want it, you will be acting considerate. Keep an eye out for situations, big or small, when you could really help a person out. Always be observant to see if someone needs something, even if he or she is afraid to ask for it. Here are some examples of ways to be considerate: Hold doors open for people Pull out chairs for people Make room for people who sit next to you Let older people take your seat if you're on a bus or a train Pick up coffee for a fellow coworker if you're going on a coffee run Help your parents out by doing extra chores when they are clearly overwhelmed Run an errand for a significant other or roommate Have good manners. Another part of being considerate is demonstrating good manners. If you want to be considerate of others, then you can't be rude, loud, or annoying in social situations. You don't have to be prince charming, but you should be able to have basic good manners so that the people around you feel comfortable and cared for. Whether you're hanging out with your friends or hanging out at your Grandma's 80th birthday party, you should demonstrate good manners, even if the meaning of "good manners" changes slightly depending on your audience. Here are some ways to have good manners: Avoid cursing or being overly vulgar If you burp, excuse yourself Put a napkin on your lap when you eat and avoid getting food all over yourself Don't loudly slurp your drink Make room for people on the sidewalk Avoid gross or inappropriate topics in front of the wrong audience Share. Another way to be considerate is to share with others. Maybe you brought a delicious box of your mother's cookies to lunch and can't wait to devour them all, but you should ask your coworkers if they want any. Maybe you brought some awesome stickers to school that you can't wait to use to decorate your notebook. Well, ask your friends if they want in on the fun! You can also share your clothes, your space, or something else that means something to you with the people around you. Remember that, if you're sharing something you don't really care about, then it's not really sharing. Sharing isn't just for little kids and siblings. It's an important quality of a considerate person at any age. Be punctual. One of the most inconsiderate things you can do is to act like your time is more important than someone else's. You may not be doing this intentionally, but if you show up late — especially if you make a habit of it — then this is sending people the message that you don't really care about their time. Whether you show up five minutes late to class, half an hour late to work, or you show up forty-five minutes late to meeting a friend for lunch, this is definitely going to make the other person feel annoyed and like you don't care about his or her time. Of course, if you're going to a party or an event with a lot of people, then showing up exactly on time may not matter — in fact, getting to a party the second it starts can actually be a bit awkward. But if it's you keeping another person or two waiting, then that is just plain inconsiderate. If you know that you're going to be late, don't lie about your location ("I'm just a few blocks away!") because you think that'll make it better. Be honest about the fact that you're running 10 or 15 minutes late. Do random acts of kindness. This is another part of being considerate. Instead of just being considerate of the people you know and love, you can also be considerate of complete strangers, especially those who could use a bit of attention. You can hold doors for people, put some money in the tip jar at your local coffee house, give a compliment to a person you pass on the street, give your parking ticket with an hour left over on it to a person who just entered the parking lot, or help carry an old lady's groceries to her car. Making a habit of looking for opportunities when you can help people will make you a more considerate person. Of course, you have to make sure the person truly welcomes the random act of kindness. You don't want to overwhelm someone who wants to be left alone. Keep your space clean. It's important to keep your space clean, whether you want to be a considerate house guest, a considerate roommate or family member, or just a considerate human being. If you live by yourself, then it's a good idea to maintain a clean space anyway, but you should be especially considerate of other people around you. Make your bed, throw out your trash, do your dishes, and don't leave other people to do it for you. This is an important part of being considerate at any age. People who are inconsiderate expect the world to revolve around them, and expect people to clean up their trash for them. This shows that they think they are more important than other people and expect that others will act accordingly. You don't want to be this person.

Put yourself in someone else's shoes. Anticipate the needs of others. Be considerate of others when you're in public. Be considerate of other people's financial situations. Choose your timing carefully. Choose your words carefully. Don't monopolize conversations. Thank people. Apologize when you've made a mistake. Be tactful. Do nice things for people when you see they need help. Have good manners. Share. Be punctual. Do random acts of kindness. Keep your space clean.

https://www.wikihow.com/Freshen-Smelly-Shoes

How to Freshen Smelly Shoes

To help freshen your shoes when they get smelly, place your shoes in a sunny spot or near a heater to dry them out. Moisture can encourage the growth of bacteria, which is what leads to odor, so remove your insoles and dry them separately if you need to. You can also place fabric softener sheets into your shoes after you wear them to wick away moisture and leave a pleasant scent in the shoes. Baking soda or antifungal powder may also help kill any unpleasant odors lingering in your shoes.

Look for the cause. Stop and examine your shoes before you try to treat the odor. If you have damp or damaged insoles, either take them out and dry them, or purchase insoles that are specially formulated to prohibit bacterial growth. Dry out your shoes by putting them near a heater or in a sunny spot. Take out the laces and lift the tongue up and out to dry the shoes out faster. By keeping them dry, you help prevent bacterial growth that causes odor. You can also place a fan next to your shoes to help them dry faster. Purchase cedar wood insoles. The cedar wood that they are made of is antifungal and can help you prevent odor. Plus, cedar smells fresh, light, and crisp, making it a great choice for removing odor and preventing bacterial growth. Freeze your shoes. Put your smelly shoes in a plastic bag, and then put them in the freezer over the course of a night. Thaw them naturally the next day in the sunlight for the best results. There is inconclusive evidence that this strategy works. The idea is that freezing the shoes kills the odor-producing bacteria, but some suggest that this method will only temporarily relieve the odor. Try it out for yourself and see what you think. Use fabric softener/conditioner sheets. Ball up one or two fabric freshener sheets (that you stick in the drier, or in between your sheets) and place them in your shoes after you use them. The sheets should impart their pleasant perfume into the shoes and wick away any moisture that is still left in shoes. Use a steam machine or try the steam feature of your washer or dryer. Steam may help to eradicate bacteria and fungus, thus getting rid of odor. If you're not worried about getting your shoes a little damp, give it a try. Place fresh orange, grapefruit, lemon, or lime peel into the shoes. Fresh citrus peel has a great smell because of its essential oils. Leave fresh citrus peel in your shoes overnight and remove them before using. They should smell a lot better. Add a few drops of lavender oil to your shoes. One or two drops will suffice inside each shoe, on the sole. This will both add anti-bacterial properties and eliminate the odor, replacing it with a fresh fragrance. Use antifungal foot powder, or try an antibacterial spray. Both of these can be purchased at convenience, grocery, or drug stores. Antifungal foot powder is commonly associated with athlete's foot. While athletes foot is a cause of foot odor and smelly shoes, it is possible to have smelly shoes without also having athlete's foot. If you do have athlete's foot , consider using a cream, lotion, or other mixture of tea tree oil on the feet to fight the fungus. Tea tree oil is a natural, great-smelling anti-fungal oil. Rub it onto the feet in order to combat athlete's foot. Take out your soles and laces and place your shoes in a pillow cushion. Wash them in a water cycle that is around 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Repeat this a second time as soon as the first cycle is over, and then let the shoes air dry. Put baking soda in the offending shoes. If the freezer trick does not work, put in a healthy dose of baking soda and let the powder absorb the odor overnight. Baking soda can be used in a wide variety of ways, including as an anti-fungal powder. Alternately, mix baking soda with zinc oxide powder to create an odor-crunching, fungal-fighting powder. Mix equal parts baking soda and zinc oxide and apply to shoes overnight. Zinc oxide has deodorizing and antibacterial properties. Dump out the powder the next day prior to putting the shoes back on so that you don't give yourself a white, powdery mess or trail all day. Try store-bought odor removers. Most contain bacteria and/or enzymes that eat away at what is causing the odor. Use rubbing alcohol. Swab shoes that you cannot wash with a cotton ball or cotton square with rubbing alcohol on it. This will help dry out offending odor causes and hopefully allow you full use of the shoes again. Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly in addition to being an antiseptic. When it mixes with other liquids, it helps them evaporate, too. Use fresh cat litter. Cat litter might seem a bit off-putting, but it works for a reason: it has great deodorizing properties. Stuff a sock with fresh, unused kitty litter, seal it off with a knot on top, and stuff into shoes overnight. Use water and vinegar. Spray your shoes with a combination of 50 percent water and 50 percent white distilled vinegar. Spritz the mixture into your shoe lining and sole, and let it air dry for 30 minutes. You can use a hair dryer after that if you are in a hurry to dry the shoe. Follow that up with baking soda in the shoe overnight.

Look for the cause. Dry out your shoes by putting them near a heater or in a sunny spot. Purchase cedar wood insoles. Freeze your shoes. Use fabric softener/conditioner sheets. Use a steam machine or try the steam feature of your washer or dryer. Place fresh orange, grapefruit, lemon, or lime peel into the shoes. Add a few drops of lavender oil to your shoes. Use antifungal foot powder, or try an antibacterial spray. Take out your soles and laces and place your shoes in a pillow cushion. Put baking soda in the offending shoes. Try store-bought odor removers. Use rubbing alcohol. Use fresh cat litter. Use water and vinegar.

https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Your-Life

How to Fix Your Life

To fix your life, start by writing down a specific goal to work towards, such as “I want to find a job that pays X amount within 1 month.” Then, break down the goal into small steps, like,"research job listings for 2 hours on Day 1" and "work on my resume for 1 hour on Day 2." Additionally, keep yourself motivated by placing your list in plain view. For example, stick the list on your bedroom mirror, or take a photo of it and set it as your phone's lock screen.

Identify your goal. Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed for at least 30 minutes. You will need a blank sheet of paper and pencil. If you are at home with other people, ask them politely not to disturb you as you work. Switch off any music, television or devices that might distract you. Keep your phone on silent. If you're not sure what your goals are, first assess what your values are and what's important to you. Then, find a goal that aligns with those values. Think about what ‘fixing your life’ means to you. When your life is fixed, what will that look like? How will achieving this goal affect your life? Who will be the first person to notice when your life is fixed? Consider all these things as you think about what aspect of your life needs a change. It's okay to start fairly broad. Just work toward an idea of what you want out of your life. For example, you could consider questions such as "What do I want to offer the world?" or "How do I want to grow?" Write down a clear, concise goal to work towards. Vague goals such as, 'I want to be happy,' or 'I want to lose weight,' are difficult to achieve. Your goal needs to be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-based. Such a goal will help you gauge your progress and let you know if you're on track. So, instead of, 'I want to lose weight,' you can write, 'I want to lose one pound every week until I weigh x pounds.' You decide what fixing your life means to you. It's okay if you need to write your goal a few times before you reach a clear, concise one. Write your thoughts if it helps you process them better. Writing as you think can give you distance from your thoughts and more objectivity. Devise your plan. Break your goal into smaller, more manageable steps that can be targeted one at a time or simultaneously, if need be. Remember to write specific, time-based, measurable goals. For example, if your goal is 'to get a job that pays x money within one month,' you can break that down into: Research job listings on company websites and LinkedIn (Day 1, 2 hours) Write resume (Day 2, 1 hour) Have a friend proofread it (Day 3-4) Send resume (Day 5) Follow up on application one week after sending it. (Day 12) Stick the sheet of paper somewhere you can see it. Keeping your goal(s) and plan in plain view will help keep you motivated. Stick them to your mirror/on your fridge/take a picture of them and save them as your lock screen; anywhere you know you will see them regularly. Read your goal(s) every morning. This will renew your purpose and your desire to achieve them. Don't just glance at them: make sure you read through your them properly. Start your mornings with a sense of purpose and renewed intention. This is an integral part of achieving your goals. Take personal responsibility. Acknowledge the role that you have played in reaching where you are now, whether consciously or unconsciously. Taking responsibility doesn't mean assuming the blame for something, it means being accountable for yourself. As you see that you play a part in creating the quality of your life, so you'll see that you can fix your life. Remember that you only have control over yourself: you can affect your actions and you can affect others, but you can not control them or the outcomes of what you do. Examine the problem. Having a clearer idea of how you arrived in an unfavorable situation can help you avoid making the same choices later. Think of the lessons you've learned from the mistakes you've made in the past. Consider your social circle, your family circumstance, things you've said, things you've done. Consider the way you feel about things or if there is anything you're trying to avoid. These will help with your next step. Identify obstacles you may encounter. Make a list of all the obstacles that might be or are keeping you from achieving your goal(s). Think about your own behavior, other people you might have to talk to, amends you might have to make, things you might have to buy or things you might have to throw away. Think about the sort of people you hang around and the things you do together. Your obstacles will vary depending on your situation. Think of solutions. For each obstacle, make a list of solutions. What will be the best way to approach this? Will you have to change your schedule? Will you have to ask people for help? Think of different ways that you can overcome the obstacle, if you come across it. Consider the pros and cons of each solution. Identify the behaviors that keep you from achieving your goal(s). Knowing these can help you identify and adopt alternative behaviors that will help you achieve your goal(s). The things you do will be key to fixing your life. On another sheet of paper, list down all the things you do that keep you from realizing your goal(s) and fixing your life. These can be big or small habits and routines. Perhaps you stay up too late watching television and this makes you late for work. Or perhaps you eat three helpings of dessert after every meal and it's affecting your diabetes. Identify the pattern. Identify when and where you're more likely to engage in these behaviors. Beware of these situations and places. For example, if your goal is 'to lose x pounds in x weeks until I weigh x pounds' but you eat donuts when you're stressed, then stress is a trigger to look out for. Think about what leads you to behave in certain ways or find yourself in situations that you don't like? If you have a habit of spending too much money and acquiring debt, is there a particular thought, emotion, or occasion that motivates you to shop? Sometimes the root of these issues are deeply hidden and sometimes they are right in front of our faces. Give yourself time for gentle introspection. Ask yourself when a particular problem or behavior started— you might find answers there. Is there a feeling or thought that you are trying to avoid? When you were growing up, did you see someone displaying a similar pattern? List alternative, productive behaviors. Now that you understand which behavior is keeping your life the way it is, think of things you can do that will help you achieve your goal(s) and fix your life. The next time you are stressed, you can perhaps do breathing exercises or engage in other relaxation techniques. Or instead of spending two hours on Facebook or Tumblr before going to bed, you can spend half an hour doing that, and spend an hour and a half doing an activity that will directly help you achieve your goal(s), such as draft a resume. Your alternative behavior does not necessarily have to be a completely different behavior. You could reduce the amount of time you spend doing one thing and instead allocate that to another. Replace your unproductive behaviors with productive ones. The next time you feel like doing something that you know is detrimental to your life, choose to do something that will help you achieve your goal instead. This will require actively choosing one behavior over another. You will need to be disciplined. Consider asking a friend to help you change your behaviors. Remember that you do not have to dislike something in order to stop doing it. You only have to want something else more. Start now. It can be tempting to think to yourself that you'll do it tomorrow or you'll do it after x thing happens. Procrastination stems from a fear of failure. The longer you put off changing yourself, the longer it will take to fix your life. Surround yourself with positive people. The people you hang around will have a significant effect on you achieving your goals. Look for friends who will encourage you and help you to better yourself. Tell someone you trust about your plans and ask them to help you fix your life. Such people might give you valuable advice and resources that you would not have thought of on your own. Measure your progress. The plan you laid out earlier will let you know if you are on track. As your goal(s) are time based, you have a schedule to follow. Sometimes, things happen that you didn't account for and your plans may get delayed. This doesn't mean that you aren't making progress. It just means there's an obstacle that you didn't foresee. Don't take this as an excuse to give up. Think of a solution, factor it in. Remind yourself why you wanted to fix your life in the first place. Keep going. Fixing your life won't happen overnight. It takes time to break old habits and practice new behaviors and it takes time for results to happen. You might find yourself berating yourself and being critical. Remind yourself that negative thinking leads to negative behavior. If you fall back into an old habit, that doesn't mean you've failed and are back at square one. Remind yourself of your goals and why you wanted to fix your life in the first place.

Identify your goal. Think about what ‘fixing your life’ means to you. Write down a clear, concise goal to work towards. Devise your plan. Stick the sheet of paper somewhere you can see it. Take personal responsibility. Examine the problem. Identify obstacles you may encounter. Think of solutions. Identify the behaviors that keep you from achieving your goal(s). Identify the pattern. List alternative, productive behaviors. Replace your unproductive behaviors with productive ones. Start now. Surround yourself with positive people. Measure your progress. Keep going.

https://www.wikihow.com/Feel-Comfortable-in-a-Swimsuit

How to Feel Comfortable in a Swimsuit

It's common to feel insecure about your body, but there are a few ways you can help yourself feel more comfortable in a swimsuit. Try wearing your swimsuit around the house for a while so you'll get used to how it feels. You can also wear a cover-up when you're not swimming to reflect your style and cover a little more of your skin. Before you head out, say some positive affirmations to yourself, like, “I am beautiful just the way I am.” If anyone does make negative comments about your body, remind yourself that they're probably just projecting their own insecurities onto you. Although it can be difficult, try to avoid comparing yourself to other people, since everyone's unique. Remember that everyone feels insecure sometimes and you're not alone.

Identify what parts of your body you are happy with. You may feel uncomfortable with your body in a swimsuit, but most everyone has a body part they love. Perhaps you have great hair, a pretty smile, or toned legs. Admiring positive aspects of your physical appearance will help you find the confidence to put on a swimsuit. Discern what parts of your body people compliment. Also recognize what parts of your body you try to accentuate on a daily basis. Everyone has positive physical traits. You just have to recognize them. Establish that all sizes can be beautiful. The ideal body is often portrayed as a thin man or woman in a small swimsuit, but remember that there is no true ideal body. Choosing a swimsuit with a coverage amount that seems less than ideal can be intimidating, when in fact, the ideal amount of coverage is the one that fits you best. Remember that the only amount of coverage that matters is the amount that you feel healthy and happy in. This being said, you should still measure your swimsuit size to make sure you choose a swimsuit that fits your body correctly. You'll feel much more comfortable if you don't need to worry about the swimsuit snapping or sagging! Find a swimsuit that flatters your body. Choose a style of swimsuit based off of your favorite features. A swimsuit that is made for your body type and accentuates your features will be easier to feel comfortable in. If you like your collar bone, wear a bathing suit that has crossing bands in the front. This type of bathing suit will emphasize your manubrium (upper part of the sternum). If your legs are what you feel most confident about, choose a high cut bathing suit. Try a “modestkini” that covers up most of your body if you feel most confident wearing modest clothing. Alternatively, pick a bathing suit that makes you feel more confident about an insecure area. If you are insecure about a small bust, choose a swimsuit top with ruffles or a triangle top to create the illusion of curves. If you are insecure about your thighs, try a bathing suit with a skirt. Look into swim cover-ups. If the thought of wearing nothing but a swimsuit makes you nervous, consider a swim cover-up that accentuates the part of your body that you are insecure about. Cover-ups are a quick and fashionable way to ease into wearing your swimsuit around other people. High-waist shorts are a good cover-up if you are insecure about your lower back and hip area. A sarong wrap is a cute cover-up for your legs and thighs. A sundress or terry cloth robe are great cover-ups, too. Pick out accessories. Chances are that no one is looking at the parts of your body that you perceive as flaws, but accessories can take the attention away from your swimsuit. Accessories are fun to wear and a great confidence boost. Choose fun sunglasses, cute wedges, or a floppy sunhat, and match it with your swimsuit. Practice moderation when you choose accessories. Too many accessories at once can be distracting. Choose the right accessories for the occasion. It's okay to wear wedges to a pool party, but they aren't great to wear at the beach. Counter negative thoughts. Remember to be grateful for your body. Instead of worrying over body parts that don't appear quite the way you would like them to, be grateful that you are in the position to go the beach, pool, or lake. Focusing on what your body does for you prevents negative thoughts from setting in. Alternatively, if you are focusing on one body part that you are insecure about, counteract it with thinking of a body part that you are confident about. For example, if you are insecure about your legs, remind yourself that you have great arms. Refrain from pointing out your flaws. It is sometimes tempting to point out your flaws to other people. Repeatedly pointing out your flaws will lead you to believing in what you say over time. Pointing out your flaws around others will make them uncomfortable and possibly make them think that you will look for flaws in them, too. Ignore media messages. Remember that you are more than your body. Societal pressure and media has placed an importance on an ideal body type, but it is important to remember that you are not your body. A healthy body is important, but in the end, it is “just” a body. What matters is how you act, what you are passionate about, and how you treat others. People will focus on how you portray yourself far more than they will focus on a swimsuit. Practice wearing your swimsuit. Spend time in your swimsuit or in clothing that you would not normally wear. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but doing this will help you build the courage to wear a swimsuit without negative thoughts. Start by wearing your swimsuit around your home. Spend time walking around or going about your daily activities as usual. Next, invite a few people over for a beach-themed party. Specify on the invite that your should wear their swimsuits or beach attire. Once you are feeling more comfortable in your swimsuit, visit a local pool. Perhaps visit during a slow hour or day when it isn't too crowded. Go out to the beach, lake, or pool without considering how many people might be there once you've started to feel comfortable in your swimsuit. Surround yourself with the right people. Spending time with people that are overly critical of themselves will eventually rub off on you. Especially avoid people that act negatively towards you. Surrounding yourself with positive people will be beneficial to you. Meditate on the positive. Spend five to ten minutes thinking body-positive thoughts before you head out in your swimsuit. Clear your mind of judgment and insecurities. Beginning your time in your swimsuit with the right mindset prevents discomfort that stems from harmful thoughts. Repeat to yourself mantras such as “may I be happy.” Don’t compare yourself to others. A quick way to ruin comfort and confidence is to compare yourself with others. Try to remember that every body is unique, and everyone else wearing a swimsuit is probably experiencing insecurity, too. Celebrate the differences instead of admiring one, specific type of body. Remember why you are wearing your swimsuit. You are probably wearing a swimsuit to go to a pool, beach, or lake. Don't let discomfort ruin your experience. Remember that you are there first and foremost to enjoy yourself and the company of others. Understand that you are your most critical judge. Nobody is as critical of your body as you are. Almost everyone exaggerates their physical flaws. You may be the only one who notices what you perceive as an imperfection. Deflect negative attention. There is most likely no reason for anyone to say anything hurtful you. If someone does say something negative about you, do your best to not let it get to you. Return their negativity with a compliment. If someone says that you don't look good in the swimsuit you're wearing, respond by complimenting his or her, accessories, item of clothing, or hair. Let them know that what they said is hurtful and change the subject. Tell the person that insulted you that you don't appreciate the inappropriate behavior, and move on by commenting on the occasion or your surroundings. Ignore the comment and continue talking to your friends. Act as if you didn't hear what was said and talk to your friends about a subject that is unrelated to the negative comment. Refocus your thoughts. Staying comfortable might be going well at first, but insecurities may start coming to mind as time passes in your swimsuit. If that happens, take a few minutes to return to your meditation. Recall what you like about yourself, why you're there, and that you should be happy. Practice confidence and positivity. Be confident despite your anxieties. Nothing is sexier than being confident with yourself if you make peace with your body. It's easier said than done, but it is possible with perseverance.

Identify what parts of your body you are happy with. Establish that all sizes can be beautiful. Find a swimsuit that flatters your body. Look into swim cover-ups. Pick out accessories. Counter negative thoughts. Refrain from pointing out your flaws. Ignore media messages. Practice wearing your swimsuit. Surround yourself with the right people. Meditate on the positive. Don’t compare yourself to others. Remember why you are wearing your swimsuit. Understand that you are your most critical judge. Deflect negative attention. Refocus your thoughts. Practice confidence and positivity.

https://www.wikihow.com/Create-Good-Personalities-for-Your-Characters

How to Create Good Personalities for Your Characters

Creating good personalities for your characters is an important part of telling your story. Think about what your character's major goals and motivations are. For example, they might want to be a professional athlete to make their parents proud. Write a back story for them, including the main events that have shaped them. Give them small quirks or habits, like biting their nails when they get anxious, to make them more relatable. It's easy to make your character too perfect, so try to give them a few flaws, like being too trusting of dangerous characters. You can also make your character more realistic by giving them complicated relationships with their friends, enemies, and love interests.

Look for inspiration in real people. Giving your character traits drawn from the personalities of real people is a great way to make them feel relatable and realistic. Think about people you've known whose personalities made an impression on you. What was it about their personality that stuck with you? If you had to define their personality in just a few words or sentences, what would you say? You might be inspired by friends, family members, teachers and mentors, public figures, or even people you've only met in passing. Write down a few of the person's key personality traits. Are they shy or outgoing? Are they bubbly and animated, or more reserved when they speak? What are their interests and hobbies? What sorts of things do they want or believe in? Using real people for inspiration is not the same as basing a character directly on a real person. Just borrow traits that you find interesting, like your best friend's crooked smile or your brother's fear of flying. Assess what makes your favorite characters great. Do a close analysis of a few of your favorite fictional characters, and try to define what it is about them that makes them so appealing to you. Write down a brief description of the character's personality, and then make a list of the things that make the character feel particularly compelling, realistic, or relatable to you. For example, maybe you are fascinated by their complexity, or maybe you find yourself relating to their flaws and insecurities. Perhaps you enjoy their realistic speech patterns or the little details of their mundane interactions with other characters. Remember, you don't have to like the character as a person to appreciate them as a character! Great villains and antiheroes can be totally despicable, but still fascinating if given enough complexity. Familiarize yourself with character archetypes. An archetype is a symbol or a typical example of something that is instantly recognizable to most people. Character archetypes can make great starting points or foundations for building fully fleshed-out characters. Consider which archetype fits your character best, and think about how you can work within and around the “rules” of the archetype to make your character unique. Examples of archetypes include the hero, the villain, the warrior, the leader, the fool, the femme fatale, or the wise woman. Some genres have their own archetypes. For example, in high school settings, you're likely to encounter archetypes like the jock, the nerd, the cheerleader, and the prep. Think about how your character fits the mold of the archetype, but also think of ways that they might not fit. For example, maybe your character is a cheerleader, but she's also a member of a Dungeons and Dragons club at her school. This is a good way to avoid falling back on clichés and stereotypes. Use personality assessment tools to help define your characters. Personality tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment can be a great way to pin your characters' personalities down and help you understand their behaviors and motivations better. If you already have a general idea of who your character is, try taking one of these tests “as” the character to gain some deeper insights into what makes them tick. You can find free versions of the MBTI and other personality tests on websites like 16Personalities, Truity, and Humanmetrics. Most personality tests offer a series of statements (such as “I have a vivid imagination” or “You often think about humankind and its destiny”) and ask you to rate how strongly you agree or disagree with each statement. Think about how your character would answer each of these questions. Personality tests like the MBTI classify personalities into a set number of “types.” For example, if your character is a strong leader, they may be an ENTJ (Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging) type. Determine your character’s major goals and motivations. Your character's feelings, beliefs, and actions won't make a lot of sense unless you have a good sense of their underlying desires, needs, and goals. Identify what goals your character is trying to achieve and think about why (and how) they wish to achieve them. These goals and motivations can be either large or small in scale. For example, in an individual scene, maybe your character's goal is to slip out of a party unnoticed. Her motivation might be that she's feeling overwhelmed and wants to be alone. On a larger scale, maybe your character's goal is to win the state spelling bee. Her underlying motivation could be to gain the approval of her favorite teacher or to show up one of her rivals in school. Remember that what your character wants is not always the same as what they need. For example, perhaps your character wants to be a famous movie star, but what he really needs is to be loved for who he is. Define your character’s fears and insecurities. Your character's underlying fears are just as important as their desires and motivations. Think about what your character is trying to avoid, and why. How do their fears affect their choices and reactions to the situations in which they find themselves? For example, maybe your character is afraid of rejection. He might avoid telling his love interest how he really feels because of this fear. Give your character interests and passions. Your character will feel more real if they have well-defined hobbies, interests, beliefs, and opinions. Think about what your character might enjoy doing in their spare time, what kinds of books or movies they would enjoy, or how they would feel about a certain controversial issue. Your character's interests and opinions don't have to align with your own—in fact, your character will ultimately be richer and more interesting if they differ from you in various ways. Research your character's interests, hobbies, and opinions so that you can portray them realistically. For example, if your character enjoys beekeeping, read up on what's involved. Let your character have flaws. Nobody is perfect in real life, so your character won't feel real unless they have a few flaws and imperfections. Your character might have one major flaw or several smaller ones. Think about how these flaws might shape their actions and choices. For example, maybe your character is always getting into trouble because they have a hard time saying no when their friends ask them for favors—no matter how ridiculous the request. Avoid flaws that just make your character seem even more perfect (for example, making your character “too kind” or “too beautiful”). On the other side of the coin, villains and “bad” characters can feel more interesting and realistic if you give them a redeeming quality here and there! Provide your character with unique traits, habits, and quirks. Your character's personality may grow out of what they are thinking and feeling on the inside, but it's also important to think about how it appears from the outside. Think about what would make your character stand out to people observing them. This could be anything from their appearance to the way they sound when they talk. For example, maybe your character has a catchphrase (like “Gosh!” or “You don't say.”), or perhaps they have a habit of nervously fiddling with their sleeves when they speak. Your character's personality might be expressed visually through things like how they dress or style their hair. Create a backstory for your character. A character's past might affect their opinions, desires, fears, choices, and actions. Map out a few key events in your character's life, and think about the way these events might have shaped who they are and how they behave. For example, if your character was once in a bad car accident, they may be afraid of driving or being in cars. Maybe they will need to confront this fear at some point in order to move the story forward. Develop your character’s cultural context. Where your character comes from can also have an impact on their beliefs, goals, and motivations. Think about the kinds of opportunities, challenges, and social pressures your character might experience based on when and where they grew up. Maybe your character is a young woman in 1950s small-town America, for instance. She may feel some tension between the social pressure to get married and start a family, and her own personal desire to go out and achieve something big (like becoming a doctor). Define their relationships with other characters. In most stories, characters do not act in isolation. They interact with other characters—as love interests, rivals, competitors, teammates, friends, enemies, or sometimes a combination of all of those things! Think about how your character's personality might affect the way they react to those around them. For example, if your character is strong-willed and competitive, they might clash with other characters who share those traits—even if they are technically on the same “side.” A shy character might feel intimidated by a character with a more forceful personality. One of their goals in the story might be to overcome their fear and learn to stand up to the more forceful character. Determine your character’s role in the plot. In order for your character to have value in your story, they will need to contribute to the plot in some way. The way your character functions in the plot will be at least in part determined by their personality—and vice versa. Think about how your character's motivations, goals, and actions can help drive the story forward. For example, maybe your character gets into a major argument with his son because of a fundamental difference in values. This conflict could trigger the son to run away from home, setting the plot of the story in motion.

Look for inspiration in real people. Assess what makes your favorite characters great. Familiarize yourself with character archetypes. Use personality assessment tools to help define your characters. Determine your character’s major goals and motivations. Define your character’s fears and insecurities. Give your character interests and passions. Let your character have flaws. Provide your character with unique traits, habits, and quirks. Create a backstory for your character. Develop your character’s cultural context. Define their relationships with other characters. Determine your character’s role in the plot.

https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Impressions-of-Famous-People

How to Do Impressions of Famous People

If you want to do impressions of famous people, you'll need to study their gestures, mannerisms, and facial expressions to make it really believable! You'll probably want to choose someone you know a lot about or someone you've seen on TV or in movies quite a bit. It's also helpful to pick a celebrity with a distinctive voice since it will be more recognizable. Then, emulate whatever unique traits they have. For example, if you were emulating George W.Bush, you might squint slightly and mispronounce certain words. You should also pepper in catchphrases or quotes. For instance, if you were doing Al Pacino, you might quote, “Say hello to my little friend.” Once you've practiced a little bit, record your impression so you can listen to it and see where you need improvement.

Choose someone you know a lot about. It's more difficult to do an impression of someone you don't know much about or haven't seen in more than one role. Pick someone whose movies or songs you have watched or listened to many times. To learn more about someone, watch them in a variety of roles, listen to a variety of their music, watch interviews they've done, and read as much about them as you can. Pick a celebrity with a distinctive voice or accent. It's much easier to do an accurate impression of someone with an instantly-recognizable way of speaking. While the physical side of an impression is also important, a good vocal imitation will make or break your impression. Popular celebrities for impressions include: Choose an impression that matches your physical characteristics. To do a convincing impression, it helps to pick someone you already resemble physically. Frank Calliendo does a great John Madden impression because he shares the same rotund and jolly appearance as Madden. Alternatively, it can be humorous to perfect an impression of a celebrity that is drastically different than you physically. A tiny girl doing a convincing Chris Farley impression could be hilarious. Figure out the celebrity's "viewpoint. " The goal of the impressionist isn't to create a perfect mirror of the celebrity, but to capture the "feeling" of that celebrity. Watch movies, shows, and especially interviews with your chosen celebrity and take note of their emotions, speech patterns, facial expressions, gestures, and way of looking at the world. Sarah Palin is known for presenting a "folksy" image of herself. Let that folksiness creep into your performance. Make a list of all the particularities of your celebrity. As you watch and listen to the person you're impersonating, keep a running list of quotes, mannerisms, gestures, and facial expressions that they make. Use lots of adjectives in your list. Here, you're already creating the impression, describing them in words and translating their presence into your own voice. Use this list to start slowly working through your impression. For example, note that Brad Pitt is always eating and drinking in his movies, Nene Leakes is constantly patting her weave, and Elvis Presley curls his upper lip. Emulate unique traits the celebrity has. George W. Bush's squint and mispronunciations are essential to an impression of him, just as a Shatner impression must involve strange pauses. A good impression is made up of both physical and vocal components that combine to give us the impression of that celebrity. Start by perfecting those unique traits and developing your impression from there. Quote the celebrity’s lines. Often, a celebrity will have a particular catch phrase or quote from a movie from which to start with. A good Al Pacino accent would be incomplete without the phrase "say hello to my little friend" from Scarface. Even if you can't do a physical version of Pacino, yet, working out that single sentence is a good start. Pay attention to the sound of the voice. Voices can be nasal, meaning that they are high pitched and whiny, or they can come from the gut, meaning that they're deeper and more mellow. Watching the way the person talks can help you locate their voice. Practice speaking from different "places" (such as head voice, which is higher, or chest voice, which is lower) to get a feel for your own voice's range. The Rock's voice comes from the throat and has a bit of a growl. Fran Drescher's voice is high and nasally. Consider the speed of speech. Some people speak very quickly, while others seem to draw out their words a bit more. Pay attention to whether your chosen celebrity's speech seems rushed, relaxed, or somewhere in between. For instance, Robert Downey Jr. often speaks super fast. Practice your accents. If you want to do a Christopher Walken impression, it helps to be able to do a solid New York accent before attempting it. If you want to do a Julia Child accent, practice your British inflections. When you become familiar with the general accents, work on specifying them. Within the world of British-English accents, South African, Australian, Welsh, and Scottish accents are all wildly different and unique. Studying accents will help you narrow in on the specific speech patterns of the celebrity you hope to impersonate. Work on one physical and one vocal characteristic at a time. It can be overwhelming to try to capture all of the quirks that make up a particular celebrity all at once. But since it's a combination of physical and vocal tics, you'll want to try to do them in union. Start with, say, Pacino's shout and the exasperated glare that he does. Alternatively, adopt the lopsided smile that Drew Barrymore has and work on recreating the way she speaks out of the side of her mouth. Record your impression. Your voice in your head sounds different than your voice to other people. To give yourself a good idea of how you sound while doing your impression, record it on your phone and play it back to see how you're progressing. Practice in the mirror. Jim Carrey famously practiced many hours each day in front of the mirror. Use a mirror to see what you look like when doing an impression, and adjust your facial expressions based on whether you are over- or under-doing it. If you're trying to do an impression of Victoria Beckham, you'll want to make sure you're not allowing much emotion in your facial expressions. Practice speaking in her posh British accent in front of the mirror and concentrate on looking bored and annoyed. Read aloud from a book or magazine. Coming up with something to say in a given voice can be difficult. To give yourself a wealth of sentences, just read in the voice that you're working on. Vary the tempo and the emotion behind it while you read to practice the different ranges of the voice that you're trying to work out. This will also help you figure out what kinds of words or phrases work well in that voice and what don't. In this way, you can start crafting a better impression. Repeat what you hear on the radio. While driving, turn on the radio and repeat back what's being said or sung in the voice that you're working out. This is particularly good for impressions of singers. Doing a Britney Spears song in a Jim Morrison voice will also be humorous to reveal to your friends. Keep working on it. Like playing an instrument, a good impression needs to be maintained. Don't let your Shatner get rusty. Even after you think you've got a good impression worked out, go back to it every now and then to keep the impression fresh. Consider adding dimensions to the impression. Will Ferrell's President Bush impression grew in complexity over the many years that he performed it.

Choose someone you know a lot about. Pick a celebrity with a distinctive voice or accent. Choose an impression that matches your physical characteristics. Figure out the celebrity's "viewpoint. Make a list of all the particularities of your celebrity. Emulate unique traits the celebrity has. Quote the celebrity’s lines. Pay attention to the sound of the voice. Consider the speed of speech. Practice your accents. Work on one physical and one vocal characteristic at a time. Record your impression. Practice in the mirror. Read aloud from a book or magazine. Repeat what you hear on the radio. Keep working on it.

https://www.wikihow.com/Position-a-Bedpan

How to Position a Bedpan

If you need to help someone position their bedpan, ask the person to remove their bottoms, and keep their legs covered with a sheet as long as possible to respect their privacy. Lower the bed as far as possible and ask the person to lie on their back. Help them shift away from the bed and slide the bedpan beneath their buttocks, with the curved edge of the bedpan facing the back. Raise the head of the bed and step away until they're finished, then remove the bedpan. Remember to wear gloves and wash your hands before and after you touch the bedpan.

Explain the procedure. Greet the patient and explain that you are going to help him use the bedpan. Show patience and compassion, as this can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing situation for the patient. Assure the patient that you know what to do and will make the experience as pleasant as possible. Explaining this to the patient beforehand can help calm your patient and reduce his fear and uncertainty. Wash your hands and put on gloves. Wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap. When finished, dry your hands and put on a pair of disposable gloves. Provide privacy. Provide the patient with as much privacy as possible, now and throughout the entire procedure. Close the door and cover the windows with curtains. If the patient shares a room with someone else, draw the curtain separating the two beds. Keep the patient's legs covered with a blanket or sheet until you are ready to position the bedpan. Protect the sheets. If possible, cover the sheets beneath the patient with a waterproof protector. If you do not have access to a waterproof protector, cover the sheets beneath patient's buttocks with a large, clean bath towel. Warm the bedpan. Fill the bedpan with very warm water. Let the water sit for several minutes, then dump it out and dry off the bedpan. The heat from the water should transfer to the bedpan itself, warming it up. A warm bedpan will be more comfortable for the patient to use than a cold one. If it is a metal bedpan, make sure it is not too hot. Sprinkle the edge with talcum powder. Sift a thin layer of talcum powder over the edge of the bedpan. The powder will make it easier to slide the bedpan beneath the patient. Only do this if the patient does not have any bedsores or cuts on her buttocks. Do not use talcum powder if the patient has any open wounds. Fill the bedpan with just enough water to cover the bottom. Alternatively, you can place a few squares of toilet paper in the bottom of the bedpan or coat it with a little vegetable oil spray (if you are in a home setting). Any of these practices will make the cleanup process easier. Ask the patient to remove his bottoms. Now that the supplies are ready, instruct the patient to remove clothing from the bottom half of his body. Assist the patient if he is unable to do this alone. If the patient is wearing a gown with an opening in the back, you can leave the gown on. If the gown has no opening, you will need to lift it above the patient's waist. You will also need to pull the top sheet or blanket back at this time. Lower the bed. Lower the bed as far as possible to reduce the risk of injury if the patient falls during the procedure. You should also lower the head of the bed at this time, since doing so may make it easier for the patient to lift or turn as needed. Instruct the patient to lie in the supine position. The patient should lie on her back. Their knees should be bent and their feet should be flat on the mattress. Place the bedpan next to the patient. Set the clean bedpan directly next to the patient's hips on the side of the bed. Positioning the bedpan as close as possible before moving the patient will cause less strain to the patient. Help the patient shift away from the bed. The patient will need to raise their hips. If the patient does not have the strength to do so, you will need to turn the patient to their side instead. If the patient can lift their hips: Instruct your patient to raise their hips on the count of three. Support the patient by placing your hand beneath their lower back. Do not do any serious lifting with this hand. You should only provide light support. If the patient cannot lift their hips: Gently turn the patient to the side facing away from you. Work carefully to prevent the patient from rolling onto their stomach or off the bed. Place the bedpan under the patient's buttocks. Slide the bedpan beneath the patient's buttocks with the curved edge of the bedpan facing the back. If the patient can lift their hips: Slide the bedpan underneath the buttocks and instruct the patient to ease down onto it, using your support hand to guide them. If the patient cannot lift their hips: Slide the bedpan directly next to the patient's buttocks. Keep the open end pointing toward the patient's feet. Gently roll the patient back onto her back and over the bedpan. Hold the bedpan close to the patient's body as you work. Raise the head of the bed. Carefully raise the head of the bed, bringing the patient's body up into a more natural toileting position. Verify the positioning. Ask the patient to spread their legs slightly so that you can verify proper bedpan placement. Essentially, you need to make sure that the bedpan is positioned securely beneath the entire area of the buttocks. Provide toilet paper. Place toilet paper within the patient's reach. Let the patient know that it's there. You should also provide sanitary wipes for the patient's hands. Keep a signal cord, bell, or similar device near the patient, too. Instruct the patient to ring the signal when finished. Step away. Give the patient privacy as they use the bedpan. Let them know you will be back to check in a few minutes, but instruct the patient to ring for you if they finish before then. Do not leave the patient if doing so would be unsafe. Wash your hands and put on new gloves. As soon as you leave the patient, you should remove your gloves and wash your hands. Several minutes may pass before you return to the patient again. Before doing so, wash your hands once more and put on a new, clean pair of disposable gloves. Return swiftly. Return to the patient's side as soon as you receive a signal from them. Bring a basin of warm water, soap, toilet paper, and sanitary cleansing cloths with you when you return. If the patient does not signal to you within 5 to 10 minutes, check on their progress. Continue checking every few minutes. Lower the head of the bed. Lower the head of the bed as much as possible without making the patient uncomfortable. This position will make it easier for the patient to move off the bedpan. Assist the patient in moving away. If the patient got onto the bedpan on their own, the patient should also get off the bedpan on their own. If you need to turn the patient onto the bedpan, you will need to turn the patient off. If the patient can lift independently: Ask the patient to bend their knees. Instruct the patient to raise their lower half. Place your hand beneath the lower back to offer gentle support. If the patient cannot lift independently: Hold the bedpan flat on the bed so that it does not spill. Simultaneously roll the patient to the side facing away from you. Slide the bedpan away. Slide the bedpan from its current position and allow the patient to rest. Work carefully and avoid sliding the bedpan against the patient's skin while removing it. Cover the bedpan with a towel and set it aside for the time being. Clean the patient. Determine whether or not the patient needs assistance with getting clean. If not, you will need to clean the patient. Clean the patient's hands with a wet, soapy washcloth or sanitary wipes. Clean the patient's bottom half with toilet paper. For female patients in particular, wipe from front to back to reduce the risk of contaminating the urinary tract with bacteria from the rectum. Clean the area. Once the patient is clean, remove the waterproof covering or towel. If a spill or other contamination occurs, you will need to change the bed linens and the patient's gown or clothing immediately. If there is an odor in the room, consider spraying an air freshener. Return the patient to a comfortable position. Help the patient shift back into a comfortable resting position. If necessary, raise or lower the entire bed or the head of the bed to keep the patient more comfortable. Observe or record the contents. Take the bedpan to the bathroom and check its contents. Look for anything unusual, like streaks of red, black, or green, as well as mucus or diarrhea. If necessary, measure and record the output. Dispose of the contents. Empty the contents of the bedpan into the toilet and flush them away. Clean or replace the bedpan. Unless the bedpan is disposable, you will need to clean it thoroughly before storing it. Flush out the contents of the bedpan with cold water. Pour this water into the toilet. Scrub the bedpan with cold, soapy water and a toilet brush. Rinse it with additional cold water, and dump the water into the toilet. Dry the bedpan and return it to its proper storage position when done. Wash your hands. Remove your gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap. You should wash your hands for a full minute, if not longer. Once everything is clean, you can return the room to its standard condition by opening curtains, windows, and doors that were closed for the procedure.

Explain the procedure. Wash your hands and put on gloves. Provide privacy. Protect the sheets. Warm the bedpan. Sprinkle the edge with talcum powder. Fill the bedpan with just enough water to cover the bottom. Ask the patient to remove his bottoms. Lower the bed. Instruct the patient to lie in the supine position. Place the bedpan next to the patient. Help the patient shift away from the bed. Place the bedpan under the patient's buttocks. Raise the head of the bed. Verify the positioning. Provide toilet paper. Step away. Wash your hands and put on new gloves. Return swiftly. Lower the head of the bed. Assist the patient in moving away. Slide the bedpan away. Clean the patient. Clean the area. Return the patient to a comfortable position. Observe or record the contents. Dispose of the contents. Clean or replace the bedpan. Wash your hands.

https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-Naughty-Kids

How to Take Care of Naughty Kids

To take care of naughty kids, try to create a consistent routine, since children tend to behave better when they know what to expect. Additionally, give them a set of clear, age-appropriate rules, such as not hitting or running in the house. Then, consistently enforce the consequences of breaking the rules, like time-outs or loss of privileges. When a kid has a temper tantrum, respond calmly and remind them of your rules, since yelling will only escalate the situation. You can also encourage good behavior by praising them when they do something good.

Draft a set of rules. This set of rules should be written with consideration of your child's age. Younger children will need simple, straightforward rules, while older children can begin to understand more complex rules, that may be flexible depending on the situation. The list should prioritize those rules that are based on the naughty behaviors your children are demonstrating. For example, if your child gets aggressive when they don't get what they want, then you should draft a rule that makes this behavior strictly forbidden. The list should include other things you expect your child to do each day, such as brushing their teeth, making their bed, putting away their toys, etc. Encourage the child to help you make the rules, such as by asking them questions about what types of behavior are acceptable. For example, you could ask the child, “What are some of the things we should do before school?” Sit down and discuss this list of rules with your child so that they know what is expected of them. Attach immediate consequences to each rule. Not only do you need to have a clear set of rules that your child can understand and follow, but you should also make clear what will happen when one of the rules is broken. If a higher priority rule is broken (e.g. if your child hits you), then the consequence should be more severe than if the child breaks a less high priority rule (e.g. doesn't make up the bed in the morning). Never hit or spank your child. Not only does this damage your relationship with them, but it also shows them that they can get what they want by hitting smaller, weaker people. Make sure to discuss each rule together with the consequence that will occur if they break the rule. This way, they understand what to expect. For older children, you may even discuss the consequences of breaking a rule together and ask for their input on what some appropriate consequences might be. Give them things to do. Children who are bored will find ways to entertain themselves. While it is not necessarily a bad thing for children to use their own imaginations when it comes to entertaining themselves, it can also cause them to act out and behave in ways they know they shouldn't. For example, if your child will be home all day long, try to schedule different activities. Let them color with a coloring book and crayons for an hour while you do what you need to do. Spend some time playing together with them, ask them to help you make lunch, or do some finger painting outside together. It's good to give your child some time to play by themselves, but it is also important to spend time playing together and nurturing your relationship. Have a schedule. In addition to giving your child plenty of tasks, you should have a routine that you stick to each day, especially if your child is not yet of school age. This will help them understand what to expect and when to expect it, reducing the likelihood of boredom or frustration. For example, have them take their nap at the same time each day. If they are of school age, have them wake up at the same time each day, even weekends. Create a routine. For example, having them take their bath each day before bedtime, which will also signal to them that it's time to wind down. If you are not able to do something that is on the schedule, then make sure to provide an alternative time for the activity and keep your promise to help build trust. Consider the age of the child. Obviously, as the child grows, you will have to re-think the rules and the consequences attached to them. Therefore, it is important to remember that younger children won't be able to process complex rules with contingencies, while older children can be given a bit more control and independence. Children between 0 and 2 will not be able to understand a set of rules. Instead, if there are things you want them to avoid, it is best to keep those things out of reach. If they get into something, gently but firmly tell them, “No,” and distract them with another activity. You can use timeouts of a few minutes to help them associate certain actions (such as biting or hitting) with a negative consequence. Timeouts of longer than a few minutes will not be effective for children at this young age. Children between the ages of 3 and 5 will be able to understand the connections between what they are doing and the consequence that follows. If the child misbehaves, explain what they did wrong, and warn what will happen if they do it again. The next time it happens, remind them of what you told them and apply the consequence. From ages 6 until 8, timeouts are a good way of enacting discipline. Make a designated timeout spot that will be free from any distractions (such as TV, computer, etc.) so that the child will need to think about what they did. Again, remember not to take it to the extreme. A timeout of 6 to 8 minutes should be sufficient. If the child throws a tantrum, tell them they will remain in the timeout until they are able to calm themselves. Beginning at the age of 9 up until 12, you can begin to use natural punishments, in addition to enacted discipline, such as grounding them for a week if they break a rule. For example, if your child failed to do his homework for bed, let him learn what happens when he returns to school without doing his homework. Beginning at this age, children should begin to learn for themselves what happens when they don't do what is asked of them. If your child is a teenager, you will need to re-establish the rules so that they can exercise their own control and independence, within reason. If a rule is broken, there should still be consequences, but as before, it is important to explain to them why they should stick to the rules. For example, if they come home past curfew without calling, explain why that is very worrisome for you. Make sure to ask the teen for their input about the consequence as well. Walk away from the behavior. If your child is throwing a big tantrum (e.g. yelling, screaming, crying, banging fists, etc.) the best thing you can do is remove the audience that they are performing for. This may only be you, but it may also be your other children, friends of your child, grandparents, etc. If you are at home, and your child is not in danger of hurting themselves, then suggest that everyone go do something else in a different room for a while. If you are not at home, then remove your child from the public place as quickly as possible. For example, if you are at the grocery store, take the child to the car. Make sure to prioritize correcting misbehavior over the task you are doing. For example, if you are out grocery shopping with your child and they are misbehaving, then you may need to stop what you are doing for a moment and address the behavior. Consider what strategies you can use in these types of situations so you will be prepared. Let them know you understand that they’re upset. If your child is under 4 years old, you can let them have their tantrum alone, in a safe place. Check on them every few minutes, and tell them that you are aware that they are upset, and that you can talk with them about why they are upset when they are finished with the tantrum. If a child younger than 4 reacts violently to you, either by hitting, kicking, scratching, or biting you, put them in a time out. Tell them that such behavior will not be tolerated. Once the child has calmed down, listen to what they have to say. Tell them that throwing a tantrum is not the best way to deal with their problem. Don't fixate on this point, however; explain a better way to deal with it, and move on. Remind them of the rules. If the child is over 4, and they are throwing a tantrum, gently remind them of the rules. Explain to them that they have 2 options: they can either choose to stop the behavior and do something that they like that is also within the rules, or they can continue with their behavior and not have enough time to do something they would enjoy. Once they have calmed down, discuss better ways that they can express their feelings in the future. Ask them to make suggestions about how they think they could have reacted better. Distract them. Sometimes tantrums can be so severe that no amount of reasoning seems to do any good. In this case, you can try to distract them with a favorite book, or a pacifier, if they use one. Once the tantrum is over, it is still important to discuss better ways of dealing with problems in the future. Don’t give in. Especially when a child throws a tantrum in a public place, such as the grocery store, it may seem that the best thing to do is to simply give them what they want so they will stop embarrassing you. However, this is a bad idea, and will only reinforce that throwing a tantrum will get them what they want. It may seem like a good idea at the time, but you will be sorry you did it the next time they throw a tantrum in the exact same situation. Don’t yell at them. When a child is having a tantrum, and you are getting frustrated with them, it can be very tempting to yell at them to knock it off. However, at this point, yelling is unlikely to help the situation, and will likely only increase the stress levels of the child, and of yourself. Keep your tone calm and even. If you feel like you're going to yell, then don't say anything at all. If you're losing your temper, it may be best to walk away for a few minutes, provided your child is not in danger of harming themselves. Remove the thing that caused the tantrum. When the child has calmed down, you should remove the item that caused the tantrum, and replace it with something quiet and relaxing for the child to focus on. For example, if your child was upset because they wanted a candy bar, move them away from the candy, and have them look at a magazine while you finish shopping. Remind the child that you love them. Tell the child that while you didn't love their behavior, you do love them and that you always will. It is important for a child to understand that your love for them is not reliant upon their good behavior. For example: You could say, “That tantrum back there was pretty bad. I hope you understand that while I don't like it when you yell and scream like that, I do love you very much—even when you throw tantrums.” Don't say, “You were a very bad kid back there. Sometimes, it's hard to love you when you act like that.” Tell your child what you would like them to do. If your child is behaving badly or has done something you don't want them to do, don't simply say, “Stop that!” Instead, tell them what you would like them to do, and what the reward will be for engaging in this different behavior. For example, if they have yelled at their younger sibling, say, “Remember that we have a rule about yelling. If you're feeling upset by your sister, I would like to see you walk away from her instead of yelling. When I see you do this, I will take you to see that movie you've been asking to see.” You can also give the child a chance to tell you what is going on in their minds. For example, you could say, “What is your sister doing that is making you feel like you want to yell at her?” This will give them a chance to feel understood instead of just redirecting their behavior without acknowledging that they are upset. Remind them of the rules. If your child is doing something that is against the rules, remind them of that rule, and the consequence for breaking it. Explain to them that if they continue with the rule-breaking behavior, that you will be forced to enact the consequence. At this point, you can give them a choice. Explain to them that they can either stop the behavior, not receive the consequence of that behavior, and do something else, or they can continue with the behavior and deal with the consequence of that behavior. Follow through. Sometimes enforcing the consequences of rule-breaking can be a hassle. However, if the child has broken a rule it is important that you follow through with what you said, and that you do so in a timely manner. If you don't, the child may learn that you don't stick to the rules yourself, so why should they? If for some reason, you can't immediately enact the consequence, explain to the child that you will still follow through, but that it will have to be at a later time. Explain the reason for the delay so that they understand that they aren't getting away with their bad behavior. Follow through on any rewards you promise your child as well. For example, if you promise to take them for ice cream if they behave, then take them for ice cream. Be consistent. This can be very frustrating, especially because it may mean dealing with the same behavior several times before it stops, but it is important that your child understand that there will be consequences every time a rule is broken. Make sure to follow through by explaining what the rule is, how the child broke it, and what the consequence now is. For example, if the child hits another child, immediately place them in time out where they will not be able to play for 5 minutes. If the behavior is repeated, repeat the consequence. Do this as often as necessary so that your child understands that bad behavior always has a consequence. Ask the child to help come up with rewards for their good behavior. You can sit down with them, and write down several different things they'd like to do, meals they'd like to eat, and places they'd like to visit. Have them tell you which things they really, really would like, and rank them from highest priority to lowest priority. When your child does something really great, you can reward them with their top reward. For example, if their teacher reports that they have behaved very well all month at school, you could take them to the zoo, if that was the thing they most wanted. You can use the other rewards to reward them for other good behavior, such as making up the bed each day for a week without being asked. Praise them verbally. If you notice your child behaving particularly well, tell them so. Thank them for behaving so nicely, and give them a hug. Reward them with something from the list, too. If you never reward them for their good behavior unless they remind you of your agreements, it may demonstrate to them that you're not really paying any attention. Spend time with them. Most children really enjoy doing things with parents and caregivers. If your child is behaving well, show them that you appreciate it by doing things together with them. Allow them to take more responsibility with tasks. This will show them that you notice their good behavior, and are rewarding it. For example, if your child is behaving very well, ask them to come plant some flowers in the garden with you. Then, let them take charge (within reason). Let them choose where to plant the flowers, let them place the seeds into the hole, and cover it up. Discuss discipline with the parents. It is important that you discuss how the child should be disciplined if the rules are broken with the parents of the child. Ask them how they discipline the child, and what their expectations are when it comes to you taking care of the child and applying discipline if the rules are not followed. It is important to discuss this with the parents so that there are not any misunderstandings. If you don't discuss this, you may use different discipline techniques than the parents. Not only will this cause confusion and stress for the child, but it may also cause tension in your relationship with the parents. Set rules. In all likelihood, the rules you use with the child will be the same as the ones the parents use. However, you might ask the parents to include one or two new rules to the list that relate specifically to how the child is expected to behave when you are the caretaker. For example, you might include a rule that explicitly states that when you're taking care of the child, you are in charge, and the child is expected to do as you say. It is probably also a good idea to sit down with the child (if they are old enough to understand), with the parents, in order to go over all of the rules (including any new rules). This will help the child understand that the rules apply in your presence, and will let them know that you are well aware of the rules, too. Be consistent. This is perhaps the most important thing to remember. Sometimes it will be easier to just let the child do what they want. However, it is important that you also follow all the rules, and apply consequences for the rule if it is broken. This is important because if the child knows you don't follow the rules rigidly, then they are more likely to misbehave in your presence. Additionally, it is also likely that they will begin to question the authority of their parents. Make suggestions to the parents. If you find that there are certain rules that aren't working, or if you have suggestions for new rules that you think could help a naughty child learn to behave, then talk with the parents about it. When doing so, be respectful. Don't tell them, “You're doing this, and it's dumb. It's not working, you should do this.” Instead, if you find a rule isn't working and want to suggest a new idea, say, “I've been working with [insert child's name] about not breaking this rule, but he seems to be having trouble with it. What would you think about trying out this approach…?” You don't want to make the parent feel as though you are insulting their parenting. Rather, you want to show that you're interested in helping improve if there is a way to do so, but without treading on their authority. Keep the parents updated. When you are finished with your caregiving duties, you should briefly chat with the parent about how the child behaved, and if any disciplinary action was needed. This will help the parents understand what is working and what isn't, and will also allow you a chance to suggest any ideas you may have. Avoid violence. Just as you should never hit your own children as a means of discipline, you should certainly never use physical violence to discipline children you are taking care of. If the parents suggest using violence as a means of discipline, politely explain to them the problem with this type of discipline. Respectfully explain that you will not engage in this type of discipline, and suggest an alternative. If they insist, you should probably consider backing out of the agreement. If you're worried for the safety of the child, contact the authorities. Unfortunately, it is legal to hit children in all US states, but the law varies from state to state about what is legal and what isn't. If you're concerned, it is better to contact the authorities than to stand aside and let a child endure abuse.

Draft a set of rules. Attach immediate consequences to each rule. Give them things to do. Have a schedule. Consider the age of the child. Walk away from the behavior. Let them know you understand that they’re upset. Remind them of the rules. Distract them. Don’t give in. Don’t yell at them. Remove the thing that caused the tantrum. Remind the child that you love them. Tell your child what you would like them to do. Remind them of the rules. Follow through. Be consistent. Ask the child to help come up with rewards for their good behavior. Praise them verbally. Spend time with them. Discuss discipline with the parents. Set rules. Be consistent. Make suggestions to the parents. Keep the parents updated. Avoid violence.

https://www.wikihow.life/Make-Makeup

How to Make Makeup

One of the easiest ways to make makeup is by learning to make lipstick! Place equal amounts of beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil in a dish. Add an inch of water and heat the ingredients until they melt. Next, stir in powders or spices to achieve your desired hue. For example, you can add beet root powder to make red lipstick, cocoa powder for a brown hue, or turmeric for coppery tones. Then, transfer the mixture into an old lipstick tube using a dropper or small funnel. Finally, let the lipstick cool completely before applying it!

Gather your supplies. Homemade lipstick is made from inexpensive ingredients you can purchase at craft and grocery stores or buy online. You'll need the following supplies to create the perfect lipstick: A new or used lipstick or chap stick container A glass dropper Beeswax Shea butter or cocoa butter Coconut oil For color: Beet root powder Cocoa powder Ground turmeric Ground cinnamon Melt the base. Lipstick base is made from beeswax, which keeps the lipstick stiff; shea or cocoa butter, which makes it spreadable; and coconut oil, which moisturizes your lips. Place equal amounts of beeswax, shea or cocoa butter, and coconut oil in a small glass dish. Place the dish in a shallow pan filled with an inch or so of water, making sure the water surface is well below the rim of the glass dish. Place the pan on the stove and turn the burner to medium-high, allowing the water to heat the mixture until it melts. Use a wooden stick or a spoon to stir the mixture until the ingredients are combined and completely melted. If you want to make several tubes of lipstick, use two tablespoons of each ingredient. If you just want one stick to start, use one teaspoon of each ingredient. Add color. Remove the mixture from heat. Add powders and spices to the base in 1/8 teaspoon increments, stirring well with a wooden stick or spoon to fully incorporate them into the base. Continue until the mixture has reached the hue you want. Add beet root powder if you want the lipstick to be red, using less for a pink color and more for a deeper rouge. If you can't find beet root powder, a natural red food coloring dye also works. Add cocoa powder for a brown hue. Ground turmeric and cinnamon produce coppery tones. If you want a nontraditional color, like purple, blue, green or yellow, add a few drops of natural food coloring. Use a dropper to fill the lipstick container. The easiest way to fill small lipstick or chap stick tubes is to use a glass dropper, such as the droppers that come with bottles of essential oil, to move the lipstick while it's still in its liquid state. Use a dropper to fill the container to the top with lipstick. If you don't have a dropper, use a small funnel to transfer the liquid. Place the funnel over the opening of the lipstick tube and pour the liquid from the bowl into the funnel. If you don't have a lipstick or chap stick tube, you can use a small glass or plastic lipstick pot instead, and plan to apply the lipstick with a lipstick brush. Be sure to transfer the liquid quickly, since it will begin to harden as it cools. Let the lipstick set. Allow the lipstick to completely cool and harden in its container. When it has set, apply it directly to your lips or use a lipstick brush for a more precise job. Gather your supplies. Eye shadow is made with a pigmented mineral called mica mixed with a little oil and alcohol to moisten and preserve it. You can make powdered or pressed eye shadow. Buy the following supplies: Mica pigments, available at online sources like tkbtrading.com. Buy several colors if you want to blend them to make a customized pigment, or choose one to make eye shadow in your favorite color. Jojoba oil, available at health food stores Rubbing alcohol An eye shadow container, either new or recycled A piece of cloth A bottle lid or other small, flat item Mix the pigments. Two ounces of mica will fill two standard eye shadow containers. You can weigh the mica on a small food scale or eyeball it by using two tablespoons total. Place the pigments in a small glass bowl. If you're using more than one, make sure they are thoroughly mixed, and that no lumps remain. To make sure the pigments are completely integrated, you can place them in a spice grinder and grind them together for a few seconds. Use a grinder you don't plan to use again to grind spices to eat. Try the following pigment mixtures to create unique custom colors: Make violet eyeshadow: Mix 1 ounce purple mica with 1 ounce blue. Make sea green eyeshadow: Mix 1 ounce emerald mica with 1 ounce yellow. Make mocha eyeshadow: Mix 1 ounce brown mica with 1 ounce bronze. Add jojoba oil. The oil provides a medium to help the powder stick to your eyelids. Add 1/8 teaspoon jojoba oil for every 2 ounces of mica. Stir until the oil is thoroughly combined with the mica. Add alcohol. Alcohol preserves and binds the powder. Fill a spray bottle with some rubbing alcohol and spray the powder until it is thoroughly moistened, but not dripping wet. Stir the mixture until it is combined. Place the mixture in the eyeshadow container. Use a measuring spoon or small scoop to transfer the powder from the bowl to the eyeshadow container. If you have a lot of powder, feel free to mound it up a little, since you'll be pressing it into place. Press the eyeshadow. Place the cloth over the eyeshadow container so that it completely covers the opening. Use the flat side of a bottle lid or another small, flat surface to press on the cloth, flattening the eyeshadow. Gently lift the cloth from the container. If the mixture still looks wet, place a different section of the cloth over the container and press it again. Don't press too hard, or you may break up the powder as you lift the cloth. Cover the eyeshadow. Use a lid with the container to store the eyeshadow for later use. When you're ready to use it, use an eye shadow brush to apply the shadow to your eyelids. Gather your supplies. You can make your own eyeliner out of household supplies that you probably already have in your kitchen. Get the following supplies ready: A lighter An almond Olive oil Tweezers A spoon A chopstick A small container Burn the almond. Grasp the almond in the tweezers and use the lighter to burn it. Keep using the lighter to burn the almond until its surface has turned to black ash. Don't use an almond that has been flavored or smoked, since it might contain ingredients that could irritate your eyes. If you fear the lighter will get too hot to hold, hold the almond up to a candle flame instead. Crush the ash. Scrape off the ash into a spoon or small dish. Use the back of a spoon to crush up the chunks in the ash, grinding it to a smooth powder. Add the oil. Add a drop or two of oil to the powder and mix it in using a chopstick. If you like your eyeliner to be on the dry side, add only a drop of oil. If you prefer eyeliner that is easy to glide on, add a few extra drops. Be careful not to add too much oil, or your eyeliner could run once you apply it. Jojoba oil and almond oil can be substituted for olive oil. Just make sure you use an oil approved for cosmetic use. Place the eyeliner in a container. An old chap stick pot, eyeshadow container or any small container with a lid will do. When it's time to apply the eyeliner, use an eyeliner blush and apply it as you would other liquid eyeliners.

Gather your supplies. Melt the base. Add color. Use a dropper to fill the lipstick container. Let the lipstick set. Gather your supplies. Mix the pigments. Add jojoba oil. Add alcohol. Place the mixture in the eyeshadow container. Press the eyeshadow. Cover the eyeshadow. Gather your supplies. Burn the almond. Crush the ash. Add the oil. Place the eyeliner in a container.

https://www.wikihow.com/Accentuate-Your-Tan

How to Accentuate Your Tan

To accentuate your tan, the key is to wear the right colors and take care of your skin. White is the best color to make your skin appear darker than it really is, but blue can also help your tan pop, especially warm blue-greens. Another way to accentuate your tan is to accessorize, like wearing coral, white, orange, or light blue nail polish. In order to take care of your tan, moisturize your skin generously at least twice a day. Use a moisturizer with an SPF to protect your skin from UV rays, which can cause skin damage.

Wear white. White is the most common color worn to accentuate a tan. It is the best color to make your skin appear darker than it really is. Bright white is best for cool skin tones. Off-white is best for naturally golden skin tones. Choose different shades of blue. Blue is a great choice to complement your tan. Any shade of blue accentuates your tan, but some shades of blue make tans stand out more than others. Colors of the sea are the best shades. Choose warm blue-greens to make your tan glow. To make your tan appear darker, wear lighter shades of blue. Pick out citrus and fruity colors. Colors like orange, yellow, and lime green look great on people with golden skin tones. Citrus colors will enhance the glow your skin has picked up from a tan, whether you got the tan naturally or unnaturally. Fruity colors like watermelon, melon, and berry will also do a good job of contrasting your tan. Look for coral and warm shades of pink. Coral and warm pinks do a good job of adding a rosy glow. Consider these colors if you do not like wearing too bright of colors, but want to accentuate your tan. Wear the right shades of nail polish. Choose a shade of nail polish that will go well with your clothing. Corals, white, orange, light blues, and bright reds are some good choices to accentuate a tan. O.P.I, Essie, and China Glaze produce these shades, though you can find tan complementing shades in just about any brand. Choose summer jewelry. Certain types of jewelry can make a tan stand out more than others. Gold bangles, chains, and hoops are good choices for summery jewelry that complement a tan. White accessories like cuffs, braided leather bracelets, and pearls will also make your tan stand out. Diamond or fake diamond jewelry will attract attention to your tan because of its pale color and shiny quality. Wear bronzer. Applying bronzer is a good way to get a glow even if you do not have a tan. With a tan, bronzer will enhance your glow and slightly deepen the tan on your face. To use bronzer, get a big fluffy brush, and dip it into the product. Then, apply it to your cheekbones, temples, and and across your nose. Make sure not too apply too much bronzer. Lightly apply the product. Some shades of bronzers may not be right for your skin. Get the advice of a makeup consultant before purchasing a bronzer. A few recommended bronzers are: Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer, bareMinerals Warmth All-Over Face Color, and E.L.F Bronzer. Change your hair color. It is not necessary to change your hair color, but you can think about changing your hair color or adding highlights. Some shades of hair color complement tans better than other colors. Blonde shades are probably best known for complementing a tan. For golden skin tones, choose warm shades of blonde, like golden blonde. Ash and platinum blonde works best with cool skin tones. If you do not want to go blonde, you can choose a medium golden brown, or golden beige highlights to accentuate your tan. Pink is another shade that surprisingly goes well with a tan. Bright or a faded color of pink are the best shades to complement a tan. Get a tan. You may already be tan, but if not, you will need to get a tan. There are many ways to get a tan. Some are more dangerous than others. A few ways to get tan are: Lay out in the sun. To do this, you will need to find a sunny spot, wear a bathing suit, apply sunscreen, and lay out for at least thirty minutes. Don't lay out in the sun too long or too much. Too much exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. Go to a tanning bed. Using a tanning bed is a quick, but potentially dangerous method. You can find a tanning salon in your area, pay for a subscription, and then use the tanning beds as much as you please. Tanning in a bed, however, can increase your chances of skin cancer more than any other method of tanning. Get a spray tan. This is a safe way to get a tan. You can go to a tanning salon in your area that does spray tans, and pay for their service. Spray tans typically do not last longer than a couple of weeks, and they may rub off on your clothing and sheets. But, they do not risk your health. Apply a self-tanner. This is the cheapest and safest way to get a spray tan. You can purchase a spray or cream and apply it in your home. It is inexpensive and safe for your health, but it can produce an unnatural color and come off on your clothing. Moisturize generously. Moisturize at least twice a day. You need to moisturize to keep your tan healthy and lasting. Apply moisturizer in the morning and at night. In the morning, apply a cream that has SPF in it. At night, use a hydrating face and body cream. Eau Soleil Body Milk is recommended for the morning. After sun exposure, Biotherm's Crème Nacrée After Sun is recommended. Apply a tinted oil or cream. Along with moisturizing, use a tinted oil or cream. Use a cream or oil with SPF in it for added protection from UV rays. Tinted products will add an extra glow to your skin, keep you moisturized, and protect you from skin damage. BB creams are a good and common choice. You can also find tinted creams for specific needs, like oily skin, anti-aging, and dry skin.

Wear white. Choose different shades of blue. Pick out citrus and fruity colors. Look for coral and warm shades of pink. Wear the right shades of nail polish. Choose summer jewelry. Wear bronzer. Change your hair color. Get a tan. Moisturize generously. Apply a tinted oil or cream.

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

How to Clean Formica

To clean formica, scrub the surface with a soft cloth or sponge dipped in a solution of water and dish soap. Alternatively, scrub with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. For tough stains, cover the area with a paste of baking soda and water for 5 minutes, then blot up the paste with a damp cloth. After cleaning, gently wipe off any residue with a damp cloth, and dry the surface with a cotton cloth or towel.

Apply a mild dish soap to the surface. To clean Formica, apply a mild dish soap to the surface. You can either apply the dish soap directly to the surface or mix with water and then dip a sponge into the solution before rubbing it on the surface. Try a white vinegar and water mixture. You can also use a white vinegar and water solution to clean formica. Mix together equal parts white vinegar and water and then apply to the surface. Spray high gloss surfaces with glass cleaner. If your counter tops have a high gloss finish, you may need to use a simple glass cleaner to remove any streaks or smears that may become present after a normal cleaning. To do this, spray glass cleaner on the streaky area and then wipe with a paper towel or cotton cloth. Avoid cleaners that contain acid, alkali, or sodium hypochlorite. These can etch, corrode, or discolour the surface. As a result, only mild and gentle cleaning agents should be used. Read the ingredients on your cleaning products to ensure they will not mark the surface. Rub with a damp cotton cloth or soft sponge. Gently rub the cleaning agent onto the surface, using a damp cotton cloth or soft sponge. Using a circular motion and a little elbow grease, you should be able to remove most spills. For matte, sparkle, or dimensional finishes, you may need to use a nylon bristled brush to adequately clean the surface. Do not use an abrasive pad or scouring cloth. These can permanently scratch or dull the surface. Rinse with water. Once you have rubbed the cleaning solution over the surface, soak a clean cloth in water. Wring the cloth so that it is slightly damp and then rub the surface to rinse away any remaining soap. Do not flood the surface. If you pour too much water onto the surface to rinse away the soap, it may seep into the seams of the Formica. This can cause the surface to warp. Dry the surface with a cotton cloth. Using a dry cloth or towel, thoroughly dry the surface and remove any excess water. Use a baking soda and water mixture. Some tough to remove stains will respond well to a baking soda and water mixture. Mix 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of baking soda with one quart (liter) of water. Apply the mixture to the desired area. Leave the paste on the stain for approximately five minutes. For really tough stains, leave the paste on the stain overnight. Blot the stain with a damp cotton cloth. Baking soda can be corrosive, as a result, you should not rub the mixture onto the Formica surface. Instead, use a damp cloth and blot the stain. This will prevent you from scratching or damaging the surface and will remove the baking soda and water mixture. Dry the surface. Once you have rinsed away the stain remover, dry the surface using a clean and dry cotton cloth or towel. Wipe up spills immediately. The best way to prevent the development of tough stains, is to wipe up any spills immediately as they happen. The longer a stain stays on the surface, the more likely it is to cause permanent damage. Avoid placing hot items directly on the surface. Dishes or pans that have been removed from the oven or stovetop should not be placed directly on a Formica surface. These can leave permanent scorch marks or warp the plastic finish. Similarly, you should not place a curling iron or straightener directly on the surface. Always use a trivet or insulated hot pad to protect the surface from direct heat. Use a cutting board. Do not use a Formica countertop as a cutting board. Sharp knives can scratch the surface causing permanent damage. As a result, you should always use a cutting board when working with sharp objects.

Apply a mild dish soap to the surface. Try a white vinegar and water mixture. Spray high gloss surfaces with glass cleaner. Avoid cleaners that contain acid, alkali, or sodium hypochlorite. Rub with a damp cotton cloth or soft sponge. Rinse with water. Dry the surface with a cotton cloth. Use a baking soda and water mixture. Blot the stain with a damp cotton cloth. Dry the surface. Wipe up spills immediately. Avoid placing hot items directly on the surface. Use a cutting board.

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

How to Make a Hood

To make a hood, start by picking the garment you want to attach the hood to and choosing a fabric that will go with this base garment. Next, find another hooded garment and lay the hood, folded in half, on a piece of paper. Then, trace around the front and back edges of the hood, and add a seam allowance by drawing a second outline 1/2 inch around the first outline. Once you're done tracing, cut out the pattern piece, lay it over your fabric, and cut around all the edges. Finally, sew the hood together and attach it to your base garment.

Find the base garment. The base garment is the item of clothing you wish to attach the hood to. It can be a coat, jacket, sweater, shirt, or dress. Ideally, the garment should have a neckline that sits comfortably around the base of your neck. It can have a solid, buttoned, or zippered front. Choose a coordinating fabric. The fabric for your hood should coordinate with the base garment in both pattern and fiber content. If you're making a hood for a garment you're in the process of sewing, use the same fabric for both the hood and the garment. If you're making a hood for a prepared garment you already have in your possession, choose new fabric that looks and feels similar. If you cannot match the pattern, try to match at least one color within the pattern. Similarly, if you cannot find the same type of fabric, choose one that is similar in weight. Note that woven fabrics will work if you're adding the hood to a garment made with woven fabric and if the neckline opens at the front or breaks into a deep v-neck. Otherwise, you may need to use knit fabric. Also note that you can use the same material for both the exterior portion of the hood and the lining. If you choose to mix and match, though, you should keep both fabrics similar in weight and stretch. Measure the neckline of the base garment. Use a tape measure to carefully measure all the way around the neckline of the base garment. If the neckline opens in the front, start and stop the measurement at the edge of that opening. The bottom of both hood halves will need to be half the circumference of the neckline. If you do not have a base garment to work with, you can estimate the necessary circumference by measuring around the circumference of the wearer's neck. Add at least 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10 cm) to this measurement to prevent the hood from fitting too snug. Sketch out the bottom edge. On a large sheet of blank newsprint or brown package paper, draw a straight line that matches half the circumference of your neckline. Since the back of a garment typically rises higher than the front, the left edge of this bottom line should be 1 inch (2.5 cm) lower than the right edge. Draw the front opening edge. This opening should be at least as tall as the distance between the top of your head and the front of your collarbone. Usually, the front opening will be around 2 inches (5 cm) longer than the bottom edge for child-sized hoods and between 3 and 5 inches (7.6 and 12.5 cm) for adult-sized hoods. Draw this line so that it extends straight up from the left end of the bottom edge. Estimate the back curve. The back curve will need a relatively flat top and side, but it should curve instead of meeting at a sharp angle. To make the process easier, draw one straight line extending to the right of the top front opening and a second extending up from the right end of the bottom edge. Continue until these two lines meet at an intersection. Starting within 3 inches (7.6 cm) of the point of intersection, lightly sketch a curve to the inside of the sharp corner. This new curve will be the final outline of the back curve. Note that the total length of this curved line should roughly match the distance between the wearer's shoulders and the top of the wearer's forehead. Add a seam allowance. Draw a second outline around the first, placing it approximately 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) to the outside. You'll need to add this seam allowance to all sides of the hood pattern. Transfer the design to the fabric. Cut out the pattern piece, then pin or trace it onto the fabric for your hood. You can save time by folding the fabric and pinning it together. If you plan to use the same material for the exterior and the lining, fold the fabric into four layers and pin the pattern piece to the top layer. If you plan to use different material for the exterior and the lining, fold both pieces of fabric in half to create two layers. Stack one on top of the other, and pin the pattern piece on top of the first layer. Cut out the pieces. Carefully cut around the marked pattern. When finished, you should have four separate pieces of material. For single-sided fabric, make sure that there are two sets of two matching halves. In other words, you should be able to match up the edges of two separate pieces, and the "wrong" sides of both pieces should face one another as you do. Find another hooded garment. Find a garment with a hood that fits well. Fold the hood of this garment in half. Ideally, the garment should be similar in size to the garment you plan to add the hood to. Line up the necklines. If the necklines of both garments do not match, you may need to alter the bottom edge of your pattern so that it matches the neckline of your base garment. Trace around the side of the hood. With the left and right sides folded together, lay the hood flat over plain newsprint or brown package paper. Use a pencil to sketch around the front and back edges of the hood. Fold the hood down along its bottom seam, then trace along that edge, as well. If you need to add or remove length, begin by adjusting the bottom edge as needed. After adjusting the bottom, bring the front opening forward or backward as needed to meet the altered length. Add a seam allowance. Sketch a second outline around the first outline, spacing the two 1/2 inch (2.5 cm) apart. This new space will be the seam allowance. Note that you'll need to cut along the seam allowance outline. Do not cut over the original outline. Transfer the design to the fabric. Cut out the pattern piece, then lay it over your fabric. Pin it in place or sketch around the full outline with fabric pencil. Fold the fabric into four layers and pin the pattern piece on top. If you're using two separate materials for the exterior and the lining, fold each material into two layers and pin them together with the pattern piece on top. The "wrong" side of the fabric should face up on half the layers and down on the other half. Cut out the pieces. Cut around all edges of the marked pattern. When finished, remove the pins and separate the pieces. You should have a total of four separate pieces. Sew the exterior pieces together. Pin both exterior pieces together, "wrong" sides facing out and "right" sides facing in. Using a sewing machine, straight stitch along the curved top-to-back edge. Remember to use a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance along the edge. Use an iron to press the seam allowance to one side when finished. Sew the lining pieces together. Pin both lining pieces together, "wrong" sides out and "right" sides in. Straight stitch along the curved top-to-back edge. Use the same 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance and press it to one side of the material when finished. Note that the lining and exterior portions of the hood should match in shape and size. Stitch the hood to the lining. Open both pieces, then lay them together with the "right" sides in and the "wrong" sides out. Pin the pieces together and sew a straight stitch along the front portion of the perimeter. The outer perimeter will correspond to the front and bottom edges of the hood. Stitch the front edges together, using a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance, but do not sew the bottom edge closed. If desired, you can also top stitch down the center line of the hood, but doing so is not necessary. Turn the hood. Turn the hood right-side out through the bottom opening. If necessary, use an iron to press and flatten the joined front edge of the hood. Arrange the hood over the neckline. Pin the hood to the neckline of the base garment, matching up the center and endpoints precisely. The base garment should be right-side out and the hood should be lining-side out. Fold the hood over and around the top of the garment so that the exterior side of the hood faces the outside of the garment. Begin by matching the bottom center of the hood with the back center of of the garment's neckline. Fold the sides of the hood over, matching the corners to the center front of the neckline. Once the center and endpoints are pinned in place, continue pinning around the rest of the bottom edge to secure the hood evenly around the neckline. Sew around the shared seam. Sew a straight stitch from one endpoint and around the back of the neckline, stopping only when you reach the other endpoint. Use the same 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) seam allowance used on your other hood edges. When finished, the bottom edge of the hood should be firmly attached to the neckline of the garment. Zigzag stitch over the raw edge. Work back over the exposed raw edge of the hood with a zigzag stitch. Place the stitch as close to the raw edge as possible. The threads of this stitch should lock the edge in place and prevent it from fraying as you wear the hood. Try it on. The project is now complete. Put on the garment and flip the hood over your head to test it out and admire your own handiwork.

Find the base garment. Choose a coordinating fabric. Measure the neckline of the base garment. Sketch out the bottom edge. Draw the front opening edge. Estimate the back curve. Add a seam allowance. Transfer the design to the fabric. Cut out the pieces. Find another hooded garment. Trace around the side of the hood. Add a seam allowance. Transfer the design to the fabric. Cut out the pieces. Sew the exterior pieces together. Sew the lining pieces together. Stitch the hood to the lining. Turn the hood. Arrange the hood over the neckline. Sew around the shared seam. Zigzag stitch over the raw edge. Try it on.

https://www.wikihow.com/Date-a-Girl-in-Grand-Theft-Auto:-San-Andreas

How to Date a Girl in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

To date a girl in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, start by meeting the prerequisite challenges you must complete that will allow you to date certain women. For example, if you want to date Helena, you'll need to complete the “Green Sabre” mission, be between 15-20 percent muscle with a fat percentage of less than 5 percent, and have a high sex appeal. You can gain muscle and lose weight by lifting weights, running, and not eating for several days. If you need to increase your sex appeal, wear expensive garments, drive a nice car, and get some tattoos.

Understand how dating works. In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, you can date a total of 6 women. Most of the women have prerequisite challenges that you must complete before you can date them. 2 of the women—Denise and Millie—are encountered during story quests, but the other 4 women must actively be sought out. Keep in mind the "Progress" meter. Once you're dating a woman, you can increase a "Progress" meter by going on successful dates, dancing, driving carefully, and so on. Once the progress meter reaches the 50 percent mark, you'll unlock a perk exclusive to dating the current woman; the 100 percent mark will unlock another perk. The progress meter will decrease if you go on a bad date or if you abandon or harm the woman. It will also decrease if you leave the woman's geographical area, re-enter it, and don't go on a date with her before leaving again. Know how to prevent bad dates. Each woman has different preferences, including favorite restaurants, preferred driving speeds, and acceptable neighborhoods to be in. Taking her to her favorite restaurant, completing various mini-games, and avoiding going over her preferred speed or driving through unacceptable neighborhoods will ensure that you have a good date. Abandoning your date will count against your progress with the woman. Know that you can date multiple women at once. Feasibly, you can date all 6 women at the same time without negative repercussions; you just have to remember to go on at least one date one any time you enter her geographical area. For example, if you're dating both Helena (Flint County) and Katie (San Fierro), you would have to go on a date with Katie if you enter San Fierro from a different location, and you would have to go on a date with Helen after entering Flint County. Know how a date works. When you go to pick up your girlfriend, she will suggest one of three dates: dining, driving, or dancing. You'll then have to take her to the right place depending on her preferred locations. Avoid jealous girlfriends. Jealous girlfriends occur if you begin dating more than one woman without taking either of them on a date; if a jealous girlfriend catches you with another woman, you will lose progress with the jealous girlfriend. You can force jealous girlfriends to stop appearing by doing one of the following things: Going on a date with your first girlfriend before pursuing another woman. Evading a jealous girlfriend in a car chase long enough to force her to despawn. Get caught once by a jealous girlfriend. Lose or gain fat, muscle, and/or sex appeal. The 4 non-story women who you can date will have different body type requirements which may require your character to raise or lower their "Fat", "Muscle", and "Sex Appeal" characteristics: You can gain fat by eating fast food (e.g., Cluckin' Bell) and not exercising for several days in a row. Fat can be lost by not eating and/or by exercising for several days in a row. Muscle can be gained by lifting weights (1% increase per repetition) or running on a treadmill (1% increase per 14 seconds). It can be lost by failing to eat for several days in a row. Sex Appeal is mostly measured by your character's garments and how expensive they are, but muscle percentage, car appearance, and tattoos also help. Play the Burning Desire quest. Unlike the 4 non-quest women who you can date in GTA San Andreas, Denise doesn't have any prerequisites other than completing the "Burning Desire" request. After setting the house on fire, you'll see Denise asking for help; run inside the house to rescue Denise. Wait for the right time to visit. Denise is home between the hours of 4:00 PM (16:00) and 6:00 AM (06:00). Visiting her house during these hours will allow you to strike up a conversation with her. Find Denise. You can find Denise at her house in Ganton near Grove Street; it will have a green Hustler car parked out front if you visit during the right time. Visiting Denise will allow you to initiate a date. Know Denise's driving preferences. While she doesn't mind how fast or slow you drive, Denise prefers to stay close to Ganton and Idlewood (e.g., near her home) and does not appreciate driving through rural or rich areas. In particular, avoid driving around Red County or Flint County with Denise. Take Denise to one of her favorite restaurants. She likes eating at the following locations: Cluckin' Bell The Well Stacked Pizza Co. Ten Green Bottles Go dancing with Denise. Denise enjoys the Alhambra club in Idlewood. Keep in mind that you can also take her on a dinner date here since there is a bar. Indulge Denise's alternative date. If Denise asks you for permission to perform a drive-by on a local gang, accepting her request will count as a successful date. Increase Denise's progress bar. Each successful date will increase the progress bar by 5 percent; once you reach around 40 percent, Denise will begin to invite you in for coffee. Redeem your rewards. Dating Denise for long enough will unlock the following rewards for the pertinent progress bar ratings: 50 percent - You can begin driving Denise's Hustler. 100 percent - Denise gives you a custom suit. Meet the prerequisites. Helena requires the following prerequisites to be met before you can date her: Completed the "The Green Sabre" mission Between 15 and 20 percent muscle Low fat (under 5 percent) High Sex Appeal Wait for the right time to visit. Helena is at home on her ranch between the hours of 8:00 AM (08:00) and 12:00 PM (12:00), as well as between 2:00 PM (14:00) and 2:00 AM (02:00). Find Helena. She can be found on a farm on the Flint Range in Flint County. Approaching her with the correct prerequisites met will initiate a date. Know Helena's driving preferences. She prefers slow driving in rural and affluent areas of the city. The easiest way to complete this kind of date is by driving slowly around her farm. Take Helena to one of her favorite restaurants. Helena likes actual restaurants, but the closest favorite of hers is the World of Coq restaurant in Los Santos. Remember to drive slowly on your way to this restaurant. Go dancing with Helena. Both Alhambra (Idlewood) and Gaydar Station (San Fierro) are acceptable places to go dancing for Helena. You must score at least 4000 points during the dancing mini-game if you want the date to go well. Increase Helena's progress bar. Each successful date will increase the progress bar by 5 percent; once you reach around 70 percent, Helena will begin to invite you in for coffee. Redeem your rewards. Dating Helena for long enough will unlock the following rewards for the pertinent progress bar ratings: 50 percent - You can begin driving Helena's Bandito. 100 percent - Helena gives you the Rural Clothes outfit. Meet Michelle's physical standards. Michelle prefers men with either over 50 percent fat and a high sex appeal or a 91 percent (or higher) sex appeal. Find Michelle. You'll initially find Michelle near a water cooler inside of the Doherty driving school, but she can be found at Michelle's Auto Repair in Downtown San Fierro from then on. Wait for the right time to approach Michelle. You can approach Michelle at the auto repair shop any time between 12:00 AM (00:00) and 12:00 PM (12:00). This will trigger a date. Know Michelle's driving preferences. She enjoys it when you drive significantly faster than usual, and prefers to stay close to the roads in her area. Avoid Queens and Chinatown when driving with Michelle. Take Michelle to a bar. Michelle likes bars rather than restaurants; you can find the nearest bar, Misty's, near Michelle's shop. Go dancing with Michelle. Michelle enjoys dancing at the Gaydar Station club in Queens. Increase Michelle's progress bar. Each successful date will increase the progress bar by 5 percent; once you reach around 40 percent, Michelle will begin to invite you in for coffee. Redeem your rewards. Dating Michelle for long enough will unlock the following rewards for the pertinent progress bar ratings: 50 percent - You can begin driving her Monster. 100 percent - Michelle gives you the Racing Suit outfit. Meet the physical requirements. Katie likes men who have a high (near maximum) sex appeal and a high muscle rating. Try to aim for 50 percent muscle before talking to Katie. Know where to find Katie. Katie is most often found in the northeast corner of the Avispa Country Club; this is where you'll want to approach her initially. Find Katie at home. Going to Katie's home in Juniper Hollow, San Fierro between 12:00 PM (12:00) and 12:00 AM (00:00) will result in a date request. Know Katie's driving preferences. Katie likes to drive near the shoreline (e.g., below the Gant Bridge or in the Bayside area), and she prefers an average driving speed. Katie will sometimes encourage you to drive faster, but doing so will cause her Fun meter to drop. Take Katie dancing. She prefers to go to the Gaydar Station club since it's the closest to her house. Take Katie to a diner. If requested, Katie prefers to go to diners such as the Paradiso Diner restaurant. Avoid fast food with Katie. Increase Katie's progress bar. Each successful date will increase the progress bar by 5 percent; once you reach around 52 percent, Katie will begin to invite you in for coffee. Redeem your rewards. Dating Katie for long enough will unlock the following rewards for the pertinent progress bar ratings: 50 percent - You can begin driving Katie's Romero. 100 percent - Katie gives you the Medic Uniform outfit. Play the Key to Her Heart quest. Unlike the 4 non-quest women who you can date in GTA San Andreas, Millie doesn't have any physical requirements; however, you'll need to complete the Key to Her Heart quest to start dating her. Wait for the right time to visit. Millie is home (and dateable) between the hours of 12:00 PM (12:00) and 10:00 PM (22:00). Approach Millie. Go to Millie's home in Prickle Pine, Las Venturas during the time at which she is home. This will prompt a date request. Know Millie's driving preferences. Millie doesn't have picky driving preferences, so maintaining an average speed while driving in circles around her neighborhood will be enough to fulfill a driving date. Take Millie to one of her favorite restaurants. Millie enjoys restaurants rather than fast food; you can take her to the Steakhouse that's to the southwest of her house. Go dancing with Millie. She enjoys the club closest to her house. As Millie isn't particularly difficult to impress due to being a quest requirement, you shouldn't have to score very highly on the mini-game. Increase Millie's progress bar. Each successful date will increase the progress bar by 5 percent; once you reach around 40 percent, Millie will begin to invite you in for coffee. Redeem your rewards. Dating Millie for long enough will unlock the following rewards for the pertinent progress bar ratings: 50 percent - You can begin driving Millie's pink Club. 100 percent - There is no reward for 100 percent. Meet Barbara's physical standards. Your character must be at least 50 percent fat and have a relatively high sex appeal rating, though CJ doesn't need to be fat if Sex Appeal is maxed out. Find Barbara. You can find Barbara at the El Quebrados Sheriff's Station. Approach Barbara at the right time. Barbara can usually be picked up for a date between 12:00 AM (00:00) and 6:00 AM (06:00), though you may be able to find her between 2:00 PM (14:00) and 8:00 PM (20:00). Know Barbara's driving preferences. Barbara tends to enjoy driving at the same speed as other traffic, and prefers driving around the block rather than taking lengthy out-of-city road trips. Take Barbara to a diner. Barbara prefers diners to restaurants; the nearest diner is Jay's Diner. Go dancing with Barbara. She enjoys the club in Las Venturas, and prefers to avoid the next-closest one (Gaydar Station) since it is in Queens. Increase Barbara's progress bar. Each successful date will increase the progress bar by 5 percent; once you reach around 60 percent, Barbara will begin to invite you in for coffee. Redeem your rewards. Dating Barbara for long enough will unlock the following rewards for the pertinent progress bar ratings: 50 percent - You can begin driving Barbara's Ranger. 100 percent - Barbara gives you a police officer uniform.

Understand how dating works. Keep in mind the "Progress" meter. Know how to prevent bad dates. Know that you can date multiple women at once. Know how a date works. Avoid jealous girlfriends. Lose or gain fat, muscle, and/or sex appeal. Play the Burning Desire quest. Wait for the right time to visit. Find Denise. Know Denise's driving preferences. Take Denise to one of her favorite restaurants. Go dancing with Denise. Indulge Denise's alternative date. Increase Denise's progress bar. Redeem your rewards. Meet the prerequisites. Wait for the right time to visit. Find Helena. Know Helena's driving preferences. Take Helena to one of her favorite restaurants. Go dancing with Helena. Increase Helena's progress bar. Redeem your rewards. Meet Michelle's physical standards. Find Michelle. Wait for the right time to approach Michelle. Know Michelle's driving preferences. Take Michelle to a bar. Go dancing with Michelle. Increase Michelle's progress bar. Redeem your rewards. Meet the physical requirements. Know where to find Katie. Find Katie at home. Know Katie's driving preferences. Take Katie dancing. Take Katie to a diner. Increase Katie's progress bar. Redeem your rewards. Play the Key to Her Heart quest. Wait for the right time to visit. Approach Millie. Know Millie's driving preferences. Take Millie to one of her favorite restaurants. Go dancing with Millie. Increase Millie's progress bar. Redeem your rewards. Meet Barbara's physical standards. Find Barbara. Approach Barbara at the right time. Know Barbara's driving preferences. Take Barbara to a diner. Go dancing with Barbara. Increase Barbara's progress bar. Redeem your rewards.

https://www.wikihow.com/Roast-Chestnuts

How to Roast Chestnuts

To roast chestnuts in the oven, use a sharp knife to carefully cut an X into the round side of each of the chestnuts. Cut all the way through the shell and into the chestnut meat. Once you've scored all of the chestnuts, place them in a large bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them sit in the hot water for 1 minute, then drain them through a colander. Spread the chestnuts in a single layer on a piece of tinfoil, X side up, and roast them for 15-18 minutes in a 400°F oven. Let the nuts cool for at least 5 minutes before you peel them.

Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C). It will take around 15 minutes for your oven to get to this temperature, so you can do this before you start prepping the chestnuts. Another option is to prep the chestnuts first, put them into the refrigerator, and then turn on the oven when you are ready to roast them. Cut an X into the round side of each of the chestnuts. Use a sharp paring knife to cut the shape of an X into the round side of each chestnut. Cut all the way through the shell and into the chestnut meat. This is called scoring the chestnuts. Soak the chestnuts in a bowl of hot water for 1 minute. Place the scored chestnuts into a large bowl and cover them with boiling hot water. Let the chestnuts sit in the hot water for 1 minute and then drain them by pouring the water and chestnuts into a colander. You may notice the shells have opened up slightly around the score marks after you finish soaking the chestnuts. This is normal. Spread out the chestnuts X side up on a piece of foil on a baking sheet. Wrap the edges of the foil up and around the chestnuts to create a parcel or packet. Keep the foil open so that the chestnuts are visible when you look at them from above. Roasting the chestnuts this way will help to ensure that they get cooked all the way through. Bake the chestnuts for 15 to 18 minutes. Set a timer for 15 minutes and check the chestnuts after time is up. When they are done, the scored shell should have started to peel back. They will also look darker than they did when you put them into the oven. Let the chestnuts bake for a full 18 minutes if you want to ensure that they are done. It is important not to bake them for too long or they may be charred on the inside of the shells. Let the chestnuts cool for 5 minutes before you peel them. Put on a pair of oven mitts and remove the chestnuts from the oven. Place the baking sheet onto a potholder or trivet to cool. Use your fingers to peel away the shells from the chestnuts starting at the score marks. Do not wait longer than 5 minutes to peel the chestnuts or it may be more difficult to separate the chestnut meat from the shells. Store the cooked and peeled chestnuts in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Get a fire going in a fire pit, fireplace, or grill. You do not need a very large fire, but you will need to have flames and a grill rack positioned just above them to roast chestnuts this way. Place a log into your fireplace, fire pit, or charcoal grill and light it. Use newspaper as kindling to get the fire going. A small amount of lighter fluid may also help to ignite the log. Wash the chestnuts and cut an X into each 1. Rinse the chestnuts under warm running water for a minute to clean them. Then, cut an X into the round sides of the chestnuts with a sharp paring knife. Make sure that the X goes through the shell and into the chestnut meat. Cutting an X into the chestnuts is called scoring the chestnuts. Spread the chestnuts out on a piece of tin foil or a heavy metal pan. Use a large sheet of heavy duty tin foil with several small holes poked into it, a cast iron pan, or a slotted grill pan meant for cooking over an open fire. Position the chestnuts with the X facing up and spread them out in a single layer. If you want to poke holes into a piece of tin foil to roast your chestnuts, use a skewer or small knife and poke a hole in the tin foil about every 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm). Roast the chestnuts over the fire for 20 to 30 minutes. Roast the chestnuts until the shells are blackened, which will take about 20 to 30 minutes depending on the heat of your fire. Put your foil or pan onto a grill rack just above the flames. The flames should be licking the bottom and sides of the foil or pan. Watch the chestnuts closely so you will know when they are done. If possible, keep the fire burning at the same level and avoid getting the fire too hot or the chestnuts may burn. Let the chestnuts cool for 5 minutes and then peel them. After the chestnut shells are blackened, remove them from the fire, and let them cool before you begin to peel them. Use your fingers to peel away the shells around the scored area of the chestnuts. Make sure to use a fireproof silicone oven mitt to remove the chestnuts from the fire and set the pan onto a potholder or trivet to cool. Place your cooked and peeled chestnuts into an airtight container, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cut an X into each of the chestnuts. Use a sharp paring knife to cut an X mark into the round side of each of the chestnuts. Cut all the way through the shell and into the chestnut meat. This is known as scoring the chestnuts. Soak the chestnuts in hot water for 1 minute. Place the chestnuts into a large glass bowl and pour boiling hot water over them. You will need to completely cover the chestnuts with the water. Leave them to soak for 1 minute and then pour the chestnuts into a colander to drain them. Make sure to wear a pair of oven mitts when you do this since the bowl may be hot! Fry the chestnuts for 15 minutes in a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Turn on a burner on your stove and place a cast iron pan onto it. Then, place the chestnuts onto the pan in a single layer. Let them cook for 15 minutes, stirring them every 2 to 3 minutes to prevent them from burning. If your skillet is not large enough to fit all of the chestnuts, then you will need to do this in 2 or 3 batches. Wrap the chestnuts into a tea towel and let them cool for 10 minutes. After the chestnuts are done, pour them into an open tea towel on your counter. Then fold up the tea towel around the chestnuts like a parcel. Let the chestnuts sit in the tea towel for 10 minutes. Another option is to remove the pan from the heat, place a lid on the skillet, and let the chestnuts cool this way. Peel the chestnuts after 10 minutes. Once the chestnuts have cooled, begin peeling away the shells using your fingers. Start by peeling the shells away from the chestnuts around the score marks. Remove the shells completely to get at the meat. Don't wait longer than 10 minutes to peel the chestnuts or it may be more difficult to remove them from their shells. It is bets to peel them while they are still warm. Cooked and peeled chestnuts will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Preheat the oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Cut an X into the round side of each of the chestnuts. Soak the chestnuts in a bowl of hot water for 1 minute. Spread out the chestnuts X side up on a piece of foil on a baking sheet. Bake the chestnuts for 15 to 18 minutes. Let the chestnuts cool for 5 minutes before you peel them. Get a fire going in a fire pit, fireplace, or grill. Wash the chestnuts and cut an X into each 1. Spread the chestnuts out on a piece of tin foil or a heavy metal pan. Roast the chestnuts over the fire for 20 to 30 minutes. Let the chestnuts cool for 5 minutes and then peel them. Cut an X into each of the chestnuts. Soak the chestnuts in hot water for 1 minute. Fry the chestnuts for 15 minutes in a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Wrap the chestnuts into a tea towel and let them cool for 10 minutes. Peel the chestnuts after 10 minutes.

https://www.wikihow.com/Order-Checks-for-the-First-Time

How to Order Checks for the First Time

Ordering checks for the first time is a simple and easy process. You can order checks from your bank through their mobile banking app, website, by phone, or in person. Alternatively, you can order personalized checks from third-party companies online. If you're buying third-party checks, it's best to check if your bank has preferred vendors, since these might have a special discount. You can order regular single page checks or duplicate checks, which give you an instant copy of the check for your personal records. These are best if you have a business account. When ordering your checks, you'll need your routing number and bank account number, which will be printed on your checks. It will generally take between 1 and 2 weeks to receive your checks, although some companies offer expedited shipping.

Get checks from your bank. You can always order checks directly from your bank. While these checks will likely have your bank logo instead of personalized checks, they are relatively easy to order directly through your bank. You should get a limited quantity of checks when you first open a checking account at your bank. If you plan on writing a lot of checks, you may want to order checks immediately at your bank when you open your account. Bank checks are sometimes cheaper than personalized checks, but check with your bank to verify the prices. Additionally, there will never be any problems between a third-party check company and your bank, since you are ordering directly from the bank. Use mobile ordering to get checks. At many banks, you can order checks directly from their mobile app. If you need checks quickly, this may be a good way to get checks while you're on the go. You'll need to sign into the mobile app. If you haven't already set up an online account with your bank, you'll likely need to do that first before you can access their mobile app. For many banks, there should be a section on their mobile app called “Order Checks” or “Check Orders”. You can also check out the “Help & Support” section on the app to find where you can order checks using the app. Order checks online. Many banks prefer that you order checks online, since it's quick and easy for you to do. Checks through your bank will be either their standard check or a personalized version through a vendor the bank does business with. First, you should log into your online account with your username and password. Again, you'll need to have set up your online account first so you can order checks. Once you log in, you should be able to order checks through your account. For some banks, they may have an approved vendor where you can order personalized checks for a fee. Get checks by phone or in person. If you feel uncomfortable ordering checks online, you can also order by phone or at the bank. In both cases, make sure to have all your important account information available to give to the representative or bank teller. When ordering by phone, the representative should be able to pull up your bank account. You'll likely need your account number, as well as your routing information to order check by phone. You can also go to the bank to order checks. Bringing the initial set of checks your bank gave you can help expedite the ordering process. Find personalized checks through a third-party vendor. If you want unique personalized or themed checks, you may have to go through a third-party vendor. Some banks have preferred vendors, but you can also order from a variety of websites. Your bank may have a specific vendor that offers personalized or unique checks. It's a good idea to check with the bank, either online or in-person, to see if they have a preferred vendor, since that may be cheaper in many cases. If you know you want specific themed checks, you'll likely need to look elsewhere than your bank to get them. You can find websites online that can offer nearly every color, design, pattern, or theme you may want. Research which companies are offering check printing services. Many are listed in magazines, Sunday newspaper inserts, or as a part of direct-mail marketing pieces. Probably the best way to find them is looking online. If you get the newspaper on a regular basis, there's usually an insert form that you can use to order checks. You can also look online on the insert company's website to see all the varieties of checks they offer. Online ordering is also very easy for ordering checks. You'll just need to have your checking account, routing number, and bank information when ordering checks online. Make sure you use a reputable company when ordering online. It's important to avoid fraudulent businesses when ordering checks online. These companies will have your banking information, so you don't want it to fall into the wrong hands. If you find a check style or personalization that you like, do some research on the company. You'll want to make sure that it's reputable and other people have used the check ordering service before. Your bank's preferred vendor may be a good place to start, since you know it's a reputable vendor per your bank. If they do not offer what you're looking for, you can find websites linked through chain stores or reputable online vendors. Choose the check style you want to use. You can get either single-page checks or duplicate checks. The duplicate checks give you a copy of the check you just wrote for your personal records, while the single-page checks offer only a single check without a copy for your records. Single page checks are usually best if you're writing checks for most personal reasons, such as paying bills. Additionally, most banks offer a digital version of your check on their website, so you should be able to get an image of the check online if necessary. Duplicate checks may be a better option if you have a business account. Your bookkeeper may want copies of the check so a hard copy of each check is filed away. Decide on the check’s image. You can get a variety of images on your checks, including characters, pictures, or different fonts and styles. It's important to choose a check image and style that matches your checking needs. If your checking account is mostly a personal account, you can have more fun with your check's image. You may want to have images of your family members, logos of your favorite sports teams, or famous movie or television characters on your checks. When choosing checks for a more professional account, you'd want to choose something that is personalized, but a little more professional. An embellished, but polished font or style may be a better choice than a cartoon character in this case. Decide how many checks you use in a given period. This way, you will be able to see how many boxes you should order. The final price is generally lower for larger quantities. If you write checks a lot, you may want to go ahead and order a large quantity of checks. They won't go to waste and you will save money by ordering more. For people who don't use checks often, it may be a better idea to use smaller quantities. You can order checks in quantities as low as 100 if you don't think you'll use them up quickly. Have your routing number and bank account number at hand. Before completing the order form for your checks, you'll need to have these numbers available. You cannot order checks without these key identifying numbers. Your routing number should be at the bottom left-hand corner of your check. It is a nine-digit code on any checks. If you don't have any checks from your initial set, you can contact the bank to get your routing number. The account number should be to the right of the routing number. This account number should also be in your checkbook or written down somewhere else so you know what it is at all times. Add in the shipping and handling charges. If you're ordering checks online, they'll need to be shipped to you. Most of the time, the shipping and handling charges should be relatively minimal or even free. Some online retailers will offer free shipping and handling. However, you want to verify that your check ordering company is reputable even if they offer an especially great deal. If you are ordering checks through the third-party vendor from your bank, you can occasionally get the vendor to deliver directly to your bank. You may be able to pay less or even nothing in shipping and handling charges this way. Be prepared to pay for your order online. Most likely, you will need to pay for your order online using a credit or debit card. This is especially true if you are out of checks and do not have a check available from a different account. If you're purchasing checks from your bank, you can usually pay for your checks out of your account. Check costs vary, but are usually not very expensive. When buying from a vendor, you'll have to pay for the checks directly, usually with a credit or debit card. Additionally, many first-time orders are given a discount. A few banks refuse to honor checks printed by outside print houses. Inquire with your bank before ordering from someone else to verify whether this is the case. Make your privacy preferences known when ordering checks. Some check and stationery printing firms will share your information with the direct mailers that send junk mail. You want to make sure that your information is not shared outside of the check company. Many outside check companies have a small padlock icon on the check or on their website. This tells you that your personal information, as well as your checking account information, is usually secured. The Check Payment Systems Association (CSPA) also has a list of authorized check printing companies that are secured. Make sure your company is on this list before ordering checks from them. Wait for your checks in the mail. Checks should arrive anywhere from one to two weeks. If you need the checks immediately, you can usually pay more for expedited shipping. Whether ordering from your bank or a separate company, your checks usually will take 10-14 business days to arrive. You should get them all at once in a small package. If you're out of checks and need them immediately, it may be a good idea to pay for faster shipping. You may also be able to to go your bank to get a few checks to get you through until your new checks arrive. Save a check to use to reorder checks. You also want to write "void" across the check so it can't be used in case you lose it. If you have a check from your previous order, you will have fewer steps to go through next time you need checks. If you write "void" across your check, it will not be accepted by banks and businesses. You don't want to have a loose check floating around that someone could use in case you lose it. Saving a check will make the ordering process easier and faster. You'll have your routing and account number ready when reordering checks. Reorder checks before you expect to run out. This is especially important so there will not be a time when you don't have them available. When you're down to your last few checks, it's probably a good time to order them. If you write a lot of checks, you probably should order plenty at first, since it'll be cheaper. About a month before you need new checks, place your order so you will have them when you run out. Buying checks before you run out will also mean you can shop around. If you want a different style or image on your new checks, you'll have plenty of time to choose one.

Get checks from your bank. Use mobile ordering to get checks. Order checks online. Get checks by phone or in person. Find personalized checks through a third-party vendor. Research which companies are offering check printing services. Make sure you use a reputable company when ordering online. Choose the check style you want to use. Decide on the check’s image. Decide how many checks you use in a given period. Have your routing number and bank account number at hand. Add in the shipping and handling charges. Be prepared to pay for your order online. Make your privacy preferences known when ordering checks. Wait for your checks in the mail. Save a check to use to reorder checks. Reorder checks before you expect to run out.

https://www.wikihow.com/Detangle-African-Hair

How to Detangle African Hair

To detangle African hair, start by dividing it into 4 or more sections to make it easier to work with. First, wash each section of hair one at a time. Take a single section of hair and wet it, then massage shampoo through it and rinse thoroughly. Clip that section out of the way and move on to the next one. Once all of your hair has been washed, apply plenty of conditioner with good slip to each section so that the tangles can come out easily. Cover your hair with a plastic cap and keep the conditioner in for 10 to 20 minutes to absorb the oils. Remove the plastic cap from your head and use your fingers to detangle one section at a time. Use a wide comb to remove any stubborn tangles and then rinse out the conditioner thoroughly.

Section your hair. Using your fingers, divide your hair into convenient sections. If you have long hair, twist it into four or more sections. If you have shorter hair, use hair clips instead. Either way, treat your hair as gently as possible. Although working with sectioned hair takes longer, it greatly reduces the amount of tangling that can happen. Wash your hair. Wash one section at a time, and clip or twist it again once done. Smooth your hair back over your scalp until it feels fully wet. Gently apply the shampoo or other washing treatment in a smoothing motion from scalp to tip. Massage the scalp with your fingertips, then wash thoroughly with water. Tilt your head back and wash in the direction your hair falls to reduce tangling. Try a gentle washing method, such as co-washing, homemade cleansing mixtures, or shampoo that doesn't contain sulfates, paraben, or silicone. Sulfates, paraben, and silicone are damaging to hair and cause frizz and hair damage such as split ends and dry hair. Do not pile hair on top of your head while washing. This will only cause more tangles and breakage. If your hair is very tangled when wet, consider taking a wide tooth comb in the shower to help loosen knots carefully. Being too rough or using a brush may split ends shorter or cause damage. Apply conditioner. Section by section, saturate your hair with a conditioner that has plenty of "slip." A conditioner with good slip makes it easy for your hair strands to slide past each other, practically undoing tangles by themselves. Detangler conditioners, hair mayonnaise, or other creamy conditioners generally work best. You may need to try several to find one that works on your hair type. Whenever applying conditioner, focus on the ends of the hair, the oldest and most easily damaged area. You can make your own detangler conditioner from Aloe vera. Cut the Aloe vera leaf in the middle, scoop out the gel and blend it until it is foamy and slightly gel-like. Olive oil or another medium or heavy natural oil can work as well. Put on a plastic hair cap. Cover your conditioner-coated hair with a plastic cap. Leave on for 10–20 minutes to allow your hair to absorb the oils. Detangle with your fingers. Let out one section of your hair. Detangle as much as possible with your fingers. Do not use force. If your hair starts to dry out, add more water. The weight of the water pulls your hair downward, lengthening curls and making them less likely to tangle. Finish with a wide comb or brush. If your fingers can't do the job, move on to a seamless wide-toothed comb or a widely spaced, rubber bristled brush (such as a Denman brush). Start from the ends, gradually combing from higher points as the hair detangles. After detangling each section, the hair should be braided, twisted, or hair clipped in such a way that it won't tangle back up. Rinse out the conditioner. Detangler conditioner is usually too thick to leave in comfortably. Rinse out and apply a lighter, leave-in conditioner instead. Style your hair as you do normally. Most conditioner labels say to rinse out with warm water, but some stylists get better results with cold. Deep condition your hair. Regular deep conditioning restores natural oils, keeping your hair smooth. For best results, deep condition right after detangling. Hot oil treatments are another good option. Protect your hair while sleeping. Put up your hair at night and wear a satin or silk hair bonnet. At minimum, sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase instead of cotton, which can tear out your hair or tangle it. Change your style before it tangles. While braids, twists, and other protective styles reduce exposure to damage, they can't do so forever. Leaving them in for too long can cause stubborn tangles.

Section your hair. Wash your hair. Apply conditioner. Put on a plastic hair cap. Detangle with your fingers. Finish with a wide comb or brush. Rinse out the conditioner. Deep condition your hair. Protect your hair while sleeping. Change your style before it tangles.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Fireplace-Glass

How to Clean Fireplace Glass

To clean fireplace glass on a wood-burning fireplace, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water and dampen a paper towel with the mixture. Then, dip the cloth in some fireplace ash, since this will create a slightly abrasive material that will effectively clean your glass. Scrub the glass in small, circular motions, making sure to dip the cloth into the solution and ash periodically. Once all the soot has been removed, use a clean cloth dipped in your cleaning mixture to wipe away the remaining residue.

Ensure that the glass isn’t hot. Do not try to clean the glass immediately after you have used the fireplace. Turn off your gas fireplace and ensure that the glass is cool when you try to clean it as this leads to the best results. Open the glass door. Since gas fireplaces don't require wood, many of them have glass doors that are locked in place rather than easily swinging open. You may have to refer to the owner's manual or an online guide for your specific fireplace model to learn how to open the glass door. Many models require you to release door latches placed behind upper and/or lower louvre panels in order to open the glass door. Use a fireplace glass cleaner. Your local home improvement store, fireplace retailer, or online fireplace retailer will all have special fireplace glass cleaners available. You should not use Windex or any other ammonia based glass cleaner as it could have adverse effects. This is because carbon is the primary source of buildup on the fireplace glass, and ammonia-based cleaners are not formulated to clean carbon deposits. Apply the cleaner with a dry cloth. Use a soft, dry cloth and pour some of the cleaner directly onto it before using the cloth to apply the cleaner to the glass. Your specific cleaner will provide instructions for the exact amount to use based on the size of your fireplace doors. However, it will probably be a dollop approximately the size of a fifty-cent piece. Rub the cleaner into the glass in a circular motion. With the cleaner on the cloth, begin at one corner of the glass and rub in small circular motions to get an even application of the cleaner across the glass. Continue rubbing until the cloth easily glides across the glass. This is the indication that you have sufficiently cleaned off any buildup on the glass. Allow the glass to dry. Your specific cleaner will provide instructions on how long to allow the cleaner to dry. Ensure that you leave the cleaner on the glass for this full period, so it can continue penetrating any buildup. Buff the cleaner off the glass. Use a separate soft, dry cloth to buff the remainder of the cleaner off the glass after it has dried. As you buff, any cloudy spots from the cleaner will disappear to reveal the sparkling glass beneath. Repeat steps 4-7 if necessary. If you have definitely buffed the cleaner away but some carbon buildup remains on the glass, repeat the process with another application of the fireplace glass cleaner. Close the fireplace doors. Once the glass is clean, you're all set. Make sure you properly reattach the door or clip it back into place for gas fireplace models. Open the fireplace doors. This method only works for wood-burning fireplaces since it requires the leftover ash from the fuel source, which gas fireplaces do not leave behind. Open the glass doors to access the sooty glass. Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. You can use plain water if you wish, but adding the white vinegar helps break down the sooty carbon residue. Adding the mix to a spray bottle will make it easier to apply, and the mixture makes a good cleaner for other household surfaces as well. Spray the solution onto a paper towel or a clean cloth. You don't need to soak the towel or the cloth. Simply dampen it with the solution. Dip the cloth in the fireplace ash. Find a spot of fine ash in the fireplace and dip the cloth in it to get a light layer over the damp portion. Ensure that you only pick up the fine ash and not anything larger on the towel. Anything more abrasive than the fine ash can scratch the glass. Scrub the sooty glass. The fine ash makes the perfect slightly abrasive material to scour the carbon residue on the glass. Scrub in small circles, but don't worry about scrubbing too hard. You will likely have to apply more of the solution and dip the towel back into more ash several times as you go. The soot and ash will work into a paste as you scrub along each section of glass. This is how you can tell when you're adding enough of the solution and ash. If any large pieces of residue are stuck to the glass and won't budge, use a razor blade to break it down to something the paste can manage. Be very careful to contact the residue but not the glass with the razor blade. Otherwise, you risk scratching the glass. Wipe away the paste. Once you have scrubbed the soot off all portions of the glass, wipe away the ash/solution scouring paste. You can use another paper towel to wipe it away. Use the solution to clean the glass. With the sooty paste wiped away, you can use the warm and vinegar solution and clean paper towels or a microfiber cloth to finish bringing the glass to a sparkle.

Ensure that the glass isn’t hot. Open the glass door. Use a fireplace glass cleaner. Apply the cleaner with a dry cloth. Rub the cleaner into the glass in a circular motion. Allow the glass to dry. Buff the cleaner off the glass. Repeat steps 4-7 if necessary. Close the fireplace doors. Open the fireplace doors. Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Spray the solution onto a paper towel or a clean cloth. Dip the cloth in the fireplace ash. Scrub the sooty glass. Wipe away the paste. Use the solution to clean the glass.

https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Celiac-Disease

How to Diagnose Celiac Disease

If you think you have celiac disease, look for common symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and frequent pain in your abdomen. You should also watch your bowel movements and take note if they are unusually foul smelling and somewhat grayish in color. Make sure to assess your mood as well, since celiac disease can cause irritability and make you more susceptible to depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. If you notice these symptoms, get in touch with your doctor so they can run a blood test, since the intestinal damage and antibodies associated with celiac disease can be easily traced in the blood.

Know the physical symptoms associated with celiac disease. Some of the most common symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, and frequent pain in the abdomen. Other symptoms may also be present, such as muscle cramps, pain in the joints, and even tingling in the arms and the legs. Stool that is unusually foul smelling and somewhat grayish in color is another potential sign that celiac disease is present. Osteoporosis, iron deficiency anemia, and missed menstrual periods (in women) are other signs of celiac disease. Symptoms in children can include problems with development and growth, including delayed puberty, dental problems due to lack of enamel development, slowed growth, failure to thrive, and even obesity. These can also be the symptoms of other medical problems, so you need to consult with a doctor to determine if your symptoms are caused by gluten. Assess your mood. One of the manifestations of celiac disease is the presence of a great deal of irritability for no apparent reason. People suffering with this condition are also more susceptible to bouts of depression and even anxiety and panic attacks. Look for the onset of symptoms to occur in childhood. Most people who have celiac disease first start experiencing the symptoms when they are children. While some people do get diagnosed with the disease when they are adults, it is less likely and those people have typically had symptoms throughout their lives. Identify the difference between celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and a wheat allergy. People with gluten sensitivities and wheat allergies have many of the same symptoms as those with celiac but they lack the intestinal damage and antibodies that those with celiac have. Those with gluten sensitivity tend to have more non-digestive symptoms, such as headaches, fogginess, joint pain, and numbness in the limbs. Those with wheat allergies cannot digest wheat properly but can digest other sources of gluten. The intestinal damage and antibodies associated with celiac disease and not with gluten sensitivity or a wheat allergy can be identified through blood testing. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Tell them about your symptoms and get a physical exam. They may proceed with testing or they may refer you to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist. Your doctor is likely to ask you about any history of celiac disease in your family. This is because celiac is associated with specific genes that are passed down through generations. A gastroenterologist is a doctor that specializes in treating the digestive system. Get blood testing done. Testing for celiac disease usually involves testing blood samples to determine if certain antibodies are present in elevated levels. Your doctor will likely take a blood sample while you are in their office and then they will send that sample off to a lab to be tested. People with celiac disease often find that gluten is recognized by the body's natural defenses as being an invader, prompting the additional production of antibodies to fight the threat. If you have celiac disease, your tests may show Immunoglobulin A-dependent transglutaminase antibodies. In some cases, you may be deficient in Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which can result in a false negative result. Note that you must eat a full gluten diet for at least 4 weeks prior to getting your blood tested so that the antibodies that indicate celiac disease are present. If your blood test results are positive for celiac disease and you have a body rash called dermatitis herpetiformis, this alone may be enough for a definitive diagnosis. Have an endoscopy procedure done if celiac disease is suspected. This particular procedure can be used to harvest a small section of the small intestine if your blood tests indicate that you may have celiac disease. The process involves inserting the endoscope, in the form of a small tube, down the throat and into the gastrointestinal tract. Once the tissue sample is harvested, the endoscope is removed and the tissue can be examined for signs that the disease is present. An endoscopy is an outpatient procedure that does require you to be sedated. If you have one done, you will need to prepare by not eating for 12 hours beforehand and by having someone lined up to drive you home afterward. You will need to prepare for an endoscopy by abstaining from food and drink for 12 hours ahead of time, so you will need to schedule the procedure in advance. Discuss treatment with your doctor. Once you have been diagnosed with celiac disease, it is important to begin treatment in order to control your symptoms. Your doctor may suggest medications to treat some of your symptoms and may give you suggestions for supplements that can help with any deficiencies you have. For example, many people who are diagnosed with mild celiac disease are told to take calcium, folate, ferrous sulfate, or general multivitamins. You may also be tested for deficiencies in vitamins D and B12, copper, zinc, folic acid, and iron. Celiac disease comes with an increased risk for osteoporosis. Make sure you are getting enough vitamin D and calcium and consider completing a DEXA scan to evaluate for bone density loss and osteoporosis. Ensure you are up-to-date on all your immunizations, including the pneumonia vaccine. Adopt a gluten free diet. In addition to medication, the symptoms of celiac disease can also be greatly reduced with changes to your diet. Minimizing or eliminating gluten from the diet can provide a great deal of relief. A gluten-free diet requires you to cut out anything that has wheat, rye, or barley. Many common foods have some amount of gluten in them. You will need to avoid much more than just bread. For example, products such as soups, sauces, and ice creams often have some amount of gluten in them and need to be avoided. Gluten is also used in some medications and cosmetic products, including lip balm. Since you'll be cutting out gluten, increase your fiber intake from other foods or supplements to prevent constipation. Grains you can eat include rice, millet, buckwheat, quinoa, oats, and corn. Some people who suffer from celiac disease may have a rash called dermatitis herpetiformis. Unfortunately, this may take up to a year to fully resolve even after starting a gluten-free diet. Discuss your diet with a dietician. When adjusting to life with celiac disease , it can be very helpful to talk to a dietician. Dieticians can help you figure out what you can and cannot eat. They will help you create a diet plan that will make it possible to avoid foods that aggravate the condition while including foods that supply an equitable amount of nutrients each day. They can also be a great resource for new recipes or ideas for how to adjust your favorite recipes for your condition. While a serious medical condition, celiac disease can often be controlled with a strict diet. Join a support group, if you like. Joining a support group with others with celiac disease can be a tremendous source of information and guidance as you adjust to your new diet. The sense of camaraderie and support that you can get from these groups can help with any sadness or depression you have about your diagnosis. You can also do an online search for groups in your area. Simply search for the words "celiac disease support group" and the name of your area. There are also many online support groups that include people from all over. Make contact with these groups through the websites of national celiac disease organizations, such as Beyond Celiac.

Know the physical symptoms associated with celiac disease. Assess your mood. Look for the onset of symptoms to occur in childhood. Identify the difference between celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and a wheat allergy. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Get blood testing done. Have an endoscopy procedure done if celiac disease is suspected. Discuss treatment with your doctor. Adopt a gluten free diet. Discuss your diet with a dietician. Join a support group, if you like.

https://www.wikihow.com/Knit-a-Flower

How to Knit a Flower

To knit a simple, flat flower, first gather some light yarn in the color of your choice and a pair of 4-millimeter knitting needles. To make the foundation of your blossom, cast on 51 stitches. From there, make 4 rows of stockinette stitch. When you begin row 5, knit 1 stitch and bind off 9 more to define the petals. Then, cut a long tail of yarn and pull it through the 6 loops using a tapestry needle. Finally, pull the tail tight to gather the yarn into a blossom, and sew the sides of the blossom together with whipstitching to complete the flower.

Select a light yarn in any color and size 6 US (4.0 mm) needles. Determine what color yarn you want to make the blossom; think about what colors look nice together. Choose a yarn that's light worsted weight. You'll also need to get out a pair of single pointed needles. Light worsted weight is sometimes labled as #3 weight. Cast on 51 stitches. Make a slipknot using the yarn you chose and slide it onto one of your needles. Hold the needle in your non-dominant hand. Then cast on 51 stitches to make the foundation of your blossom. This will make a blossom that's 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter. If you'd like to make a blossom that's smaller or larger, cast on a multiple of 10 stitches plus 1. Make 4 rows of stockinette stitch. To knit the 4 rows in this pattern, you'll need to knit every stitch for the first row. Then purl every stitch for the second row. Knit every stitch of the third row and finish by purling every stitch for the fourth row. The pattern will look like this: 1: Knit all 2: Purl all 3: Knit all 4: Purl all Knit 1 and bind off 9 stitches across row 5. To begin shaping the petals of the blossom, knit the first stitch of row 5. Then bind off the following 9 stitches. You should now see just 2 stitches on your left needle separated by a gap where you bound off the 9 stitches. Continue to K1, BO 9 across the row. Once you reach the end of the fifth row, you'll have 6 stitches on your needle with gaps in between. These will form the petals of your blossom. Cut a long yarn tail and sew through the 6 stitches on your needle. Pull about 18 inches (46 cm) of the working yarn and cut it to make a long tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle and insert it through each of the loops on the needle. Slide the stitches off as you go. Pull the yarn tail through the stitches to gather the blossom. Once you've sewn through each of the stitches and you don't have any more on your needle, pull all of the yarn tail until it begins to cinch the center of the flower together. The knitted piece should now be circular like a blossom. You should see a decorative center in the middle of the work. Whipstitch the sides and petals. Ensure that the yarn tail is still threaded onto the tapestry needle and use it to sew the sides of the blossom together so they're flush. Then whipstitch between each petal down towards the center of the blossom. Remember to leave a long yarn tail once you finish so you can attach the blossom to another project. Pull on the yarn tail as you sew so the center of the blossom becomes secure. Whipstitching between the petals will create a distinctive blossom shape. If you'd like to decorate the blossom, sew a knit center or button onto the middle. Choose a light yarn in any color and size 7 US (4.5 mm) needles. Decide what color yarn you want to make the rosette and use yarn that's light worsted weight. You'll also need a pair of single pointed needles. You may see light worsted weight yarn labled as #3. Cast on 70 stitches. Take your yarn and make a slipknot. Slide it onto one of your needles and hold the needle in your non-dominant hand. Cast on 51 stitches to make the foundation of your rosette. This will make a blossom that's 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter. For a smaller rose, cast on 50 to 60 stitches instead. Knit 6 rows of garter stitch. To make the 6 rows in this pattern, you'll need to knit every stitch for each row. If you'd like to make the rosette taller, knit more than 6 rows. For a shorter rosette, knit 3 or 4 rows instead of 6. You should now have a thin rectangle of knit fabric on your needle. Cut a 12 in (30 cm) tail and sew through the 70 stitches on your needle. Use sharp scissors to cut a long tail and thread it onto a tapestry needle. Insert the needle through each stitch on your knitting needle. Then slide the knitting needle out from the stitches. By sewing through the stitches, you won't need to bind them off individually. Wrap and shape the knitted piece into a rosette. Hold one end of the knit fabric and use your other hand to twist the rest of the rectangle around the center. This should give you a rough rosette shape. Keep holding the rosette with one hand since it's not secured yet. Sew the bottom of the rosette in place. Keep the yarn tail threaded onto the tapestry needle and insert it into the bottom of the rosette. Whipstitch across the bottom of the rosette so it won't unfurl when you let go. Trim the end of the yarn tail if you plan on simply giving someone the rosette. If you plan on attaching it to another project, keep the yarn tail long so you can sew it onto the other fabric.

Select a light yarn in any color and size 6 US (4.0 mm) needles. Cast on 51 stitches. Make 4 rows of stockinette stitch. Knit 1 and bind off 9 stitches across row 5. Cut a long yarn tail and sew through the 6 stitches on your needle. Pull the yarn tail through the stitches to gather the blossom. Whipstitch the sides and petals. Choose a light yarn in any color and size 7 US (4.5 mm) needles. Cast on 70 stitches. Knit 6 rows of garter stitch. Cut a 12 in (30 cm) tail and sew through the 70 stitches on your needle. Wrap and shape the knitted piece into a rosette. Sew the bottom of the rosette in place.

https://www.wikihow.com/Fill-a-Punching-Bag

How to Fill a Punching Bag

To fill a punching bag with clothes, start by cutting off any zips or buttons so they won't damage the bag. Fold your clothes into squares, then fill up the bag from the bottom. As you work, knock in any lumps with your hand. If you want a heavier bag, fill it halfway with old clothes, then pour sand into a plastic bag until it's the size of a bag of sugar. Make 3-4 sandbags, then secure them with duct tape. Finally, make sure the bags are surrounded by clothing when you put them in the punching bag so they won't split.

Consider how heavy and dense you want your punching bag to be. A punching bag with a higher weight and density will be harder to move, and it will require stronger punches. A lighter punching bag that's less dense will sway more when you hit it, and you won't have to hit it as hard. The right filling you should use will depend on how heavy and dense you want your punching bag to be. If you're new to boxing, start out with a lightweight punching bag. You can add more filling to make it heavier and denser as you get stronger. Generally, your punching bag should weigh around 0.5 pounds (0.23 kg) per 1 pound (0.45 kg) you weigh. However, you can increase or decrease the weight depending on your experience level and physical strength. Use clothes as the only filling if you want a lightweight punching bag. Many pre-filled punching bags are stuffed with cut-up strips of fabric. You can get the same effect at home using old clothes or other scrap fabric you have. Adding just fabric to your punching bag will limit how heavy and dense you can make it, so it's a good filling if you want your punching bag to sway when you hit it. Add sand or sawdust in addition to clothes to make your punching bag heavier. Sand and sawdust will add weight and density to your punching bag that you wouldn't be able to get with just clothes. If you're looking for a punching bag that requires more force, sand or sawdust is an easy, affordable option. Don't use just sand or sawdust to fill up your punching bag. It will make it too heavy and dense. Instead, add it in addition to clothes or fabric. You can buy bags of sand and sawdust online or at your local home improvement store. Cut buttons, zippers, and other metal pieces off of the clothes you’ll be using. This will prevent your punching bag from tearing. Don't worry if you cut the clothes up into pieces during the process. You won't be able to see them once they're in the bag. Pour your sand or sawdust into resealable bags if you’re using any. Don't pour sand or sawdust directly into your punching bag since it can damage the bag over time. Instead, pour it into plastic resealable bags, like 1 US quart (950 mL) sandwich bags. After you add the sand or sawdust, seal the bags all the way so nothing pours out. Wrap any sand or sawdust bags you’re using with duct tape so they don’t rip. The duct tape will make the bags more resistant to your punches. Wrap the duct tape all the way around the bags, including the sealed openings, so they're completely covered with tape. Weigh the filling to make sure you have enough for your bag. To weigh clothes or pieces of fabric, place them in large trash bags and weigh each trash bag on a scale. If you're adding sand or sawdust to your punching bag, weigh the individual bags on a scale. Then, add up all of the individual weights to get the total weight of your filling. If the total weight is less than your desired punching bag weight, you'll need to prepare more filling. Add more sand or sawdust to make your punching bag denser, or add more clothes or fabric to increase the weight without significantly increasing the density. Remember that your punching bag should weigh around 0.5 pounds (0.23 kg) per 1 pound (0.45 kg) you weigh, but the ideal weight ultimately depends on your skill level and fitness goals. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds (91 kg), your punching bag should weigh around 100 pounds (45 kg). If you're new to boxing, you could try 80–90 pounds (36–41 kg) to start. Unzip the opening at the top of your punching bag. Most punching bags will have a round opening at one end of the bag that's zipped closed. That's where you'll add the filling. If your punching bag doesn't have a zipper on one end, check the manual that came with it or look online to see how it opens. Add the first layer of filling to the bottom of the bag. If you're just using clothes or fabric, drop some into the opening of the bag so the bottom of the bag is completely covered. If you're using sand or sawdust bags too, drop one of those in first, then add clothes around it to fill in the bottom layer. Surrounding the sand or sawdust bags with clothes will help protect them from tearing. Use a long tool, like a baseball bat, to pack the filling down. Packing the filling down will get rid of empty space in the bag and make the finished product more uniform. You can use any kind of long tool, as long as it reaches all the way down to the bottom of your punching bag. Continue to add layers of filling, packing them down as you go. If you're just using clothes or pieces of fabric, drop some into the bag over the previous layer, then pack them down with the tool. For sand or sawdust bags, continue to drop them into the center of your punching bag and surround them with clothes or fabric. Try to space the bags evenly up and down the length of your punching bag. You might not need to add a bag to every layer, depending on how many you're using. For example, if you're adding 5 sand or sawdust bags, and your punching bag is 5 feet (1.5 m) long, you would add 1 bag per 1 foot (0.30 m) of length. If each layer you're making is 0.5 feet (0.15 m), you would add a bag to every other layer. Zip your punching bag closed once you reach the top with the filling. Make sure you fill the bag all the way to the top so there isn't any empty space. However, if you're struggling to zip the top closed because the bag is too stuffed, you might need to pack to filling down more or take out the top layer.

Consider how heavy and dense you want your punching bag to be. Use clothes as the only filling if you want a lightweight punching bag. Add sand or sawdust in addition to clothes to make your punching bag heavier. Cut buttons, zippers, and other metal pieces off of the clothes you’ll be using. Pour your sand or sawdust into resealable bags if you’re using any. Wrap any sand or sawdust bags you’re using with duct tape so they don’t rip. Weigh the filling to make sure you have enough for your bag. Unzip the opening at the top of your punching bag. Add the first layer of filling to the bottom of the bag. Use a long tool, like a baseball bat, to pack the filling down. Continue to add layers of filling, packing them down as you go. Zip your punching bag closed once you reach the top with the filling.

https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Layup

How to Do a Layup

To do a lay-up, start by dribbling the ball and approaching the basket. When you're close to the basket, take a step toward it with your right foot and then jump up as soon as your left foot comes down. Push off with your left foot and bring the ball to your chest. As you bring your right leg up, also bring up your right arm to shoot the ball into the basket. If you aim just to the right of the square on the backboard, you'll have the best chance of having the ball go in and scoring 2 points.

Dribble close to the basket with your right hand. Since you're doing a right-handed layup, angle your approach toward the right side of the basket. You want to get close enough to have easy access to the basket, but not so close that you end up directly under it. Layups are often taken off of a running dribble. Practice approaching the basket slowly at first, and increase your speed once you've got the footwork down. You can do a right-handed layup if you're starting near the center or right side of the basket. If you're approaching the basket from the left, you'll want to do a left-handed layup. Step toward the basket with your right foot. When you're just a few feet from the basket, take a step toward it with our right foot. Use this step to gain distance and position yourself within easy shooting range. Dribble the ball one last time just outside your right foot. Jump off of your left foot. As soon as your left foot lands, use it to jump in the direction of the basket. Your body should be moving toward the basket, but don't lean forward. Ideally, you'll be positioned close enough to the basket that you can jump straight up to take your shot. As you jump, bring the ball out of the dribble to your chest to prepare for the shot. Shoot with your right arm as you lift your right leg. As you jump, imagine a string attached to your right arm and your right leg. Move them at the same time as you shoot, as though someone were pulling upward on the string. Your right knee should be bent and pointed toward the basket while your right arm moves up to shoot the ball. Arch your arm toward the basket. Shoot with your elbow slightly bent, so that your arm looks like the neck of a swan. When you're doing a layup, the shooting technique is slightly different from that of a regular shot. Instead of using your left hand to steady the ball, you want to shoot the ball using only your right hand. This gives you more reach, and since you're so close to the basket that it's difficult to miss the shot, you don't really need your left hand to steady the ball. As you shoot, slightly rotate your wrist inward to give the ball a little bit of spin, rather than snapping your wrist forward as you would for a regular shot. The gentle spin will keep it from hammering off the rim or backboard with too much force. Aim for the sweet spot on the backboard. One of the reasons a layup is such a sure bet is because you can always use the backboard to help ease the shot into the basket. When you're doing a right-handed layup, the sweet spot is slightly to the right of the square in the center of the backboard. This spot absorbs the impact of the ball and drops it right down through the net. You'll get two points no matter how you make your shot, but it's better to aim for the backboard instead of trying to just tip the ball over the rim. The backboard allows more room for error, but if you hit the rim funny the ball will bounce right out. There's nothing worse than missing a wide-open layup when you have full access to the basket, so work on hitting that sweet spot every time. Practice until your muscles remember the movement. The layup is a fundamental basketball move that will become second nature after you practice it enough. You should get to the point where your body remembers what to do and you don't have to think about which foot to put forward and which one to jump off: you just do it. Do layups as part of every basketball practice. As you practice, you'll start to get a good sense for how fast to approach the basket and from what distance to begin your layup footwork and launch into a jump. Work on doing layups while you're being defended or off of a long pass. Dribble close to the basket with your left hand. Approach the left side of the basket with a dribble. Get close enough to have easy access to the basket so you can launch into your layup from a few feet away. Don't get so close that you end up directly under the basket. If you're right-handed, the left-handed layup may also be referred to as a reverse layup, since it's the reverse of your standard layup. If you're left-handed, the right-handed layup is the reverse. It's difficult to do a layup with your opposite hand, but it's completely worth the time and effort it takes to learn how to do it. If you're approaching the basket from the left side, there's no way you'll be able to cross in front of the goal and do a right-handed layup. You'll have a much better chance of scoring if you know how to sink one from the left. Step toward the basket with your left foot. When you're just a few feet from the basket, start your layup footwork by taking a step toward the basket with your left foot. Give the ball one last hard dribble just to the outside of your left foot. Jump off of your right foot. As soon as your right foot lands, use it to jump in the direction of the basket. Your body should be moving toward the basket, but don't bend forward. Ideally, you'll be positioned close enough to the basket that you can jump straight up to take your shot. As you jump, bring the ball out of the dribble and position it close to your chest to prepare for the shot. Shoot with your left arm as you lift your left leg. As you jump, imagine a string attached to your left arm and your left leg. Move them at the same time as you shoot, as though someone were pulling upward on the string. Your left knee should be bent and pointed toward the basket while your left arm moves up to shoot the ball. When you're doing a layup, the shooting technique is slightly different from that of a regular shot. Instead of using your right hand to steady the ball, you want to shoot the ball using only your left hand. This gives you more reach, and since you're so close to the basket that it's difficult to miss the shot, you don't really need your right hand to steady the ball. As you shoot, slightly rotate your wrist inward to give the ball a little bit of spin, rather than snapping your wrist forward as you would for a regular shot. The gentle spin will keep it from hammering off the rim or backboard with too much force. Aim for the sweet spot on the backboard. For a left-handed layup, the ball should tap the backboard slightly to the left of the center of the square. When you hit that spot, you'll sink the shot every time, since the backboard absorbs the ball's impact and helps it drop right down through the net. It's better to aim for the backboard instead of trying to just tip the ball over the rim. The backboard allows more room for error, but if you hit the inside or outside rim, the ball could bounce right out. Practice until your muscles remember the movement. The layup is a fundamental basketball move that will become second nature after you practice it enough. You should get to the point where your body remembers what to do and you don't have to think about which foot to put forward and which one to jump off: you just do it. Do layups as part of every basketball practice. As you practice, you'll start to get a good sense for how fast to approach the basket and from what distance to begin your layup footwork and launch into a jump. Work on doing layups while you're being defended or off of a long pass.

Dribble close to the basket with your right hand. Step toward the basket with your right foot. Jump off of your left foot. Shoot with your right arm as you lift your right leg. Aim for the sweet spot on the backboard. Practice until your muscles remember the movement. Dribble close to the basket with your left hand. Step toward the basket with your left foot. Jump off of your right foot. Shoot with your left arm as you lift your left leg. Aim for the sweet spot on the backboard. Practice until your muscles remember the movement.

https://www.wikihow.com/Call-Ireland-From-the-United-States

How to Call Ireland From the United States

To call Ireland from the United States, first dial 011, which is the exit code used to call another country from the U.S. Next, dial 353 if you're calling the Republic of Ireland, or dial 44 if you're calling Northern Ireland, which is still part of the UK. If you're calling someone on their cell phone, include the code for their mobile provider, then dial the area code for the city you wish to call. Finally, enter the remaining digits of the telephone number you're calling.

Dial 011 from your cell phone or land line to make an international call. This is the exit code used to leave the United States calling region and signals that you are going to make an international call. Enter the country code to reach the area in Ireland you will be calling. Dial 353 if you're calling the Republic of Ireland. To call Northern Ireland, see How to Call the UK from the United States Northern Ireland is part of the UK so it has a different country code. Include the mobile code, area code or national dialling code. Area codes in the Republic of Ireland are one to three digits long, mobile codes are always two digits long. Always drop any leading zeros from the area code. All mobile codes begin with the number 8, followed by another number. The following is a list of area codes for Ireland. (1): Dublin, parts of Wicklow, Meath and Kildare (2X): Most of County Cork (4X), (40X): Northeast, Midlands and parts of Wicklow (5X), (50X): Midlands and southeast (6X): Southwest and midwest (7X): Northwest (9X): Western area ​ (8X): Mobile numbers Enter the remaining digits of the telephone number you're calling. Most Republic of Ireland phone numbers will have seven more digits, but sometimes they will have five or six. The local phone number cannot begin with zero. Set up an international calling plan with your carrier. In order to call Ireland, you will likely need to add an international calling plan to your current phone service in order to make calling more affordable. Check with your carrier about your specific options and rates for your cell phone or land line. As an example, Verizon offers 1000 minutes of international calling for $20/month. With a $5 monthly access fee, they offer reduced rates for international calls at $0.07/minute on land lines and $0.19/minute on cell phones. If you choose to call Ireland without enrolling in one of these plans, the current standard rate is $1.49/minute on land lines and $1.69/minute for cell phones. Place the call using an international calling card. You can use calling cards on land lines and cell phones. By calling the number provided on the card, you will make the international call through the card service provider rather than your phone provider. Using an international calling card can save you money. There are some things you should be aware of when using an international calling card with your cell phone. These tips will prevent you from accidentally incurring extra charges: Do not dial the number using your contact list. If you select the number from you contact list, you will disconnect from the calling card service and make the call through your cell phone service provider. You must dial out the numbers once you are connected to the calling card service. Do not press "Send," "OK" or "Dial" after dialing the number you are calling in Ireland. The calling card service will connect you automatically. Pressing any of these buttons will disconnect you from the calling card service and make the call directly from your cell phone using your service provider. Download the Skype application to your device. Skype is available for use on a variety of devices, including computers, cell phones, tablets, Xbox, smart watches and televisions. Choose which device you would like to use and download Skype from your app store. Skype is available for Mac computers with an operating system of OS X 10.6 or above. Windows 10 comes with a preview of the Skype app, which allows you to test its features without downloading the app. If you have an earlier version of Windows, you will need to download the app. Skype is available for iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry, and Amazon Fire Phone. Tablets which support Skype include: iPad, Kindle Fire HD, Android and Windows tablets. Decide how you would like to pay for your calls to Ireland. Calling another Skype user from your computer to theirs is free, but calling cell phones and land lines incurs a fee. Skype offers options of paying for Skype credit for calls or joining in a monthly plan. Depending on how much you intend to call Ireland, you may want to pay as you go or sign up monthly. With Skype credit, the rate for calling mobile phones in Ireland is 10 cents/minute. Calling land lines will cost you 2.3 cents/minute. You have two options for monthly Skype plans. For $6.99/month, you will receive 400 minutes allowing you to call both mobile phones and land lines in Ireland. The 13.99/month plan gives you unlimited calling around the world, allowing you to call other countries as well. Be aware, though, that this plan only allows for land line calls to Ireland. Register for a Skype account. Open the application and register for an account. You will need to input some basic information, including your name, email address, country, state and city. Create a Skype name and password for the purpose of personal conversations. You can skip entering your birthday if you are concerned about security. Once you set up your account, you will be given the option to add a minimum of $10 credit or skip that step and just get started. Log in to your Skype account. From the log in screen, enter your user name and password to access your Skype account. You can check the box beneath this text box to save your user name and password to your personal device for future use. Click “Sign In” to log into your account. Do not save your user name and password to a public computer. Find the contact information for the person you would like to call. Type the name of the person in the search bar at the top right of the screen. This will search your address book. If Skype does not find the person in your contact list, it will give you the option to search Skype. Enter the name in the Skype search engine to find everyone by that name who is registered with Skype. If you know the Skype user name of the person you are trying to contact, you can find them by that name, which is in bold at the top of each listing. Add the person you are calling to your friend list. Press the green circle next to your contact's name. It has the image of a person's head and shoulders with a plus sign. This will open the screen inviting you to add the person as your friend. A default message will appear, asking to add the contact as your friend. You can write a personal message instead by typing over the default message. Press send to send the invitation to your contact in Ireland. Connect a phone call to your contact in Ireland. Once the person you are calling has accepted your friend request, they will appear in your contact list. A green check will appear at the top of their profile picture to alert you that they are online and available for calls. The default option is a video call, but you can choose a voice call if you prefer. To make a video call, click the option on their profile picture for a video call. If you would prefer to make a voice call, you can select the arrow on the right of the video call command to reveal a drop-down menu. Select the voice call option from this menu. Find out if the person you are calling is using an Apple device. Apple has the built-in FaceTime application which allows for free international phone calls between their devices. FaceTime is pre-installed on all iOS7 devices as well as some earlier iOS versions, so there is no need to download an app. iPhone 4 was the first to have FaceTime and all iPhones made after that also have the app. Other Apple devices with FaceTime are iPad 2 and later, all iPad minis, and iPod Touch 5th generation. If you used or purchased your device in United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, or Pakistan, it may not have the FaceTime App pre-installed. You can purchase FaceTime from the App Store on your device. You may need to update your FaceTime app to enable the voice call feature. Sign in to FaceTime using your Apple ID. When you are using an iPhone, open the FaceTime app by selecting Settings > FaceTime > Use your Apple ID. Enter your Apple ID to sign in to FaceTime. Add your email address to allow you to communicate using email instead of your phone number. If you are using an iPhone, it will already have registered your phone number and the email associated with your Apple ID should appear when you log in. To check the email address listed or add others, choose Settings > FaceTime > Add Another Email. You can add several email addresses to your account, allowing you to contact people using various email addresses. You can call someone in Ireland using their email address associated with FaceTime. You do not need to have their phone number. Connect to Wi-Fi to avoid using your data. FaceTime calls are made using the internet instead of cellular service. This is why you are not charged like you would be for a regular phone call. On the other hand, that means that the call requires data. If you have limited data, this could eat through your plan rather quickly. When you are connected to Wi-Fi, you can use that service and save your data. Connect to Wi-Fi by selecting Settings > WiFi > On. Once you have enabled Wi-Fi, select the Wi-Fi network that you would like to join and enter any necessary passwords to gain access. When your phone is connected to wifi, the Wi-Fi radar beacon symbol will replace the data carrier on your display. Make a FaceTime call to your contact in Ireland. You can do this in a few ways. If you have entered this person into your contact list, you can select their name. The screen will show their contact information you have entered. Under the phone number(s), you will find the FaceTime section. Two symbols are listed. One is the video camera for video calls. Select the phone symbol for voice calls. If the person you are calling is not in your contact list, open the FaceTime app and enter their email or phone number in the box at the top of the screen. You can also activate Siri and give the voice command “FaceTime audio…” and the name of the person you are calling from your contact list. End your FaceTime call by touching the red button with the phone symbol at the bottom of the screen. If another call comes in while you are on your current call, you will have the option to decline the incoming call or end the current call and answer the new call. These two options will appear to replace the red “end” button. iOS 8 models and later also have a call waiting feature, which allows you to place your current call on hold while answering the other call. Download WhatsApp from the app store on your phone. WhatsApp is a free application which allows you to text and call internationally using data as opposed to expensive cellular voice minutes. WhatsApp with the calling feature is available for iPhones, Androids, Windows Phone, and Blackberry 10. Open a chat with the person you wish to call in Ireland. Within the app, begin a new chat by selecting the “Chats” icon on the bottom of the screen. On the top of the chat screen, you will see the message icon, which looks like a pencil and paper. Select this icon to move to your contact list. Touch the name of the person you wish to call from the contact list to open a chat page. If you have already begun a chat with the person you are calling, select their name from your list of chats to open their chat screen. Your contact list will show who is available to be contacted using WhatsApp by listing “Available” under their name. If your contact does not use WhatsApp it will prompt you to send them a message which reads, “Hey there! I am using WhatsApp.” Place a call from the chat screen. Once you have opened the chat screen, you will see the phone icon next to the profile picture at the top of the screen. Select this icon to make a free international call using WhatsApp. The call is free because it uses internet data to place the call rather than cellular services. If you have limited data, it is best to place the call while you are connected to Wi-Fi in order to avoid using too much of the data on your cell phone plan.

Dial 011 from your cell phone or land line to make an international call. Enter the country code to reach the area in Ireland you will be calling. Include the mobile code, area code or national dialling code. Enter the remaining digits of the telephone number you're calling. Set up an international calling plan with your carrier. Place the call using an international calling card. Download the Skype application to your device. Decide how you would like to pay for your calls to Ireland. Register for a Skype account. Log in to your Skype account. Find the contact information for the person you would like to call. Add the person you are calling to your friend list. Connect a phone call to your contact in Ireland. Find out if the person you are calling is using an Apple device. Sign in to FaceTime using your Apple ID. Add your email address to allow you to communicate using email instead of your phone number. Connect to Wi-Fi to avoid using your data. Make a FaceTime call to your contact in Ireland. End your FaceTime call by touching the red button with the phone symbol at the bottom of the screen. Download WhatsApp from the app store on your phone. Open a chat with the person you wish to call in Ireland. Place a call from the chat screen.

https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Hypoallergenic-Feline-Grooming-Products

How to Choose Hypoallergenic Feline Grooming Products

To choose hypoallergenic feline grooming products, always check to see if a product is labeled as hypoallergenic before buying it. However, since the label "hypoallergenic" isn't regulated, you should still check the ingredients list for irritating or harmful ingredients. Generally, you should avoid products that contain artificial dyes, fragrances, parabens, mineral oils, sodium lauryl sulfate, and petrochemicals. Additionally, don't buy products that contain essential oils since they can be toxic to cats. If you're not sure whether a product is right for your cat, ask your vet before using it.

Check for the label hypoallergenic. If a product contains this label, then you can have reasonable confidence that this product is hypoallergenic. However, be aware that the label “hypoallergenic” is not regulated by the FDA in the U.S. Therefore, any company can define hypoallergenic for itself, which means that these products may still contain ingredients that your cat is allergic to. Examine the ingredient list. Because hypoallergenic products may still contain irritating or harmful ingredients, you should examine the ingredient lists of all products before purchasing them. In general, avoid products that contain artificial dyes, fragrances, mineral oils, parabens, petrochemicals, and sodium laurel sulphate. Avoid products that contain essential oils, as cats are often sensitive to them. Many “natural” products may still contain harmful chemicals, so be sure to check these products' ingredient lists as well. Be selective when choosing flea products. Many flea and tick products contain harmful chemicals for cats. Avoid flea products that contain pyrethrins/pyrethroids, organophosphate pesticides (OPs), and carbamates. Instead, choose flea products that contain safer chemicals like pyriproxyfen and s-methoprene. Oral flea medications may be a better option. Avoid products that contain permethrin, pyrethrin, or other pyrethroids. If a chemical on the ingredients list ends in “-thrin” that is a sign that the product contains pyrethroids. These are common in flea shampoos, dips, and spot-on products labeled for dogs. Some cat products contain pyrethroids in low concentrations. Cats are sensitive to these compounds, which can cause tremors, seizures, and even death. Avoid products that contain OPs like tetrachlorvinphos. Avoid products that contain carbamates like carbaryl and propoxur. Your veterinarian will have the best idea about what flea and tick products work well in your area, and will be able to recommend a product that is less likely to cause a reaction in your cat. Consult your vet. If you are unsure about a product, you can always double-check with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can recommend hypoallergenic products that cater specifically to your cat's allergies. Additionally, your veterinarian can recommend grooming products that are safe and non-toxic. Use a shampoo. Cat shampoos can come in liquid or solid form (bar shampoos). Only bathe your cat if it is excessively dirty, for example covered in mud, or if it has something sticky or smelly stuck in its fur. Baths are also only recommended if your cat is calm enough to tolerate them. Pick a spray. Waterless sprays (and foams) are great alternatives to the traditional shampoo. These cleaning products are great for cats that detest water. Simply spray your cat's coat with the product and let it do the cleaning. Because sprays are being left on the coat, be sure that they are hypoallergenic before using them on your allergy-prone cat. Try wipes. Wipes are a great, no-fuss way to clean your cat as well. You can purchase safe, hypoallergenic wipes online or from your local pet store. Earthbath, GNC, and Whisker City sell hypoallergenic cat wipes.

Check for the label hypoallergenic. Examine the ingredient list. Be selective when choosing flea products. Consult your vet. Use a shampoo. Pick a spray. Try wipes.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance

How to Be a Good DJ at a Dance

To be a good DJ for a dance, you'll first want to come up with your list of songs for the night. It's important to make sure you have enough music to fill time an hour longer than the stated time of the event, and even more if you plan on taking requests. Since this is likely a school function, you'll need to ask the event coordinator about their policy on radio edits and clean mixes! Finally, keep your eyes on the dancefloor so you can see what kinds of music get people moving!

Arrange a diverse music selection. Before you can even begin to play music at a school dance it is important to have a large selection of music prepared ahead of time. If you are not taking requests the general rule of thumb is to have at bare minimum enough music to play the event, plus an additional hour or two so if certain music is not working well you have enough additional music to fall back on. (NOTE: One Hour = Approx. 12-20 songs). If you will be taking requests it is important to have enough music to make the odds of you having the requested songs pretty good. One way of doing this is taking the Billboard Annual Top 100 charts for the last 3-5 years and trying to obtain all of the songs listed plus at least one other single from each of the artists. Choose music that is appropriate for the theme. When you accept the gig be sure to ask the event coordinator what type of music has been played at these events in the past as you want to ensure you have the appropriate music for the venue and the crowd. For example: If you know the dance is a Ho-Down themed event it is important to be well-stocked on Country music, if the event is a Valentine's Day dance extra slow songs may be in order, etc. Make sure to bring a variety of musical styles however just in case the crowd becomes tired of a certain genre or you start getting requests for something different. Do radio edits. Always ask the event coordinator how much tolerance there will be for objectionable language. Many schools will allow a small amount of inappropriate language, others will allow for none. Search out songs that have (Radio Edit), (Radio Mix), or (Clean) in the song title this will tell you that the inappropriate content has been censored or removed. Decide if you will be using CDs, Vinyl or a Computer to DJ. CDs {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance-Step-4.jpg\/aid224441-v4-728px-Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Pros : Readily available in stores and online, can be burnt at home with music from iTunes or Napster. Cons : CDs are heavy, you will need at least two CD players to easily transition between songs, It can be time-consuming to find a single song somewhere among 300 CDs. Vinyl {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance-Step-5.jpg\/aid224441-v4-728px-Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Pros : Sounds richer on louder sound systems then CDs has better bass definition. Cons : Vinyl is also heavy, most record cases can only carry 75 records, you will need two turntables which are quite expensive, a lot of newer music is not available on vinyl except from specialty stores. Computer {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ad\/Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ad\/Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance-Step-6.jpg\/aid224441-v4-728px-Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Pros : You can carry a lot of music on a single computer, it is easy to search for songs, and you can always insert a CD if someone brings one for you. Cons : If your computer crashes the music will stop until you get it restarted. Keep in mind that the art of reading a crowd is something that will either come to you naturally or you will need to develop over time. The basic principle is this: If you play a song from genre x and the dance floor fills, then you play a song from genre y and the dance floor empties you know that to keep the dance floor packed you need to play more of x than y. This concept is important! Watch your dance floor! Many DJs fail to impress the crowd because they fail to notice when they clear the dance floor for long periods of time and they don't know what type of music will bring the people back when they finally do notice. It is also essential to also take note of the type of crowd you are dealing with! Students, parents and/or grown-ups! Set composition. It is the art of arranging music based on speed, genre, and key so that it flows well and takes the crowd on that journey. Basic Set Composition : The most basic set composition used by a lot of High School and Middle School DJs is the triangle composition. For this method the DJ will play three similar songs, followed by three different songs. Always sticking to groups of three to allow the crowd to enjoy the change. Here is an example: {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance-Step-8.jpg\/aid224441-v4-728px-Be-a-Good-DJ-at-a-Dance-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} First set (Hip Hop): Eminem - Shake That, Akon - Smack That, Kanye West - Stronger Second set (Dance): Daft Punk - Harder Better Faster Stronger, DJ Alligator - Blow my Whistle, DaRude - Sandstorm Notice how Kanye West transitions into Daft Punk as Stronger uses samples from Daft Punk. Use a point where the third song is slower and you do not have an easy transition to insert a slow song, then right after the slow song start bringing them up with something in the middle and moving faster again. Do No Repeats : It is never a good idea to repeat a song twice in a night, this is lazy and unprofessional. Be sure to save the more popular songs for later in the night when there are more people there. Don't play everything : You can't blame a cleared dance floor on the person who requested the song, you can only blame yourself for playing it. Use your crowd reading to decide if a song will work and when it will work. Although you should try to play as many requests as possible, if you keep everyone dancing and having a good time they will remember you as a good DJ even if you don't play everything they requested. Play it when it's appropriate : If you are planning to do a set of dance music in 30 minutes save the request for Sandstorm until you do it. Don't feel you need to play a request as the very next song.

Arrange a diverse music selection. Choose music that is appropriate for the theme. Do radio edits. Decide if you will be using CDs, Vinyl or a Computer to DJ. Keep in mind that the art of reading a crowd is something that will either come to you naturally or you will need to develop over time. Set composition. Do No Repeats : Don't play everything : Play it when it's appropriate :

https://www.wikihow.com/Check-a-Mare-for-Pregnancy

How to Check a Mare for Pregnancy

To check a mare for pregnancy, start by observing her around stallions 14 days after you think she's been impregnated. If she refuses their advances, she may be pregnant. After 21 days, look for signs that she's in heat, which means that she's not pregnant. For example, behaviors like raising her tail, opening and closing the lips of her vulva, and squatting to squirt urine are usually signs of being in heat. However, make sure to confirm your observations by having your vet perform an ultrasound, which is the most reliable method of telling if a mare is pregnant.

Check the mare's behavior around stallions. A mare who is suspected to be pregnant can be brought into contact with a stallion fourteen days after contact with the stallion to observe whether her behavior indicates possible pregnancy. If the mare is pregnant, she will likely refuse the advances of the stallion and not show her rear to the stallion as she would during heat. Although it's good to be aware that a mare that is not in heat may also refuse the stallion's advances for other reasons. Watch your breeding mare for signs of heat. Some mares raise their tails, open and close the lips of the vulva, and squat to squirt urine or mucus in addition to becoming generally difficult during their heat cycles. If the mare shows these behaviors 21 days after having been potentially impregnated, she is not pregnant. Have a veterinarian perform a transrectal palpation. A veterinarian can perform a transrectal palpation 16 to 19 days after the mare has been with a stallion. The vet puts his or her hand in the mare's rectum to check the uterus for indications of pregnancy. These indications include the size and/or shape of the uterus and the nature of the swellings on her ovaries. Have a veterinarian use ultrasound to determine whether the mare is pregnant. An ultrasound requires the vet to insert a probe into the mare's rectum to take pictures that can confirm pregnancy. From 16 days, the pregnancy can be detected, and at 55 to 70 days they might be able to determine the sex. The ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus and can monitor the heartbeat of a fetus. Ultrasound is the preferred method of telling whether a mare is pregnant, as it is the most reliable. Have a blood test performed on your mare. A pregnant mare can be checked for pregnancy hormones to determine pregnancy. This is especially useful when the mare is too irritable for non-chemical methods of determining pregnancy or when the rectum is too small for physical evaluation. Have a veterinarian take a blood sample. The vet will send the blood sample to a laboratory and have it tested. Test the level of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) 40 to 100 days after your mare has been with a stallion. If your mare was pregnant but lost the fetus, the PMSG test may give inaccurate results. Analyze the level of oestrone sulphate 100 days after the breeding. Oestrone sulphate levels increase with the presence of a foal, but go back to normal if the fetus is aborted. Give your breeding mare a urine test. When checking mares for pregnancy, oestrone sulphate can be found in the mare's urine. A urine test can be performed by a veterinarian or using a home test. Obtain a home pregnancy testing kit from a feed store or online. Test your breeding mare's urine 110 to 300 days after they have been with a stallion. Cut a 1 gallon (3.8 L) or 2-liter liquid container in half with a knife. Use the bottom to collect your mare's urine. Follow the directions on the pregnancy test kit to analyze your mare's urine. It takes 10 minutes to obtain the results. Confirm pregnancy test results. Using chemical-based tests can indicate that your mare is pregnant, but it is good to have another test performed by a vet—whether chemical or non-chemical—to ensure the foal has not slipped the foetus. Also, chemical-based tests are sometimes used improperly, so a positive result should be confirmed by a veterinarian.

Check the mare's behavior around stallions. Watch your breeding mare for signs of heat. Have a veterinarian perform a transrectal palpation. Have a veterinarian use ultrasound to determine whether the mare is pregnant. Have a blood test performed on your mare. Give your breeding mare a urine test. Confirm pregnancy test results.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dust-Your-Entire-House

How to Dust Your Entire House

To dust your entire house, start from the top and work down so you only have to clean once. Clean your light fixtures and ceiling fans first. Next, wipe down your walls and doors with a damp cloth and clean your windows with Windex. Then, dust your counters and clean and return the items that go on them. After that, wash your linens, vacuum your furniture and carpet, and finish by mopping your hard floors.

Clear any clutter out of the room. In order to make the dusting process easier and more effective, remove all of the clutter from around your house. For instance, clear off anything that's gathered on your tables or countertops, and put away loose items that have collected on the floors, sofas, and chairs. To make the job more manageable, work on one room at a time. Also, once you've finished dusting a room, don't move any items back into that room until they've been dusted, as well. Take any fabrics in the room outside and shake them off. Before you start dusting, take any linens, pillows, rugs, or cushions outside and shake them thoroughly. This will knock loose a lot of the dust that's trapped on the soft surfaces, so you won't have as much to deal with inside. Try hitting your pillows and cushions against each other firmly to dislodge dust that might be embedded deep down. If it's been a long time since you dusted, it may still be a good idea to wash or vacuum these fabrics before you return them to the room. Change your vacuum and AC filters to catch airborne dust. Before you get started dusting, put a new filter in your main air conditioning vent to trap any new dust that ends up in the air. Also, clean out or replace the filter in your vacuum cleaner, if you have one. That way, your vacuum will be able to trap more of the dust you're trying to clean. Even if you're careful to trap as much dust as possible, you'll still probably send a lot of tiny particles into the air while you're dusting, which is why changing your AC filter is important. Sweep or vacuum the ceiling to remove dust. Using either a large brush attachment on your vacuum or a long-handled broom, go over the ceiling in long, smooth strokes. Work from one end of the room to the other. Even if it doesn't look dusty, your ceiling can trap small particles that will float back down into the room, especially if the ceiling is textured. If you can't reach the ceiling with your vacuum attachment or your broom, you may need to stand on a sturdy stepstool or step ladder. Be very careful when you're climbing, and only stand on a sturdy ladder or stool. Do not climb on furniture that's not intended for standing. Warning: Do not attempt to clean your ceiling if it was manufactured before the 1980s, unless you have already had it tested to ensure it doesn't contain asbestos. Polish any light fixtures, ceiling fans, and vents in the room. Use a microfiber duster or a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe down your lights, ceiling fan blades, and air vents. However, if these items are really dirty, it might be best to vacuum them before wiping them down with a cloth. Keep your cloth folded in quarters and switch to a new side whenever the side you're using gets dirty. When there are no more clean sides, grab a new cloth. Avoid using a feather duster, as these tend to just move dust around. Go over the walls, doors, and door frames with a damp cloth. It might seem like a big job, but wiping down your walls will remove a lot of dust that you can't necessarily see. In addition, dust all the way around your door frames, as well as along the top, sides, and front of any doors in the room. Pay extra attention to corners and crevices in the doors, trim, or crown molding. If you'd prefer, you can use your vacuum with a brush attachment instead of a damp cloth. Wipe down the windows and window sills. Use a window cleaner and a clean cloth to wipe down the glass on your windows, then follow that with a squeegee if you have one to ensure you get a streak-free clean. Then, use your damp cloth or duster to clean everything around the window, including the windowsill, blinds, screens, and shutters. To make dusting your window screens easier, go over them with a large, dry paintbrush. To clean your blinds, close them tightly, then wipe them down with horizontal strokes, moving from the top of the blinds to the bottom. Then, do the same thing for the inside of the blinds. Clear off and wipe down any surfaces. If it's possible, take everything off of each shelf, table, countertop, or any other surface in the room. Wipe the dust off of the surface with your microfiber cloth or duster, then dust each item individually before you return it to its place. If you try to dust around objects instead of moving them first, it will be hard to dust as thoroughly. In addition, it will end up taking a lot longer, since you'll have to be careful not to knock the items over. Remember to clean the tops of appliances and large furniture, like your refrigerator or a tall bookcase. Wipe most decorative items and other objects with a microfiber cloth. Have a stack of dry microfiber cloths nearby, and dampen one or two of them. If you're dusting an item that's okay to get wet, like a ceramic vase, wipe it down with the damp microfiber cloth. When you're dusting things that can't get wet, like books, leather items, or other delicate objects, use one of the dry cloths, instead. Be sure to wipe down the leaves of all of your houseplants with a damp cloth. When dust builds up on your plants, it blocks the pores on the leaves, so they can't filter CO2 out of the air as effectively. Get dust out of electronics with compressed air and a vacuum. Wipe down the outside of your electronics with a dry cloth, then use a brush attachment on your vacuum to suck up any dust that's gathered around vents or the power cord. Finally, use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust or other debris from small crevices, like between the keys on your computer keyboard. Always unplug any device before you clean it. Wipe down electronic screens, including your television, with a dry microfiber cloth or a dryer sheet. The dryer sheet will help dispel static electricity that can make it hard to remove dust. Sweep dust from crevices and small, fragile objects with a dry brush. If you have small figurines, decor with elaborate carvings or molding, or anything else that's difficult to wipe down, carefully go over them with a dry paintbrush. Use the corner of the brush to get the bristles into any crevices that would be hard to reach with just a cloth. If you used a paintbrush to clean your window screens, you can use that one here! Just use your hand to brush away any dust that might be left on the bristles. Wash linens and soft toys. If it's possible, wash any bedding, curtains, plush toys, slipcovers, or other fabric items that are machine washable. These soft surfaces can hold onto a lot of dust, and putting them through the wash will remove a lot of that. Vacuum your curtains with your brush attachment if you can't wash them. Tumble-dry the linens in your dryer or hang them to air dry. However, wait to replace them until you've finished dusting the rest of the room. Otherwise, they might collect more dust as you clean. Vacuum any upholstered furniture in the room. If you have any plush chairs, couches, mattresses, or other upholstered items in the room that you can't easily wash, go over the surfaces with the brush attachment on your vacuum. Be sure to especially get down into any crevices where dust can hide. Remember to remove any cushions from the furniture and vacuum underneath those, as well. Move the furniture and appliances and clean underneath them. Now that you've done all this work to clean an entire room, don't leave dust bunnies lurking under your furniture. If you can, slide the furniture out of the way and vacuum or sweep underneath it. If not, use an extension arm on your vacuum and clean as far underneath each piece as you're able. It may help to have another person available if you have a lot of heavy furniture. Wipe down the baseboards. Chances are, dust will have settled along the trim at the bottom of your walls. To remove that dust, go over the baseboards with a damp microfiber cloth, working all the way around the room. If the baseboards are really dirty, spray a cloth with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe them down with that. Clean carpets and rugs with a vacuum. Even if you've already shaken out the rugs, there may still be dust embedded deep in the fibers. Also, any carpets in the room will need to be vacuumed thoroughly to remove any dust that fell while you were cleaning. You can sweep your carpets and rugs if you don't have a vacuum, but this will not be as effective at removing dust. Sweep and mop hard floors. To avoid stirring dust back into the air, gently go over the floors with a broom. Then, mop the floors to pick up any dust that's been left behind. As the name suggests, a dust mop is best for this task, since there's more surface area to trap dust. However, you can use any mop that you have available. Return everything to its place. Now that you've cleaned your room from top to bottom, the only thing left to do is to put everything back in order. Move any furniture back into its place, replace your rugs, curtains, and other linens, and place small objects back onto their shelves. Continue this process for each room in your home. Then, sit back and enjoy your dust-free environment!

Clear any clutter out of the room. Take any fabrics in the room outside and shake them off. Change your vacuum and AC filters to catch airborne dust. Sweep or vacuum the ceiling to remove dust. Polish any light fixtures, ceiling fans, and vents in the room. Go over the walls, doors, and door frames with a damp cloth. Wipe down the windows and window sills. Clear off and wipe down any surfaces. Wipe most decorative items and other objects with a microfiber cloth. Get dust out of electronics with compressed air and a vacuum. Sweep dust from crevices and small, fragile objects with a dry brush. Wash linens and soft toys. Vacuum any upholstered furniture in the room. Move the furniture and appliances and clean underneath them. Wipe down the baseboards. Clean carpets and rugs with a vacuum. Sweep and mop hard floors. Return everything to its place.

https://www.wikihow.com/Raise-a-Basset-Hound

How to Raise a Basset Hound

To raise a Basset hound, you'll need to establish a daily routine and teach it basic commands as early as possible. This is because Basset hounds are very intelligent, and they can be very stubborn. In the first year of having your Basset hound puppy, try to take it to as many different places as you can, which will help the dog be more comfortable around unfamiliar people and situations. Each day, try to follow the same routine for when it's time to eat, play, use the restroom, go to bed, and wake up. This structure will help your dog feel secure, which can minimize problem behaviors.

Begin training as soon as possible. As soon as you bring your puppy home, you should begin training them. Establish a pattern from the beginning by bringing your outside to see if they need to go potty. Unless you are feeding, training, or playing with your Basset, use a baby gate to confine your puppy to a small section of the house, like the laundry room, for the first few days. This will enable you to supervise and monitor your puppy to see when your puppy needs to use the restroom. Signs that a puppy needs to potty are sniffing the floor, circling while sniffing the floor, and/or whining. Take your puppy outside every half hour. Because puppies do not have full control of their bladders yet, taking your puppy outside frequently to use the restroom is very important. Taking them outside every half hour to go potty when they are 8 to 12 weeks old will begin to establish the boundaries for urinating and defecating. Once your puppy has gone potty outside, reward the correct behavior with praise and treats. Also, take your puppy outside after naps, meals, and after play time to use the restroom. Crate your Basset when they are unsupervised. Dogs are unlikely to soil the areas where they sleep, like their crates. A crate will teach your puppy to control their bladder and bowels. However, keeping your puppy in their crate for too long will increase the likelihood that they will have an accident in their crate. Therefore, only keep your puppy in their crate for short periods of time, for example, an hour at most. If your Basset has an accident while in their crate, take them outside immediately. This will encourage and further solidify the association between eliminating and outside. Make sure to clean the area with an odor neutralizer to prevent your puppy from eliminating in the same spot again. Purchase a crate. When purchasing the crate, make sure it is not too big. If the crate is too big, your puppy will still be able to eliminate in one corner and sleep in another. However, make sure the crate is not too small, as well. Your puppy should be able to lie, stand, and move around comfortably in their crate. Alternatively, you can purchase a crate that is appropriate for your Basset's expected full-grown size. Use a divider to make the crate smaller, and adjust the divider as your puppy grows. Many crates come with dividers. Make the crate comfortable. Place a towel or blanket, toys, and treats inside your puppy's crate. This will entice your puppy to explore the crate on their own. Once your puppy goes inside the crate on their own, reward them with praise and treats. At this point, do not shut the crate's door right away. You want your puppy to have a positive association with their crate. Choose a word or phrase to say when your Basset enters the crate like, “Crate time,” “Go to your room,” or “Nap time.” If you bought your puppy from a breeder who lives nearby, try dropping off a towel or blanket at the breeder's place a few days before picking up your puppy. This way the litter can sleep on the blanket and leave their collective scent. Place this towel in your puppy's crate to comfort your puppy. Crate your puppy for small amount of times. Once your puppy has no qualms about going into their crate on their own, select an appropriate time to enclose your puppy. An appropriate time to enclose your puppy is after they have eaten and eliminated outside. After you close the door, stay with your puppy and give them a new toy. If your puppy begins to cry, talk to them and reassure them by saying, “That's a good boy (or girl). It's ok, I'm here.” Leave the puppy in the crate for only ten minutes. Slowly work your way up to longer periods of time. Place the crate in your room at night. This way, your puppy will be comforted by your scent and will hopefully fall asleep more easily. Set your alarm for three hours so you can wake up to take your puppy outside to use the restroom. By setting an alarm, you will be able to take your puppy out of their crate before they begin to whine or cry. Therefore, you will not be rewarding bad behavior. Unless you know that your puppy needs to use the restroom or is hungry, do not take your puppy out of their crate when they whine or cry. Expose your Basset to varying situations. In the first year of having your new puppy, expose them to unfamiliar dogs, people, and environments. Introduce them to people of varying ages, i.e., adults and children, and to both men and women in non-threatening environments. To expose your puppy to new environments and other dogs, take them to the park, for walks, and/or place them in a puppy kindergarten class. Keep in mind that the first 18 weeks of your puppy's life is the best time to socialize them. This is the period when they will be most open to new experiences. Take advantage of this window to raise a confident, well-adjusted adult dog. Establish a daily routine. Show your puppy where their bed, toys, and food and water bowls are. Establish a routine for when it's time to eat, play, use the restroom, go to bed, and wake up. This will provide the much-needed structure and security to your puppy's life. For example, wake your puppy up at an established time in the morning, let them outside to use the restroom, and give your puppy their morning meal. Make sure your puppy eats and goes potty before bedtime, and have their bedtime at a certain time, as well. Teach your puppy basic commands. Begin teaching your puppy commands like “No” and “Good boy.” Once your puppy begins to understand these commands, begin to teach them more complex commands like sit, stay, and come. You can either teach them the more advanced commands yourself, or sign your puppy up for an obedience class. Find an obedience class at your local pet store, or ask your veterinarian for recommendations. Inspect their ears. Bassets have long ears that can harbor dampness and debris. Therefore, you will need to inspect your Basset's ears regularly to avoid infections. Acclimate your puppy to having their ears inspected by practicing flipping their ears over for inspection. Reward your puppy with praise and treats for allowing you to inspect their ears. Check their nails. Basset's nails tend to grow fast. Therefore, you will need to trim your puppy's nails to prevent them from becoming too long. Your dog's nails should be trimmed when they are just about to touch the ground when your puppy walks. Acclimate your Basset to having their nails clipped by handling their feet when they are still young. Rub your hand over their legs and paws, and gently press each individual toe. Reward your puppy with praise and treats for allowing you to touch their paws and toes. Exercise your puppy regularly. Bassets are very laid back, but they have a tendency to be lazy. Consequently, Bassets also have a tendency to become overweight and obese. Starting with their puppy years, provide your Basset with physical and mental exercise to prevent obesity. Take your Basset puppy outside for self-directed, off-leash play. Allow them to roam around, sniff, and dig. Teaching your Basset commands and tricks will stimulate their mind and provide them with the mental exercise that they need. Consult your veterinarian. It is crucial to take your new Basset hound for an initial checkup as well as annual exams. They will need to be vaccinated, dewormed, and receive medication to protect them from heartworm. You should also discuss spaying/neutering with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend the best training methods for your Basset Hound. Also, ask your veterinarian about the appropriate activities that will enable you to fulfill your dog's physical and mental exercise needs. You can also ask your veterinarian for tips on how to thoroughly inspect your dog's ears and keep them clean.

Begin training as soon as possible. Take your puppy outside every half hour. Crate your Basset when they are unsupervised. Purchase a crate. Make the crate comfortable. Crate your puppy for small amount of times. Place the crate in your room at night. Expose your Basset to varying situations. Establish a daily routine. Teach your puppy basic commands. Inspect their ears. Check their nails. Exercise your puppy regularly. Consult your veterinarian.

https://www.wikihow.com/Boil-Peanuts

How to Boil Peanuts

To boil peanuts, start by getting some fresh, green peanuts and soaking them in a large pot of water with some salt for 30 minutes. If you can't find green peanuts, you can use dried peanuts instead, but you'll need to soak them in water for 8 hours. Next, drain the water out of the pot and add 2 inches of fresh water so the peanuts are completely submerged. Then, add seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once it starts to boil, reduce to a simmer for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Finally, drain the peanuts before serving.

Purchase green peanuts from a farmer's market, farm stand, or grocery store. Look for green peanuts anytime between June and September at your local farmer's market or grocery store. If you live in the Southeast where peanuts are grown, you may notice signs during the summer that advertise fresh peanuts being sold at roadside farm stands. Purchase roughly two pounds of fresh peanuts to boil. Fresh, green peanuts do not last for longer than a few weeks, so make sure not to buy more than you can boil within that time period. Look for fresh peanuts with a firm, brown shell and a strong nutty smell. Green peanuts do not actually look green. Their name refers to the fact that they have been recently harvested and not dried. Rinse and remove any debris or broken shells. Place the peanuts in a large bucket and fill it with warm water. Green peanuts from a farmer's market or road-side stand may still contain debris such as grass, branches, or leaves from the farm. Remove and discard any debris that may float to the surface. You won't need to wash pre-packaged peanuts purchased from a store. Instead, you can open the bag and go straight to soaking them. You can also remove any broken or damaged peanut shells that you spot. Depending on how dirty they are, you may consider doing this outside. If you can work outside, consider using a water hose to spray the peanuts inside of the bucket to remove any debris. Scrub the peanuts with a brush and add them to a colander. Use a vegetable brush to gently scrub away any dirt that remains on the peanut shells. Scoop up a handful of peanuts at a time from the bucket of water and gently scrub the shells as they rest in the palm of your hand. Place the scrubbed peanuts into a colander for rinsing. Repeat this process until all the peanuts have been scrubbed. You can use a dish-washing brush if you don't have a vegetable brush handy. Your hands could be submerged in the water for a long period of time, so consider wearing rubber gloves to protect your skin. Rinse them with water. Place the large colander full of peanuts into a sink and thoroughly rinse with running water. You'll need to remove any excess dirt or debris that you loosened from the peanut shells while you were scrubbing them. Continue rinsing the peanuts while gently stirring them around the colander until the water runs clear. If you are working outside or with a large batch of peanuts that won't fit in your sink, you can also rinse the peanuts outside with a water hose. Keep in mind that it will be more effective to rinse your peanuts while they are in a container with holes that allow the dirty water to easily pass through. Fill a large pot with 2 pounds (0.91 kg) of peanuts and 2 gallons (7.6 L) of water. Transfer them from your colander to a large stockpot. Fill the pot with water, making sure all the peanuts are fully submerged. If the peanuts float, gently press them down with your hand to make sure every shell is soaked by the water. Add 1 cup (240 ml) of salt to the water. Measure and add the salt to your pot, stirring to make sure that it completely dissolves in the water. The salt will give the peanuts flavor as they soak. Keep in mind that you will be adding additional salt and seasonings later when you boil the peanuts. Be careful not to over-salt them now during the soaking stage. Use table salt instead of rock salt as it will dissolve in the water more easily. Adjust your ingredient measurements as necessary. Cover the pot and allow them to soak for 30 minutes. Cover your pot with a lid or plastic wrap to ensure that the peanuts remain submerged in the water. Allow them to soak for around 30 minutes before cooking. Raw, dried peanuts are available year-round and are a great alternative if you do not have access to fresh, green peanuts. Dried peanuts will require a longer soaking time before cooking, so leave them to soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Soaking the peanuts ensures that they will soften more easily when they are cooked, giving them their delicious texture. Do not attempt to soak roasted peanuts. Roasted peanuts will not soften regardless of how long they are soaked or boiled. Drain the soaking water. Place your colander in a sink and pour in the water and peanuts from your soaking pot. After the desired soaking time has been reached, you'll need to remove the soaking water before cooking them. If you are working with a large batch of peanuts and your soaking pot is too heavy to lift easily, consider transferring the peanuts from your soaking pot to a cooking vessel with a slotted spoon. The peanuts are now ready to be boiled. Add the peanuts and your preferred seasonings to a large pot. Place the pre-soaked peanuts and some water into a large stockpot. Make sure there is at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) of water above the peanuts, and stir the peanuts as necessary to ensure that they are fully submerged in the water. Place the pot on your stove and add any desired seasonings. Adding salt is a great, basic seasoning that will add flavor. You can add around 1 cup (240 ml) of table salt for every 1 gallon (3.8 l) of water. If you'd like the peanuts to taste spicy, consider adding red pepper flakes or jalapenos. Bring the pot to a boil, then allow the peanuts to simmer for around 4 hours. Adjust your stove temperature to high until the water reaches a rolling boil. Cover your pot and reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the peanuts to simmer. Allow the green peanuts to simmer for around 4 hours. If you are using dried, raw peanuts, allow them to simmer for at least 10 hours. Consider cooking the peanuts in a large crockpot if you have one. This is an especially useful cooking method if you are boiling raw peanuts, which need to be cooked for a long time. Simply add the peanuts, water, and desired flavor seasoning and cook while covered on the lowest heat setting from around 20-24 hours. Periodically stir and add more water to the crockpot as necessary while they cook. Stir and taste occasionally. Use a slotted spoon to occasionally stir the peanuts as they simmer. Periodically remove a peanut from the pot with a spoon, remove it from its shell, and taste it to determine whether it needs more seasoning or cooking time. How long you cook the peanuts depends on your own personal peanut preference. Some people like their peanuts to be very soft, while others prefer that they retain some of their firmness. Testing throughout the cooking process will help you achieve the perfect doneness. You may need to add extra water to your pot if the water level drops below the peanuts while they cook. Dump the peanuts and water into a colander. Turn off the heat, then lift your stock pot to carefully dump the contents into a large colander that has been placed in the sink. Once the peanuts have finished cooking, you'll want to completely remove all of the cooking water before eating them. Use extreme caution when lifting your pot and pouring it into the colander as the boiling water could cause a painful burn. Consider wearing long oven mitts to protect your wrists and arms while handling the pot. Remove the peanuts with a slotted spoon if the pot is too heavy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the peanuts from the cooking pot if it is too difficult to lift. Place the peanuts directly into a serving bowl. If you've chosen to cook your peanuts in a crockpot, the slotted spoon might be the easiest method by which to remove your peanuts from the water. Enjoy immediately or properly store them for later. Allow the peanuts to cool until they are comfortable to touch by hand, then shell them as you eat! Package the peanuts in a Ziploc bag to store them for up to seven days or to freeze them for later. Boiled peanuts do not have a long shelf-life and can't be kept longer than about a week in a refrigerated, covered container without spoiling.

Purchase green peanuts from a farmer's market, farm stand, or grocery store. Rinse and remove any debris or broken shells. Scrub the peanuts with a brush and add them to a colander. Rinse them with water. Fill a large pot with 2 pounds (0.91 kg) of peanuts and 2 gallons (7.6 L) of water. Add 1 cup (240 ml) of salt to the water. Cover the pot and allow them to soak for 30 minutes. Drain the soaking water. Add the peanuts and your preferred seasonings to a large pot. Bring the pot to a boil, then allow the peanuts to simmer for around 4 hours. Stir and taste occasionally. Dump the peanuts and water into a colander. Remove the peanuts with a slotted spoon if the pot is too heavy. Enjoy immediately or properly store them for later.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Chigger-Bites

How to Treat Chigger Bites

To treat chigger bites, start by taking a cold shower and washing your body, which will alleviate itching and remove any leftover chiggers. If the itching persists, make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to your bites. Let the paste fully dry before washing it off. You can also try taking an over-the-counter antihistamine or soaking in a warm bath with 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal. Remember to wash the clothes you were wearing with hot water in case there are still chiggers on them.

Take a cold shower the moment that you realize you have a chigger bite. A cold shower may sound unpleasant, but it can help reduce the inflammation caused by chigger bites. This helps relieve itching! Scrub your body with soap to remove any additional chiggers, as well as any digestive enzymes from a bite that may linger on the surface of your skin. Repeat your lathering and rinsing routine a few times. This will help kill most of the attached chiggers. If you don't want to take a shower, you could instead take a cold bath or apply a cold compress, though this is not as effective for removing chiggers or digestive enzymes. If you take a bath, you can add a few scoops of colloidal oatmeal to help ease your itching. Apply hydrocortisone cream to relieve the itching. You can buy 1% hydrocortisone cream over-the-counter. Dab the cream on the bite only, not the surrounding skin. Use as little cream as possible. Ask your doctor before using hydrocortisone cream on a child under the age of 12 or if you're pregnant or nursing. You can reapply the cream every 4-6 hours, as needed. Use calamine lotion as an alternative to hydrocortisone cream. Calamine lotion can also relieve itching from chigger bites. Shake the lotion bottle, then apply a dollop of lotion to a cotton pad. Dab the lotion onto your bite, and allow it to dry before putting clothing on over the affected area. Talk to your doctor before using calamine lotion on children under the age of 12 or if you're pregnant or nursing. You can reapply calamine lotion every 4 hours, as needed. Take an antihistamine to reduce itching and inflammation. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an excellent choice, but you can also choose a non-drowsy option like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin). This will reduce your body's reaction to the chigger bite, which can relieve itching and swelling. Talk to your doctor before taking an antihistamine, especially if you're taking other medications. Follow all dosage instructions on the packaging. Keep in mind that some antihistamines can be taken every 4 hours, while others are taken once a day. When taking an antihistamine, you may experience drowsiness. Apply camphor oil as an alternative for itch relief. Camphor oil is easy to find in your local drugstore. You can even use Vicks Vaporub, as camphor is the active ingredient! Simply dab it onto your bites to relieve the itching. If you have sensitive skin, though, camphor may irritate it. If that's the case, it may be best to stick with another remedy. You can reapply it several times a day, as needed. Soak in an oatmeal bath to reduce itching. Add 1 cup (85 g) of ground rolled oats or colloidal oatmeal to a warm bath. Soak for 15 minutes, then rinse off your skin. Do not bathe longer than 15 minutes or take more than 1 oatmeal bath a day, as this can dry out your skin. Dry skin will increase the itching. You can find colloidal oatmeal for bathing at your local drug store or online. Alternatively, you could grind up old-fashioned rolled oats to use in your bath. Use a baking soda paste to relieve itching. Baking soda is another alternative for itch relief. Pour the baking soda into a clean bowl. Then pour a small amount of water onto it, stirring to form a thick paste. Add more baking soda or water as needed to reach a paste consistency. Apply the paste to your bites and allow it to dry before washing it off. You don't need to measure the baking soda. All that matters is that you have enough paste to cover your bites. Hold a wet aspirin against the bite as an alternative to other treatments. The aspirin may reduce your pain, itching, and swelling. However, it must be wet to work. You can also grind up the aspirin and add a bit of water to make a paste. Apply the paste to your bites and let it dry before washing it off. Avoid scratching, which can lead to infection. Scratching the bite can break the skin, potentially causing an infection. Not only that, it won't relieve your itching! Trim your fingernails closely if you're struggling to stop scratching the bite. You can paint over your bite with clear nail polish or school glue to prevent you from scratching. If you do break the skin, then apply an antiseptic ointment to prevent infection. Wash the clothes you were wearing in hot water. The chiggers may also still be in your clothes, which could result in more bites! As soon as you know you encountered chiggers, wash your clothes in hot water and detergent. This will kill the chiggers and minimize the chances of them spreading. Talk to your doctor if symptoms do not improve after 3 days. It's normal for the itch to worsen in the day or 2 after the bite occurs, but it should start to improve by day 3. If symptoms do not improve or you notice additional swelling, pain, or pus, then it's best to see a doctor. In some cases, your doctor may be able to give you steroid shots to treat extreme itching and swelling. Visit a doctor if you notice signs of infection. Chigger bites rarely become infected, but they sometimes do. Usually an infection results from scratching the bites, which can break the skin. If this happens, the doctor can prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. Symptoms to watch out for include: Fever Flu-like symptoms Swollen glands Redness Swelling Pus Pain See your doctor if you have symptoms of “summer penile syndrome. ” If the chiggers bit you in your groin area, you may have swelling and itching around your penis. You may also have trouble relieving yourself. If this happens, you need to see your doctor. The doctor can help relieve your symptoms and prevent complications. This condition can last for a few days to a few weeks, so it's best to get treatment as soon as possible for the best outcome. Notice extreme itching. You may experience itching before you even know you've been bitten. This is because the bite won't appear on your skin for a few hours. Scratching is often the first indication that you've suffered a bite. With chiggers, the worst itching occurs about 1-2 days after the bite. Look for a red welt that develops about 1-3 hours after the bite occurs. The welt could be flat or raised. Sometimes you may develop a pustule or blister, but this is not always the case. Look for a cluster of bites. It's easy to mistake chigger bites for a rash or skin condition because they'll often appear in a cluster. However, this is normal with chigger bites, especially after spending extended time outdoors. Consider if you've spent time outdoors. Most chigger bites occur after you encounter a cluster of chigger larvae, which need to attach to a host. Unfortunately, humans make great hosts! These tiny pests are common in grassy areas or near waterways. They are most prevalent in late spring through early fall. Watch for swelling in your groin area. Unfortunately, chiggers like to bite in the groin area because the skin is easier to bite. In some cases, this can cause “summer penile syndrome,” which results in itching, swelling, and trouble peeing. Symptoms can last for a few days to a few weeks.

Take a cold shower the moment that you realize you have a chigger bite. Apply hydrocortisone cream to relieve the itching. Use calamine lotion as an alternative to hydrocortisone cream. Take an antihistamine to reduce itching and inflammation. Apply camphor oil as an alternative for itch relief. Soak in an oatmeal bath to reduce itching. Use a baking soda paste to relieve itching. Hold a wet aspirin against the bite as an alternative to other treatments. Avoid scratching, which can lead to infection. Wash the clothes you were wearing in hot water. Talk to your doctor if symptoms do not improve after 3 days. Visit a doctor if you notice signs of infection. See your doctor if you have symptoms of “summer penile syndrome. Notice extreme itching. Look for a red welt that develops about 1-3 hours after the bite occurs. Look for a cluster of bites. Consider if you've spent time outdoors. Watch for swelling in your groin area.

https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Big-Two

How to Play Big Two

Big Two is a popular 4-player card game where players try to get rid of all of their cards first. To start the game, have one player deal 13 cards to each player. Whoever has the 3 of diamonds goes first. They can play the 3 of diamonds, a pair of 3s, a straight, a 4 of a kind plus any other card, a flush, a full house, or a straight flush. When the first player is done, the player to their left goes next. They must play a better set of cards in a matching or higher-ranking suit. From highest to lowest, the suits are ranked spades, clubs, hearts, and diamonds. If a player can't play, they skip their turn. Play continues clockwise until every player passes. At that point, remove the cards from the center and have the next player go. Keep playing like this until one player runs out of cards and wins!

Grab a deck of playing cards. Part of big two's popularity is that it is one of many games that can be played using a traditional 4-suit, 54-card (including jokers) deck. You probably already have one in your home that you've used in the past; grab it to get started. If you need to buy one, the size/design won't make any difference, just be sure it has 4 full suits of clubs, diamonds, spades, and hearts. Shuffle the deck. . Like poker, big two is a game which draws its chance from the random-ness of deck shuffling and dealing. You'll want to be very thorough in shuffling (first remove the two jokers), especially if your deck of cards is a recent purchase. Once you're done shuffling, “cut” the deck (remove any number of cards from the top in a single pile) and place the cut pile to the side. Once this is complete, pick one player amongst yourselves to be the dealer. The dealer receives no special advantages in gameplay, so it is more or less an arbitrary choice. Decide who is dealt to first. Before dealing out cards, you'll need to decide to whom to deal to first. In big two this is determined by the cut pile just made. Look at the bottom card of the cut pile for its rank, from ace to king (then replace the pile on top of the deck). Going counterclockwise and starting with ace as 1, count players until you reach the rank of the card at the bottom of the cut pile. This player will begin the game. Provided you're playing with four people, certain ranks match with players in the counterclockwise order, such that you don't need to count it out. If the card was an ace, a five, or a nine, the dealer will be dealt to first. If the card was a two, a six, or a ten, the player to the right of the dealer will be dealt to first. If the card was a three, a seven, or a jack, the player sitting opposite the dealer will be dealt to first. If the card was a four, an eight, or a queen, the player to the left of the dealer will be dealt to first. Deal the cards. Starting with the player just determined, have the dealer deal thirteen cards (counterclockwise), one at a time, to every player. These thirteen cards will comprise the player's starting hand, with the goal being to play every card you've been dealt. Whoever is dealt the three of diamonds begins the game as first player. If you're playing with three players, deal each player seventeen cards and place the last card, face up, on the table. The player with the three of diamonds takes this card into their hand, unless the card itself is the three of diamonds in which case the player with the three of spades take the card. Begin the game by playing the three of diamonds. In the rules of big two, the three of diamonds is the lowest ranked card, so it must be placed first either by itself or in some combination. The rules of big two revolve around the game's own ranking of the cards and suits. The gameplay is essentially successive players placing increasingly ranked cards until no longer able. The namesake of the game comes from it's ranking of the game's cards (from high to low): 2, Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10 to 3. The suits are ranked (from high to low): spades, hearts, clubs, and diamonds. There are four combinations in which cards can be played: single cards, pairs of cards, triples, and five card groups. Play the three of diamonds in a pair or triple. If the player with the three of diamonds has another three in their hand, or two threes, they might consider playing the card in a double or triple. The advantage to this is that it forces the remaining players to also play a double or triple, potentially damaging their ability to get cards out of their hand. When playing a pair of cards, they must be of equal rank (ex. two nines or two jacks). Triples work in the same way. Higher suits will determine rank among equal pairs (ex. a nine of spades and of diamonds beats a nine of hearts and of clubs, because the spade is higher). Play the three of diamonds in a group of five. For groups of five cards, there are five different ways to play them, many of the combinations similar to ones in poker. Naturally, five card groups are considered the most valuable because they are the most difficult to match and outrank. The groups are listed here in rank from lowest to highest: You can play a straight, which is five cards of successive rank using any suits (ex. six of hearts, seven of diamonds, eight of hearts, nine of clubs, and ten of spades). When ranks are identical, the suit of the highest ranked card determines supremacy. Four of a kinds are also possible, and you include any other card to make a combination of five. The four must be of the same rank (ex. all 4 sevens, and a three of spades). Choosing between two four of a kinds, the rank of the four cards decides supremacy. You can play a flush, which is a five card combination of any cards of the same suit (ex. nine of hearts, seven of hearts, six of hearts, ten of hearts, and three of hearts). Higher suits beat lower suits, irrespective of the ranks. Between identical suits, highest card determines supremacy. The next five card combination is a full house, which is essentially a pair and a triple. Three cards of one rank and two of another (ex. 3 fours and 2 sevens, of any suit). Deciding between two full houses, supremacy goes to the one whose triple is of a higher rank. Straight flushes are also possible as five successive cards of the same suit (with twos in this case ranking below threes, with aces able to be high or low)--an example would be an eight of spades, a nine of spades, a ten of spades, a jack of spades, and a queen of spades. Between equal ranked flushes, suit determines which is higher. Continue play until everybody passes. The rules of big two require you to place increasingly higher-ranked cards, and always of whatever number combination the round began with. For example, if the first player (with the three of diamonds) plays it in a triple each successive player must play a triple of higher rank. Note, you are never obligated to play cards. If you believe it's advantageous to hold on to your cards, you can pass at will. A five card group can be surpassed by a five card group of another, stronger type. They are listed in ascending order above (ex. a straight flush can beat any five card combination). When you are unable to play a higher card or combination of cards, you must pass. Once everyone save one player has passed, a new round will begin. Begin a new round. To start again, take the previous round's pile of cards and set them aside. The player who did not pass (who played highest) will play first by playing any single card or combination of cards. As with previous rounds, succeeding players may only play higher rank card combinations of the same number (or singles if a single card). The game will continue in this way until one person has played their last card. Once a player has emptied their hand of cards, they are automatically determined the winner. Score the remaining players. Traditionally, big two will include scoring to determine who is second, third, and last. This takes the form of penalty points counted up, determined by the number of cards left in hand. The player with the lowest number of the points will be second, the next lowest, third; and the player with most will be last. For those with nine cards or less in their hand, they will count one point per card. For those with ten, eleven, or twelve cards in their hard, they will count two points per card. For those with all cards still in their hand, their score will automatically be 39 (3 points per card).

Grab a deck of playing cards. Shuffle the deck. Decide who is dealt to first. Deal the cards. Begin the game by playing the three of diamonds. Play the three of diamonds in a pair or triple. Play the three of diamonds in a group of five. Continue play until everybody passes. Begin a new round. Score the remaining players.

https://www.wikihow.com/Straighten-Toes

How to Straighten Toes

To straighten toes when you're dealing with bunions, wear a wooden or metal splint around the affected toe to help reduce pain and realign the joint. If you dislocated a toe, make sure a professional realigns the joint, then support the toe with a splint or strong medical tape until it heals. Conditions like hammertoe, claw toe, and mallet toe can be evaluated and corrected by a foot or orthopedic specialist!

Make an appointment with your family doctor. If you've noticed that one or more of your toes are crooked, especially if pain or inflammation is involved, then make an appointment to see your doctor. Your family doctor is well-trained to be able to rule out anything serious (such as a fracture or infection), but remember your family doctor is not joint or foot specialist, so you may need to see a more specialized health professional to get the correct diagnosis. Your doctor may decide to take an X-ray of your foot to get a better idea of the problem. Your doctor may take blood from you and check your glucose levels because foot problems are common for people with diabetes. Get a referral to an orthopedic specialist. Orthopods are joint specialists who correct joint problems via braces, splints, surgery or other invasive methods. You likely won't require surgery for your crooked toe, but your orthopod can correctly diagnose joint problems, evaluate whether arthritis is a factor and prescribe anti-inflammatories or analgesics (painkillers) if needed. Your orthopedist may also want to take an X-ray, bone scan, MRI or diagnostic ultrasound to ascertain and properly diagnose your foot condition. Go see a podiatrist. A doctor who specializes in foot problems is called a podiatrist. Podiatrists can perform minor surgeries of the foot, but they usually focus more on foot/arch supports for your shoes (called orthotics), braces and custom made shoes. A podiatrist is a great source of information on the most appropriate shoes for your feet. Physical therapists, chiropractors and naturopaths may also be good sources of information regarding foot/toe conditions and offer natural, non-invasive treatments. Take care of the pain. A bunion is a chronically sprained and inflamed joint that forms when the big toe is constantly pushed towards the smaller toes, usually by wearing ill-fitting shoes or shoes that are too narrow (such as high heels). Flat feet also contribute to bunion formation, which can mimic rheumatoid or osteoarthritis because of the inflammation, redness and dull, achy pain involved. As bunions progress, the big toe becomes more crooked and generates more pain, which may lead to limping and other joint problems in the ankle or knee. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) or analgesics (such as acetaminophen) can combat the swelling and pain caused by bunions. If the pain is severe, stronger medications may be prescribed by your family doctor or orthopod (such as COX-2 inhibitors or morphine-based drugs). Steroid injections directly into the joint can be effective for combating pain and inflammation. Change your shoes. The vast majority of bunions occur in women who wear shoes that are too narrow. Changing to shoes that have a wider toe box and better arch support can certainly stop the progression and pain of a bunion, but it probably won't straighten the big toe back to its normal position. After giving up high-fashion shoes, if the bunion is still painful and limits activity, then surgery should be considered. You should be able to wiggle your toes while your shoes are on. There should be at least 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of space between the tips of your big toes and the end of your shoes while standing up. Athletic shoes and walking sandals are generally good choices. Get a splint. Taping a plastic, wooden or metal splint around the affected toe might help reduce the pain and realign the joint, depending on how long you've had the bunion. Silicone or felt pads worn on the feet or as shoe inserts may also relieve bunion pain, but it depends on the degree of joint damage. Orthopods, podiatrists, physical therapists and chiropractors could all be of help with splints or shoe orthotics. Arch supports and orthotics realign the shape of your foot, correcting balance and weight distribution throughout the muscles of your feet and toes. Massages, gentle stretching and ice baths may also help reduce the pain and dysfunction of bunions. Consider bunion surgery. Bunion surgery often involves shaving the bone and/or strategically breaking it so it can be set straight. Surgical pins and wires are often needed to hold the toe bones in place while you heal. For severely damaged joints, the joint might be fused together or even completely removed and replaced with an artificial joint. The goal of surgery is pain relief and increased mobility, not to create a "prettier" foot or make it possible to wear high-heel shoes again. If tight, pointy shoes are worn after surgery, then most likely the bunion will come back. Bunion correction is an outpatient surgery. After the surgery, the foot is covered with a bulky, compressive bandage. Bone typically takes six weeks to heal, so wearing a protective boot for a minimum of six weeks after surgery is common. During this time, avoid excessive or unnecessary walking. Get your toe realigned. Toe dislocations are a relatively common consequence of foot trauma, whether it's accidental (such as stubbing your toe) or intentional (such as kicking a soccer ball). A dislocated toe is certainly painful and looks misaligned, but it doesn't usually involve a fracture. Realigning the dislocated toe with some sort of manual procedure or adjustment (practiced by medical doctors, podiatrists and chiropractors), is the most appropriate treatment. Pain relief often follows immediately after treatment. Dislocations don't often spontaneously realign without intervention from a health professional. The longer a joint is dislocated, the greater the chance of permanent ligament and/or tendon damage, so getting treatment soon after injury is important. Support your toe until it heals. Once your toe joint is realigned again, it's important to support it with a splint or strong medical tape because the ligaments and tendons that keep the joint straight may be temporarily stretched or weakened. As a consequence, the newly straightened toe may be somewhat unstable for a few days until the connective tissues can strengthen. Consider making your own splint with popsicle sticks and trainer's tape. Strengthen your toe with exercises. Shortly after your dislocated toe has been realigned and stabilized, you should strengthen it with specific exercises. Towel curls (using your toes to crumple up or pick up a towel from the floor) and marble pick-ups (picking up marbles from the floor with your toes) work well for strengthening the tendons and muscles of your toes and foot. Talk to your doctor before beginning a toe exercise routine, especially if you have other medical conditions such as arthritis or diabetes. If these exercises do not work well or are painful to perform, see a physical therapist or podiatrist for more personalized assistance. Get your hammertoe fixed. Hammertoe, also known as a contracted toe, is a deformity of the second, third or fourth toe caused by a contraction at the most proximal joint, which results in a hammer-like appearance. Hammertoes are usually flexible in the initial stages but may become rigid if they are not treated appropriately. Hammertoes are caused by wearing shoes that are too small or too narrow, or by wearing high heels that put excessive pressure on the muscle groups of the toe. Hammertoe can be fixed by surgery (cutting and stretching the contracted tendon, then placing a metal pin/wire next to the joint for support), or aggressive stretching regimens on a daily basis. Splints and supports can also be effective for alleviating hammertoe. Use your fingers to massage around the toe, then manually pull (stretch) the hammertoe, holding each stretch for several seconds. Continue this routine multiple times daily for weeks or until you see substantial improvement. Get your claw toe fixed. Claw toe means that your toe becomes hooked in appearance due to contraction (flexion) of the proximal and distal joints, which forces the end of the toe to dig into the shoe's sole. Painful calluses or corns develop at the very end of the affected toe. Claw toes are caused by wearing shoes that are too small and also by some diseases (such as diabetes) or conditions (tendon contractions). Claw toes can also be fixed by similar surgical methods used for hammertoe, which includes cutting and stretching the contracted tendons. Try walking on the tips of your toes, which will cause extension (and stretching) of the contracted tendons/joints. Get your mallet toe fixed. Mallet toe is similar to claw toe but involves abnormal positioning only at the most distal joint (at the end of the toe). Mallet toe is commonly caused by shoes that are too tight in the toe box or ones that possess high heels. The forces these shoes place on your feet cause unnatural bending of your toes. Mallet toes can also be fixed by similar surgical methods used for hammertoes and claw toes — cutting and stretching the contracted tendons. Every attempt should be made to spread your toes while barefoot. A toe-spacing product can be worn to help re-approximate your toes to the correct anatomical position.

Make an appointment with your family doctor. Get a referral to an orthopedic specialist. Go see a podiatrist. Take care of the pain. Change your shoes. Get a splint. Consider bunion surgery. Get your toe realigned. Support your toe until it heals. Strengthen your toe with exercises. Get your hammertoe fixed. Get your claw toe fixed. Get your mallet toe fixed.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Hair-Less-Oily

How to Make Your Hair Less Oily

If your hair is too oily, there are ways to stop your scalp producing so much oil. Use dry shampoo for a quick fix for your oily hair. Or, rub some baby powder, talc, or cornstarch into your roots. To stop your hair getting oily in the long term, look for a shampoo designed for oily hair. However, don't shampoo your hair every day, since this will cause your scalp to produce more oil. Brush your hair once or twice a day to distribute the oil evenly throughout your hair, but don't brush more often. Brushing your hair too much can increase the oil produced by your scalp. If you use mousse, gel, and other hair products regularly, reduce your use, since these can trap oil near your scalp.

Wash your hair with shampoo. Shampoo is designed to remove oils and dirt from your hair, effectively stripping away oil to clean your head. The quickest, most fool-proof way to instantly remove oily hair is simply a good shower. Shower with lukewarm or cool water, as hot water promotes oil creation. Avoid the conditioner. Conditioner is made to return oils to your hair, which causes problems for people with oily hair. Skip the conditioner after your shower, or only add it to the ends of your hair to protect against split ends. Use a vinegar bath to remove oil. This old-fashioned home remedy relies on vinegar's properties as an astringent, which constricts or closes oil glands. Mix in 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 1 cup water and massage the mixture into your scalp, removing oils and dirt. Never use straight vinegar, as the acidity can damage your skin. Try a mixture of aloe vera and lemon to fight greasy hair. Mix in a teaspoon of fresh aloe vera (pulled off of a plant) and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in with your normal shampoo and then use it in the shower. Leave the shampoo on your hair for 3-5 minutes after applying so that it soaks in. Use dry shampoo for an instant fix. Dry shampoo bonds with the oil on your hair to prevent it from looking too greasy. Simply use your fingers to spread dry shampoo powder along your scalp and shake out any excess. In a pinch, some people swear by baby powder, talc, and cornstarch to quickly get rid of oily hair. Establish your own routine. Some experts believe the best way to deal with oily hair is to wash it every morning with an oil-controlling hair product. Others say that washing your hair every day will over-stimulate the sebaceous glands. Try both methods to figure out what works for you. Wash your hair properly. Shampoo with lukewarm or cool water. Apply shampoo to the scalp. If you like to use conditioner, use a clear colored type, and only apply it only to the ends of your hair. To help cut down oil production, finish with a cold water rinse. Brush less. Excessive brushing will stimulate the sebaceous glands and increase oil production. Pick the right shampoo. Don't just look for a shampoo that says “for oily hair." Instead, look for the words “clarifying” and “oil reducing." Many companies make specific formulas that for people that have oily hair. Don’t use shampoo every day. Shampoo does remove oil from your hair. However, using shampoo every day strips your hair of natural oils, and if often produces extra oil to compensate. Try shampooing every other day and note the results after 1-2 weeks. Avoid mousse, gel, and other hair products. Most hair products trap oil near your scalp, causing build-up that results in oily, greasy hair. Stay away from these products whenever possible. Brush your hair regularly. Regular brushing spreads oil throughout your hair, which prevents shiny or greasy build-up. Aim to brush your hair once a day. Excessive brushing, however, can cause your hair to produce more oil, so limit yourself to 1-2 daily. Stay away from heat. Hot showers, blow-dryers and excessive sunlight all tell your body to produce more oil to protect your hair. Whenever possible, take cold showers and use the cool setting on your blow-dryers to prevent your hair from building up new oils. Avoid touching your hair. Your hands and face secrete oils as well, so constantly running your fingers through your hair deposits those oils on your head. Cutting this habit can keep your hair from becoming oily throughout the day.

Wash your hair with shampoo. Avoid the conditioner. Use a vinegar bath to remove oil. Try a mixture of aloe vera and lemon to fight greasy hair. Use dry shampoo for an instant fix. Establish your own routine. Wash your hair properly. Brush less. Pick the right shampoo. Don’t use shampoo every day. Avoid mousse, gel, and other hair products. Brush your hair regularly. Stay away from heat. Avoid touching your hair.

https://www.wikihow.com/Convert-Hexadecimal-to-Binary-or-Decimal

How to Convert Hexadecimal to Binary or Decimal

To convert hexadecimal to binary, convert each hexadecimal digit to 4 binary digits. Each of the 16 hexadecimal digits are equal to 4 binary digits, so all you need to do is memorize the 16 conversions. For example, the hexadecimal 1 is equal to the binary 0001. To convert hexadecimal to decimal, multiply each place value in the hexadecimal number by the corresponding power of sixteen. Then, add all of the products together to get the decimal.

Convert each hexadecimal digit to four binary digits. Hexadecimal was adopted in the first place because it's so easy to convert between the two. Essentially, hexadecimal is used as a way to display binary information in a shorter string. This chart is all you need to convert from one to the other: Hexadecimal Binary 0 0000 1 0001 2 0010 3 0011 4 0100 5 0101 6 0110 7 0111 8 1000 9 1001 A 1010 B 1011 C 1100 D 1101 E 1110 F 1111 Try it yourself. It really is as simple as changing the digit into the four equivalent binary digits. Here are a few hex numbers for you to convert. Highlight the invisible text to the right of the equal sign to check your work: A23 = 1010 0010 0011 BEE = 1011 1110 1110 70C558 = 0111 0000 1100 0101 0101 1000 Understand why this works. In the "base two" binary system, n binary digits can be used to represent 2 different numbers. For example, with four binary digits, you can represent 2 = 16 different numbers. Since hexadecimal is a base sixteen system, a one digit number can be used to represent 16 = 16 different numbers. This makes conversion between the two systems extremely easy. You can also think of this as the counting systems "flipping over" to another digit at the same time. Hexadecimal counts "...D, E, F, 10 " at the same time binary counts "1101, 1110, 1111, 10000 ". Review how base ten works. You use decimal notation every day without having to stop and think about the meaning, but when you first learned it, your parent or teacher might have explained it to you in more detail. A quick review of how ordinary numbers are written will help you convert the number: Each digit in a decimal number is in a certain "place." Moving from right to left, there's the "ones place," "tens place," "hundreds place," and so on. The digit 3 just means 3 if it's in the ones place, but it represents 30 when located in the tens place, and 300 in the hundreds place. To put it mathematically, the "places" represent 10 , 10 , 10 , and so on. This is why this system is called "base ten," or "decimal" after the Latin word for "tenth." Write a decimal number as an addition problem. This will probably seem obvious, but it's the same process we'll use to convert a hexadecimal number, so it's a good starting point. Let's rewrite the number 480,137 10. (Remember, the subscript 10 tells us the number is written in base ten.): Starting with the rightmost digit, 7 = 7 x 10 , or 7 x 1 Moving left, 3 = 3 x 10 , or 3 x 10 Repeating for all digits, we get 480,137 = 4 x100,000 + 8 x10,000 + 0 x1,000 + 1 x100 + 3 x10 + 7 x1. Write the place values next to a hexadecimal number. Since hexadecimal is base sixteen, the "place values" correspond to the powers of sixteen. To convert to decimal, multiply each place value by the corresponding power of sixteen. Start this process by writing the powers of sixteen next to the digits of a hexadecimal number. We'll do this for the hexadecimal number C921 16. Start on the right with 16 , and increase the exponent each time you move left to the next digit: 1 16 = 1 x 16 = 1 x 1 (All numbers are in decimal except where noted.) 2 16 = 2 x 16 = 2 x 16 9 16 = 9 x 16 = 9 x 256 C = C x 16 = C x 4096 Convert alphabetic characters to decimal. Numerical digits are the same in decimal or hexadecimal, so you don't need to change them (for instance, 7 16 = 7 10 ). For alphabetic characters, refer to this list to change them to the decimal equivalent: A = 10 B = 11 C = 12 (We'll use this on our example from above.) D = 13 E = 14 F = 15 Perform the calculation. Now that everything is written in decimal, perform each multiplication problem and add the results together. A calculator will be handy for most hexadecimal numbers. Continuing our example from earlier, here's C921 rewritten as a decimal formula and solved: C921 16 = (in decimal) ( 1 x 1) + ( 2 x 16) + ( 9 x 256) + ( 12 x 4096) = 1 + 32 + 2,304 + 49,152. = 51,489 10. The decimal version will usually have more digits than the hexadecimal version, since hexadecimal can store more information per digit. Practice the conversion. Here are a few numbers to convert from hexadecimal into decimal. Once you've worked out the answer, highlight the invisible text to the right of the equal sign to check your work: 3AB 16 = 939 10 A1A1 16 = 41377 10 5000 16 = 20480 10 500D 16 = 20493 10 18A2F 16 = 100911 10 Know how to use hexadecimal. Our ordinary decimal counting system is base ten, using ten different symbols to display numbers. Hexadecimal is a base sixteen number system, meaning it uses sixteen characters to display numbers. Counting from zero upward: Hexadecimal Decimal Hexadecimal Decimal 0 0 10 16 1 1 11 17 2 2 12 18 3 3 13 19 4 4 14 20 5 5 15 21 6 6 16 22 7 7 17 23 8 8 18 24 9 9 19 25 A 10 1A 26 B 11 1B 27 C 12 1C 28 D 13 1D 29 E 14 1E 30 F 15 1F 31 Use subscript to show which system you're using. Whenever it might be unclear which system you're using, use a decimal subscript number to denote the base. For example, 17 10 means "17 in base ten" (an ordinary decimal number). 17 10 = 11 16 , or "11 in base sixteen" (hexadecimal). You can skip this if your number has an alphabetic character in it, such as B or E. No one will mistake that for a decimal number.

Convert each hexadecimal digit to four binary digits. Try it yourself. Understand why this works. Review how base ten works. Write a decimal number as an addition problem. Write the place values next to a hexadecimal number. Convert alphabetic characters to decimal. Perform the calculation. Practice the conversion. Know how to use hexadecimal. Use subscript to show which system you're using.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cite-a-Report-in-APA

How to Cite a Report in APA

To cite a print report in APA style, start by writing the author's name, whether it's an individual or an organization. Follow this with the year of publication in parentheses, and the report's title in italics. Once you've entered the title, write the location and name of the publisher, separating both pieces of information with a colon. If the report was published online, simply include the URL or name of the database where you found it in place of the publisher's information.

List the name of the author first. Some reports credit an individual person as the author, while others are credited solely to the organization or governmental agency that produced it. For your reference list citation, copy the author exactly as listed on the report. Individual names should be listed last name first, then a comma, then the person's initial. Place a period after the name of the author. Individual author example: Sunshine, S. Group author example: Ontario Ministry of Health. If there are multiple writers, separate their names with commas. Use an ampersand before the last writer's name. For example: Sunshine, S., Moon, T., Lutz, S., & Beakman, J. Include the name of the higher governmental department if the specific agency isn't well known (Example: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research). Use your best judgment on this, or ask your instructor or supervisor. When in doubt, err on the side of too much rather than too little information. Add the year of publication in parentheses. Even if a more specific date is given, APA style only requires you to include the year a report was published. Type a space after the period following the author's name, then type the year in parentheses. Place a period after the closing parentheses. Individual author example: Sunshine, S. (2018). Group author example: Ontario Ministry of Health. (1994). Provide the title of the report in italics and add the report number, if applicable. After the year of publication, type a space. Then type the full title of the report. Use sentence-case, capitalizing only the first word of the title and any proper nouns. If there is a subtitle, place a colon at the end of the title and then add the subtitle. Capitalize the first word of the subtitle and any proper nouns. Place a period at the end. If there is a report number given for the report, include it in parentheses after the title but don't italicize it. Place your period after the closing parentheses rather than at the end of the title. For example: World Health Organization. (2003). Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases (WHO Technical Report series 916). Individual author example without report number: Sunshine, S. (2018). Flirting with disaster: Skills for professionals working with post-traumatic stress. Group author example without report number: Ontario Ministry of Health. (1994). Selected findings from the mental health supplement of the Ontario Health Survey. Indicate the location and name of the publisher. Provide the city and state for US locations. For all other locations, provide the city and country. Write out the name of the country rather than using an abbreviation. Place a colon after the location, then type the name of the publisher. If the report has a group author that was also the publisher, type the word "Author" in place of the publisher. Place a period after the publisher's name to close out your citation. Individual author example: Sunshine, S. (2018). Flirting with disaster: Skills for professionals working with post-traumatic stress. Wellington, New Zealand: Ministry of Health. Group author example: Ontario Ministry of Health. (1994). Selected findings from the mental health supplement of the Ontario Health Survey. Ottawa, Canada: Author. Indicate if the report was prepared for a specific organization. Particularly if the report has a named author, it may have been prepared by that person (typically an expert in their field) for a particular organization or government agency. If this is the case, introduce the publisher information with the phrase "Report prepared for." Example: Sunshine, S., Moon, T., Lutz, S., & Beakman, J. Treatment for addiction during pregnancy. Report prepared for Health Canada at the Community Health Research Unit, University of Ottawa, Canada. Start your reference with the name of the author. If the report names an individual author, list their last name first followed by a comma and their first initial. If no individual author is named, list the organization or government agency as the author. For online databases that provide no author's name, use the name of the database as the author. Individual author example: Brennan, A. Group author example: U.S. Census Bureau. Provide the year the report was published in parentheses. While the report may include a more specific date, APA style only requires you to include the year of publication in the citation in your reference list. Place a period after the closing parentheses. Individual author example: Brennan, A. (2014). Group author example: U.S. Census Bureau. (2015). Type the title of the report in italics, then add the report number if there is one. Use sentence-case for the full title in the citation in your reference list, capitalizing only the first word and any proper nouns. If the report also has a subtitle, place a colon after the title, then include the subtitle (also in sentence-case). If the report has a report number, include that in parentheses after the title, then place a period after the closing parentheses. If there isn't a report number, place the period at the end of the title. Individual author example with report number: Brennan, A. (2014). Single location full-service restaurants in the US (Industry Report 72211b). Group author example without report number: U.S. Census Bureau. (2015). State & county quick facts: Berks County, Pennsylvania. Copy the URL or database name where the report can be found. The final portion of your citation tells your readers exactly where they can find the report you used in your research. Write "Retrieved from" first. If the report is freely available online, provide the URL. Since most databases do not provide a direct permalink and require a subscription to access, simply identify the database by name. Place a period at the end to close your citation. Individual author example: Brennan, A. (2014). Single location full-service restaurants in the US (Industry Report 72211b). Retrieved from IBISWorld database. Group author example: U.S. Census Bureau. (2015). State & county quick facts: Berks County, Pennsylvania. Retrieved from http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/42/42011.html. Write titles in title-case if mentioning them in your paper. You used sentence-case for titles of reports included in your reference list. However, if you repeat them in the body of your work, use title case. Capitalize all nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs, as well as any other words that are 4 letters long or greater. Titles mentioned in the text should also be italicized. Example: "Use of non-psychoactive drugs is discussed in Treatment for Addiction During Pregnancy , a report prepared for Health Canada. Use author-year format for in-text citations. When you paraphrase or quote the report in the body of your paper, place a parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence with the last name of the author and the year the report was published. Example: (Brennan, 2014). Place the year in parentheses when mentioning the author in text. If you mention the author of the report in your sentence, there's no need to repeat the author's name in your parenthetical citation. Instead, place the year of publication in parentheses immediately after the author's name. Example: Brennan (2014) compiled a report of all full-service restaurants in the United States. Add the page number when quoting directly from the source. For direct quotes in your text, place a comma after the year in your parenthetical citation. Use the abbreviation "p." and type the page number where the quote can be found. If the quote crosses 2 pages, use the abbreviation "pp." followed by the page numbers, separated by a hyphen. Example: (Brennan, 2014, p. 17) Separate multiple works in the same parenthetical with semi-colons. Some sentences in your paper may include paraphrases of facts or information that come from more than one source. In the parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence, include the author and year for each source, separated by a semi-colon. Example: (Brennan, 2014; U.S. Census Bureau, 2015)

List the name of the author first. Add the year of publication in parentheses. Provide the title of the report in italics and add the report number, if applicable. Indicate the location and name of the publisher. Indicate if the report was prepared for a specific organization. Start your reference with the name of the author. Provide the year the report was published in parentheses. Type the title of the report in italics, then add the report number if there is one. Copy the URL or database name where the report can be found. Write titles in title-case if mentioning them in your paper. Use author-year format for in-text citations. Place the year in parentheses when mentioning the author in text. Add the page number when quoting directly from the source. Separate multiple works in the same parenthetical with semi-colons.

https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Shark-Attack

How to Survive a Shark Attack

If a shark attacks you, fight back by hitting the shark as hard as you can in the eyes, gills, or on the end of its snout. If you can, use a sharp or heavy object to hit the shark, such as a spear, rock, or even a camera, but if not, you can use your fists, elbows, knees, or feet. If the shark retreats, move slowly and calmly towards the nearest safe area, but do not make any sudden movements and do not turn your back on the shark as you are swimming.

Do not take your eyes off the shark. Sharks have several different attack methods. Sometimes they swim right up and charge, sometimes they circle for a while before lunging, and sometimes they sneak up from behind for a surprise attack. To be able to defend against the shark, you must know where it is, so make every effort to watch the animal, even as you are working out your escape. Stay calm and do not make sudden movements. When you first spot the shark, chances are it will swim away without bothering you. You cannot out-swim a shark, so trying to sprint to safety may not be your best option, unless you are already very close to shore. It is important to keep your wits about you, so you can continuously appraise the situation and figure out how to get to safety. Move slowly toward the shore or a boat; choose whichever is closest. Do not thrash your arms or kick or splash while you swim. Do not block the shark's path. If you are standing between the shark and the open ocean, move away. Do not turn your back on the shark as you move. Remember, it is important to keep the shark in view. Get into a defensive position. If you cannot get out of the water right away, try to reduce the shark's possible angles of attack. If you are in shallow enough water, keep your feet on the ground. Slowly back up against a reef, piling, or rock outcropping or any solid obstruction so that the shark cannot circle around behind you. This way you only have to defend attacks in front of you. If you are diving near the shore, you may need to descend to find cover. Look for a reef or rock on the bottom of the ocean. In open water, get back-to-back with another swimmer or diver so that you can see, and defend against, an attack from any direction. Hit the shark in the face and gills.Your best bet, if attacked, is to make the shark see you as a strong, credible threat. Usually, a hard blow to the shark's gills, eyes or snout (end of its nose) will cause it to retreat. These are really the only vulnerable areas on a shark. If you have a spear gun or pole, use it! A sharp object is a good way to inflict enough pain to scare away the shark. Aim for the head, specifically the eyes or the gills. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-4Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-4Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-4Bullet1.jpg\/aid42848-v4-728px-Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-4Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} If you do not have a weapon, improvise. Use any inanimate object, such as a camera or a rock to ward off the shark. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-4Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-4Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-4Bullet2.jpg\/aid42848-v4-728px-Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-4Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} If you have nothing around you, use your own body. Aim for the shark's eyes, gills, or snout. Fight with your fists, elbows, knees, and feet. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-4Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-4Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-4Bullet3.jpg\/aid42848-v4-728px-Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-4Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Sharks have surprisingly rough and sharp skin, unlike the smooth scales of other fish, so be aware of this. Keep fighting if the shark persists. Hit the eyes and gills repeatedly with hard, sharp jabs. Do not wind up before hitting, since this does not provide extra force underwater. You can also claw at the eyes and the gills. Keep doing this until the shark lets you go and swims away. Get out of the water. Even if the shark swims away, you are not truly safe until you are out of the water. Sharks may leave temporarily and then come back to continue the attack. Get back to shore or back on the boat as quickly as possible. If a boat is nearby, call out calmly, but loudly, for them to come to you. Stay as still as possible while waiting, as long as the shark is not actively attacking you; and get into the boat as quickly as possible, once the boat reaches you. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/aid42848-v4-728px-Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} If you are near shore, swim quickly, but smoothly. Thrashing will attract the shark's attention again and disperse your blood, which could draw more sharks. Do the smooth reverse breast stroke, which requires less splashing than other strokes. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-5Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-5Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-5Bullet2.jpg\/aid42848-v4-728px-Survive-a-Shark-Attack-Step-5Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Get medical attention. If you have been bitten, get treatment as soon as possible. Massive blood loss could occur, depending on where you have been bitten, so immediately take appropriate steps to stop the bleeding. Even if your wounds appear minor, it is essential to get yourself checked out. Remain calm until you get medical care, so that your blood does not pump faster through your body.

Do not take your eyes off the shark. Stay calm and do not make sudden movements. Get into a defensive position. Hit the shark in the face and gills.Your best bet, if attacked, is to make the shark see you as a strong, credible threat. Keep fighting if the shark persists. Get out of the water. Get medical attention.

https://www.wikihow.com/Plan-a-Feeding-Schedule-for-Your-Cat

How to Plan a Feeding Schedule for Your Cat

To design a feeding schedule for your cat, first determine how much and how often it needs to eat, depending on its age and health. For example, kittens up to 6 months of age should be fed 3 times a day, while adult cats can be fed either once or twice a day. However, if your cat is throwing up often, this could be a sign it's getting too hungry in between meals or is eating too much at once. If so, try feeding it small meals more often throughout the day. Once you decide how often to feed your cat, make sure you are able to feed it at the same times each day. If you have trouble remembering, try setting a reminder on your phone.

Consider your cat’s age. How often you feed your cat depends, in part, on its age. Kittens need to be fed more frequently than adult cats, for example, because they are growing and expending a lot of energy. Use the following guidelines to determine how many times a day to feed your cat: Kittens up to six months of age should be fed three times a day. From six months old to about one year old, you should feed your cat twice a day. Adult cats (one year or older) and senior cats can be fed either once or twice a day. Feeding your cat once a day is fine as long as it is healthy and doesn't have any diseases that require a different feeding schedule. Consider your cat’s health. Some cats may develop health problems that require you feed them at certain times during the day. For example, if your cat has diabetes, you may need to feed it when you give it medication. For these situations, it is best to consult with your veterinarian on how often you should feed your cat. If your cat does have a disease, treat the disease first before changing its feeding schedule. If the disease is treatable, you should be able to return to a normal feeding schedule once your cat is healthy. Adjust meals if your cat is throwing up. Regurgitating before or after a meal can be a sign that your cat is either getting too hungry in between meals or is eating too much at once. If you notice these symptoms in your cat, try feeding it small meals more often throughout the day—possibly up to four times a day. Doing so will help keep your cat fuller throughout the day and allow it to eat smaller meals more frequently, both of which should help diffuse its need to regurgitate. A "slow feeder" or timed feeder that emits food in small increments will also help cats that eat too rapidly. It is recommended that cats eat between 24 to 35 calories per day per pound (roughly 13 calories per kilogram), so split this amount up between the total number of feedings to make sure you're not overfeeding your cat. If you change your cat's feeding schedule, but it is still regurgitating consistently, take your cat to the vet to get checked out. Watch for signs your cat is overweight or underweight. You can consult with your veterinarian if you're not sure whether or not your cat's weight is ideal, or use a visual "body scoring system" for cats: Body score 1/5 (very underweight): cannot feel any fat, can see and feel hip bones and lower vertebrae, ribs visible for short-haired cats 2/5 (underweight): can easily feel ribs with minimal fat covering, visible lower vertebrae, visible waist behind ribs 3/5 (normal): can feel ribs with slight fat covering, waist visible behind ribs 4/5 (overweight): ribs difficult to feel due to fat, obviously rounded abdomen affecting waist shape 5/5 (very overweight): cannot feel ribs, no narrowing waist behind ribs, heavy fat deposits on lower back, face, and limbs. Talk to your vet about dietary changes before trying anything extreme. A rapid weight loss diet can cause fatty liver disease in cats. Pick a time that is convenient for you and your family. If you are consistent, it generally doesn't matter what time of day you feed your cat. If your mornings are hectic trying to get ready for work and get the kids ready for school, it may be better to feed your cat in the afternoon or evening. If you're feeding your cat two or three times a day, pick the times that are easiest for you and do your best to stick to this schedule. It might help you remember to feed your cat at the same time every day if you stick to a ritual. For example, put food out when you are waiting for your coffee to brew every morning, or feed your cat as soon as you get home from work in the evening. Accept that your cat will “remind” you if you don’t feed it on time. Remember, your cat will get used to the schedule you choose and may “remind” you when it's meal time. For example, if you feed your cat around 7a.m. every Monday through Friday morning, don't be surprised if your cat wakes you up on the weekends at this time as well. Your cat will become accustomed to the feeding schedule you set and will expect to be fed promptly. Pay attention to your cat’s preferences. Each cat is different, so your cat might prefer to be fed at a different time than your friend's cat. For example, if you notice your cat doesn't eat its morning meal, but seems to beg for more food before bedtime, try switching up your cat's feeding schedule to accommodate its preferences. However, if your cat's preferences make it difficult for you to maintain a consistent feeding schedule, it might be better to stick to the schedule that works best for you. Set a reminder on your phone. If you have trouble remembering to feed your cat at the same time each day, try setting a reminder on your phone. Although you may not always be able to feed your cat at the exact same time every day, setting daily reminders can help you remain consistent when you can. Create a schedule for your family. If your entire family takes responsibility for feeding your cat, it may be helpful to create a schedule that details who is responsible for feeding the cat, what time they should feed it, and how much they should feed it. This will help ensure your cat isn't being double-fed or that its meals aren't accidentally getting skipped. Hang the schedule somewhere everyone in the family will see it—maybe on the refrigerator door or next to your cat's food bowls. It might also be helpful to have each member of the family put an “X” or slash on the schedule after they feed the cat to ensure the schedule is being followed properly. Use a timed feeder. If you are not home consistently or at the same times throughout the day, you can use a timed cat feeder to make sure your cat is getting its meals on a schedule. These feeders will work with either dry, canned, or raw foods. Using a timed feeder can be a big help in keeping your cat on a consistent feeding schedule when you are away for extended or inconsistent periods of time.

Consider your cat’s age. Consider your cat’s health. Adjust meals if your cat is throwing up. Watch for signs your cat is overweight or underweight. Pick a time that is convenient for you and your family. Accept that your cat will “remind” you if you don’t feed it on time. Pay attention to your cat’s preferences. Set a reminder on your phone. Create a schedule for your family. Use a timed feeder.

https://www.wikihow.com/Support-Dog-Charities

How to Support Dog Charities

One way you can support dog charities is by donating money to your local Humane Society or other local nonprofit dog charities. You may also consider participating in a dog charity fundraiser, such as a donation phone campaign or a 5k charity race. Besides raising funds, you can also donate your time and expertise. For example, you can walk dogs at a local shelter, or organize a drive to collect pet supplies. Be mindful that most shelters require their volunteers to complete an orientation and be able to volunteer a certain number of hours each week.

Find a charity. Before you can support a dog charity, you need to find one that deserves your support. Start with your local community. Most cities and states have a registry of nonprofits, where you can find legitimate dog charities. When looking at a charity, it's good to find out if it has 501(3)c status, meaning it's registered as a nonprofit with the federal government. Try a site like Charity Navigator to see what it has to say about the charity you want to support. Sites like these evaluate charities. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau Giving Alliance. If you have a vet for your own pets, you could ask what charities they support. Make a one-time donation. A simple way to help your favorite dog charity is to make a one-time donation of a set amount. Charities run on donations, so anything you can offer will be a help. Their dogs will thank you for the help you provide. Set up a regular donation. Another way to donate to your favorite dog charity is to set up a regular monthly donation. You can treat it like a bill that comes out of your check each month. Some charities have ways to set this up, but you can also just include it in your bills and mail a check each month. Most charities take donations in a variety of ways. Often, you can donate online or by check. Keep in mind that a donation to a non-profit is tax deductible, meaning you can use it as a deduction on your taxes. Include a charity in your will. One way to help a dog charity is to include it as part of your will. If you don't have much extra cash now, leaving a bit after you die can still help the charity. Talk to your lawyer about including it as a bequest in your will. Participate in the dog charity's fundraisers. Most charities run their own fundraisers to raise funds. You may not even need to donate to participate. For instance, some fundraisers, such as 5K charity races, give you the chance to ask other people to sponsor you to walk or run in the race. You'll need to ask your friends and family to support you and the charity. Another example may be a phone campaign, where you make phone calls to ask for donations, or a letter campaign, where you help put together mail-outs asking for donations. If you don't know how to approach your friends and family, try this approach: "Hi, I'm walking in the Homes for Dogs 5K to raise money for the charity. They help rehouse over 250 dogs per year, but they need help to keep running. Would you like to sponsor me for the 5K? Every little bit helps." Walk dogs. Not all dog charities have dogs actually on campus, but many do. Those dogs get attention from the people who work at the organization, but most of the time, an organization has too many dogs for each one to get the attention it needs. By volunteering your time to walk dogs, you'll be giving the dogs the attention they need, plus giving much-needed relief to people who work at the organization. Often, you'll need to complete a short orientation before volunteering. Many places have age requirements, so call ahead. Help plan events. Another way you can help your local dog charity is to volunteer to help plan or run events. Charities often have limited staff members, and volunteering your time can help the events come off without a hitch. For instance, maybe you can volunteer to run a table at a fundraiser. Alternatively, maybe you can check in people at an adoption event. Put your skills to use. Even if you're not great with animals, you can still contribute to a dog charity. The key is to offer what skills you do have to the group, as expert help is always needed. Think about the skills you have that could be beneficial to a charity. For instance, if you're good at writing, you could assist with grant writing. On the other hand, if you're in publicity, you could offer to help the charity publicize events. Donate supplies. Another option is to donate supplies that the group may need. Many dog charities need all sorts of dog supplies, and they may even take some supplies used, such as dog crates. They'll also need things like dog food, leashes, collars, and blankets. Adopt a dog. Not all dog charities are rescues. However, for those that are, one great way you can support the charity is to adopt a dog. The main goal of these charities is to find good homes for the all the dogs that come through, and if you can provide one, that's a great way to offer your help. To adopt a dog, you take the dog into your home permanently. Often, older dogs need homes more desperately because most people go for puppies or young dogs. However, older dogs still have a lot of love to give. If adoption sounds like too much of a commitment, consider fostering. Many rescues don't have large facilities, so they put dogs and other pets into foster homes until the pet can be adopted. That way, you only provide a temporary home for the dog, but you play an important part in helping the dog find a home. Make your birthday matter. One way you can encourage others to donate to a dog charity of your choice is to make your birthday about that charity. For instance, you can set a fundraising goal, then ask your friends to give to that charity instead of buying you birthday presents. If you post on social media, you could write something like, "My birthday is in two weeks (I know, happy birthday to me!). If you were thinking about getting me a gift this year, consider donating to Homes for Dogs instead. I have more than I need, but this charity helps local dogs find forever homes. I'll leave a link below if you'd like to help." Write guest posts for the charity's social media. One way you can help raise awareness is to give your time to help the charity publicize themselves on social media. For instance, you could volunteer to write blog posts or to take over the charity's Facebook posts. Offer your services as a volunteer. Contact the charity, and say, "I've noticed that your social media doesn't get as much love as it could. Do you need a volunteer to help with that? I'd like to help." Raise awareness on your own social media. You don't need to have access to the dog charity's accounts to raise awareness for the charity. You can do it all on your own. If you know the group is having a fundraiser, for instance, post it on your own social media accounts. You can also help advertise when the group tries to get dogs adopted, if it's a rescue. For instance, you could write, "Look at Johnny's big brown eyes! He's up for adoption with Homes for Dogs. Will you be his forever home? If you can't commit to adopting Johnny here, think about donating to the organization. They help over 250 dogs a year find forever homes!"

Find a charity. Make a one-time donation. Include a charity in your will. Participate in the dog charity's fundraisers. Walk dogs. Help plan events. Put your skills to use. Donate supplies. Adopt a dog. Make your birthday matter. Write guest posts for the charity's social media. Raise awareness on your own social media.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-an-Oxygen-Sensor

How to Clean an Oxygen Sensor

Before you can clean an oxygen sensor, you have to remove it from the exhaust manifold. To make this easier, spray the sensor with WD40 and let it sit for 15 minutes. Once the sensor is loose, unscrew it and let it soak in a container of gasoline for at least 8 hours. When you do this, prevent leaks and fires by making sure the container is gasoline resistant and by covering it with a lid. After they've soaked, dry the sensors off and re-install them.

Protect your hands and eyes. Since you'll be dealing with gasoline and various car parts, it's important to protect yourself from potential harm. Before you begin to lift your car and locate the oxygen sensor, put on a sturdy pair of work gloves to protect your hands. You should also wear a pair of protective eyeglasses or goggles in case any WD-40 or gasoline comes near your eyes. Both work gloves and protective eyewear can be purchased at your local hardware store, or at a large retail store such as a WalMart. Elevate the vehicle with a car jack. In order to remove the oxygen sensor, you'll need to have access to the underside of your vehicle. Make sure that the vehicle is on level ground, is in “Park,” and that the emergency break is engaged before lifting the car. Place the jack under part of your vehicle's chassis (including an axis or the side of the car frame) and lift the vehicle. You can purchase a car jack at any auto-parts store. Speak with the sales staff and let them know the type and size of vehicle you have, so they can recommend an appropriate jack. Identify the oxygen sensor(s). Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, it may have more than one oxygen sensor. Check your vehicle's owner's manual for the exact locations of the sensors. All vehicles have at least two oxygen sensors: one in front of your car's catalytic converter, and one in the car's exhaust manifold. If your vehicle has more than one exhaust manifold, there will likely be an oxygen sensor inside each one. The oxygen sensor will look something like a spark plug: roughly 2 inches (5 cm) long. One end will have a hexagon shape—for a wrench to fit over—and the other end will be threaded to screw into your vehicle. Spray the sensors with WD-40. As your vehicle's oxygen sensors are seldom removed, they will probably be firmly stuck in place. To loosen them, spray the sensors with a lubricant like WD-40 and let them sit for 10–15 minutes. The WD-40 will lubricate and loosen the sensors, making them easier to remove. If you don't already have a can of WD-40 around the house, you can purchase one at any local hardware or auto-supply store. Fill a bucket or industrial container with gasoline. While you're waiting for the WD-40 to lubricate the screw threads of the oxygen sensor, you can start the next step of the process. Fill a large bucket or industrial plastic container with gasoline, and set this near your vehicle. Once you have removed the oxygen sensors from your car, you'll clean them by soaking them in the gasoline. Make sure that the bucket or container that you choose can safely contain gasoline. Not all types of containers will be gasoline resistant. If you're purchasing the bucket or container at a hardware store, ask the sales staff to recommend a sealable, gasoline-safe plastic. Unscrew the oxygen sensors from their housing. You'll need to use a sturdy wrench for this. Each of the oxygen sensors should be well lubricated and loosened at this point; take your wrench and firmly loosen the sensors. As you remove the sensors from your vehicle, do not set them on the ground or allow them to get dirty. Place the sensors somewhere clean, such as in a plastic bowl or on a clean, flat spot on your vehicle. If you're not certain of the sensors' wrench size, you can easily determine it by attempting to fit a medium-sized wrench over the head of the oxygen sensor. If the first wrench you try doesn't fit, adjust the wrench size smaller or larger as necessary. Alternately, use a wrench with an adjustable opening size. Immerse the sensors in a container of gasoline. Once you have removed the oxygen sensors from your vehicle, submerge them in the bucket or industrial container that you've filled with gasoline. Given time, gasoline will clean the oxygen sensors. Make sure that the sensors are fully immersed in the gasoline, and that none of the liquid splashes out of the container or gets on your hands. Never smoke, light a candle, or have any other type of open flame when working near gasoline. Cover the bucket with a lid. Due to the flammable nature of gasoline, it's important that you cover the bucket or industrial container of gasoline. This will prevent the gas from catching fire, and also keep any wandering animals from accessing the gas. If the industrial container came with a lid, you can use this to cover the gas. Make sure to seal the lid tightly. If you're soaking the sensors in a bucket or a container that does not have its own lid, you'll need to find something to cover the opening with. Look for an appropriately sized lid among your pots and pans in the kitchen, or simply place a piece of plywood or a large book over the bucket opening. Allow the sensors to soak overnight. The gas won't clean the oxygen sensors immediately; you'll need to let them soak for at least 8 hours. At some point while the sensors are soaking in the container of gas, pick the container up and swirl it around several times. This will ensure that all parts of the sensors are being cleaned by the gasoline. Remove and dry the sensors. After the sensors have soaked overnight, you'll need to reach into the bucket or container of gasoline and remove the sensors. Note their appearance: they should be much cleaner than when you put them in. Then, using a clean cotton cloth, wipe the gasoline off of the oxygen sensors and dry them fully. In order to avoid getting gasoline on your hands, you can wear a pair of thick rubber gloves while removing the oxygen sensors from the gasoline. You can use a pair of gloves similar to those that you would use to wash dishes. Reinstall the oxygen sensors in your vehicle. Once the oxygen sensors have been wiped dry, use your wrench to insert them back in the exhaust manifold(s) and the other locations from which you originally removed them. Fully tighten the oxygen sensors in place. To conclude this process, use the car jack to carefully and slowly lower your vehicle. Start your vehicle and check to see if the “check engine” light is still on. It will likely have turned off; you may also notice that the cleaned oxygen sensors result in your car using substantially less gasoline.

Protect your hands and eyes. Elevate the vehicle with a car jack. Identify the oxygen sensor(s). Spray the sensors with WD-40. Fill a bucket or industrial container with gasoline. Unscrew the oxygen sensors from their housing. Immerse the sensors in a container of gasoline. Cover the bucket with a lid. Allow the sensors to soak overnight. Remove and dry the sensors. Reinstall the oxygen sensors in your vehicle.

https://www.wikihow.com/Organize-Books

How to Organize Books

There are many different ways you can organize your books depending on your needs and personal preferences. One common way is to simply organize your books alphabetically by the author's last names. This will make finding your books quicker and easier. You can also separate your books into genres. For example, you could have different shelves for fiction, history, science, and cookbooks. For a more aesthetic option, organize your books by the color of their spines. That way, you can have each shelf a different color. It might take a bit longer to find a book, but it'll make a great display!

Organize your books alphabetically. An alphabetical organization system makes it relatively easy to find books. You may alphabetize the books by the author's last name or the title of the book itself. Sort your books by genre. Depending on the size and scope of your collection, it may make sense to sort your collection into very specific categories. These may include fantasy, mystery, cookbooks, history, anthropology, art history, and or science. Alternatively, you could sort the books by reading level (children, young adult, adult). Sort your books by color or height. If your top priority is to create an aesthetically pleasing display with your books, consider sorting them by color or height. Group the books by black, white, reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, indigos, and violets. When you are ready to stage your shelves, you can color block your books. Line your books up from tallest to shortest or group books of similar heights together. Put your books in chronological order. Use your books to create a timeline of literature and/or civilization. You may place the books in order of their publication date or you may organize the books by order of when the subjects lived, events occurred, or ideas originated. Combine multiple organizational methods. While you may choose to rely on only one method of organization, most collections are sorted by two or more methods. For example, you may choose to sort your books by genre and then place each genre in alphabetical order. Alternatively, you could sort your books by color and then place them on the shelf by order of height. Select a cataloging system. There are two primary cataloging systems: the Dewey Decimal Classification system (DDC) and the Library of Congress Classification system (LCC). In 1876, Melvil Dewey developed the DDC system. Today, it is the most common cataloging system in the world. This system provides the perfect amount of details for small libraries and book collections. If you are looking for a system that generates a more detailed call number, consider using the LCC system. In 1891, the Library of Congress developed its own system of classification. In order to keep track of its enormous collection, it needed a system that was more specific than Dewey's. The LLC system is used by major research libraries. Learn about the Dewey Decimal Classification system. The DDC system organizes books by main class, division, and section. Every call number also includes a Cutter Number to identify the author and the edition date. Main Class: 800 (Literature) Division: 10 (American Literature in English) Section: 3.54 (American Fiction in English) To get the call number, add up the three numbers: 800+10+3.54=813. Following this number, you may add a Cutter Number to identify the author (the first letter of the author's last name) and the edition date. When this information is added, the call number becomes: 813.54 M 2007. Learn about the Library of Congress Classification system. The LCC system catalogues books by class, subclass, and topic area. Every call number also includes a Cutter Number to identify the author, a Cutter Number to identify the title, the edition date. Class: P (Language and Literature) Subclass: R (English Literature) Topic Area: 9199.3 (Provincial, Local, etc.) Cutter Number, Author: M3855 Cutter Number, Title: L54 Edition Date: 2007 Additional Information: c.2 To construct the call number, list the components sequentially like so: PR9199.3.M3855.L54.2007.c.2. Set aside books to donate or sell. Pull your books off the shelves and out of storage. As you sort through your entire collection, divide the items into three piles: a keep pile, a donate pile, and a sell pile. Reasons to keep a book: It is rare or collectable It is by your favorite author It is a book you have not read yet You may need immediate access to the information it contains It is a good fit for your personal collection You have space to keep the book Reasons to donate or sell a book: It is old or damaged You will not read it again You don't have time to read it It contains outdated information You do not have room to keep it It is a textbook that you will not use again The book is preventing you from reading new books that are relevant to your life. Box up the books you want to donate or sell. Bring the books you want to donate to a secondhand store, a local library, a daycare, or a nearby school. Contact your local used bookstore to inquire about the books you want to sell. Alternatively, you could try to sell the books online. If you donate your books, don't forget to ask for a receipt to file for a tax deduction. You may also recycle paperback books. Complete an initial sort of your keep pile. Sort the books you want to keep into stacks, piles, or rows that correspond with your organizational method. For example, if you want to alphabetize your books by author's last name, place all of the “A's,” “B's,” “C's,” etc. into their own pile. If you want to sort the books by genre, create a pile for history, literature, etc. Finalize the order of your books. After you have sorted your entire collection once, systematically organize each pile. For example, if you sorted your books by author's last name, grab the “A” pile and put the stack in alphabetical order. If you separated the books by genre, grab the history pile and organize the books into sub-genres (American History, Women's history, etc.) or by author's last name. Choose a location for your collection. If you don't have an office or a study, don't worry. You don't need to store all of your books in one room. Feel free to spread your collection throughout your house. For example, keep all of your cookbooks in the kitchen. Settle on a storage method. You can display your organized book collection in a variety of ways. You may store your books on shelves or ledges. You can also stack your books in storage cubes. For a more eclectic look, consider stacking your books on the floor, in a dormant fireplace, or down the edge of your staircase. Stack or shelve your books. Once you've settled on a location and storage method, you can finally put away your collection. Place the books on your bookshelves or stack the books in a storage cube. Before you shelve or stack your books, you may want to clean and dust your storage unit. Make books you use often accessible. For convenience, frequently used books should be readily accessible. This is especially important if children will be using the books. If children are using the collection, store the books at their level. Instead of a traditional shelf, consider a storage system that would allow them to stack the books. Lastly, you may also want to store the books in the places they will use them the most, such as a playroom or bedroom. Box and label excess books you want to keep. If you don't have the space to display your entire collection, you may need to put some of your books in storage. To protect your books while they're in boxes, follow these tips: Stack your books horizontally with the heaviest books on the bottom. To fill in gaps, insert books vertically. Never place a book spine down. If possible, try not to stack more than three boxes of books on top of each other. Protect rare, delicate, or important books. If your collection contains rare books, you may wish to take extra steps to protect these special items. It is good practice to apply all of these suggestions to your entire collection. Store your rare books out of direct sunlight. In addition to fading the book jacket, the sunlight will slowly deteriorate the book. Keep your books in their dust jackets. Before shelving or storing a book, always remove bookmarks and scraps of paper. Try to store your books at a consistent temperature. Too much humidity will generate mold in your books; too little humidity will leave your books brittle.

Organize your books alphabetically. Sort your books by genre. Sort your books by color or height. Put your books in chronological order. Combine multiple organizational methods. Select a cataloging system. Learn about the Dewey Decimal Classification system. Learn about the Library of Congress Classification system. Set aside books to donate or sell. Box up the books you want to donate or sell. Complete an initial sort of your keep pile. Finalize the order of your books. Choose a location for your collection. Settle on a storage method. Stack or shelve your books. Make books you use often accessible. Box and label excess books you want to keep. Protect rare, delicate, or important books.

https://www.wikihow.com/Shave-Your-Legs-(Men)

How to Shave Your Legs (Men)

To shave your legs as a male, start by shortening your leg hairs with scissors or an electric groomer to avoid clogging up the razor. Afterwards, wash off any hairs that are still clinging to your legs. Next, lather your legs with shaving cream, and shave them using a 5-blade manual razor to reduce the chance of cutting yourself. For the closest shave possible, shave in the direction opposite of your hair growth. If you're worried about nicks and razor burns, shave in the same direction as your hair growth.

Determine an end point. Consider how much of your legs you wish to shave. Although this may not be true for everyone, men's legs tend to be just as hairy (if not hairier) the farther up they go, which makes knowing when to stop difficult. Think about the reason why you're shaving your legs: is it for aesthetics or a practical purpose? Then take a look at yourself naked in the mirror and decide where would be a suitable place to stop. Consider how much of your legs and above will be visible to other people. Are you going to be wearing shorts in the near future? Do you change clothes in locker rooms frequently? Is someone special going to be seeing you naked? If you're shaving for aesthetic reasons (dancing, bodybuilding, modeling, or plain old preference), you will most likely want a very smooth shave along your entire legs and possibly your genitals and rear as well. If it's for a practical purpose, like swimming, running, or preparing for medical treatment, you don't have to worry so much about how you look. However, depending on how long you plan to keep your legs shaved, you still may want to consider their appearance if this is going to be a long-term practice. Trim your leg hairs. If this is your first attempt at shaving your legs, use scissors or an electric groomer to shorten your hairs before using a razor, which would clog up pretty quickly if you were to shave your legs immediately. For a quick and easy job, use an electric groomer if you have one. If possible, go outside in your shortest pair of shorts, since this will be messy. Otherwise, spread one or more large towels on the floor and stand on those for an easy clean-up afterward. If you live in the middle of nowhere with no neighbors for miles, feel free to take care of your private areas in the great outdoors, too. If not, retreat inside once your legs are done and then finish up with a towel spread on the floor to catch the falling hairs. If you're only shaving your legs for athletics, this step alone may suffice for your purposes. Depending on how thorough you wish to be, this may also be all you need to do as far your private areas go. Remove the groomer's skin guard for the closest shave possible. Take a shower. Rinse off any trimmed hair that may still be clinging to your legs. Hydrate the remaining leg hair to weaken it for an easier shave. Remove any dirt or grime that may clog your razor or possibly infect any shaving nicks. Exfoliate your legs by rubbing a loofa over your skin in soft circles. Pay special attention to your thighs and any other sensitive area. If a shower is unavailable, wash, exfoliate, and rinse your skin with a bowl of water. Then wrap your legs with warm, wet towels and let them hydrate your skin for a couple of minutes. Use the right razor. Use a five-blade manual razor to reduce the chance of cutting yourself. Start off with a brand new blade, since you will most likely have a whole lot of hair to get rid of. Keep a few extra replacement heads on hand in case the original blades begin to dull during your shave. Rinse the blades under hot water before you start. This will lubricate them and provide a smoother shave. Get back into the tub. Take another shower while you shave. Or draw a bath. Or simply sit on the rim and use the tub to catch your hairs as you shave them off. This way, all you have to do to clean up is simply wash the hairs down the pipes. Although you could also use the tub to catch your hairs when you first trim them with the scissors or electric groomer as part of your prep, these longer hairs are more likely to clog your drain. Lather your legs. Use a shaving cream that forms a nice, thick, easy-to-spot lather. Avoid thinner, translucent, or transparent creams, which may make it easier for you to miss spots. Remember that, unlike your face, you will be shaving areas that you will have to bend and twist to see. Make the job easier by using a product that catches the eye. If this is your first time, shaving both legs will probably take a while. To keep your lather from drying out, break each leg up into parts (left calf, right calf, etc.). Only lather the area that you plan to start with. Then, once that area has been shaved, lather and shave the next, and so on. For best results, pick a product that is rich in lubricants and moisturizers. Avoid lower-tier brands that create excessive foam. Choose where to begin shaving. With so much area to cover, this project is going to take time. Consider how well you handle lengthy projects in general. Come up with an attack plan. Think about the following: Thicker areas will likely clog and/or dull your razor right from the start. Starting with the thinnest patches of hairs will probably extend a blade's usefulness. Unlike shaving your face, you will be dealing with areas that are hard to see. Also, if you are shaving your genitals along with your legs, you undoubtedly want to treat these with extra care. If you tend to rush projects as you approach the end, start with these more delicate tasks and leave the easy stuff for later. Begin shaving. Keep your strokes short to prevent your blades from clogging. Rinse the razor frequently under hot water to remove hairs and shaving cream. Keep your pressure on the blade as light as possible. Replace the blades if you are unable to remove hairs without applying a great deal of pressure, since this probably means they are either too dull or too clogged to be any good. To avoid nicks, razor bumps, and irritation, shave with the grain, in the direction that your hair grows. But if what you want is the closest shave possible, shave against the grain. Use a handheld mirror to see what you're doing when you reach the back of your thighs and higher. Rinse off. Drain the tub if you took a bath. Turn the shower back on if it isn't already running, or stand up and dump water over your legs. Remove shaved hairs clinging to your legs, as well as leftover shaving cream. Run your hands over your legs to test their smoothness. If needed, repeat the shaving process over areas that need more work, and then rinse off again. Always rinse off before shaving again. Minimize clogging your razor with hairs that have already been shaved, or being fooled into thinking that they are hairs you missed the first time. Wash your legs. Prevent any nicks or other infections from becoming infected. If possible, use body wash with tea tree oil and/or witch hazel as ingredients, which will help soothe and heal your skin. Exfoliate again with a loofa, rubbing your legs gently in soft circles. Dry your legs. Use a clean towel to prevent bacteria from infecting cuts and other irritations. Pat your legs dry with the towel. Avoid rubbing them, which can further irritate sensitive areas. Apply lotion. Rub an antiseptic post-shave conditioner into your skin. Destroy any possible bacteria that may still linger in sensitive areas. Moisture your skin to help it recuperate. Use a moisturizer designed specifically for men. Since men's skin typically produces more natural oils than women's, using women's products may lead to clogged pores. Continue to moisturize your skin daily to avoid irritation as your hairs grow back. Tan those legs. Now that your legs are shaved, check how they look in natural light. If your leg hair was quite dark and your skin is pale or fair, consider using a self-tanner in the short term, since the contrast may now be striking. If you're going to keep your legs shaved for the long term, consider sunning them regularly.

Determine an end point. Trim your leg hairs. Take a shower. Use the right razor. Get back into the tub. Lather your legs. Choose where to begin shaving. Begin shaving. Rinse off. Wash your legs. Dry your legs. Apply lotion. Tan those legs.

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

How to Practice Humility

To practice humility, begin by being grateful for the life you have. Don't take anything for granted, from your health to your dog. Also, accept that you're not the best at everything. Maybe you need work on being more tidy or patient. By understanding that you're constantly evolving and improving, you will become more open to other people helping you get even better! However, don't be falsely modest and diminish your accomplishments when other people praise you. If you spent all weekend on a project for work and your boss says you did a great job on Monday, don't say, “it was nothing.” Instead, say that you're glad he liked it and you're happy to have put a lot of work into it. Also focus on complimenting and giving credit to other people, as well as spending more time listening to other perspectives. Lastly, stop comparing yourself to others, which makes it easy to be bitter or jealous. Being more humble leads to more happiness!

Don’t think you’re too good for everything you do. People who have big egos tend to think that they deserve to be working at a better place, to be dating someone better, or even to be hanging out with people who are interesting and cooler. But your life is your life, and if you want better things, then you have to work to reach for them, instead of assuming the attitude that you're not getting treated fairly. To practice humility, work to accept the life you have while striving for more without complaining. If you adopt the attitude that you're too cool for school, people will become allergic to you. Instead, work to be grateful for what you have and work to earn more, if that's what you want. Be an optimist. People who practice humility are naturally optimistic because they don't waste their time complaining about all of the bad things that have happened to them or dreading the future. Instead, they're grateful what they have and they expect good things to happen in the future. Humble people don't expect to be given good things on a silver platter, but they do believe that good things will happen to them if they work hard enough. Work on being excited about all of the things the future holds instead of expecting catastrophe to strike at any moment. Though it's a good idea to be prepared for the worst, you should work on finding the silver lining in almost every situation. Accept that you’re not the best at everything. To get in a more humble mindset, you have to accept the fact that you're not the best at everything—or even anything. No matter how great you are at surfing, singing, or writing fiction, there will always be someone who is more knowledgeable than you are, and that's okay. Instead of acting like you have the final say on something, be open to the fact that you're constantly evolving and improving, and know that other people can help you get there. If you act like you're the best at something, you'll come off as arrogant. Instead, show people that, while you're proud of what you know or what you can achieve, you're always wanting to do more. Know that humility is not false modesty. It's one thing to be humble and another thing to be falsely modest. If you spent all weekend working on a project for work and your boss tells you you did a great job on Monday, don't say, “It was nothing.” Tell him that you're glad he liked it and that you're happy to have put a lot of work into it. You may think that shrugging off your achievements will make you look more modest, but in reality, it will actually make you come off as more arrogant. Sure, it can be kind of awkward when people are praising you. However, you should accept credit where credit is due instead of acting like it was no big deal. Recognize your flaws. If you want to practice humility, then you have to be aware of the fact that you're not perfect. If you think that you're a flawless human being, then you're not going to learn anything new in this world or grow as a person. Instead, it's important to be self-aware and to know what you need to work on, so you can be humbled before others. A truly humble person knows that he has things to work on and makes an effort to get there. Sure, it can be humbling to admit that you need to work on your social skills or that you're not the world's neatest person. But this can also lead you to work toward self-improvement. Along with recognizing your flaws, it's important to be able to accept the things you cannot change about yourself. Avoid bragging. To truly practice humility, you should avoid bragging or showing off as much as you can. While you may want to talk about your accomplishments, you should avoid sounding like you're showing off as much as possible. If you worked hard to do something, then you can talk about it, but avoid talking about how rich, attractive, or successful you are, or people are likely to get the wrong impression about you. Instead, you should trust the fact that if you're a really impressive person, other people will get a sense of it without you having to tell them. People who truly practice humility focus much more on praising other people than on focusing on their own accomplishments. The next time you catch yourself talking about something you've achieved, ask yourself whether you're bragging or showing off, or just sharing something you're truly proud of. Be grateful for what you have—and what you don’t. If you really want to practice humility, then you have to work on being grateful for everything the world has given you, from your health to your pet kitty. Don't take anything for granted and know that it's a privilege to even be reading an article online. You should also be grateful for the hardships and challenges you've faced, because they've made you into the person you are today. Of course, some people are a lot better off than others when it comes to the luck game. Just know that it's what you do with your luck that matters, and that you should be grateful for what you have been given instead of complaining about what you don't have. Gratitude is essential for true humility. Work on making a list of everything you're grateful for and add to it whenever you think of something else. Stop talking. One way to practice humility is to spend more time listening than you do talking. If you spend all of your time talking about yourself or sharing your ideas, then you'll be less likely to learn from others or to appreciate what they have to offer. Listening to other people will also make them feel important and cared for, and it can be very humbling to give others a listening ear and a bit of your time. It can be very humbling to realize that other people have a perspective that is just as valid as yours, and that everyone around is also filled with worries, doubts, and hopes. Become an expert at listening to people without interrupting them or giving them advice unless they ask for it. Give other people credit. If you want to practice humility, then the best thing you can do is to is to learn to give credit where it is due. If you're praised for doing a report at work, make sure you mention that you couldn't have done it without two of your coworkers. If you're praised for scoring a goal at the soccer game, mention that you couldn't have done it without your teammates. You are rarely responsible for 100% of your success, and it's important to take the time to acknowledge all of the other people who made your success possible. It will actually make you feel better to acknowledge that other people have worked hard, too. If you take all the credit without deserving it, then you'll be practicing selfishness instead of gratitude. Admit when you’re wrong. One characteristic of a truly humble person is the ability to admit you're wrong. If you've made a mistake, it can be very humbling to let people know that you're aware of your missteps and that you're apologetic about them. Don't just be in denial or brush it under the rug. If you want to practice humility, then you have to accept that you're not perfect and come to terms with admitting your mistakes and apologizing for them. When you apologize to people, look them in the eyes, make your words genuine, and show them that the behavior won't happen again. Let them see that you're taking the time to truly apologize, and that you're not just doing it out of obligation. Of course, actions speak louder than words. To truly be forgiven, you have to work to not make the same mistake again. Go last. Whether you're ordering at a family dinner, in line at the movies, or waiting to catch the bus, make an effort to let other people go before you once in a while. People who practice humility are aware that they're not the most important people in the world, and they let other people go before them because they know that their time isn't more important than anyone else's. While you shouldn't be a pushover, you should look for opportunities to let people go ahead of you if you want to practice humility. There's a real humility in saying, “After you.” Work on seeing that your time isn't worth more than anyone else's and letting other people have a chance before you do. It goes without saying that cutting a line is the opposite of being humble. Ask for advice. It can be very humbling to admit that you don't have all the answers and to defer to someone else. When something is troubling or puzzling to you, take the time to turn to a friend for advice or to ask a coworker to share his expertise. Be comfortable with admitting that other people have something that is useful to you and that you're always open to learning more and improving as a person. Truly humble people know that knowledge is infinite, and they're always asking others to share what they know. Don't be afraid to admit that you don't know something. In fact, most people love sharing their knowledge with others and will be eager to help you. You can even offer a bit of praise when you ask for advice. Just saying something like, “Hey, I know you're a whiz at math, and I just can't understand this problem,” will make a person feel great, as long as it doesn't sound like you're sucking up. Praise others. Another way to practice humility is to recognize other people for their achievements. Praise other people as much as you can, for being in awe of how hard your co-worker worked on a presentation to praising your sister for keeping her head up in a difficult situation. Praising others publicly, as long as you don't embarrass them, can also be a great way to show your appreciation of others and to humble yourself before the strengths of other people. Get in the habit of telling other people when they're doing great at something. This can make both you and the person feel great. Of course, make sure the praise is deserved. You don't want the person to think that you just want something from him. Give compliments. If you want to practice humility, then you should always be open to complimenting other people, from telling them how great they look to complimenting aspects of their personality. As long as your compliments are genuine, you'll be making other people feel better about themselves while practicing humility in the process. Truly humble people recognize that other people have endless qualities that are worth praising. Even something simple like, “I love your earrings. They make your eyes stand out,” can really brighten a person's day, and it takes very little effort. Volunteer. If you make volunteering a part of your routine, then you will be able to have a more humility-filled life. Whether you're helping children and adults learn to read at your local library or working a soup kitchen in your community, volunteering can help you get in touch with your sense of gratitude and help people who really need you. It can be incredibly humbling to spend time with people who are grateful for your help, and it can make you be more gracious and less likely to feel entitled. Volunteer for the sake of it, not for the bragging rights. You don't need to tell your fifty closest friends that you're volunteering just to show off. Of course, if you're genuinely proud and want to talk about it, that's another thing. Giving your time to help others can make you realize that you don't always need to put yourself first. This can make you live a life filled with humility. Don’t compare yourself to others. To practice gratitude on a regular basis, you should avoid comparing yourself to others, whether you're jealous of your neighbors, your best friend, or even Taylor Swift. Focus on being grateful for what you have and enjoying your life on its own terms instead of thinking you need to have what your best friend or co-worker has to truly be happy. If you spend your life comparing yourself to others, then you will never feel like what you have is enough, and you won't be humbled before all that you have been given. You can admire other people and feel inspired to be better because of them. But if you covet what they have, you are likely to fall into feelings of bitterness that will keep you from enjoying your life. Don't gossip about people or put them down because you're secretly jealous of them, either. Humble people only say nice things about people behind their backs. Be teachable. People who practice humility are the first to admit that they don't know everything. Whether you're getting tips from a co-worker or a friend, it's important to be open to new possibilities and new knowledge. Let people see that you think they have a lot to offer you, and avoid acting stubborn or like you know everything. Even if you may feel like an expert on a topic, remember that you can always learn more; it's humbling to admit that you're a student of life. Don't get defensive when someone is trying to teach you something. If that person has pure intentions, then you should make an effort to hear him out. You don't want people to feel like you think you have all the answers, or they won't be eager to share their experiences with you. Practice anonymous kindness. If you want to practice humility, then not all of your kind deeds have to go noticed. Donate money to charity without telling a soul about it, or donate your old clothes without saying a thing. If you notice that a person's parking meter is expired, throw in a few quarters. Help crowdfund a worthy project. Anonymously post a kind comment on a person's blog. Take the time to do something nice without wanting anything in return, and you will be on your way to practicing humility every day. If you're the only person who is aware of the good you've done in the world, there is something especially humbling about the experience. You can even write about the experience in a journal if you feel like telling someone. Don’t complain so much. People who practice humility aren't often seen complaining because they realize that life is precious and that they have so much to be grateful for. Sure, we've all had bad days, and it's okay to vent once in a while, but you shouldn't make a habit of it if you want to practice humility. Remember that so many people have it so much worse than you, and that complaining about every little thing that happened to you instead of focusing on the positive will keep you from practicing humility. People are drawn to appreciative, positive people. If you complain all the time or form relationships based on complaining all the time, then you'll be less likely to live a humility-filled life. Whenever you catch yourself complaining about something, try to counter that comment with two positive comments. Spend more time in nature. There's something very humbling about being in nature, whether you take a long hike through the woods or you spend a day just lying on the beach. Nature can remind you that there are things bigger than ourselves and our problems out there, and that we should be in awe of the world instead of obsessing over all of our little problems or thwarted ambitions. Making a habit of being in nature more often can lead you to practice humility more. Your problems won't seem as severe when you're standing at the base of a mountain. As corny as it sounds, being around nature will make you see that you're just a grain of sand on the beach that is the universe, and that you should be thankful for what you have instead of bemoaning what you wish you had. Spend more time around children. Children have a natural sense of wonder and almost never cease to be in awe of the universe. If you want to practice humility more often, then you should make a habit of spending more time with children. They'll help you see the world through new, youthful eyes, and you'll be able to rediscover some of the magic you may feel that you lost because of the daily grind. Making a habit of spending more time with kids, whether you spend more time with your own, volunteer with children, or help a friend out by babysitting, can help you practice humility regularly. You may think that you have a lot to teach children and will feel humbled when you see that they have a lot to teach you, too. Listen to their perspective about the world and see how it can help you become a more humble, grateful person. Being around children will help you rejuvenate your sense of wonder. This can help you be more appreciative of the world around you and it will keep you from taking anything for granted. Practice yoga. Yoga is a practice devoted to being grateful for the body you have been given and your time on this earth. Though some yoga practices can be a great workout, too, the most important thing with yoga is being in touch with your mind and body and not taking a single one of your breaths for granted. If you want to work on practicing humility more, then you should make yoga a regular part of your life. Taking just 2-3 classes a week can transform the way you look at the world. If you feel like you just can't make the time to go to a yoga class, you can practice at home.

Don’t think you’re too good for everything you do. Be an optimist. Accept that you’re not the best at everything. Know that humility is not false modesty. Recognize your flaws. Avoid bragging. Be grateful for what you have—and what you don’t. Stop talking. Give other people credit. Admit when you’re wrong. Go last. Ask for advice. Praise others. Give compliments. Volunteer. Don’t compare yourself to others. Be teachable. Practice anonymous kindness. Don’t complain so much. Spend more time in nature. Spend more time around children. Practice yoga.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Carpet-Naturally

How to Clean Carpet Naturally

To clean your carpet naturally, sprinkle it with baking soda and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming. Alternatively, spray the carpet with white vinegar, and wait a few hours for the vinegar to absorb the odors and bacteria. For spot cleaning, dab the area with a solution of water and lemon juice. Afterwards, rinse the area with soapy water, then dry with a clean cloth. If you're cleaning a large carpet or multiple carpets, try using a steam cleaner with plain hot water for a general, all over cleaning.

Use plain hot water in a steam cleaner. Many carpet cleaning machines say that you should use their highly concentrated cleaner when steam cleaning your carpets. However, using plain water in these machines will get a large amount of dirt and grime out of the carpet, and it won't leave any residue or chemicals behind. This method will not work on hard to clean stains. However, it is a good way to give your carpet a general, all over cleaning. Clean with liquid soap and water. A natural soap, such as liquid castile soap, can be a great product for cleaning carpets. It has stain and dirt removing properties but it is not toxic or dangerous to use in your home. Combine a few drops of this type of soap with warm water and scrub your carpet with it. Carry along a dry towel with you as you clean, so that you can soak most of the water and soap out of the carpet as you go along. If you have your own carpet cleaning machine, you can also use a few drops of this type of soap in it instead of more traditional carpet cleaning solutions. Purchase a natural carpet cleaning product. There are more and more commercial cleaning products available that are natural and non-toxic. Look for this type of product at your local natural food store or online through natural product distributors. When considering using a commercial cleaner, look at both the ingredients and the rest of the label for safety information. With a truly natural and non-toxic cleaner, you are likely to find labels that certify it as a "green" product. To find a non-toxic, natural carpet cleaner, you can look for product safety lists from organizations concerned with providing information about natural products, such as the Environmental Working Group. to deodorize your carpet. Use baking soda If your carpet needs deodorizing, look no further than your kitchen pantry. Baking soda works great for deodorizing because it absorbs odors very effectively. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda all over your carpet, let it sit on the carpet for several hours, and then vacuum it up. The baking soda should absorb a wide variety of odors from your carpet. Some commercial carpet deodorizers have scents in them that are released when you vacuum up the deodorizer. To mimic this with natural home products, simply mix a few drops of a clear essential oil, such as lavender oil, with a cup of baking soda and then sprinkle it on your carpet. When you vacuum the baking soda up, the smell of the essential oil should be released. Deodorize with white vinegar. Vinegar, like baking soda, can be a great product for deodorizing your carpet because it both absorbs odors and kills odor-causing bacteria. Simply pour some into a spray bottle and then spray a fine mist over your carpet. When the vinegar smell goes away, which may take several hours, you will be left with a deodorized, scent free carpet. If you don't like the scent of vinegar, keep in mind that the strong smell will dissipate as the vinegar dries. It will not leave a lingering smell. Use lemon to deodorize. If you have a small area or spot that needs to be deodorized, consider using lemon. Mix the juice of one lemon with a few tablespoons of water and then dab it on the offending area. The acidity of the lemon should remove even the most unpleasant odors. Once you have dabbed the lemon juice mixture on, rinse the area with soapy water and then dry the area with a cloth. Pre-treat stains with baking soda. If you have a spill on your carpet that is liquid, you should try to soak up as much of it as you can right away. Whether it's a beverage, urine, food, or other type of liquid, baking soda does a great job of absorbing all kinds of liquid and pulling them out of your carpet. Sprinkle baking soda over the stain, making sure that you put enough down to absorb all of the liquid. Give it a few minutes to soak it up. If you spilled a lot of liquid, it's best to blot away the excess liquid with a towel before you sprinkle baking soda over it. Apply vinegar and water to stains. If you have a simple water-soluble spill, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean it up. Mix a 1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar with 32 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Spray it on simple spills and then blot the area to remove all the residue. Some spills that this will work on include: Beer Cola Milk Dirt Use hydrogen peroxide on blood stains. Blood stains can be particularly hard to get out of fabrics, including carpets. Hydrogen peroxide can be helpful with removing blood, as it is a natural oxidizer and so it can break blood up. Put some hydrogen peroxide on a clean cloth and dab the area repeatedly. It can take awhile to get the blood out, so take your time and be patient while the hydrogen peroxide does its magic. Be sure to test that the hydrogen peroxide will not damage the carpet fibers on an area of carpet that is not seen before using it in a visible area. If you use hydrogen peroxide, be sure to choose the 3% diluted solution rather than the 6% diluted solution. Apply club soda to acidic stains. Club soda will remove many acidic stains, such as coffee, wine, or juice. Simply blot the area with a cloth covered in club soda. Keep adding more club soda to the cloth as it is absorbed into the stained area until the area is relatively saturated. As the stain is removed, and gets onto the cleaning cloth you are using, use a different area of the cloth to blot, so that the stain is not reapplied to the carpet. Once the stain is gone, make sure to keep dabbing the area with a dry cloth until the area is dry.

Use plain hot water in a steam cleaner. Clean with liquid soap and water. Purchase a natural carpet cleaning product. to deodorize your carpet. Deodorize with white vinegar. Use lemon to deodorize. Pre-treat stains with baking soda. Apply vinegar and water to stains. Use hydrogen peroxide on blood stains. Apply club soda to acidic stains.

https://www.wikihow.com/Say-Sit-in-German

How to Say Sit in German

To say “sit” in German, use “sich setzen,” pronounced “zeek zeh-tsihn,” if you're telling someone to sit down. In formal situations, try “Bittzen setzen sie,” or “Please take a seat.” If you're telling someone you're sitting down, you can say “Ich sitze,” which means “I am sitting.” You can also say “sass,” pronounced “sahss,” if you're using the past tense of the word “sit.” For example, “Ich sass” would translate as “I sat” in German.

Master the word for sit. In German , the verb for sit is “sitzen.” The verb is pronounced “zitss-ihn.” Put the emphasis on the first syllabus in the word. The German verb for sit down is “sich setzen” (zeek zeh-tsihn). If you want to tell someone to sit, though, the quickest way to do that is to say, "sitz!" (pronounced as zihtss). Be aware this could be perceived as impolite! Master some common phrases using the word sit. You will want to learn a few sentences that contain the word for sitting. Some people want to use German when commanding certain breeds of dogs to sit. You may, instead, need to speak German to a person! To say sit down, say “setz dich” (zehts deekh). This differs from the verb itself because it's conjugated with dich, which means you. Bittzen setzen sie sich means please take a seat (bit-tsihn zeh-tsihn zee zeekh). The ch is pronounced uniquely in German. It's best to listen to it. Some have described it as sounding like an angry cat sound! It's a bit like a "kah" sound in English, but more gutteral. Ich sitze means I am sitting (“eekh ziht-tsah”). Again, listen to the German version of –ch. Use past tense for the word sit. Perhaps you want to say that you sat, not that you're sitting. The past tense version of the verb sitzen is sass. Pronounce sass “sahss.” The "a" sound is similar to the "o" in the English word bond. Ich saß (I sat). The ß is the German symbol for a double s, “ss.” Du Saß (You sat, informal). Er saß (He sat). Wir saßen (We sat). Ihr saß (She sat). Sie saßen (They sat, formal). You can find detailed charts online for other tenses of the verb to sit, including the past perfect, future I and future II versions of the verb. For example, I have sat is “Ich habe gesessen” in German (pronounced Eek hah-bah Gih-seh-ssihn). Hold your mouth correctly. When pronouncing German words, try to hold your mouth fairly tightly shut when talking. This is how native Germans speak. Germans have visible tension in their mouth and pull their lips to the side when they pronounce words. Sometimes non-native speakers of German will hold their mouths too slack, especially their lower lips. Too loose of a lower lip, and you will not sound German. You will look like you're chewing gum, and your accent will be obvious! Pronounce consonants correctly in German. When saying sit in German, it's important that you understand that an “s” in German doesn't sound like an English “s.” When the letter “s” appears in front of a vowel, you need to pronounce the German consonant “s” like you would pronounce the English “z.” Thus, the “s” at the start of the word “sitzen” should be pronounced like an English “z.” The German sound “z” is not voiced as strongly in German as it is in English, though. Be aware that the way you pronounce the letter “s” is different though when it appears at the end of a word instead of at the front. The sound at the end is a hissing sound of an “s.” That is also the case when a double “s” appears in the middle of a word. When the German letter “z” is in the middle of a word (as with sitzen), it is pronounced as an English “ts” sound. Choose whether to speak formally or informally. In German, you will conjugate a verb like the one for "to sit" depending on the context and the person you are addressing. You will use different words for formal settings and different words when speaking to a friend more casually. Du is the word for you that is used when you are speaking to a friend or someone more informally. The word is pronounced “doo.” Sie ("zee") is the word for you that is used when you are speaking to an older person or someone with greater status, such as a boss. Keep the –en on the end of verbs you use more formally. This matters when saying the word sit if you are addressing someone else. Sitzt du? (Are you sitting) is how you would speak to someone informally. Sitzen Sie? (Are you sitting) is how you would address someone more formally. Conjugate the verb correctly. Sitzen is the full verb for to sit. However, in German, the way you use that word changes depending on whom you are addressing and the context. You need to shorten the verb for non-formal and non-plural uses. Ich sitze (I sit) Du sitzt (you sit, informal) Er sitzt (he sits) Wir sitzen (we sit) Ihr sitzt (she sits) Sie sitzen (They sit, formal)

Master the word for sit. Master some common phrases using the word sit. Use past tense for the word sit. Hold your mouth correctly. Pronounce consonants correctly in German. Choose whether to speak formally or informally. Conjugate the verb correctly.

https://www.wikihow.com/Perform-an-Enema-at-Home

How to Perform an Enema at Home

To perform an enema at home, start by lubricating your anus and the enema nozzle with coconut oil. Next, mix the solution, fill the bag with distilled water, and use the clamp to control the flow of the solution. Then, lie on your back with your knees drawn up to your chest and insert the nozzle 3 inches into your anus. Slowly release the clamp to start the flow of water and remove the nozzle after you take in as much water as you can. Finally, sit on the toilet and relax until you pass the solution.

Talk to your doctor before you perform your own enema. While it's typically safe to have an enema, it's probably still a good idea to talk to your doctor about it first. They may advise you to try other methods of relieving your constipation first, like taking a fiber supplement or an over-the-counter laxative, if you haven't already. If they do recommend an enema, they can tell you how often you should perform the enema, or what to do if it doesn't relieve your constipation symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may ask you to perform an enema before you come in for a procedure like a colonoscopy. Mix up your own solution if you're using a saline enema. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it's safest to use a simple saline solution when you're performing an enema. Making your own saline solution is easy—just stir 2 tsp (12 g) of table salt into 1,000 ml (1.1  qt) of lukewarm distilled water. Purchase distilled water, as tap water may contain contaminants that you don't want to introduce into your rectum. If you're making a homemade enema solution, you'll also need to purchase an enema bag and tube. Do not add any other ingredients to the saline solution unless your doctor advises you to. Even if you see them recommended online or by your family and friends, do not put fruit juices, herbs, vinegar, coffee, or alcohol into your enema. The risks posed by introducing these substances into your colon far outweigh any potential benefits. Once you've made the saline, fill the enema bag with 6 fluid ounces (180 ml) for children 2-6 years old, 12 fluid ounces (350 ml) for children 6-12 years old, and 16 fluid ounces (470 ml) for anyone 13 or older. Do not give an enema to children under the age of 2 unless directed to do so by your doctor. Purchase a kit if your doctor recommends a mineral oil or phosphate enema. Mineral oil and phosphate are both used as laxatives, so they can increase the effectiveness of your enema. Mineral oil can be less irritating than a phosphate enema, although you should talk to your doctor before you use either. Typically, store-bought enemas come in children's and adult's sizes. Read the label carefully to ensure you get the right enema for your age and body size. For a mineral oil enema, the dose will be 2 fluid ounces (59 ml) for children ages 2-6 and 4.5 fluid ounces (130 ml) for anyone older than 6. If you're using a phosphate enema, the dose will be 1 fluid ounce (30 ml) for children who weigh 20 pounds (9.1 kg) or more, 2 fluid ounces (59 ml) for children who weigh at least 40 pounds (18 kg), 3 fluid ounces (89 ml) for someone who weighs 60 pounds (27 kg) or more, 4 fluid ounces (120 ml) for anyone 80 pounds (36 kg) lb, and 4.5 fluid ounces (130 ml) if the person weighs 90 pounds (41 kg) or more. Drink 1-2 glasses of water 30 minutes before the enema. Enemas can sometimes cause you to become dehydrated, since they'll stimulate your bowels to evacuate. You can help prevent that by drinking 8–16 fluid ounces (240–470 ml) of water a half-hour before you plan to have the enema. You should also drink plenty of fluids after your enema to replenish your fluid levels. Drinking more water may also help prevent your constipation from returning. Place folded towels on the bathroom floor. Since you may have to get to the toilet very quickly, it's best to perform an enema in your bathroom. In addition, this is the best place to ensure you have privacy during the procedure. To set up your area, lie several folded towels on the bathroom floor so you'll have a comfortable place to rest while you wait. Make sure there's a place nearby where you can place the enema bag while you wait, like a small stool or a hook you can hang it from. You may also want to have a book or magazine nearby so you'll have something to read while you're performing the enema. Lubricate the nozzle tip on the enema tube. Coat the last 3 in (7.6 cm) of the nozzle with petroleum jelly or a water-based personal lubricant. This will make it easier and more comfortable to insert the nozzle when you begin the enema. If you'd like, you can also spread a little of the lubricant around your anus. Lie on the floor and pull your knees up to your chest. When you're ready to begin your enema, remove your clothes and make sure your enema supplies are near the towels you placed on your floor. Then, lie flat on your back, bringing your knees up until you can easily reach your bottom. If lying on your back is difficult, you may prefer to lie on your left side. Choose whichever position is more comfortable for you. Insert the tip of the nozzle 3 in (7.6 cm) into your rectum. If there's a cap on the nozzle, take it off. Then, very gently, push the tip of the nozzle into your bottom. Don't force the tip in, and take your time. If you need help relaxing, take several slow, deep breaths, and focus on how much better you'll feel after your constipation is relieved. This may feel a little uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. The nozzle tip should be rounded to make it easier to insert. If you're giving the enema to a child, only insert it 1 ⁄ 2 –2 in (3.8–5.1 cm) inches into their rectum. Try holding the nozzle with your thumb and forefinger about a finger-length from the end. When your fingers touch your skin, the nozzle is inserted far enough. Place or hang the enema bag 1–2 ft (0.30–0.61 m) higher than your rectum. Lie the bag on a sturdy surface or hang it from a small hook so it's slightly elevated. That way, gravity will work to empty the contents of the bag into your rectum, and you won't have to hold up the bag the entire time. If you're using a disposable enema, you may need to squeeze contents of container into your rectum. If that's the case, do this slowly, and be sure to empty the entire bag. Allow the bag to empty, then remove the nozzle. It will probably take about 5-10 minutes for the entire enema solution to empty into your rectum. While you're waiting, relax as much as possible, and try not to move. Once the bag is empty, carefully and slowly slide the nozzle out of your rectum. It may help if you have something to distract yourself during this time, like a book, some music, or a game on your phone. If you experience any cramping, you may need to lower the bag slightly, which will slow the flow of the solution. Try to hold in the enema for up to 15 minutes. Once you remove the nozzle, lie still and try to hold back the urge to eliminate your bowels for as long as possible. It's best to hold in the enema for about 15 minutes, but even waiting 5-10 minutes may be enough to help stimulate your bowels. Evacuate the enema on the toilet. After 15 minutes, or when you can't hold it in any longer, carefully get up and move to the toilet. Then, release your bowels to expel the enema fluid. Afterward, you may want to shower or use a wet wipe to clean any remaining lubricant from around your bottom. You may have a bowel movement at this time, but it's okay if you don't. It's a good idea to stay close to the toilet for the next hour or so, as you may have another bowel movement during that time. After an hour, though, you should be free to resume your normal activities. You may experience stomach cramps for a short while after having the enema. If you feel a little faint or dizzy after your enema, lie down until the feeling passes. Sterilize or dispose of the enema equipment. If you purchased reusable enema equipment, wash the nozzle and tube thoroughly with soapy water, then sterilize the pieces by placing them in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Rinse the enema bag with warm water. If you used a disposable enema kit, you can throw all of the equipment away when you're finished. See your doctor if you haven't passed a bowel movement in 3 days. While an enema can be a quick way to relieve constipation, if you haven't had a bowel movement in 3 days, it's important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine whether there's a problem that's causing your constipation, and you can ask them whether an enema might be a good option. If you're frequently constipated, your doctor might also recommend certain lifestyle changes, like drinking more water or eating more fiber or fermented foods. Call your doctor if you experience side effects after your enema. While it's normal to feel a little lightheaded or have some stomach cramping after an enema, more severe side effects could be an indication of an internal injury. Call your doctor and ask to be seen right away or visit an emergency room if you experience any of the following after an enema: Feeling very dizzy, weak, or tired Fainting Developing a rash Being unable to pass urine Having severe, extended diarrhea Worsening constipation Experiencing swelling in your hands or feet Visit the ER immediately if you have rectal bleeding or severe abdominal pains. Giving yourself an enema carries the risk of perforating the side of your bowel wall. That can be a very dangerous condition, so call for emergency medical assistance right away if you have any bleeding from your rectum or if you have severe pains or cramps in your stomach or lower back. You might also experience fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting.

Talk to your doctor before you perform your own enema. Mix up your own solution if you're using a saline enema. Purchase a kit if your doctor recommends a mineral oil or phosphate enema. Drink 1-2 glasses of water 30 minutes before the enema. Place folded towels on the bathroom floor. Lubricate the nozzle tip on the enema tube. Lie on the floor and pull your knees up to your chest. Insert the tip of the nozzle 3 in (7.6 cm) into your rectum. Place or hang the enema bag 1–2 ft (0.30–0.61 m) higher than your rectum. Allow the bag to empty, then remove the nozzle. Try to hold in the enema for up to 15 minutes. Evacuate the enema on the toilet. Sterilize or dispose of the enema equipment. See your doctor if you haven't passed a bowel movement in 3 days. Call your doctor if you experience side effects after your enema. Visit the ER immediately if you have rectal bleeding or severe abdominal pains.

https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Sick-Bearded-Dragon

How to Care for a Sick Bearded Dragon

To care for a sick bearded dragon, talk to your vet about its symptoms and follow their recommendations for treatment. Then, make your dragon comfortable by keeping the warm side of its cage between 95 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, make sure it has plenty of fresh, clean water, since dehydration can lead to severe illness. You should also remove uneaten food, feces, and other messes from its cage every day to help minimize the bacteria and viruses that can make your pet worse.

Make your bearded dragon as comfortable as possible. If your bearded dragon is sick, you should make sure that the conditions in its cage are ideal. Above all, make sure that its home is warm enough and that it has access to food that it likes to eat, even if its illness doesn't allow it to move very far. Your bearded dragon should have an area of its home that is warmer and an area that is cooler. The warmer side should be 95°F to 110°F (35°C to 43°C) and the cooler side should be around around 85°F (29°C). This allows the animal to decide what temperature it wants to be in at any given time. A UVB light bulb can provide comfortable warmth for your bearded dragon. Install the bulb about 12 inches (30 cm) above the cage. Remember to change the bulb every 6 months. Make sure that your pet has enough water. Dehydration can lead to severe illness in bearded dragons. They also need plenty of water in order for their systems to recover from other illnesses. Replace your bearded dragon's water daily to ensure that your pet always has plenty of clean drinking water in its bowl. Dehydration itself can be the cause of illness in bearded dragons. If you suspect that your pet is dehydrated, offer it clean drinking water from a syringe or bottle. If it still won't drink, you can offer it a beverage made to minimize dehydration, such as pedialyte. You should also consult with your veterinarian about the possible need for intravenous fluids. Look for signs of discomfort. If your bearded dragon is sick and you are trying to care for it, it is important to keep an eye out for signs of discomfort or increased illness. When caring for a sick bearded dragon, look for these symptoms and consult with your veterinarian if they begin or become worse over time: Lethargy Erratic movements Swollen body parts Changes in mood or behavior Awkward posture No appetite Abnormal elimination Practice good husbandry. To keep your bearded dragon healthy and to help it recover from illness more quickly, it is important to keep its home clean. On a daily basis, you should clean up the animal's tank by removing old food, feces, and other messes. On a weekly basis, the whole tank should be cleaned and the bedding, dishes, and other items in the tank should all be cleaned with a disinfectant. Keeping your bearded dragon's tank clean will minimize any bacteria and viruses that could infect your pet and make its condition worse. Take your bearded dragon to a veterinarian. If you suspect that your bearded dragon is sick, you should have it looked at by a vet. A vet can assess the animal's health and run tests to find out exactly what is causing your pet to be unwell. Find a vet that specializes in reptiles, known as a herp vet. You can find one by searching the database on the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians: http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661. If you are unsure whether your bearded dragon's illness is serious, feel free to call your veterinary clinic. Tell them your pet's symptoms, and then ask if they think you should bring your pet in. In most cases, if your pet is sick and you are not sure what is causing it, it is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian right away. Help the veterinarian with assessment and diagnosis. When you bring your bearded dragon in, the vet will need to do a variety of tests to find the cause of the illness. They will also need information from you about your pet's health history and the symptoms of its current illness. Give the vet any information you can about your pet so that the cause of its illness can be determined as quickly as possible. Allow your veterinarian to do testing and treatment on your pet. When you bring your pet into a veterinary office for assessment and treatment, you should allow your veterinarian to do the testing they think is required for diagnosis. Once the vet thinks they have figured out the problem, discuss possible treatment options and allow treatment to take place if you find their suggestions reasonable and helpful for your animal. Allow your vet to use a variety of diagnostic tests. For example, an ultrasound can be very helpful for figuring out what is wrong with your bearded dragon. Since veterinarians cannot rely on verbal confirmation of symptoms from animals, getting a picture of what is going on inside your bearded dragon's body can be especially helpful in determining what illness it has. Follow your veterinarian's suggestions for continued treatment at home. If your bearded dragon has an illness that needs continued treatment, your vet will tell you how to proceed. Be sure to ask the vet any questions you have about how to give your pet proper treatment, and feel free to call them for clarification at any later point. For example, in the case of infectious stomatitis, your pet will need to have its mouth rinsed with an antibiotic solution regularly until the infection clears. Your veterinarian should show you how to do this and tell you how long it should be done for. Know the ailments that are common for bearded dragons. Knowing bearded dragons' typical illnesses will help you to assess their health over time and allow you to spot problems before they become serious. The most common illnesses that bearded dragons experience include metabolic bone disease, infectious stomatitis (mouth rot), gastrointestinal problems, parasites, and obstructed labor. Less common conditions that bearded dragons can get include gastric cancer, liver cancer, kidney failure, and viral infections. Look for abnormal eyes. A bearded dragon that is sick may have droopy or puffed-out eyes. This can signal a variety of illnesses, including kidney problems or an eye infection. Puffy eyes is also a sign that your bearded dragon is about to shed. If you see other signs of shedding, then it is safe to assume that the eye issues are related to the shedding. Monitor your dragon's bathroom schedule. Bearded dragons tend to have a very regular bathroom schedule. If your dragon doesn't go to the bathroom as usual or it has diarrhea or another change in its feces, then it may be sick. If your bearded dragon has not gone to the bathroom for several days yet still continues to eat, it can become a major health problem. Take the animal to be seen by a vet so that any digestive problems can be treated quickly. Look for changes to your bearded dragon's body. Several diseases that are common in bearded dragons, including metabolic bone disease and infectious stomatitis, cause changes to the surface of the animal's body. Metabolic bone disease can cause swelling on the animal's body and infectious stomatitis causes swelling and mucus to form around the mouth. Weigh your bearded dragon regularly. If you notice any sudden weight loss, take it to the vet as soon as possible. If any part of your pet's body is swollen, you should have it looked at by a veterinarian. Pay attention to changes in behavior. If your bearded dragon is sick, it is likely to have behavioral changes that show that it is not feeling well. Look for lethargy or an unwillingness to move, even when you give your pet a snack that it is usually excited to eat. This illustrates that the bearded dragon is not feeling like its usual self. Assess whether your bearded dragon is just going through a natural process. Bearded dragons go through several processes every year that can be mistaken for illness. For example, they can go into hibernation in the fall or winter that is called brumation. During this process, your dragon can appear lethargic and listless even though it is perfectly healthy. Bearded dragons also shed naturally. During this time their color can change and their eyes can bulge out a bit. If you are not expecting this, it can appear as if your bearded dragon is not healthy when it actually is.

Make your bearded dragon as comfortable as possible. Make sure that your pet has enough water. Look for signs of discomfort. Practice good husbandry. Take your bearded dragon to a veterinarian. Help the veterinarian with assessment and diagnosis. Allow your veterinarian to do testing and treatment on your pet. Follow your veterinarian's suggestions for continued treatment at home. Know the ailments that are common for bearded dragons. Look for abnormal eyes. Monitor your dragon's bathroom schedule. Look for changes to your bearded dragon's body. Pay attention to changes in behavior. Assess whether your bearded dragon is just going through a natural process.

https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-HIV-Symptoms

How to Recognize HIV Symptoms

To recognize HIV symptoms, keep an eye out for constant fatigue and low energy levels, even after a long night's sleep. Additionally, look for a fever or repeated night sweats, chills, and muscle aches. You should also pay attention to vomiting or nausea, and the appearance of ulcers on your mouth or genitals. If you've had the infection for a long time, you may experience a dry cough, and find irregular red, brown, or purple spots on your skin.

Determine if you are experiencing acute fatigue with no explainable cause. Fatigue can be the sign of many different illnesses, but it's a symptom experienced by many people with HIV. This symptom shouldn't cause great alarm if it's the only one you're feeling, but it's something to look into further. Acute fatigue isn't the same as simply feeling sleepy. Do you feel tired all the time, even after a good night's sleep? Do you find yourself taking more afternoon naps than usual, and avoiding strenuous activities because you feel low energy? This type of fatigue is cause for concern. If this symptom persists over a few weeks or months, be sure to get tested to rule out HIV. Be on the lookout for a fever or excessive night sweats. These symptoms commonly occur during the early stages of an HIV infection, during what is called the primary or acute HIV infection stage. Again, many people don't have these symptoms, but those who do usually experience them 2-4 weeks after contracting HIV. Fever and night sweats are also symptoms of the flu and the common cold. If it's flu or cold season, that might be what you're experiencing. Chills, muscle aches, sore throat, and headache, which are also symptoms of the flu and cold, can also be signs of an early HIV infection. Check for swollen glands in the neck, armpits, or groin. The lymph nodes swell in reaction to bodily infections. This doesn't happen to everyone who has primary HIV, but among those who have symptoms, it's a common one. The lymph nodes in the neck tend to swell more than those in the armpits or groin with an HIV infection. Lymph nodes can swell as a result of many other types of infections, such as a cold or the flu, so further investigation is necessary to determine the cause. Note instances of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms, which are commonly associated with the flu, can also indicate an early HIV infection. Get tested if these symptoms persist. Pay attention to mouth and genital ulcers. If you see a mouth ulcer appear along with the other symptoms noted, especially if you don't commonly get mouth ulcers, it may be a sign of primary HIV infection. Genital ulcers are also an indication that HIV may be present. Don't dismiss a dry cough. This symptom occurs in the later stages of HIV, sometimes many years after the virus has been contracted and been latent in the body. This seemingly innocuous symptom is easy to ignore at first, especially if it occurs during allergy season or during cough and cold season. If you have a dry cough you just can't seem to kick by taking allergy medications or using an inhaler, it may be a symptom of HIV. Look into irregular spots (red, brown, pink, or purplish in color) on the skin. People in the later stages of HIV often get rashes on their skin, especially on the face and torso. These can also be present on the inside of the mouth and nose. It's a sign that the HIV is developing into AIDS. Flaky, red skin is also a sign of later stage HIV. The spots may also look like boils or bumps. A skin rash usually doesn't accompany the flu or a cold, so if you have one at the same time as other symptoms, see a doctor right away. Pay attention if you get pneumonia. Pneumonia often affects people whose immune systems aren't working properly. People with later-stage HIV are prone to getting pneumonia from a germ that wouldn't normally cause such a severe reaction. Check for yeast infections, especially in the mouth. Later-stage HIV patients commonly get a yeast infection in the mouth, called thrush. The condition looks like white spots or other unusual spots on the tongue and inside of the mouth. This is a warning sign that the immune system isn't effectively fighting off infection. Examine your nails for signs of fungus. Nails that are yellow or brown, and that are cracked or chipped, are common among later-stage HIV patients. The nails become more susceptible to fungus, which the body is able to fight off under normal conditions. Determine whether you're experiencing rapid weight loss with no known cause. In the early stages of HIV, this could be caused by excessive diarrhea; in later stages, it's known as "wasting," and is a strong bodily reaction to the presence of HIV in the system. Be aware of neurological issues. These could include memory loss, depression , or other neurological afflictions. HIV affects the cognitive function of the brain in later stages. These symptoms are serious and should be looked into no matter what. Know if you are at risk. There are several different circumstances that can place you at risk of contracting HIV. If you've experienced one of the following situations, you are at risk: You've had unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex. You've shared needles or syringes. You've been diagnosed or treated for a sexually transmitted disease (STD), tuberculosis , or hepatitis. You received a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985, the years before safety precautions were in place to prevent tainted blood from being used in transfusions. Get tested for HIV. This is the most accurate measure in determining if you have HIV. Contact a local health clinic, the Red Cross, your doctor's office, or another local resource to find out where to get tested. Go to the website aids.gov for a listing of testing locations. Testing is easy, affordable, and reliable (in the majority of cases). The most common test is done through drawing a blood sample. There are also tests that use oral fluids (collected with a swab) or urine. There are even tests you can take at home. If you do not have a regular physician who can provide testing, contact your local Health Department. If you are tested for HIV, do not let fear prevent you from obtaining your test results. Knowing whether or not you are infected will give you the best chance to treat your condition, or to change your lifestyle to prevent an infection. Many health organizations recommend getting tested as part of your routine physical, even if you don't think you are at risk. Catching and treating HIV early can help prevent later complications. Don't wait for symptoms to occur to get tested. Many people with HIV don't know they have it. The virus can be carried in your body for over ten years before symptoms begin to occur. If you have reason to think you may have contracted HIV, don't let a lack of symptoms stop you from getting tested. It's best to know as soon as possible.

Determine if you are experiencing acute fatigue with no explainable cause. Be on the lookout for a fever or excessive night sweats. Check for swollen glands in the neck, armpits, or groin. Note instances of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Pay attention to mouth and genital ulcers. Don't dismiss a dry cough. Look into irregular spots (red, brown, pink, or purplish in color) on the skin. Pay attention if you get pneumonia. Check for yeast infections, especially in the mouth. Examine your nails for signs of fungus. Determine whether you're experiencing rapid weight loss with no known cause. Be aware of neurological issues. Know if you are at risk. Get tested for HIV. Don't wait for symptoms to occur to get tested.

https://www.wikihow.com/Bond-With-Your-Hedgehog

How to Bond With Your Hedgehog

Bonding with your hedgehog is all about gradually getting it used to your touch, smell, and voice. Make sure you wash your hands before you touch your hedgehog, since any strong smells on your skin might frighten it. Pick it up gently and hold it in your hands or your lap. Don't worry if it balls up, since it will unroll when it feels comfortable. If your hedgehog isn't comfortable with you, leave a t-shirt you've worn in its cage so it gets used to your smell. When you pet it, stroke it from head to tail, since hedgehogs like being pet in the direction of their quills. While you pet it, talk to it in a gentle tone, so it associates your voice with safety and comfort.

Wash your hands before you pick up your hedgehog. Use the same soap each time you wash your hands. Your hedgehog will begin to associate that scent with you and be more comfortable. Do not wear gloves when you handle your hedgehog. Your hedgehog will not be able to smell you. Hedgehogs may also be frightened by the smell of gloves and begin to bite. If you do not want to use your bare hands, use a blanket instead. If you do use a blanket, use the same one each time and wash it with the same detergent. Pick up your hedgehog delicately. Place your hands on both sides of your hedgehog and scoop him off the ground. Allow your hedgehog to find a comfortable position in your hands. You want him to feel supported and safe. It is best to pick up your hedgehog when he is belly down. You can hold your hedgehog in your hands or place him on your lap. Your hedgehog may ball up when you pick him up. This is completely normal. Do not handle your hedgehog right after you eat, touch something with a strong smell, or handle another animal. Your hedgehog will not know that it's you and may bite you or huff and ball up. Wash your hands thoroughly to get rid of the smell. Give your hedgehog time to unroll. Your hedgehog may be shy and take a long time to unroll. You can let him relax under a blanket until he unrolls, or you can let him rest on your lap. Your hedgehog will learn that your lap is a safe, comfortable place to sleep and relax. Always be gentle when you are holding your hedgehog. Being too rough or impatient can damage the relationship you are trying to build. Feel free to watch TV or use your computer while your hedgehog rests in your lap. Pet your hedgehog from head to tail. Always pet your hedgehog in the direction the quills lie. Petting in the opposite direction will be uncomfortable for both you and your hedgehog. When your hedgehog is relaxed, his quills will lie evenly. If your hedgehog feels threatened, the quills will become more spread out and sharp to the touch. Avoid petting your hedgehog when he feels threatened. Your hedgehog may not enjoy being petted until he trusts you. Go slow with the petting at first. Place your t-shirt in his cage. Hedgehogs have a strong sense of smell. Your hedgehog must be able to smell you and associate your scent with safety. This will help him become more outgoing and comfortable with you handling him. Place a t-shirt that you have worn for the whole day in your hedgehog's cage. Do not wash the shirt before you place it in the cage. The shirt should not have any loose threads. Your hedgehog will use your shirt as a blanket. Sleep with a fleece. Sleep with a fleece that is the size of your hedgehog's sleeping area for 2 or 3 nights. Once the fleece has your smell, place it in your hedgehog's sleeping area. If your hedgehog uses a sleeping bag, you can sleep with the sleeping bag for a few nights before you allow your hedgehog to use it. A baby receiving blanket can be used as well. Fleece and vellux fabrics are preferred because you do not have to worry about fraying or loose threads. Be careful with new scents. Any time you use a new lotion, perfume, or soap, you are introducing a new smell. Your hedgehog may be confused and not recognize you. Try to be consistent with the scents that you wear. If your hedgehog likes a new scent, he may begin to anoint (i.e. froth from the mouth and spread the foam on his quills). Your hedgehog may also react to a strong scent by becoming irritated. Talk to your hedgehog. Talk to your hedgehog any time you hold, feed, or bathe your hedgehog. This helps him get used to your voice and associate your voice with comfort and safety. Always use a calm reassuring tone. If your hedgehog balls up or raises his quills, you may be speaking too loudly. Talk to your hedgehog when you give him a treat. This will help him associate your voice with something positive. Play soft music in the background. Your hedgehog will enjoy the sound of music and find it soothing. Having music in the background helps your hedgehog adjust to his new environment as well. If there is a constant stream of music, your hedgehog will not be as startled by new sounds. If your hedgehog is accustomed to silence, he will be more afraid of sudden noises. If a noise is loud to you, it is probably too loud for your hedgehog as well. Observe the sounds your hedgehog is making towards you as well. If he is purring, he is happy and content. Introduce new sounds slowly. Your hedgehog will become overwhelmed if you introduce too many new sounds to him at once. If you are talking to him, try to talk without the TV or any music in the background. If you are watching TV, just let the television be the only sound that your hedgehog hears. If you have frequent visitors or there are multiple people in your house, your hedgehog will have to get used to their voices as well. Even sounds such as opening and closing doors can be irritating to your hedgehog. Recognize signs of being threatened. It is easy to tell if your hedgehog becomes scared, angry, or feels threatened. It is important that you take steps to calm your hedgehog when you see this behavior. Rock your hedgehog back and forth in your hands, stroke his quills, speak to him softly, or just leave him alone. Here are the signs you should look for: Erect quills Huffing and hissing Aggressively biting Rolling into a ball Shaking Know a snuggler. A snuggler loves to relax. He will enjoy cuddling and sleeping in your lap. These type of hedgehogs enjoy being handled and like a lot of interaction. This is the best type of hedgehog for a new hedgehog owner. Know an explorer. Your hedgehog may be an explorer if he likes to roam around when you take him out of his cage. He does not like to be still and cuddle but prefers to explore and get into things. If your hedgehog has this type of personality, you may want to bond with him during play time. Supervise the play, speak softly and reassuringly, and enjoy watching the hedgehog play. An explorer will like walking on your hands. Be sure to move one hand in front of the other as your hedgehog walks. Know a shy hedgehog. Some hedgehogs are extremely shy. They are not very social, but will not curl up or hiss when you try to hold them. If your hedgehog is shy, he is very happy in his cage alone and does not require a lot of interaction. Know a grump. If your hedgehog prefers to be left alone in his cage, he may just be grumpy. When you do hold him, he is likely to ball up or hiss at you. Your hedgehog may change if you continue to be patient and try to bond with him.

Wash your hands before you pick up your hedgehog. Pick up your hedgehog delicately. Give your hedgehog time to unroll. Pet your hedgehog from head to tail. Place your t-shirt in his cage. Sleep with a fleece. Be careful with new scents. Talk to your hedgehog. Play soft music in the background. Introduce new sounds slowly. Recognize signs of being threatened. Know a snuggler. Know an explorer. Know a shy hedgehog. Know a grump.

https://www.wikihow.com/Begin-Practicing-Yoga-After-50

How to Begin Practicing Yoga After 50

If you're over 50 and your doctor has cleared you to start doing yoga, you should look for classes that are for either people over 50 or are for beginners in general. A lot of these classes offer support objects to make starting easier, like blocks that can be used as hand or foot rests. It's also important to avoid pain by starting with poses that are easy on the joints, like the Cobra pose, which can help strengthen your back. As you learn, you might want to try every pose, but you'll need to listen to your body and recognize poses that might lead to injury. For example, Child's pose should be avoided if you have knee or ankle problems, and downward facing dog isn't good if you have carpal tunnel syndrome.

Get a complete physical before you start. Check in with your doctor to make sure your body will be able to handle yoga practice. Once your doctor signs off, make sure you continue checking in with them regularly, especially if something starts to hurt. Regular physicals can assess any future medical risks, screen for current medical issues, and help you live a healthy lifestyle! If you have a chronic condition, speak to your doctor to set up a custom check-up schedule that's right for you. Before the first day of yoga class, make sure you speak to your instructor and let them know of any health concerns or injuries you have, so they can modify your poses accordingly. Find a yoga class that’s right for you. Many yoga studios offer classes for those 50 years of age and above. If there are no studios near you that offer those classes, consider signing up for a beginner yoga class in your area. Beginner yoga classes often offer additional support objects that might help you get started, including pillows to support your body, straps that help provide length for stretching, and sturdy blocks to be used as a hand or foot rest. If you are not able to find a beginner yoga class, consider investing in these items on your own to make sure you're able to do the poses without pain! Invest in a good yoga mat. Some yoga studios provide mats, but getting one of your own helps guarantee mat quality and gives you a choice over what type of mat you'll be using during your yoga practice. There are many different types and styles of yoga mats, so take some time to decide which one is right for you! Standard mats are around ¼” thick (0.64 cm), though mats can be as thin as 1/16” (0.16 cm) or as lush as ½” (1.27 cm). Make sure your mat does not get slippery when wet. Yoga mats are made of all types of materials. Traditional yoga mats are made of PVC, but more eco-friendly options include rubber or jute mats. For a lighter yet more expensive mat option, consider a cotton mat. Dress appropriately. You will want to wear comfortable clothing in a breathable fabric for yoga practice. Yoga clothes can be made of a variety of fibers, from cotton to bamboo to linen. When purchasing yoga clothes, aim for items that are comfortable and stretchable - make sure you can move easily in the clothes you have chosen! Make sure you warm-up. Stretching and warming up before exercise helps prepare your muscles for the yoga session, and increases the flow of blood and oxygen throughout your body! Prioritize warm-up routines that engage the major muscle groups you'll be using in your subsequent yoga session. Start by sitting on the floor with your hands on your knees. Raise your hands to the ceiling, fingers extended. Round your body forward and place your palms on the floor in front of you, relaxing your spine and head. Reach your arms behind you, drawing your shoulder blades together. Sit up and twist at the waist, first right, then left. End by sitting on the floor with your hands on your knees, and relax. Choose poses that are easier for beginners. Certain poses are easier on the joints than others, and this makes them perfect poses for a beginner! Knowing which poses are right for you will make your first yoga experience much easier, and help avoid the hurdles of painful or stressful positions. Keep in mind that you can always augment any position with additional support objects like pillows, straps, and blocks! Child's pose is a great starting place. To simplify this pose, consider using a block for support. Come back to child's pose to rest or refocus. Cobra pose can help strengthen your back. Don't feel pressured to lift up all the way! Even lifting up a few inches is a great start. Tree pose is great for working on your balance. Feel free to hold onto a wall or chair if you need help balancing. Triangle pose can help build strength. One easy modification is keeping your eyes on the ground, instead of trying to look at the ceiling. Recognize poses that might be too hard for you. Eventually, you might want to attempt every pose, but as a beginner yoga practitioner, some poses will be harder than others. As always, it's important to take your time and make sure you aren't rushing into a pose you're not ready for. Avoid child's pose if you have knee injuries or ankle problems. Skip downward facing dog and plank pose if you have carpal tunnel syndrome or another wrist problem. Don't try seated twist pose if you have a back injury. Avoid bridge pose if you have a neck injury. Take your time. Study the way the instructor does each pose before you try it yourself. Remember that yoga is not a competition, you might not be able to do the pose exactly as the instructor can. Aim for your best, and try not to compare yourself to others! Everyone is at their own level. Go slowly as you move from one pose to another. Do not make any sudden movements that might cause you to pull a muscle or harm yourself. Respect your physical limits. Don't force yourself into a pose. If something is too complicated, feel free to spend the time stretching or meditating, or ask your instructor for alternate ways to do the pose. Strengthen your balance by staring at a specific spot on the floor, wall, or ceiling. Pick a spot in your field of vision that doesn't move and is relatively far away from your body. By keeping your focus on a single point in space, you are giving your center of gravity a reference point! If you are still having difficulty balancing, hold onto the wall or a chair for help, while maintaining your eyesight on a single point in space. You will still receive many of the benefits of the balance poses if you practice being on one leg, even if you can't balance without holding on to something. By balancing, you decrease your risk of falling, which is the number one cause of injury among older adults. Pay attention to your breathing. Take deep breaths through your nose and hold it for a short time. Release your breath through your nose when your instructor tells you to. If you ever find yourself short of breath or needing a break, take that time to focus on your breathing before returning to yoga practice. Feel free to sit down or return to child's pose to do so. Take your breathing lessons from yoga into your daily life. Adults 50 years of age and older tend to breathe shallowly. Deep and purposeful breathing can help with your health, circulation, digestion, and immune system. Think peaceful thoughts. Meditation is a central part of yoga practice. Keeping yourself calm while you practice yoga is good for your mental health and thought clarity. To meditate, focus on your breathing and let your other thoughts fall away. Feel free to meditate before or after yoga practice, and on your own time as well. Meditation through yoga can help both short and long-term memory! Through meditating, you are helping synchronize your left and right brain to improve overall brain function, leading to better focus, more creativity, and generally increased feelings of happiness!

Get a complete physical before you start. Find a yoga class that’s right for you. Invest in a good yoga mat. Dress appropriately. Make sure you warm-up. Choose poses that are easier for beginners. Recognize poses that might be too hard for you. Take your time. Strengthen your balance by staring at a specific spot on the floor, wall, or ceiling. Pay attention to your breathing. Think peaceful thoughts.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Kitchen-Sink

How to Clean a Kitchen Sink

To clean a stainless steel kitchen sink, mix together 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/4 cup of lemon juice and pour this mixture all over your sink. Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it with hot or boiling water. To clean the drain, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Pour this directly into the drain, and follow it with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a plug and let it soak for 5-10 minutes while you boil some water. After it has soaked, pour the boiling water down the drain.

Remove and clean any dirty dishes and leftover food from your sink. There should be nothing in it as you begin scrubbing your sink. Remember to clean items that you keep in or around your sink, too. Move your sponge holder and drain stopper to get a more thorough clean. Wash down the entire surface area of your sink. Use a gentle soap, soft cloth, and warm water to clean the faucets , drain, and outer rim. Do this every time you use the sink, which includes after preparing meals or washing dishes. Run hot tap water into the drain. This will help eliminate bad odor and soften any gooey materials that may threaten to clog the drain. Alternatively, boil a pot of water and pour that down, as it will help loosen any caked-on gunk in your drain. Be sure to wet down the entire sink through this process. Do this several times a week. Create a blend of baking soda and lemon juice for the surface. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 1/4 cup of lemon juice and pour it over the surface of your sink. Let this mixture stand for approximately 10 minutes before rinsing it away with hot water. Do this to your sink at least once a week. Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that breaks down dirt and grease, so feel free to sprinkle it on cracks and harder-to-hit places, such as around the faucet and handles, and scrub at it with a toothbrush. Create a larger blend of baking soda and lemon juice for the drain. Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Pour this directly into the drain, and follow it with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Cover it and wait 5 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, boil some hot water and pour it in. The reaction of the cleaning products will help break up gunk and sanitize the drain, and the hot water will rinse it before it forms again. Use flour to polish the sink. Completely dry the sink with a towel. Any wetness left over will become like a paste when mixed with the flour. Sprinkle flour around the sink. Using a new, clean towel, slowly buff around the stainless steel in circular motions (the way you might wax a car). Remove the excess flour and throw it away. 1/4 cup of flour works great, but it isn't essential that you measure it. Repeat this process as you see fit. It may take a few times before it glistens. Wash down the surface with a gentle soap and warm water. This will sanitize your sink in preparation for cleaning. Vinegar works as an alternative disinfectant to more harmful things like bleach, although it removes less bacteria than dish soap or bleach. Spray the sink with hydrogen peroxide. Completely cover the surface and wait anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours (the longer you wait, the more stains it will lift). Hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties in it without the eye-watering smell. Rinse this away using warm water. It should take some of the stains with it, but if not, give it a bit of a scrub and rinse. Pour some baking soda over the surface. Dampen a sponge and apply a bit of elbow grease. The baking soda should foam up a little bit, which will creep inside some of the cracks to loosen the dirt, which you can then wash away. Again, use a toothbrush to reach into small cracks. Use lemon juice and salt on any remaining stains. Pour small piles of salt onto any remaining stains. Cover each salt pile with the juice of half of a lemon (or more if needed). Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and then scrub it with a clean piece of cloth or a sponge. Be aware that the salt may scratch the porcelain if you scrub too hard and the porcelain is delicate and new. Polish the porcelain with lemon oil. Place 3 to 4 drops of lemon oil onto a dry cloth and wipe it around the sink. Add more if necessary, using only a couple drops at a time. Besides smelling fresh, the oil helps to keep soap from resting on the surface and building up, keeping future cleanup much easier. Clean your dishes regularly. If you don't have a dishwasher, it can be easy to let dishes go for a day or two (or longer). Letting dishes sit around, whether in the sink or in the dishwasher, can spread harmful bacteria at a rapid rate. If you can't get to them immediately, let them soak to ease the process when you get to them, but try to limit it to an overnight soak. Pour hot water down the sink after washing dishes. This will ensure that any gunk immediately in the drain will wash away before it solidifies, making it harder to remove later. Alternate between using very hot tap water and boiling water. This will also prevent odors from forming. Create a disinfectant spray. Mix 1 cup each of water and white vinegar or apple cider vinegar along with juice from half of a lemon to help cut away grease and ward off harmful bacteria. Instead of lemon, try using 20-40 drops of a lemon-based essential oil (or other oils with similar properties, such as tea tree, orange, or lavender). Keep this on hand to spray down your sink after you finish washing dishes.

Remove and clean any dirty dishes and leftover food from your sink. Wash down the entire surface area of your sink. Run hot tap water into the drain. Create a blend of baking soda and lemon juice for the surface. Create a larger blend of baking soda and lemon juice for the drain. Use flour to polish the sink. Wash down the surface with a gentle soap and warm water. Spray the sink with hydrogen peroxide. Pour some baking soda over the surface. Use lemon juice and salt on any remaining stains. Polish the porcelain with lemon oil. Clean your dishes regularly. Pour hot water down the sink after washing dishes. Create a disinfectant spray.

https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Landscape-Border-Around-a-House

How to Build a Landscape Border Around a House

Building a landscape border around your house is a beautiful, classy way to mark the perimeter of your property. First, create a small trench on the outside of your perimeter and pave it with bricks and mortar. Choose some attractive plants and shrubs to plant on the inside of your path. Look for plants that don't need much water so there's less chance of water leaking into your house. You can plant evergreen shrubs, tall green grasses, flowering shrubs, or other drought-tolerant plants. If you go with flowering plants, choose flower colors that complement each other.

Take note of your home's key features. Formal styles tend to have symmetrical designs while informal styles tend to have asymmetrical designs. Instead of contrasting these features, compliment them. If, for instance, you have a formal style home, like a Colonial Revival, you should choose a fairly formal landscape garden that closely frames the perimeter of your house. For less formal styles, like ranches, curvy casual landscape borders are the way to go. Measure out the area. The exact amount of space your border should take up will depend on how large your yard is, but the average suburban home can handle a border that is about 2 to 3 feet (2/3 to 1 meter) out from the house. The border can follow the entire perimeter of your house, or you can choose to highlight certain areas. You can also add visual interest by creating a curved, uneven path rather than one with straight lines and sharp corners. Mark the border. Clearly marking where the border begins will make it easier to work with. Hammer wooden stakes in the ground, several feet (approximately 1 meter) apart from each other or by using enough to clearly form the necessary curves of your design. Tie plastic tape or rope around the stakes, connecting them together to create a visible yet temporary border. Remove the turf. Cut into the ground using a shark knife or shovel blade to separate the area into section. Use a shovel to dig out the grass and weeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep, sliding the shovel beneath the turf and lifting it out gently. Level the ground. Use a spade to make the ground as even as possible. Create a second temporary border. Position the first brick so that the top corner rests against one of the wooden stakes. The brick should be perpendicular to the side of the house. Place other bricks at each stake to gauge the right distance. Then, move the stakes and the tape back so that they are at the bottom of each brick, measuring out the brick border itself. Create a second trench. Cut into the ground another 1 inch (2.5 cm), removing the soil and leveling the area out as much as possible. Fill the second trench with wet mortar. Remove the guide bricks and fill the area in with wet mortar. Lay the bricks. Place the bricks directly over the mortar, just below the level of your lawn. Leave a little space in between each brick rather that packing them together closely. Pack them in place with a hammer or mallet. Fill in the spaces. Pack dry mortar in between the bricks using a trowel. Clean of the extra with a small brush. Add and prep the soil. After the mortar has finished drying, fill the ditch in between the bricks and the house with garden soil. You can use soil that you removed previously or specially purchase garden soil. Regardless of what soil you use or which plants you choose for your border, you should also enrich the soil by digging compost into the top foot (30.5 cm). Choose plants that do not require much water. Having too much sitting water near the foundation of your home can cause problems. Water can leak into basements and bottom floors, especially on older homes, and moist soil can also draw insects that could later find their way into your house from your border garden. Decide on a color scheme. Many traditional border landscapes rely on evergreen shrubs and tall green grasses. If you want a few flowering shrubs, though, you should make sure that the ones you choose have flowers with hues that will complement one another rather than compete, especially if the flowers will be blooming at the same time. Place tall plants near the corners of your house. Tall plants soften the edge of a home, making smaller homes look larger. Add mulch. After you have finished planting, apply a layer of mulch over the area and around the base of your plants. Even though mulch retains moisture, it also helps to prevent it from leaking into the house. Mulch regulates the soil temperature, preventing it from becoming too hot or cold, as well. Moreover, mulch also prevents weeds and grass from poking through the soil.

Take note of your home's key features. Measure out the area. Mark the border. Remove the turf. Level the ground. Create a second temporary border. Create a second trench. Fill the second trench with wet mortar. Lay the bricks. Fill in the spaces. Add and prep the soil. Choose plants that do not require much water. Decide on a color scheme. Place tall plants near the corners of your house. Add mulch.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Mathematical-Model

How to Make a Mathematical Model

Mathematical models help to represent a system using mathematical language, and you can make your own to predict outcomes and solve problems. First, figure out what information you already know and what information you need to solve. Then, write any equations you'll need to find your answer. For example, to find the volume of a storage unit, you'll need to use the equation V= h x w x. If you don't know what formula you need, try looking it up online. You can also draw a diagram to use as a map when you make your model. For a more advanced model, you can even design it using computer software before you build it physically. Use your equation, diagram, and any other data you have to make your model. Now you can test your model and compare it with your predicted results.

Determine what you want to know. What is the objective of creating a model? Make a list of the data you want to find by using the model. It is crucial to ask this question before you create your model or you may end up creating a model that does not meet your objective. Do you want to predict something? Find out how to regulate something? Or do something else? For example, imagine you want to know how much room you have in a storage unit to see how many boxes you can put into it. You will be creating a model to predict the amount of space that is in your storage unit. Determine what you already know. What data do you already have? Make a list of the data that has been given. As you list the data, decide what pieces are most relevant and which pieces are not relevant. You should also list any information that can be assumed based on what you already know. Keep in mind that you may have to take measurements to find the data that you need. To find out how much room you have in your storage unit, you will need to measure the unit's height, width, and length. Determine the physical principles that govern the model you want to create. Do you need to consider factors like gravity, volume, time, etc.? Make a note of any factors that will need to be considered when you create the model. To determine the amount of space that you have in your storage unit, you will need to find the volume. You also need to keep in mind that there will be some wasted space, since some objects may be irregular and that will make it difficult to use every inch of the storage unit. Identify the equations that you will need to use to find your answer. What equations and formulas will you need in order to find your answer? How will you apply these equations and formulas? Make sure that you have a clear understanding of how to plug the data that you have into the equation. To find the volume of the storage unit, you will need to use the equation V= h x w x l Look at what others have done. There is no need to re-invent the wheel if somebody else has developed a model that may suit your purposes already. Check in your textbook or ask your teacher. Just remember to make sure that someone else's model will work for your situation. To get an idea of how to find the volume using the equation you have identified, check your textbook or ask your teacher. Create a diagram for your model. A simple mathematical model may not require a diagram. However, if you are creating a complex model, a diagram may help you determine if your model will work. Draw a diagram to represent the actual model you plan to make. Make sure to incorporate your data into your diagram to help guide you when you create the actual model. Create your model. Once you have finished the planning phase, you should be able to create your model. Use your diagram, data, and other information to make your mathematical model. Make sure to check your notes often to ensure accuracy. Make sure that your model represents the actual relationship among your data that you are trying to accomplish. For more advanced models, you may need to use a computer program. Test your model. It is important to verify the validity of your model's results before you try to do anything else with your model. Apply your data and see if the model is valid. Are your results what you expected? Do they make sense? Are the results repeatable? Solve the equation V = h x w x l to determine if your results make sense. Repeat the solution to determine if your results are repeatable. Determine how the model could be improved. In order to make your model useful for further applications, you need to consider how it could be improved. Are there any variables that you should have considered? Are there any restrictions that could be lifted? Try to find the best way to improve upon your model before you use it again. For example, if you want to have 3 feet (0.91 m) of space to walk through your storage unit, you could adjust your equation to account for that space. Just deduct the space you will lose from the appropriate number in your equation. In this case, you could adjust your equation to read V = h x (w-3) x l After you have identified ways to improve your model, make the changes and test it again.

Determine what you want to know. Determine what you already know. Determine the physical principles that govern the model you want to create. Identify the equations that you will need to use to find your answer. Look at what others have done. Create a diagram for your model. Create your model. Test your model. Determine how the model could be improved.

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

How to Draw a Brain

To draw an anatomically accurate brain, draw a curve in the shape of the lengthwise half of a large egg, making the right side more curved. Then, draw a line underneath too, so the shape looks like a stretched out semi-circle. Next, add a small lump underneath for the cerebellum. To include the medulla oblongata and the pons, extend a line from the cerebellum and add another curved line in front of it. Add a long oval at an angle above the cerebellum and extending past it to show the temporal lobe.

Draw a large bean shape to make the outline for the brain. Use a pencil to sketch a kidney bean shape on your paper. You can make the outline for the brain any size you like. To make the kidney bean shape, draw a circle that has an indent at the bottom. If you prefer, you could draw an oval instead, but make the middle noticeably wider than the ends. Make a half-circle from the bottom that curls into the middle of the brain. To highlight a section of the cartoon brain, place your pencil on the bottom line of the outline near the center where it indents. Draw a half-circle that extends from the bottom into the center so it looks like a curlicue. Remember that the brain doesn't need to look realistic since you're making a simple cartoon drawing. Draw 2 to 3 squiggly lines that connect across the brain. The brain is known for looking wrinkly and some of those wrinkles extend across the entire brain. Make a few wiggly lines that move from the outline to the half-circle you just drew or have them touch the opposite side of the brain. Sketch lots of small squiggles that don't connect. These will look like wrinkles once you've made them over the entire brain. There's no need to make them all connect to each other, so make your squiggles different sizes and lengths. Your lines can extend in from the outline of the brain or you can make them disconnected from the outline. Make the outline thicker to add texture to the brain. Go back and draw over some of the lines you made for the outline to make them bolder and curvy. You can also draw over some of the squiggles so they stand out. You can skip this step if you want your cartoon brain to look more 2-dimensional. Draw a horizontal oval that juts out along the bottom line. Lightly sketch an oval that's as large as you want the brain to be. Curve the top of the oval in the middle to make the rounded part of the brain. When you're drawing the bottom line, make it bump out near the middle. The bump should be about 1/3 the size of the brain's length. Keep your pencil marks light so you can erase mistakes or go over them with a pen. Sketch a narrow curve above the top line of the brain. This will give your drawing a sense of dimension. Place your pencil on one end of the oval and draw a line that curves over the top line. It should be about ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) above the original outline at its widest point. If you don't want to give the brain dimension, you can skip this step. Make a curve that looks like a C on the bottom bump. Now that you've drawn the basic outline for the brain, you'll start to draw lines that separate the different segments of the brain. Locate the bump you made on the bottom line and draw the base of a C shape so it fits into the bump. Extend the top of the C towards the middle of the brain. The area of the bump will be the temporal lobe. Trace a curved line from the outline to the middle of the line you just made. To make another segment of the brain, lightly draw a line from the original top of the brain. Make it curve slightly so it connects to the middle of the line you just drew. This segment that you blocked off will be the frontal lobe. Draw 2 to 3 long curved lines across each segment of the brain. Use a light touch to make several lines for each part. Try to mimic the shape of the individual segment. For example, the frontal lobe lines should make an arc up toward the line you drew through the brain while the lines near the back and bottom of the brain should curve down toward the base. You'll use these faint lines as guidelines so it's easier to make the brain's wrinkles. Add half-moon shapes along the lines to make them look wrinkled. Instead of leaving the smooth lines, make half-moon curves along the lines. The curves can go in different directions so the brain looks bumpy. Do this for each line to give the brain its distinctive texture. Remember to go back along the sliver that you drew on top of the brain. Make small curves along this to make the brain appear bumpy. Draw a stem and horizontal half-circle at the bottom center of the brain. To make the brain stem (medulla oblongata), sketch a narrow tube that extends from the bottom of the brain at the center. You can make it go down as far as you like. Then, draw a half-circle directly to the right of the stem. Make the half-circle go almost to that end of the brain. To make the cerebellum more detailed, you can fill it with thin horizontal lines. Make the lines a little wavy so they look realistic. Use crayons, markers, or colored pencils to add color to your drawing. You can use a single color and shade in the brain to add depth or use several colors to highlight different segments of the brain. For example, use 5 or 6 colors if you'll be labeling the parts of the brain. The different colors can help the segments stand out. Label the parts of the brain if you want to use it as an anatomy reference. If you're studying parts of the brain for a class, drawing the brain and labeling it is good practice. Refer to your textbook to label the: Frontal lobe Parietal lobe Temporal lobe Occipital lobe Medulla oblongata Cerebellum

Draw a large bean shape to make the outline for the brain. Make a half-circle from the bottom that curls into the middle of the brain. Draw 2 to 3 squiggly lines that connect across the brain. Sketch lots of small squiggles that don't connect. Make the outline thicker to add texture to the brain. Draw a horizontal oval that juts out along the bottom line. Sketch a narrow curve above the top line of the brain. Make a curve that looks like a C on the bottom bump. Trace a curved line from the outline to the middle of the line you just made. Draw 2 to 3 long curved lines across each segment of the brain. Add half-moon shapes along the lines to make them look wrinkled. Draw a stem and horizontal half-circle at the bottom center of the brain. Use crayons, markers, or colored pencils to add color to your drawing. Label the parts of the brain if you want to use it as an anatomy reference.

https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-a-Climbing-Rose

How to Plant a Climbing Rose

To plant a climbing rose, choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day and has plenty of space for the roses to spread out. Once you've picked your spot, chop up the soil with a trowel and mix in several handfuls of compost to give your roses the nutrients they will need. Dig a hole about twice as wide as your rose plant so its roots will have room to grow. Then, create a small mound of soil in the hole and sit your rose plant on top so its roots are laying on the sides of the mound. Fill the hole up to the brim with water and let it drain. Finally, fill the hole with soil so the roots are fully covered.

Plant the roses in spring. Planting the climbing roses earlier in the season gives them ample opportunity to establish a sturdy root system before winter. You can technically plant them in the early fall, as well, but roses planted in the fall may not be as strong the following season. Choose an appropriate location. Roses generally prefer full sun, so the spot you plant them in should receive an average of at least six hours of sun per day. A spot that receives early morning sun from the east is generally better than one that gets hot afternoon sun from the west. Choose a spot with plenty of space. Climbing roses tend to overtake the space that they grow in, so they should be positioned away from trees, shrubs, and other plants. Soil near walls and fences tends to be dry and low-quality. If you want to plant the rose within 1 foot (30 cm) of one, replace the soil with an even mix of quality topsoil and well-rotted compost or manure. Replace soil if previously used to grow roses. Roses suffer from "replant disease," meaning they may struggle or die if planted in soil where another rose plant grew. Remove 6 inches (15 cm) of topsoil and replace it with soil from another part of your garden. For best results, mix the new soil generously with compost and allow to settle for 2–3 weeks. You may use the displaced topsoil to grow any plant besides roses. Add amendment to the soil. Roses need light, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Chop the soil in the plant bed up using a trowel or shovel and mix several handfuls of compost into the soil. Mix enough in that ⅓ to ½ of the plant bed consists of organic material. Skip this step if you already replaced the soil. Prepare the roots of a bare root rose. Climbing roses are often planted as bare root plants, without any container or ball of dirt. Before planting a bare root rose , soak in a bucket of lukewarm water for about an hour. Remove any leaves or hips from the stems, and prune long or damaged roots. Sanitize pruning shears before each use to prevent the spread of plant diseases. Dig a hole large enough for the roots to spread out in. A good rule of thumb is to make the hole about twice as wide as the actual plant. Usually, this means that the hole needs to be about 18 inches (46 cm) wide and 12 inches (31 cm) deep. Form a small mound in the middle of the hole. Scrape soil from inside the hole to form a small bump or hill. Some rose growers like to sprinkle rose fertilizer, bone meal, or other nutrients at the base of the hole. Do not use fertilizer on plants with young roots, as it can burn them. Other soil improvements should be based on the specific qualities of your soil. Place the rose plant in the hole. Sit the plant on the peak of the mound and carefully spread the roots out down the sides of the mound. (If your plant has a root ball, just spread out the roots growing around the outside.) Check the location of the graft union — the knot or ball where the root system was attached to the base of the trunk. Lay a tool handle flat from the edge of the hole to the trunk, and compare this with the level of the graft union: If you have dense or clay-heavy soil, plant the graft union about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the soil surface to prevent rotting. Adjust the height of the mound as necessary. If you have light, loamy soil, plant the graft 1 inch (2.5 cm) below ground level. Water thoroughly. Fill the hole to the brim with water and let drain. Keep an eye on the water level. Continue to the next step as soon as it finishes draining, to prevent the roots drying out. Fill the hole with soil. Add soil back in the hole, until the roots are fully covered and the soil is level. As you fill, tamp down with your hands gently. Do not tamp with your feet or tools, as densely packed soil could harm the roots or interfere with the rose's growth. Pay special attention to tamping early on. Make sure there are no air pockets around the roots. Make sure the crown of the plant is above the soil level. The crown is the point on the trunk where the stems emerge. Make sure that the roses get enough water. Roses require about 1" of rain each week, so make sure that you supplement their water needs if the rain isn't falling. Water them at the base of the plant near the soil. Avoid watering the leaves and blooms. While you can't control where the rainfall lands, if you add water to your plants make sure that you're avoiding buds and leaves. Otherwise, your plant may suffer diseases and rot, which can result from water. Instead, focus your watering on the roots. Check the soil 2-3 times a week. To make sure that your soil is moist but not soggy, check it 2-3 times a week. If it feels dry, add water. Allowing the roots to get too wet can harm your plant, so if your soil has been soggy, give it time to dry before adding more water. Add mulch to your soil. Place a 2-4-inch (5-10 cm) layer of mulch around your rose plants. The mulch will help keep your plants moist, and as a bonus it will also help protect against weed growth. During the winter, mulch can also help keep your roses from freezing. Choose the right climbing structure. Climbing roses tend to be fairly heavy, so you will need more than a pole to support them. Consider using a rose tower or teepee trellis, using the process described in the steps below. Alternatively, use existing structures: You may grow roses on a pergola or gazebo. Roses can grow up walls or fences, but the lack of air circulation can cause issues. Using a trellis or horizontal wires near the wall is recommended. Roses can be convinced to climb up a tree, but they will not cling to it on their own. Try tying sturdy string onto the lowest tree branch and anchoring it in the ground next to the rose. Position the trellis in the ground. Place the trellis about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) away from the roses. If planting the roses near a wall or fence, do not lean the trellis directly against the structure. Instead, allow for at least 3 inches (7.5 cm) of space in between the trellis and the wall to give the roses plenty of air circulation. Install the trellis in the ground. You can often install the trellis simply by pushing its legs about 4 inches (10 cm) into the ground. If the soil is hard, dig a hole for each leg of the trellis instead. Pack soil back into the holes firmly to keep the trellis anchored. Attach the rose canes to the trellis. The smaller stems that carry the flowers are called rose canes. Attach these canes to the trellis as the rose bush grows tall enough to reach the bars. Choose the strongest canes and loosely tie them to the trellis using stretchy cloth, such as nylon or pantyhose. Try to keep the canes spaced evenly apart, gently bending the new canes outward to cover the trellis. Avoid major pruning for several years. Other than removing dead branches, leave the rose shrub alone for two or three years. After that time, you can begin pruning side shoots down to two or three buds every winter, when the plant is dormant. When you are ready to prune your roses, you need to follow a specific process. Make a 45 degree cut about 1/4-inch (6 mm) above a leaf node. Be sure to angle your cut away from the leaf node so that any water on the plant runs away from the node instead of towards it.

Plant the roses in spring. Choose an appropriate location. Replace soil if previously used to grow roses. Add amendment to the soil. Prepare the roots of a bare root rose. Dig a hole large enough for the roots to spread out in. Form a small mound in the middle of the hole. Place the rose plant in the hole. Water thoroughly. Fill the hole with soil. Make sure that the roses get enough water. Avoid watering the leaves and blooms. Check the soil 2-3 times a week. Add mulch to your soil. Choose the right climbing structure. Position the trellis in the ground. Install the trellis in the ground. Attach the rose canes to the trellis. Avoid major pruning for several years.

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

How to Build a Deck

To build a deck, first you'll need to nail joist hangers in place on a ledger board and attach the board to your house. Then, you'll have to cut the beam that will go opposite the ledger board to the same length, and attach corresponding joist hangers. Next, you'll dig holes for the footings, assemble the footings and pier forms, and raise posts over the piers. You'll then be able to install the opposite beam on top of the posts, and put in the rim and interior joists for your deck's foundation. Finally, you can lay down the deck boards and add deck railings.

Know your local building codes regarding decking. The size of your home will have an impact on how large your deck can be, as well as its shape. In most cases, your deck will also be required to support a greater load than the floors in your home. Your home owner's insurance policy may not cover an accident that occurs on your deck if you didn't build your decking to comply with the building codes in your area. Obtain any necessary permits. Check with your local government agency regarding the need for a permit before building your deck, as well as any inspections that will be required during construction. Know the depth of the frost line in your area. The frost line is the depth to which the ground freezes in winter, taken over an average of a number of years. Some building codes require that when you build a deck, the support posts be sunk to a depth below the frost line. Even if it isn't required, sinking the support posts to this depth will keep the deck from buckling when the ground expands and swells when the water in it freezes. Decide on the size, style and placement of your deck. Your deck can either be free-standing or attached to the house. Although some building codes may be more relaxed on free-standing decks, most people find it more convenient to have their decks attached to the house. If you build your deck onto the house, you'll want to know where the rim joists and wall studs are located so you can secure the deck's ledger board, the support beam that attaches it to the house, to either of them. The size of your deck will determine the number of footings and posts you'll need to support the joists and deck boards, as well as the size and spacing of the joists and the size of the deck boards. Joists can be spaced 12, 16 or 24 inches (30, 40 or 60 centimeters) apart, however a spacing of 24 inches is most common; common sizes for joists and deck boards are listed under "Things You'll Need." The height at which you build your deck determines whether you need to include railings, posts and steps. You won't need them for a deck built just above the ground, but you will if it is higher than that. Making a preliminary sketch of what you have in mind will help you in lining up materials and construction advice. Choose the materials to make your deck from. There are a number of hardwoods and composite materials from which you can build your deck. Materials for deck boards range from the tropical Hardwood Ipe and plastic to the more traditional redwood, cedar and pine. The framing, columns and posts, however, should be pressure-treated or otherwise decay-resistant wood as required by code. Mark the place where the top of the deck is to go. Usually, this will be the height of the interior floor and just below the threshold of any planned or current door that will open onto the deck. Use a level to draw a line on the siding the whole length of the deck. Mark the place where the bottom of the deck is to go. From the line you just marked, measure down the thickness of the deck boards (usually 1 to 1 1/2 inches, or 2.5 to 3.75 centimeters), plus the height of the ledger board. (If the ledger board is a 2 x 10, this will be 9.5 inches, or 23.75 centimeters.) Mark this line across the entire length of where the ledger board will go. Remove the siding from where the ledger board will be mounted. If the siding is solid siding, you can cut it away with a circular saw and jigsaw, provided you don't cut into the sheathing beneath the siding. If the siding is vinyl siding, you'll need a special tool to pry up the siding; after removing it, you'll need to re-mark the lines for top of the deck and the bottom of the ledger board on the sheathing. Ignore the steps in this section if you're planning to make a free-standing deck. Measure and cut the ledger board. Check its fit against the house before proceeding. If you plan to cover your house's rim joists with the deck's skirting board, cut the ledger board shorter to accommodate the width of the skirting board (usually 3/4 inch, or 1.9 centimeters) on either side. Mark off where the joists will go. First, mark off the deck's rim joists on the left edge of the ledger board. (These are usually 2 joists laid side-by-side for strength.) Then, mark the centers of where each intervening joist will go and measure half the joist's thickness from each of these marks on either side. Then, mark off the rim joists on the right edge of the ledger board. Draw lines across the ledger board surface to mark all the joist edges. Prepare the beam that will go opposite the ledger board. Cut the beam the same length as the ledger board. If you plan to have the joists butt flush against this beam (a flush beam), then use a framing square to align the edges of both beams and then copy the marks in full. If you plan to have the joists rest on this beam instead (a dropped beam), you'll only need to have marks across the top for reference. Most building codes require the opposite beam to be twice or three times as thick as the interior joists, so as with the rim joists, you'll have to cut multiple beams and sandwich them side-by-side. (If the deck is to be a free-standing deck, the ledger board beam would also have to be sandwiched with one or two other beams for strength.) Nail the joist hangers. Check the spacing of the joist hangers with a scrap of wood the width of the joists, then nail the joist hangers in place with short, thick nails designed to secure the joists. If your opposite beam is to be a flush beam, you'll also want to attach joist hangers to the innermost member of that beam. Attach the ledger board to the house. Tack the board in place temporarily with nails. Drill 1 or 2 holes between where every 2 joists will go. Apply silicone caulk to the inside of each hole, then sink a lag screw into each hole to secure the ledger board permanently. Cover the ledger board with a waterproof membrane or galvanized metal flashing. Ignore this step if the deck is to be a free-standing deck. Dig holes for the footings. You can lay out the positions for the footings using string and stakes or batter boards to form a grid. Mark the footing positions on the strings, then transfer them to the ground. Dig 6 inches (15 centimeters) below the frost line for each footing with either a post-hole digger or power auger; make the bottom of each hole wider than the top. You may need to have the holes inspected for depth before you can pour the concrete. Assemble footing and pier forms. Place one in each hole and support it with loose back-fill, then trim all the piers level to support the posts evenly. Pour concrete into the holes and let it set for at least 24 hours before proceeding. Cut and raise the posts over the piers. To anchor the posts in place, set 6-inch (15-centimeter) lengths of stainless steel rod or rebar halfway into the piers to serve as drift pins and drill holes in the post bottoms before placing them. You can also cover the pier tops with adhesive before setting the posts if the tops are wooden or use anchor brackets if the tops are concrete. Plumb the posts to be level and affix temporary braces to keep the posts from moving until the framing is in place. Install the opposite beam atop the posts. If your posts are tall, you may have to raise the individual members of the beam one by one instead of together. Set the beam members such that the outermost member is flush with the edge of the post. Attach the innermost member beam with toe nails or whatever connector your building codes require. Install the rim joists. Connect the rim joists to the ledger board and innermost member of a flush opposite beam with inside corner brackets. Adjust the beam member to get it square if it isn't, then affix the reinforcing outer beam members to the innermost member with nails, screws or lag bolts. Install the interior joists. Sight down each joist edge to look for any signs of bowing (crowning). Slip them into the joist hangers on the ledger board and opposite flush beam (or atop an opposite dropped beam), crowned side up. Tap them in place if necessary, and if they're too tight, trim a bit off the ends so they slip in without excessive force. If the opposite beam is a dropped beam, toenail the joists in place. Lay down the deck boards. Measure the deck frame from the outside edge of one rim joist to the outside edge of the other and add the width of any skirting or length of any overhang to it. Cut the first two deck boards to this length, then cut off the length of any overhang from the board that will be laid next to the house. (Subsequent boards need not be cut to this length, but can be laid down first and cut flush with the first two boards later.) Set the first board against the house sheathing and the next board against it if wet and the width of a 16-penny nail apart from it if dry. Attach the boards to the joists with two nails or screws. Straighten the boards as you go with a flat bar. If you're building a wide deck, you can cut multiple deck boards to span the distance between the rim joists, with the places where two boards meet falling in the middle of a joist. Stagger these joints between each row of decking to make the deck look nicer. Periodically measure the distance from the front of the deck to each end of the last board laid. They should be equal; if not, decrease the gaps between boards slightly on the longer side and increase them slightly on the shorter side until the distances are equal again. If the last deck board is wider than the space to lay it, either narrow it or use a narrower board of the same type of decking material. If the board is narrower than the space available, take a wider board and narrow it as necessary. Build stairs, if necessary. If your deck is high enough to require stairs, determine the number of steps you'll need by dividing the deck height in feet by seven. If the quotient is a whole number, use the quotient as the number of steps, with a rise of 7 inches (17.5 centimeters). If the quotient includes a fraction, round to the nearest whole number to get the number of steps and divide that number into the deck height to get the rise in inches. Divide the rise into 75 to get the approximate length for each step. You'll need to have a stringer at either end of the staircase to attach the steps to and another stringer in the center if you have a wide or tall staircase. Lay the first stringer out with a framing square to find the rise and run, then transfer the marks to the other stringers. Cut out the step supports, then brace the stringers together and nail them to the deck's rim joist before securing them permanently with lag screws. Cut the steps to have a 3/4-inch (1.9-centimeter) overhang to either side of the stringer assembly to channel rain away from the stringers. Attach them to the stringers with screws or nails. Build and install deck railings, if necessary. If your deck is more than a step high, you'll want or need to have deck railings to prevent falls. Begin by installing the corner and stair posts, plumbing them and securing them first with glue, then with either lag screws or carriage bolts. The remaining pieces—top rails, bottom rails and spindles—may be attached individually or assembled into sections and then installed as units. Measure the distance between posts to find the length of the rails and cut them to that length. Vertical spindles usually need to be spaced to no more than 4 inches (10 centimeters) apart and should be placed closer together if it will create even spacing over the entire deck. They can be attached to the rails with nails or screws, while the rails themselves attach to the posts with angle screws. (Use wooden blocks to prop up the rail sections while screwing them in.) Cut the stair posts to the correct height and angle with the help of a framing square, then install the bottom stair rails and hand rails. Figure the length of the stair rails by dividing the stair rise by the run, multiplying by the deck rail length, squaring the result, adding the square of the deck rail length and take the square root of the result. Cut the spindles to the right length, angled for the slope of the rail and install as described above for the deck spindles. Attach skirting board, if desired. Cut the boards to cover the deck's beam and rim joists and nail them in place.

Know your local building codes regarding decking. Obtain any necessary permits. Know the depth of the frost line in your area. Decide on the size, style and placement of your deck. Choose the materials to make your deck from. Mark the place where the top of the deck is to go. Mark the place where the bottom of the deck is to go. Remove the siding from where the ledger board will be mounted. Measure and cut the ledger board. Mark off where the joists will go. Prepare the beam that will go opposite the ledger board. Nail the joist hangers. Attach the ledger board to the house. Dig holes for the footings. Assemble footing and pier forms. Cut and raise the posts over the piers. Install the opposite beam atop the posts. Install the rim joists. Install the interior joists. Lay down the deck boards. Build stairs, if necessary. Build and install deck railings, if necessary. Attach skirting board, if desired.

https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Staph-Infection-Symptoms

How to Recognize Staph Infection Symptoms

To recognize a staph infection, watch for pimples, boils, or blisters that are filled with pus and may be painful to the touch. Besides these outer symptoms, you may have a staph infection if you have nausea and vomiting, a high fever, disorientation, a rapid heartbeat, or chills. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible to get a diagnosis and receive treatment. Once you've been diagnosed with staph, your doctor may drain any skin lesions you have and prescribe you antibiotics.

Look for pimples, boils, or areas of red, swollen skin. Skin infections are the most common type of staph infection. They look like pimples, boils, blisters, or areas of swollen, red skin that feels hot. Sometimes, they ooze pus or other discharge. Broken skin is prone to infection. Washing your hands frequently and keeping wounds clean are the best ways to prevent a skin staph infection. Check for abscesses, or pockets of pus. Abscesses are swollen pockets of skin that are filled with pus. They feel like they're filled with liquid, rather than a lump of swollen skin, and it usually hurts to touch them. Abscesses that grow increasingly painful and pus seeping from a wound could indicate a bad infection, so call your doctor if you notice these signs. Wash your hands before and after touching the area. Wash up thoroughly with soap and hot water before you clean the area or change a bandage. You wouldn't want to risk contaminating it further. After treating the infected skin, wash your hands again to prevent spreading germs. Soak a minor infection 3 times per day and keep it bandaged. Minor abscesses and skin infections often go away on their own with proper home care. Wash the infected area thoroughly, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes 3 times a day, and cover it with a sterile bandage. Change the bandage 2 to 3 times daily or whenever it gets wet. If you'd like, you can add salt to your warm water soaks. Try soaking the infected area in a solution of 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of salt and 1 US quart (0.95 L) of warm water. Adding salt to your warm water soaks can help soothe your skin. While salt doesn't kill staph bacteria, it could help deter other contaminants. Don't attempt to drain an abscess on your own. Avoid touching an infection unless you're treating it. Remember to wash your hands before and after providing treatment. If you have an abscess, leave it alone and don't try to drain or pop it. Scratching an infection or popping an abscess could further contaminate the area and spread germs. See your doctor promptly if you have signs of a serious skin infection. Minor swelling or redness often go away on their own in a day or two, provided you keep the wound clean. However, if pain, swelling, or abscesses get worse, or if you have a fever, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose a staph infection and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Keep the area covered with a sterile bandage until you can see a doctor. Get rest and drink plenty of fluids if you have food poisoning. Staph bacteria are a common cause of food poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and, when caused by staph, usually subside in a day or so. Call your doctor if you don't feel better within 24 to 48 hours. In the meantime, avoid overexerting yourself and drink plenty of water, sports drinks, or Pedialyte to stay hydrated. Try to keep down plain rice, soup or broth, and other bland foods. Wash your hands frequently to help prevent spreading germs, especially if you're vomiting or have diarrhea. See your doctor if you think you might have septic arthritis. Septic arthritis is a joint infection often caused by staph bacteria. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you experience symptoms such as intense joint pain, redness, swelling, and fever. Infections typically occur in the knees, ankles, or toes and, usually, only one joint is affected. Symptoms of septic arthritis develop suddenly. In other forms of arthritis, joint pain and swelling develop gradually, often occur at distinct times during the day, and typically affect more than one joint. Your doctor will perform an examination and take a bacterial culture. They'll aspirate the joint, or remove excess fluid to decrease swelling. If they determine you have an infection, they'll inject medication into the joint or prescribe oral antibiotics. Seek emergency medical care for signs of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS can occur when staph bacteria spread to the bloodstream and internal organs. Symptoms include fever above 102 °F (39 °C), disorientation, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and a red rash on the bottoms of the hands and feet. TSS is a medical emergency and requires immediate care. It can result from using a tampon for longer than the recommended amount time or from an infected burn, wound, or surgical site. Get immediate help if you have symptoms of sepsis. Sepsis is a serious condition caused by the body's immune response to a widespread bacterial infection. Symptoms include fever above 102 °F (39 °C), chills, disorientation, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Without prompt treatment, sepsis can lead to blood clots, poor blood flow, and organ failure. Sepsis is a medical emergency, so you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible if you have an infection that isn't healing and have symptoms of sepsis. While anyone can develop sepsis, it's more likely to occur in people with compromised immune systems, infants, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses (such as kidney or liver disease), and after a serious burn or injury. See your doctor if you have serious or worsening symptoms. If a skin infection worsens, doesn't heal, or you develop serious symptoms, such as a fever, seek medical attention. While life-threatening infections are uncommon, even a minor skin infection can lead to major health concerns when not properly treated. It's especially important to see a doctor if you have a weakened immune system, a chronic illness, are elderly, or have a severe burn or wound. If your infant or young child has an infection that won't heal or develops a high fever, they need to see a doctor. Get a physical exam and bacterial culture. When you see the doctor, they'll perform an exam and ask you how and when your symptoms began. They'll likely order a bacterial culture to identify the specific cause of the infection. If you have a skin infection, they'll swab the area or take a sample of tissue or pus. For TSS or sepsis, doctors test blood samples for bacteria and take a white blood cell count, but treatment often begins before the results become available. Because these conditions are so serious, antibiotics and IV (intravenous) fluids need to be administered as soon as possible. Have any skin lesions or abscesses drained. If you have a skin infection and developed an abscess, your doctor might need to drain it. They'll numb the area, make a small cut to let the pus seep out, then dress it with gauze. Follow your doctor's care instructions after having an abscess drained. Clean the area 2 to 3 times daily, apply medicated ointment if your doctor advises, and dress the area with a clean bandage. Change the bandage 2 to 3 times per day or whenever it gets wet. Take any prescribed medications as directed. Staph infections that don't heal with home care are treated with antibiotics. Take your medication according to your doctor's instructions, and don't stop taking it even if you feel better. If you stop taking antibiotics prematurely, the infection could come back or worsen. Additionally, your doctor might recommend taking a pain reliever to combat swelling, fever, and other related symptoms. Tell your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve. Staph bacteria can adapt quickly, and many strains have become resistant to some antibiotics. Bacterial cultures help doctors choose the right antibiotics, and you should start to feel better within a couple of days. If you don't, call your doctor and discuss alternative medications. They might recommend stronger IV (intravenous) antibiotics.

Look for pimples, boils, or areas of red, swollen skin. Check for abscesses, or pockets of pus. Wash your hands before and after touching the area. Soak a minor infection 3 times per day and keep it bandaged. Don't attempt to drain an abscess on your own. See your doctor promptly if you have signs of a serious skin infection. Get rest and drink plenty of fluids if you have food poisoning. See your doctor if you think you might have septic arthritis. Seek emergency medical care for signs of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Get immediate help if you have symptoms of sepsis. See your doctor if you have serious or worsening symptoms. Get a physical exam and bacterial culture. Have any skin lesions or abscesses drained. Take any prescribed medications as directed. Tell your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve.

https://www.wikihow.com/Hit-a-Home-Run

How to Hit a Home Run

If you want to hit a home run, hold the bat with both hands near the bottom of the grip, with your dominant hand on top. Plant your feet slightly more than shoulder-width apart and keep your weight on your back foot until it's time to swing. As you wait for the pitch, hold the bat up and in front of you so your elbows are at chest height, then use your lower arm to guide the bat to the ball. Swing your hands through the ball to give it the power to get out of the park!

Grip the bat with both hands near the bottom of the grip. Your dominant hand will go on top. The middle knuckles of your upper hand should line up with the bottom of your fingers on the lower hand (part of the finger between your palm and middle knuckle). Gripping the bat 1-2 inches above the bottom is called “choking up.” You can get more power the lower your hands are, but choking up improves bat speed. Find a comfortable spot for you. Hold the bat up and in front of you. Your elbows should be roughly nipple height and the bat will be 8-12 inches away from your chest. Make sure you're comfortable, relaxed, and can swing the bat with ease. Keep the bat high – shoulder height or higher – in order to come down on the ball with power. Plant your legs slightly more than shoulder-width apart. Your toes should point towards the plate and your legs will be spread apart. Your feet should face in front of you. Do not splay your toes out to the side or in towards the plate. Rest on the balls of your feet and keep your weight back. The ball of your foot is the small area in between your toes and your arches. Keeping your weight on the balls of your feet lets your move quickly. Rest roughly 60% of your weight on your back foot, towards the catcher. You should be able to quickly pick up your front foot and step it towards the pitcher's mound. Relax your elbows and knees. You want a slight bend in your elbows and knees, allowing you to move quickly and smoothly when the pitch comes. This is a small point, but an essential one if you want to catch up to a fast pitch. Point your eyes and head directly at the pitcher. You need to be able to see the pitcher and the ball the entire time it is coming at you. If it helps, turn your front foot slightly towards the pitcher to open up your body. Keep your eye on the ball the entire time you are swinging. Time your step with the pitcher, if you take a step. If you are a batter who steps with the front foot, time your step to end when the pitcher's leg touches down. Your front foot should be planted on the ground when the ball is released. Turn your back knee towards the ball as your front heel touches down. This initiates a strong, powerful swing. As you start your swing your front foot must be planted firmly on the ground or you will lose balance and power. Start your swing through your hips, transferring your power from your legs to your torso. Your back foot will pivot on the toe and your hips will turn towards the pitcher as your bat approaches the ball. You will feel your weight start to transfer towards your front foot. Your hips are where your develop your power – think of your hips as a tightly wrapped rubber band uncoiling as your turn towards the ball. Make sure you are turning your hips before your hands. Remember the adage: “your hips lead your hands.” Use your lower arm to guide the bat to the ball. Your lower hand is the one that puts the bat on the ball, so try to match your lower hand with the trajectory of the ball. Think of taking the knob at the end of the bat and swinging it on the same path as the ball. Your lower hand also helps you get speed, but do no try to “pull” the bat forward. Your hips are driving the bat forward and your hands are helping guide it. Bring the elbow of your upper arm close to your chest. Your top arm keeps your swing quick and compact. Begin to tuck your elbow in towards your chest to shorten your swing, driving the bat quickly through the ball. Make sure your elbow stays behind your hands as you tuck it in. You want your hands to lead the bat. Swing your hands through the ball, not at it. You want to keep swinging through the ball, not stopping after making contact, to get real power. As you make contact, imagine that there are two more balls right behind it that you need to hit as well. Your momentum will take the bat around your body as your weight shifts forward. Hit the ball with backspin. Home run balls need backspin to help them fly longer. There are two good ways to get backspin: Stay on the inside of the ball. Keep your swing compact and think of hitting the half of the ball closer to your body. Hit down on the lower two-thirds of the ball. This lifts the ball and spins it backwards off the bat, allowing it to cruise towards the bleacher seats. You might feel like you are almost “chopping” at the ball, but the trick is to catch the bottom two-thirds of the ball to get power. Choose the right bat. While there a lot of different ways to choose a bat, the most important criteria is comfort. You should, first and foremost, feel natural when swinging. To find the correct bat you should take your dominant hand and hold the bat parallel to the ground. It should feel slightly heavy and difficult to hold up. Choose a bat a 1/3 of an ounce lighter than this weight. Check out this table of bat lengths by body type to get a good idea where to start shopping. Relax your swing. This is the best thing you can do to get more power on the ball quickly. You want your arms and knees to be slightly bent and loose, not tensed. Work on swinging naturally and smoothly, avoiding jerky movements meant to hit the ball hard. Remember, good mechanics and a smooth swing are more important than trying to force as much power on your swing as you can. Hit off of the tee. Despite its reputation as a little-league tool, the tee is great way to practice your swing mechanics and work on hitting the bottom 2/3 of the ball. Take 20-30 reps every day your practice, practicing not only how you hit the ball but where. Focus on hitting the lower two-thirds of the ball to get the best height and distance on the ball you can. You can tell when you hit it well by comparing distances. Lift weights to get stronger. While even smaller players can hit the ball out of the park with good mechanics, it is easier to hit the ball farther when you are stronger. Remember, however, that swinging a bat requires your whole body, not just your arms. Areas to focus on include: Abs and Core: A strong core helps you transfer energy from your legs through your torso, and is essential for bat speed and power. Incorporate sit-ups, crunches, planks, and medicine ball throws into every workout. Legs: Most of your power comes through your legs, so you can often make the most dramatic gains through squats, leg presses, and box jumps. Arms: Of course, you have to have strong arms to hit the ball hard. Practice swings and hitting off the tee should be a part of every workout, but you can also incorporate barbell rows, bench-press, and forearm curls to gain the bat speed needed for home runs. Videotape your swing to find mistakes. This is one of the best ways to diagnose problems with your swing and get more power. Set up a camera and take 10-20 swings from a pitcher and 10-20 off of a tee. There are several common problems to note: Dropping your or hands before your swing. Moving your lower body frequently before and during the swing. Forgetting to turn your hips. Opening the feet away from the plate. Practice hitting off a variety of pitchers. The best way to hit home runs is to keep practicing. You need to work hard to get used to different pitches, hone your mechanics, and build strength with the bat. Practice makes perfect, so take as many chances you can to hit pitches. Having a coach or trusted friend to point out mistakes or tweak your form often helps. Find the pitcher's release point. This is the point in the throw where the pitcher releases the ball and is usually when his arm is highest. For softball, the ball is usually released just past the pitcher's thigh. Start your swing shortly after the ball is released. This is the best way to time your swing. If you know when the ball is released, you know when to start your swing. Watch a pitcher's wrist to determine how the ball is thrown. Other than grip, which is often impossible to tell, the way a pitcher follows through often determines a pitch's movement. This applies for softball pitchers too, except their wrists snap up, not down. If the pitcher snaps his wrist down then they are throwing a fast-ball or change up, which only moves vertically. These pitches are usually faster, so swing earlier. If the pitcher torques their wrist to the side they are likely throwing a change-up or slider, forcing the pitch to move side to side. These pitches are usually slower, so hold your swing a half second. If the pitcher does not move their wrists, they are throwing an unpredictable knuckleball pitch. These are frequently slow and difficult to predict Look for pitches on the inside and middle of the plate. When a ball is thrown closer to your body you can get all of your power behind the ball. As you swing, your body will turn and catch the ball on the inside, “pulling” it and making contact with the “sweet spot” of the bat. Know that lower pitches are easier to hit out of the park. According to statisticians, the optimal height to hit a home run is between 2 and 3 feet off of the ground, usually in between your knees and waist. While everyone has their preferences, lower pitches are easier to get under and drive up and out of the park.

Grip the bat with both hands near the bottom of the grip. Hold the bat up and in front of you. Plant your legs slightly more than shoulder-width apart. Rest on the balls of your feet and keep your weight back. Relax your elbows and knees. Point your eyes and head directly at the pitcher. Time your step with the pitcher, if you take a step. Turn your back knee towards the ball as your front heel touches down. Start your swing through your hips, transferring your power from your legs to your torso. Use your lower arm to guide the bat to the ball. Bring the elbow of your upper arm close to your chest. Swing your hands through the ball, not at it. Hit the ball with backspin. Choose the right bat. Relax your swing. Hit off of the tee. Lift weights to get stronger. Videotape your swing to find mistakes. Practice hitting off a variety of pitchers. Find the pitcher's release point. Watch a pitcher's wrist to determine how the ball is thrown. Look for pitches on the inside and middle of the plate. Know that lower pitches are easier to hit out of the park.

https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-the-Right-Eyeglass-Frames-for-Your-Face

How to Choose the Right Eyeglass Frames for Your Face

Choosing the right eyeglass frames depends on the shape and complexion of your face. If you have a soft, round face, go for square or rectangle frames. If your face is more of a square or rectangle shape, choose oval frames. You should also take into account your skin color. For example, if you have a pale complexion, go for silver, red, or green frames. Or, if you have a warmer, tanned skin tone, gold, beige, or yellow frames might look better. However, style is subjective, so try on a variety of different frames and see what you like best!

Know the basic face shapes. While everyone's face is different, there are seven general shapes: round, heart-shaped (base-up triangle), triangular (base down), square, rectangular, oblong and oval. Round faces tend to have full cheeks and rounded, full forehead and chin. Celebrities with round faces include Kirsten Dunst, Chrissy Tiegen, and Leonardo DiCaprio. The phrase "heart-shaped face" can be a bit misleading; a heart-shaped face is really more like an upside down triangle, with a wide forehead that narrows to a pointed chin. A heart shaped face can be long and graceful or more rounded, but both tend to have high, angled cheekbones. Celebrities with heart-shaped faces include Reese Witherspoon, Christina Ricci, Jennifer Aniston, Ryan Gosling, and Bradley Cooper. Triangular faces tend to have narrow foreheads and a wide, strong jaw (the jaw itself is often angular). Examples of celebrities with triangular faces include Queen Latifah, Minnie Driver, Kelly Osbourne, and Chris Pine. Square faces have strong, wide foreheads and equally strong, wide chins. They are also proportionate in the length and width of the face. Famous square faces include Olivia Wilde, Rosario Dawson, Josh Hutcherson, and Nick Lachey. Rectangular faces are very similar to square, but with a longer length than width, such as Demi Moore, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie. Oblong and oval faces are very similar as well; they are both rounded and proportional, but an oval face has a more pointed chin. Examples of celebs with oblong faces include Kim Raver, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jude Law; examples of famous oval faces include Liv Tyler, Kim Kardashian, and Adam Levine. Look in a mirror to determine the shape of your face. Pull or pin your hair back away from your face so that you can see your face clearly. Many faces do not fit clearly into only one specific type but have features that resemble two or even more types. In that case, you're lucky! You will more options as you look for eyeglass frames. Use a dry erase marker to outline the shape of your reflection. Tracing carefully around the outline of your face in the mirror, with your face relaxed, outline your forehead, down each cheek to the end of your chin. Don't include your ears. Now, without moving your face from its outline in the mirror, do it again but with your biggest exposed-toothed smile. Put these lines directly over the lines you've already drawn. The two sets of lines will show you if and how your facial shape changes when you smile. For instance, some people with oval faces in their relaxed state might have more heart-shaped faces when smiling broadly (such as Kim Kardashian). Others, like Jennifer Lawrence, might have a strong rectangular face when relaxed, which changes to a heart-shaped face when smiling broadly. Determine if your face is angular or soft. In many ways, this is more important than the exact shape of your face when it comes to choosing glasses. Using the lines you've drawn on the mirror, you should be able to tell if your face has hard edges and angles, or if the lines are more curvaceous. Many people with strong angles will have them at the temples and jaw, but a strong pointed chin is also an angular face. Rectangles, squares, hearts, and some ovals will fall into the angular category. Round, triangular, oblong, and some ovals will fall into the more soft, curvaceous category. Choose frames that complement the shape of your face. In general, frames add the most visual interest and look the least cartoonish when they are a contrast from your natural features, which means that most rounded faces look best with more angled glasses, while more angled faces look best with more rounded glasses. Soft, round faces look best with frames that have hard angles, like square or rectangular frames. These tend to make the face look longer and break up the softness of the face. If you have a very full face, you might consider horizontal rectangles, which make the face appear thinner. Square and rectangle faces look nice with frames that balance the hard lines of the face, so look for round or oval frames. To minimize the appearance of a very heavy jawline, look for a frame that has a thin, delicate frame (made of wire and in a color similar to your skintone) so that you don't add more bulk to your face. The glasses should be slightly wider than your cheekbones to fit the face properly. Heart-shaped faces usually look nice with frames that are wider on the bottom or have some kind of detail on the lower half of the frames. Be sure that the frames are slightly wider than the forehead for a proper fit. Triangular faces look great with glasses that emphasize the top half of the frame, like half-rimmed glasses or cat-eye glasses, or two-toned frames with darker tops and lighter bottoms. Since triangular faces tend to have strong jaws, be sure that the frames are slightly wider than your jaw to balance it out. Oblong faces look better with round or curved frames, which take away from the length of the face and emphasize the width. Pick frames with the upper and lower rims of the frame equal in shape. This breaks up the length of the face. Also, choose frames that have a low bridge, which shortens the nose. Oval faces look great in any type of frame, so choose something that fits your personality. You can play with colors and styles to fit your mood, and you can feel confident in trying out the latest fashion or go with a classic frame to ensure it will stay in style longer. Choose a frame size that complements your face size. Faces come in all sizes, and glasses should sit in the right position and be the right proportion to the rest of your face in order to avoid distracting from your appearance or obstructing the rest of your face. Just like Goldilocks, be sure your frames are neither too large nor too small but just right! Glasses that are too big for your features and for your overall face size will overwhelm your appearance and look cartoonish. Glasses that are too small can look out of date or draw attention. The top of the frames should follow underneath the curve of the eyebrows. For the most part, most people look best if you can see their eyebrows easily above the frames; otherwise your facial expressions will be obscured. Choose a color of frame that complements you. Depending on your skin, eye, and hair color, different colors of frames may look better on you and bring out your features. Determine if you have a cool or warm tone to your skin. If you have a cool skin tone (epitomized by blue eyes, pale skin, and blue veins in the skin), a frame in a cool color will complement your coloring best. Cool colors include silver and jewel tones like amethyst, ruby, emerald, or sapphire. If you have a warm skin tone (epitomized by brown eyes, tanned skin, and green veins), then you might look best in warm colored frames. Warm colors include gold and earth tones like beige, orange, yellow, and mustard. Neutral skin tones can pull of frames in any color. Choose glasses that work for what you need. Remember that glasses can be a great fashion accessory, but for most people they are also there to serve an incredibly important function which is to help you see. If your glasses don't serve those needs, then they don't work for you. Begin by asking a salesperson which frames will work with your prescription (for instance, some people with very high prescriptions must choose frames that have wide frames to hold the lenses, so thin wire frames might not be an option). Ask a salesperson to measure your head and show you which glasses will fit you and which will not. Having a good, comfortable fit will help you feel confident in your choice. Be unique, even if you have to break the rules. Your sense of style and personality can really come out in your glasses, and you should not feel confined to certain shapes or colors if something else is more your style, or if your big personality is best expressed in a different shape or style. If that means choosing big square glasses on your big square face, do it! Olivia Wilde has famously pulled off that look, and because she was confident in herself, she made those glasses look like they were made for her. Similarly, Ginnifer Goodwin has a very round face, but paparazzi have taken pictures of her in equally round sunglasses on many occasions and she pulls them off without a hitch. When Daniel Radcliffe made round glasses hip as the character Harry Potter in the popular movie series, his character started out as a round faced young boy and eventually grew into a more square-jawed young man. He was able to pull off the round framed glasses both ways. Compromise. Instead of following the so-called "rules" about face shapes, decide what elements of the rules are important to you and what parts you are comfortable bending or breaking altogether. For instance, if you have a round or soft-edged face, instead of avoiding round frames altogether, pay attention to the size of the glasses and avoid small, delicate round frames. Any larger frame will tend to look better on a round face, even if its a rounded frame, since small frames can get lost on a round face. Choose a bold, thick frame to help add interest. If you have a more angular face, instead of avoiding angular glasses altogether, try choosing a pair of angled glasses with a thin or delicate frame, rather than a big square pair with thick plastic. You can even choose a color like bronze or copper to help it blend with your skintone.

Know the basic face shapes. Look in a mirror to determine the shape of your face. Use a dry erase marker to outline the shape of your reflection. Determine if your face is angular or soft. Choose frames that complement the shape of your face. Choose a frame size that complements your face size. Choose a color of frame that complements you. Choose glasses that work for what you need. Be unique, even if you have to break the rules. Compromise.

https://www.wikihow.life/Pack-for-a-Move

How to Pack for a Move

To pack for a move, start by gathering all the materials you need, such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap, and put it in one area of your home to create a “packing station”. Then, pack one room at a time, placing smaller items inside of bigger ones to save room and packing material. When you put the items in boxes, put heavy things in the bottom and light things on top. Finally, label each box with its contents and the room it should end up in.

Gather all required packing supplies and moving boxes of different sizes. You will need different sizes of strong moving boxes to pack items of different sizes. Make sure you purchase good quality packing materials and strong moving boxes or cartons; it may be wise to consult a professional for recommendations. Also, consider acquiring: Padding supplies Bubble wraps Wrapping sheets Newspapers, blank newsprint paper Scissors Heavy duty packaging tape Labeling stickers Marking pens Create a "moving file" with important paperwork you will need throughout your move. Include in it your moving truck reservation, moving helper payment codes (if applicable), pet veterinarian records (again, if applicable), cash for movers tips, your hotel reservation, contact information for important people (realtor or property owner), and any important documents you could need before you have the chance to unpack. Keep this file in a safe place, such as in your purse or personal bag, where you will not accidentally pack it in a box. It should also be in a place where it won't get buried in a mess that may develop. Pack a suitcase or box for each member of the family several days in advance. Include a personal-sized bar of soap, new toothbrush and toothpaste, towel and washcloth, disposable razor if needed, some "relaxing" clothes (sweats or something similar) and two complete changes of clothes, and anything else you know each person will need during the first few days (while everything else is in boxes). This way everything they'll need is easily attainable. Keep these boxes or suitcases in a safe place where they will not be mixed in with everything else, perhaps in the car or even farther away (work or a neighbor's house). Bring them with you in the car or however you are traveling. Gather some old clothes you can use for padding. Instead of buying feet and feet of bubble wrap or handfuls and handfuls of packing peanuts, turn to your clothes to provide that padding. Not only does it save you money, but you have to pack the clothes anyway, so it's really two birds with one stone. Clothes are often more malleable than paper and bubble wrap, anyway. As for things like glassware, wrap each one in a sock. It's almost like that's what the socks were truly meant for. If they clink against each other, they'll be fine. Take photos of complicated setups, like the back of your TV. Is there anything you have set up that took you forever to get just right and you're totally loathing the moment you have to disassemble it? Then snap a photo of it for quick reference later. You may also want to snap a photo for frame arrangements and decorative set-ups, too. Not to mention the nostalgia and memories, of course. Make a spacious packing station at your current residence. You'll want a nice, wide and open space where you can drag and drop all your stuff and then expedite the packing process. This is where you'll have your boxes, your packing materials, and your pens, tape, and labels. This is your I'm-getting-stuff-done room. As you pack each box and seal it up, put a number on it, in addition to the room label and contents. This way, if you have X number of boxes, you'll know when one is missing, in addition to being able to tell the movers just how many boxes you have. Start packing – and don't pack air. Wrap each individual item properly with enough layers of wrapping sheets, bubble wrap, or clothes. Place items inside a box with extreme care in the best position possible to avoid damages. Heavier items should be placed on the bottom and lighter items should be placed on the top inside the boxes. Get as many items as possible in each box to cut down on the number of boxes you'll need. Pack heavy items such as books, toys, etc. in small boxes. However, be conscious of not overpacking boxes until they are bulky and may break. Pack fragile or breakable items with extra care and attention. If required, use more layers of wrapping sheets or bubble wraps to wrap such items. Place saran wrap between bottles and caps to prevent leaking. Consider putting cotton between fragile cosmetics, too. Use wadded newspapers or crushed papers to fill empty spaces of boxes or cartons. Make sure to pack everything that belongs in a particular room together in a room-labeled box. This makes unpacking easier once you get where you are going. Start packing one room at a time, packing smaller items first to get them out of the way. Carefully mark and tape each box so you can find everything when you unpack. This makes it easier for the movers, too. If they're courteous and not on a time crunch, they'll likely take each labeled box and put it in its corresponding room. Begin taking apart any large items. Place all hardware in double-thick Ziploc bags, according to contents and room. Keep all bags in one box with the proper tools – allen wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc. This will make it easier to put everything back together when you have moved in. Make sure you keep the box of hardware and tools in a central place where everyone can find it. This will make re-assembling much easier. Place in it the small things like video earplugs, remote controls, boxes of nails and things you will need immediately after moving in. Clean out each room one by one, starting with the kitchen. Toss away junk and only box things that you use. Use your kitchen food storage containers for all loose things you find as you empty drawers from the kitchen, desks, or table drawers throughout the house. Label boxes according to contents and rooms they belong in then securely close or tape them. Use various sized bags for the same purpose. Add a sticky note inside each bag noting the contents like "stereo cables" and "pens and pencils.” Place all containers and bags inside a larger box labeled appropriately with room and content. Plates should be stacked vertically, like records. Don't forget to look in the dishwasher! Do you need anything to stay intact, like necklaces (so they don't get tangled)? Try saran wrap or stretch wrap over them as is and then pack them. Pack an "open first" box last. This most probably will include the items which you have been using until the date of the move. Think about small handy items you might want access to before you unpack all boxes. It may also be useful to add items such as dish soap, a sponge, a roll of paper towels, Kleenex, a couple pens, scissors, plastic/paper plates/forks, a bottle opener, bath towels for each family member, one pot, one pan, one plastic stirring utensil, an extra box cutter, etc. Keep in mind that people will need to wash their hands, eat, and shower long before you are done unpacking on the other end of the move. Having this box will make that simple. Also, toss in a sugary treat such as Lifesavers or hard candies in case anyone gets hungry or low blood sugar on move-in day. This is a good way to keep the bad moods at bay. Stack the boxes as you are finished filling, taping, and labeling them. Try to keep them stacked in the rooms that you have finished packing. Keep all power strips and extension cords and grounded adapters in one specific box; they will be much easier to find later. Clearly label the hardware box and the extension cord box. Consider spray-painting both boxes bright yellow or red. Place all the screws or bolts back into an item after it has been taken apart. This way, you can connect the bed or put the lampshade back on immediately instead of searching for them. If you've kept track of how many boxes you have, count them up. Do you know where each one is? Are any in need of any extra tape job? Do you have more than you thought you might and need to inform the movers that you'll need a bigger truck? Which ones are fragile and which ones are sturdy? Are there any that you want to handle yourself, just in case? You may wish to set a few aside so you know where they're at all times. Look in each room and make sure that everything has been removed. Place any last minute items together in one room. Remember: when the truck has been filled, and the movers tell you that they have everything, checking out each room to make sure that nothing has been left behind is your responsibility. When you are certain that each room is clean, then it is time to shut the door and leave! Professionals expect your house to be organized before they arrive. Pro movers specialize in getting everything safely and efficiently from one house to the other. They do not specialize in separating your good china from the bad, not rounding up all of the dirty laundry on the floor. They will ask you to be cleaned and organized before they arrive. Good ideas include; Grouping similar small items in boxes (books, dishes, etc.) Clearly designating valuable and fragile goods Throwing out and purging excess stuff in advance. Labeling boxes with final locations. Professionals try to organize the truck by room to make unpacking easier. Good movers are methodical. They keep everything in similar places, packing you up room by room. While they may mix things up to make sure everything fits well, they are practiced in the most convenient way to get things in and out of their truck. Expect them to work much more efficiently than you might on your own. Professionals will wrap, pad, and reassemble furniture. One of the chief benefits of a moving team is that they know how to handle the bunk beds stuck in the kids' room. Professionals will take down the furniture into the most convenient, easily transported parts, pad the pieces safely, and put everything back together when you arrive. Since most movers are paid hourly, feel free to assemble or break down furniture by yourself if you feel confident in your abilities. You'll save some money. Professionals package things so that they can't move in the box or truck. Things break when they are allowed to move around in the truck, bouncing off other objects. A good mover understands that packing tightly isn't just about saving space, it is about a snug, tight fit. They will: Use packing peanuts to fill empty space. Wrap furniture and large pieces in heavy blankets to prevent sliding or moving. Group square and rectangular objects, which can be jammed close together, in the same box. Professionals will be responsible for any damages to your good. A professional makes their living off of transporting your things and has the wherewithal and knowledge needed to prevent accidents. That said, in the case that something does happen, professional movers have the responsibility to pay you back for any damages incurred. Hiring a professional ensures the past possible pack job, and then insures you further if something bad happens. Always ask about the contract before signing-- some smaller companies may try to get out of responsibility for damages if you aren't careful. You may need to pay for warranty. Professionals account for everything as it enters, and leaves, the truck. A professional mover should keep a log of every box and item, allowing them to prove that they got everything safely to your new location. This sort of double-checking is crucial, especially on big or complicated (multi-truck, cross-country, etc.) moves. If the moving company does not inventory your items, you should. Professionals take roughly five hours per 1,000 square feet of your house to pack and move. This can vary, but it is a good baseline when thinking about rates and how many movers you need. It takes two movers roughly 5 hours to completely pack a 1,000sq foot house (500ft per mover). Thus: With 4 movers, a 3,000ft house would like 13 hours. With 3 movers, a 2,000ft house would take 10-12 hours. With 6 movers, a 4,000ft+ house would take 15 hours or more. Professionals are flexible and capable in every part of the moving process. Maybe you want to save money and just have someone help with the heavy lifting. You can pre-pack the boxes. Maybe you want someone to do everything for you with a bit of guidance. You can pay for the movers to wrap and protect all your goods. Professionals are there to serve you, and will do the work that you need to be done. Expect a professional mover to ask a lot of questions about your exact needs. Movers will appreciate your direction and guidance as long as it saves things from breaking or getting lost.

Gather all required packing supplies and moving boxes of different sizes. Create a "moving file" with important paperwork you will need throughout your move. Pack a suitcase or box for each member of the family several days in advance. Gather some old clothes you can use for padding. Take photos of complicated setups, like the back of your TV. Make a spacious packing station at your current residence. Start packing – and don't pack air. Make sure to pack everything that belongs in a particular room together in a room-labeled box. Begin taking apart any large items. Clean out each room one by one, starting with the kitchen. Pack an "open first" box last. Stack the boxes as you are finished filling, taping, and labeling them. If you've kept track of how many boxes you have, count them up. Look in each room and make sure that everything has been removed. Professionals expect your house to be organized before they arrive. Professionals try to organize the truck by room to make unpacking easier. Professionals will wrap, pad, and reassemble furniture. Professionals package things so that they can't move in the box or truck. Professionals will be responsible for any damages to your good. Professionals account for everything as it enters, and leaves, the truck. Professionals take roughly five hours per 1,000 square feet of your house to pack and move. Professionals are flexible and capable in every part of the moving process.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Pro-Wrestler

How to Become a Pro Wrestler

If you want to become a pro wrestler, join a local or school wrestling team to learn basic wrestling moves. Work out with free weights, bodybuilding machines, and cardio exercises 3-5 times a week to build your muscles, and take protein supplements to build even more muscle. You may also want to join a training school for wrestlers for about 2-3 years to help you develop the skills you'll need. As you progress, try to develop a unique style and persona that helps you create a distinctive character, since this will make audiences remember you.

Join a school wrestling team. If you're a student in high school or college, get yourself in peak condition in time for wrestling team tryouts. Even if you've never wrestled before, build up your conditioning and flexibility, study and practice Olympic-style wrestling maneuvers, and show the coaches your determination to learn and improve. On the wrestling team, you'll learn essential wrestling skills, be able to improve your techniques, and have the opportunity to wrestle many other people. In addition, you'll be able to participate in local, regional, and possibly national competitions. Hire a personal trainer for your bodybuilding program. Professional wrestlers are known for their muscular physiques, so you must build ample muscle size and definition. You can do this on your own if you're dedicated and knowledgeable, but hiring a pro to guide and motivate you is a worthwhile investment for most aspiring wrestlers. Work out three to five times a week. Use free weights, work out with machines, and do intensive cardiovascular exercise. Focus on exercises like presses, lifts, curls, and pulldowns. Take protein supplements to get more muscular. In order to build and maintain muscle, you'll need to consume at least.8 grams (0.03 oz) of protein per pound (.45 kg) of your body weight. Even if you eat a protein-rich diet, supplementing with protein powders and similar products can help you get greater results out of your hardcore strength-building workouts. Some wrestlers do turn to steroids and similar performance enhancers, but you should always prioritize your long-term health and safety. Talk to your doctor about protein supplements, as well as your ideal diet and exercise program for building muscle safely. Go to a pro wrestling training school. At a training school, you'll be able to learn from people who formerly wrestled on the professional circuit. Before signing up, ask whether the school has had graduates who have gone on to wrestle in the WWE or another major promotion. A class or program may cost between $1000 to $5000 (USD) per year for 2 to 4 sessions per week. Even if they offer 3 or 6 month programs, plan to stick around for 2 or 3 years if you want to make it to the big time. Beginner classes will focus on basic moves, cardio, and getting you into shape to perform in the ring. Intermediate classes will focus on improving your moves, learning the psychology of the ring, and pairing with someone for a match. Search online for schools in your area. Find a mentor or coach with professional experience. Contact wrestling coaches in your area and see if they will take you on as a mentee. Look for someone who has professional wrestling experience with the WWE or another major independent promotion. If the person doesn't have first-hand experience, you should look for someone else. View your fellow wrestlers as teammates, not opponents. While other heavy-contact sports like boxing are individual affairs, wrestling is much more team-oriented. Because professional wrestling is more about entertaining than winning, you'll need to work with your opponent to entertain the crowd. This doesn't mean that pro wrestling is “fake.” Instead, it means that the focus is on performance rather than victory. In pro wrestling, winning means giving the crowd a great show. And you can only do that by working with your ring opponent, rather than fighting against them. Exaggerate your personality in the ring. Since wrestlers are constantly appealing to and rallying the crowd around them, it helps to embrace a demonstrative personality. Consider responding to things in a dramatic or exaggerated fashion. This way, you'll magnify the persona that you're developing and give the audience a unique personality to support. Taking acting lessons or getting some experience as a performer may help you develop your persona and learn to “work the crowd.” Wrestle — and learn from — many different people. Practice or enter matches against a lot of different wrestlers. When wrestling against a more experienced person, you'll have a chance to see their unique style up close. In addition, you'll be able to observe their persona in the ring. This will help you hone your own character and improve your style. Watch and learn, but also ask lots of questions. Most seasoned wrestlers are more than willing to share tips and dish out advice (in addition to body slams!). Watch wrestling live and on television. In addition to wrestling with a lot of people, you should watch as much wrestling as you can. Whether you watch on television or in person, you'll be able to observe how others wrestle, as well as express their style and persona. In many ways, watching wrestling is an education. After watching a lot of wrestling, you'll be more capable of improving your own technique and performance. Transform yourself into a familiar but distinctive character. Never forget that wrestling ability means little without the development of a unique persona that can get the attention of the audience. You may want to exaggerate qualities you already possess for your ring persona, or try something completely opposite — like being boisterous and raunchy if you're naturally soft-spoken and mild-mannered. Your character can be very likeable or very unlikeable — the important thing is for it to be striking and memorable. Use the ring personas of several well-known wrestlers as a starting point, and blend them into a character that's all your own. Use social media to promote yourself. Create a presence on major social media outlets like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Share pictures of yourself wrestling, comment on the great things other wrestlers are doing, and make as many friends as possible. Update your social media accounts on a daily or weekly basis. Always be positive, unless your persona is to be negative and aggressive toward others. Keep with your in-ring persona or character. Create a website. One of the keys to self-promoting is establishing a good online presence. To do this, purchase a domain name with your wrestling name. Then, use a web editor or hire a web designer to create a website. Your website should include: Pictures of you wrestling A short bio Contact information A resume of your in-ring experience and related achievements Links to your social media accounts Pass out flyers at wrestling venues, conventions, and related events. Print off flyers with your photo and wrestling name. Try to make the photos as colorful and eye-catching as possible. Your flyer should reflect the character or persona you've been developing in the ring. In addition to reflecting your persona, your flyer should list dates, times, and locations of where you will be wrestling in the near future. Hire an agent. An agent will be able to promote you and maybe get you some wrestling jobs. A good agent will use their contacts to get you into the best possible promotion. Without an agent, you may miss out on important opportunities. Ask your trainers and fellow wrestlers for agent recommendations, but also make sure to choose an agent that you feel comfortable working with. Network at matches, shows, and conventions. Attend as many wrestling-related events as you can. The best events to attend are wrestling matches and shows. At these events, you'll be able to meet professional wrestlers, agents, promoters, and others who may be able to help you or give you advice about how to move into the professional circuit. Focus on memorizing people's names. Know who to look for. Spend time researching influential promoters and others who may be able to help advance your career. Audition to join an independent wrestling promotion in the United States. Wrestling promotions are private organizations that host fights. Depending on where you live, there may be a small or large promotion that you can join. Use your contacts, attend tryouts, or just try calling or emailing the promotions directly. However, be prepared to get rejected. You may need to try several promotions. Some major promotions in the U.S. include: Ohio Valley Wrestling All American Wrestling World League Wrestling Texas All-Star Wrestling Women Superstars Uncensored Southern States Wrestling Join an international wrestling promotion. While the United States offers the greatest number of opportunities for prospective professional wrestlers, there are a variety of international wrestling promotions to consider as well. Some international promotions include: Pro Wrestling Alliance Australia All Japan Pro Wrestling International Wrestling Revolution Group (Mexico) All-Star Wrestling (United Kingdom) Work hard to get better matches and better opponents. As you compete in matches and in circuits, always focus on moving up into higher-profile matches and better-known circuits. One way to judge this is by the fame or notoriety of the people you're wrestling against. If you have the opportunity to wrestle someone with a big name, do so. No matter the venue or opponent, always do your best to give the crowd a great show. Show off your skills and revel in your ring persona. You never know who might be watching. Apply to join World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Becoming a “WWE Superstar” is the ultimate dream of practically every pro wrestler, and of course only a select few ever achieve this lofty goal. Once you have several years of solid training, experience, and character development under your belt, create a WWE application. You'll initially have to provide a detailed description of your background and various photos. You can apply online at https://recruit.wwe.com/. Relocate to Orlando, Florida. Whether you're building up your pro wrestling resume or have already sent in a WWE application, Orlando — the WWE's home — is the place to be. The WWE has a training center there, puts on many matches, and auditions for new talent. Because of this, there are many wrestling clubs, independent promotions, and other resources available for people interested in becoming a professional wrestler. Other places in the United States like Louisville, Kentucky, and Las Vegas, Nevada also host relatively large professional wrestling scenes. If Florida doesn't work for you, consider these other cities.

Join a school wrestling team. Hire a personal trainer for your bodybuilding program. Take protein supplements to get more muscular. Go to a pro wrestling training school. Find a mentor or coach with professional experience. View your fellow wrestlers as teammates, not opponents. Exaggerate your personality in the ring. Wrestle — and learn from — many different people. Watch wrestling live and on television. Transform yourself into a familiar but distinctive character. Use social media to promote yourself. Create a website. Pass out flyers at wrestling venues, conventions, and related events. Hire an agent. Network at matches, shows, and conventions. Audition to join an independent wrestling promotion in the United States. Join an international wrestling promotion. Work hard to get better matches and better opponents. Apply to join World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Relocate to Orlando, Florida.

https://www.wikihow.com/Speak-Rastafarian-English

How to Speak Rastafarian English

To speak Rastafarian English, pronounce words without “h” or “th” sounds. For example, “thanks” is pronounced “tanks” and “this” is pronounced “dis.” Instead of using “I,” use “eye an' eye” to express either first-person pronouns like “I” or “we.” Then, start learning some basic words like hello and goodbye. Hello is pronounced “Wa gwaan” while goodbye is “Me a go.” Once you have mastered common words, start learning basic phrases.

Understand the pronunciation of words in Rastafarian. Rastafarian survives as a spoken language, so pronunciation is very important when trying to speak Rastafarian. In Rastafarian, you do not pronounce “h” in English words. So “thanks” becomes “tanks”, “three” becomes “tree”, etc. Similarly, Rastafarians do not pronounce “th” in English words. So, “the” become “di”, “them” becomes “dem”, and “that” becomes “dat”. Learn the use of “I and I”. In Rastafarian, “I and I”, pronounced “eye an' eye”, is an important term. It refers to the oneness of Jah (Rastafari for their “God”, the Ethiopian Emperor Ras Tafari Haile Selassie I) in every person. “I and I” is a term that reinforces the Rastafarian belief that Jah exists in all people, and everyone exists as one people, unified by Jah. “I and I” can be used to replace “you and I” in a sentence. Such as,: “And I going to de concert.” This means you and someone else are going to a concert. But it can also be used when talking about something you are doing alone, or a shorthand for “me, myself, and I”. Such as: “I and I going to de concert”. This means you are going to a concert, on your own. “I” is also used as a play on certain English words, such as “I man” for “inner man”, or a Rastafari believer. Rastas will say “Inity”, instead of “unity”. Learn how to say “hello”, “goodbye”, and “thank you”. Most Rastafarians do not use certain words in the English language as they have devil-like connotations. For example, the word “hello” is not used because it contains the word “hell” and “lo”, referring to “low”. To say “hello”, use: “Wa gwaan” or “Yes I”. To say “goodbye”, use: “Me a go”, or “Lickle bit”. To say “thank you”, use: “Give thanks” or “Praise Jah”. Understand the words “Rasta” “Jah Jah”, and “dread. ” A Rastafarian will refer to themselves as a “Rasta”, or call other Rastafarians “Rasta.” “Jah Jah” is used to praise Jah or refer to Jah. For example: “Jah Jah protect mi fram mi enemy dem.” In English, this means: “Jehovah protect me from my enemies.” “Dread” refers to the dreadlocks worn as a spiritual practice by Rastafarians. It is also used to describe something or someone who is a Rastafarian, or seen as a positive influence. For example: “Dread, mon.” In English, this means: “Cool, man.” Or, “Natty dread.” In English, this means: “You're cool” or “You're a Rasta.” A person who does not have dreadlocks is called a “ball head”, a play on the term “bald head”. For example, Bob Marley sings in his song “Crazy Baldheads” : “Wi guh chase dem crazy Ball head outta town.” This translates to: “We gonna chase those crazy people without dreads out of town”. Learn common Rastafarian words like “Babylon”, “politricks” and “irie”. These are keywords in the Rastafarian, as they refer to important concepts in Rastafarian culture. “Babylon” is the Rastafarian word for the police, who are viewed by Rastafarians as part of a corrupt government system. “Babylon”, which refers to the Biblical rebellion against God through the Tower of Babel, can also be used to describe any person or organization that oppresses the innocent. For example: “Babylon deh cum, yuh hav nutten pan yuh?” In English, this translates to: “The police are coming, do you have anything on you?” “Politricks” is the Rasta term for “politics”. There is a general skepticism of authority figures in Rastafarian, including politicians. So they are seen as tricksters, or full of “tricks”. “Irie” is one of the most important terms in Rastafarian. It embodies the positive outlook of Rastafarian culture and their belief that “everyting irie” or “everything is alright”. For example, “Mi nuh have nutten fi complain bout, mi life irie.” In English, this translates to: “I don't have anything to complain about, my life is good.” Understand the words for “man” and “woman”. Rastafarian centers on the idea of oneness with everyone. So Rastas refer to people as their “Idren”, a version of the English word “children.” A boy is called a “bwoy” by a Rasta. A girl is called a “gal” by a Rasta. If a Rasta is asking another Rasta about their children, they will refer to the children as “pickney”, or “gal pickney”. Rastas refer to adult males as “bredren”. Female adults are called “sistren”. A Rasta man will refer to their wife or girlfriend as their “empress” or “queen”. For example: “My cyaah cum tomorrow, mi a guh spen sum time wid mi empress.” This translates to: “I can't come tomorrow, I'm going to spend time with my girlfriend.” Understand the use of positive words over negative words. Rastas replace words that have negative terms like “down” or “under” with “up” or “out”. For example: Rastas will say “downpression” instead of “oppression”. This is because “op” is Rastafarian for “up”, so “downpression” indicates something is holding someone down. Rastas will say “overstanding” or “innerstanding” instead of “understanding”. Rastas will say “outernational” instead of “international”. This indicates the Rasta's feeling that the rest of the world lies outside their realm or world. Learn swear words in Rastafarian. There some unique sounding swear words in Rastafarian. They usually refer to bodily harm or bodily functions. “Fiyah bun” is an expression used to strongly denounce someone or something. For example: “Fiyah bun babylon kaaz dem eva deh taament people.” This translates to: “I denounce the police because they are always tormenting poor people.” “Bag o wire” is expression that refers to a “betrayer” or “traitor”. This is a reference to a close friend of the black political leader Marcus Garvey, who betrayed him by giving away details of his escape plan. For example: “Mi nuh truss deh bredren deh kaaz him a bag o wire.” This translates to: “I don't trust that man because he is a traitor.” “Bumba clot” or “Rass clot” are very strong curse words in Rastafarian. “Clot” is considered a nasty sounding word and can be tied to the verb “to clout”, or “to hit or strike”. It can also refer to a used tampon, which is where the nasty aspect of the word comes from. Practice saying “what’s up”. In Rastafarian, you would greet a friend on the street by saying “Bredren, wa gwaan?” The other Rasta may respond with: “Bwai, ya done know seh mi deya gwaan easy." This means: “"I'm here just taking it easy." Practice asking someone where they are from. In Rastafarian, you would ask someone where they are from or where they were born by saying: “A weh ya baan?” The other Rasta may respond with: “Mi baan inna Kingston”, which translates to: “I was born in Kingston.” Learn how to say “see you later”. A Rastafarian will end a casual conversation with: "Yeh man, lickle more, seen?" This translates to: “Ok see you later.” The other Rasta may then respond: "Lickle more." This translates to: “For sure, see you later.” A conversation in Rastafarian may go something like this: "Bredrin, wa gwaan?" "Bwai, ya done know seh mi deya gwaan easy." "Yes I, a so it go still. Not 'n na gwaan, but we a keep di faith, nuh true?" "True. How de pickney dem stay?" "Bwai, dem aright." "Yeh man, lickle more, seen?" "Lickle more." The translation of this in English would be: "What 's up, man?" "Not much, just taking it easy." "Yeah, that 's how it is. Times are hard but we have to keep the faith, isn't that right?" "Yeah. How are your kids?" "They're alright." "Great, see you later." "See you later." Understand the history of the language. The Rastafarian language grew out of the Rastafarian movement, a religious and social movement based in Jamaica. Though largely unorganized, the Rastafarians are united on several strong beliefs: The belief in the beauty of black people's African heritage. The belief that Ras Tafari Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia, is the Biblical Messiah. He is also referred to as the Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah. This is why the lion is seen as a powerful symbol by Rastafarians. The belief in repatriation to Ethiopia, also referred to by Rastas as “Zion”, the true home and redemption of black people. The belief in the eventual fall of “Babylon”, the corrupt world of the white man, and a reversal of the power structure of slave and master. Learn the key sources of knowledge for the Rastafari movement. The Bible is the main holy text for Rastafarians. This is why Bob Marley's lyrics, for example, are full of Biblical references to Exodus and the Holy Land. Rastas take Biblical study very seriously and will cite and discuss scriptural passages. They believe the scriptures tell the true story of the black man's history. They also feel Christian ministers have misled people by providing incorrect interpretations of the Bible, especially the use of the Bible to justify slavery. Rastas also refer to other official documents like The Promised Key and The Living Testament of Rasta-for-I. But most scholars agree no central doctrine of Rastafarian exists, as Rastas are against following organized systems or schools of thought. Instead, Rastas believe a person should engage in reflection and interpretation of their experience and form their own personal convictions about the Rasta beliefs. Learn the importance of “I-tal”. Rastas use the word “I-tal” to refer to food that is in its natural state. "I-tal" food has not touched modern chemicals and contains no preservatives, condiments, or salt. Most Rastas follow the “I-tal” practice and some are vegetarians. Meat-eating Rastas usually abstain from eating pork, as pigs are seen as scavengers of the dead. Alcohol, coffee, milk, and flavored beverages like soda are also considered not “I-tal”. Often, Rastas will say: “Man a rasta man, mi only nyam ital food.” This translates to: “I am a Rastafarian, I only eat natural foods.” Understand the role of cannabis in Rastafarian culture. We all know the familiar image of a Rasta with dreads smoking weed or “herb” as Rastas call it. Besides making you feel “irie”, the smoking of marijuana or “ganja” plays an important role in Rastafarian life. It is considered a sacred ritual in Rasta culture. For Rastas, the “holy herb” is highly valued for its physical, psychological, and therapeutic powers. Become familiar with the idea of “everliving life”. Rastas embrace the idea of an “everliving life” instead of an “everlasting life”. They do not believe in the end of life, or “last” part of life. Instead, Rastas believe in a continually living life, or having an immortal life. This does not necessary mean Rastas believe they will live forever. But they consider “everlasting life” a negative outlook on the fullness or “living”-ness of life.

Understand the pronunciation of words in Rastafarian. Learn the use of “I and I”. Learn how to say “hello”, “goodbye”, and “thank you”. Understand the words “Rasta” “Jah Jah”, and “dread. Learn common Rastafarian words like “Babylon”, “politricks” and “irie”. Understand the words for “man” and “woman”. Understand the use of positive words over negative words. Learn swear words in Rastafarian. Practice saying “what’s up”. Practice asking someone where they are from. Learn how to say “see you later”. Understand the history of the language. Learn the key sources of knowledge for the Rastafari movement. Learn the importance of “I-tal”. Understand the role of cannabis in Rastafarian culture. Become familiar with the idea of “everliving life”.

https://www.wikihow.com/Thin-Nail-Polish

How to Thin Nail Polish

To thin nail polish, start by flipping the bottle upside down, then back up for a few minutes to blend the pigments together. You can also try rolling the bottle between your palms to warm the polish and make it thinner. Alternatively, put the nail polish bottle in a bowl of hot water for 2 minutes to thin the consistency. If the polish is still too thick, add a few drops of nail polish thinner and roll the bottle in your palms to distribute it.

Turn the bottle upside down to blend the pigments back together. Keep flipping it upside down and right-side-up for two to three minutes.. Sometimes, this is all your nail polish needs in order to get revived. Roll the bottle between the palms of your hands for a few minutes. The warmth from your hands will create a thinner consistency and help make it easier to spread on your nails. Never shake the bottle, as this will create tiny bubbles. Try holding the bottle under hot water for two minutes. Make sure that the bottle is tightly closed, and hold it by the cap so that you don't burn your fingers. The hot water will warm the nail polish up and make it easier to spread on your nails. Paint one nail to test the consistency. Allow the first coat to dry before applying a second one. If the polish is too thick or clumpy, keep reading to learn what to do next. Open the nail polish bottle and add two to three drops of nail polish thinner. </ref> Use an eye dropper to measure out the drops. You can find nail polish thinner in most drug stores and beauty shops. If you are going to thin gel nail polish, use gel nail polish thinner. Gel nail polish has a special UV reactive makeup, so using regular nail polish thinner may prevent it from working properly. Use acetone or nail polish remover as a last resort. Both can ruin the nail polish and cause it to crack when it dries. If you use acetone or nail polish remover, you will most likely need to toss your polish out after a few more uses. Do not use acetone or nail polish remover to thin gel nail polish. Close the bottle tightly and roll it between your palms to mix the thinner into the polish. Do not shake the bottle, as this will create air bubbles. If the thinner is not mixing into the polish, try turning the bottle upside down a few times. Repeat the process if necessary. If the nail polish is still thick, open the bottle and add another two to three drops. Close the bottle again, and roll the bottle between your palms to mix the thinner into the polish. Consider letting the nail polish thinner sit in very thick polish before mixing it. If your nail polish is very thick, and you have already repeated the process a few times, try letting the thinner sit in the polish. Simply open the bottle, add two to three drops of nail polish thinner, and close the bottle. Let the bottle sit for one hour, then mix the thinner into the polish by rolling the bottle. Save the brush by dipping it in acetone. Fill a glass or ceramic cup with acetone. Do not use plastic, or the acetone will melt it, and do not use a cup that you plan on drinking out of later. Dip the brush into the acetone and swish it around. The dried nail polish should dissolve and fall off. If there is any residue, you can remove it with a paper towel; do not use a cotton ball or a cotton pad. When you are done, put the cap back into the bottle. The residue acetone will help thin out the polish inside the bottle. Acetone may ruin the nail polish. It might be a good idea to do this when the bottle is almost empty. Know what to do if you made the polish too thin. If you used too much thinner and made your nail polish too thin, all you have to do is let some air back into it. Take the brush out first and clean it with some nail polish remover. Wrap the brush with some plastic wrap, and leave the nail polish bottle, opened, in a quiet spot. Check back on it after a day. The air in the room will make it thick again. Sometimes, you may need to leave the bottle open for a few days. This will depend on how hot, cold, dry, or humid the room is. Know how to prevent your nail polish from drying out or becoming clumpy. Nail polish will eventually expire on its own, but there are a few things you can do to make it last longer. This section will give you some tips on how to properly take care of your nail polish so that it does not dry out again as fast. Wipe the neck of the nail polish bottle with a cotton ball soaked in acetone before closing it. This will remove any excess polish. If you don't do this, the polish may dry on the neck and make the bottle difficult to close. This will cause air to get trapped inside the bottle, which will make the polish dry out faster. Store the nail polish in a cool, dry place. Do not keep it in the bathroom; the temperature changes too much, too often. Instead, try keeping nail polish in your desk drawer instead. Use caution if storing it in the refrigerator door. The cold climate may help the polish last longer, but it is also a closed-in space. If the polish breaks in the fridge, you may have a potential fire hazard due to the fumes. Keep the bottles upright and don't leave them on their sides. When storing your polish, it is important to leave the bottles standing upright. Leaving them on their sides will cause the polish to flow into the neck. This may cause the polish to dry and make the bottle harder to open. Always close the polish as soon as you are done using it. Do not leave it open while you are waiting for your manicure to dry. Nail polish dries when air touches it, so the less contact your polish has with air, the better.

Turn the bottle upside down to blend the pigments back together. Roll the bottle between the palms of your hands for a few minutes. Try holding the bottle under hot water for two minutes. Paint one nail to test the consistency. Open the nail polish bottle and add two to three drops of nail polish thinner. Use acetone or nail polish remover as a last resort. Close the bottle tightly and roll it between your palms to mix the thinner into the polish. Repeat the process if necessary. Consider letting the nail polish thinner sit in very thick polish before mixing it. Save the brush by dipping it in acetone. Know what to do if you made the polish too thin. Know how to prevent your nail polish from drying out or becoming clumpy. Wipe the neck of the nail polish bottle with a cotton ball soaked in acetone before closing it. Store the nail polish in a cool, dry place. Keep the bottles upright and don't leave them on their sides. Always close the polish as soon as you are done using it.

https://www.wikihow.com/Install-an-Interior-Door

How to Install an Interior Door

To install an interior door, start by drawing a plumb line down the wall that's 1/2 inch from the opening of the doorway on the hinge side. Then, attach 6 installation brackets along the outside of the door jamb, placing a bracket behind each of the 3 hinges. Next, attach 3 brackets to the other side of the door jamb. Finally, place the door in the doorway, screw the brackets into the wall, and install casing around the door.

Buy your door. Purchase a door to fit the rough opening in the wall. Doors and door openings are generally standard sizes, generally 24-36". The framed-in rough opening for the door is always around 2" wider than the purchased door (not including the jamb around the door). This allows for adjustment when installing the door to achieve plumb "level". Start getting things straightened out. Start by drawing a plumb line on the wall. Measure 1/2" in from the rough opening on the hinge side of the door. Using a 6' or 4' level draw a level line down the drywall. You can also use a laser level, which may be easier and more accurate (there are many models that can attach to a wall). Attach the door installation brackets. Attach 6 door installation brackets to the outside of the door jamb, the wood frame to which the door comes pre-attached. Place a bracket behind each of the three hinges. Attach the remaining three brackets on the the other side of the jamb. The first bracket should be 8" from the top, the next bracket just above the latch stop, and the final bracket 8" from the bottom of the door. Place the door into the opening on top of blocks or shims. Place 1/2" blocks under the door if a carpet or hardwood is going to be installed or 1/4" blocks if installing laminate. Never place the door directly on an unfinished floor. Attach the brackets. Using the plumb line on the wall, screw in the top bracket on the hinge side of the door. Then screw in the next 2 brackets using the same reference notch as the first bracket. After the 3 brackets are screwed into the wall using the same reference notch for each, the door is now level. Now check the reveal (gap between door and door jamb) when screwing in each of the final 3 brackets. Start at the top of the door and check the reveal when screwing in the top bracket. Check the reveal when screwing in the final 2 brackets. The door will now be perfectly hung and the blocks under the door can now be removed. Install the casing around the installed door. The casing, also called the trim, is the strips of wood that hide the joints and some parts of the hinge. Done correctly, the trim will perfectly conceal the door installation brackets. Choose casing that compliments your style and cut it using mitered corners or other styles, depending on your preference.

Buy your door. Start getting things straightened out. Attach the door installation brackets. Place the door into the opening on top of blocks or shims. Attach the brackets. Install the casing around the installed door.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cram-the-Night-Before-a-Test

How to Cram the Night Before a Test

To cram the night before a test, only focus on the main ideas or formulas that will be on the test so you're not wasting time on smaller, less-important details. Also, try to find summaries of any chapters you need to study, or just skim them and write down any key ideas. To help you learn things quickly, try writing them out and reciting them out loud over and over again. You can also make flashcards to quickly learn important vocabulary words or concepts.

Find a nice quiet spot to study. Make sure it's not comfortable (like on your bed or sprawling out on the couch) because you will risk falling asleep. Find or create a well-lit area. When it's too dark around you, your body thinks, "Hey! It's time to hit the hay!" Fool it by turning on plenty of lights, simulating daytime. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/De-Stress-at-Work-Step-07.jpg\/v4-460px-De-Stress-at-Work-Step-07.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/De-Stress-at-Work-Step-07.jpg\/aid529765-v4-728px-De-Stress-at-Work-Step-07.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Remove yourself from all distractions. That means putting your phone away. You may have spent the entire semester texting during lectures, and this may be your punishment. Turn it off. While you're at it, stay away from the iPad and laptop, too (unless you have study material on your computer) -- Facebook, fantasy baseball, and Pinterest do not exist in your book right now. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Cram-the-Night-Before-a-Test-Step-01Bullet02.jpg\/v4-460px-Cram-the-Night-Before-a-Test-Step-01Bullet02.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Cram-the-Night-Before-a-Test-Step-01Bullet02.jpg\/aid529765-v4-728px-Cram-the-Night-Before-a-Test-Step-01Bullet02.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Eat something healthy. You may think 16 cans of cold Red Bull and five Snickers bars are the best way to go, but, sadly, they're not. Hyping yourself up on caffeine may keep you awake initially, but you'll just end up crashing harder later -- when it's actually test time. Go for fruits. An apple does a better job at keeping you focused and awake than caffeine. It's higher in natural sugars and it is nutritious. Nutrition should be thought of as energy in this circumstance. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Deal-With-a-Mean-Teacher-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-With-a-Mean-Teacher-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Deal-With-a-Mean-Teacher-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid529765-v4-728px-Deal-With-a-Mean-Teacher-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} If you're full, you won't be thinking about food, another reason you'll be able to stay focused. Set your alarm. Alright, so, worse comes to worst: You wake up in a pile of apple cores with ink emblazoned onto your cheek because you fell asleep on your chemistry notes. But you remembered to set your alarm, so you're not going to miss the test! So do it now, before you accidentally fall asleep. You may be grateful that you did. Stay calm. This part may be hard but just take a deep breath and try to gather your thoughts! Remember where you left all those textbooks and gather together some spare pieces of paper and pens. Highlighters and flashcards are also a good idea. If you still have your syllabus, great. Use it as an outline. The topics that pop up more than once are likely to be on the test. Start at the beginning; don't focus on the little details! Concentrate on the bigger picture -- highlight the important facts that you think could be on the test. Also remember to look closely at the vocabulary! It will obviously help your understanding if you know what a word means. Read the chapter summaries (they usually do a good job at summarizing the important points). If there are no chapter summaries, then skim through the text and write down key ideas. Prioritize. This is the most important part of cramming. You have a very limited amount of time -- you must use it as efficiently as possible. Get down to the nitty-gritty and only study what you think is worthy of being on the test. Focus on the main ideas and learn key formulas. Skip the details for now and only come back to them if you see that you have time after you have learned the key points. Don't attempt to learn everything; focus on things that will get you the most points on the exam. If your professor said the essay will be 75% of your grade, you're best off preparing for that and skipping the multiple choice. Write out important info or recite small bits out loud. This will help your brain process the material better. If you just skim your textbooks or notes you probably won't remember anything! If you're lucky enough to have an insomniac for a roommate, grab them. Ask them to listen to you spout off about certain concepts. Relaying information to another individual is a surefire way to guarantee you understand the ins and outs of the ideas. Make flash cards. This is a good way to quiz yourself and it also helps you process the information when you write out the flashcards and read them out loud! Use different colors for different topics or chapters. Look for parallels, metaphors, and other memory-triggers to help you wrap your brain around complicated concepts. Write the keywords of your metaphor down to jog your memory while studying. Write the information down in mnemonic devices. Dumb Kids Playing Catch On Freeway Get Squashed -- Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species (for a happy example). Take breaks. It may seem counter-intuitive, but your brain will be able to process more information if you're not so hard on it. Study in bursts -- cramming like the Energizer bunny is inefficient and saturates your mind, preventing it from taking in more. Though you're studying a bit less, you'll be retaining more. After 45 minutes or so, get up. Stretch your body and walk around. Grab a drink, get a snack, and hop back to it in 5 to 10 minutes. You should feel a bit more refreshed and ready for action. Go to bed. If you stay up all night you will be so tired in the morning chances are you won't remember anything! Get up in the morning about 30-45 minutes earlier and familiarize yourself with the highlighted parts of your notes and textbooks. If you made flashcards, go through them again. Try to get in at least 3 hours; that's one full sleep cycle. Waking up in the middle of one less than well-rested will be detrimental to your test score. Eat breakfast. You've heard from everybody that a nutritious meal before an exam will help you use your brain better. Stick to a fairly normal breakfast (you don't want to get sick) and don't load up on anything too heavy if you have anxiety. Think about this: The more food you eat before your exam, the less you will be thinking about how hungry you are, so help yourself by just eating something before your exam so you can stay at least somewhat focused. Take a deep breath. Go through the information a couple of times on your way to school. Chances are if you paid attention in class and got in some good studying the night before you should be fine. Grab a friend to quiz in class. There's 5 minutes before the teacher walks in, so utilize them! Take turns asking each other questions. Start with the points you are foggiest on -- that way they'll be fresh in your memory. Don't do this while you're taking the test -- getting caught cheating will result in a much worse score than you were going to get if you hadn't.

Find a nice quiet spot to study. Eat something healthy. Set your alarm. Stay calm. Start at the beginning; don't focus on the little details! Prioritize. Write out important info or recite small bits out loud. Make flash cards. Take breaks. Go to bed. Eat breakfast. Take a deep breath. Grab a friend to quiz in class.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Dog-Drink-Water

How to Make Your Dog Drink Water

To get your dog to drink water, make sure it has constant access by placing a bowl on all floors of your home. Change the water whenever you see it getting dirty, and add ice cubs on a hot day to make it more enticing. If your dog is showing signs of dehydration, like lethargy or low urine levels, take it to the vet right away and help it rehydrate by giving it diluted Pedialyte or water with a bit of chicken broth or carrot juice.

Look for signs of dehydration. Most healthy dogs are pretty good at managing their own water consumption. Check for the following signs of ill health or dehydration before you get too concerned: Gently pinch a fold of skin at the back of the dog's neck or between the shoulder blades, and let go. If the skin doesn't immediately return to the original position, your dog may be dehydrated. Gently press your finger against your dog's gums until the color lightens, then lift your finger. If the gums don't immediately return to the original color, your dog may be dehydrated. Other possible signs of dehydration include lethargy, loss of appetite, or a change in the amount or color of your dog's urine. By themselves, these are not cause for urgent concern unless they are severe or last more than a day. Know the risk factors. Life stages and medical issues can increase the frequency and severity of dehydration. Err on the side of caution if any of the following apply to your dog: Just as hot weather can dehydrate a person, it can also dehydrate your dog. If it's hot, make sure that your dog is drinking enough. Vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive panting or drooling can all cause dehydration if the dog does not drink more water to compensate. Similarly, kidney disease and other chronic illnesses can cause dehydration. If your dog is diabetic, pregnant, nursing, very young, or very old, take the dog to a veterinarian at the first suspicion of dehydration. Visit the veterinarian. If your dog demonstrates one of the above symptoms and refuses to drink water, visit a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian may give the dog a saline IV or a subcutaneous fluid injection to rapidly restore fluids to the dog. A veterinarian will also be able to test for medical problems that could be causing dehydration, such as kidney disease. After diagnosis, the vet may prescribe medication or a special diet. Give the dog rehydration fluid. If your dog shows symptoms of dehydration and you can't get to a veterinarian immediately, dilute Pedialyte rehydration fluid with an equal amount of water and give about 1 cup (240 mL) of the mixture to your dog once an hour. Pedialyte is available at drug stores. Do not mix this with any other ingredients, or you could cause further damage to the dog. While other rehydration fluids are available, consulting a veterinarian before using them is recommended whenever possible. Inhabitants of the U.S. can use the Pedialyte website to locate the nearest store that carries it. Add flavor and electrolytes to the water. If you can't find any Pedialyte, pour a little low-sodium chicken broth or diluted carrot juice into the water. This can help replenish electrolytes lost to dehydration, and may make the water more enticing to your sick dog. Use a syringe if necessary. If your sick dog completely refuses to drink, fill a plastic, needleless syringe with water and squirt it into your dog's mouth. Squirt in the dog's cheek, not directly down the throat, to prevent choking. Exercise the dog. Dogs need daily exercise, such as a brisk walk or playing in a park or backyard. If your dog doesn't get enough exercise, it may not be losing much moisture to panting, and so won't be as thirsty as a healthily active dog. On long walks, bring along water and give the dog a swallow every 10 minutes or so. This can help get the dog in the habit of drinking regularly at home. You should only exercise a previously healthy dog. If your dog is elderly or ill, ask your vet about better options. Feed the dog wet food. Wet food contains a great deal of water already, usually marked on the can as "% moisture content." Replace some or all of the dog's dry food with wet, checking the label or a vet's recommendation to determine how much food the dog needs. Alternatively, soak dry food in a bowl of water for 30–60 minutes before giving it to your dog. Make food only available at mealtimes. Feed your dog once or twice a day, according to your vet's recommendation or the label of your dog food. If food is constantly available, some dogs will mistake thirst for hunger. Let the dog out to pee whenever necessary. If your dog is stuck indoors for 8 hours at a time, it could be avoiding water because it's learned that causes an uncomfortably full bladder. Let your dog out to pee every few hours or train it to use a puppy pad. Give the dog constant access to water. In a multistory home, put a bowl of water on each floor the dog has access to. If the dog spends part of the day outdoors or shut in a room, put an additional bowl of water in these locations. Try to keep these "water stations" in the same place so your dog knows where to look for water. A dog tied outside may get its chain or rope tangled, preventing it from accessing the water dish. If there is no alternative to tying it up, keep the area free from obstructions and place the water dish next to the stake. The water bowl may also get knocked over by the rope or chain, so check it often, replenishing the water as necessary. Change the water frequently. Empty the water bowl daily and rinse out any debris before refilling it, then wipe the sides with a paper towel. Change the water again whenever you notice hair or dirt floating in it, or whenever the water level is getting low. During hot weather, you may need to check the bowl every couple hours. Thoroughly wash and dry the water bowl at least once a week. If the bowl gets dirty, wash it more often. Drinking dirty water can put your dog at risk of developing urinary tract infections, so providing fresh water and keeping the bowl clean is important for your dog's health. Consider a pet fountain. These bowl-sized water fountains may be more attractive to dogs that prefer running water, or young puppies who aren't used to drinking from a bowl. These are also easier to find for dogs with vision problems. Add ice cubes on hot days. Many dogs prefer drinking cold water. Toss in a couple ice cubes. Do this while the dog is watching, and it may come over to investigate. Make the water more exciting. If you don't want to buy a fountain, try shaking the bowl of water instead, or waving a toy over it. Dropping blueberries or other small treats in the water can also convince a dog to drink as it fishes them out. If the dog still isn't interested, try again after replacing the doggie bowl with an ordinary cup or bowl with a different shape or color.

Look for signs of dehydration. Know the risk factors. Visit the veterinarian. Give the dog rehydration fluid. Add flavor and electrolytes to the water. Use a syringe if necessary. Exercise the dog. Feed the dog wet food. Make food only available at mealtimes. Let the dog out to pee whenever necessary. Give the dog constant access to water. Change the water frequently. Consider a pet fountain. Add ice cubes on hot days. Make the water more exciting.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Broken-Finger

How to Treat a Broken Finger

If you or someone you know has broken a finger, go to an emergency room to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. On your way to the doctor, elevate the finger above the heart, since this will allow gravity to help reduce swelling. Once the broken finger is elevated, wrap some ice in a towel and apply it to the finger to ease the pain and help avoid bruising. If the finger has any rings on it, try your best to slide them off before the finger swells because they'll be much harder to remove later on. You should also hold the finger in place by making a simple splint out of a long, thin item, like a popsicle stick or pen, and wrapping it to the finger with medical tape.

Check your finger for any bruising or swelling. Bruising and swelling will likely occur because you have broken tiny blood vessels in your finger. If you have fractured the fingertip, there will likely be purple blood visible underneath your nail and bruising on the pad of your finger. You may also feel a sharp pain when you touch the finger. This is a symptom of a broken finger. Some people can still move their finger though it might be broken and may experience numbness or a dull pain. But these could still be signs of a fractured or broken finger and require immediate medical attention Check for sensation loss or loss of capillary refill. Capillary refill is the return of blood to the finger after pressure has been applied. Examine your finger for any exposed cuts or bones. You may see large open wounds or pieces of bone that have broken your skin and are sticking out of your skin. These are signs of a severe fracture, known as a compound fracture. If you have these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. As well, if there a lot of blood coming from an open wound on your finger, you should see a doctor. Check if your finger looks deformed. If part of your finger is pointing in a different direction, the bone is probably broken or dislocated. A dislocated finger occurs when the bone has moved out of position and usually looks deformed at a joint, such as your knuckle. You should see a doctor if you have a dislocated finger. There are three bones in each of your fingers and they are all arranged in the same manner. The first bone is the proximal phalanx, the second bone is the middle phalanx, and the bone farthest from your hand is the distal phalanx. Because your thumb is the shortest finger, it does not have a middle phalanx. Your knuckles are joints formed by the bones of your fingers. Often, you break your finger at the knuckles, or the joints. Breaks at the base of your finger (the distal phalanx) are usually easier to treat than fractures at your joints or knuckles. Note if the pain and swelling goes down after a couple of hours. If your finger is not deformed or bruised, and the pain and swelling eventually subside, you may have just sprained your finger. A sprain means you have stretched the ligaments, which are the bands of tissue that hold the bones in your finger together at the joint. If you think you have a sprained finger, avoid using the finger. Check to see if the pain and swelling gets better over the next day or two. If the pain and swelling does not go away, you should get medical treatment to confirm the finger is only sprained and not fractured or broken. A physical and x-rays will determine this. Apply ice to the finger. Wrap the ice in a towel and apply it to the finger on your way to the emergency room. This will reduce swelling and bruising. Never apply ice directly to your skin. Keep your finger elevated as you ice it, above your heart. This will allow gravity to help reduce the swelling and bleeding. Make a splint. A splint will keep your finger elevated and hold it in place. To make a splint: Take a long thin item, as long as your broken finger, such as a popsicle stick or a pen. Place it next to your broken finger, or have a friend or family member help you hold it in place. Use medical tape to wrap together the stick or pen and your finger. Wrap it loosely. The tape should not squeeze or pinch your finger. If your finger is wrapped too tightly, this can cause additional swelling and cut off circulation to your injured digit. Try to remove any rings or jewelry. If possible, try to slide off any rings on your finger before the finger swells. It will be much harder to remove the rings once your finger swells up and starts to feel painful. Receive a physical from your doctor. Your doctor will ask for your medical history and perform a physical on you to get more information about you and to see how the injury occurred. Your doctor will check for deformity, neovascular integrity, malrotation of the finger, and skin lacerations or injury. Let your doctor do an X-ray of your finger. This will allow the doctor to confirm whether there is a fracture of the bone in your finger. There are two types of fractures: simple and complex. The type of fracture you have will determine your treatment. Simple fractures are breaks or cracks in the bone that do not break through the skin. Complex fractures are breaks in which the bone sticks though the skin. Allow your doctor to splint your finger if you have a simple fracture. A simple fracture is when the finger is stable and there are no open wounds or cuts on the skin of the broken finger. The symptoms will likely not get worse or cause complications with your ability to move your finger once it is healed. In some cases, your doctor may strap your broken finger to the finger next to it, known as buddy taping. The splint will hold your finger in position as it heals. Your doctor may also move the bone back into place, a procedure known as reduction. You will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Your doctor will then realign the bone. Talk to your doctor about pain medication. You can take over-the-counter pain medication to reduce swelling and pain, but you should still check with your doctor about which medicines are right for you and how much you can take each day. Your doctor can also give you a prescription for pain medication to decrease the pain, depending on the severity of your injury. If you have an open wound on the finger, you may need antibiotics or a tetanus shot. This medicine will prevent any infection caused by bacteria entering the wound. Consider surgery if the injury is complex or severe. If the fracture is severe, you may need surgery to stabilize the broken bone. Your doctor may recommend open reduction surgery. The surgeon will make a small cut on your finger so she can see the fracture and move the bone. In some cases, the surgeon may use small wires or plates and screws to keep the bone in place and allow it to heal properly. These pins will later be removed once your finger has healed. Get a referral for an orthopedic surgeon or hand surgeon. If you have a compound fracture, bad break, nerve injury, or vascular compromise, your doctor may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon (bone and joint specialist) or a hand surgeon. These specialists will then examine your injury and determine if your injury requires surgery. Keep the splint clean, dry, and elevated. This will prevent any infection, especially if you have open wounds or cuts on your finger. Keeping your finger elevated will also help to keep your finger in position and let it heal properly. Do not use your finger or hand until your follow-up appointment. Use your non-injured hand for daily things like eating, bathing, and picking up objects. It's important you give your finger time to heal without any movement or disturbance of the splint. Your follow-up appointment with a doctor or hand specialist should be one week after your initial treatment. At the follow-up appointment, the physician will check that the bone fragments are still aligned and healing properly. For most fractures, your finger will take up to six weeks of rest before you can return to sporting activity or work. Start moving your finger once it is out of the splint. As soon as your doctor confirms your finger has healed and it is out of the splint, it's important to move it around. If you keep it splinted for too long, or immobile after it is out of the splint, the joint will stiffen and your finger will become harder to move and use. See a physiotherapist if your injury is severe. The physiotherapist can give you advice on how to regain normal movement in your finger. She may also give you gentle hand exercises you can do to keep your finger moving and to ensure it regains its mobility.

Check your finger for any bruising or swelling. Examine your finger for any exposed cuts or bones. Check if your finger looks deformed. Note if the pain and swelling goes down after a couple of hours. Apply ice to the finger. Make a splint. Try to remove any rings or jewelry. Receive a physical from your doctor. Let your doctor do an X-ray of your finger. Allow your doctor to splint your finger if you have a simple fracture. Talk to your doctor about pain medication. Consider surgery if the injury is complex or severe. Get a referral for an orthopedic surgeon or hand surgeon. Keep the splint clean, dry, and elevated. Do not use your finger or hand until your follow-up appointment. Start moving your finger once it is out of the splint. See a physiotherapist if your injury is severe.

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

How to Not Be Shy

Not being shy around others won't happen overnight, but there are steps you can take to feel more confident in social situations. For example, try keeping your head up and smiling confidently at people rather than looking down at your feet. Additionally, go to places where it's easy to interact with people, like a school dance, or apply for a part-time job at a fast food restaurant. If you're not sure what to say to someone, initiate a conversation by giving them a compliment, like “I like your shoes!" or "I really liked your question in class today."

Consider what you want to change and why. Are you bothered by a lack of social skills? Do you struggle with superficial conversations, showing your feelings, experience frequent awkward pauses in conversations, or other practical problems? Perhaps you manage to come across sociable enough, but still wish you didn't always feel so uncomfortable and insecure. Also ask yourself how much you really want to change – not everyone is or can be a social butterfly. Don't waste efforts comparing yourself to others. Don't tell yourself that you should be like them. This is simply negative reinforcement, which will only make you feel like you are different, alone, and, in extreme cases, even inferior. Reframe your thinking. Socially anxious individuals frequently have a stream of negative thoughts running through their heads. "I look awkward," "No one is talking to me," or "I am going to look like an idiot," are all thoughts that may run on a loop. As you can probably tell, these thoughts are all negative and will only serve to keep you feeling shy and self-conscious. Aim to break the habit of negative thoughts by becoming aware of when you are falling prey to them and by challenging their logic. For example, just because you are nervous in a crowd or at a party does not mean you look awkward. Others around you may be getting a case of nerves, too. Reframing means not just taking a positive spin on your thoughts, but also a more realistic perspective. Many negative thoughts are rooted in irrational beliefs. Find evidence that disputes your negative thoughts and find another way of looking at the situation. Focus your attention outward, not on yourself. This is one of the most important aspects of shyness and social anxiety. Most shy people don't do this on purpose, but often, attention is consistently drawn to yourself during conversations. This makes you self-aware and keeps a vicious cycle rotating. Research has shown this may play a key role in why people might experience panic attacks after relatively mild anxious moments. Rather than noticing that you are being shy, or that you may have said something embarrassing, try to take a light-hearted approach to perceived deficits. Laugh it off or carry on without bringing too much attention to what you believe is a flaw. Most people will empathize – feeling connected as a human is easier than you might think. Show interest in other people and/or the surroundings. You may feel like everyone is watching you, but generally, people are not judging you. Distorted perception is the culprit in this situation. Others are busy doing their own thing, and, in most cases, are not out to get you. A common misconception is that shy people are introverts. Introverts, in fact, enjoy solitude and recharge by spending time alone. On the contrary, people who are shy desperately want to engage with others but fear scrutiny or judgement. Observe how others with confidence navigate the social scene. Imitation is the highest form of flattery. Of course, you shouldn't go and do exactly what you see another person do, but watching someone who is socially adept can give you some ideas on how to handle certain situations. If you know these individuals well enough, you can even be candid with them and outright ask for advice. Let them know that you notice they seem to be very comfortable in social settings and see if they can give you any pointers. You might just get a surprise and find out that one of the people you admire for their social abilities is actually just as shy as you. See a mental health professional if you have trouble overcoming shyness on your own. Sometimes, extreme shyness is a sign of social anxiety disorder. Individuals with this disorder are terribly fearful of being scrutinized or judged by others to the point that they have little or no friendships or romantic relationships. Your mental health provider can help you to diagnose social anxiety disorder and work with you to develop healthier thought patterns and the confidence to stop avoiding people and social situations. Be approachable. Would you approach somebody with a sour expression on their face or with their head down on their desk? Not likely. Our body language can allow others to make assumptions about us before we even speak. Refrain from looking down at your shoes and try for a small, confident smile and eye contact instead. Open body language sends a message to others that you are willing to interact with them. Sit leaning forward in the direction of the person you are talking to, keep your legs and arms open, and maintain a relaxed posture. Recognize that your body language not only determines how people perceive you but also how you perform. Research shows that certain power poses – like a relaxed posture and open arms – depict when a person is feeling in charge and victorious. On the other hand, closing in on oneself like in the fetal position depict helplessness or vulnerability. One popular Ted Talk shows how these positions of dominance and power are universal throughout all living things – human, primates, even birds. The speaker's premise is, if we purposefully go into these "power" positions when we are feeling insecure, we begin to believe it. This means that you have the power to control your confidence level in any given situation. Striking a power pose for two to five minutes can actually alter your brain chemistry, increasing testosterone and decreasing stress hormones. Even simply visualizing these poses can make you feel more confident and help you begin taking risks. Put yourself out there. The best way to meet people is to actively seek out places where you can meet people. Go to the Fall Dance party at your school or the office Christmas get-together. Try to meet at least one person by the end of the night. Find the local Open Mic & read some poetry you wrote in your college days. One researcher said the best outlet for him to overcome shyness around people was to get a job at a fast food restaurant. Working at McDonald's during his adolescence forced him to interact with complete strangers on a daily basis. He is still self-conscious in some social situations, but he credits that experience with helping him to become more successful despite his shyness. Ask friends of yours to introduce you to some of their friends or acquaintances. This is a great way to meet new people. Plus, you don't have to worry about knowing everyone because the one person you know will act as a buffer. Talk to this person for awhile and then slowly branch out and strike up conversations with mutual friends. Practice talking. Even though this may sound strange, stand in front of a mirror or close your eyes; imagine yourself talking to someone. Feeling like you are prepared before you enter into an unfamiliar social setting can help you minimize anxiety. See your interactions as more like role-play in a movie. Imagine yourself as the gregarious person that draws in others. Then, get out there and put your practice to work. Showcase your talents. Amplifying your strengths will not only make you feel more confident when around others, but will also make you seem more interesting and inviting. For example, if you like art, consider painting sets for a play. It will be easier to shine if you feel comfortable. Find ways to engage with others that share the same passions or interests as you. You can attract many new friends simply by doing what you know and seeming to enjoy it. Give sincere compliments. No need to be over the top. Some of the greatest conversations started with "I like your shirt. Did you get it at (store name)?" Compliments naturally give others a positive impression of you because you made them feel good. What's more, you are guaranteed to walk away with a smile because complimenting others makes you feel good, too. If you know the person, use their name when you give a compliment. Also, be specific. Don't just say "You look great" say "I like your new hairstyle. The color is really flattering with your skin tone". Strive to give three to five compliments a day to a variety of people that you meet on the street and in your daily activities. Try not to select the same person twice. See how many conversations get started and how many people you leave feeling better than when you met them. Take small steps. Try to make progress in small, easily broken down, and identifiable steps. This gives you something new to learn every time, and you can proudly keep track of progress. Keep doing things like having conversations with new people and seeking out opportunities to connect with others. And, celebrate small wins, whether it is giving a few compliments or challenging your negative thoughts.

Consider what you want to change and why. Reframe your thinking. Focus your attention outward, not on yourself. Observe how others with confidence navigate the social scene. See a mental health professional if you have trouble overcoming shyness on your own. Be approachable. Put yourself out there. Practice talking. Showcase your talents. Give sincere compliments. Take small steps.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clone-Pothos

How to Clone Pothos

To clone your pothos, start by picking a vine that has at least 5 healthy leaves and nodes, which are the small brown nubs across from each leaf stem. Cut off a piece close to one of the nodes since this is where the root will sprout, and make sure the vine is at least 6 inches long. Remove 2 of the closest leaves to the bottom node to prevent them from rotting when placed in water. Then, put your cut vine in a jar of clean water, filling it enough to cover the bottom nodes. Place the jar in indirect sunlight, and wait, refilling the water whenever it goes too low. Once roots that are at least a half-inch long grow, transplant the cutting to potting material that's mostly peat. Burry the roots in the soil and water the plant.

Check your chosen vine that you want to cut and see if it is healthy. Do not choose a vine with: Yellowing or decaying of the vine portion More than a few brown, dried leaves Black leaves Decaying/dead growth-tip of the vine Cut off a piece of vine that's at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) long, has at least 5 healthy leaves, and has nodes. Nodes are brown stubs opposite each leaf stem on the vine. Cut close to a node, because this is where the roots will sprout. Remove two of the closest leaves to the bottom node. This will prevent the leaves from rotting when placed in water. Place your cut vine in a jar or container of clean water, only filling the water up to where it covers the bottom one or two nodes. If you want to, you can add a tiny bit of liquid plant fertilizer. Overdoing fertilizer can be bad for your cutting, so if you don't know exactly how much to put, don't risk it. Put in a place where there is indirect sunlight, and wait. Make sure to check and refill the water level so the node(s) will keep growing roots. Once roots (at least half an inch long) show, you can transplant the cutting quickly if you want your new plant to begin growing in soil. If growing it in water, you can wait to transplant put watch out for stagnating/souring water (pour water out and refill). Use potting material that is mostly peat and drains well. Whether your plant is growing outside or indoors in a pot, make sure there is at least six inches of soil-depth in which to grow. If using a pot, there needs to be a drainage hole and a water tray underneath. Using fertilizer is unnecessary, as pothos grows fast and it is optional. With your finger, make a hole that will cover the cutting up to half an inch above its roots. Place the cutting in the hole and place dirt gently over it to fill the hole. Do not pack down the soil. Water the plant by sprinkling onto the dirt. Watering on top of the leaves won't ensure all the water gets down to the dirt. The potting soil should be moderately moist and an inch of topsoil; not ever overly wet. Puddles and mud are not good for the plant. Let the plant grow! With good conditions, with a warm winter climate or re-starting each spring, pothos outside can create a "carpet" of leaves. You can use a trellis to encourage the vines to climb; just twine some long vines through/around the structure. Indoors, it can create a curtain of foliage if several vines are placed on a high shelf. Water moderately when the soil begins getting dry. Don't soak the soil; just water enough to keep it moist. Get a nice ceramic jar, flower vase, or container that is not taller than the cutting. Even a mason jar will work. The container should allow light to reach all of the leaves.. Using pebbles or marbles, fill the container about 75% of the way up. Using gravel sold for aquariums is another great substrate. If using material collected from outdoors, soak, brush and rinse it thoroughly first to get rid of any dirt. Make a "hole" through the substrate and place the cutting in it. Gently cover the hole with the rest of the substrate. Choose a fairly long vine to be visually attractive. The roots should be completely covered, and an area up to an inch above the roots can also be covered with substrate (remove leaves that would decay in the water). Fill the container with water and add liquid fertilizer. Only add enough so that the roots are covered. Some water visible above the substrate level is fine, but avoid putting a lot of the cutting underwater. Liquid fertilizer can be as simple as Miracle-Gro. Always make sure that the fertilizer is for plants in water and that you are dosing correctly. Let it grow! The vines can make a nice, small centerpiece in a casual room. Check on the water level once a week and refill accordingly.

Check your chosen vine that you want to cut and see if it is healthy. Cut off a piece of vine that's at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) long, has at least 5 healthy leaves, and has nodes. Remove two of the closest leaves to the bottom node. Place your cut vine in a jar or container of clean water, only filling the water up to where it covers the bottom one or two nodes. Put in a place where there is indirect sunlight, and wait. Use potting material that is mostly peat and drains well. With your finger, make a hole that will cover the cutting up to half an inch above its roots. Water the plant by sprinkling onto the dirt. Let the plant grow! Water moderately when the soil begins getting dry. Get a nice ceramic jar, flower vase, or container that is not taller than the cutting. Using pebbles or marbles, fill the container about 75% of the way up. Make a "hole" through the substrate and place the cutting in it. Fill the container with water and add liquid fertilizer. Let it grow!

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Foster-Parent-in-California

How to Become a Foster Parent in California

Becoming a foster parent in California is a complex process, but with some patience and hard work, you can offer a loving home to a child in need. If you're thinking about becoming a foster parent in California, check that you meet state requirements. This includes passing several background checks, having a stable income, secure house, clean driving record, and a car to transport your foster child. This is to ensure that you can give the child the stable home life that they need and deserve. If you meet the requirements, get in touch with your local office of the California Department of Social Services to get the ball rolling. This will usually involve a health screening, home study, and a first aid course to make sure the child will be comfortable in your home. Some counties also require you to take parenting classes that will help you understand and meet your foster child's needs.

Consider the needs and circumstances of the children in the foster care system. Children in need of foster care have been removed from homes where they may have been neglected, abused, or exploited. These children may have severe emotional problems as a result of their experiences, and may be under the care of more than one doctor or mental health professional. Many of these children also are behind in school and may need help in the educational system, as well as having behavior problems in a classroom setting. Evaluate the costs of being a foster parent. Although there is no charge to attend orientation and training for foster care or adoption, there are costs associated with the qualification process, as well as costs after you are licensed. To complete your application process, you may have to order as many as three criminal records clearances for yourself and any co-applicants, one criminal records clearance for any other adults living in your house, pay an application and materials fee, complete CPR and first aid certification, and get other required health screenings. These costs usually don't add up to more than a few hundred dollars. If you become certified through a private agency, some of the costs you incur during the application process may be reimbursed after you become a licensed foster parent. State law imposes certain minimum personal, safety and space requirements, which may necessitate some renovation to your house. For example, all foster homes must have a working smoke detector in the hall outside each bedroom. If you have a pool, it must be fenced or have a locked cover so that it is inaccessible to children under 10. If you decide you want to be a foster parent, your licensing worker will note any hazards or concerns when she conducts her home visit. You also must have phone service and a working phone that is unblocked and accessible at all times. Foster parents do receive a monthly payment from the California Department of Social Services to help feed and clothe the foster child as well as meet any other material needs the child might have. Basic foster care rates range from $657 to $820 a month. The child also receives medical and dental insurance through Medi-Cal. Emergency foster parents receive a higher monthly payment because the needs of the children in emergency foster care are greater. Specialized care increments may add between $79 and $840 a month depending on the child's needs assessed by that child's social worker. Foster children also receive an additional clothing allowance each year. Appreciate the responsibilities of being a foster parent. Generally, a foster parent is expected to provide a stable and supportive temporary environment for children until the problems with their birth parents are resolved. California recognizes several different types of foster homes, which provide different services and care for children. For example, emergency foster homes provide children under 12 with temporary care when the children's living situation puts them at immediate risk. Parents in these homes work with social workers to stabilize and assess the child's needs over a 59-day period. Recognize the role of the state government and court system in foster parenting. In many cases, as a foster parent you will be working with a child's caseworker to reunite that child with her parents. Foster parents become members of a team that works to care for the child – a team that typically includes the foster parents as well as social workers, other professionals, and the juvenile court system. Foster parents must be willing to accept assistance and guidance from social workers, who may know the child's situation and understand the child's needs better than they do. Meet the basic requirements of being a foster parent. Because foster parents are expected to provide stable, loving homes for troubled children, the state imposes certain minimum requirements. Generally, foster parents must pass a criminal background check and have a regular source of monthly income to pay all personal and household expenses. California state law requires foster parents to be at least 18 years old; however, most counties and private agencies set a higher minimum age. For example, Families for Children requires foster parents to be at least 25 years old, and San Bernardino County looks for foster parents who are at least 28. Foster parents may be single or married, but if living with an unmarried partner the relationship should be stable. Foster parents may own or rent their home, but they must have at least one spare bedroom and the home must meet all state health and safety standards. All foster parents must have a clean driving record, own a car large enough to transport the family, and carry insurance on that car. Contact your local office of the California Department of Social Services. Each county has a social services office that will guide you through the process of becoming a licensed foster parent. Alternately, you can become licensed through a private adoption and foster care agency. For example, Families for Children is a state-licensed private agency that provides adoption and foster care services in 35 Northern California Counties in the Sacramento, Chico, and San Francisco Bay areas. Talk to a licensing worker and read the orientation packet. Thoroughly read the initial materials given to you to decide if being a foster parent is right for you. The licensing worker will answer any questions you might have. Some counties have orientation meetings where the foster care system and the licensing process are fully explained. If your county has these meetings, going to one is an opportunity not only to ask questions but also to meet other families who are considering being foster parents. Take any required parenting classes. Many counties and private agencies have parenting classes that will teach you how to parent children who have been abused or neglected. For example, Sonoma County has a free nine-class series that prospective foster parents can attend that not only teaches them about parenting about also about the court system, and helps them decide if they want to become foster parents. Foster parents licensed through Families for Children, a state-licensed private foster family agency in Northern California, must complete 12 hours of pre-certification training and 12 hours continuing education each year after certification. After being licensed, you may be required to take continuing education classes. For example, Sonoma County expects licensed foster parents to complete eight hours of continuing education each year. Complete the licensing application. Before you begin your application, read through it and make a list of any information or documentation you will need. Get a health screening and a TB test. Foster parents must be screened for tuberculosis various communicable diseases. You also must be able to demonstrate that you have adequate physical and mental health to care for children. Earn CPR and first aid certificates. All foster parents must be certified in CPR and basic first aid. Get a DMV report. When you apply for a foster care license, you must demonstrate that the car you plan on using to transport your foster child is large enough to accommodate them, insured, and that you or anyone else driving has a current license and a clean driving record. File your application and get fingerprinted. There typically are no fees to file your application. Fingerprints and child abuse clearances are obtained through the state's LiveScan process. Submit to a home study. A social worker will schedule a visit to your home to check for adequate bedroom space and ensure you meet the minimal requirements for safety and comfort established by state law. For example, two children may share the same bedroom if they are of the same gender, but a boy and a girl cannot share a room unless they are both under four years old. Each child also needs closet and drawer space for clothing and personal possessions. Children cannot share bedrooms with adults, although exceptions may be made for infants or toddlers under two. The social worker usually will make two visits before licensing a home. In the first visit, she will make note of anything that doesn't meet the state standards, and tell you how to make changes so you are in compliance. On the second visit, she will recheck those areas she'd noted before to ensure they've been brought up to standard. During the home study, the social worker also will interview you to learn about your lifestyle, background, and your ideas about foster parenting. These details will help her match you up with the right children, so be sure to mention anything that might be of importance. Comply with all required background investigations. You may be asked to sign forms granting permission to review your criminal background or other personal information, or provide additional personal or employment references. Get your license to become a foster parent. Once completed, the rest of the licensing process takes between two and four months, depending on the county where you live and the number of applications received. Greet your first placement. Once you get your license, you will work with employees in the state social services department to decide what types of children would be best suited for your home. Some foster parents may be placed with a child immediately after being licensed, while others may have to wait a few months before there is a child that fits their home. File necessary reports to and accommodate visits from the child's case worker and other professionals. With each child placed in your care, you are responsible for keeping accurate records and providing documentation and reports to social workers and others on a timely basis.

Consider the needs and circumstances of the children in the foster care system. Evaluate the costs of being a foster parent. Appreciate the responsibilities of being a foster parent. Recognize the role of the state government and court system in foster parenting. Meet the basic requirements of being a foster parent. Contact your local office of the California Department of Social Services. Talk to a licensing worker and read the orientation packet. Take any required parenting classes. Complete the licensing application. Get a health screening and a TB test. Earn CPR and first aid certificates. Get a DMV report. File your application and get fingerprinted. Submit to a home study. Comply with all required background investigations. Get your license to become a foster parent. Greet your first placement. File necessary reports to and accommodate visits from the child's case worker and other professionals.

https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-Puppy-Deaths-During-Birth

How to Deal with Puppy Deaths During Birth

To deal with puppy deaths during birth, give the mother a little time with the dead puppies, since she might get agitated if you take them right away. However, if the mother or the living puppies are sickly in any way, it's best to remove the dead puppies immediately. Try to remove the puppies when she's not looking and be sure to use a paper towel or rubber glove to grab the carcasses. Then, bury the dead puppies on your property or call animal control to pick up the bodies.

Allow the mother to spend some time with the dead puppies. Although it might seem a little morbid to leave the dead animals in with the mother and any surviving pups, removing the dead puppies might agitate the mother. She knows how many puppies she delivered and removing the dead ones may make her frantically start looking for her pups. Instead, leave the dead pups in with the mother for a while. Eventually, she will realize they are dead, allowing you to remove them without causing her distress. Once the dead puppy's body cools, the mother will likely notice that it is dead. If the mother is still trying to care for any dead pups after a few days, be sure to remove them even if it causes the mother distress. Parasites from the decaying carcasses can be passed on to the mother and the remaining pups. If the mother or surviving pups seem ill in any way, remove the dead puppies immediately. You do not want a parasite taking advantage of their weakened immune systems. Remove the dead animals. After you allow the mother some time to notice that the puppies are dead, remove them from the rest of the litter. It may be best to remove the dead animals while the mother is not looking to prevent unnecessary agitation. You should use a paper towel or rubber glove to grab the carcasses so that you do not infect yourself with any parasites from the decomposing animals. Contact your veterinarian. Once you remove the dead animals, put them in a freezer bag and place them in the freezer. You should then contact your veterinarian about having the dead animals tested. It is important that you find out if the other litter members are at risk or if the mother has some health issue that may prevent her from breeding again. If you have the placenta, include that with the dead puppies. Let the veterinarian dispose of them. If you send the carcasses to the veterinarian for testing, they will dispose of the deceased animals after they perform their tests on them. Depending on their facilities, they may incinerate or bury the animals. You may also request the remains if you want to dispose of the animals yourself. Typically, the vet will dispose of any dead animals for free after performing a necropsy. Contact animal control. If you do not contact your veterinarian and are unsure about how to dispose the dead animals, call your local animal control. They will help you determine the best way of disposing of the carcasses. You can also take the dead puppies to your local animal services center and see if they will dispose of them for you. Bury your puppies. In most places, you can bury deceased animals on your own property. If you have small children, you may want to have a small burial ceremony to help them deal with the death. For something as small as a puppy, a shoebox should work as a coffin. You should bury the dead animal at least two feet (61 cm) deep to prevent scavengers from digging it up. Be sure to find out what your local rules and regulations are before burying the deceased animals. You may also want to explore the option of burying the animals in a pet cemetery. If you feel particularly attached to the dead puppies, you can also look into having them cremated and keeping their ashes in an urn. Cope with the grief. The death of puppies can be a difficult event to manage emotionally. You may experience sadness, anger, or even denial that the puppies passed away. Acknowledging these emotions and expressing them, as opposed to suppressing them and acting as if they are not there, will help you address and eventually deal with your sadness. In order to address your grief, you might consider joining a pet-loss support group. You might also write about your loss in a journal or visit a mental health professional to deal with your grief. Explain what happened. If you have children, it is important that your talk with them about the death of the puppy or puppies. Explain to them that this is a normal and natural occurrence and that many young animals do not survive infancy. Because your children will likely have been very excited about the arrival of puppies, you should prepare yourself for them to be very sad and disappointed. To avoid your child feeling betrayed, tell them about the death of the puppies right away. Once you get the necropsy report back from the vet, you may want to let your child know what caused the puppies' death. Say something like “I know that it's sad, but this is a natural part of life.” You might break the news to your children by saying something like “I have some bad news about the puppies” or “There's something I need to tell you about the puppies.” Comfort your grieving family members. Listen to your child's questions about the loss of the puppies and be sure to give them answers that are appropriate and do not traumatize them. Let them know that it is okay to be sad and that disappointment is a normal feeling in this situation. Finally, be on the lookout for signs that your child is struggling with the grief. Talk to your child if they have difficulty sleeping, seem constantly sad, or have a hard time in school. Seeing a dead animal for the first time, especially if they are the puppies of your family's pet dog, may be traumatic for your children. Try to comfort them by saying things like “At least the puppies didn't experience any pain” or “This is nobody's fault. These things happen sometimes.” Remember your pet. Give yourself and your family the opportunity to express their grief and remember your pets through a ceremony or tribute. You can hold a burial ceremony in your backyard or plant a special tree or flower to remember the puppies. You can ask your child to help you in the planning of the ceremony or talk about ways that they would like to pay tribute to the animals. Spay your dog. The best way to prevent stillborn puppies or death in infancy is to spay your dog. This is particularly true if your dog has lost puppies in previous pregnancies. Unless you are a professional dog breeder, you should have your dog spayed before its first heat, which is usually around 5 to 6 months of age. Young dogs that become pregnant are more likely to miscarry and have stillborn puppies. They are also less likely to be able to properly care for their puppies and meet their nutritional needs. Visit your veterinarian. If you want to breed your dog, you should visit your veterinarian to make sure that your dog is healthy enough to deliver puppies successfully. Many dogs suffer from genetic problems that make healthy delivery of puppies difficult. If your dog is pregnant, you should set up regular veterinary checkups to make sure that the pregnancy is progressing normally. Although it will not eliminate it, working with a veterinarian will limit the likelihood of stillborn puppies. You should also contact your veterinarian if any complications arise during your dog's labor. Isolate the mother for three weeks before delivery. One of the leading causes of stillborn puppies is a herpes infection. If the mother is infected while pregnant, she will likely lose the entire litter. To avoid this, you should isolate the mother from any other dogs for at least the last three weeks of the pregnancy. You should also keep the mother and pups isolated for at least three weeks after the birth. Transmission occurs by direct contact. This includes sexual contact as well as nosing, sniffing, and licking other dogs.

Allow the mother to spend some time with the dead puppies. Remove the dead animals. Contact your veterinarian. Let the veterinarian dispose of them. Contact animal control. Bury your puppies. Cope with the grief. Explain what happened. Comfort your grieving family members. Remember your pet. Spay your dog. Visit your veterinarian. Isolate the mother for three weeks before delivery.

https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Score-in-Golf

How to Keep Score in Golf

To keep score in golf during stroke play, write down each player's number of strokes at the end of each round. If a player swings at the ball, it counts as a stroke, even if they do not make contact with the ball. You should also keep track of penalties, such as a 2-stroke penalty for hitting the ball out of bounds or a 1-stroke penalty for hitting the ball into water. Add up the total scores for each hole. At the end of the game, the player with the lowest score is the winner.

Get a scorecard. A round of golf is played over 18 holes. After each hole, you should record your score on a scorecard. Even experienced golfers can miss a shot here or there without a scorecard. Keep track of your score and the scores of the other players in your group. Typically, you are responsible for keeping the score of your opponent, and your opponent is responsible for keeping track of yours. After every round, you have to look over your opponent's card, agree that he has written down your score correctly, and sign or initial it. You'll also have to do this at the very end of the round. So if your opponent makes a mistake (even assuming it's an honest one) that somehow makes your score worse than it should be, you have to take the blame for it. Other players designate one person to be in charge of keeping score for all of the players before the game begins. Count every purposeful attempt to strike a ball as a stroke. It's likely that 99.9% of the time a golfer will make contact with the ball. But if he/she tries to hit the ball and whiffs, it still counts as a shot. On the other hand, if you take a practice swing and accidentally hit the ball, it doesn't count. Every time you take a swing at the ball, therefore, it counts as a stroke, whether anything good happens or not. Each hole will have a number of strokes listed under "Par". This is the average amount of strokes it should take to get the ball in the hole. If the par is 3 and you make a 4, then your score can be viewed as 1-over. If the par for the course is 80 and you finished the course with a 95, then your score is 15-over. Though you don't have to know them to keep score, you should know that a birdie is one stroke under par, an eagle is two under par, and a bogey is one over par. Some players decide that they can take no more strokes for each hole than a double bogey , or 2 points over par. Know your penalties. Penalties are shots that cost you extra points. Remember that you want your score to be as low as possible, and the penalties drive them up. Here are some penalties: If you hit a ball in the water, drop a new ball in the designated location and take a 1-stroke penalty. If you hit the ball out of bounds (as indicated by white stakes), re-hit from the original location and take a 2-stroke penalty. If you lose a ball, re-hit from the original location and take a 2-stroke penalty. Add up your points. When you're finished, add up your scores from each hole for a cumulative total. Double check it. If you're playing in a tournament, one of your competitors will be keeping your official score. You must check it and then sign your scorecard to make it official. The player with the least amount of points wins the game. Some players add up the points every 9 holes so that they don't have to do too many calculations at the end and can settle disputes over the score more easily. Know your handicap. Once you've played at least ten rounds of golf on the same course (or however many rounds you have to play for the course to determine your handicap), you'll have a handicap. A handicap takes into account your previous scores throughout the same previous round of golf, and you can play the game while keeping your handicap in mind. (The goal is to do better than you previously did.) If you want to get fancy with the handicap, then you can play using the Stableford method. In this scoring method, your golf score is made not of a number of strokes you get per hole, but a number of net points you get per hole. If your net score is equal to the par, you get 2 points; if you hit one over par (a bogey), you get 1 point. If you get 1 under par (a birdie), you get 3 points, and if you hit 2 under par (an eagle), you get 4 points. The player with the most points wins. Score each hole as "holes up" or "holes down. " This is a great way to play for beginners, and you don't have to be as meticulous about keeping track of exactly what happened in every single round. All you have to do is win more holes than your opponent. So, let's say that your score on the first hole was 5 and your opponent's score on the first hole was three; your opponent is now "one up" because your opponent is one hole ahead of you. Concede a hole if necessary. If you're having an impossible time getting the ball into a hole during a certain round and would rather save your energy and sanity, then you can give up that hole and move on to the next. You get a clean start in the next hole. Keep track of who has won each hole. Continue to play and write down who has won each hole after every round. Just write +1 if you're up a hole for a certain round or -1 if you're down for that round. If you and your opponent got the ball in the hole with the same amount of strokes, you can write "AS" under the hole and consider it a draw. End the game when one player is more holes up than there are holes remaining. Matches can be one by scores of "four and three." This means that one player will win after being four holes ahead with only three holes remaining (after the 15th hole) since the other player will not have the opportunity to win back enough holes to win the round. Don't obsess over how many shots you're taking. If you're a beginner, it's more important to focus on getting the ball in the hole than being upset about taking too many shots. This way, you'll be more focused on falling into a rhythm than overanalyzing your game. As you become more advanced, you can work on marking down every one of your shots and making room for improvement.

Get a scorecard. Count every purposeful attempt to strike a ball as a stroke. Know your penalties. Add up your points. Know your handicap. Score each hole as "holes up" or "holes down. Concede a hole if necessary. Keep track of who has won each hole. End the game when one player is more holes up than there are holes remaining. Don't obsess over how many shots you're taking.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Military-ID

How to Get a Military ID

To get a military I.D. as a veteran, you can visit your local DMV and present proof of your military status, like a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. If you want a retiree I.D. card, you'll need to fill out the form that corresponds with your military involvement and then bring it to an MILPO location, along with proof of your retirement from the military. If you're not sure what form you need to fill out, you can ask and fill out the right form when you arrive on site.

Get a sponsor. Your military member is your sponsor, and the reason you will receive some benefits. The benefits include, but are not limited to, the privilege of driving on post, use of the base/post exchange, buying groceries at the commissary, and Tricare health insurance. If you do not have a sponsor, you will not be able to get a dependent ID card. The following is a list of the most common dependent recipients: A lawful spouse A widow Children under 21-years old Children between 21 and 23 who are going to college Adult children unable to care for themselves Bring pertinent documents. Pretty much every form you sign while in the military, or part of a military family, is going to require multiple forms of ID. You'll need to bring your photo ID (e.g. a driver's license), a social security (SSN) card, and a birth certificate. For different dependents there are specific forms of ID required: For a spouse, the wedding license is required. If a couple already has a child before marriage, the child's birth certificate and SSN card is necessary. If the military member is adopting his new spouse's child, then the child's adoption papers, birth certificate, and SSN card are required. All these forms have to be originals. No copies are accepted. Get enrolled in DEERS. All service-members are in DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System), and so are their legal dependents. It's essentially a worldwide-accessible database of names that identifies military sponsors, their families, and other applicable personnel who are eligible for benefits. You can either go to your local Military Personnel Office (MILPO) or access the Real-time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) site. Ask your sponsor to sign a DD FORM 1172-2. They must sign the DD FORM 1172-2 (Application for identification [ID] card/DEERS enrollment) for you to obtain any benefits. For deployed military members, there are three possible substitutions: A DD FORM 1172-2 can be notarized and signed abroad, as long as there is a verifying official (VO) on hand. A special power of attorney for IDs and DEERs, common for families experiencing separation, can be granted to a dependent of legal age. The RAPIDS site can be used with an active Common Access Card (CAC) to digitally sign a document. Once the document is digitally signed, it can be accessed remotely wherever the dependant attempts to sign up for an ID card. Get your ID card. After your enrollment in DEERS has been verified, you're almost finished. You'll need to bring two different forms of ID to MILPO, and one of those must have your photo on it. There are two different forms left, however, that can be filled out at the MILPO: DD FORM 1173 – This is the form titled United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card, for dependents of active duty, Reservists who are active duty for greater than 30 days, retirees and those receiving retiree pay, Medal of Honor winners, and a few other eligible dependents. DD FORM 1173-1 – This form is titled the United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (Guard and Reserve family member). It is for dependents of Reservists, former Reservists, and Reservists who die after they become eligible. Complete a completed DD FORM 1172-2. For retired veterans, this process should already be completed during service or during the End Term Service (ETS) out-processing. If, however, it is not completed, retirees must still fill out the form to be part of the DEERS database. Fill out the service-corresponding form. Depending on your military involvement (i.e. Active Duty, Reserves, National Guard), or the level of your service-related disability, there are two possible options for retiree ID cards. Either of these forms can be filled out beforehand, or when you arrive on site. DD FORM 2 – A blue ID card is issued after filling out this form. Those who may submit this form are the following former military members: Retirees who are receiving retired pay, or are entitled to retired pay Former service members who are on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) Former service members who are on the Permanent Disability Retired List (PDRL) DD FORM 2A – A red card is issued after filling out this form. The DD FORM 2A is specifically for people under the age of 60 who are retired from the Reserves or National Guard. Go to the MILPO location. Most military bases will allow someone on post with a temporary pass if they don't have a military ID. You'll need a valid reason to get through the gate, but if you tell them you need to get your retired ID card they'll most likely let you through. Be sure to get directions to the MILPO location and head there directly. You will only be permitted to go to the locations you've been authorized. Your car will most likely be inspected prior to being allowed on post. Be sure to remove firearms from the vehicle beforehand. Bring your proof of retirement from the military, along with the aforementioned forms. Once you present all the appropriate forms, you should receive your appropriate retiree ID card. Go to the DMV. In most states there is a method by which former members of the military, who are not retired or in some other way in possession of a traditional military ID, can prove their former service. In some states the local circuit court clerk may serve as an alternate location. Ask about your state's offering. Each state differs, but all states offer some way to identify those who have served honorably. There are essentially three variations offered: A stamp or designation may be placed on the normal driver's license. This is typically displayed as a red “V” or with the word “Veteran” somewhere on the card. In some states, a special driver's license for veterans is available. The license is slightly different from typical licenses depending on the state. Those states without driver's license modifications provide a unique veteran's ID card. This card is one specifically designed to identify you as a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, and is supplementary to your driver's license. Present proof of military service. In most states, proving your service is done by presenting your DD FORM 214 (DD214), the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, which is probably the most coveted and popular form for former service members. In absence of the DD214 there are three possible alternatives: Presenting the DD FORM 215, which is the Correction to DD FORM 214, has enough information to show your honorable discharge from service. Showing an active duty CAC can obviously be used to display your current service. Displaying your retiree military ID card can be used to get whatever designation your state offers. Receive your Veterans ID card. Depending on state, this process could require a minimal waiting period and a small fee. Additionally, the waiting period may be extended if your state requires the VA to vet the veracity of your documentation.

Get a sponsor. Bring pertinent documents. Get enrolled in DEERS. Ask your sponsor to sign a DD FORM 1172-2. Get your ID card. Complete a completed DD FORM 1172-2. Fill out the service-corresponding form. Go to the MILPO location. Go to the DMV. Ask about your state's offering. Present proof of military service. Receive your Veterans ID card.

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

How to Grow Raspberries

To grow raspberries, choose an area that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day and is protected from wind. Then, follow the instructions on the seed package to plant the seeds indoors in the winter time to be stored in a cool, dark space until they're about 1 inch tall. Be sure to mist the plants daily to keep the soil moist. Plant the seedlings in early spring with about 2 feet between plants. Add mulch to the soil around the plants to prevent weeds and keep the soil moist after watering weekly.

Educate yourself on the differences between fruit colors. Raspberries come in three different colors: red, yellow, and black. Some variants of black have more of a purplish-black hue. Each color has a different general flavor profile and level of hardiness. In most cases, you'll find that red and yellow raspberries are the sweetest colors, especially compared to black ones, which have a deeper, richer flavor. Red raspberries may want to be prioritized for beginning growers. Generally, these can be counted on to be the most hearty of the three colors. Black raspberries are the most difficult of the three colors to maintain. These are more susceptible to disease and environmental changes. Learn about the two main varieties. Raspberries are either summer-bearers or ever-bearers. Summer-bearers only bear one crop per season during summertime. Ever-bearers, on the other hand, produce one harvest in summer and another in the fall. Popular summer-bearers: Latham (round, dark red fruit) Meeker (deep red, extremely sweet, high sugar content) Willamette (firm and slightly tart) Brandywine (large, purplish-black fruit) Black Hawk (deep black, juicy berry) Popular ever-bearers: Amity (medium-sized, dark red, firm, and fragrant) Fall Gold (golden yellow color, very sweet) September (tart, juicy, with medium sized fruit) Heritage (rich in flavor, firm, large fruit size) Plant several varieties for a continual harvest. Select plants that bear fruit throughout the summer months and well into the fall. By doing so, you can create an ongoing harvest so you can have fresh raspberries throughout the growing season. One possible combination could be mixing Algonquin (ever-bearing) with Autumn Bliss (midsummer-bearing). Another summer-bearing only combo might include: Boyne (early summer), Citadel (midsummer), Encore (late summer) Double Delight (early fall), Durham (fall). Consider your climate. When it comes to growing plants, climates are usually broken up into "hardiness zones." The lower the number of your zone, the colder its climate and (generally) the farther it is from the equator. Your hardiness zone can be looked up on the USDA website. The zones that plants are best suited for are usually listed with their care information. For the best results in your plants, only choose plants rated for your zone. In northern areas, you should use hardier, more cold-tolerant varieties of raspberry, like Boyne, Nova, and Nordic. In southern climates, choose raspberries that can withstand high heat and potential dryness, like Dorman Red, Bababerry, and Southland varieties. Choose an area with full sunlight. Full sunlight, in gardening terms, means at least 6 hours of sun, but in some cases plants requiring full sunlight might need 8 or even 10 hours of light to thrive. For raspberries, aim to expose them to as much light as possible. Warm sunshine has a tendency to improve the quality of raspberry fruit, making it juicier and more flavorful. Fruit with poor light might turn out stunted and shriveled. You may have to move garden or yard items that block the sun to your raspberries. Prune back trees or bushes that could block the sun. Avoid windy areas. Although environmentally hardy, raspberry plants are susceptible to wind damage. Plant your raspberry plants near a fence or on the side of a structure to block the wind. Set up a wind block for plants by stringing a sheet or tarp between posts. Provide additional support for your berries by stringing two guidelines between two row-end T-trellises or V-trellises. Each line should be separated by 3½ ft (1.1 m) to create a space for the berries to grow, and should be about 3½ ft high. Plan for adequate spacing. You'll be planting your raspberries in rows. Plan for, within a row, red and yellow varieties being separated by a distance of about 2 ft (.61 m). Black and purple varieties should be kept 3 ft (.91 m) from other same-row plants. Distance between rows should be between 6 and 24 in (15.2 and 61 cm). Spacing your plants adequately will help them receive the most sunlight possible, which will encourage the best possible harvest. Ensure that the soil is well drained and disease free. Rich, well-draining, sandy loam soil will provide the best growing conditions for your raspberries. Improve your soil quality by using plant formulated soil and mixing in compost with it. Avoid planting in low-lying areas where water may collect after a heavy rain. Standing water can contribute to mildew, mold, root rot, and other kinds of plant disease. Although raspberries fare poorly in standing water or when overwatered, make sure water is easily available. Water supply is especially important during dry times of the season. Refrain from planting raspberries in soil previously used for bramble berries, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants, or roses. These can leave behind diseases. Destroy any wild growing raspberries or blackberries within about 600 ft (183 m) of those you plant. Wild berries can also transmit diseases to your healthy berries. Check the pH of the soil. Most berries do best in slightly acidic soil, and raspberries flourish with a pH rating between 5.6 and 6.2. You can purchase pH testing kits at your local nursery or home center, but you might also check out other methods as well. You should be able to find soil pH testing forms, bags, and instructions at your local agricultural extension office as well. In most cases, you can easily lower the pH level of your soil by mixing granular sulfur with it. This is available at most nurseries and home centers. Grow plants from seeds. Seeds should be sown according to their package instructions in a plastic peat pot with sterile soil that is low in nutrients at about mid-winter. Space seeds one inch apart and then use your finger to push them about an inch (2.5 cm) into the ground. Cover seeds with a thin layer of loose soil/sand and store them in a dim, cool place indoors. Keep the seeds lightly moist with a spray bottle. Place the seeds outside in partial sunlight when temperatures reach at least 60ºF (15.6ºC). Seeds should should be transplanted into your garden after growing at least one inch in height and developing leaves. Purchase grown raspberry plants, alternatively. You'll want these to be at least one year old. Cultivated plants come in two basic types: those with bare roots covered in plastic peat containers and tissue-cultured plants. Check with the nursery or home center where you purchase seedlings to make sure they are certified disease-free and have been propagated from virus-indexed stock. Plant the raspberries in early spring. This is the best time to plant both seedlings and grown plants. This will allow the ideal amount of time for maturation. Grown plants should bear fruit by the end of summer. For ever-bearers, expect to find fruit into fall as well. Feel free to add raspberry plants to your patch throughout the summer months. Check the weather report before planting. If there's a fear of frost or a temperature drop, you may want to keep already dormant plants in stasis by keeping them in a refrigerator. Plant these berries as soon as possible. Lay down a layer of straw over your plants to protect them from frost. Use ground cover, like a tarp or sheet, to prevent frost damage. Remove tarps or sheets in the early morning. Loosen the roots and remove the plant from its container, if necessary. Plants simply in a root ball should be easy to free from their packaging. Tap plants in containers with the heel of your wrist. This will loosen the roots. Slide the plant out and catch the soil gently. Be careful not to handle your plants too roughly. Pulling at the stem or the roots can damage your plants. Spread out your raspberries plants. Within each row, separate red and yellow raspberry plants by a distance of 2 ft (.61 m) apart. Black raspberries will need at least 3 ft (.91 m) between each plant in a row. Be sure to keep about 6 to 24 in (15.2 to 61 cm) between rows when you are planting. Newly planted or freshly germinated plants will require about a year before they begin to fill out and can bear fruit. Dig a small hole for each plant and insert it into the ground. This should be just deep enough to cover the roots without touching the lowest leaves. Place the plant in the hole and cover it with soil. Cover any exposed roots but avoid burying its foliage. The depth for raspberry plant holes is usually about 3 to 4 in (7.6 cm to 10.2 cm). Use a simple hand shovel to dig the holes. Add mulch to keep the soil moist and prevent weeds. Use your best judgement when mulching. You can add up to 4 inches (10.2 cm), but don't add so much that the berries struggle to grow among the mulch. Gardening mulch can be bought at most nurseries and home centers. Other common inexpensive substitutes for store bought mulch includes hay, leaves, or bark. Water the area thoroughly after planting. Alternatively, soak the roots of raspberries in water for an hour or two before planting. Add a ½ tsp (2.5 ml) of a vitamin B1 growth stimulant per quart water the roots are soaking in for even better results from your planting. Heavily watering after planting can help plants to recover from the shock of transplanting. At minimum, thoroughly water you plants after planting. Water plants weekly. Generally, you want the soil around your plants to be damp in summer and dry in winter. A soaker hose, where water seeps out of a hose line to water plants, should provide enough moisture for your berries if used for an hour or two every week. In some cases, like during heat or dry spells, you may need to water your berries more than usual. Prune your raspberries at least once per year. Training your plants by pruning them will encourage a rich and productive crop. Remove canes (stems) outside the 12 to 18 in (30.5 to 45.7 cm) total row width. Cut away any canes that are damaged, infested with insects, or appear diseased. For summer-harvest crops of red raspberries, cut down discolored, grayish canes after they have finished producing fruit. Leave new, healthy plants. For fall-harvest crops, cut off all the canes at ground level after they have finished producing fruit. For black raspberries, cut off the side fruit-producing branches after harvesting. Remove weak and untrained branches. When not producing, cut off small canes. Remove the smallest, ineffective canes from all plants in late winter. Ideally, three to six strong, healthy canes will remain after this process. Fertilize in late winter. You can apply a few inches of mature compost and/or an organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion, to promote healthy, productive plants. A homemade, organic raspberry fertilizer might look like: Organic homemade raspberry fertilizer : 4 parts canola seed meal (or fish meal), 1 part dolomitic lime (to offset acidity in the seed meal), 1 part rock phosphate (or ½ part bone meal), 1 part kelp meal. Harvest your raspberries in late summer or early fall. The berries should be rich in color and come free easily from the plant. Some varieties, however, offer a bit of resistance when being picked. Taste a few berries to determine if they are sweet enough to harvest. As the color darkens, the sugar level increases. Harvest berries early in the morning when it is still cold outside. This prevents them from smashing as you pick them. Rinse your berries and eat them immediately after harvesting. Though raspberries will keep in the refrigerator for several days, they are best eaten fresh. Freeze extra raspberries for later use in baking. Try putting putting them in jams or preserves , pies, etc.

Educate yourself on the differences between fruit colors. Learn about the two main varieties. Plant several varieties for a continual harvest. Consider your climate. Choose an area with full sunlight. Avoid windy areas. Plan for adequate spacing. Ensure that the soil is well drained and disease free. Check the pH of the soil. Grow plants from seeds. Purchase grown raspberry plants, alternatively. Plant the raspberries in early spring. Loosen the roots and remove the plant from its container, if necessary. Spread out your raspberries plants. Dig a small hole for each plant and insert it into the ground. Add mulch to keep the soil moist and prevent weeds. Water the area thoroughly after planting. Water plants weekly. Prune your raspberries at least once per year. Fertilize in late winter. Harvest your raspberries in late summer or early fall.

https://www.wikihow.com/Help-Someone-Overcome-the-Loss-of-a-Relative

How to Help Someone Overcome the Loss of a Relative

It can be hard to know what to say or how to help someone when they lose a relative, but there are some simple ways to support your friend while they grieve. Tell them that you're sorry for their loss and ask them how they're feeling. They might not want to talk about it, but this will show that you care about them. You can also offer to bring them food, give them a ride somewhere, or invite them to hang out if they want company. If in doubt, ask them what you can do to help. Don't take it personally if they seem distracted or cold with you, since this is natural during grief. Try to check in with the person regularly over the first few weeks and months of their loss so they know you're there for them.

Acknowledge what happened. Death is not easy to talk about, and many people have trouble bringing up the subject. But avoiding the topic because it makes you uncomfortable isn't going to help out your friend. You may think that talking about other topics will be a good distraction, but your grieving friend won't find it easy to laugh at jokes or talk about random subjects. Ignoring the biggest issue in your friend's life is not the way to support him or her, so be brave enough to bring up the topic instead of awkwardly acting like it didn't happen. Don't be afraid to say the word "died." Don't say "I heard what happened." Say "I heard the news that your grandmother died." When you say what's true, even if it's painful, you're showing your friend that you're willing to talk about the hard things in life. Your friend needs someone who gets it and is capable of going there. Name the person who died. Saying the person's name might cause tears to come, but it will help your friend to know the person who died still matters to other people. Express concern. Tell your friend how sorry you are about the fact that his or her relative died. Telling your friend that you're sorry and you love him or her will help your friend feel comforted. Giving your friend a hug or touching him or her on the shoulder can also help communicate your sorrow for what your friend is going through. Say the words "I'm sorry." If you knew the person who has passed away, share memories of that person with your friend, and list the good qualities of that person. Remembering the good of that person can help your friend feel a bit better about the loss they're enduring. If you and your friend are religious, offer to pray for him/her and his/her family. If they are not religious, say that you are thinking of them and are deeply sorry for their loss. Be genuine. Since death is so hard to talk about, it can be difficult to express your true feelings to your friend. But using one of the dozens of cliches people say to make talking about death easier isn't actually going to be very helpful. If you tell your friend your honest feelings, you'll sound more sincere, and your friend will be more likely to turn to you when he or she needs someone to listen. Avoid saying things like "She's in a better place," or "She'd want you to be happy right now." You don't actually know that, do you? Hearing these empty statements isn't very helpful. If you're having trouble putting your feelings into words, it's ok to say something along the lines of "I just don't know what to say. I can't express how sorry I am." Ask how the person is feeling. You might assume this would be a common question, but many people are a little afraid to ask or just don't want to deal with the answer. When your friend is at work or with acquaintances, he or she probably has to pretend like everything's ok. That's why as the person's friend, giving him or her the space to talk can be really helpful. You'll need to be ready to accept your friend's answer, even if it's difficult to hear. Some people might not want to be asked how they're feeling. If your friend doesn't seem to want to talk about it, don't push him or her to say more. If your friend does decide to open up, encourage him or her to talk for as long as it helps. Don't try to change the subject, or inject cheer into the conversation; just let the person be expressive and release all the emotions he or she normally has to hold back. Don't judge. Let the person be himself, no matter what that means. Everyone has different responses to losing a relative, and there's really no right or wrong way to feel. Even if your friend is having a reaction you don't think you would have, it's important to allow the person to express his or her feelings without your judgement. Be prepared to get to know your friend in a deeper way, and see him or her act in ways you may not be used to. Despair and grief can erupt in many different ways. Your friend might feel denial, anger, numbness, and a million other emotions in response to his or her grief. Don't say "time heals". Time might take away the initial sting, but when a close relative dies, life will never be the same. The idea that time heals makes it seem like there's a deadline after which people should feel "normal" again, but for many people that will never happen. Instead of focusing on helping the person "get over" his or her grief, focus on being a source of support and joy in that person's life. Never pressure your friend to mourn more quickly. Forget the "five stages of grief." There is no actual timeline for grief, and everyone handles it differently. While thinking about grief as a series of stages might be helpful to some, for many people it simply doesn't apply. Don't hold your friend to any kind of timeline. Don't say "you're so brave". This common sentiment sounds caring, but it can make people who are grieving feel worse. That's because calling someone brave makes it seem as though you expect them to stand tall even while they're suffering. When someone has lost a relative, they may have times when they stumble and fall. A good friend like yourself shouldn't expect someone to act courageous all the time when his or her world has just been turned upside down. Handle tears with grace. People are very vulnerable when they cry. Your reaction when your friend breaks down in tears can either be really helpful or extremely harmful. The best way to handle tears is with acceptance and love, rather than awkwardness or disgust. Know that your friend is going to cry from time to time, and be prepared to handle his or her tears in a positive, helpful way instead of making him or her feel worse. Think ahead about how you'll react if your friend cries when you're together. Prepare to give him or her a hug, continue making eye contact, and stay for as long as necessary. Leaving the room, looking away, making a joke or somehow cutting off the conversation can leave the person feeling embarrassed that he or she cried. Answer your messages. Being reliable is more important than ever when your friend is going through the loss of a relative. Answering or returning phone calls is a big deal. Make sure to return texts and respond to messages of any kind when your friend is going through a period of mourning. If you tend to be on the flaky side in this arena, make an extra effort to be present for your friend. Help out. Ask your friend how you can help make things easier during the first few months after his or her relative died. Don't just say "Let me know if there's anything I can do to help"; many people will say those words, and they usually don't really intend to get involved. If you really want to make a difference, ask for concrete things you can start doing to make life a little easier for your friend and his or her family. Here are a few things you could do: Make food or bring food to your friend and his/her family. Or, if you're challenged by the kitchen, you could bring them nice carry-out. Give people rides Do household chores Take care of the person's pets Get the person's homework assignments Make phone calls to inform people about the person's loss Find little ways to be thoughtful. A good way to express your support for your friend is to show your friend you're thinking about him or her. Go above and beyond to be thoughtful more often than you normally would. The small ways in which you show your friend you care can be as meaningful as having a big heart-to-heart conversation. Try doing the following: Make cookies or bake a cake Take the person out to the movies or go for a walk in the park Send a thoughtful card in the mail Email the person more often Include the person in more social activities Give the person gifts every once in a while Be patient and understanding. Your friend might not be the same for a long time. He or she might seem sad, distracted or a little less energetic for months or even years after a close relative passes away. Being a good friend means staying in the friendship even when someone goes through big changes, and if you love your friend, you won't expect him or her to "bounce back" - you'll go along for the ride. Don't pressure your friend to do activities he or she no longer finds fun. Understand that your friend might go through serious problems after the loss of a relative. Sometimes people turn to addictive behaviors or experience major depression as a result of grief and trauma. If you're worried that your friend might harm him or herself, help your friend get help. Be a steady presence. After a few months, most people will get wrapped up in their own busy lives and stop thinking about your friend's loss. But your friend will need support for more than just a few months after losing a close relative. Be there for your friend for as long as he or she needs a little extra help and care. Check in on the anniversary of your friend's relative's death. Ask your friend how he or she is doing. The best thing you can do for your friend is just to be there. If they call, talk or set up plans. If they don't, send a card saying you're thinking of them. It's best to let them grieve while you offer your embrace and your love.

Acknowledge what happened. Express concern. Be genuine. Ask how the person is feeling. Don't judge. Don't say "time heals". Don't say "you're so brave". Handle tears with grace. Answer your messages. Help out. Find little ways to be thoughtful. Be patient and understanding. Be a steady presence.

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

How to Become a Philanthropist

To become a philanthropist, donate your time or money to charitable causes that are important to you. For example, you can volunteer to help out a nonprofit organization in your community, or you can join a public awareness campaign to get the word out about something you care about. Or, if you have money to spare, you can donate a charity that supports a cause you feel strongly about.

Determine what's important to you. There are a variety of different reasons you may want to become a philanthropist. People also have different outcomes they hope to achieve through giving to charity. Think about what's important to you and why before diving into the world of philanthropy. What are you reasons for giving? Are you giving out of religious belief, tradition, a sense of moral duty, or for some other reason? Spend some time consider the underlying moral beliefs driving your desire to become a philanthropist. This can help motivate you to donate time and money. What is your expected outcome? Do you want to help others in need? Do you want to cure a given disease? Think about how you can help and why you want to help. There are a litany of charities that need money help. Determining what's important to you and where you would like to focus your attention is an important first step to becoming a philanthropist. Look for problems in infrastructure. Many people believe being a philanthropist is simply throwing money at a cause. This is not the case. Good philanthropists look for underlying problems in infrastructure and seek to change them. A creative, problem-solving spirit can help you in your pursuit. Say you want to improve access to medical care. The most obvious way to do so would be by building more hospitals. However, there may be problems you don't see preventing people from accessing health care. For example, maybe in certain regions there's no way to access a hospital. How could you combat this problem? You could help roads in rural areas of the country. You could increase access to public transportation. You could develop digital software to help diagnose issues remotely. There are many ways you can look into innovating existing systems to help solve problems at their core. In addition to donating time and money to charity, look for ways to change underlying power systems. Give money to politicians and political campaigns that support a particular cause. Try to start letter writing and phone call campaigns to address problems with how resources are allocated to poor communities. Strive to self-sustaining pursuits. You should always be looking for ways to make charity more self-sustainable. It's not enough to just blindly throw money at a cause. You have to look at the underlying issues creating problems in the world. For example, say your goal is to combat poverty. You could donate to soup kitchens and homeless shelters. However, a more sustainable pursuit might be to invest in education. This can help people foster employable skill sets. Try to start an organization that is designed to help underprivileged people achieve career skills that make employable. Enlist the help of teachers, for example, to start no cost vocational programs in a low income community. Learn from entrepreneurs. Philanthropists can learn a lot from entrepreneurs. As the best philanthropic endeavors or longterm, self-sustaining pursuits, there's much to be gained from having an entrepreneurial spirit as well as a charitable one. Both business people and philanthropists spend a lot of time brainstorming and problem solving. They also both working with and motivating others. It might not be a bad idea to read a few self-help books written by powerful men and women. These kinds of books can teach you to think in an entrepreneurial manner that will help with philanthropic pursuits. Innovation is key to philanthropy. You will have to be constantly looking for new ways to solve problems. It might not be a bad idea to reach out to a CEO or businessperson and ask him or her for advice on how to foster an entrepreneurial attitude. Volunteer. Most people associate philanthropy with giving money. However, donating your time to valuable causes is just as important. In addition to donating time, make sure you donate your money to charity. Look for opportunities to volunteer. You can find volunteer opportunities online or you can also watch for fliers and signs in your local community asking for help. Try to get involved in a certain organization for more than just a one time thing. While it's great to ring bells for the Salvation Army around Christmastime, remember that most non-profit and charitable organizations need help year round. See if any organizations have programs where volunteers are trained and assigned work year round. See where volunteers are needed. There may be a particular area where volunteers are lacking. Ask an organization you care about where they need extra help and volunteer your services. Involve your friends and family. Teaching others about the important of charity is vital to the philanthropic lifestyle. Teach your friends and family members about the causes in which your invested. Invite them to help volunteer at events, give money to charity, and educate themselves and others about causes that matter. Use things like social media to your advantage. Post articles and links to the charities encouraging others to give to your cause and educate themselves about it. Spread awareness. In addition to donating time to a cause, try to spread awareness as well. Oftentimes, causes can benefit from public awareness campaigns. This can lead to more people donating money to worthy causes. Think about creative ways to spread awareness. Incorporating social media can often have a phenomenal effect on public awareness. The ALS ice bucket challenge, for example, was an incredibly popular social media campaign in which participants dumped a bucket of ice water on their heads to help raise money for research into a disease known as ALS, which attacks nerve cells and leaves sufferers paralyzed. The challenge was widely successful, raising millions for charity and making more aware of ALS. Evaluate charities. Not all charities are created equal. When making decisions about donating time and money, spend some time figuring out what organizations are most effective. You want to support causes that make a real impact. Determine which charities make a real impact and which do not. Look for tangible outcomes and real life outcomes. Solid charities will give you a breakdown of where the money goes. For example, look into how much is spent on charitable causes and how much simply goes back into the organization. Look for verifiable impact. That is, how many people does the charity actually help? What kind of services do they provide? A trustworthy charity will be able to provide real statistics rather than feel good anecdotes alone. Donate to a few causes you feel strongly about. It can sometimes make more sense to go deep rather than wide. That is, donate more to a smaller amount of organizations. Your money will go further and you'll have more of an impact. Focus on a handful of worthwhile organizations rather than donating a small amount of money to one or two causes. Reconsider charities each year. Reevaluate your cause each year. Charities are subject to change and this is sometimes for the worse. Reevaluate where you're donating your money each year. Watch for changes in infrastructure in existing charitable organizations that may change how your money is being spent. Stay up to date on news articles about existing charities and pay attention to the board of directors. Changes in power could lead to an organizations adjusting its values in a way you dislike.

Determine what's important to you. Look for problems in infrastructure. Strive to self-sustaining pursuits. Learn from entrepreneurs. Volunteer. Involve your friends and family. Spread awareness. Evaluate charities. Donate to a few causes you feel strongly about. Reconsider charities each year.

https://www.wikihow.com/Wax-Your-Armpits

How to Wax Your Armpits

To wax your armpits, start by heating up some body wax in the microwave until it's fully melted. Then, wipe the wax onto your armpit in the direction your hair grows in using a waxing stick. Once you've covered all of your armpit hair with the wax, press a waxing strip over the area with your hand. Finally, grab the edge of the strip and pull it off of your armpit quickly in the direction of your hair growth. Repeat with your other armpit and then you're finished!

Prepare your underarms. You can wax your armpits without making a lot of preparations, but if you take these measures the experience will be less painful and more effective: Clean your underarms thoroughly. Wash them with soap or a good body wash, and scrub them a little to exfoliate the skin. If you use hot water, the hairs and surrounding skin will soften, making the hairs easier to remove. Trim the hair. If the hair under your arms is longer than ⁄ 4 inch (0.6 cm), you should trim it with a pair of barber or nail scissors until it's ⁄ 4 inch (0.6 cm) long. This makes the waxing process less painful. Wrap yourself up in an old towel. The wax is bound to spill and create a mess when you try to do it yourself, so it's best to be either naked or wrapped in something you don't mind getting impregnated with wax. Powder your underarms. Any talcum powder would do. Take a big sponge and spread the talc over the area, making sure to remove the excess powder. Heat up body wax. Make sure you use wax that is intended to be used to remove leg and body hair, rather than wax intended for use on the face. Follow the instructions on the package and heat the wax in the microwave or in a wax heater. It's ready to use when it's completely melted and runny. If this is your first time waxing, do a test on the back of your hand, where your skin is less sensitive, to make sure the wax isn't too hot. Body wax kits are available at drugstores and beauty supply stores. You can make your own sugar-based body wax using the following recipe: mix 2 cups of sugar with 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Heat the mixture over low heat on the stove until the sugar dissolves and becomes a sticky syrup. The mixture is now ready to use. Use a waxing stick to apply wax to your armpit. Load it with a good amount of hot wax, then swipe it on your armpit in the direction of your hair growth. Continue swiping, always in the same direction, until all of the hair is covered with wax. Some people have hair that grows in more than one direction. If this is the case with you, you'll have to wax your armpit one section at a time. Do not swipe the wax in the opposite direction. Your hair strands will get tangled up and won't pull out cleanly. Apply a wax strip. Take one of the paper wax strips that came with your kit. Place it over the area with the wax and swipe it once with your hand, in the direction of your hair growth, to position it in place. If you made your own sugar wax, use a clean piece of cotton cloth as a wax strip. Leave the edge of the strip free of the wax, so you can grasp it to pull it off. If you can't cover all of the wax with one strip, work one at a time. Remove the strip. Grasp the strip by the free edge and pull quickly against the direction of your hair growth. The strip, wax, and hair should come right off. Repeat the process with the other armpit. If the wax and hair don't come off, you'll have to try again. Use a fresh wax strip. If the process is too painful, remove the wax with olive oil and warm water, and plan to shave instead of waxing. Examine your armpits in the mirror. If you see bits of remaining hair, apply more wax, smooth on a wax strip, and rip it off. Remove excess wax with oil. Use the oil that came with your waxing kit or a bit of olive or almond oil to rub the areas you waxed. The oil will loosen the wax from your skin, making it easy to peel it off without pain. Clean the area. Once all of the wax has been removed, wash your armpits with warm water and a mild soap. You can apply aloe if your armpits are still stinging. If the waxing caused you to bleed, put on a small bandage until the bleeding has subsided. Do not use deodorant, moisturizer, or other creams and lotions for several hours after waxing.

Prepare your underarms. Wrap yourself up in an old towel. Powder your underarms. Heat up body wax. Use a waxing stick to apply wax to your armpit. Apply a wax strip. Remove the strip. Examine your armpits in the mirror. Remove excess wax with oil. Clean the area.

https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-the-Difference-Between-Coke-and-Pepsi

How to Tell the Difference Between Coke and Pepsi

To tell the difference between Coke and Pepsi, take a sip and concentrate on the flavor. Coke tastes similar to raisins with a hint of vanilla and goes down smoothly, whereas Pepsi is thought to taste more like citrus fruit and create a sharper sensation as it goes down your throat. Also, Pepsi is a bit sweeter than Coke and typically tastes a little flatter, while Coke has less sugar and more carbonation than Pepsi.

Judge its flavor qualities. Coke and Pepsi taste quite similar, but their flavors aren't exactly the same. Start by taking a sip of your drink. Concentrate on the flavor — ask yourself, "What else does this taste like?" Everyone's sense of taste is different, but a few popular comparisons are as follows: Coke is often said to resemble raisins with a hint of vanilla. Pepsi is often said to resemble citrus fruit. Judge its intensity. A soda's flavor isn't just about what other things it tastes like — it's also about how those tastes feel in your mouth. Take another drink of your soda. Concentrate on how the soda feels as it moves over your tongue and down your throat. Again, everyone's opinion is different, but some common observations are below: Coke has a flavor that many define as "smoother." The flavor rises gradually and recedes gently. It should go down your throat easily. Pepsi has a flavor that many define as "sharper." The flavor has a stronger "attack" — it rises in a sudden "burst" of flavor. It should be a little more intense as it goes down your throat. Judge its sweetness. Take another drink. This time, concentrate on the sugar content in the drink. Is the sweetness overpowering, or is it more subtle? This can be difficult to judge unless you have both drinks in front of you so that you can compare them. According to official nutritional information: Coke has a little less sugar, so it is slightly less sweet. Pepsi has a little more sugar, so it is slightly more sweet. Feel the carbonation level. Hold a sip of the soda in your mouth for a few seconds. Concentrate on the feeling of the carbonation bubbles. Is the drink quite fizzy, or slightly "flatter" than you're used to in a soda? This, too, is difficult to tell unless you have both drinks for comparison purposes. See below: Coke has more carbonation, so it is slightly fizzier. Pepsi has less carbonation, so it is slightly "flatter." Smell its aroma. If you still aren't sure, try smelling your drink as you gently swirl it in its glass (like a wine snob). This releases a little more of the aromatic chemicals into the air so your nose can pick them up. Concentrate on the aroma — if you had to choose, does it remind you of raisins and vanilla (like the flavor of Coke) or citrus fruits (like the flavor of Pepsi)? Have both sodas for comparison purposes. As noted above, all of the tiny differences between Coke and Pepsi are easier (though not exactly easy ) to notice when you can compare both drinks (rather than tasting one and trying to guess what it is). To stand a better chance of telling Coke and Pepsi apart, have both drinks available and ready to drink so you can try one and then immediately try the other. If you're doing this for entertainment purposes, have a friend blindfold you and scramble the drink containers so you're not sure which is which. If you're training to be able to tell the drinks apart in the future, feel free to leave the blindfold off. See which you prefer after a sip test. Your first action should be to take only a small sip of each soda. While everyone's sense of taste will differ, this test isn't quite as random as you may think. See below: Statistically, more people tend to prefer the taste of Pepsi after just one sip. Its sharper, sweeter taste makes it create a stronger impression. It can even caused increased stimulation in the part of the brain responsible for judging flavors. See which you prefer after drinking as much as you want. Now, continue to drink both sodas until you run out or you start to feel full. Take note of which soda you were more comfortable drinking a large amount of. If your preference switched (that is, you preferred one soda for the sip test but the other once you drank more of each), you're like most people. See below: Statistically, more people tend to prefer Coke when drinking an entire can or more. Its smoother, less sweet flavor makes it easier to drink large quantities of it. Thus, if you liked one soda better after just a sip but liked the other one better once you drank more, the first one was probably Pepsi and the second was probably Coke.

Judge its flavor qualities. Judge its intensity. Judge its sweetness. Feel the carbonation level. Smell its aroma. Have both sodas for comparison purposes. See which you prefer after a sip test. See which you prefer after drinking as much as you want.