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https://www.wikihow.com/Tame-a-Fully-Grown-Quail

How to Tame a Fully Grown Quail

To tame a fully grown quail, slowly approach the quail and get as close as you can without it reacting fearfully to establish a "safe spot." Next, sit quietly in this spot and speak soothingly to the quail for 20 minutes per day. Try to get a little closer to the quail each day until you're right next to the cage, then stick your hand into the cage so the quail can adjust to your presence. Finally, start offering the quail treats and try petting it gently.

Tame hatchlings instead of adults if possible. Quail are skittish by nature and are not easy animals to tame. This is especially true for fully-grown quail. So, if you already have untamed adult quail, consider whether you actually want or need to tame them. As an alternative, consider purchasing fertile quail eggs and incubating them. It's far easier to tame baby quail than adults—primarily you just need to interact with them calmly and care for them properly. Care for your quail properly. The happier your quail, the better your chances of taming them. Give them a high-quality feed and fresh water, eliminate disturbances, house them in a spacious and clean enclosure, and keep an eye out for potential illnesses. Caring for them daily also means that you'll interact with them daily. This helps them get used to your presence, which is essential for taming them. Give a new adult quail time to adjust before introducing taming. Allow the new quail time to settle in. Interacting more than necessary straight away can cause excessive stress, so give them at least a week to adjust to you and their new surroundings. For the first week or so, interact only as much as is required to provide proper care. Maintain your temper and your patience if you want to succeed. You cannot tame quail, and especially adult quail, through fear or force—they'll simply become terrified of you. Never grab them forcefully, shout at them, chase after them (unless they get away!), or approach them from behind or above. Don't try to set a deadline for taming your adult quail. The process has to occur on their time, if at all. Don’t force taming on a quail that rejects it. It's essential that you accept the fact that not every adult quail can be tamed. They are inherently skittish and fearful creatures, and some of them can't be trained to overcome this nature. Some quail-lovers say that button quail are extremely hard to tame, while coturnix and bobwhite are a little easier to tame. That said, the temperament of the individual bird is at least as important as its breed. Approach the quail as closely as they’ll allow each day. At a time other than a feeding or other care routine each day, walk slowly and calmly toward the quail enclosure. Get as close as you can without the quail reacting fearfully—running along the sides of the enclosure is the most obvious sign. Ideally, you'll be able to move this “safe spot” a bit closer each day without causing distress. If they react fearfully as soon as you're in sight, remain as far away as you can while still being in view. Hopefully, over time, they'll settle down. If not, the quail may not be tameable. Each day, try moving the “safe spot” a bit closer, until the quail respond negatively. Then, back up until they calm down. After a few weeks, your “safe spot” will ideally be right next to the enclosure. Sit quietly by the quail in your “safe spot” for 20 minutes per day. Taming a quail starts with getting them used to your presence so they recognize you're not a threat. Sit as close as the quail will allow every day and make sure the quail can see you. Sit there for at least 20 minutes each day. This doesn't mean that you have to do nothing during the time—you can read a book if you like. Just make sure you're not moving about or talking loudly, or you'll just frighten the quail. Talk to the quail once you can sit quietly next to them. After you're able to establish your “safe spot” right next to the enclosure, try vocalizing to the quail calmly and reassuringly. Talk in to the quail in a gentle voice, like you would with a sick friend, or try whistling or singing quietly. Don't talk or sing loudly, and definitely don't shout. Focus on being calming and comforting. Look toward the quail as you vocalize. Try something like: “Hello, Quincy, don't you look happy today? I see you've been eating your food…” Perform routine tasks within view of the quail. After vocalizing in the “safe spot” for a week, try doing common tasks just outside the enclosure while continuing to talk to the quail. If you're outdoors, try raking leaves, tending the garden, or something similar. If you're indoors, try an activity like sweeping the floor or watering the houseplants. Avoid noisy tasks such as vacuuming, mowing the lawn, or dancing to loud music. If they respond negatively when you start the task, return to sitting and try again the following day. Stick your hand in the quail enclosure for up to 10 minutes. Once the quail can remain calm with you just outside the enclosure, try reaching your hand carefully and slowly into the enclosure. Hold your palm open and keep your hand as still as possible. If the quail reacts negatively, remove your hand and try again the next day. Keep extending the time you keep your hand in the enclosure until you can do so for 10 minutes without the quail responding negatively. Once you reach 10 minutes, or if the quail calmly approaches your hand regularly, you can move on in the training process. Offer the quail treats from your open hand. Repeat the normal hand-in-enclosure process, but place some quail feed or a treat they enjoy—mealworms, for instance—in your open palm. If they don't come to feed from your hand within 10 minutes, try again the next day. Don't try to force your hand into their face to take the treat. Be patient, and let the quail choose to come and take the treat on their own terms. Eventually, they will likely overcome their innate fear and eat from your hand. Once they do eat from your hand, try talking to them in your soothing voice afterward. Then, the next day, try talking to them while they eat. Try petting the quail. Once the quail remains calm and in the area after eating from your hand, try slowly lifting your fingers to pet it just beneath its neck. If it reacts negatively, return your hand to the open position and leave it there calmly, then try again the next day. Once the quail allows you to pet it under its neck, try petting it very gently on the back of its head. Bring your hand up over its head slowly so you don't surprise it. Some quail will never permit being petted from above. In the wild, they are attacked from above by predators (usually larger birds), so they are naturally skittish about this. Attempt to pick up the quail calmly. Once the quail is completely comfortable around your hand, see if you can get it to hop up onto your hand in order to reach a treat. Once it does, try very slowly lifting it. If it starts to panic, lower your hand and try again the next day. If the quail allows you to lift it, bring up your other hand and cup them very gently around the sides of the quail. Don't squeeze it or envelop it in your hands—just have your hands ready to prevent a potential fall or escape attempt. Keep up with your daily routine. Spend a dedicated amount of time every day working with your quail. In some cases, quail can become comfortable enough to remain calm in your hands for long stretches. Don't try to teach the quail to perch on your shoulder. Even a tame quail can get spooked easily and risk injury through a fall or escape attempt.

Tame hatchlings instead of adults if possible. Care for your quail properly. Give a new adult quail time to adjust before introducing taming. Maintain your temper and your patience if you want to succeed. Don’t force taming on a quail that rejects it. Approach the quail as closely as they’ll allow each day. Sit quietly by the quail in your “safe spot” for 20 minutes per day. Talk to the quail once you can sit quietly next to them. Perform routine tasks within view of the quail. Stick your hand in the quail enclosure for up to 10 minutes. Offer the quail treats from your open hand. Try petting the quail. Attempt to pick up the quail calmly. Keep up with your daily routine.

https://www.wikihow.com/Grade-a-Paper

How to Grade a Paper

To grade a paper, start by reading it without marking it up to see if it has a clear thesis supported by solid evidence. Then, go back through and write comments, criticism, and questions in the margins. Make sure to give specific feedback, such as “What do you mean by 'some societies'?” instead of something like “What?” Try to limit yourself to 1 comment per paragraph so you don't overwhelm the student. You can also write a note at the end, but start with praise before focusing on issues the student should address.

Learn the difference between major and minor errors. Sometimes called "higher" and "lower" concerns, it's important to prioritize major issues like content, creative thinking, and organization over more minor issues like grammar, usage, and spelling. These designations obviously depend upon many things, like the assignment, the grade-level of your students, and their individual concerns. If you're in the middle of a unit on comma usage, it's perfectly fine to call that a "higher" concern. But in general, a basic writing assignment should prioritize the higher concerns listed above. Read the paper through once without marking anything. When you've got a stack of 50 or 100 papers to go through and another stack of quizzes to finish and lessons to plan it can be tempting to jump right in and start slapping Bs on everything. Resist that temptation. Read through each essay individually before marking anything. Look for the highest order of concerns first: Does the student address the prompt and fulfill the assignment effectively? Does the student think creatively? Does the student clearly state their argument, or thesis? Is the thesis developed over the course of the assignment? Does the writer provide evidence? Does the paper show evidence of organization and revision, or does it seem like a first draft? Keep the red pen in your desk. Getting an assignment back that looks like someone bled all over it can be a source of great anxiety in the life of a student. Some teachers argue that red asserts authority. While that may be true, there are other ways to assert your authority than pen color. Marking essays in pencil can suggest that the issues are easily fixable, keeping the student looking forward, rather than dwelling on their success or failure. Pencil, blue, or black pen is perfectly appropriate. Read through the paper again with your pencil ready. Write comments, criticisms, and questions in the margins as neatly as possible. Find moments that the writer needs to clarify and circle them or underline them. Be as specific as possible when asking questions. "What?" is not a particularly helpful question to scrawl in the margin, compared to "What do you mean by 'some societies'?" Proofread for usage and other lower-order concerns. When you've addressed the most important issues of the essay, its content, feel free to mark some lower-order concerns, like usage, grammar, and punctuation. Depending on the grade-level of the essays and the skill-level of your students, these may be more or less important. Typical proofreading marks include the following: ¶ = to start a new paragraph three underscores under a letter = to lowercase or uppercase the letter "sp" = word is spelled incorrectly word crossed out with a small "pigtail" above = word needs to be deleted Some teachers use the first page as a rule of thumb for marking later concerns. If there are sentence-level issues, mark them on the first page and then stop marking them throughout the essay, especially if the assignment needs more revision. Write no more than one comment per paragraph and a note at the end. The goal of comments is to point out the strengths and weaknesses in a student's writing and to offer them concrete strategies toward improving their work. Completely shredding apart a failed paragraph with your red pen does not accomplish any of these aims. Use marginal comments to point out specific points or areas in the essay the student could improve. Use a paragraph note at the end to summarize your comments and direct them toward improvement. Comments should not justify a letter grade. Never start a note, "You got a C because...". It's not your job to defend the grade given. Instead, use the comments to look toward revision and the next assignment, rather than staring backward at the successes or failures of the given assignment. Find something to praise. Try to start your comments by finding something the student has done well and encouraging them. Seeing exclamation points or "Good job" on an essay tends to be more memorable for the student, and will ensure that they'll repeat the behavior. If you struggle to find anything, you can always praise their topic selection: "This is an important topic! Good choice!" Address three main issues of improvement in your note. Even if your student has written a disaster of a paper, don't overwhelm them with every single thing that needs to be fixed. Try to focus on no more than three main areas of improvement in your comments. This will give the student concrete strategies toward improvement, and avoid overwhelming them with "failures." When you give your first read-through, Try to determine what these three points might be to make it easier when you're going through the paper and writing comments. Encourage revision. Instead of focusing your comments on everything the student did wrong in an essay, direct your comments toward the next essay, or toward a re-write of the current essay, if that fits in with the conventions of the assignment. "In your next assignment, make sure to organize your paragraphs according to the argument you're making" is a better comment than "Your paragraphs are disorganized." Use a rubric and let the students see it. A rubric is used to assign numerical values to various criteria used to make up the letter grade, usually based on a scale of 100. To get a letter grade, you assign numerical values to each section and tally the score. Making the students aware of the rubric used will keep the process transparent and eliminate the idea that you pull arbitrary grades out of nowhere. A rubric, for example, might look like this: Thesis and argument: _/40 Organization and paragraphs: _/30 Introduction and conclusion: _/10 Grammar, usage, and spelling: _/10 Sources and Citations: _/10 Know or assign a description of each letter grade. Let the students see a description of what an A means, what a B means, etc. Write your own according to your own specific criteria and emphasis for the class. Share it with the students so they can interpret the grade they receive. These are fairly standard designations, often worded like this: A (100-90): Work completes all of the requirements of the assignment in an original and creative manner. Work at this level goes beyond the basic guidelines of the assignment, showing the student took extra initiative in originally and creatively forming content, organization, and style. B (89-80): Work completes all of the requirements of the assignment. Work at this level is successful in terms of content, but might need some improvement in organization and style, perhaps requiring a little revision. A B reveals less of the author's original thought and creativity than A-level work. C (79-70): Work completes most of the requirements of the assignment. Though the content, organization, and style are logical and coherent, they may require some revision and may not reflect a high level of originality and creativity on the part of the author. D (69-60): Work either does not complete the requirements of the assignment, or meets them quite inadequately. Work at this level requires a good deal of revision, and is largely unsuccessful in content, organization, and style. F (Below 60): Work does not complete the requirements of the assignment. In general, students who put forth genuine effort will not receive an F. If you receive an F on any assignment (particularly if you feel you have given adequate effort), you should speak with me personally. Make the grade the last thing the student sees. Put the grade at the very end of the paper, after they've seen the rubric and your comments. Slapping a big letter grade at the top near the title will ensure that the student probably won't go through and read all the smart and helpful comments you've included. Some teachers like to hand out papers at the end of the day because they fear discouraging or distracting students during class time. Consider giving the students time to go through the papers in class and be available to talk about their grades afterwards. This will ensure that they read and understand your comments.

Learn the difference between major and minor errors. Read the paper through once without marking anything. Keep the red pen in your desk. Read through the paper again with your pencil ready. Proofread for usage and other lower-order concerns. Write no more than one comment per paragraph and a note at the end. Find something to praise. Address three main issues of improvement in your note. Encourage revision. Use a rubric and let the students see it. Know or assign a description of each letter grade. Make the grade the last thing the student sees.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Costume-Wings

How to Make Costume Wings

To make costume angel wings, start by drawing the shape of two angel wings onto cardboard and cutting them out. After you've cut out both wings, punch 2 holes where the wings will stay secure without feeling tight. Next, run ribbon through the holes from the back side of the wings, then tie the ribbon together on the front side to form the loops for your arms. Finally, decorate your wings by painting them, or by gluing on feathers or toilet paper.

Obtain cardboard. Wings can be made from simple cardboard you have around the house or from the container of something you ordered from a store. The cardboard can be decorated later, so it doesn't matter what color it is, but white foam board or poster board are also good choices. Cut out the wings. Feel free to trace the shape of the wings before you begin cutting. The shape of the wings is up to you, but one way to do it is to make them almost comma-shaped. Start at one end and begin cutting a rounded shape. Cut further into the cardboard, making the top ridge of the wing curve downwards to where it meets the bottom cut. Use scissors or an exacto knife. The length of the wings depends on who will wear them. Make them long enough to stick out a few inches beyond the shoulders or make them longer and set them against the wearer's back so they point downwards instead of out. You can fold the cardboard in half in order to cut both wings out at the same time, but if you do them one at a time, don't worry if they're not identical. You can trace the shapes of wings using a writing utensil before you cut, but the wings don't have to be perfectly symmetrical. Your decorations later will cover the imperfections. Measure shoulder width. If you're designing the wings for someone else, hold them up against the person's shoulders or else try to judge your own shoulder width. You'll need to make a couple of holes where the wings will stay secure against the shoulders without feeling tight. Punch holes in the wings. You can use scissors, a screwdriver, a pen, or another household implement to make the holes. Put one hole on the top portion of the shoulder part of the wing. Place a second hole farther down. Do the same with the other wing. Run ribbon through the holes. The string will form loops for your arms. White ribbon is a choice that matches the color of the wings. The amount of ribbon you need is determined by how much shoulder space the wearer will need. Wrap the ribbon around that person's shoulder before you cut, providing some extra ribbon to be knotted. Place each end of the ribbon through the holes from the back side of the wings. On the front side of the wings, tie the ribbon together. Less fragile string can be used and is especially good for children who will move a lot while wearing the wings. Use shoe laces or elastic cords. Decorate the wings. The way you make the wings look more angelic is up to you. Feathers are an obvious choice for angel wings, but coffee filters and toilet paper also work. Use tape or glue to stick the material to the backs of the wings. You can paint the cardboard white before you add the fluff. This may help prevent brown spots from showing through, but often you can cover the entire back side of the wings with enough white decorations. Glue or tape the feathers at their bases as they point downwards to create an even, orderly appearance. Squeeze squares of toilet paper from their center so that they form a points, then glue them onto the cardboard. Try folding coffee filters in half and filling in the wings from the outside-in, keeping the folds of the first filters on the edges of the wings. Shape hangers. Take four metal clothes hangers and stretch and bend them to make the outlines of wings. The top two wing sections will be thinner and bigger on top while the bottom two will be shorter but wider. Posterboard is a good substitute material and can be cut into wing shapes, covered with felt, and decorated later. Cover the hangers with felt. Black adhesive felt or tape sticks to the metal. Take pieces one at a time and wrap them closely around the exposed parts of the hangers. This also softens any metal edges sticking out so they don't puncture decoration material later. Cover the wings with trash bags. Take one or two trash bags per wing. Pull them as tight as you can over the wings. If the material bunches up at the end or hangs loosely, you can trim the open end until they cover more securely. Tape the bags together around the front side of the hangers. Cut patterns out of orange felt. If the wings are for a child, they can enjoy decorating too. Using scissors, cut shapes out of colored felt and then glue them onto the backs of the wings. Vary your shapes and lay them next to each other to create patterns like those on a monarch butterfly. Decorate the wings. Finish decorating by adding spots to the black edges of the wings. This hides the trash bags and adds variety. One way to do this is to add gold and white office stickers of varying sizes, but you can also use an alternative such as paint. Attach with Velcro. Two strips of Velcro are enough to secure the wings. The sticky sides of the Velcro attach to the inner side of the wings and to the back of your clothes. To put the wings on, push the Velcro sides together and you're done. Arm or thumb loops can be sewn onto felt-covered cardboard. Wrap the material around the wearer's shoulder or thumb to measure the material needed. Hold the material in loops on the wings, then use pins or a sewing needle to bind them together and to the wings. Bend wire hangers. Two to four hangers are enough to make wings, depending on how many you want. Bend two hangers in the shapes of wings, then lay them on top of each other to see if they are even. Adjust as necessary. These wings should appear rounded, but you can create two additional square wings to attach to the bottom like Tinkerbell from the Disney movie Peter Pan. Join the hanger hooks. Place the wings on a table, facing the hooks towards one another. These ends can be cut off so you can twist the resulting four ends together, but you can combine the hooks together by using a little strength to twist them around each other. Make sure the twists are secure with no sharp ends sticking out. Cover the metal twist. To avoid the twisted part of the hangers from jabbing into the wearer, pad the center of the wings. To do this, you can apply any sort of felt or fabric you have laying around the house. Wrap the fabric around the metal and then tape it secure. Cover with tights. Cut the legs off a pair of tights. Take one of the legs and put a wing inside of it. Do the same with the other leg of the tights and repeat the process if you have additional wings. The loose fabric should be in the center of the wings. Wrap the excess fabric around the center of the wings. Tie it into a knot, then trim it so it looks neat. If you can, match the tights to the base color you want the wings to be. You can also spray paint the tights when the wings are finished to achieve flashier colors. Cut a pair of tights for arm holders. Cut the legs off a second pair of tights. Take one of the legs and wrap it around one end of the center part where the wings meet. Tie the ends of the fabric into a loop for your arms. Repeat this process with the other leg on the other side. Decorate. The wings can be customized as you please. One way to do this is to add a flower or puff from a craft store by sewing it or attaching it with a hot glue gun onto the knot where the wings meet. The knot may also look good in spray painted duct tape. Children can help with decorating by adding material such as plastic jewels or glitter. Measure fabric length. The amount of fabric you need depends on the length and width of the person's back. Measure the width wrist to wrist of the person who will wear the wings. Measure their length from their neck to their waist. Also measure their arm circumference and add this measurement to the length of fabric you need. Buy fabric. Using your measurements, get enough fabric that you'll be able to cover the back and arms of the person who will wear the wings. A good fabric is black and stretchy, such as spandex. You can cut this material without leaving frayed ends. For non-sewn bat wings, cut out the upper and lower sections of an umbrella, then clip off the metal pieces using wire cutters. Fold the fabric. From the right or left end, fold the fabric in half. Your fabric should be half the width of your original measurement. Now take the top end of the fabric and fold it downwards enough so that you can see the appropriate amount of fabric you need to create arm holes. Don't cut this folded fabric, but mark the lower end of the arm holder before you unfold it. Cut out the edge. Where you marked the fabric, take scissors and trim the corner in a semicircle. The bottom of the circle will be towards the middle of your remaining fabric while the ends of the cut should be an even distance along the edges of the fabric. Fold over the sleeve. Fold the remaining top part of the fabric next to the cut you made. Bring it down enough so that it once again creates the arm sleeve. Cut half-circles on the bottom of the fabric. Opposite from where you cut the first semicircle, begin cutting. Start at the corner below where you cut the first semicircle. Leave this corner intact but cut up and down next to it to create another semicircle. Keep going along the bottom side of the fabric, cutting further in to give the wings a slope. Sew the sleeves. Unfold the fabric. Take the top, uncut fabric and fold it over to create the sleeves. Sew the bottom parts of the sleeves onto the cape. Now the bat wings are ready to wear.

Obtain cardboard. Cut out the wings. Measure shoulder width. Punch holes in the wings. Run ribbon through the holes. Decorate the wings. Shape hangers. Cover the hangers with felt. Cover the wings with trash bags. Cut patterns out of orange felt. Decorate the wings. Attach with Velcro. Bend wire hangers. Join the hanger hooks. Cover the metal twist. Cover with tights. Cut a pair of tights for arm holders. Decorate. Measure fabric length. Buy fabric. Fold the fabric. Cut out the edge. Fold over the sleeve. Cut half-circles on the bottom of the fabric. Sew the sleeves.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Glue-Gun

How to Make a Glue Gun

To make a glue gun, start by slicing the top and bottom off a soda can and cutting the tub open to form a flat sheet. Next, cut a rectangle out of the sheet, twist it into a cone, and tape it closed. Then, tape the cone on top of a candle lighter so the tip just extends past the lighter. Once assembled, insert a hot glue stick into the cone, ignite the lighter, and let the glue heat up. When you see the glue coming out of the tip, extinguish the flame and make a line of hot glue wherever you need it.

Cut apart a soda can to get a flat sheet. Use a craft blade to slice the top and bottom off of a soda can. Use a pair of scissors to cut the tube open to form a flat sheet. Make sure that the soda can is clean. You can clean the metal before or after you cut it. Cut a rectangle out of the sheet. The rectangle needs to be about 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) tall and 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) wide. Sketch the rectangle out using a ruler and permanent marker first, then cut it using a pair of scissors. Twist the rectangle into a cone. Hold the rectangle horizontally. Roll the bottom left corner towards the top right corner to form a cone. Make sure that the cone has a small opening at the tip. If you can't get a small opening at the tip, slice the tip off with a craft blade, then use a pen or pencil to shape the opening into a round hole. Cut the side flap down. When you look at the cone, there will be a flap of metal on the side that ends in a point. Use a pair of scissors to trim the corner down so that it is a straight edge instead. This will make it easier to tape down. Tape the cone together. Wrap a piece of electrical tape around the middle and bottom of the cone. Start wrapping around where you cut the flap, and finish at the bottom. Don't wrap too close to the tip, or the tape will burn when you go to heat up the glue gun. Get a candle lighter. You can find these alongside the candles in most stores. They look like regular lighters, but with a trigger and a stick at the end. Try to get the kind with a firm stick, and not the flexible kind. If you absolutely can't find a stick lighter, you can use a regular one. It will be more awkward to hold and use, however. Place the cone alongside the stick. Set the lighter down so that it is parallel, with the trigger pointing down. Position the cone alongside the stick, so that it is on top. The tip should be extending just past the tip of the stick. This way, when you ignite the lighter, the flame will heat up the glue and cause it to melt. Do not place the cone over the tip of the stick, like a hat. If you are using a regular lighter, place it on the side edge—the same side that the flame comes out of. Secure the cone with tape. Place a piece of tape halfway inside the cone. Press the other end of the tape onto the stick itself. If you need to, wrap another piece of tape around the bottom of the cone and the stick. Insert a hot glue stick into the cone. Keep pushing it until the glue stick is as deep as it can go. Hold it steady, if you need to. Try to glue the thinner kind of hot glue stick rather than the thicker kind. Hold the lighter parallel to the table. Make sure that the top/length side of the cone is facing upwards, towards the ceiling. Ignite the lighter and let the glue heat up. Hold the trigger for a few moments until glue starts to come out of the nozzle. Release the trigger. Once you see glue coming out of the tip, release the trigger and extinguish the flame. Your hot glue gun is now ready to use. Use the hot glue gun. Working quickly, make a line of hot glue wherever you need the glue to go. Gently push the glue stick into the nozzle to help force the glue out. At some point, you may need to heat the glue up again by igniting the lighter.

Cut apart a soda can to get a flat sheet. Cut a rectangle out of the sheet. Twist the rectangle into a cone. Cut the side flap down. Tape the cone together. Get a candle lighter. Place the cone alongside the stick. Secure the cone with tape. Insert a hot glue stick into the cone. Hold the lighter parallel to the table. Ignite the lighter and let the glue heat up. Release the trigger. Use the hot glue gun.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Blonde-Hair-from-Dark-Brown

How to Get Blonde Hair from Dark Brown

The best way to go from brunette to blonde is to do multiple bleach treatments over several weeks. For each treatment, first apply a deep conditioner to protect your hair. Then, mix your bleach with a 20-volume developer. Section your hair into 4 parts and brush your bleach mixture onto your hair, starting at the back sections and working from tip to root. Wrap sections of your hair in 6 inch pieces of foil and wait 30-45 minutes before washing with a purple shampoo and a deep conditioner.

Use multiple treatments to reduce damage. If you are going from a dark color to a very light blonde, you can expect to do multiple treatments on your hair. Wait a few weeks between each treatment so that your hair has time to recover. Doing multiple treatments in one day will damage your hair. If you bleach your hair too often it can begin to fall out. Expect some level of damage. Whenever you bleach your hair, an oxidation process is taking place, which removes the color from your hair. This is what leaves your hair a white or yellow shade, because the keratin (the protein your hair is made of) in your hair is naturally a pale yellow. Be prepared for your hair to suffer from dryness and brittleness as well as the fact that it will be more prone to breakage and split ends. Because bleaching your hair is a serious process that can greatly damage your hair if done incorrectly, it is best to visit a professional if you are looking for a drastic color change. If you don't want to bleach your hair, you can use temporary color, demi-permanent, semi-permanent, or permanent color. These types of coloring only lightens your hair, so if you have very dark hair, it may not be very effective. However, the benefit of dyeing your hair versus bleaching it is that the dye won't strip your hair of color. It will still damage your hair somewhat, though, so you'll still need to take care of your hair in the same way that you would had you bleached it. Be prepared for an orange tinted hair color during the process. If you are going from a very dark shade to a very light blonde, the process takes some time and during that time your hair will usually begin to develop an orangey tint. This happens because as you bleach your hair, cooler tones are lifted from your hair easier than the warmer, underlying pigments. So, as you remove color from your hair, the warm hues (reds and oranges) are what remain because they are trickier to lift from your hair. To counteract these warm hues you can add toner to your hair if you are going a very light blonde. This will counteract the remaining color in your air, thus removing those orangey, yellow tints in your hair. You can find the appropriate toner by looking at a toner wheel or asking a professional. Take great care of your hair. Anytime you bleach your hair it is important to take care of it to prevent further damage. Before you bleach your hair, apply a deep conditioner, and after you bleach your hair apply deep conditioner again. Also, try to avoid using heating products, as the heat from these can further dry out your hair and make it more prone to breakage. If you must use your flat iron, blow dryer, or curling iron, make sure to use a heat styling product that will protect your hair from excessive heat. Pre-condition your hair. Before you bleach your hair you should apply a deep conditioner to help protect it and keep it as healthy as possible. Bleach will greatly dry out your hair, so adding as much moisture to your hair as possible before you bleach it is an important step. That added moisture will lessen the damaging effects of the bleach. Wash your hair a few days before you bleach it, but try to hold off until after you bleach it to wash it again. Bleaching freshly washed hair can irritate your scalp, so it's best to bleach hair that has more natural oils in it. You can use a few tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil as an alternative to deep conditioner. These products will still condition your hair, giving it the moisture it needs. Gather ingredients and prepare your area. Put on an old t-shirt or towel to prevent bleaching your clothes and gather the ingredients and tools you will need: a small bucket or a color bowl to mix the bleach, a tint brush, and rubber gloves. Mix bleach with a developer. You can purchase bleach for your hair at a local drugstore or cosmetics store. You'll also need to buy some developer, which helps to lift hair color quickly. Follow the directions on the label to mix the bleach and developer together. The higher volume of developer will lift more levels of color out of your hair. A lower volume developer will lift less levels of color out of your hair, leaving it a darker shade after you have finished bleaching it. If you want to take it easy and bleach your hair slowly, it's best to use a lower volume developer. Salons usually use a 20-volume developer. A bleach and developer mixture is what salons typically use to bleach hair. You can definitely a purchase a boxed-dye mix, but you can't customize it to suit the needs of your hair. It's beneficial to buy the items separately. The cost will be about the same and you'll have better luck protecting your hair. Test a strand of hair. Some people have allergic reactions to certain hair products, so you'll need to test a portion of your hair to make sure the bleach doesn't harm you. Take the mixture and using a toner brush, apply to a one to two inch strand of hair on the bottom layer of your hair at the back of your head. Leave the mixture on for 30 to 45 minutes and then rinse it out. If you haven't experienced any reaction to the bleach you can proceed to bleach your hair. Section your hair into four parts. To achieve the best coverage and even bleach on your hair, separate it into four sections. Part your hair down the middle of your head or along your part, and then part your hair horizontally across your head. Then pull the front sections of hair around your face away from the rest of your hair. You can then clip your hair up to get it out of the way. Apply the mixture evenly through your hair. Start at the back sections of your hair, because they don't absorb bleach as well as the top so they will need more time to sit. Gather a piece of hair about a quarter inch thick and separate it from the rest of your hair. Then, use a tint brush to apply the bleach mixture, covering the roots last because the roots tend to process faster than the rest of your hair. Make sure you have evenly saturated the hair. Be careful not to get the bleach on part of your body or on your scalp as this can irritate your skin and cause a burning sensation. Make sure when you bleach the roots that you lift your hair up from your head so that you avoid brushing the bleach onto your scalp. Wrap your hair in foil. After you have applied your bleach to several sections of your hair, take a piece of foil about five to six inches wide and lay some of your bleached hair on top of it. Then, fold the foil up so that your hair isn't exposed. You don't have to use the foiling technique, but it can be helpful because it keeps the rest of your hair away from the hair that you have already bleached or if you're doing highlights and want to keep the bleach off of the rest of your hair. If you feel the foiling method may be too tedious, try using a plastic cap. It's much easier on your scalp since the foils can get heavy and it'll be easier to see how well the bleach lifts your hair. Let your hair sit for 30 to 45 minutes. Once you have covered all of your hair with bleach, let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes. Check it often to ensure it is lightening to the right degree. You may need more or less time, depending on how well your hair takes to the bleach. Then rinse your hair out with water and apply a purple shampoo. Let the shampoo sit for the amount of time recommended on the label, and then rinse it out. To prevent any extreme hair damage, every 10 minutes, perform a pull test. You can do this easily by simply pulling gently on a few strands of hair from different sections. If any significant amount of hair breaks off or looks and feels "gooey" (it's probably fried), rinse the bleach out of your hair immediately and wash with a gentle shampoo and condition. You'll need to seek professional help from a colorist. Be sure to do your research before coloring your hair yourself! Because your brown hair has naturally warm hues, it will likely have a brassy color after you've bleached it. Purple shampoo helps remove the brassy color and neutralize yellow undertones. If you plan to use toner you don't have to use purple shampoo, but it does help remove those awkward tints to your hair. You can find this shampoo in the shampoo or hair dye section of your local drug or cosmetic store. You can also likely find purple shampoo in the brands John Frieda and Clairol Professional in your local grocery store. If you chose not to use foil, make sure you cover your head with a shower cap, or something else that will prevent it from being exposed to the air -- you don't want your bleach to dry out. Apply toner to your hair. If you are happy with the color of your hair, you can proceed to condition it. However, if you want to remove even more brassiness, you can apply a toner to your hair. Towel dry your hair and comb it out with a wide tooth comb. Then, mix your toner with a 20-volume developer and apply evenly in your hair. Cover your hair again and let the toner sit for twenty to thirty minutes. To find the appropriate toner you can look at a toner wheel. On the wheel find the color that most matches the hues in your hair, and then purchase a toner in the color that is on the exact opposite side of the toner wheel. The amount of toner you mix with the developer will depend upon the type of toner you buy. Consult the directions for that specific toner before mixing it together. Make sure that you don't condition your hair before you apply the toner as that will make it more difficult for the toner to stick to your hair. If you plan to bleach your hair another time, wait to apply the toner until the last time you have bleached your hair. Rinse out the toner and apply conditioner. Once the toner has set, rinse it out with water and apply a deep conditioner. This has been stated several times but it's very important to do this to protect the health of your hair. You can also apply hair conditioning masks to provide even more moisture to your hair. Repeat this process two weeks later. If you want to go a lighter shade with your bleach, you can repeat this entire bleaching process a second and third time. Make sure that you wait at least two weeks between each bleach so that your hair has time to recover. Then, apply the bleach in the same way and condition to moisturize your hair inbetween each treatment to keep it healthy. Gather your ingredients. To bleach hair naturally, meaning the sun will be what activates the blonde in your hair, you will need lemon juice, chamomile tea (or tea bags) and hot water. This process will take a much longer time and can be used to bring out the natural highlights in your hair, but most likely won't bring you to a platinum blonde color. Boil water and allow tea to steep. Steep five to ten chamomile tea bags for a few minutes in about half a liter (or two cups) of hot water in a microwave-safe glass measuring cup. Then, add about one half cup of lemon juice to your tea, pouring it into your solution until it becomes somewhat cloudy. The amount of lemon juice you'll need to use varies, so start with half a cup and pour it into your tea for a few seconds, stopping when your tea becomes a cloudy mixture. Pour mixture into a spray bottle. After you have combined the ingredients, you'll want to pour the entire mixture into a spray bottle so that you can apply it to your hair. Then, spray throughout your hair for an even coating. Your hair should be damp with the solution but not soaking wet. Sit out in the sun. For the bleaching agents in the lemon juice to work, it will need to be exposed to the sun for a while. Stay outside in the sun until your hair dries, making sure to use sunscreen on the rest of your body to avoid damaging your skin. For the best results, leave the mixture on your hair for one to two hours. This method works slowly, gradually bringing out the highlights in your hair, so know that it may take several weeks, spraying your hair daily or every other day, before your hair really becomes blonde, especially if you have very dark brown hair. Apply conditioner to your hair. Anytime you lighten your hair, even with natural products, you should protect it and keep it moisturized by applying a conditioner. You can use a leave in conditioner or coconut oil.

Use multiple treatments to reduce damage. Expect some level of damage. Be prepared for an orange tinted hair color during the process. Take great care of your hair. Pre-condition your hair. Gather ingredients and prepare your area. Mix bleach with a developer. Test a strand of hair. Section your hair into four parts. Apply the mixture evenly through your hair. Wrap your hair in foil. Let your hair sit for 30 to 45 minutes. Apply toner to your hair. Rinse out the toner and apply conditioner. Repeat this process two weeks later. Gather your ingredients. Boil water and allow tea to steep. Pour mixture into a spray bottle. Sit out in the sun. Apply conditioner to your hair.

https://www.wikihow.com/Copy-and-Paste

How to Copy and Paste

* If you're using Windows, select data you want to copy, press Ctrl + C to copy, then press Ctrl + V to paste.

Select what you want to copy: Text: To select text, click and drag the cursor until the text you want to copy is highlighted, then release the click. Files: Select the file on your computer that you want to copy and paste, or you can select multiple files by holding down Ctrl to select a multiple files. Images: In most Windows applications, you can select the picture you want to copy by clicking on it once. Right-click on the mouse or trackpad. If using a trackpad, depending on your computer's settings you can perform a right-click by either using two fingers to click the trackpad or by tapping the far-right side of the trackpad with a single finger. Click Copy. The selected text, images or files will be copied to the Clipboard (a type of temporary storage) on your computer. Alternatively, press Ctrl + C. In many applications, you can also click Edit in the menu bar, then click Copy. Right-click in the document or field where you want to insert the text or image. Click Paste. The text or image will be inserted into the document or field at the place where you put the cursor. Alternatively, press Ctrl + V. In many applications, you can also click Edit in the menu bar, then click Paste. Select what you want to copy: Text: To select text, click and drag the cursor until the text you want to copy and paste is highlighted, then release the click. Files: Select the file on your computer that you want to copy and paste, or you can select multiple files by holding down ⌘ to select a group of files. Images: In most Mac applications, you can select the picture you want to copy by clicking on it once. Click Edit in the menu bar. Click Copy. The selected text, images or files will be copied to the Clipboard (a type of temporary storage) on your computer. Alternatively, ⌘ + C. You can also right-click on the mouse or trackpad. If you don't have a right-click function, press Control +click on Mac, then click Copy in the pop-up menu. Click in the document or field where you want to insert the text or image. Click Edit in the menu bar. Click Paste. The text or image will be inserted into the document or field at the place where you put the cursor. Alternatively, ⌘ + V. You can also right-click on the mouse or trackpad. If you don't have a right-click function, press Control +click on Mac, then click Paste in the pop-up menu. Select what you want to copy: Text: To select text, tap in the text and drag a control point over the text you to copy, want until the text you want to copy and paste is highlighted, then release the click. You can also tap and release a single word to select it automatically. Pictures: Long tap the picture until a menu appears. Tap Copy. The text or image will be copied to the Clipboard (temporary storage) on your device. Long tap on a document or field where you want to insert the text or image. If it's in a different app from the one in which you're copying, open the other app. Tap Paste. The text or image will be inserted into the document or field at the place where you put the cursor. Select what you want to copy: Text: To select text, tap in the text and drag a control point over the text you to copy, want until the text you want to copy and paste is highlighted, then release the click. You can also tap and release a single word to select it automatically. Pictures: Long tap the picture until a menu appears. Tap Copy. The text or image will be copied to the Clipboard (temporary storage) on your device. Long tap on a document or field where you want to insert the text or image. If it's in a different app from the one in which you're copying, open the other app. Tap Paste. The text or image will be inserted into the document or field at the place where you put the cursor.

Select what you want to copy: Right-click on the mouse or trackpad. Click Copy. Right-click in the document or field where you want to insert the text or image. Click Paste. Select what you want to copy: Click Edit in the menu bar. Click Copy. Click in the document or field where you want to insert the text or image. Click Edit in the menu bar. Click Paste. Select what you want to copy: Tap Copy. Long tap on a document or field where you want to insert the text or image. Tap Paste. Select what you want to copy: Tap Copy. Long tap on a document or field where you want to insert the text or image. Tap Paste.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Stuffed-Potatoes

How to Make Stuffed Potatoes

To make stuffed potatoes, start by boiling, steaming, or microwaving the potatoes until they're just tender. Next, use a sharp knife to cut off a shallow slice from the top so you can scoop out a little over half of the potato. Then, fill the space with any filling you like, such as soft cheese, chili, or leftovers. Finally, reheat the entire potato so it's completely cooked.

Boil, steam or microwave the potatoes until they are just tender. Do not overcook them or you'll be making mashed potatoes instead. If microwaving the potatoes, pierce the skin of each potato with a fork first. This will prevent the skin from splitting. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Make-Stuffed-Potatoes-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Stuffed-Potatoes-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Make-Stuffed-Potatoes-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/aid4103879-v4-728px-Make-Stuffed-Potatoes-Step-1Bullet1.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:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Slice a shallow slice from the top of each cooked potato. Use a sharp knife and slice in the direction away from you. Scoop. Use a teaspoon to scoop out the potato flesh about two-thirds of the way down. Always leave enough potato to form a solid base and avoid taking so much out that the sides collapse. Depending on the recipe, the scooped out flesh is often needed to form part of the stuffing, or it may be discarded if the stuffing is too filling already. If discarding the leftover potato, try to use it in another dish or as leftovers, so as not to waste it. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Make-Stuffed-Potatoes-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Stuffed-Potatoes-Step-3Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Make-Stuffed-Potatoes-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/aid4103879-v4-728px-Make-Stuffed-Potatoes-Step-3Bullet1.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:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Add the stuffing of choice. Follow the recipe you've chosen to add stuffing in the right order. Most of the time you will be asked to reheat the entire potato so that it cooks completely and the stuffing is also properly cooked. Make potatoes with a meat stuffing: Chicken and cheddar stuffed potatoes Stuffed potato with chili con carne Sausage stuffed potatoes. Make vegetable stuffed potatoes: Cream corn stuffed potatoes: mix creamed corn with the removed potato flesh (mashed) and fresh herbs of choice. Sprinkle grated cheese over the top and bake for 15 minutes or until heated through. Easy freezer mix: Mix the mashed removed potato flesh with any combination of frozen veggies for a really quick and tasty mix. Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with shredded cheese. Bake for 15 minutes or until heated through. Make cheesy stuffed potatoes: Simple mix: Mix the potato flesh you've removed (mashed) with Cheddar cheese. Stuff back in and bake for 15 minutes or until thoroughly heated through. Soft cheese baked potatoes: Mix the removed potato (mashed) with cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream and chopped Brie or Camembert in 1/2 cup amounts for 8 stuffed potatoes. Add a chopped clove of garlic and 1/3 cup of ground nuts of choice. Mix well, stuff back in and bake for 15 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with finely chopped herbs. Add leftovers as a stuffing. Whatever it is, mash it up with the removed potato flesh and stuff it in. Top with cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes and enjoy!

Boil, steam or microwave the potatoes until they are just tender. Slice a shallow slice from the top of each cooked potato. Scoop. Add the stuffing of choice. Make potatoes with a meat stuffing: Make vegetable stuffed potatoes: Make cheesy stuffed potatoes: Add leftovers as a stuffing.

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

How to Make Banana Muffins

To make banana muffins, start by creaming butter and sugar in a bowl. Then, stir in golden syrup, egg, and mashed banana. Next, fold in self-raising flour, and fill each hole in your muffin pan with an equal amount of batter. Finally, bake the muffins at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375ºF/190ºC. Prepare a muffin pan (by greasing, only if needed). Cream the butter and sugar. Add the syrup, egg and mashed banana to the creamed mixture. Mix just enough to combine. Add the flour and fold in. Transfer the batter to the prepared muffin pan. Distribute the batter evenly in each hole of the pan. Place in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat. Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling. Serve warm or cooled. Consume within a day or two of baking. Preheat the oven to 350ºF/180ºC. If you need grease the muffin pan do so, or add paper cases for the muffins. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt to a flour sifter. Sift into a mixing bowl and put to one side. Place the mashed bananas into a mixing bowl. Add the sugar, egg and melted butter. Fold in the sifted flour mixture from the other bowl. Mix until smooth but don't overmix. Transfer the batter to the prepared muffin pan. Divide evenly across the pan. Place in the oven. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes if medium to large muffins, or 10 to 15 minutes if making mini muffins. Remove from the heat. Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling. Serve warm or cooled. Consume within a day or two. Preheat the oven to 350ºF/180ºC. Prepare the muffin pan by greasing or lining it (using muffin cases). Sift the flour, baking soda and salt into a mixing bowl. Add the sugar. Stir to combine. In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas, yogurt, eggs, butter and vanilla together. Fold the flour mixture into the wet mixture. Mix quickly until combined. Fold in the hazelnuts. Transfer the batter to the prepared muffin pan. Divide the batter evenly across the muffin pan holes. Add a teaspoon of Nutella atop each muffin. Using a toothpick, swirl the Nutella across the top. Place in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden. Remove from the the oven. Allow to cool briefly in the pan, then remove and cool completely. Serve warm or cooled.

Preheat the oven to 375ºF/190ºC. Cream the butter and sugar. Add the syrup, egg and mashed banana to the creamed mixture. Mix just enough to combine. Transfer the batter to the prepared muffin pan. Place in the preheated oven. Remove from the heat. Serve warm or cooled. Preheat the oven to 350ºF/180ºC. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt to a flour sifter. Place the mashed bananas into a mixing bowl. Transfer the batter to the prepared muffin pan. Place in the oven. Remove from the heat. Serve warm or cooled. Preheat the oven to 350ºF/180ºC. Sift the flour, baking soda and salt into a mixing bowl. In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas, yogurt, eggs, butter and vanilla together. Fold the flour mixture into the wet mixture. Transfer the batter to the prepared muffin pan. Add a teaspoon of Nutella atop each muffin. Place in the oven. Remove from the the oven. Serve warm or cooled.

https://www.wikihow.com/Borrow-Books-from-the-Library-for-a-Nook

How to Borrow Books from the Library for a Nook

Thanks to the power of technology, you can now borrow books from the library on your Nook. To start, visit the website for your local library and log in to your account using your library card. Then, search for a book you'd like to borrow. Once you find a book, look to the right of it and select a download option. Click on either “Nook” or “ePub” to download the text onto your Nook.

Download Adobe Digital Editions to your computer. Adobe Digital Editions is paired with your Nook, and is required for older Nook models without the option of downloading apps. Your computer will function as a mediator between your Nook and online library account. If you do not have a computer of your own, you may be able to use a library computer to complete this process. Create an ADE account. Using the same email address you used to activate your Nook, create an account with Adobe Digital Editions. Creating an account will help you keep track of your downloads, and will facilitate the transfer of books from your computer to your e-reader. Using an email different from your Nook email may create some difficulty in the download and transfer process. Connect your Nook to your computer. Pause at this point in the process and connect your Nook to your computer using a USB cable. Turn your Nook on to make sure it registers with Adobe. Open the book using Adobe. When you select the format you wish to download in on Overdrive (the program most libraries use to lend books digitally), a window will appear giving you the option of opening the file or downloading it. Select “Open the file with Adobe,” which will automatically pull the book open in your Adobe library. Select the “library” button. Once you have opened Adobe, select the “library” button in the top left hand corner, which should bring up a list of books you have downloaded or borrowed. Having your library open will allow you to identify and highlight the book you are trying to transfer. Click and drag the book. Highlight the book you want to place on your Nook, and drag it to the middle of the page on the left-hand side, where a small icon reading “Nook” will appear. This will complete the process of transferring the book to your Nook. Check your Nook before disconnecting to make sure the book has appeared in your Nook library. Click “Return Book” on your Nook. When you have finished your digital library book, plug your Nook into your computer once more, and open Adobe. From your library on your Nook, click “Return Book.” Click “Return Book” in Adobe. Open Adobe and complete the return by also clicking “Return Book” inside of the Adobe program. To verify your return has gone through, you can minimize Adobe and check your Overdrive or library account. If your book does not return, you may need to contact Nook customer service or your library for assistance. Download the Overdrive app to your Nook. Newer Nook models have the ability to download apps directly to the device. Overdrive, the company most libraries use for digital lending, has a Nook-compatible app you can download to simplify use. Find your local library in the Overdrive app. To borrow from your library, you will need your library card and the name of your library. Find your specific library in the search tab in the Overdrive app and select it to get a list of the available titles. Select the book you wish to borrow. Once you've selected the book you wish to borrow, you will hit “download,” and check it out using your library card. It will be stored in your Overdrive app under “Bookshelf.” You will read your book through the app. Read your book before the expiration date. Through Overdrive, the library book will have a lending period automatically placed on it. Once this lending period has expired, the book will be removed from your Overdrive Bookshelf by default, and will no longer be available to read until it has been checked out again. Gather two pieces of mail with your name and address. Many libraries require you to present proof of residency in order to get a library card. Before you head to the library, gather two pieces of mail with your given name and address on them, such as a bank statement or utility bill. For children or teenagers, a parent's proof of residency is usually requested. Take your state-issued ID. Once you've proven residency, you need to prove you are who you say you are. Your library branch will require some form of ID. Although this is typically a state-issued license or ID, students may be able to use their school ID cards, as well. Visit your local library. Libraries do not issue library cards online, so make sure you locate and visit your local library in person with the required documents. If you live outside of the area, you may also be required to pay a yearly fee. Although using online catalogs is possible, you have to have a library card before you can use library resources. Set up your online library profile. While at the library, set up your online library profile. This typically uses your library card barcode and a password of your choosing. Creating an online library profile is required to check out items digitally. The way to set up your online account varies from library to library. Some will have simple instructions, while others will require a librarian to complete the process for you. Select the book you want to borrow. Search your library's online catalog for the book you want to borrow. To narrow your search, you can filter search results to include digital download books only. Choose the length of time you wish to borrow the book for. Although the standard borrowing window is 21 days, some Overdrive accounts give you the option of choosing a shorter time period, such as seven or fourteen days. Select the time period that best fits your needs. If you know you are a slow reader, only check out one digital book at a time so you don't keep other patrons waiting. Choose the correct format for download. Overdrive offers a few downloading options, depending on the reader you are using. Options should include a computer PDF format, a Kindle format, and a Nook format. The Nook format might also read “EPUB” or something similar.

Download Adobe Digital Editions to your computer. Create an ADE account. Connect your Nook to your computer. Open the book using Adobe. Select the “library” button. Click and drag the book. Click “Return Book” on your Nook. Click “Return Book” in Adobe. Download the Overdrive app to your Nook. Find your local library in the Overdrive app. Select the book you wish to borrow. Read your book before the expiration date. Gather two pieces of mail with your name and address. Take your state-issued ID. Visit your local library. Set up your online library profile. Select the book you want to borrow. Choose the length of time you wish to borrow the book for. Choose the correct format for download.

https://www.wikihow.com/Believe-in-God

How to Believe in God

Believing in God doesn't happen overnight, but if you trust in him and work on building your spiritual relationship, you can find your faith! Having faith involves changing your mindset and knowing that you can't control everything. In your daily life, take time to pray and ask God for guidance. You might also ask God to help other people or thank him for providing for you. To strengthen your faith, try attending a church service in your area. Listen to the words the leader says and see if you can relate it to the things happening in your life. The church is also a great place to hear about other people's religious experiences and be inspired. Besides going to church, volunteering is a good way to strengthen your faith. You could volunteer at a local soup kitchen or help out with a fundraiser.

Separate physical measurements from believing. Think of knowing God not by measurable events, but through an intangible presence in everything you do. God is Spirit, experienced intuitively, somewhat like experiencing love, air and gravity, and unfathomable love and grace. Knowing of God has more to do with the heart (core beliefs) than with objects. The belief you form through faith and in a Higher Power than yourself, does not just happen. You do not wake up one morning, brush your teeth, and say, "today I am going to believe in God. Today I am going to have faith". Something has to happen for you to need and to seek out that faith. If you approach faith from this premise, then you will see that believing in God is about reflecting on the impact He has on you and on others. You'll find that believing is not by material means but by personal development of spiritual faith, since God is generally viewed as a living spirit, not having a decaying body, He can be measured by intangible things, like acknowledging His presence, our beliefs, plus our ways and reactions. Think about all the things you believe in. You may believe that a team is the best team in your sport, for example. But what is this based on? Do you favor them because they have superior statistics and more championships? Chances are you favor them because of the specific impact they have on you as a fan. Your appreciation for them is based on something inside you, individual, and immeasurable. Replace proof with trust. Having faith involves taking a choice. This means deciding to trust without absolute certainty. Chances are you make decisions on faith every day. If you've ever ordered food from a restaurant, you've taken a step of faith. That particular restaurant may have a high customer rating and stellar health score, but chances are you haven't witnessed firsthand your food being made. You have to trust that the chefs have washed their hands and prepared your food properly/safely. Seeing isn't always believing. There are still things science can't measure, yet people still believe in them. For example, astronomers cannot actually see black holes in outer space, because by definition they absorb materials and the light that is necessary for us to observe them. But by observing the behavior of matter and the orbits of stars around a black hole, we can predict that one is present. God is also non-viewable but has knowable qualities and observable influence, that draws people to Him. Think of a time a family member has been sick and gotten better. Did you ever pray or hope to something higher for their recovery? Maybe this event is like an orbiting star, and God is like gravity that is exerting His pull on all things. Stop trying to control everything. Probably across all religions that have a concept of God, this belief is constant: God created all things. Because God is the creator, only He is in full control. Relinquishing control of certain aspects of your life does not mean you are powerless. Don't think of God as a puppeteer pulling your strings, but as a parent keeping you safe. You still choose the course of your life, but life may not turn out the way you plan or wish. In times like this, it's important to remember that God is there to help you. Knowing that you are not in control of everything can be empowering. Recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous are founded on the premise that people are not fully in control, and that belief in a higher power restores balance by yielding one's broken ego. Once we accept that we cannot control everything, we learn to accept things we can control. Consider the Serenity Prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference." There are many things you can change but things you can't. You may believe that there are higher powers that shape your life's outcome. This is a great starting place for discovering faith in God. Go to places of worship. Try attending a Jewish, Muslim or Christian church service. Listen to the words that the minister, rabbi, imam or pastor is saying and try relating it to your life. Ministers often deliver a speech, called a sermon, that relates every day life to beliefs in God. See if things the priest is saying connects with you on a personal level. Though you may not know the specifics of the Bible, maybe a sentiment or point the speaker makes will connect with you in a big way (for example, treating your neighbor as you would treat yourself). Don't worry about not being of that faith. Though you may be restricted from partaking in certain practices, like receiving communion (“bread” and wine that either become or symbolize Jesus' body and blood, depending on the particular religion), there are no restrictions for listening. In fact, Christians should be and usually are very happy when new people become curious and interested in the teachings of God. Church services fall on Sunday and usually last about an hour. Synagogue services fall on Saturday. Mosque sermon occur on Fridays just after midday. It is customary for regular patrons to arrive on time and stay throughout, although it is not mandatory for casual attendees. Catholic mass is usually a formal to semi-formal event. Be sure that you dress appropriately. Collared shirts, dress pants, and long dresses are acceptable attire. Also remember to be respectful; no cellphone usage and no chewing gum during church services. Talk to people who believe in God. Maybe someone you know has a well-founded relationship with God. Talk to him or her about why and how faith is so strong. Ask questions. "Why do you believe in God?" "What makes you sure that God is there?" "Why should I believe in God?" These are all questions that a friend might have a unique insight to. Remember to be respectful and ask questions in a curious but non-aggressive manner. Pastors aren't only available during conversion or confession. If you attend church on a weekday, chances are you will be able to talk to him before or after a service. Such teachers of God will likely be happy to answer any questions you have about believing in Him. Pray and acknowledge God in all you say and do. Many religions believe that a good relationship with God starts with steady prayer of communication with Him. God will likely not respond verbally to your prayers, but there are other signs that show He is listening. Prayer is especially important in times of need. Many people have a misconception that prayer is a vehicle for wish fulfillment. Actually, prayer is not asking God to solve all your problems for you; it is asking him to help you deal with your problems/opportunities. You might have a tough decision ahead of you: pursue a job or continue on with your education? Try praying to God for guidance. See what choice you make and observe the outcome. Though things may not end up how you plan, think of this as another opportunity to pray. Don't think of bad outcomes as the result of God not listening or being present, but of His answering your prayer in a way you haven't considered yet. The Bible emphasizes the fact that God works in mysterious ways. Think of God as a teacher, helping you learn important life lessons not by just giving you the answer, but by helping you arrive at that answer yourself. Think back to school and ask yourself, "Did my teachers tell me the answers, or teach me how to understand issues and solve problems?" Think of events in your life as "lessons" more so than "answers." Volunteer. Try giving to others less fortunate than you by helping out at a soup kitchen or food drive. Believing in a higher power means shifting the emphasis off yourself. Helping others is a great opportunity to look at your life from a different perspective. Interacting with others who are less fortunate often helps you appreciate things you take for granted in your life. Basic things like having shelter, eating food, or being able to sleep soundly are luxuries that some don't have. These are all things that you can thank God for and can help you believe God is looking out for you. Be thankful and be persistent. Notice how people who have been not had certain things can still thrive. Tony Melendez, a man born without arms, recently played the guitar for Pope John Paul II using his feet. Being thankful for the things you have shifts attention from all the things that are missing in your life. Focus on the positive; optimism is a stepping stone to believing in something greater than yourself. Do good deeds. Try extending your charitable acts to everyday life. Volunteering is both unselfish and generous, but don't overlook the little things. When Peter talked about the healing of the paralysed man (Acts 3:2-8) he described it as a good deed (Acts 4:9) True believers in God can also offer healing of the sick as Peter did Show love and concern to find God. You can team with God to serve as His hands and feet. Simply holding open the door for someone can brighten that person's day. Little things like smiling, giving up your seat to the elderly on public transportation, or just saying "thank you" can bring you closer to God. Don't underestimate the effect a good deed can have on your feeling and believing how a higher power affects others through you. Think of times when someone, maybe even a complete stranger, has done something good to you. Maybe you dropped your cell phone and someone picked it up and stopped you to return it. Did you ever pause to think about that person's actions? Maybe that person was an answer to your simplest prayer: "Please God, just help me get through today." "God bless you", have you ever helped someone and been told that? Try letting those words truly sink in and appreciate that deeply. What if a good deed is really God telling you that He hears and sees us and allows your intents and purposes to express His love?

Separate physical measurements from believing. Replace proof with trust. Stop trying to control everything. Go to places of worship. Talk to people who believe in God. Pray and acknowledge God in all you say and do. Don't think of bad outcomes as the result of God not listening or being present, but of His answering your prayer in a way you haven't considered yet. Volunteer. Do good deeds. Show love and concern to find God.

https://www.wikihow.com/Sleep-with-a-Body-Pillow

How to Sleep with a Body Pillow

If you often feel back pain while you sleep, try cuddling up to an I-shaped body pillow, which can provide support for your head and between your knees. You can also try a J-shaped pillow if you often feel back strain. For more complete support, try the U-shaped pillow which can wrap around your whole body as you sleep.

Buy a U-shaped pillow. Body pillows come in many different shapes. The shape you want will depend on your personal preference and sleeping style. Many body pillows are shaped like a letter U, which can wrap around your body. The U-shaped pillow works by letting your head rest at the top of the curve of the U, which fits snug around you at the curve of the U upside down. The separate arms of the pillow wrap around you, with one arm going down your back and the other going down your front. You can sleep on either side or on your back with the U-shaped pillow. This pillow has the added benefit of keeping you from tossing and turning in your sleep. These pillow are large, so you will need a queen or king sized bed to use them. Use an I-shaped pillow. Body pillows shaped like the letter I are very long and huggable. Since they support the knees, they help relieve pain in the back and spine. These pillows are smaller, so they are better for smaller beds. They are also cheaper than U-shaped pillows. This pillow would be best for you if you need support between your knees as well as your head. These are also favored by those who sleep on their side, since they help realign the back and neck while in a side position. These can be thin or thick, so look for the ones that work best for your particular body shape and sleeping style. Try a J-shaped pillow. The J-shaped body pillow, sometimes called a C-shaped pillow, curve on one end to help support the neck, knees, and butt. They are considered a middle ground between the I-shaped and U-shaped pillows. They fit nicely between your knees, which is how it helps relieve back pain and strain. These work well on all bed types, since they resemble the I-shaped pillow. All the types of body pillows can be thick or thin, depending on your personal preference. Pick the best material. Body pillows come in many different materials and are stuffed with different things. When looking at pillows, organic and natural materials are the best. Since you spend so much time with your face against the material of your pillow, you want to make sure that get a good and comfortable material. Look for body pillows made of natural wool or cotton. You can find these kinds of pillows from stores such as Gaiam, Comfort U, Leachco, and Holy Lamb. Cover your pillow. Once you buy the right pillow for you, think about getting a soft and cozy pillow case for it. You will need a special kind of pillow case for your body pillow, since they are so large. Cases are recommended for your pillow because you need to have a way to keep it clean. You may be able to find one at a linen store, but you can also buy a cover specifically for your body pillow. You may also be able to make one yourself. Some pillows come with a washable pillow case made on them, while others do not. If it comes with a washable case, take it off and wash it whenever you wash your sheets. Use it every night. Once you have the best body pillow for you, use it every night. When you first get into bed, position yourself with the body pillow around you. Make sure you are hugging and positioned around it in such a way that it supports your neck and back. Try to avoid throwing your leg all the way over the body pillow when you sleep on your side. This can add undue strain to your back and actually cause more problems. Just gently rest it between your knees as you lie flat on your side. Learn how body pillows help. Sleeping on your back keeps your head, neck, and back in alignment. It can also help prevent pains in your neck and back as well as help with conditions such as acid reflux and heart problems. However, if your preferred sleeping position is on your side, you can use a body pillow to achieve similar results. Body pillows conform to the shape of your body, which helps align your spine in a more normal way. It also provides extra support, which helps relieve back pain and stress. This causes you to breathe easier, promotes better circulation, and aids in muscles relaxation. Know other reasons to sleep with a body pillow. Side sleeping with a body pillow can help you if you have sleep apnea, a condition where you stop breathing then restart breathing while asleep. Body pillows can also help you if you snore and if you are pregnant Sleeping on your side while pregnant helps improve blood flow to your uterus and can help with ankles that are swollen. It also supports your neck, back, and belly at the same time. Sleeping on your left side is generally considered preferable if you are pregnant. See a chiropractor. If you develop back pain after you start using a body pillow, stop immediately. It should not cause you any pain or discomfort. If the back pain becomes common, see your doctor or a chiropractor. If you start using a body pillow to help back pain and it gets worse, stop using it until you can discuss your options with your doctor.

Buy a U-shaped pillow. Use an I-shaped pillow. Try a J-shaped pillow. Pick the best material. Cover your pillow. Use it every night. Learn how body pillows help. Know other reasons to sleep with a body pillow. See a chiropractor.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Garlic-Cream-Sauce

How to Make Garlic Cream Sauce

To make garlic cream sauce, begin by melting 1 tablespoon each of butter and olive oil in a sauce pan. Then, add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and cook it until it softens. Next, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook it for 1 minute, or until it begins to thicken and turn brown. Stir in 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of bouillon, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Finally, season the sauce with salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese before serving.

Melt butter and olive oil.Heat the tablespoon of butter and tablespoon of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Mince the garlic. Peel the cloves of garlic. Then, chop the garlic very finely until you have 2 tablespoons (1/8 cup). Add the garlic to the butter and oil. Once the butter and oil have melted together, carefully add the minced garlic and stir. The garlic should soften and smell fragrant. Avoid cooking it till it turns brown. Make a roux. Add the flour directly to the butter/oil/garlic mixture and stir well. Make sure that the flour is completely incorporated. Keep cooking and stirring this mixture over medium heat, for about a minute. You should notice the roux start to thicken up and darken a bit in color. Heat the heavy cream and bouillon. You can microwave the liquids till warm or heat them in a pan on the stove. Take care not to boil the liquids. Add 2 cups (16 ounces) of heavy cream and bouillon. Carefully pour the warmed cream and bouillon into the roux, while mixing with your other hand. Keep whisking and cooking over medium heat until it starts to simmer, or bubble gently. Stir occasionally and season. Frequently stir the sauce so that it doesn't stick to the pan. Add salt and pepper, according to your taste. The sauce should start to thicken up after a few minutes. The sauce should still be bubbling gently. At no point should you boil the sauce. Add Parmesan cheese and remove from heat. Stir well to melt the cheese. Continue cooking if you want a really thick sauce. If not, remove the sauce and serve. Turn on the oven. Heat the oven to 400 F/ 204 C. Tear off a square of aluminum foil. The piece should be around a square foot in size. Prepare the garlic. Take your whole head of garlic and set it on the middle of your aluminum square. Drizzle it with 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, wrap the aluminum foil around the garlic, sealing it in and making a pouch. Roast the garlic. Set your pouch of garlic in the oven, directly on a rack. Let it cook for 30 minutes. The garlic will be soft when it's finished cooking. Remove it from the oven and foil. Let it cool. Squeeze roasted garlic into a sauté pan along with olive oil. The individual cloves of garlic should be soft enough that you can squeeze them right into the pan. Do this for the entire head of garlic. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat a minute over medium heat. Make a roux. Add the flour to the sauté pan and stir well, making sure to reach all areas of the pan so that the flour is completely incorporated. Continue to stir while cooking the mixture, or roux. The roux should start to darken a bit in color. Heat 1 cup of chicken or vegetable stock. You can simply microwave the stock while your roux is cooking, or you can heat the stock in a pot on the stove. Don't let it boil. Whisk the stock into the roux. Very gradually pour the stock into your roux while whisking with your other hand. This should be a slow process so that the stock has a chance to be absorbed into the roux without separating into clumps. Keep stirring and cooking your sauce. Keep the temperature around medium, or medium-low if it starts to boil. The sauce will start to thicken up pretty quickly. You should notice a lot of evaporation as the sauce reduces to about half of the volume. Stirring frequently will help prevent scorching, or burning. Stir in the heavy/whipping cream. Stir to combine the stock/garlic mixture and cream. Remove the sauté pan from heat. Blend the sauce. You can either use an immersion blender or regular blender. If using an immersion blender, transfer the sauce to a deep bowl. Then, stick the immersion blender in it and process until the sauce is smooth. If using a regular blender, transfer the sauce to the blender and blitz until smooth. Blending the sauce will also smooth out any lumps of roux you might not have whisked completely. Taste the sauce and season. Add salt and pepper, according to your taste. Use immediately or return the sauce to the sauté pan, where you can keep it warm over low heat. Try as a white pizza sauce.This makes a good alternative to red sauce and creates a richer tasting pizza. Consider topping with: red onion, mushrooms, spinach, bacon, artichoke hearts, chicken, or broccoli. Use on any kind of pasta. Toss it with cooked fettuccine, penne, linguine or use it in a lasagna. If using it in pasta, consider grating the zest of a lemon into your sauce. This will add a citrus note and cut some of the richness. Drizzle over grilled steaks. Steaks are traditionally topped with a compound butter or rich sauce. Garlic cream sauce makes an excellent replacement. Cover seafood with the sauce. Shrimp, scallops and clams are especially good with the combination of garlic and cream. Toss a little sauce into a seafood pasta for an even better combination. Use as a dipping sauce. Dip bread sticks, crackers, or veggies. For an appetizer or party, set out a tray of breads, vegetables, sausages, and a bowl of the garlic sauce for easy dipping.

Melt butter and olive oil.Heat the tablespoon of butter and tablespoon of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Mince the garlic. Add the garlic to the butter and oil. Make a roux. Heat the heavy cream and bouillon. Add 2 cups (16 ounces) of heavy cream and bouillon. Stir occasionally and season. Add Parmesan cheese and remove from heat. Turn on the oven. Prepare the garlic. Roast the garlic. Squeeze roasted garlic into a sauté pan along with olive oil. Make a roux. Heat 1 cup of chicken or vegetable stock. Whisk the stock into the roux. Keep stirring and cooking your sauce. Stir in the heavy/whipping cream. Blend the sauce. Taste the sauce and season. Try as a white pizza sauce.This makes a good alternative to red sauce and creates a richer tasting pizza. Use on any kind of pasta. Drizzle over grilled steaks. Cover seafood with the sauce. Use as a dipping sauce.

https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-for-HUD-Housing

How to Apply for HUD Housing

You may be eligible for HUD Housing if you have a low to moderate-income, are elderly, or have a disability. There are a variety of different assistance programs available through HUD, so check the website to see which ones you'll qualify for. For most of the programs, you'll need to make 80% or less of the median income in your area. If you decide to apply for HUD housing, you'll need to do so through your local public housing agency, since HUD doesn't actually process applications themselves. Most states require you to fill out the application in person, so call your local agency to set up an appointment.

Find your local Public Housing Agency. Although HUD is federally funded, it is run on a local level through individual Public Housing Agencies (HA). You will need to determine which one services your specific area in order to get information about the programs available in your region and move ahead with the application process. Go online to this website and select your state to find the list of HA's in your area. Then scroll through the list to find the contact information (phone and/or e-mail) for the one in your city. Familiarize yourself with HUD’s programs. There is no one-size-fits all HUD housing. Rather, there are a variety of assistance programs (private market rentals, home-buying assistance) and types of housing (single-family homes, high-rise apartments), some of which may be better suited to you/your family and your particular situation. Among the numerous options are the following programs: Housing Choice Voucher Program : Formerly known as Section 8 housing, this program is the largest program administered by HUD. It provides vouchers for renting in the private market. Eligible applicants include low-income families and individuals, the elderly, and the disabled. HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) : HOME provides low-income households with funding to build, buy, or rehabilitate housing for renting or ownership. Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) : This program provides housing assistance to people with HIV/AIDS and their families. Additional support services are also provided. Multifamily Subsidized Housing Programs : This program includes Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly and the Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP). These programs may be especially beneficial to elderly persons, as they provide some additional services such as housekeeping and transportation. The CHSP is a very limited program, and Section 202 is available for people at least 62 years of age and with a very low income. HUDVET : This program strives to reduce homelessness among veterans and their families. Additional services are provided. Self-help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) : Unlike some other HUD programs, SHOP is primarily granted to regional and national non-profit organizations, not individuals/families. It provides assistance in purchasing and renovating home sites. Check your income. Before spending the time to fill out a lengthy application, you can check your income against the “income limit” developed by HUD to determine who will qualify for housing. Income limits vary by area and depend on the size of your household, so it's important to compare your income against the limit for the area where you're seeking housing. Income limits are based on the median income in your city or metropolitan area. “Lower income” limits are set at 80% of the median, while “very low” limits are set at 50% of the median. You can contact your local HA to find out the income limit for your area, or you can look online at http://www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/il.html. Just because your income doesn't fall at or below the income limit doesn't mean you shouldn't apply. It might, however, be a good idea to speak with an HA representative first. Browse through the HUD website. There are many resources available here, and you can find a lot of information about different housing programs and types of assistance, as well links for locating lenders, estimating a loan, and finding affordable apartments. Start by selecting your state from the "State Info" tab at the top of the home page. Determine how you will fill out the application. According to the federal government's HUD website, all HUD applications must be filled out in hardcopy, and you may either fill the application out yourself or get help from an HA representative. Some states may, however, allow for electronic applications for certain programs. Contact your local HA to find out about their specific policies. If you are filling the application out yourself, you may be able to print it online and mail/fax it in, depending on your local HA's policies. Otherwise you will need to make an appointment to go into the HA office and fill the application out there. Make an appointment. If your HA requires that you fill out the application in person, or if you would like help filling out the application, call your local agency to set up an appointment. Collect the necessary information. You will need an array of information for the application process, so collect it beforehand to ensure you're prepared. If you're going into the HA's office, it's best to have the information written down in case you forget something. You will need your current address and telephone number along with information about everyone who will be living in the housing unit (name, sex, date of birth, and their relationship to the head of household). The application will require information about veteran status or whether you are currently living in substandard housing. These details may help you to qualify for specific programs. You will need to provide an estimate of your household income for the next 12 months and the sources of the income. Be prepared to give contact information for your current and previous landlords, employers, and banks. Locate appropriate documentation. When you go to the Housing Agency to fill out your application, you should take with you birth certificates, tax returns, your driver's license, and other information that will help the HA verify the information you give on your application. Having this documentation available at the time you fill out the application will make the process run a lot more smoothly and quickly. Otherwise, you may have to spend days or weeks getting the information to the correct people and waiting for your application to be processed in the meantime. Fill out the application. The application may be fairly detailed, so expect to spend a while filling it out. If you are filling it out online, be sure to set aside enough time, as certain systems may not allow you to save your progress and you don't want to have to start over again if you get interrupted in the middle. Apply for as many different assistance programs as you can. Most have considerable wait lists, and applying to multiple programs maximizes your chances of moving to the top of at least one waiting list in a relatively quick time frame. Wait lists may only be open for a short window in a given time period. Therefore, in order to increase your likelihood of making it onto the waitlist should your application be accepted, it's important that you meet the required deadline for applying to a given program. Having all the necessary information and documentation with you when you go to the HA to fill out the application will help you avoid unnecessary delays. HAs generally receive many more applications for assistance than they are able to accept. If you meet any criteria that count as preference or priority status, be sure to note these on your application, as these will make you more likely to move up the waiting list and be selected for housing. Priority status may be accorded to someone whose apartment has been condemned; who is living in a shelter or on the street; who is suffering a severe medical emergency; who is paying more than half his or her income in rent; who is facing domestic violence; or who is being evicted through no fault of his or her own. Make sure your application information is entirely correct. If the housing agency or a landlord finds that you have provided false information on your housing application, it can be denied. Ask questions. If you've filled out the application in person, an HA representative will be available to answer any questions you may have about HUD housing and the application process. He can give you information about different programs, the selection process, wait list times, etc. At any time during the process, you can call your local agency and ask them questions about the application process, available programs in your area, and so on. You should also be able to make an appointment to speak with a representative in the office about concerns other than filling out an application.

Find your local Public Housing Agency. Familiarize yourself with HUD’s programs. Check your income. Browse through the HUD website. Determine how you will fill out the application. Make an appointment. Collect the necessary information. Locate appropriate documentation. Fill out the application. Ask questions.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Job-in-Hollywood

How to Get a Job in Hollywood

It can be really hard to get a job in Hollywood, but if you work hard, you may be able to achieve your dream. If you want to work on a film or TV set, attend film school to learn the basics of filming, such as camera settings, lenses, lighting, and sound design. As you get more familiar with the industry, apply to entry-level positions like production assistant, grip, and script supervisor, along with internships at film studios. Whatever job you get, work hard at it, and look for opportunities to move up until you get the job you want!

Get a degree in Film or Film Production. While not necessary to succeed in Hollywood (directors like Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino and James Cameron never went to film school), film school is a great place to learn the hard skills of film -- camera settings, lenses, lighting, and sound design -- while getting a chance to practice with professional equipment. Many cities have night classes in film at local art schools if you have already graduated. Film school can be expensive, but you'll learn a lot about how to create films, and it's a great way to make connections in the industry. Start with an entry-level position, like production assistant or grip. Filming is an incredibly involved process that often takes over 100 people to get right. From make-up and costuming to sound engineering and cinematography, there are a lot of potential jobs in Hollywood behind the scenes. However, almost none of them will hire you without past experience. In almost every instance you have to start from the bottom to get the job you want. Some of the most common entry level positions are: '''Production Assistant (PA):''' The PA does whatever the movie needs, from picking up actors or food to checking the script and rolling up cords. This is oftentimes the first job a burgeoning filmmaker takes, because they get to work with many different film departments and meet many people, but it is thankless work. '''Grip:''' Holds boom microphones and sometimes cameras. This is a great job for someone interested in the audio side of Hollywood, but it is physically taxing to hold up equipment all day. '''Script Supervisor:''' Reads the script while filming to make sure there are no mistakes. Though this is not always considered an entry level position, smaller studios will often hire a new person if they have experience in editing or writing. Get an internship with a film studio. Internships are not just for college students and recent graduates – anyone can find a good internship with a little hard work. And though the job is often thankless, being in a studio each day teaches you about the industry and open doors to better jobs later in life. Most major studios, like Lionsgate, Universal, NBC, and FX offer yearly internship programs on their websites. If you love the movies or TV a certain studio produces, check out “Employment” or “Jobs” on their website. Search Craiglist, InternMatch.com, and EntertainmentJobs.com for internships across Hollywood. Do every single job to the best of your ability, no matter the task. Being a production assistant or intern is not easy. Most of your day is spent doing menial tasks or running errands, and it might feel like you are wasting your time. However, almost every single person working in Hollywood started from the bottom and worked their way up because they were dependable, respectful, and helpful. You must prove your can do the basic jobs on a film set before you are trusted with the creative jobs. Make films in your free time. The best way to get experience is to take matters into your own hands. These days, the equipment needed to make a film is almost astonishingly cheap, as most smart phones can record HD video and sound right out of the box. Grab some friends, write a short script, and start filming today. Post your videos on Youtube, Vimeo, and Reddit to grab viewers online. Submit your movie to film festivals, like Austin Film Fest or Sundance, where film professionals might see it and ask for more work. This is how several famous writers/directors, like the Duplass brothers ( Jeff Who Lives at Home, The League, ) got started. Put together a “demo reel” to send to potential employers. While a good smile and personality will help in an interview, most studios want to see some of your work before hiring you. A demo reel is a short compilation of your film accomplishments that you use to prove your skills. It should be no more than 2 minutes long and it should feature your very best work. Keep it short – you should grab their interest in the first 30 seconds. Tailor your reel to your job – if you are applying for a job editing, focus on scenes that cut between multiple angles, if you are focusing on sound design then focus on scenes that showcase how you mix music, dialogue, and sound effects seamlessly. Try to show a variety of work – if you can show 2-4 different projects successfully you prove that you can work on a variety of films. Meet as many people as possible. Hollywood is a tight-knit community, and you never know when someone will offer you your big break. Working lots of different gigs, going to parties, and introducing yourself often will create a network of people around you that can lead to your next job. Work as many gigs as you can to gain experience and make new contacts. Always be respectful and helpful on set – you never know who might get a promotion and need your help later in life. Learn how to format screenplays . Many studio executives and screenplay writers will throw your script out after the first sentence if it is improperly formatted. There are a variety of programs available online that will format your screenplay for you, from free programs like Celtx and WritersDuets to Final Draft, the industry standard. The type should be in 12pt Courier font. Always attach a title page to the front with your name and contact information in the bottom left corner. Read screenplays from your favorite movies and shows. Reading screenplays is essential if you ever want to write them. A good screenplay must tell the entire story without any actors or cameras—it must paint a picture in the readers head as if they were watching the movie at that very moment. This is an art form, and you can only learn it by reading the masters. Perform an internet search for “Title + Screenplay PDF.” While not every screenplay is online, a large number of them have been posted on various websites. Reading screenplays is a great way to learn formatting as well – if you see a scene a movie you like and don't know how to format, like a montage or transition, read the screenplay to see how it is written out. Write screenplays. The first question you will be asked in an interview is, “can we see your work?” Very few people in Hollywood are concerned with your degree or resume outside of writing – what they want to see is a fresh voice that is willing to write for a living. Once you've written one screenplay and it is as good as you can possibly imagine, sit down and write another. Try to write 3-4 pieces in the same genre (horror, comedy, drama, etc.) since most studios specialize in one type of film. If your first screenplay gets noticed, you then have 2-3 extra scripts the same studio might want. Learn how to craft log lines that sell your script. Log lines are short, 10-second summations of your film. Think of the brief explanations provided next to movies online and in the newspaper. You want to communicate, in general, the main character, the mood, and the plot in only one sentence, which is often harder than it looks. The best log-lines hook a person before they've even opened your script, and in the fast paced world of Hollywood, you may only get 30 seconds to grab someone. ''Inside Man:'' A cop has to talk down a bank robber after the criminal's perfect heist spirals into a hostage situation. ''The Shawshank Redemption:'' Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency. ''Forest Gump:'' Forrest Gump, while not intelligent, has accidentally been present at many historic moments, but his true love, Jenny, eludes him. Submit your screenplays to contests and festivals. There are hundreds of stories about unknown writers winning $10,000 and a trip to Hollywood after winning a big contest like the Austin Screenwriting Contest or Final Draft's Big Break. More importantly, most contests offer feedback on your script, giving you advice on how to improve it from industry experts. This is especially crucial if you don't live in L.A, as contests are a direct line to Hollywood if you win. Most contests cost between $35 - $100 to apply to, but they are cheaper the earlier you submit. Read reviews of contests before submitting to them to see if they are worth your money. Sites like MovieBytes.com offer reader reviews of each contest offered. Become a writer’s assistant. Just like burgeoning directors must start as Production Assistants, a writer usually needs to start at the bottom before getting their own show or movie deal. Writer's assistants answer phones, take notes, and run errands, but the important part of the job is making connections and lasting friendships. You never know when a writer will get a new gig and ask you to come along as a co-writer. Apply to writer's assistant jobs on television and film studio websites, under “Employment.” Websites like Internmatch, EntertainmentJobs.com, and Craigslist often list posts for writing assistants. Only pitch your scripts when asked. Time and time again, stories filter out of Hollywood about assistants, crew-members, and extras who are more concerned with their own writing then the project they are working on. This not only annoys your superiors, but distracts you from doing your job. Work hard and do everything you can to help your project run smoothly and you will be promoted, noticed, and asked to share your ideas. However, when your chance arises to talk about your writing – take it! Work as many film jobs as possible. Work on a crew, act as an extra, and write commercials if you have to. Every experience you get will teach you something and bring you one step closer to your dreams. Remember that every connection you make can turn into something important, so make as many connections as possible. Move to Los Angeles. It is incredibly rare that someone gets a job acting from anywhere but Hollywood. You need to be available for an audition or interview at a moment's notice or you will never become a paid actor. Make sure you have enough money saved to live comfortably until you find work – the average cost of living in LA is 50% then the rest of the country. Take professional headshots. Headshots are high-quality pictures of you that studios use to decide if you are the right fit for a role. There are thousands of photo studios that offer headshots, usually costing anywhere from $200-$400. Make sure you tell the photographer that your headshots are for acting, as there are some other professions that require headshots in a different style. Your headshot should show off your brand, or how you want the industry to see you. Think about 3 words that describe you, like "upbeat, funny, and sporty," or "intelligent, quirky, and caring." Then, try to embody that through your wardrobe, expression, and pose. Be an extra, or work as a crew member. Extras are the people in the background of movies and TV shows, and you can often grab a gig as an extra by simply showing up. Being an extra means you get to be on set, meeting people and leaning how the film industry works, while still making some money acting. Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, Megan Fox, and more famous actors all started out as extras and worked their way up from there. Any chance you get to be on a professional film set will help you make contacts that could lead to your next role. Network with people on movie sets, at parties, and at work. Jenna Fischer, star of the hit show ''The Office,” got her first big role from a woman she met at a party. Years later, after proving she was a dependable actress in several plays and small TV roles, she was asked to audition for the role of Pam. Be kind to everyone you meet, and work hard on every role you get – you never know who is going to come through with your big chance. The more roles you take, no matter how small or weird, the more connections you will make with actors, directors, casting professionals, and agents. Take acting classes. Hone your skills with professionals, but, more importantly, take the time to make connections. The people you take classes with are all in the same boat as you, and opportunities will arise for some people that can help you as well. Many now-famous comedy groups, like the Upright Citizen's Brigade, began through friendships made at acting classes. Register with SAG to get benefits, auditions, and certification. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is a union for actors. Many TV shows, films, and even commercials will only hire SAG certified actors. While this does not have to be your first step in Hollywood, you should register online once you start getting your first auditions. Membership costs roughly $200 a year SAG members receive health benefits, acting workshops, online casting databases, and support when reading and signing contracts. Go to as many auditions as you can. Auditions are your chance to shine, and they are posted online, in trade books, and in newspapers all over Hollywood. You should also continue asking your friends if they know of any good casting opportunities. Check online casting databases, like Backstage.com and SAGAFTRA.org, to get up-to-date casting information. Ask your agent, if you have one, to find auditions or parts for you. Always prepare for an audition by cleaning up, reading the part, and practicing your monologue or speech beforehand. Get an agent once you start booking gigs. Agents specialize in landing roles for actors by communicating directly with studios about their needs. When a movie or TV show needs someone with a certain look or style, they ask the agent to provide them with a list of potential names instead of putting up a Craigslist  ad. To get an agent, research acting agencies near you and send them a resume, cover letter, and headshots. Try to focus on agencies that specialize in actors whose brands are similar to yours, like Broadway or feature film actors. Try to use SAG/AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) approved agents, as they have been vetted by the industry and have proven connections. To find agents, search online for “acting agencies,” buy a “Call Sheet” book, which is a print collection of agents, or ask Hollywood friends if they can put in a good word for you. Apply to 10-15 agencies at a time, as they are often busy and may not even read your submission. Many will only accept actors who have already worked a few small gigs. Start with small roles. As wonderful as it would be to rocket to stardom in your first picture, most actors work steadily for years before being noticed, if they get noticed at all. Do not let pride keep you from applying for small parts on TV shows, commercials, or the backgrounds of movies. Every role you land will help further your dreams as an actor. Commercials are an enormous market for actors, and usually only require one day of work. Try getting a job as a production assistant or another small role on a film set. That can help you make connections that will lead to a background role, which could eventually lead to your big break. Try theater or stand-up comedy to get your name out there. Sometimes the best way to break into the film industry is to ignore it. Getting on stage is valuable experience that can get you noticed if the right person is in the audience. Ian McKellan, Alec Baldwin, and Sarah Jessica Parker all began their careers in theater. Stand-up comedians from David Cross to Amy Schumer spent years performing stand up before they broke into television. Be patient while your career develops. Unfortunately, becoming an actor in Hollywood is a long journey that requires patience, hard work, and sacrifice. Some actors never make it out of commercials and small parts, but they continue because they love their work. Your big break can come at any time, but only if you're working hard enough to make it possible.

Get a degree in Film or Film Production. Start with an entry-level position, like production assistant or grip. Get an internship with a film studio. Do every single job to the best of your ability, no matter the task. Make films in your free time. Put together a “demo reel” to send to potential employers. Meet as many people as possible. Learn how to format screenplays . Read screenplays from your favorite movies and shows. Write screenplays. Learn how to craft log lines that sell your script. Submit your screenplays to contests and festivals. Become a writer’s assistant. Only pitch your scripts when asked. Work as many film jobs as possible. Move to Los Angeles. Take professional headshots. Be an extra, or work as a crew member. Network with people on movie sets, at parties, and at work. Take acting classes. Register with SAG to get benefits, auditions, and certification. Go to as many auditions as you can. Get an agent once you start booking gigs. Start with small roles. Try theater or stand-up comedy to get your name out there. Be patient while your career develops.

https://www.wikihow.com/Train-a-Hamster-Not-to-Bite

How to Train a Hamster Not to Bite

To train a hamster not to bite, speak to it softly, then insert your hand into the cage for it to sniff. Do this for a few days so it gets used to your scent. Next, introduce petting by gently and slowly rubbing between its ears with your index finger. Once it's comfortable with that, hold out your hand and let it climb in. At this point, your hamster is not afraid of you and shouldn't bite, but keep interacting with it regularly so it stays trained!

Wear gloves if you have to handle your hamster before he's properly trained. There could be several situations, like if your hamster is injured, that will require you to handle your hamster prematurely. Make sure you wear gloves if you do this, because your hamster will probably try to bite you. Be as gentle as possible as well. Before your hamster is used to you, he'll probably struggle when you pick him up. Make sure to apply only light pressure or you risk injuring him. Avoid picking up your hamster for about a week. Hamsters are prey animals, meaning that they're naturally used to bigger animals hunting them for food. Therefore your hamster will probably perceive you as a threat until he knows better. If you try to handle him before this period is up, he'll probably bite out of fear. For the first week you own the hamster, just let him explore his cage without touching him. In the meantime, there are exercises you can do throughout that week that will get him used to your presence and gradually make him comfortable enough to handle. Train your hamster at his own pace. Your hamster must be comfortable at each stage of training before you move on to another. Make sure he is receptive to everything before you progress, or you risk scaring him and setting back the training process. Schedule training sessions for the evening. Hamsters are nocturnal animals, and will be more active in the evening and at night. Take advantage of this by waiting until the evening to start any training. Your hamster will be more awake and receptive to new experiences. Also stick to a regular schedule. Hold training sessions every evening. This repetition will help your hamster get used to you more quickly. Speak to your hamster softly through his cage. Hamsters have sensitive hearing and can pick up on slight sounds. Loud or harsh noises will scare them, while a soft voice will attract them. Before handling your hamster, spend some time talking in a soft voice. If your hamster learns that you produce soft sounds and not loud ones, he'll be more willing to come over to you. Introduce your scent to your hamster. Like most animals, hamsters rely heavily on their sense of smell. When your hamster is used to your scent, he'll be willing to trust you. Start by washing your hands. This will prevent you from spreading germs from your hamster, and also ensure that there are no other scents on your hand besides your own. If you smell like food, the hamster might bite because he thinks he can eat you. Slowly insert your hand into the cage and leave it there. For the first day or two, your hamster will probably just run away. It is important to not chase after him, as this will frighten him more. Simply leave your hand motionless and wait for him to approach you. It may take a few days before your hamster is comfortable enough to approach. When your hamster does approach you, remain still. He's only investigating, and a sudden movement will scare him off again. He'll probably cautiously sniff you a few times. Wait until he gets very close and starts sniffing all over your hand before progressing further. Give your hamster treats. When your hamster has grown comfortable enough to approach you, start giving him treats like broccoli or cauliflower. Again, always make sure you open the cage and put your hand in slowly to avoid startling your hamster. Also make sure the hamster can see the treat and that it's not hidden in your hand. Otherwise, he might think your hand is the food and bite you. Don't try to pick him up when he takes the treat. He's still getting used to you and touching him will still probably startle him. Repeat this process for a few more days until your hamster eagerly runs over when you put your hand in the cage. Pet your hamster gently. When your hamster has grown comfortable enough to approach you, then you can start petting him. When he comes over, slowly lift your hand and pet him. Start with just a finger, and then if he is comfortable use the rest of your hand. Pick your hamster up. After your hamster is comfortable with being touched, then you can try picking him up. This will probably be a week or two after you first get him. Hold out your hand and let your hamster climb in. When he does so, you can lift him up and start playing with him. Keep interacting with your hamster regularly. After your hamster is trained, it will require regular interaction to keep him that way. Try to pick him up every day so he stays acclimated to your scent and is eager to interact with you. If you neglect him, you may have to train him all over again. Use slow movements whenever approaching your hamster. Even after your hamster is used to you, he can still get startled by sudden movements. Hamsters have poor eyesight and usually interpret any sudden movements as a threat. To avoid bites, always approach your hamster with gradual movements to avoid scaring him. Put your hamster down if he starts struggling. Hamsters bite when they're scared or stressed. If yours starts struggling or trying to get away while you're holding him, that means he's gotten uncomfortable. Pay attention to this non-verbal cue and put your hamster down. Otherwise, he may resort to biting to make sure you get the message. Leave your hamster alone if he doesn't approach you. Even when your hamster is used to you, there may be times he just isn't in the mood to be handled. If your hamster doesn't approach you when you reach into the cage, leave him alone. If you grab him when he isn't in the mood, he might bite you. Avoid touching your hamster if he's sleeping. Hamsters are naturally nocturnal creatures, meaning they're more active at night. That means that there's a good chance your hamster will sleep for a portion of the day. Don't disturb him if he's asleep. He'll probably interpret being suddenly awoken as an attack and naturally bite. If your hamster is asleep, let him stay that way.

Wear gloves if you have to handle your hamster before he's properly trained. Avoid picking up your hamster for about a week. Train your hamster at his own pace. Schedule training sessions for the evening. Speak to your hamster softly through his cage. Introduce your scent to your hamster. Give your hamster treats. Pet your hamster gently. Pick your hamster up. Keep interacting with your hamster regularly. Use slow movements whenever approaching your hamster. Put your hamster down if he starts struggling. Leave your hamster alone if he doesn't approach you. Avoid touching your hamster if he's sleeping.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Daisy-Chain

How to Make a Daisy Chain

To make a daisy chain, gather healthy-looking daisies with thick stems that are at least 4 inches long. Next, use your thumbnail to cut a small slit through the middle of the first stem. Then, thread the stem of another daisy through the slit, pushing the base all the way through until the flower is snug against the slit. Make a slit in the next daisy and push the third stem through. Continue linking up the daises until you've made a bracelet, crown, or necklace.

Pick your daisies. Look for daisies with thick stems at least 4 inches (10 cm) long. Look for healthy, fully open flowers for a more beautiful chain. Slit the stem with your thumbnail. Cut a small slit through the middle of the stem, without breaking it in half. You can cut this just below the flower, or halfway down the stem. If your fingernails are too short, use a plastic knife. Thread the stem of another daisy through the slit. Push the base of the stem through, until the flower is snug against the slit. Repeat with any number of daisies. Make a slit in the next daisy and push the third stem through it. Repeat until you've made a bracelet, crown, or necklace. When you think your daisy chain is long enough, cut a second slit through the first stem. Push the last daisy through this slit to make a loop. Air dry the daisy (optional). To keep your daisy chain for a long time, hang it up to dry in a windy area. It might wither or change color, but it should stay together. Pick the tallest flowers you can find. The longer the stems are, the easier the braiding. Daisies work wonderfully, but you can use any flower with a long, flexible stem and no thorns. Strip off leaves (optional). Pinch the stem under the flower and moving your fingers rapidly downward. Repeat until the leaves are torn off. This will make it easier to see what you're doing. After you've made a couple chains, you can try keeping the leaves. Choose three flowers with strong stems. Place three flowers in a row on a flat surface. Pinch the stems together, just below the blossoms. If any of these three stems break, you'll need to start over. If later stems break, you're probably okay. Bring the right stem to the middle. Press your thumb down over the point where the stems cross. Pick up the stem on the right and bend it in between the other two. Bring the left stem under the right stem. Move the left stem over the new middle stem, and under the stem on the right. Pull the stems gently to make the braid tight. Don't pull too hard or it might break. Continue braiding. Move the right stem into the middle. Bring the left stem over the middle and under the new right stem. Repeat this braiding pattern three or four times. Add more flowers as you go. After a few braids, pick up another flower. Lay it down next to another stem. From now on, braid as though those two stems were one thick stem. Add another flower every 2–5 crosses, depending on how clustered you like them. Tuck in the end of each stem. When you come to the end of a stem, tuck it into a gap between the others. Keeping them all well-tucked makes the chain less likely to unravel. Finish with plain stems. Once you're reaching the length you want, stop adding new flowers. Keep braiding until you've got about 3 inches (7.5 cm) of bare stem. Bring this back to the beginning of the braid. Gently pull apart a couple flowers near the beginning, and wrap the two ends together several times.

Pick your daisies. Slit the stem with your thumbnail. Thread the stem of another daisy through the slit. Repeat with any number of daisies. Air dry the daisy (optional). Pick the tallest flowers you can find. Strip off leaves (optional). Choose three flowers with strong stems. Bring the right stem to the middle. Bring the left stem under the right stem. Continue braiding. Add more flowers as you go. Tuck in the end of each stem. Finish with plain stems.

https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Bathroom-Fan

How to Install a Bathroom Fan

To install a bathroom fan, go into your attic and clear away the insulation where the fan will go, then return to the bathroom and use a jigsaw to cut out the hole for the fan. Lower the fan into place and secure it with drywall screws, then use flexible duct pipes to vent the fan to the outside. Attach the vent point to the exit point, then wire the fan's electrical connections. Once the fan is hooked up, install the decorative plastic grille on the bathroom ceiling, then turn the power on and test your new fan!

Determine the correct CFM rating for your bathroom. The first thing you need to do when installing a new bathroom fan is determine the CFM rating for your bathroom, so you can buy the appropriate strength fan. CFM stands for "Cubic Feet per Minute" and refers to how much air the fan can move per minute. Small bathrooms will need low CFM fans, while larger bathrooms may require fans with a much higher CFM. To calculate the CFM for your bathroom, multiply the room's cubic footage (length x width x height). For example, if your bathroom measured 120 square feet, you would multiply that by the height of the ceiling (say 8') to get 960. THEN divide by 7.5 to get a CFM rating of 128. You will find the CFM rating of a new fan printed on its box. Consider the sound rating of your fan. The next thing to consider is the sound rating of your new fan, which is measured in sones. New fans usually have a sound rating somewhere between 0.5 (very quiet) and 6 (very loud) sones. Some people prefer to have very quiet fans, while others value the privacy offered by louder fans, especially in public areas of the home. Like the CFM, the sone ratings of new fans will be printed on the box Choose the location of the fan. The location of your bathroom fan is important. It should be installed at the center point between your shower and toilet for optimum ventilation. However, if your bathroom is very large, you may need to install more than one fan. If you are installing a new fan, you will need to consider the layout of your attic, where the bulk of the fan will be located. It should be placed in the the space between two joists, in an area free from any pipes or other obstructions. If you are replacing an old fan, the easiest thing to do is just to put the new fan in same location (unless you have a very good reason for wanting it in a different spot). Gather the required tools. Installing a bathroom fan is a manageable DIY project for homeowners with basic carpentry and electrical skills. Before you begin, it's a good idea to have all of the required tools and materials easily at hand. In terms of tools, you will need some basic hand tools such as a screwdriver and a combination pliers, in addition to a power drill and a jigsaw. In terms of materials, you will need a length of flexible duct pipe, a vent cap, screws, caulk and wire nuts. If you're running the duct pip out through the roof you will also need roofing cement, shingles and roofing nails. You will also need a stepladder in order to reach the fan from below, safety goggles and a respirator to wear while drilling, and roof brackets, roof cleats or a safety harness for potential roof work. Drill a reference hole and mark the ceiling. Take your power drill and use an extra-long, ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) spade bit to drill a reference hole in the ceiling, where you intend to place the fan. Measure the vent fan housing. Head up to the attic, find the reference hole and clear away the insulation surrounding it. Use the the fan housing measurements to ensure that the fan will fit in the chosen spot, between two joists. Go back to the bathroom and measure the fan's intake port. You will need these dimensions to cut the appropriate sized hole in your ceiling. Use a framing square and pencil to mark the outline of the fan's intake port on the ceiling, using the measurements you just took. Cut the intake-port hole. Use your jigsaw to cut out the portion of ceiling you just marked. If you don't have a jigsaw, you could also use a reciprocating or drywall saw. Don't let the cut section of ceiling fall to the floor after cutting, as it could pull additional pieces of drywall or plaster with it. Use your free hand to support the rectangular piece of ceiling and gently lower it to the floor. Remember to wear safety goggles and a respirator while sawing through plaster and drywall to protect your eyes and lungs. Put the fan in position. Before you lower the fan into the hole you just cut, attach a 90 degree duct elbow (to which you will later attach the duct pipe) to the appropriate outlet port using foil duct tape. Insert a cable connector through the removable knockout hole on the side of the fan's housing, then slide the supporting metal brackets into place. Center the fan over the ceiling hole and lower it into place, making sure any connection points are oriented correctly. Secure the fan to the joists. Once the fan is positioned correctly, extend each of the metal brackets until they reach the joists on either side of the housing unit. Use drywall screws to firmly secure each bracket end to the joist. Now that the fan is secure, take the length of flexible duct pipe and attach one end to the 90 degree duct elbow protruding from fan housing using foil duct tape. Now is also a good time to run an existing or new electrical cable through the connector on the fan housing. You can secure the cable by tightening the screw on the connector. Be aware that you'll need to use a three-wire cable if your new fan includes a light. Find a suitable exit point for the duct pipe. The next step is to find the shortest, straightest route from the housing fan to the outside. The longer the duct pipe is, the less efficient the fan will be. It is essential to vent the fan exhaust outdoors. Venting it directly into the attic would promote mold growth and potentially cause the rafters to mold. You can run the vent through the sidewall or roof, whichever is most convenient. Just make sure the duct pipe is as straight as possible and that it won't be stretched too tightly. Attach the vent cap. The process for attaching the vent cap will vary depending on whether the exit point is on the roof or sidewall. If your exit point is on the sidewall, pick a point between two wall studs and take some reference measurements on the inside so you can locate the same point on the outside. Use a 4-inch hole saw to cut through wall from the outside, then secure the vent cap in place. If your exit point is on the roof, draw an appropriate sized circle on the inside and use a reciprocating saw to cut it out. Then get on the roof (taking all of the proper safety precautions) and remove the shingles covering the newly cut hole. Install the vent cap, using roofing cement and roofing nails, then replace any loose shingles. Move back into the attic and attach the end of the duct pipe to the vent cap's connector duct using foil duct tape. Wire the connections in the housing unit. Depending on the type of fan, you may need to wire the connections from the attic or from the bathroom. Make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions and double check that the power is off before proceeding. Open up the housing unit and pull out the fan wires from the electrical splice unit. Strip ⁄ 8 inch (1.6 cm) back from each of the wires on both the fan cable and the electrical cable you inserted earlier. Twist the same color wires together (usually white to white and black or red to black) and add the connectors. Wrap the bare copper wire around the green grounding clip or screw and tighten to secure. Place the wires back in the electrical splice unit and reattach the cover. If you don't feel confident about doing the wiring yourself, don't hesitate to call in a licensed electrician to install the fan or simply inspect your work when you're done. Also be aware that aluminum (rather than copper) wiring requires special handling and any electrical work involving this type of wiring should be undertaken by a professional. Attach the grille. Now you're almost finished. Plug the blower motor into the electrical receptacle and secure it with the screws provided. Install the decorative plastic grille by slipping its mounting wires into the available slots in the housing unit. Make sure it sits snugly against the ceiling -- spread the mounting wires a little to create more tension, if necessary. Turn the power back on and test your new bathroom fan to make sure it's working. Turn off the power. Before you begin, you will need to turn off the power to the fan from the circuit breaker box. Unplug the motor and disconnect the wiring. Put on a pair of gloves, safety goggles and a respirator and remove the grille covering from the old fan. You may be shocked at the amount of dirt and debris that fall out of it! Unscrew or unplug the motor blower assembly from the housing unit, then open up the electrical splice unit and carefully pull out the wires. Remove the connectors and untwist the wires to disconnect them. It's a good idea to double check that power to the wires is off before doing this. Loosen the cable clamp to free the electrical cable from the fan housing. Go to the attic and remove the housing. In the attic, detach the duct pipe from both the housing unit and the vent cap connector duct. Pull the electrical cable and wiring free from the housing unit. Use a power drill to remove the screws securing the old fan's brackets to the joists, then lift the old fan from the ceiling. Install the new fan. Head back down to your bathroom and remove the new fan from its packaging. If it has the same measurements as your old fan, you will be able to install it immediately. But if the new fan is bigger than the old one, you will need to enlarge the hole in your ceiling. You can do this by tracing the outline of your new fan onto the ceiling, then cutting around the outline with a drywall saw. If your new fan is smaller than the old one, you can caulk around the edges of the housing unit to fill in any gaps once the fan is installed. Go to the attic and lower the new fan into the preexisting or newly enlarged hole. Make sure the unit is properly oriented for all electrical and duct work connections. Slide out the extendable mounting brackets and secure them to the joists using your power drill and 1 inch (2.5 cm) drywall screws. You may need a helper to hold the fan in place from below as you do this. Attach the duct. Once the fan is in place, connect a 90 degree duct elbow to the fan's exhaust port using sheet metal screws. Then attach a new 4 to 6 inch (10.2 to 15.2 cm) duct pipe to the duct elbow. It is possible to use the duct pipe from the old fan, but if it is less than 4 inches (10.2 cm) in diameter you will need to install a duct pipe reducer before reattaching the pipe. However be aware that using a smaller, older duct pipe will prevent the fan from working as efficiently. Connect the wiring. Insert the electrical cable through the new fans connector and secure it with a cable clamp. Open up the electrical splice box (from either the attic or the bathroom, depending on the model) and pull out the fan wires. Attach the electrical wires to the fan wires by twisting same color wires together (white to white and black or red to black) and attaching a wire connector. Wrap the bare copper wire under the ground clip or screw and tighten to secure. Tuck all of the wires back into the electrical splice box and replace the cover. Complete the outdoor work. If you replaced your old duct pipe with a newer, bigger pipe, you will also need to install a larger vent cap on your roof or sidewall. Take whatever safety precautions are necessary for working at a height. Remove the old vent cap and use a saw to enlarge the opening to the size of the new duct pipe. Pull the end of the duct pipe through the hole until ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) extends beyond the edge of the roof or sidewall. Secure in place with sheet metal screws and seal around the edges with caulk. Secure the new vent cap over the end of the duct pipe. If the vent pipe is on the roof, replace any shingles that may have come loose. Attach the grille. Return to the bathroom and install the motor blower assembly by plugging it into the receptacle and screwing to secure. Attach the decorative plastic grille, then turn the power back on to test if your new bathroom fan is working.

Determine the correct CFM rating for your bathroom. Consider the sound rating of your fan. Choose the location of the fan. Gather the required tools. Drill a reference hole and mark the ceiling. Cut the intake-port hole. Put the fan in position. Secure the fan to the joists. Find a suitable exit point for the duct pipe. Attach the vent cap. Wire the connections in the housing unit. Attach the grille. Turn off the power. Unplug the motor and disconnect the wiring. Go to the attic and remove the housing. Install the new fan. Attach the duct. Connect the wiring. Complete the outdoor work. Attach the grille.

https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Linoleum-Flooring

How to Install Linoleum Flooring

To install linoleum flooring, first let the flooring rest in the room for a full day so it acclimates to the room's temperature. Next, cut the pieces of linoleum so they'll fit in the places you want to cover and lay them out on the floor. Trim any edges that stick out or don't lay flat, then apply adhesive to the back side of the linoleum, working on half the room at a time. Once the back is covered in adhesive, press the linoleum into place on the floor. Finally, use a heavy roller to remove any air bubbles, then seal the floor with a linoleum sealant.

Acclimate your linoleum to the room. Linoleum and its synthetic alternatives are soft, pliable, and flexible when compared to most other flooring materials. In fact, they're so flexible that they will actually shrink and expand ever-so-slightly with changes in temperature. Though these changes are imperceptible to the naked eye, they can cause minor issues when it comes to installing and maintaining your floor. Because of this, you'll want to give your linoleum a chance to reach its "resting" size by storing it in the room you intend to use it in for about 24 hours prior to installing it. Remove any furniture, appliances, and doors. Before beginning the process of laying down your linoleum flooring, you'll want to completely clear your work area from any possible obstructions. For most rooms, this will mean removing any furniture or floor decorations (e.g. rugs, etc.), along with any appliances that are connected to the floor, like toilets or pedestal-style sinks. Finally, you will probably want to remove any doors from their hinges, especially if they open inward, to ensure that you're able to comfortably work all the way to the edge of the room. When it comes to preparing your work area, be conservative. Spending a little extra time removing items that may not be completely necessary to remove is almost always a better use of time than halting your work later on to, for instance, uninstall a toilet that's in your way. Detach any baseboards. Next, remove any baseboards — the small wooden "trim" pieces at the bottom of a wall — that run along the edges of your floor. Usually, this can be accomplished by carefully prying with a pry bar, flat head screwdriver, or sturdy putty knife. To prevent damage to your wall, try inserting a small block of wood behind your prying tool as you work the baseboard away from the wall. This keeps your tool from scratching against the wall and provides additional leverage. While you are working on your baseboards, take the opportunity to also remove any outlet covers that could be damaged by your linoleum flooring installation project. Remove baseboard nails. After you remove your baseboards, quickly examine your bottoms of your walls near the floor to look for any leftover nails sticking out of the wall. Carefully pull these nails out of the wall with a pair of pliers, the "claw" end of a hammer, or a similar prying tool. If left in, these nails can present problems when attempting to lay your linoleum flat against the wall. Patch up pre-existing flooring material. Linoleum must be laid over floor that's as close to perfectly smooth and even as possible. If it isn't, the underlying imperfections will eventually be reflected in the linoleum itself, resulting in unsightly bumps, ridges, soft spots, and so on. If you plan to lay your linoleum over the existing floor, check it to make sure that it is level and free of imperfections. If you plan to lay it over the subfloor, remove your existing flooring and check whether the subfloor is in good condition. If your floor or subfloor isn't completely even and level, you may want to try fixing minor issues with the tips below: Concrete floors: Level high spots with a grinder or masonry chisel. Fill in small holes or cracks with additional concrete. Wood floors: Use an embossing leveler to fix minor dents and indentations. For more serious issues, use plywood underlayment (see below). Existing linoleum floors: Repair worn sections of floor or indentations with an embossing leveler (apply with a straightedge trowel). If any sections are damaged or loose, remove the linoleum and work off of the subfloor. Use a plywood underlay, as an alternative. Some floors and subfloors just aren't suitable for supporting linoleum flooring — either they're too worn or damaged to easily repair or you'd like to keep the floor material for use in other projects. In these cases, it's usually best to use a plywood underlayment to support the linoleum. Cut 1/4 inch (0.63 centimeter) underlayment-grade plywood to fit the floor area you plan to cover with linoleum, then lay this over the existing floor or subfloor. This provides a smooth, even surface for the linoleum to rest on, bypassing the problems of using a damaged or worn floor entirely. For tight seams for your plywood pieces, use a pneumatic stapler about every 8 inches (20.3 cm) along edges. Don't forget that using an underlayment will raise the level of the floor slightly, which may require you to shave off a small amount of material from the bottoms of any doors in the room. Determine the amount of linoleum you'll need. Now that your floor is ready for linoleum to be installed, it's time to measure it so that you'll know precisely how much linoleum to use and exactly how to cut it. You have several options for measuring your floor — just a few are listed below. Regardless of which method you use, it's important to make your measurements as accurate as possible so that your linoleum will fit precisely against your walls and appliances. One option for measuring your floor is to lay down a large sheet (or sheets ) of a heavy paper like butcher paper across the area of floor you intend to cover with linoleum. Use a pencil to precisely trace the edges of the floor area. Cut the shape of your floor area from your paper, then use this as an outline when you cut out your linoleum. Another option is to use a tape measure to obtain measurements for all of the sides of your flooring area. Sketch these results on a piece of paper and use your measurements to cut your piece of linoleum. This method is especially handy for square or rectangular sections of floor — all you need to do is measure two perpendicular sides and you'll know exactly how much to cut. Mark your cutting lines on your linoleum. Once you have a paper outline of your floor area or precise measurements and a rough sketch, you're ready to mark your linoleum material with its final shape. Use a washable marker to trace your paper outline or use a straightedge and tape measure to draw lines according to the floor measurements you took. Linoleum is usually sold in 6 or 12 foot (1.8 - 3.6 meter) wide rolls, so it should be possible to mark and cut linoleum flooring for most small spaces and rooms (e.g., bathrooms, hallways, etc.) in one seamless piece. For larger projects, it's OK to use two or more pieces. It's almost always a good idea to mark your linoleum floor pieces about an inch or two wider than they need to be. While it's fairly easy to trim the edges of the linoleum to make it fit your floor space, there's no way to make a piece of linoleum that's too small bigger , so be conservative when cutting your linoleum. Cut your linoleum. Once you know the exact dimensions of the floor area you intend to cover, you can begin cutting your linoleum. Note that, for the most accurate fit, it's best to use linoleum that's been allowed to acclimate to the room for about a day (see above). Use the measurement or outline you took to cut your linoleum in as few separate pieces as possible. To cut your linoleum, use a sharp utility knife or a hooked linoleum knife and cut along your pre-marked lines. Use a straightedge to ensure an accurate cut. If you have some handy, put an extra layer of plywood underneath your linoleum as you cut it to avoid gouging your floor. Lay your vinyl down and trim to fit. Carefully move the cut linoleum piece(s) into position and lay it down. Work the linoleum around any corners and obstructions, taking care not to crease it. If you marked and cut your linoleum so that you have an extra inch or two on every side, the extra material will lay up against the walls. Use your linoleum-cutting tool to carefully trim the edges of your linoleum so that it lays flat on the floor and is flush against the edges of the flooring area. Below are a few tips for trimming your linoleum to fit snugly: Straight walls: Use a straightedge or straight piece of wood (like a 2x4) to crease the linoleum against the corner where the wall meets the floor. Cut along the crease. Inside corners: Use V-shaped cuts to shave excess material off of the linoleum where it meets the inside corner. Cautiously remove thin strips of material until the linoleum just lays flat against the floor. Outside corners: Make a vertical cut inward from the corner at a 45 angle. Shave material off from both sides of the corner until the linoleum sits flat against the floor. Apply adhesive. Now, peel back half of your floor. Use a notched trowel to spread adhesive on the underside of the linoleum. Follow the linoleum's recommended directions for use — some linoleum is meant to have adhesive applied evenly across the entire underside, while other types of linoleum are meant to have adhesive applied only along the edges. Allow the adhesive to sit briefly (most adhesives used for this purpose recommend doing so to achieve the best hold), then roll it back down and carefully press it into its place on the floor. Repeat for the other half of the floor. Linoleum/flooring adhesive is almost always available at major hardware stores (often under the all-purpose name "flooring adhesive"). Always defer to the usage instructions included with the products you buy, including your adhesive. — if they vary from those presented in this article, err on the safe side by following them. For linoleum requiring adhesive all over its underside (rather than around the perimeter), leave a few inches along the edges without adhesive. Linoleum can shrink and expand slightly when exposed to glue, so wait to apply adhesive to the edges until this settling has occurred. Secure the linoleum with a roller. Use a heavy roller (a 100-pound model should work well) to remove air bubbles from the linoleum and securely adhere it to the floor or subfloor. Work from the middle of the floor to the edges, taking care to carefully roll over the entire floor. If this forces excess adhesive out from under the edges of the linoleum, use a solvent to dissolve it and remove it with a wet rag according to the manufacturer's directions. Finish the linoleum sealant. To give your new linoleum floor a protective, glossy sheen that can add longevity, finish it with an approved linoleum sealant. Use a brush or roller to apply a thin, even coat over the entire piece of linoleum, taking care not to leave any spots bare. Work from the farthest corners of the floor inward to ensure that you don't have to step on any wet sealant. Pay extra attention to any seams in the linoleum — spaces where two pieces of linoleum rest against each other. If not sealed properly, these seams can become natural locations for peeling and water damage. Stay off of the floor for about 24 hours. As your sealant and adhesive dry, it's important to stay off of your new floor. Even after your sealant is completely dry, keep traffic to a minimum until the underlying adhesive sets completely. Replacing your furniture too early or walking excessively on the floor can cause the still-pliable flooring to deform as it dries, leading to permanent bumps and divots. Many flooring adhesives will be sufficiently dry in 24 hours, but some may require longer drying times. Always defer to your manufacturer's directions and err on the side of caution. Prolonging a minor inconvenience in the short term can save you problems in the long term. Replace baseboards, appliances, furniture, etc. When your new linoleum floor has completely dried, you can start getting your room back to normal. Replace your baseboards, appliances, furniture, electrical outlet covers, and any other items you removed from the room to prepare it for its new floor. Take care during re-installation not to scratch, mar or damage your linoleum. Keep in mind that some of the items you replace (especially doors and baseboards) may need to be slightly raised or altered to accommodate the slightly higher floor level. For very heavy furniture and appliances, use a piece of plywood to slide the fixture into place, rather than dragging it across the floor, as doing this can damage floors even after they've set. For specific help re-installing some common room fixtures, see our installation articles on baseboards , doors , and appliances. Use caulk to seal the room's edges as needed. As you're returning your room to its original condition, don't forget that many room fixtures require their edges to be sealed with caulk to provide an air- and water-tight seal. Baseboards in particular can require extensive caulking, as can toilets, sinks, and other appliances that use water. Note that latex or acrylic latex-based caulk is usually best for most indoor projects. Use an online calculator. Though linoleum and vinyl flooring are fairly cheap compared to flooring options like hardwood and tile, you still won't want to spend any more money on your flooring project than necessary. Figuring out how much linoleum your project calls for beforehand can prevent you from wasting money on excessive flooring material and save you the hassle of having to run back to the hardware store if you don't have enough. For most projects, the easiest way to do this is simply to use an online calculator. Though online calculators will vary, most (including the one above) simply require you to input the length and width of your floor section (or sections) to receive a total estimate. For floor sections that are square or rectangular, you'll only need one length and width, but for a differently-shaped area of floor, you'll need to divide your square into rectangular sections and find a length and width for each to get an accurate total. Calculate your amount by hand. You don't need to use a calculator to figure out how much linoleum you need — it's also pretty easy to find this amount by hand. Use one of the equations below to determine exactly how much linoleum is necessary for your project depending on whether you're buying sheet linoleum by the yard or tiled linoleum. Keep in mind that, regardless of the equation you use, your floor area value will be the length of your floor times its width (for each rectangular section of floor). For sheet linoleum: (Floor area)/9 = # of Square yards of linoleum needed For 9-inch tiles: (Floor area)/0.5626 = # of 9-inch linoleum tiles needed For 12-inch tiles: (Floor area) = # of 12-inch linoleum tiles needed Buy a little bit more than you think you need. As with all home improvement projects, it's a smart use of your time to buy just a little extra when you're shopping for linoleum flooring. Just as you might buy extra concrete when pouring a new driveway, buying extra linoleum gives you the ability to correct for small mistakes you might make and also accounts for minor errors you may have made during the process of calculating the amount of linoleum you need. In addition, extra linoleum can be stored almost indefinitely and used to patch minor damage to your floor, line the bottom of cabinets under your sink, and for a variety of other home-improvement projects.

Acclimate your linoleum to the room. Remove any furniture, appliances, and doors. Detach any baseboards. Remove baseboard nails. Patch up pre-existing flooring material. Use a plywood underlay, as an alternative. Determine the amount of linoleum you'll need. Mark your cutting lines on your linoleum. Cut your linoleum. Lay your vinyl down and trim to fit. Apply adhesive. Secure the linoleum with a roller. Finish the linoleum sealant. Stay off of the floor for about 24 hours. Replace baseboards, appliances, furniture, etc. Use caulk to seal the room's edges as needed. Use an online calculator. Calculate your amount by hand. Buy a little bit more than you think you need.

https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-and-Treat-Feline-Calicivirus

How to Diagnose and Treat Feline Calicivirus

To diagnose and treat feline calicivirus, observe your cat for symptoms, including a runny nose, eye discharge, red or swollen eyelids, and limping. Some cats also develop mouth ulcers with this virus, so check for small white or yellow patches in your cat's mouth. If you notice these signs, take your cat to the vet so they can do a physical exam and take samples if necessary. If they determine your cat has calicivirus, they may give you antibiotics, topical ointment, or eye drops to give your cat. Along with following your vet's treatment recommendations, you can help your cat recover by making sure it drinks plenty of water. You can also run a humidifier in the room where your cat mostly hangs out to clear its congestion.

Look for a runny nose. Cats with this virus basically develop an upper respiratory infection. Part of that infection includes your cat having a runny nose. You may also notice congested breathing, which you can identify by a wheezy sound when your cat is breathing through the nose. Your cat may also sneeze, but that isn't quite as common as a runny nose with this particular virus. Notice eye problems. Cats with this virus often develop conjunctivitis , which is an inflammation of the inner membrane of the eye. You may notice discharge, more blinking, squinting, or red or swollen eyelids. Watch for mouth ulcers. While not every cat develops this issue, some cats will develop mouth ulcers. One sign that your cat has a mouth ulcer is it is drooling more than normal. Mouth ulcers can also cause severe gingivitis, inflaming the gums. Mouth ulcers usually look like small white or yellow patches. They will have red around the edges. You may notice your cat is less hungry because of this problem. If your cat is drooling or pawing at their mouth, it may be a sign they have mouth ulcers. Look for limping and muscle pain. This virus can produce muscle and joint pain in your cat, which you may notice if your cat is limping or reacts aggressively to being touched. However, not every cat will develop this symptom. Also, look for ulcers on the paw pads, which can be crusty or red. Pay attention to other signs your cat is sick. Some symptoms are not specific to this disease, but they show you your cat is sick. For instance, low energy, fever, and not eating can all be signs your cat is sick. You might also notice enlarged lymph nodes. With swollen lymph nodes, you may notice swelling under the chin, near the shoulder, or even in the leg. Prepare to give information on the cat. While at the vet, you'll need to tell them things like when the symptoms started and what symptoms in particular you've noticed. It would also be helpful to know if the cat came in contact with another cat who had the virus (such as the cat went outside). The first thing you should tell your vet about is your cat's vaccination history. Expect a physical examination. Your vet will spend some time examining your cat's eyes, nose, and face. The vet will also likely explore the cat's body, looking for things like ulcers in their mouth or on their paws, and pain in their muscles. Watch for sample tests. If your vet suspects FCV, they'll likely take samples from the cat's eyes, nose, and mouth. The vet may also take samples from the lungs. These samples will then be tested for certain diseases to narrow down what is wrong with the cat. Ask about other tests for persistent problems. If the problem isn't diagnosed the first time, your cat may need additional tests. Blood tests, x-rays, and diagnostic tests of the discharge may all be appropriate. Expect an antibiotic. While antibiotics do not treat this disease, they can keep your cat from developing other infections related to the virus. Therefore, the vet may prescribe one for you to give your cat at home. Use topical ointments. The cat will often need ointments to help treat problems like conjunctivitis and mouth ulcers. You'll need to apply these medications to the areas according to your vet's instructions to help alleviate these symptoms. Administer eye drops. In some cases, you may receive eye drops from the vet for your cat. The eye drops help with the conjunctivitis and can help prevent secondary infections. Apply according to the vet's instructions for dosage. Come at the eye from the back of the head, as your cat will want to move if you come at it from the front. In fact, you can rest the bottle on the back of the head to drip it into the eye. Wipe off any solution that gets on your cat's face. Ask about anti-inflammatories. If your cat is having a great deal of muscle or joint pain, an anti-inflammatory may help them feel better. However, you need to ask your vet what is appropriate for your cat, as cats cannot take many of the medications that humans can, and some human medications can be fatal for cats. Discuss other medications. Other medications, such as ones to help with mucus or breathing, may also be appropriate for your cat. Talk with your vet about what's best for your cat, especially if symptoms worsen. Wipe away snot and any other discharge. You don't like snot or other fluids running down your face, and neither does your cat. Try to wipe away discharge from both the eyes and nose with a warm cloth to help keep your cat comfortable. Run a humidifier. A humidifier can help with your cat's congestion by keeping discharge more liquid. Run a humidifier in the room where your cat is mostly staying to keep it comfortable, as the humid air will help it breathe more easily. Encourage eating. Many cats will be disinclined to eat because they can't smell well. Offer canned food if possible, as the increased smell may encourage your cat to eat. Sometimes, baby food (just chicken with nothing else in it) can also encourage your cat to eat. Try putting a bit on a spoon and holding it near your cat's nose. Warming up the food in the microwave might make it more appetizing to your cat. Just make sure you test the temperature to make sure it's not too hot. You can also try drizzling some tuna juice over your cat's food. If it becomes a problem, your cat may need a stimulant, or it may need to be hospitalized. Have fresh water ready. Your cat will need to take in plenty of fluids, but you will need to encourage it to drink. If your cat is especially sick, for instance, you may need to bring the bowl of water to the cat to get it to drink. Try to keep the cat quiet and warm. Keeping a cat quiet can be difficult, especially if it is starting to feel better. However, rest is best to help your cat get better, so try to encourage it by keeping noise and other distractions (such as other pets) away from the animal. Also, make sure to provide blankets and keep the area warm for the cat.

Look for a runny nose. Notice eye problems. Watch for mouth ulcers. Look for limping and muscle pain. Pay attention to other signs your cat is sick. Prepare to give information on the cat. Expect a physical examination. Watch for sample tests. Ask about other tests for persistent problems. Expect an antibiotic. Use topical ointments. Administer eye drops. Ask about anti-inflammatories. Discuss other medications. Wipe away snot and any other discharge. Run a humidifier. Encourage eating. Have fresh water ready. Try to keep the cat quiet and warm.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Dog-Used-to-Wearing-Clothes

How to Get Your Dog Used to Wearing Clothes

To get your dog used to wearing clothes, start by dressing it in simple, easy-to-put-on clothes that won't make it feel too confined or restricted. For example, you could start with a bandana fastened around its neck or a sleeveless coat. Then, gradually introduce it to more challenging items, like pull-on sweaters and full-body outfits. Also, limit the amount of time your dog wears the clothes at first, and slowly increase the duration by 5 minutes every day. When you dress your dog, praise it and give it treats so it learns to associate the clothes with rewards.

Start with clothes that are easy to put on and remove. When you're first starting to get your dog used to clothes, look for simple items that fasten around the dog's chest or belly. Avoid clothing that you have to pull over its head or limbs, since some dogs find this frightening or uncomfortable. Good options to start with include sleeveless coats or jackets that fasten with straps across the chest and under the stomach. If you want to start even simpler, look for a large bandana that you can fasten around your dog's neck. Avoid clothes that cover your dog’s head, feet, legs, or rear end. Your dog may feel stressed or panicked if you try to put on clothes that cover too much of its body. Don't try to start with anything that might feel too confining, such as garments with hoods, sleeves, or pants that cover the dog's hindquarters. As your dog gets used to wearing simple clothes, you can eventually work your way up to more challenging items, such as pull-on sweaters, hoodies, or full-body outfits that cover your dog's back legs. Check that the clothes fit your dog properly. Your dog will be uncomfortable in clothes that are too loose or too tight. Before purchasing an article of clothing, such as a coat, get your dog's measurements to make sure you are choosing the right size. Use a soft cloth measuring tape when measuring your dog. Make sure doesn't have small parts that your dog could swallow, such as large buttons, since they could get stuck in its bowels. For most dog clothing, you will need to get a measurement around your dog's neck (where the collar typically sits), around the widest part of the dog's body (typically the chest, just behind the shoulders), and from the back of the neck to the base of the tail. Check the clothing labels to see if they offer specific sizing guidelines (e.g., the weight, girth, and length ranges for which the item is appropriate). Look for items that are adjustable, such as vests or jackets with adjustable straps. Start getting your dog used to clothes as early as possible. If you can, work on training your dog to wear clothes while it is still a puppy. Younger dogs have an easier time than older ones adjusting to new things. Even if your dog is already an adult, you may still be able to train it to wear at least simple clothes with a little extra patience and effort. Allow your dog to sniff the clothing you’d like to put on. When you're ready to try putting clothing on your dog, bring out the outfit and let the dog examine and smell it. Praise your dog for showing an interest in the clothes and offer it a treat. By rewarding your dog for simply being around the outfit, you will begin to create a positive association with the clothing. Put the clothing on gradually while praising the dog. Take the item of clothing and gently touch the sides of your dog's body with it. Reward the dog with treats and praise if it stands still. Then, try draping the clothing over its back. If your dog is willing to stand still while you do this, start slowly fastening the clothing in place while continuing to offer praise and treats. If your dog acts nervous or uncomfortable, stop and try again later. This will help prevent the dog from developing bad associations with getting dressed. Give your dog a toy to play with while it wears the clothes. Once you've successfully put the clothing on your dog, offer it a favorite toy or a puzzle filled with treats to keep it busy. This will distract the dog from the clothing and help it associate being dressed with having fun. Continue to praise and pet your dog while it wears the clothing. Increase your dog's time in the clothes by 5 minutes a day. The first time you dress your dog, leave the clothing on for no more than a minute. If the dog tolerates it, try increasing the length of time to 5 minutes the next day, and then 10 the day after that. If your dog gets stressed out or upset when you try longer sessions, go back to leaving the clothing on for shorter periods of time for a while.

Start with clothes that are easy to put on and remove. Avoid clothes that cover your dog’s head, feet, legs, or rear end. Check that the clothes fit your dog properly. Start getting your dog used to clothes as early as possible. Allow your dog to sniff the clothing you’d like to put on. Put the clothing on gradually while praising the dog. Give your dog a toy to play with while it wears the clothes. Increase your dog's time in the clothes by 5 minutes a day.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Ear-Infections-in-Cocker-Spaniels

How to Treat Ear Infections in Cocker Spaniels

To treat an ear infection in your cocker spaniel, take your pet to the vet's as soon as possible, since an untreated infection can spread quickly. Be prepared for the vet to examine the inside and outside of your spaniel's ears, and take samples to examine under a microscope. If the vet confirms a diagnosis, you'll be prescribed at least one medication, which you'll need to administer at home according to the directions on the packaging. You'll also need to return to the vet's after 5-7 days to make sure the treatment is working.

Watch how your cocker spaniel behaves. Your cocker spaniel's discomfort with his ears will be obvious. For example, he will shake his head, scratch his ears, and be sensitive to touch on his head or around his ears. In addition, he may rub his ear against a piece of furniture. If his discomfort his severe, you may hear him cry out when he scratches his ears. Excessive head shaking can create a large blood clot in the ear, called an aural hematoma. Smell your cocker spaniel's ears. Ear infections typically produce a strong, foul odor. If your cocker spaniel will let you touch his ears, lift the flap of one ear and sniff inside the ear. It won't take long for an unpleasant smell to reach your nose. An ear infected with the bacteria Pseudomonas will have a swamp/pond water smell. Look inside your cocker spaniel's ears. If your cocker spaniel will let you, look inside his ears. The ears will look red and inflamed. You may also see scaly skin. If your cocker spaniel's ears contain mites, you wouldn't be able to see them because they are so small. However, you would be able to see evidence of their irritation: dark, coffee ground-like bumps. Examine the discharge coming from your cocker spaniel's ears. Depending on the ear infection's cause (bacteria, yeast, ear mites), you may see discharge exiting the ears. The discharge will be one of a few colors, such as yellow or brown, and have a certain consistency. For example, discharge will be brown and crumbly with ear mites; Pseudomonas will produce a yellow/green pus. The discharge may also be waxy or contain blood. Have your vet examine your cocker spaniel. Do not delay in getting your cocker spaniel to your vet—untreated ear infections can spread from the outer ear (what you can see) to the middle and inner ear (what you can't see), becoming much more difficult to treat. Your vet will examine the ears to determine the ear infection's cause and assess how much pain and discomfort your cocker spaniel is experiencing. To diagnose the ear infection, your vet will use an otoscope to look in the ears, gently touch and manipulate the ears, and take samples to analyze under the microscope. If your cocker spaniel's ears are extremely painful, or the ear canal is very narrow, your vet will need to sedate your cocker spaniel to examine his ears. Other health conditions, such as food allergies, can lead to ear infections by causing excessive ear scratching. If your cocker spaniel has chronic ear infections, your vet may recommend doing a food trial to identify the allergy-causing ingredient. Allow your vet to clean and treat your cocker spaniel's ears. In general, treating ear infections involves cleaning the ears and treating them with topical (i.e., ear drops) or oral medications. Your vet will do the first ear cleaning and treatment, and then give you instructions to treat your cocker spaniel's ears at home. Depending on the severity of the infection, your vet may need to anesthetize your cocker spaniel to clean and treat his ears. Your vet may advise you to use only the prescribed medication at home, without cleaning the ears, until your follow-up appointment. Dog owners can sometimes be too aggressive with ear cleaning, so you would not want to further damage your cocker spaniel's ears with improper cleaning. Treat your cocker spaniel's ears at home. Your vet will prescribe specific medications, such as antibiotics and antifungals, according to what is causing your cocker spaniel's ear infection. Medications that reduce pain and inflammation, such as steroids, are also useful for treating ear infections. Antibiotics and antifungals can be given by mouth or as ear drops. Oral administration is recommended when the ear infection is chronic or has spread to the middle of the ear. If your cocker spaniel has ear mites, your vet will prescribe a medication to kill the mites. Many flea preventatives are effective at killing mites. Your vet will explain how to give each medication. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your vet. After the initial ear cleaning and treatment, your vet will want to see your cocker spaniel again in about 5 to 7 days. This will allow your vet to reassess your cocker spaniel's ears. If the ears are looking better, your vet may advise you to continue with the current treatment plan and monitor the ears. If the ear infection goes away and then comes back, your vet may have to do more extensive diagnostic testing to determine the cause of the chronic ear infection. Follow treatment instructions exactly. To successfully treat your cocker spaniel's ear infection, you must administer the medications exactly as prescribed. For example, treat the ears for the full treatment course—do not stop treating the ears when they start looking better! If you stop the medication early, you may not completely kill the microorganism causing the infection, making reinfection more likely. If you are giving ear drops, use only the prescribed number of drops. Do not forget or skip any treatment doses. A missed or skipped dose could increase the likelihood of reinfection. Clean your cocker spaniel's ears properly. Cleaning your cocker spaniel's ears is essential to treating—and preventing—ear infections. To clean his ears, you will need a high-quality ear cleaning solution (available at your local pet store), and cotton balls or cotton gauze (available at your local pharmacy). Do not use a cotton swab—it will push debris down further in the ear and possibly damage the eardrum. Lift the flap of one ear and squirt some ear cleaning solution in the ear, according to the label instructions. Gently massage the base of the ear for about 20 to 30 seconds, then wipe the ear dry with some cotton balls or gauze. Repeat with the other ear. Your cocker spaniel will probably want to shake his head after you put the solution in his ear. Let him do so. Make sure the tip of the bottle does not touch your cocker spaniel's ears. Whatever is in his ears could contaminate the solution. Clean the ears 30 minutes before giving the medicated ear drops. Do not clean his ears too frequently (once or twice a week may be adequate). Overly frequent ear cleanings can cause ear infections. Do not use irritating or homemade ear cleaning products. You may have heard about home remedies for cleaning a dog's ears, particularly homemade products containing vinegar. Do not use them! Home remedies and vinegar-based ear cleaning products can irritate the skin in your cocker spaniel's ears, causing swelling and an increase in secretions than can lead to infection.

Watch how your cocker spaniel behaves. Smell your cocker spaniel's ears. Look inside your cocker spaniel's ears. Examine the discharge coming from your cocker spaniel's ears. Have your vet examine your cocker spaniel. Allow your vet to clean and treat your cocker spaniel's ears. Treat your cocker spaniel's ears at home. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your vet. Follow treatment instructions exactly. Clean your cocker spaniel's ears properly. Do not use irritating or homemade ear cleaning products.

https://www.wikihow.com/Shop-During-Coronavirus

How to Shop During Coronavirus

Buying essential supplies for your home can be scary and stressful during the coronavirus pandemic, but you can take simple precautions to keep yourself safe. Reduce the risk of bringing home the virus by designating one person in your home to make grocery runs. To make your shopping trips as efficient as possible, make a list of exactly what you need before going to the store. Try to go shopping at less crowded times, like early in the morning or late in the evening, to minimize your contact with other people. If you do encounter other people in the store, stay at least 6 feet away from them if you can. Wear a cloth or paper mask, wash or disinfect your hands frequently, and wipe down your cart or basket with disinfectant wipes to reduce the risk of getting sick or spreading the virus.

Designate a single shopper for your household if possible. In some areas, only one person per household is allowed to shop in stores. However, even if this restriction isn't in place where you live, it's still best to limit exposure by only sending one person out to buy essentials. Sending the same person out to buy essentials every time ensures that only one person in your household is exposed. If someone in your household is still going to work, they may be the best person to send out on errands, since they're already out. If you have small children that you can't leave at home by themselves, it's okay to take them with you. Just make sure that you control their movements and keep them from touching things or getting too close to other people. For example, you might want to keep a toddler strapped in a car seat or stroller while shopping. Make a list before you go to the store. When you're shopping during a pandemic, your goal is to get in and out of the store as quickly and efficiently as possible. Some areas are limiting the length of time people can stay in stores. However, even if your time in a store is not restricted, this isn't a time for you to meander up and down the aisles just seeing what's there. Restrict your list to essential items that you and your family need, including food, medicines, and household supplies. Write your list on a single piece of paper that you can throw away after you leave the store. Don't keep it on your phone or you'll constantly have to check your phone while at the store, potentially spreading germs. Group the items on your list into categories that are typically found in the same areas of the store so you'll be more efficient in your shopping. For example, you might have a group of dairy items, a group of fresh produce items, and then another group for pasta, grains, and other staples. Go shopping when the stores are less busy. With so many people working from home (or not working at all), common traffic patterns have been disrupted. However, many stores are likely to be less busy early in the morning or late at night. Many stores have designated the first hour they're open as "senior hour" specifically for the elderly and more vulnerable people to shop. Check the store before you go and don't visit during these times unless you're a member of a vulnerable group. Wear a cloth or paper mask while out in public. A cloth mask not only keeps you from inhaling virus particles but also protects people around you from your own germs. Because you may not have any symptoms for several days after you've contracted the novel coronavirus, the mask is a necessary precaution to help slow the spread of the disease. Avoid touching your face while wearing a mask. Keep hand sanitizer with you so you can quickly disinfect your hands if you happen to touch or adjust your mask while out in public. Carry your own disinfecting wipes for carts or baskets. While many stores have disinfecting wipes available, it's better to bring your own just in case. Wipe down the handles of a cart or basket before you use it, then throw your wipe away in the nearest trash can. If you have children with you, wipe down the area where they'll be sitting as well as any other part of the cart that they might touch while sitting in it or walking beside you. Avoid touching your face or your phone while shopping. Touching your face or your phone with dirty hands is a good way to expose yourself to the novel coronavirus and other germs. Put your phone in your purse or pocket if you need to have it with you while shopping. Otherwise, it's a good idea to leave it in your car. Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you if possible, or use wipes to clean your hands if you need to touch your face or phone. You can also use disinfecting wipes to clean the surface of your phone. Buy items in quantities that your family needs. With people spending more time at home, it's likely that you'll need to buy larger quantities of food and other household goods than you did before the pandemic. However, hoarding mass quantities of basic goods means there isn't enough left for everyone else. Because you want to limit your trips, stock up on food and other essentials that your family will need for the coming week or two. Plan on making a single shopping trip once a week at most. Stay at least 6 ft (1.8 m) away from employees and other shoppers. Practice social distancing while you're out in public. Avoid areas where there are more than 2 or 3 people congregated. If you need items on an aisle with several customers, circle around and come back when they've cleared the area. If someone is standing too close to you, don't hesitate to ask them politely to step further away. Pay with a credit or debit card instead of cash. Most stores have machines that allow you to insert your credit or debit card yourself so you don't have to hand it off to the cashier. Paying with a credit or debit card eliminates the necessity of that personal contact, which decreases the exposure for both you and the cashier. If you have a no-touch payment app through either your smartwatch or your smartphone, you might consider enabling those to avoid touching the keypad or pen on the payment console. Wash your hands and disinfect after putting your things away. If you have the option, put your groceries in the trunk to transport them home. Bring your groceries in and put them all in a single designated area. Take them out of the bags and put them where they go, then throw away the bags and disinfect the counter where the bags were sitting. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds to thoroughly clean your hands. While there's no evidence supporting the transmission of the virus through food packaging, you might want to wipe down nonporous containers, such as glass or cans, with a disinfectant wipe. You might also consider changing clothes after you get home since your clothing was potentially exposed to the virus and might have absorbed it. Buy what you can online to limit local traffic and personal contact. If you have the ability to order things your household needs online to limit your trips out, doing so ensures you can stay home as much as possible. Most grocery and discount stores also have delivery options, although some require you to pay a monthly or yearly subscription. Online orders are ideal if you have small children at home and can't shop without taking them with you. Place delivery orders several hours before you need them. Because so many people are ordering delivery, drivers are often swamped with orders. Additionally, delivery services may have fewer drivers available in some areas. Don't expect services that promise delivery within an hour to live up to those promises during the pandemic. If you plan ahead and request delivery the day before you want it, you're more likely to get it at the time you want. Pick up your order at a local store if possible. Many grocery and big-box stores allow you to place an order online and then pick it up curbside at a nearby store location. Typically, this will save you a delivery fee. It might also allow you to get your order faster. Ordering online also means that you don't have to worry about exposing yourself to the virus during the checkout process because you can pay for the order from the comfort of your own home. When you arrive to pick up your order, open your car door yourself rather than letting an employee do it. Try to stay in your car as much as possible and give employees plenty of room as they load up your order. Specify how you want your order delivered. Most delivery apps and services allow you to specify contactless delivery — for some services, this is now the default. Some will leave your order at your door, while others require you to provide a designated place where you'll pick up your order. When at all possible, avoid person-to-person contact with your delivery driver. This protects both them and you from potential unnecessary exposure to the virus. Shop locally-owned businesses online. Many locally-owned small businesses have opened up shops online, even if they previously didn't. Search for your favorite local shops online and see if they've added online shopping to their websites. Those that don't have online shops set up might also take orders for shipment or delivery over the phone, which gives you another contact-less way to patronize your favorite local establishments. Buy gift cards to use after the pandemic. If a local shop is completely closed during the pandemic, buying gift cards provides the owner with immediate cash income to help them stay in operation and eventually re-open after the crisis is over. Many small-business owners are also offering incentives to customers who buy gift cards during this time, such as special discounts or invitations to private shopping events. In addition to buying gift cards for yourself and your family, you might also consider buying gift cards for friends and relatives. This can be a good way to show someone you care and are thinking about them as well as introduce them to one of your favorite local shops. Order meal kits from local restaurants. Many local restaurants are offering meal kits consisting of the food they serve in their restaurants. In some cases, these kits have enough food to feed a family of 4 for several meals. Ordering one of these and picking it up provides you with no-hassle meal options with minimal contact or exposure — and you're also helping support a local restaurant. A basic internet search can help you find local restaurants near you that are offering meal kits. The website for your local news station may also have information on which restaurants have meal kits and other food services available. Donate to a virtual tip jar to support local restaurant workers. Many communities have set up virtual tip jars online to support restaurant and hospitality workers who depend on tips to make a living. Even if these employees are receiving unemployment or other benefits, they typically aren't bringing in as much income as they would if they were on the job. For example, if you're having a "virtual happy hour" with some friends online, you might tip the virtual tip jar the same amount you would tip the bartender if you were having that same happy hour out at a bar. If you buy a meal kit from a restaurant, you might use the virtual tip jar to tip the same amount you would if you were eating that meal out.

Designate a single shopper for your household if possible. Make a list before you go to the store. Go shopping when the stores are less busy. Wear a cloth or paper mask while out in public. Carry your own disinfecting wipes for carts or baskets. Avoid touching your face or your phone while shopping. Buy items in quantities that your family needs. Stay at least 6 ft (1.8 m) away from employees and other shoppers. Pay with a credit or debit card instead of cash. Wash your hands and disinfect after putting your things away. Buy what you can online to limit local traffic and personal contact. Place delivery orders several hours before you need them. Pick up your order at a local store if possible. Specify how you want your order delivered. Shop locally-owned businesses online. Buy gift cards to use after the pandemic. Order meal kits from local restaurants. Donate to a virtual tip jar to support local restaurant workers.

https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-Shoes-Online

How to Buy Shoes Online

Before you buy shoes online, measure your feet to figure out your exact size. Even if you already know your shoe size, sizing can vary between brands, so knowing the exact length and width of your feet can ensure you get the best fit. When you find a pair of shoes you like, check the company's shoe sizing chart on their website and compare it to your measurements. You can also read customer reviews to see if the shoes you want run large or small.

Look on trustworthy, recognizable brand or store websites. For the highest quality shoes, it's best to shop on store or brand websites that you know and trust. Although you might find better prices from third-party sellers, you won't have the same guarantee that your shoes will be good quality or even the right product. Stick to official brand websites and recognizable stores that you trust for the best service and products. Check out the site's “About” page and browse around a bit to make sure it's legitimate. The website should be well-designed with no glitches or typos, and every product should have its own page with a description and sizing information. Choose a store with a good return policy. Even if you buy the right size and style, there's a good chance that you'll still need to return your shoes. Before buying, read the store's return policy in full and know what will be expected to make the return. Will you need to pay for it? Will you get the money returned to your credit card, or given as store credit? Some stores will allow you to make returns for free, while others offer the option of in-store return, if it's convenient. Look for a policy that's as comprehensive as possible, and that's convenient for you. Order from a brand you’ve bought from before so you’ll know your size. Sizing across a single brand tends to be fairly consistent, so if you know your size in one shoe, there's a good chance you'll be the same in another style. This is especially true if you're buying shoes in the same or a similar style. If you've already bought a pair of Nike sneakers, for example, you'll probably use the same size for a pair of Nike basketball shoes. This isn't always true, but it's a good place to start to ensure as close a fit as possible. Go into the store and try on the shoe first before buying, if you can. If you've never bought from a particular brand before, a great technique to ensure the right sizing is to try it on in a store first. This is especially helpful if you've found the same shoes on sale online—you can size them correctly in the store, then order them online to get the better deal. Buy a pair of shoes that suits your occasion. What do you need the shoes for? Think about what would be appropriate for the occasion or event you want to wear the shoes at, taking into account the dress code and what other people will be wearing. Try not to get sidetracked and buy shoes that you're not sure you'll need for a specific purpose or occasion—you'll end up spending a lot more money that way. Find a comfortable pair with good support. It's hard to find a shoe that will feel good without trying it on first, but there are a few tricks you can use! Look for shoes that specify that they have good arch support, flexibility, and a wider toe box. Read reviews to see what other customers think about the comfort level as well. Once you receive the shoes, try them on and walk around. Make sure you have a bit of space near the front of the shoe, and that the material doesn't rub on your feet, which might cause blisters. If you're buying heels, look closely at the incline of the heel, also called the pitch. The sharper the angle, the more uncomfortable the shoes will be. Pick shoes that will match your clothes in color and style. When you're looking at shoes online, try to picture an outfit you already have that you could wear with each pair. If you can think of more than one, even better! You want to make sure to buy shoes that match the clothes you already have, and your overall style. For example, black shoes can go with nearly every color of clothing except for pastels and some earth tones. Brown shoes look great with colors like tan, beige, orange, and green, while white shoes complement outfits made of light neutral colors, bright shades, and pastels. You can use a color wheel to see if your shoes will match a certain color scheme. Identify the color on the wheel and see if the color of the outfit is either close to the same shade, or complementary—on the opposite side of the wheel. Choose a pair made of high-quality material. It can be hard to tell the quality of the shoe when you're shopping online, but it's also one of the most important things to ensure before you purchase. High-quality material will make your shoes more comfortable and long-lasting. Check the shoe description to see what it's made out of, read customer reviews, and look up the material to see what it usually feels like in a shoe. Good materials include: Leather, which is flexible and durable. It's often heavy, though, and can be expensive. Fabric like cotton, polyester, wool, or nylon. These fabrics are often breathable and versatile. Look at pictures from multiple perspectives. Click through different pictures of the shoes to see what it looks like from above, from the side, and even from the back. You don't want to buy a pair that looks good from the front but with complicated straps or side detailing that you don't like. If the retailer only offers one picture or angle, see if any customers have posted pictures on the site. You can also enter the shoe name into an image search to see if photos have been posted elsewhere. Read reviews to learn more about fit and shoe quality. If you can't see your shoes in-person before you buy, customer reviews can be the next best thing. Read up on the pair you're eyeing to see what other people are saying about the quality, comfort, and sizing. Some customers will even post pictures of their shoes so you can see what they look like in real life. Reviews can also help you see whether the site is trustworthy or not. Some customers will post feedback about a store's return policy and customer service, in addition to giving product reviews. Measure your foot to figure out your exact size. Ordering shoes online means you likely won't be able to try them on before making your purchase. Even if you know your general shoe size, sizing varies between brands and it's always best to get an inch or centimeter measurement to compare to the brand's particular size chart. Whether you should measure in inches or centimeters will depend on the brand. Place a sheet of paper on the floor against a wall. Take a blank sheet of paper and set it so the short side is lined up against a wall. Use 2 small pieces of tape to hold it in place on either corner. The tape ensures that the paper won't slip when you step on it. Stand with one foot on the paper, the heel against the wall. Stand straight up against the wall and set one foot on the paper. Make sure your heel is right up against the wall to get the most accurate measurement. Shift your weight onto that foot as much as you can. This will make your toes and foot stretch out a little more, so that when you measure, you'll be able to get your foot's full length. Trace around your foot with a pencil. Reach down with one hand and use a pencil to draw the outline of your foot as accurately as possible. Don't worry about tracing around the back of your heel—it's against the back of the paper, so that will serve as your back edge when you measure. Draw straight lines down the length and width of your foot shape. Take your foot off the paper, then set a straight-edge, like a ruler, down the middle of it from the back edge to the tip of your longest toe. Draw a straight line. Then, flip the ruler width-wise and draw a line from the widest points of your feet, which should be right below your toes. You can also use another sheet of paper or a book as your straight-edge. Measure the lines to get your foot measurement. Line up your ruler along the length-wise line to get the length of your foot. Write it down on the paper, then flip the ruler around and measure the second line to get the width of your foot. Check your measurement on brand sizing charts to find your size. Now that you have your shoe measurements, check the brand or store's sizing chart to find what size shoe that translates to. Your foot length measurement will help determine your numerical shoe size. Some types of shoes will also take foot width into account, offering wide and narrow sizes for certain shoes. The sizing chart should be available on the product page or under a “Sizing Information” chart on the store or brand's website. Remember that sizes can shift between brands. Even if you know your size for one type of shoe, it's always best to check again when you switch to a new brand. Order in a couple different sizes if you’re not sure. If you think you might be between sizes, or you're trying out a new brand that you're not sure about, try ordering the shoes in the two closest sizes. This is especially helpful if you need the shoes on short notice! You can keep the pair that fits and send back the one that doesn't for a refund. Make sure that you understand the website's return policy before ordering multiple pairs. Try on your shoes as soon as you get them. When you receive your shoes in the mail, don't take off the tags just yet! Walk around and wear them around the house for a few hours to see if they're comfortable. There should be plenty of room for your toes, but they shouldn't slide around or slip off. Avoid wearing your shoes out just yet—they might be uncomfortable, and you could damage them and not be able to return them.

Look on trustworthy, recognizable brand or store websites. Choose a store with a good return policy. Order from a brand you’ve bought from before so you’ll know your size. Go into the store and try on the shoe first before buying, if you can. Buy a pair of shoes that suits your occasion. Find a comfortable pair with good support. Pick shoes that will match your clothes in color and style. Choose a pair made of high-quality material. Look at pictures from multiple perspectives. Read reviews to learn more about fit and shoe quality. Measure your foot to figure out your exact size. Place a sheet of paper on the floor against a wall. Stand with one foot on the paper, the heel against the wall. Trace around your foot with a pencil. Draw straight lines down the length and width of your foot shape. Measure the lines to get your foot measurement. Check your measurement on brand sizing charts to find your size. Order in a couple different sizes if you’re not sure. Try on your shoes as soon as you get them.

https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-20-Pounds-in-a-Month

How to Lose 20 Pounds in a Month

To lose 20 pounds in a month, reduce the number of calories you're eating every day by eating less and cutting out junk food. Focus on eating healthy, low-calorie foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. On top of eating healthier, exercise for 1 hour 3-4 times a week. When you're working out, do cardio exercises like running, biking, and swimming, as well as weight training exercises, which will help you burn fat and tone your body.

Lower the number of calories you consume. Make an effort to eat less than you're currently eating. Reduce your daily calorie intake gradually for the first week or so, then stick with an approximate amount that will allow you to lose weight without leaving you feeling totally wiped out. Counting calories isn't a lot of fun, and it definitely requires discipline in the long run, but it's a surefire way to achieve a leaner physique. The most elementary rule of dieting is that if you burn more calories than you consume, you'll lose weight. Consult with a nutritionist, keep a food journal or use a calorie-counting app like MyFitnessPal to track the nutritional value of the food you eat and calculate how many calories you need to keep making progress. Cut out junk food. In order to keep your calorie intake low, the first things you should eliminate from your diet are salty, sugary, overly-processed foods and snacks. Say goodbye to French fries, pizza, cake and candy. Sweets and fatty foods contain more concentrated doses of calories per serving size, which means you can eat them in the same portions as other healthier foods and still gain weight. Junk food is a death trap for those seeking to lower their body fat percentage. The food you eat should be grilled, baked, broiled or steamed. Stay away from fatty additives like butter and oil. One simple way to drastically reduce the number of calories you're getting is to stop eating fast food and drinking soda. This allows most people to lose an additional 2-3 pounds a week. Pile on the good stuff. Low-calorie, filling food are key to your success. 400 calories of vegetables will fill you to the brim while 400 calories of oil or fried chicken will leave you wanting more. Know what to eat to trick your body into telling you it's finished. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean meats are all low-calorie dense foods that will help you lose weight. Fruits and veggies are mostly water-based and contain very few calories and very little fat--on the other hand, 1 g of fat is nine calories in itself. So stay away from processed goods and go green. And red, orange, blue, and yellow. Fiber is great for you, too, and only has 1.5-2.5 calories per gram. Most legumes, nuts, and seeds are excellent sources of this. Avoid adding extra calories while preparing your food. 4 oz of lean chicken is good for you...until you slather it with butter and Colby-Jack. When preparing meat, take the skin off and trim the fat. And don't coat it in bread crumbs or other unnecessary additives. Don't deep fry any food. Even if it's a vegetable; it loses its nutritional value when fried. Steam your food instead and add lots of spice. Steaming your food instead of frying it will cut down on fat and calories, and spices will spike your metabolism. Eat fat-burning foods. Starving yourself is not the key to losing fat -- it's choosing the right foods that will burn the fat for you. Throw out the junk in your pantry and stock up on the good stuff: Fatty fish high in omega-3s help reduce the levels of leptin in your body. And that guy keeps hunger at bay and ups your metabolism. If you're not a seafood fan, talk to your doctor about taking fish oil supplements. Not as good as the natural thing, but still beneficial. An apple a day keeps the fat at bay. Apples are full of pectin, which reduces the amount of fat your body absorbs. They're also fiber-full and calorie-low, so they're really the perfect snack. Did we mention delicious? Add ginger and garlic to your meals. Ginger widens your blood vessels, garlic lowers your insulin levels, and both increase your metabolic rate. Use olive oil as your primary cooking oil. Even though oil is fat, olive oil is full of the good kind (monounsaturated) that helps lower cholesterol levels, and has many other health benefits, too. Drink away the weight. Water is the breath of life and of weight loss. Minimize your appetite (and clear your skin!) by drinking morning, noon, and night. Drink two glasses of water before every meal. You will feel fuller faster (say that three times fast) and not have room for more calories. While each person's hydration needs are different, the Institute of Medicine advises that men and women try to consume about 3.7 and 2.7 liters of water a day, respectively, including water found in food and other beverages. Green tea is a good idea, too. It's loaded with antioxidants and may help increase your metabolic rate. Whatever you do, cut out the sodas and alcohol. They're just empty calories that pack on the pounds silently without even making you feel full. Snack away. Eating 5 to 7 small meals a day leads to quicker weight loss than any other meal routine. You will feel fuller all day, removing the urge to overeat. Keep your snacks healthy. Measure out portions of your favorite healthy snacks (carrots, grapes, nuts, or yogurt) and package them for easy access throughout the week. Instead of working all day, you'll be working and snacking, keeping your metabolism up. Don't skip breakfast! Your body needs that kick in the morning to get reminded to get going. Not only will you be more likely to lose weight, you'll probably keep it off too. Start the cardio. The quickest way to burn fat and, in turn, burn calories is cardio. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Luckily, cardio comes in a number of forms. Running, biking, swimming, boxing, tennis, dancing, and myriad other activities count as cardio. So if your knees aren't too thrilled about pounding the pavement, turn to other options. Running, tae kwon do, aerobics, and rope jumping are some of the highest calorie-burning activities out there. Look into high-intensity-interval-training. The Journal of Physiology released a new study that stated "HIT means doing a number of short bursts of intense exercise with short recovery breaks in between. The authors have already shown with young healthy college students that this produces the same physical benefits as conventional long duration endurance training despite taking much less time (and amazingly, actually doing less exercise!)" Not only will you burn more calories, but you'll do it in a shorter amount of time. Begin weight-training. Cardio is great, yes. You definitely need it to lose weight. However, in order to get the best results, you need to do cardio and weight-train. Cardio can be done every day while weight-training cannot. Your muscles need time to heal. Aim for a cardio workout as often as possible, but limit your weight-training to a few times per week. Exercise more often. Nothing burns calories faster than brisk exercise. If you're not already working out at least 3-4 times a week, get started. Your training sessions should be around an hour each and should balance cardiovascular activity with strength and conditioning. Get your heart rate up and your muscles burning. The more you move, you the more you'll lose, period. Take a couple days off to rest throughout the week. You'll be in a reduced calorie state, so your recovery time will be even more important than usual. You're much more likely to exercise consistently if you can make things fun for yourself. If you're not the treadmill type, try yoga, swimming, kickboxing, mountain biking, climbing or Crossfit. Anything that keeps you active will benefit your weight loss efforts. Be realistic about exercise. If you are rather out of shape (by your own doing or because of a physical problem), you may think that you can't work out. But you can -- you'll just have to work out for longer periods of time. Whether it's low intensity or high, it's still calorie burning and muscle strengthening. Even adding short walks, taking the stairs, and washing the car count towards your calorie expenditure. If you can't run a 5k right now, relax. Be a little stricter on your diet and walk that 5k in the morning. Every little bit adds up. Perform fasted cardio. Fasted cardio involves engaging in some type of cardiovascular exercise, such as jogging, swimming or rowing, while on an empty stomach. The idea is that without glycogen (sugars that enter your bloodstream when you eat) from food, your body will begin drawing on its fat stores to convert to ready-to-use energy. Fasted cardio has been shown to help athletes and dieters burn fat at a much faster rate than traditional forms of exercise. The best time to get in a fasted cardio session is after you first wake up, before you've eaten breakfast. Your blood sugar will already be sufficiently low from not having eaten overnight. For fasted workouts, keep the intensity low and the duration short. A 20-30 minute jog at a moderate pace or even a brisk walk will be more than enough to reap the benefits. Give Tabatas a shot. Workouts based on the Tabata Protocol, named after the scientist who invented it, are simple yet infinitely challenging: all you have to do is pick a single or compound movement and do it for 20 seconds at a time, with a 10 second rest break in between, for a total of four minutes (8 rounds). Sounds easy, right? Guess again. They're excruciating and typically leave you heaving in a puddle of your own sweat, but Tabatas are an extremely metabolically-dense method of training, meaning they'll cause fat to practically melt away. Choose simple movements, like lunges or squat thrusts, that can be repeated multiple times per round. To simplify things when you're first starting out, only do each round for 10 seconds, with a 20 second rest. Switch to full rounds when you're ready. Don't push yourself too hard. Tabatas are one of the most intense forms of exercise there is and should only be attempted by those who are fit enough to handle it. Determine your basic metabolic rate. No matter what you're doing, your body is using energy at a certain rate. The BMR Calculator will calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), that is, the number of calories your body burns if you were to do absolutely nothing all day. This will tell you how fast you're burning calories and therefore how much activity you must do and how many calories you need to cut to meet your weight loss goals. And yes, it does take into account your age, gender, and activity level. BMR calculation formula for women: 655 + (4.35 x your current weight in pounds) + (4.7 x your height in inches) minus (4.7 x your current age in years). BMR calculation formula for men: 66 + (6.23 x your weight in pounds) + (12.7 x your height in inches) minus (6.8 x your age in years). Determine your physical activity level. A number is assigned to each tier of activity. It is taken into consideration when calculating your daily calorie burn. Little or no exercise = 1.2 Light exercise (up to 3 days per week) = 1.375 Moderate exercise (3 to 5 days per week) = 1.55 Heavy exercise (6 to 7 days per week) = 1.725 Very heavy exercise (intense workouts daily) = 1.9 Figure out your needed daily calorie burn. To determine this caloric rate, multiply your BMR x your physical activity rate. This is your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). It may seem like a high number; don't forget: You burn calories even while sleeping. For example, if your BMR is 3,500 and you currently get moderate exercise, all you have to do is multiply 3,500 by 1.55 to get 5425 -- aka the number of calories burned to maintain your weight. For a goal of 20 pounds in a single month, you'll have to cut at least 2,000 calories a day using both diet and exercise. A steep goal, indeed. Sweat the pounds away. Since water comprises so much of the human body, our cells have a tendency to stash it away for future use. This can result in bloating and accumulation of water weight, tipping the scale higher and higher. Get rid of excess fluids by releasing water from the body in the form of sweat. An hour of continuous cardiovascular exercise or a twenty minute soak in the sauna can help you dump 1-2 pounds of water weight. Make sure you're drinking a moderate amount of water to cycle fresh fluids into your system and prevent dehydration. Sweating has long been used by boxers, wrestlers and other combat athletes to make weight at pre-bout weigh-ins. Get plenty of sleep. In order to improve your overall feeling of wellbeing and run at top capacity, you need to make sure you're well rested. Aim to get at least six hours of deep, uninterrupted sleep every night, though eight is preferable. While you rest, your body will repair damaged cells and tissues, allocate calories for internal use and restore fallen energy levels. When you wake up, you'll be recharged and ready to redouble your efforts. Due to overwork, insomnia, stress and other issues, many people don't get adequate sleep and find it impossible to lose weight as a result. If you can't find the time to sleep in one long block at night, try taking a couple short naps (10-15 minutes) throughout the day.

Lower the number of calories you consume. Cut out junk food. Pile on the good stuff. Avoid adding extra calories while preparing your food. Eat fat-burning foods. Drink away the weight. Snack away. Start the cardio. Exercise more often. Be realistic about exercise. Perform fasted cardio. Give Tabatas a shot. Determine your basic metabolic rate. Determine your physical activity level. Figure out your needed daily calorie burn. Sweat the pounds away. Get plenty of sleep.

https://www.wikihow.com/Deactivate-a-Facebook-Account

How to Deactivate a Facebook Account

To deactivate your Facebook account on a mobile phone, start by opening the app and navigating to Settings. Touch “Account settings,” then, “General,” followed by “Manage account.” Then, hit “Deactivate.” Once you've done that, type your password in to confirm your identity. If a message pops up asking why you're deactivating your account, choose an answer, then press, “Log out.” When you're presented with a final confirmation screen, hit “Deactivate,” to complete the process.

Open Facebook. This is a dark-blue app with a white "f" on it. If you're logged into Facebook, opening it will take you to your News Feed. If you aren't logged into Facebook on your Android, enter your email address and password and tap Sign in to view the News Feed. Tap ☰. It's in either the bottom-right corner of the screen (iPhone) or the top-right corner of the screen (Android). Scroll down and tap Settings. Skip this step for Android. Tap Account Settings. It's either at the top of a pop-up menu (iPhone) or toward the bottom of the ☰ menu (Android). Tap General. This tab is near the top of the screen. Tap Manage Account. It's the bottom option on this page. Tap Deactivate. This link is to the right of the "Account" heading. Enter your password, then tap Continue. Doing so will take you to the deactivation page. Tap a reason for deactivating your account. If you tap the Other option at the bottom of the section, you'll need to type in a reason for deactivating. If you want Facebook to reactivate your account automatically after a week or less, tap This is temporary. I'll be back. and then select a number of days to keep your account deactivated. Tap Close if prompted to take separate action. If your selected reason is deemed fixable by Facebook, you'll receive a pop-up messaging with an alternative (optional) action; tapping Close will remove this pop-up. Opt out of email notifications and/or Messenger if you like. To do so, simply tap the boxes next to Opt out of receiving future emails from Facebook and Keep me signed into Messenger respectively. Tap Deactivate. It's at the bottom of the page. Doing this will immediately deactivate your account. You may be asked to enter your password once more before the deactivation occurs. You can re-activate your account by logging back into Facebook the next time you open the app. Go to the Facebook website. It's located at https://www.facebook.com/. If you're already logged into Facebook, this will take you to your News Feed. If you aren't logged into Facebook, enter your email address (or phone number) into the top-right corner of the screen and click Log In to continue. Click ▼. You'll see this icon in the top-right side of the Facebook page, just right of the ? icon. Clicking it will invoke a drop-down menu. Click Settings. It's toward the bottom of the drop-down menu. Click the General tab. You'll see this option in the top-left side of the page. Click Manage Account. It's the last option on the page. Click the "Deactivate your account" link. This option is just above the Close button. Type in your Facebook password. You'll do this in the text field near the middle of the page. Click Continue. As long as your password is correct, doing so will take you to the deactivation page. Click a reason for deactivating. You'll do this in the "Reason for leaving" section near the bottom of the page. If you want Facebook to reactivate your account automatically after a week or less, click This is temporary. I'll be back. and then select a number of days to keep your account deactivated. Click Close if prompted to take separate action. Depending on your selected reason for leaving, Facebook may recommend that you log out or add friends instead of deactivating your account. Review the exit options. Before deactivating your account, you can check or uncheck the following options: Email opt out - Check this box to prevent Facebook from sending emails to you. Messenger - Deactivates Facebook Messenger as well. If you don't check this box, people will still be able to look you up and send you messages through Messenger. Delete applications - If you're a Facebook developer and you have created applications, they will be listed on this page. Checking this box removes them from your developer profile. Click Deactivate. It's the blue button at the bottom of the page. You may need to re-enter your password after this step. Click Deactivate Now when prompted. Doing so will deactivate your Facebook account. If you want to re-activate it at any time, simply go to the Facebook login page, enter your email address and password, and click Log In.

Open Facebook. Tap ☰. Scroll down and tap Settings. Tap Account Settings. Tap General. Tap Manage Account. Tap Deactivate. Enter your password, then tap Continue. Tap a reason for deactivating your account. Tap Close if prompted to take separate action. Opt out of email notifications and/or Messenger if you like. Tap Deactivate. Go to the Facebook website. Click ▼. Click Settings. Click the General tab. Click Manage Account. Click the "Deactivate your account" link. Type in your Facebook password. Click Continue. Click a reason for deactivating. Click Close if prompted to take separate action. Review the exit options. Click Deactivate. Click Deactivate Now when prompted.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-Laser-Hair-Removal

How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal

To prepare for laser hair removal, avoid tanning or using sunless tanners for at least a month prior to your appointment so your skin is as light as possible. Additionally, don't shave less than 24 hours before your appointment, and avoid other hair removal techniques, like plucking or waxing, which can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. You should also avoid using any cosmetics, lotions, creams, or deodorants on the treatment site the day of the hair removal since the technician will need your skin to be completely clean.

Avoid tanning and using sunless tanners for at least a month to prepare for laser hair removal. The skin should be as light as possible at the time of treatment. For this reason, many people choose to undergo laser treatment during winter. Apply sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 if you do need to spend time outdoors, and the area you wish to have hair removed by laser will be exposed to UVA/UVB rays. Refrain from plucking or waxing your skin. Shaving is fine, but these other hair removal techniques can reduce the effectiveness of the laser treatment. Also, the hair should not be bleached. Shave the area that will be treated, as instructed during the pre-treatment consultation. This is usually a day or two before the appointment. The hair follicles should be visible, but it can be more painful if longer hair is present during the laser hair removal. Take oral antiviral medication or oral antibiotics if prescribed by your doctor. Clean the skin at the treatment site. Leave it free of cosmetics, lotions and creams. If you apply deodorant, it will be removed prior to treatment. Wear clothing that will leave the treated area exposed or is loose fitting. The treated area may have a soothing topical cream applied that you don't want to get on clothing. Tight or abrasive clothing will feel uncomfortable if the skin is sensitive after treatment. Expect the laser technician to apply a topical anesthetic cream or a warm compress prior to treatment. The technician may also shave the area. Put on the protective eyewear.

Avoid tanning and using sunless tanners for at least a month to prepare for laser hair removal. Refrain from plucking or waxing your skin. Shave the area that will be treated, as instructed during the pre-treatment consultation. Take oral antiviral medication or oral antibiotics if prescribed by your doctor. Clean the skin at the treatment site. Wear clothing that will leave the treated area exposed or is loose fitting. Expect the laser technician to apply a topical anesthetic cream or a warm compress prior to treatment. Put on the protective eyewear.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Grumpy-Cat-to-Like-You

How to Get a Grumpy Cat to Like You

Is your cat a grumpy loner? You can get it to like you by playing games with it that activate its natural hunting instinct, like chasing after a laser pointer. Try to get at least one 10 minute play session in with your cat every day, and it will start to see you more as a friend rather than someone who just gives it food. Just be sure not to overstimulate your kitty, so stop playtime if you notice its ears are flattened or its eyes are dilated. If your cat starts to get closer to you, show it some affection by scratching softly behind its ears, then giving it a treat when you're done to associate it with positive reinforcement.

your cat a good diet. Feed Even a grumpy cat will appreciate food that tastes good and is good for her. Choose a food that has high-quality ingredients and is free of by-products. A high quality cat food will have a statement on the bag stating that it meet your cat's minimal nutritional requirements, and thus meets the requirements of the American Association of Feed Control Officials. Consider wet food instead of dry food. Dry cat food tends to be low in water, high in carbohydrates, and contain more plant-based than animal-based protein. Cats are carnivores, so their main protein source must be animal-based. Make sure to give your cat access to plenty of fresh, clean water. If your cat has specific nutritional needs, speak with your veterinarian for recommendations on what type of diet is best for your cat. Talk to your cat as you prepare her food and give her a few gentle strokes along her back when she eats. This affection and attention may help reduce her grumpiness. Give your cat tasty treats. What cat doesn't love a scrumptious treat every now and then? Your grumpy cat would love snacks that contain lean protein, such as freeze-dried chicken or lamb. Do not feed her human food, though—human food can cause your cat to develop mild to severe digestive upset. Tuna is another tasty treat for cats. Too much tuna, though, can lead to condition called yellow fat disease. A tuna-heavy diet can also lead to a vitamin E deficiency. Raw meat can be a source of infectious disease for cats, so do not treat your cat with raw meat. Limit your cat's treats to 5% or less of her diet. Too many treats can cause your cat to become obese and experience obesity-related health problems (e.g., arthritis). Give your cat a nice place to sleep. Your grumpy cat may like you more if you give her a warm, comfortable, and quiet place to sleep. Place soft blankets, and maybe even a few soft pillows, in her sleep area. Clean her bedding when it becomes soiled, but do not clean it too frequently—she will still want to smell her scent on it. Clean your cat’s litter box regularly. Your cat may be grumpy because you haven't cleaned her litter box in a while. A dirty litter box could make even the sweetest cat a little grumpy. Clean out the clumps of urine and feces on a daily basis. If a regular and frequent cleaning schedule is not practical for you, consider switching to a self-cleaning litterbox. Some cats don't like litter boxes with covers on them since it makes them feel confined. In general, you should have one litter box for each cat you have, plus one additional litter box. For example, if you have 2 cats, you'd want to have 3 litter boxes. Provide your cat with good toys. Toys are an important aspect of your cat's overall health, and can keep her physically and mentally active when you are not home. Your grumpy cat would appreciate a variety of toys that will challenge her and keep her busy. Toys as simple as a crumpled piece of newspaper or a pizza box with a big hole in the middle can keep your grumpy cat entertained. Other fun, inexpensive toys include a paper bag with the handles cut off, ping pong balls, and empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls. If you would like to purchase some toys at the pet store, pick toys that do not have any small parts (e.g., ribbons, plastic eyes) that your cat could remove and swallow. Swallowing these small parts could give your cat serious digestive problems. Switch the toys out on a regular basis so your cat does not become bored with them (or grumpier!). Determine if your cat wants you to stay away. In addition to your cat's general grumpiness, she may do some other specific behaviors to tell you not to interact with her. For example, she may hiss at you, arch her back, fluff her tail, and flatten her ears. All of these behaviors are clear signs for you to steer clear of her. Your cat may also hold her tail in an upright and slightly curved position. This tail position lets you know your cat is feeling defense or aggressive, not playful. If your cat really wants to be left alone, she may spit at you! Always pay attention to your cat's signals so you know it's feeling. Play interactive games with your cat. It is important for your cat to see you as her friend, not just as the person who owns her and gives her food. Her grumpiness may start to fade as you spend more time with her, which you can do by playing interactive games with her. Play games that nurture her natural hunting instinct. For example, shine a laser light on the floor in different locations and watch your cat chase after it. Schedule at least one playtime with your cat per day. Her grumpiness may stem from you not spending a lot of time with her, so plan to dedicate at least 10 minutes of your day playing with her. Nurture your cat’s inner kitten. If your grumpy cat is well into her adult years, try bringing out her inner kitten to get her to like you. For example, play a game of fetch with her. Toss a toy mouse across the room and let her fetch it. You could also turn on a faucet and watch your cat have a child-like fascination with the water. Be creative with how to nurture her inner kitten. If you have had her since she was a kitten, try to remember what made her happy as a kitten and do those things. Be affectionate with your cat. Your grumpy cat may start to like you more if you are affectionate with her. Cats love a soft scratch behind the ears, so try this with your cat. Try petting your cat in different areas to see what she likes the most and least. When your 'session of affection' is over, give your cat a treat so she can make a positive association with your efforts to be affectionate with her. Be affectionate with your cat on her own terms. If you try to be too affectionate with her, she may become even grumpier. Try doing a few slow blinks with your cat. Slow blinks are a sign that your cat is comfortable with you. Your grumpy cat may not want to give you a slow blink initially, but she may do so as you do more things to get her to like you. Watch for signs that your cat no longer wants to play. During your play sessions, watch your cat's body language to know she has had enough and wants to be alone. When she is overstimulated, her pupils will dilate, her ears will flatten back, and she may start twitching or waving her tail. Your cat may also start to growl or put her teeth on you. End your play session when your cat indicates she no longer wants to interact with you. Allow your cat to lick you and ‘make biscuits. ' Admittedly, your cat may not be too keen on showing you affection if she's grumpy. However, if your efforts to get her to like you pay off, then she may start to show affection in her own way, such as by licking you or 'making biscuits.' If your grumpy cat starts licking your ears and hair, she is showing that she trusts you and sees you as a friend. If your cat's licking becomes excessive or uncomfortable, discourage her from licking by moving away when she starts licking you or giving her a soft toy towards which she can be affectionate. 'Making biscuits' is another way of describing kneading behavior in cats. Kneading is your cat's way of showing that she's comfortable. Let your cat cuddle with you. If your cat wants to snuggle close to you to enjoy a nice nap, she is letting you know that she trusts you. Cats, like people and other animals, are most vulnerable when they are sleeping. If your grumpy cat sees you as a safe and warm spot to sleep, give yourself a pat on the back! Accept your cat’s ‘gifts. ' Cats are predators. If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, or a very curious indoor cat, she may bring you her catch (e.g., dead prey) to show off her hunting prowess. Although the sight of a dead bird in your cat's mouth or on the porch does not seem very praiseworthy, give your cat praise anyway—she is showing you a sign of friendship and you do not want to reject that. If your cat has a habit of bringing dead animals to you, and you are not comfortable removing the animals, consider contacting a local animal removal service. Bump heads with your cat. Another way to get your grumpy cat to like you is to imitate her affectionate behaviors. One of these behaviors is head bumping. Your cat will do this to say hello to you, leave her scent on you, and see you as part of her clan. Bump her head right back to reinforce your being part of her clan. Do not be forceful with the bump—you could just move your head slightly forward as she bumps it.

your cat a good diet. Give your cat tasty treats. Give your cat a nice place to sleep. Clean your cat’s litter box regularly. Provide your cat with good toys. Determine if your cat wants you to stay away. Play interactive games with your cat. Nurture your cat’s inner kitten. Be affectionate with your cat. Watch for signs that your cat no longer wants to play. Allow your cat to lick you and ‘make biscuits. Let your cat cuddle with you. Accept your cat’s ‘gifts. Bump heads with your cat.

https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Yo%E2%80%90Yo-Tricks

How to Do Yo‐Yo Tricks

If you want to do yo-yo tricks, start by making a tight loop with the string and slipping it on your finger. Next, work on basic tricks like the front row, the sleeper, and walk the dog. Once you get the hang of these basic tricks, move on to harder tricks like the front mount, the breakaway, the side mount, and the split bottom mount. After you perfect those, you can start working on more advanced tricks like the brain scrambler.

Make a loop with the string for your finger. Even though yo-yos come with loops, they often won't fit your finger tightly. Feed the string that's right under the main loop through the already tied main loop. Put your middle finger through the new loop, with the double strings towards your ring finger. The loop will tighten around your finger. The part of the loop with two strings should go towards your ring finger. Work on the basic throw. Hold the yo-yo in your dominant hand with your palm up. The string should be on top of the yo-yo. Form your arm into a muscle, bent at the elbow with your forearm perpendicular to your upper arm, which should be straight out from your body. Flip your arm down into a throw, letting the yo-yo roll out of your hand as you do. Your arm should be straight out in front of you by the end. Work on throwing the yo-yo as straight as possible from your hand, as that makes doing tricks much easier. Pull the yo-yo back up. When your yo-yo hits the bottom of the throw, immediately tug it to make it come back up. As it comes back up, have your palm facing down so you can catch the yo-yo. If you can't get your yo-yo to come back up, work on throwing a little harder. This trick will only work on a responsive yo-yo, one meant to come back up. If you have an unresponsive yo-yo, you'll have to use the bind from the basic string tricks. Try the sleeper. Throw the yo-yo to the front as you learned in the front throw. As you bring your arm down, snap your hand out and then stop the snap quickly. If done properly, the yo-yo should stay at the bottom of the string while still spinning, which is the sleeper. Move on to walk the dog. Throw a front roll into a sleeper. Swing the yo-yo slightly behind you, and then bring it forward. Touch it to the ground, and as you do, walk forward with your yo-yo, so it looks like you're walking your yo-yo. Keep tension in the string. If you allow slack, the yo-yo returns to your hand. Perfect the front mount. Once you throw your yo-yo, let it spin below in sleeper to work it into a front mount. Use your other hand to push the side of your index finger into the string from behind, lifting the string up as you go. The hand holding the end of the string goes under the yo-yo from the back, threading the string around the yo-yo as you bring it to the front. Bring your dominant hand up to the height of your other hand. You should have three even lengths of string in front of you now. Teach yourself the breakaway. A breakaway is a throw you do across the front of your body, which is important in string tricks. Make sure the string is on the top of the yo-yo. The yo-yo should be in your dominant hand with your palm face up. Lift your elbow out to the side to get a bit more power, and then roll the yo-yo off the edge of your hand facing outward, towards your thumb. As it rolls, let it flip in front of you towards your other arm. Figure out the side mount. A side mount is when you start with a breakaway, but then you mount the yo-yo on the string with your other hand. As you come across your body, flip the yo-yo underneath your other hand, and let the string go around your index finger. The yo-yo will flip over your finger. Have it land on top of the string that's going in front of your body. Work on a side bind with a non-responsive yo-yo. A bind is when you pull your yo-yo back to your hand on a non-responsive yo-yo (the kind that won't automatically come back to your hand). Start by throwing a breakaway. As it comes towards your other hand, place a finger from that hand underneath the string. With your dominant hand holding the string, pull the string around the yo-yo and up the other side. As you come around with the string, let go of the loop of string you've created over your non-dominant hand, and then pull up with your throwing hand to return the yo-yo to your hand. Use a split bottom mount. Throw the yo-yo out in front. With your non-dominant hand, press into the string from the back so the yo-yo swings backwards. Use your index finger from your throwing hand, and let the yo-yo wrap around your finger, landing on top of that part of the string. Dismount your yo-yo. To dismount your yo-yo, you go in the opposite direction of the mount you did. So for a front dismount, start in the front mount. Unwrap the string from the yo-yo, and return the yo-yo to your hand. Perform the brain scramble (brain twister). Start by getting into a front mount from a front throw. Have your yo-yo hand (the one holding the end of the string) slightly below your other hand, but they should be right near each other. Swing the yo-yo forward slightly. As it comes back, use the momentum to flip it over your hands by pushing into the double strings with your front finger. Keep it going by using your other finger to twist the yo-yo around your other finger, making it flip over and over. The string will loop around your yo-yo hand, but you can just let the loops slide off as you finish the trick. Try man on the trapeze. Start with a side mount. Once the yo-yo is mounted on the string, you should have three even lengths of string in front of you, as it wraps back and forth. Place your hands fairly close together, then swing the yo-yo back and forth for the trapeze. If you're having trouble, try throwing your breakaway into the side mount with more strength. Also, make sure you're landing the side mount as close to your non-dominant finger as possible, as it's easier to aim. Perform double or nothing. Start with a side mount, except keep your hands closer together. They should be less than a foot apart at the same height. As the string flips around your non-dominant hand, you should still have quite a bit of string left. Use your index finger on your throwing hand to flip the yo-yo around again. When it comes back to your non-dominant hand, flip it around and land it on the outermost string. Try an Eli hop. Start by getting into a side mount. After you do, bring both hands slightly up in the air, throwing the yo-yo up into the air. Bring your hands together, and then pull your non-throw hand back out to land the yo-yo back on the string. When you're done, dismount your side mount.

Make a loop with the string for your finger. Work on the basic throw. Pull the yo-yo back up. Try the sleeper. Move on to walk the dog. Perfect the front mount. Teach yourself the breakaway. Figure out the side mount. Work on a side bind with a non-responsive yo-yo. Use a split bottom mount. Dismount your yo-yo. Perform the brain scramble (brain twister). Try man on the trapeze. Perform double or nothing. Try an Eli hop.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Quick-and-Easy-French-Onion-Soup

How to Make a Quick and Easy French Onion Soup

To make a quick and easy French onion soup, start by sauteing some thinly sliced onions in melted butter. Then, while the onion is cooking, top a slice of French bread with shredded Swiss cheese and toast it in the oven for 3 minutes at 550 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, pour some chicken stock into the pot with the onions and let it simmer until it's heated through. Finally, pour the soup and onions into a bowl and top with the slice of French bread.

Preheat the oven to about 290ºC (550ºF). Melt the butter in a 1.8 liter (0.5 US gal) or 2 quart pot. Add the onions and sauté until they are tender. You should be able to see through them. Pour the broth on top of the onions. Reduce heat and simmer until heated through, stirring frequently. Place the bread on a cookie sheet. Place the bread on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle the Swiss cheese evenly over the bread. Toast the bread in the oven until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden (about 3 minutes). Pour the soup into 4 bowls. Top each bowl of soup with a slice of bread. Finish off by sprinkling with Parmesan cheese. Finished.

Preheat the oven to about 290ºC (550ºF). Melt the butter in a 1.8 liter (0.5 US gal) or 2 quart pot. Add the onions and sauté until they are tender. Place the bread on a cookie sheet. Toast the bread in the oven until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden (about 3 minutes). Pour the soup into 4 bowls. Finish off by sprinkling with Parmesan cheese. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Babies-to-Like-You

How to Get Babies to Like You

The best way to get babies to like you is to give them lots of loving attention, which you can do by playing fun games to make them happy. Start with the classic game of “Peek-a-Boo” by covering your face with both hands, then open your hands up to show your face again and say “Peek-a-Boo!” Repeat this several times and the baby will soon begin to smile and laugh. Another game you might like to try is making funny faces in front of the baby, like going cross-eyed and poking out your tongue. If you don't feel like playing games, try introducing the baby to a puppy or cat and help them touch the fur carefully. Just be sure to never leave baby alone with any animal.

Meet their basic needs. The first and most essential way to earn a baby's trust and get into their good graces is by meeting their basic needs. This means making sure they are fed, clean, and well rested. If the baby you are spending time with is in a sour mood, try feeding them, changing their diaper, or rocking them to sleep. Talk to them. Babies love the sound of people talking. You can talk about anything! Tell them your life story, read them a book, or describe what is happening around you. The sound of your voice is very soothing to the baby. Additionally, if they grow accustomed to your voice, they will be more likely to remember you the next time you come by. Give them your undivided focus. To be honest, hanging out with a baby can be a little boring. It may be tempting to look at your phone, watch television, or take on some other task while you are spending time with the baby. But if you can give the baby your undivided focus, even for a little while, they will respond to it and grow to love your company. Rather than giving them half of your attention all of the time, it is better to give them complete focus some of the time. Then at other moments, you can let someone else take the baby while you complete a task. Visit them often. Babies do not have very developed memories. As they work to build foundational life skills, they will actually recall very little about the details. As a result, they can only remember people who they see often. If you want to win over a particular baby, try to spend as much time around them as possible. Make eye contact. After babies are about eight weeks old, they will begin making eye contact. Babies love looking into your eyes. They do not experience the same self-consciousness that adults sometimes do during extended eye contact. Instead they feel a connection with the person looking at them. Play peek-a-boo. Peek-a-boo is a classic baby game that requires nothing but your own two hands. Cover your eyes to disappear and then reappear with an exuberant “peek-a-boo!” The baby will almost certainly smile and laugh, and as a result grow to like you. Babies seven months or older will begin to play peek-a-boo by themselves. Make funny faces. Babies also respond well to silly faces. Even very little babies will find joy in the funny faces you can make. Be creative and weird with the faces you make, and see if you can make them laugh. Very soon, the baby will be love having you around. Bring a puppy. There are few things that a baby loves as much as a puppy. If you have a puppy (or any gentle family pet) that you can bring over to play with the baby, you are sure to brighten the baby's day. Always be careful and alert when bringing animals around babies. Select an animal that could cause little harm and/or one that has been adequately trained. Make sure animals have their required shots before bringing one around a baby. Make sure the baby's parents approve any pets you bring over. Sing. Babies are naturally drawn to rhythms and melodies. You can win a baby's affection by singing to them. You can choose simple children's songs, popular songs that you know, or make up any old melody, and the baby will love to spend time with you. Take them outside. Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for a baby's mood. Take a baby outside to score points with them. The vitamin D in sunlight can make a baby very happy, and the wonderful colors and smells of the outdoors can provide myriad sensory experiences. Make sure to talk to the baby's parents on what protective clothing or sunscreen may be used to keep the baby safe from sunburn. Bring them toys. Every body loves to receive gifts, and babies are no exception. Bring a baby an age appropriate toy to get them to like you. Search for fun, non-electronic, interactive toys for that baby's age group. Then use that toy to play with them! Share your food. If the baby in question is over six months old, and if their parents have already introduced solid foods, sharing a little bit of what you are eating can be a fun and easy way to make the baby happy and get them to like you. Excellent foods for sharing with a little baby are bananas or other very soft fruit. Always check with the parents to see which foods are allowed and what size bites are safe. Mirror their mood. Babies are surprisingly adept at accessing a person's mood. You can foster a connection with the baby by taking on whatever mood they seem to be in. If they seem fussy, you may want to make fussy faces back at them. If they are cheerful, respond in kind. These small gestures of empathy can lead to the baby enjoying your company. Teach them. Babies love to learn. Anytime you play with them, it can be a great opportunity for learning. You can teach them about the ABCs while playing with blocks, you can practice new words as you walk through the garden, or you can teach them the sounds of different animals when you play with stuffed animals. If you make an effort to teach them, babies will grow to love you. Let them help you. Babies as young as eight months old can start to be helpful around the house. If a baby is able to hold small objects, they can begin helping you clean up their toys. If they are mobile (crawling or walking), they can help even more. Even though a task will almost certainly take longer with a baby's help, allowing a baby to help gives them a sense of belonging and pride. It is building a good foundation for them, and as a result, it will encourage them to like you.

Meet their basic needs. Talk to them. Give them your undivided focus. Visit them often. Make eye contact. Play peek-a-boo. Make funny faces. Bring a puppy. Sing. Take them outside. Bring them toys. Share your food. Mirror their mood. Teach them. Let them help you.

https://www.wikihow.com/Implement-Efficiency-Strategies

How to Implement Efficiency Strategies

There are a few main areas you should focus on when implementing efficiency strategies. The first is employee efficiency. Make sure your employees have a productive work environment, are rewarded and recognized for being efficient, and enjoy a competitive salary so they're more motivated. The second area you should focus on is client efficiency. Remember to check in with clients every week, ask them for feedback on your efficiency, and monitor project timelines closely. The final area you should focus on is company efficiency. Make sure you're improving your company's technology every fiscal year, identifying key efficiency gaps, and updating your efficiency needs regularly based on client and employee feedback.

Identify gaps in employee efficiency. Before you can create employee efficiency goals, you need to identify any gaps or issues in employee efficiency at your company. If you have several departments in your company, you may want to try to identify at least one to two efficiency gaps in each department. For example, you may have an efficiency gap between employee hours and completed projects. Though your employees seems to be working full workdays, projects are not being completed and profit margins are not being met. You may then analyze how your employees are working. Perhaps they do not have access to the latest technology, leading to slower work processes and a failure to meet project timelines. This may then be one efficiency gap for your employees: a non productive work environment. Another example you may notice is that your employees do not seem as motivated or energized in the workplace and as a result, client relationships are suffering and projects are not going as smoothly as they should. You may then identify another efficiency gap: low motivation and incentives for employees. Provide a secure internet network. Many employee inefficiencies, like miscommunication among employees and clients, poor employee performance, and missed deadlines, can be traced back to a poor internet network. You can address this inefficiency by making sure the company's building has a secure and robust internet network that can keep up with the company's workload. This is especially important if your employees use the internet to communicate with clients and with each other. A slow or faulty network can lead to missed emails, failed client communication, and delayed feedback from clients, thereby slowing down your employee's productivity. Make sure your employees have a productive working environment. As an employer, it is also essential that you provide a productive working environment for your employees to make sure they are being as efficient as possible. This could mean ensuring they have access to the latest desktops or laptops and well functioning electronics like printers, scanners, and fax machines. You should also make sure there are fully functioning conference phones in each meeting room and provide mobile phones for company use if your employees are often on the go. You may want to also make it easier for your employees to share information among each other by using Google Drive or another file sharing program. This way, important documents do not get misplaced or forgotten, allowing your employees to use technology and file sharing in the most efficient way possible. Switching to online file sharing will also cut down on the amount of paper waste your company produces every year, thereby eliminating inefficiencies like high waste production and money spent on recycling and reducing waste in the office. Check that your employee’s salaries are competitive and include full benefits. Another possible cause of employee inefficiency is a lack of competitive compensation. If you are underpaying and overworking your employees, this could lead to resentment, low motivation, and high stress levels among your employees. Make sure you are providing salaries for your employees that are competitive based on the market and include full benefits, such as healthcare and a 401K or another employee retention program. Most employees will work harder and better if they know they have job security and stability and can rely on their employer to provide a fair, competitive wage. Healthcare and a retirement plan are also big incentives for employees to work efficiently and can help you keep your employees for a long period of time. This will then reduce the need to spend money on hiring and training for new employees. Reduce company travel time for your employees. Travel on company time and company expense can lead to reduced operational efficiency and wasted resources. Focus on reducing the amount of time your employees need to travel to get to a client or to a job site. If possible, rely on video conferencing and email as much as possible to reduce the need for employee travel and only allow employee travel when it is absolutely necessary. Implement an employee recognition program. Make your employees feel they are essential to your company, and necessary for improved efficiency in the company by creating an employee recognition program. Designate a supervisor or lead from each department to choose one employee who represents hard work, diligence, the company culture, and/or operational efficiencies. The program could then reward recognized employees with a bonus, a name entered into a draw, or even a shout out of social media. The reward does not need to be expensive or lavish. Rather, it should spotlight the employee and ensure they feel recognized by the company, other employees, and clients. Create an employee efficiency committee. To keep up to date on employee efficiencies, you could encourage supervisors or leads to form an employee efficiency committee. Try to have a representative from each department or area on the committee so it is well rounded. Schedule monthly meetings to discuss how to improve the employee efficiencies and ensure at least one to two efficiency goals are created each month. Set up weekly check ins with clients. To improve client efficiency, you can personally check in with your clients, or focus on specific high need clients, and discuss possible inefficiencies or issues. Ask your clients how their overall experience with the company has been, as well as how they feel their project manager, leader, or contact is doing in terms of time management and communication. You should also make sure employees are maintaining active communication with their clients and touching base on a daily or weekly basis. Though your employees may have a lot of projects on their plate, it is important that they keep communication with their clients open and accessible. This will show they can efficient with their time and maintain an efficient relationship with clients. Ask clients for feedback on your company’s efficiency. You should be willing and ready to note any feedback from clients you receive in your weekly check in. Create a client feedback system where feedback is entered weekly or monthly in a survey or checklist. You can then review the feedback with your employees to give them a sense of client expectations and needs. You can also use client feedback to identify client inefficiencies, such as missed deadlines or failed communication. You can work with your employees to create possible solutions for these inefficiencies, such as scheduling deadlines one week early to ensure they are met or maintaining daily check ins with clients to keep communication open and accessible. Monitor project timelines to ensure deliverables are met. While you do not want to micro manage your employees or your clients, you should have a good sense of where client projects stand and recognize when deliverables are being met. This may mean walking the floor of the office several times a day to check in with certain teams or areas or scheduling daily or weekly check in meetings for employees working on certain accounts or projects. Try to identify projects where clients are high need or high risk and keep a close eye on these. You may also want to ensure the employees on the account or project are prepared to tackle the needs of the client and can respond well to the client expectations. A big part of setting a project up for success is making sure the employee and the client work well together. Identify key efficiency gaps for the fiscal year. Take a broad view of company efficiency and try to identify at least four to five efficiency gaps you would like employees to focus on for the fiscal year. This will ensure your goals are current every year and can build off the goals of the previous year. You may have company efficiency goals like improving the work environment by switching to a more sophisticated computer program or computing system, reducing the amount of paper waste produced in the office, providing better compensation for long standing employees, and ensuring clients receive more effective project management from employees. Once you have identified the key efficiency gaps for the year, assign one goal to each department or area in the company. This will ensure it is clear who is accountable for addressing the gap and increase the likelihood that the gap will be addressed. Improve the company’s technology every fiscal year. Most companies can improve their efficiency by improving their technology every year, from upgrading to faster computers to investing in several scanners or printers for use in the office. Focusing on the latest technology will keep operational efficiency high and allow your employees to work to their full potential. If you have growing IT needs and demands, you may want to consider outsourcing your IT needs to a contractor or outside company. This may be a necessary expense if the company is not able to keep up with the IT needs of clients and employees, and allow your company to focus on providing excellent customer service and meeting deadlines, rather than IT issues. Update the company’s efficiency needs based on employee and client feedback. Use feedback from your clients and your employees to add to the company's efficiency goals and make sure these goals are up to date and current. Let your employees and your clients know that they are active participants in implementing efficiency strategies at the company and that you rely on them to help the company become more efficient.

Identify gaps in employee efficiency. Provide a secure internet network. Make sure your employees have a productive working environment. Check that your employee’s salaries are competitive and include full benefits. Reduce company travel time for your employees. Implement an employee recognition program. Create an employee efficiency committee. Set up weekly check ins with clients. Ask clients for feedback on your company’s efficiency. Monitor project timelines to ensure deliverables are met. Identify key efficiency gaps for the fiscal year. Improve the company’s technology every fiscal year. Update the company’s efficiency needs based on employee and client feedback.

https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-How-Old-a-Kitten-Is

How to Tell How Old a Kitten Is

To tell how old a kitten is, check to see if it still has its umbilical cord stump, if its eyes are closed, and if its ears are stuck close to its head. If you notice these features, the kitten is likely less than 1 week old. If your kitten's eyes are open and its ears have popped up, it is probably 2-3 weeks old. As the eyes and ears open and the kitten begins to develop its senses, it will start to react to external stimuli at about 3.5 weeks old.

Look for an umbilical cord stump. If you find one, you can be sure you're dealing with a newborn kitten. The mother usually bites the cord until it breaks. The remaining “stump” will be a small piece of tissue hanging off the kitten's belly. Cats' umbilical cord stumps usually fall off in the first 3 days of life. If your kitten still has a cord stump, it is likely only days old. Examine the kitten’s eyes. A kitten's eyes will go through several developmental stages as the begin to open and then ultimately change color. Looking at and watching for changes in the eyes can help you assess a kitten's age. Kittens do not open their eyes until they reach about ten to 14 days in age, but some do open their eyes as early as 7 to 10 days. If your kitten has closed eyes, he is likely a newborn. If your kitten has already opened its eyes, she is at least a full week old. If your kitten's eyes are just starting to open but still appear squinty, she may be in her second or third week of life. When kittens begin opening their eyes, the eyes are bright blue in color, regardless of what color their eyes turn later as they grow up. If you have an older kitten and you notice her eyes beginning to change color, she is likely around 6-7 weeks old. At this time, the irises will begin to transition to their permanent, mature color. Note that if the kitten is growing into a mature, blue-eyed cat, you may not be able to observe any color change to help you determine its age. Check the kitten’s ears. Like the eyes, a kitten's ears go through developmental changes in the early stages of development. You may be able to pinpoint the age of a younger kitten based on characteristics of or changes to the ears. If your kitten's the ears are stuck close to her head, she is probably less than one week old. Baby kittens are born with their ear canals closed, which results in ears that appear flattened back against the head. A kitten's ears will begin to open up at between 5 and 8 days in age. Watch for the kitten's ears to pop up. The kitten's ears will take longer to open than its eyes. Though the closed ear canals begin to open at between 5 and 8 days, it takes longer for the ears to pop up visibly. The ears will pop up sometime between the second and third week of your kitten's life. Examine the kitten’s baby teeth. A good way to assess the age of both young and juvenile kittens is to check the presence and development of her teeth. A kitten with no teeth is likely a newborn, younger than 2 weeks of age. If teeth are present, you can still estimate the age based on the number and characteristics of the teeth. The first deciduous (baby) teeth should push through the gums around 2 or 3 weeks of age. The first teeth to pop through will likely be the incisors. If you don't see the teeth visually, you may be able to feel them by gently feeling the kitten's gums. The deciduous canines begin growing at 3-4 weeks of age. These are the long and pointed teeth that grow next to the deciduous incisors. The deciduous premolars begin breaking through the gums at around 4-6 weeks. The premolars are the teeth that grow between the canine and molar teeth. If all of a kitten's baby teeth are present but she does not yet have molars, she should be around four months of age. She should have: 6 incisors in the top jaw and 6 in the bottom jaw 2 canines on the top jaw and 2 in the bottom jaw (one on either side of the last incisor) 3 premolars on the top jaw 2 premolars on the bottom jaw. Check for adult teeth. If you find larger, adult teeth in a kitten, it is likely four months or older. The timing of the teeth may be a little less precise in an older kitten than it is in a very young kitten, but you should be able to get a good idea of the kitten's age based on when her adult teeth come in. The adult incisor teeth are the first to come in, around 4 months. Between 4 and 6 months, the baby canines, premolars and molars are replaced by adult teeth. If your kitten has all her adult teeth and all four molars, she is likely at least 7 months old. Be aware that these guidelines are based on normal, healthy kittens; medical issues or accidents can cause teeth to be missing or come in late. Weigh the kitten. A prediction based on weight can be imprecise due to differences in size and breed, but the weight can be a factor that gives you more information about your kitten's approximate age.. The average healthy kitten weighs about 3.5 oz at birth, and gains about a quarter ounce per day. So, a normal kitten will weighing from 3.5 to 5.25 oz is in its first week of life. (Note that a kitten weighing less than 3.5 oz may be sick or undernourished. Take the kitten to a veterinarian for evaluation.) A normal kitten will weigh from 4-6 oz (113-170 g) and be smaller than a human adult's hand at 1 to 2 weeks. Most kittens will weigh from 6-8 oz (170-225 g) when they are 2-3 weeks old. A kitten that weights.5 to 1 pound (225g to 450g) is likely around 4-5 weeks old. A kitten weighing between 1.5 pounds to 2 pounds (680g-900g) is likely 7-8 weeks old. The average cat aged three months or more will weigh one pound per month of age until its weight stabilizes at around 10 pounds. So, a 3-pound cat will likely be 3 months old, and a 4-pound cat will be 4 months old. Though this is a generalization, it's a useful rule of thumb for cats over 12 weeks in age until the cat reaches its adult weight, which is about 10 pounds for most cats. Monitor the kitten for signs of weaning. This step only applies to kittens that are still with their mothers. The mother will stop allowing her kitten to nurse at around 4-6 weeks after its birth. That's when her milk begins to dry up. If the mother has fully weaned her kitten off milk, the kitten is probably about 7 weeks old. After 7 weeks, mother cats will no longer allow her kittens to nurse. You might notice that the kitten tries to approach its mother to nurse, but is swatted away and rejected. A kitten of 7-8 weeks will begin leaving her mother more frequently and for longer periods of time for more adventurous exploration. Watch the kitten’s mobility. A kitten's proficiency in walking can indicate her age based on normal development. Kittens are unable to stand or walk around until they reach around 2 to 4 weeks of age. Until then, they spend their time snuggling up to their mother and siblings, sleeping, or nursing. If a kitten needs to move in the first few weeks, she does a belly-crawl. Wobbliness and uncertainty when your kitten walks indicates that your kitten is around 2 weeks old. If your kitten is beginning to look confident in her ability to walk, she is likely older than 3 weeks. Between 3-4 weeks, a kitten will begin to demonstrate the righting reflex, which is the ability to turn in mid-air to land on their feet. Around 4 weeks of age, the kitten will be able to walk more steadily and explore its environment. Its natural curiosity and playfulness will emerge with this increased mobility. Kittens of this age will begin to show pouncing behavior. A kitten who can run is at least five weeks old. Observe the kitten's reaction to noise and moving objects. Although the eyes and ear canals begin opening in the second or third week of life, those senses are still developing at an early age. Response to external stimuli indicate an age of about 3.5 weeks. Assess confidence and playfulness. A healthy kitten will grow more confident around the fifth and sixth weeks of its life. This is due, in large part, to its growing coordination and mobility. A kitten of this age will begin exploring its environment more fearlessly than a younger, more hesitant kitten. By 7-8 weeks, a kitten should be highly coordinated and mobile. She will enjoy running around, playing and socializing with humans and other pets, and exploring higher spaces by practicing its jumping motions. Look for signs of puberty. At around 4 months, kitten behavior begins changing as a result of changing hormones. Kittens of this age will meow loudly at night or try to escape the house to get outdoors. These can be signs that the kitten is beginning to go through puberty. Watch for signs of continuing sexual maturity. At 4-6 months, a kitten cat is essentially going through its teenage years. A cat of this age will begin to lose its plumpness (baby fat) and develop a sleeker body, even as it gains weight. Male kittens over 4 months may begin scent marking (spraying urine) to attract females to mate. Female kittens may begin going into heat between 4 and 6 months. This also involves scent marking, along with loud yowling and writhing about. Identify the “juvenile” stage. Kittens 7 months or older are considered juveniles, and they are both larger in size and sexually mature. Be aware that a juvenile female cat can become pregnant if she is not fixed. Along with sexual maturity comes increased aggression. Kittens begin to challenge other cats for dominance starting at around 6 months. Juvenile kittens tend to bite more often than younger kittens or grown cats. Cat bites tend to occur a lot from cats in the juvenile age group, so take care when handling cats from this age group. Ask the agency or person from whom you’re adopting. Good agencies and breeders keep sound records of their kittens, and will be able to provide at least a close guess. If they did not witness the birth firsthand, the best they can provide is an estimate. Even if a shelter receives a kitten well after its birth, they have an experienced staff and veterinarians who can provide professional estimates. Ask a veterinarian. When you take your kitten for its first veterinary exam, ask the vet for his or her educated estimate of its age. During this same visit, your veterinarian will also advise you on the tests and vaccines your kitten will need to lead a healthy life.

Look for an umbilical cord stump. Examine the kitten’s eyes. Check the kitten’s ears. Examine the kitten’s baby teeth. Check for adult teeth. Weigh the kitten. Monitor the kitten for signs of weaning. Watch the kitten’s mobility. Observe the kitten's reaction to noise and moving objects. Assess confidence and playfulness. Look for signs of puberty. Watch for signs of continuing sexual maturity. Identify the “juvenile” stage. Ask the agency or person from whom you’re adopting. Ask a veterinarian.

https://www.wikihow.com/Chew-Tobacco

How to Chew Tobacco

To chew tobacco, start by using your thumb and forefinger to shake the tobacco tin up and down for about 10 seconds, which will make the tobacco easier to pinch. Then, pinch a small amount of tobacco out of the tin, and place it on one side of your mouth or between your bottom lip and teeth. Move the tobacco around in your mouth to release the nicotine and chew it with your teeth. Finally, spit the juice into an empty water bottle or spitoon, and remove the tobacco from your mouth once the flavor is gone.

Note the different kinds of smokeless tobacco. Different forms are used in different ways. Chewing tobacco consists of loose, sweetened tobacco leaves that are sweetened. You put a wad of the tobacco between your cheek and gum and hold it there, sometimes for hours at a time. It's also called chew and chaw. Snuff is finely ground or shredded tobacco leaves. It's available in dry or moist forms and is packaged in tins or tea bag-like pouches. A pinch of snuff is placed between the lower lip and gum or cheek and gum. Dry forms of snuff can be sniffed into the nose. Using snuff is also called dipping. Plug is chewing tobacco that has been pressed into a brick shape, often with the help of syrup, such as molasses, which also sweetens the tobacco. You cut or bite off a piece of the plug and hold it between your cheek and gum. You spit out the tobacco juices. Twist is flavored chewing tobacco that has been braided and twisted into rope-like strands. You hold it between your cheek and gum and spit out the tobacco juices. Snus (the "u" is pronounced like the "e" in "news") smokeless, spit-less tobacco product. It comes in either a pouch or as a moist loose form that you stick between your upper lip and gum. You leave it in your mouth for about a half-hour or more without having to spit, then discard it. Dissolvable tobacco are pieces of compressed powdered tobacco, similar to small hard candies. They dissolve in your mouth, requiring no spitting. They're sometimes called tobacco lozenges, but they're not the same as the nicotine lozenges used to help you quit smoking. Be aware of the brands of chewing tobacco available. There are many brands of chewing tobacco on the market today, which range in price and flavor. Some of the most popular are: Copenhagen is a premium tobacco made by U.S. Smokeless and the most expensive moist tobacco on the market. It comes in flavors like Natural, Straight, Bourbon, Whisky, and Smooth. For a beginner, it may be best to start out with the Long Cut version of Copenhagen as it packs more easily and will stay together in your mouth as you get accustomed to chewing. Skoal is known for its high quality and variety of flavors, including Apple, Peach, and Wintergreen. Fruit flavors are good for a beginner chewer as they are milder than the mint varieties. Timberwolf is value-priced, high quality tobacco. It comes in flavors like Apple, Peach, Mint, and Cool Wintergreen. Grizzly is considered “floor tobacco” for it's very cheap price. It comes in Mint and Wintergreen and is not recommended for beginners because of its high nicotine content. Learn about the chemicals in chewing tobacco. You might be surprised at what dangerous chemicals are found in smokeless tobacco products. Smokeless tobacco contains a number of cancer-causing chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polonium–210 (a radioactive element found in tobacco fertilizer) and nitrosamines. Chewing tobacco contains sugar, which leads to tooth decay and gum disease. It also contains salt (sodium), which raises blood pressure. Of course, smokeless tobacco products also contain the addictive substance, nicotine. Have your state-issued identification ready when purchasing chewing tobacco. Just like cigarettes, chewing tobacco is regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), so you will be required to prove you are 21 years or older before you can purchase chewing tobacco. Get an empty water bottle. You will use the bottle to collect the spit from the chewing tobacco. If you are chewing tobacco outdoors, you can skip this step as you can simply spit the tobacco out on the ground. Be aware that some places ban spitting on the side walk. Know the laws in your city and state. Alternatively, you can use a cup. You can also purchase a spittoon for spitting into. Pack the tobacco. Do this by shaking the tin between your thumb and pointer finger in an even up and down motion for about ten seconds. Packing the tobacco is important because this will make it easier to pinch the tobacco. If you are using a pouch, shake the pouch in an even up and down motion so the tobacco gets packed together in the pouch. Alternatively, you can also tap the tin or pouch on a hard surface to pack it. Check that the tobacco is properly packed. Open the tin or pouch and confirm that the tobacco is now firmly packed together. It should all be gathered on one side of the tin or pouch. If it is not properly packed, replace the lid and tap the tin again. Lift a small amount of tobacco out of the tin with your thumb and pointer finger. Depending on how much tobacco you'd like to chew, lift more or less tobacco between your fingers. For beginners, start with a small amount of chew, about the size of a penny. As you become more comfortable chewing tobacco, you can increase the amount you use. Place the chew in one side of your mouth, between your lip and your bottom teeth. While you may eventually feel comfortable enough with the chew to place it between your cheek and your back teeth, start with this placement as it is easier to keep in place. If you are having trouble keeping the tobacco in place, take an empty tea bag (or cut a tea bag open at the top and empty out the tea) and place the chew in the tea bag. In effect you are creating something like a snuff pouch but with chewing tobacco. Place the tea bag of chew in your mouth, between your lip and bottom teeth. Using a tea bag will help the chew stay in place, but it will lessen the flavor. Move the tobacco around so that you can chew it and release the nicotine. Be very careful not to swallow any of it. When you put it in your mouth, you will most likely begin to salivate heavily. This is a normal reaction to the presence of the tobacco, as the oils from the chew interact with the saliva in your mouth. You need to chew the tobacco with your teeth to release the nicotine. Chew the tobacco lightly as you do not want to break up the leaves and accidentally swallow any of them. Chew for a little while to get nicotine out of the leaves then push the tobacco back between your cheek and gums with your tongue. Repeat as wanted. Getting tobacco in your throat or stomach will lead to vomiting and increase the chances of long term health issues, so try to avoid swallowing any of the chew or chew-tainted spit. As you chew, you should feel the effects of the nicotine in the tobacco. You may feel light-headed, a more rapid heartbeat, and an overall buzz, as well as a tingling sensation in your mouth. You may also feel nauseous or dizzy during your first time doing chew. Spit after you have chewed the tobacco for a little while. Purse your lips and spit the juice out into the empty water bottle, other receptacle or on the ground outdoors. Keep the tobacco in your mouth when you spit. Avoid spilling the bottle with the spit by keeping the cap on. Empty spittoons or cups regularly. Remove the chew once the flavor is gone or if you start to feel ill. Take the chew out of your mouth with your fingers and throw it away. Rinse your mouth with water, being careful not to swallow any remaining tobacco or juice. You also want to brush your teeth as your breath will smell like tobacco. Brushing your teeth will not reduce the staining that will occur with chewing tobacco. Chewing tobacco has the same serious health risks as cigarettes. Like other tobacco products, smokeless tobacco contains nicotine, a dangerous and addictive substance. Most people who chew become addicted to it. Just as with smoking, withdrawal from smokeless tobacco can cause symptoms like intense cravings, increased appetite, irritability, and depression. While chew was very popular among many major league baseball players in the past, the league currently prohibits the use of chew by players and strongly discourages clubhouse attendants from purchasing chew for players. Probably the most well known professional baseball player to advocate against chewing tobacco is outfielder Bill Tuttle. After thirty-years playing and chewing in the professional league, Tuttle had a tumor so big it came through his cheek and extended through his skin. Doctors removed the tumor, likely the result of his decade long chew habit, and also had to remove much of Tuttle's face. Chew cost Tuttle his jawbone, right cheekbone, the majority of his teeth and gum-line, as well as his taste buds. Tuttle eventually died from cancer in 1998, but spent his last years trying to steer people away from doing chew. Recognize you are at a higher risk for mouth cancer, disease, and infection. Chewing tobacco greatly increases your chances of cancer, including esophageal cancer, as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, cheek, gums, lips and tongue, and pancreatic cancer. An accumulation of chew over an extended period of time will also likely lead to tooth decay. Chew contains high amounts of sugar, which contributes to cavities, and also contains coarse particles that irritate your gums and scratch away at the enamel on your teeth, making your teeth weaker and more susceptible to cavities and infection. The sugar and irritants in chewing tobacco also cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, especially in the area of your mouth where you chew. This can lead to gum disease, which can be severe enough to destroy the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth and lead to tooth loss. Chewing tobacco also increases your risk of developing precancerous lesions in your mouth, called leukoplakia, that could one day become cancer. Each year about 30,000 Americans learn they have mouth and throat cancers, and nearly 8,000 die from these diseases. Only about half of the people diagnosed with mouth or throat cancer survive more than 5 years. Some forms of smokeless tobacco, like chew, increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Studies suggest that long-term use of smokeless tobacco can increase your risk of dying from certain types of heart disease and stroke. Get help if you are trying to quit doing chew or want to avoid trying chew. Some smokers switch to chew in the hopes it will lessen their tobacco addiction, but this rarely works and can in fact lead to a greater addiction to tobacco. If you are trying to quit using chew, talk to your doctor about preventative methods like using nicotine gum, the patch or other medications. Smoking cessation programs are offered by hospitals, health departments, community centers, employers/work sites and national organizations. Using substitutes like gum, beef jerky, hard candy, or dried fruits instead of chew can also help to lessen your tobacco addiction by curbing the oral fixation. Teens who use chew are more likely to become smokers later in life.

Note the different kinds of smokeless tobacco. Be aware of the brands of chewing tobacco available. Learn about the chemicals in chewing tobacco. Have your state-issued identification ready when purchasing chewing tobacco. Get an empty water bottle. Pack the tobacco. Check that the tobacco is properly packed. Lift a small amount of tobacco out of the tin with your thumb and pointer finger. Place the chew in one side of your mouth, between your lip and your bottom teeth. Move the tobacco around so that you can chew it and release the nicotine. Spit after you have chewed the tobacco for a little while. Remove the chew once the flavor is gone or if you start to feel ill. Chewing tobacco has the same serious health risks as cigarettes. Recognize you are at a higher risk for mouth cancer, disease, and infection. Get help if you are trying to quit doing chew or want to avoid trying chew.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-an-Offset-Smoker

How to Use an Offset Smoker

To use an offset smoker, start by opening the air intake and chimney vents, so air can get in and smoke can get out. Next, light a chimney full of briquettes and heat them for 15 minutes, or until they begin to glow and ash over. As soon as the briquettes are hot, put them in the firebox, and start monitoring the temperature in the cooking chamber. When it reaches between 225-275°F, put the food you're smoking on the grill and close the lid. Make sure you check the temperature every 30 minutes, so you can add briquettes to maintain the heat if necessary.

Season the smoker if necessary. If you're using a new offset smoker, wipe down the entire smoker with soapy water. Rinse the smoker to wash away any dust, grease, or shavings. Let the smoker dry and then spritz vegetable oil over the inside of the cooking chamber. Open all of the vents on the smoker and light a fire in the firebox. Burn a fire for 30 minutes with the vents open. Let the fire die out and cool the smoker to use another time. Or use the smoker once it's burned hot for 30 minutes. Set two temperature probes in the smoker. Buy two digital air probes that you can insert into the cooking chamber. Place one probe near your food at each end of the cooking chamber for the most accurate readings. Use probes attached to wires if you'd like to be able to move them, or mount the probes onto the grates of the cooking chamber. Avoid relying on the built-in thermometer at the top of the smoker's lid. This thermometer measures the temperature that's on top of the grill instead of the space where your food is smoking. Open the air intake vent and chimney vent. Since fire needs oxygen, open the air intake vent on the side of the firebox. You'll also need to open the vent on the chimney, so smoke can be released. The vents can also be called dampers or baffles. You'll adjust these during the smoking process to regulate heat and smoke within the smoker. Light a chimney full of briquettes. Fill a chimney starter full of charcoal briquettes and light them. Heat the briquettes until they begin to glow and ash over. This should take about 15 minutes. Spread the coals in the firebox and close the lid. Once the briquettes are lightly ashy and hot, dump them into the firebox. If you want to add flavor to the smoke, include one or two logs of hardwood--the options include hickory, mesquite, apple, and maple. Close the lid on the firebox and cooking chamber. Avoid making the fire completely with wood because it's hard to regulate and maintain over a long period of time. Bring the smoker up to temperature. Monitor the temperature inside the cooking chamber until it gets as hot as you'd like. Most people prefer to smoke food between 225 °F (107 °C) and 275 °F (135 °C). Keep the firebox and cooking chamber doors closed while you're preheating the smoker. Arrange your food on the grill grate. Place the food you want to smoke on the racks in the cooking chamber. If you like, put cold meat directly into the smoker without bringing it to room temperature first since it will absorb more smoke when it's cold. Close the lid of the cooking chamber. Add briquettes to the firebox to maintain the fire. If you need to maintain the heat in the smoker or bring it higher, add unlit charcoal briquettes to the firebox. Use a grill hoe to scoot the ashy coals to one side to make room for half a chimney full of new briquettes on the other side. You'll need to check the temperature and firebox every 30 minutes or so to ensure that the fire is still going. Increase the heat in the smoker, if necessary. If the temperature inside the cooking chamber is dropping or stalling and you've already added new briquettes, add a log of wood to the firebox. Open the air intake vent on the side of the firebox to really get the fire going nice and hot. For an extreme increase in temperature, you can also open the chimney vent. Close the vents as soon as the smoker is at the right temperature. Keep an eye on the smoker temperature while the vents are open. You'll only need to keep the vents open for one to two minutes to bring the heat up. Reduce the temperature in the smoker, if necessary. If the temperature inside the cooking chamber is getting too hot, ensure that the vents are closed. If the temperature is still high, open the cooking chamber lid for about a minute. This will drop the temperature quickly. Add a few wood chunks to the firebox. Place 1 to 2 large chunks of wood for smoking into the firebox every hour or so. Set the wood next to the fire, so it smolders instead of burns quickly. Avoid using wood chips because these will burn off too quickly. Use hardwoods, fruitwoods, or nutwoods to get the best flavored smoke for your food. You don't need to soak the wood since the moisture might cool off the coals in the firebox. Rotate the food once an hour. Every hour, open the cooking chamber lid and use tongs to move the food. Turn the food so that pieces at the cooler side of the cooking chamber are moved nearer to the firebox. If you're smoking a single, large piece of meat, it's still important to rotate the meat so it smokes evenly. Place a pan of water in the firebox. If you're worried that your food will dry out over a long smoking session, introduce moisture into the firebox. Set a metal rack over the coals in the firebox. Fill a disposable aluminum pan with water and set the pan on the rack. The smoke will become moist before it flows into the cooking chamber. Spray the food to keep it moist. Add moisture by spraying the food with apple juice, water, or beer. Fill a clean spray bottle with your liquid and spritz the food towards the end of the smoking session. Spritz the food when it starts to look dry. Spray the food every 15 minutes or so by the end of the smoking session.

Season the smoker if necessary. Set two temperature probes in the smoker. Open the air intake vent and chimney vent. Light a chimney full of briquettes. Spread the coals in the firebox and close the lid. Bring the smoker up to temperature. Arrange your food on the grill grate. Add briquettes to the firebox to maintain the fire. Increase the heat in the smoker, if necessary. Reduce the temperature in the smoker, if necessary. Add a few wood chunks to the firebox. Rotate the food once an hour. Place a pan of water in the firebox. Spray the food to keep it moist.

https://www.wikihow.com/Terminate-an-Easement

How to Terminate an Easement

An easement is a legal permit that allows the recipient access to another party's land. To terminate an easement, you'll need to serve a written release to the person or persons using the easement. When you draft your document, clearly identify the properties involved, the rights being released, and all the parties it affects. Once you've served the release, take a copy to your recorder's office and pay the relevant fee to take it off public records. If your easement includes an expiration date in the contract, it will naturally terminate on the given date. However, you should still contact the easement user or users to remind them and file the termination with your recorder's office.

Assess the current easement. If your easement includes a provision stating that it will be terminated on a certain date or at the occurrence of a certain event, then your easement will terminate when that date comes or when that event occurs. Look through your easement documents for one of these provisions and understand how the provisions works. For example: Your easement might state: "This easement will terminate on June 5, 2015." If this provision exists, your easement will cease to exist on June 5, 2015. In order to be effective, this date must be certain and explicit and should not be open ended (e.g., "this easement will terminate sometime in the next five years"). Your easement might also state: "This easement will terminate when Party Y no longer needs to use the access road to haul lumber from their property." In this situation, your easement will terminate when Party Y no longer uses the access road to haul lumber. Notify the other party. Once you have identified and understand your easement's termination provision, you should notify the other landowner of its termination. This is important as they may think your easement is still effective and may continue to use it. While you are not obligated to notify the other party to the easement in this situation, it will make your termination process smoother and more beneficial to both parties of the easement. Also, notifying the other landowner will give you an opportunity to discuss the termination provision and will allow you to agree on the easement's termination. In some instances, you or the other party may want to extend the life of an easement and notifying the other party will allow you to have this conversation. If this is the case, negotiate with the other party and come to an acceptable agreement. Record your easement's termination. Once you and the other party are in agreement that you are going to terminate the easement by expiration, get this agreement in writing and record an easement termination document with the applicable registry of deeds. Because a lot of easements are recorded interests in real property, if you do not record its termination, the easement may still appear on a title search and may affect the land's value and potential uses. You can usually find an easement termination document by going to your county's court website or by calling your county's clerk of courts and asking for help. When you look on the website or call the clerk of courts, you will be looking for, or asking for, an easement termination template you can use to record a terminated easement. To record something, you will have to take your real estate document terminating the easement to your recorder's office and pay a fee. The document will then be given a number and a time-stamp indicating when the document was recorded. It is then filed with any other documents that have been recorded on that specific piece of property. Recording documents provides a traceable chain of title to a specific piece of property, including any other interests that may exist on that piece of property (e.g., mortgages, liens, and easements), and it is therefore incredibly important that you record documents quickly and accurately. Because of the importance of recording, you should consult an experienced real estate attorney whenever you are going to record something. He or she will be able to help you through the process and will ensure you accomplish the goals you set out to accomplish. Speak with the other party. An easement is terminated by release when the dominant estate (landowner that is benefited by the easement - the one using the easement) grants a release of its easement rights to the servient estate (landowner that is burdened by the easement - the one allowing someone else to use their land). This method of termination through written agreement is the most effective long term and will cause the least controversy in the future. If you are interested in terminating an easement through a release, and you are the dominant estate holder, begin by contacting the servient estate holder and telling them you are going to release your easement rights. In this situation, the other party has no say in what happens because you are simply stating that you are no longer going to enforce or use the easement. If you are interested in terminating an easement through a release, and you are the servient estate holder, you will have to ask the other party to release their rights under the easement. Here, you may have an opportunity to negotiate a deal but may have to provide something of value in order to have the other party release their rights. For example, you may have to provide financial compensation, or maybe another easement, in order for the other party to agree to release their rights under the easement. However, it is not unheard of for another party to simply agree to release their rights, particularly if they do not use the easement a lot and if it does not burden them to release their rights. Obtain your agreement in writing. Once you agree to a release, the termination agreement MUST be in writing. Also, in the event there are multiple dominant estate holders (e.g., a parcel of land is owned by three separate individuals), every dominant estate holder must agree to the release. When you draft this document, be sure you clearly identify the properties involved, the rights being released, and all the parties to the agreement. Record your easement's termination. Once you and the other party are in agreement that you are going to terminate the easement by by release, get this agreement in writing and record an easement termination document with the applicable registry of deeds. Because a lot of easements are recorded interests in real property, if you do not record its termination, the easement may still appear on a title search and may affect the land's value and potential uses. You can usually find an easement termination document by going to your county's court website or by calling your county's clerk of courts and asking for help. When you look on the website or call the clerk of courts, you will be looking for, or asking for, an easement termination template you can use to record a terminated easement. To record something, you will have to take your real estate document terminating the easement to your recorder's office and pay a fee. The document will then be given a number and a time-stamp indicating when the document was recorded. It is then filed with any other documents that have been recorded on that specific piece of property. Recording documents provides a traceable chain of title to a specific piece of property, including any other interests that may exist on that piece of property (e.g., mortgages, liens, and easements), and it is therefore incredibly important that you record documents quickly and accurately. Because of the importance of recording, you should consult an experienced real estate attorney whenever you are going to record something. He or she will be able to help you through the process and will ensure you accomplish the goals you set out to accomplish. Stop using the easement or block use of the easement. Depending on whether you are the dominant estate holder or the servient estate holder, you will have the option to terminate an easement by either abandonment or prescription. Depending on which party you are, the first step in terminating an easement in these manners is to either stop using the easement or to block use of the easement. If you are the dominant estate holder, you can terminate an easement through abandonment. The first step in terminating an easement through abandonment is to cease to use the easement at all. This means you cannot do what it is the easement allows you to do. For example, if you have an easement that allows you to drive over someone's land to get to your own, and you want to terminate the easement through abandonment, you must cease to drive across the other person's land in order to get to your own. If you are the servient estate holder, you can terminate an easement through prescription. The first step in terminating an easement through prescription is to block the other party's use of the easement. For example, if you have allowed another landowner to drive across your driveway in order to get to their land, you could put up a fence across your driveway and not allow the other party to get through. Act in a way that shows you are trying to terminate the easement. Once you have either stopped using the easement or blocked the use of an easement, depending on which party you are, you will have to either show an intent to relinquish your easement rights or you will have to block the other party's use of the easement in an open manner. If you do this, the easement will be terminated. If you are the dominant estate holder, while you are not using the easement, you must also show some intent to relinquish your rights under the easement. For example, apart from not using the easement, you may also tell the other land owner that you do not need the easement anymore. If you are the servient estate holder, apart from blocking the other party's use of the easement, you must also do so openly. This means you must block use in an obvious way, so that if the other land owner were to inspect the land, he or she would notice and become aware of your blocking. For example, putting a locked fence in front of your driveway is likely considered open. However, putting a small log that can easily be removed in front of your driveway may not meet this requirement. Record your easement's termination. Once you fulfill the requirements of terminating an easement by abandonment or prescription, record an easement termination document with the applicable registry of deeds. Because a lot of easements are recorded interests in real property, if you do not record its termination, the easement may still appear on a title search and may affect the land's value and potential uses. You can usually find an easement termination document by going to your county's court website or by calling your county's clerk of courts and asking for help. When you look on the website or call the clerk of courts, you will be looking for, or asking for, an easement termination template you can use to record a terminated easement. To record something, you will have to take your real estate document terminating the easement to your recorder's office and pay a fee. The document will then be given a number and a time-stamp indicating when the document was recorded. It is then filed with any other documents that have been recorded on that specific piece of property. Recording documents provides a traceable chain of title to a specific piece of property, including any other interests that may exist on that piece of property (e.g., mortgages, liens, and easements), and it is therefore incredibly important that you record documents quickly and accurately. Because of the importance of recording, you should consult an experienced real estate attorney whenever you are going to record something. He or she will be able to help you through the process and will ensure you accomplish the goals you set out to accomplish. Negotiate with the other party. When an easement is terminated by a merger, the dominant and servient estates come under common ownership. This is the case because an owner cannot have an easement over his or her own land. In order to start this process, contact the other parties involved and negotiate with them to purchase their land. Terminating an easement in this manner is uncommon unless you or the other landowners were already planning on selling their land. It is uncommon because you would normally not purchase a parcel of land simply to terminate an easement. As you can see form the other methods, there are other ways to terminate an easement that do not involve such a drastic input of money and/or stress. Purchase all other parcels of land that are involved in the easement. If all parties agree that having you purchase all the other parcels of land is in the best interest of everyone, you will want to go through the process of purchasing their real estate. The process of purchasing real estate includes: Making an offer and writing up a contract. You will first need to make an acceptable offer to all other interested land owners and get your agreement to purchase their land in writing. The contract will be legally binding, although there are usually contingencies allowing you to back out in case some of the other steps do not go as planned. Disclosure review. After you have signed the contract, the seller(s) will provide you with a disclosure statement, which is a document that discloses any number of things, including flaws with the property and a preliminary title report. If you see something in your review concerns you, you may be able to back out of the deal. Inspections. As part of the real estate contract, you usually have the right to inspect the home for yourself to make sure everything looks good. Closing. Finally, after you have done all of your due diligence, you will sign your closing papers, pay for the property, and the process will be complete. Always record your easement's termination. Once you or the other party hold title to both parcels of land, record your real estate purchase as well as an easement termination document with the applicable registry of deeds. Because a lot of easements are recorded interests in real property, if you do not record its termination, the easement may still appear on a title search and may affect the land's value and potential uses. You can usually find an easement termination document by going to your county's court website or by calling your county's clerk of courts and asking for help. When you look on the website or call the clerk of courts, you will be looking for, or asking for, an easement termination template you can use to record a terminated easement. To record something, you will have to take your real estate document terminating the easement to your recorder's office and pay a fee. The document will then be given a number and a time-stamp indicating when the document was recorded. It is then filed with any other documents that have been recorded on that specific piece of property. Recording documents provides a traceable chain of title to a specific piece of property, including any other interests that may exist on that piece of property (e.g., mortgages, liens, and easements), and it is therefore incredibly important that you record documents quickly and accurately. Because of the importance of recording, you should consult an experienced real estate attorney whenever you are going to record something. He or she will be able to help you through the process and will ensure you accomplish the goals you set out to accomplish.

Assess the current easement. Notify the other party. Record your easement's termination. Speak with the other party. Obtain your agreement in writing. Record your easement's termination. Stop using the easement or block use of the easement. Act in a way that shows you are trying to terminate the easement. Record your easement's termination. Negotiate with the other party. Purchase all other parcels of land that are involved in the easement. Always record your easement's termination.

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

How to Make a Turducken

To roast your own turducken, lay a deboned turkey skin-side down and spread a layer of stuffing across the top. Place a boneless duck skin-side down on top of the stuffing-covered turkey, then cover it with stuffing as well, and repeat with the chicken. Roll up the chicken, then wrap the duck around it, and finally, roll the turkey around the duck and sew it closed with butcher's twine. Set the turducken on a roasting rack and rub the skin with seasoning, then cover the pan and roast the turducken for 5 hours at 400°F, uncovering the turducken for the last hour.

Preheat the oven to 375 °F (191 °C). An oven typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes to fully heat up. Turn it on while you prepare the turducken so the oven is warm when you're ready to roast your birds. To speed up the preheating process, set your oven to broil. Then, before you put your turducken in, turn the oven to the regular bake setting. Lay the turkey skin-side down and spread 1/3 of the dressing over it. Place the deboned turkey on a flat surface, like a cutting board. Take the 8 cups (1600 g) of dressing and scoop out 1/3 (533.3 g) of it. Spread it onto the turkey in a layer that's about.25 to.5 inches (0.64 to 1.27 cm) thick. You can debone the birds yourself , but be aware that deboning can be tricky and time-consuming. If you want a quick solution, buy the birds already deboned from the butcher or grocery store. To make measuring out the dressing easier, you may want to divide it into 3 smaller bowls before you start stuffing the birds. You can use prepared dressing from a box mix or make the dressing from scratch. Lay the duck on top and spread another 1/3 of the dressing on it. Place the duck skin-side down onto the stuffing-covered turkey. Spread 1/3 (533.3 g) of the dressing over the duck, just like you did on the turkey. Use a butter knife or the back of a spoon to spread out the dressing evenly. Place the chicken on the duck and spread the rest of the dressing on top. Gently lay the chicken skin-side down on top of the stuffing on the duck. Spread the remaining 1/3 (533.3 g) of the dressing onto the chicken in an even layer. Try to center the birds on top of each other as best as you can. This will make them easier to close up. Roll the birds up and sew the turkey closed with butcher’s twine. Start by rolling up the chicken, then roll the duck over it. Finally, bring the sides of the turkey together to meet in the middle. Use the trussing needle to sew the 2 sides together by weaving butcher's twine through both sides, starting at the tail and working your way up to the neck. Pull the twine as you sew to tighten it. Poke the needle with the twine into the right side of the turkey and pull it up through the skin on the left side. Then bring the twine back across and stick it through the right side, about ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) up the turkey, to complete 1 stitch. You can buy butcher's twine and trussing needles from a chef shop, kitchen supply store, or online retailer. Keep your stitches about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the edge of the skin if you don't want them to tear through it. Use a skewer or toothpicks to hold the turkey skin in place while you sew it, or have a friend help hold the bird together. Set the turducken on a roasting rack and rub the skin with seasoning. Arrange the turducken in the pan so the breast of the bird is facing up. Use your hands to rub as much salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning into the skin of the turkey as you'd like. For a 16 lb (7.3 kg) turkey, use a roasting pan that's at least 15.75 by 12 inches (40.0 by 30.5 cm). Choose a pan that's at least 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) deep, too, so any juices don't spill over the edges. If you want meat that's even more moist, brush the outside of the turkey with olive oil before rubbing in the spices. Cover the roasting pan and place it in the oven. Covering the turducken prevents it from browning too quickly. Wrap a sheet of aluminum foil over the top of the pan so that the turducken is completely covered before putting it in the oven. The best spot for the turducken is the middle rack of the oven. This is where the most heat can circulate around the pan, so the turducken will cook evenly. Roast the turducken for 4 hours, then uncover it and cook it 1 more hour. After 4 hours are up, carefully remove the aluminum foil from the pan and return the turducken to the oven. Check it after another hour. The bird should be golden brown on the outside. To be sure that the turducken is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the turkey thigh and check that it reads at least 180 °F (82 °C). You can also insert the thermometer all the way into the stuffing, which should be at least 165 °F (74 °C) once it's finished. Take the turducken out of the oven and let it sit for 1 hour. Letting the turducken rest will allow the birds to reabsorb their juices and will also firm up the meat so it's easier to carve. If you cut into it too early, you'll be left with dry meat. Don't let the turducken sit out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours or it will be unsafe to eat. If you won't be eating it within 2 hours, place the turducken in the refrigerator until you're ready for it. If you want to keep the turducken warm, cover the pan with aluminum foil while it rests. Remove the twine and place the turducken on a platter to carve it. After you pull out all of the twine, begin by cutting the turducken in half lengthwise from the tail to the neck. Then cut ⁄ 4  in (1.9 cm) thick slices perpendicular to the center cut, resulting in pieces that show off all of the layers. To make it easier to carve, cut the 2 turkey legs and 2 wings off first. You can use the drippings in the bottom of the roasting pan to make gravy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 6 months. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Do this about 20 to 30 minutes before you're ready to put the dressing in the oven, as that's how long it usually takes the oven to heat up. Make sure the oven is on the bake setting. If you want the oven to heat up faster, turn it to broil first. Then switch it back to the bake setting when you're ready to cook. Toss the cornbread and cubed white bread in a mixing bowl. Add the 6 cups (300 g) of crumbled cornbread and 5 slices of cubed, stale white bread into the bowl. Gently fold the 2 types of bread together. You can make your own cornbread or buy it premade from the grocery store. Wait until the cornbread is completely cooled before you crumble it if you made it yourself. If you don't have stale bread, you can make it in the oven. Saute the onion and celery with 4 tbsp (56.8 g) of butter in a skillet. Place the butter in the bottom of the pan and heat it so that the butter melts completely. Then add the 1 chopped onion and 1 cup (225 g) of diced celery, cooking the vegetables until they're soft. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. The butter will melt faster if you cut it into thin slices before placing it in the skillet. Stir the vegetables with a spatula while they cook so they don't burn on the bottom of the pan. You can also add salt and pepper to the vegetables to taste. Melt 6 tablespoons (85.2 g) of butter and mix it with the broth and eggs. Use a whisk to beat the melted butter with 4 cups (950 ml) of chicken broth and 5 eggs in a separate mixing bowl. Blend the ingredients together thoroughly. You can melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove in a skillet. If you don't have chicken broth, you can substitute turkey broth. Add the veggies and the butter mixture into the bowl with the bread. Place the cooked celery and onion along with the liquid mixture into the bread bowl. Toss everything together until the ingredients are completely combined. If you want extra flavor, you can toss in chopped sage or parsley. Place the dressing in a greased 9 in × 13 in (23 cm × 33 cm) pan. Apply a thin coat of butter, shortening, or non-stick spray to the bottom of your pan. Then spread out the dressing so it fills the entire pan in an even layer. If you're using a non-stick pan, you don't need to grease it beforehand. To make cleanup easier, you can line the bottom of the pan with aluminum foil before putting the dressing in. If you do this, you also don't need to grease the pan. Set the pan in the oven and bake it for 45 minutes before removing it. To help the dressing cook evenly, place the pan on the middle rack of the oven, where the hot air can circulate around the entire dish. After 45 minutes, the dressing should be golden brown and slightly crisp on the top. Take it out of the oven. If you aren't using the cornbread dressing for the turducken right away, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Heat the turducken drippings, butter, and flour in a saucepan. Pour the drippings from the bottom of the roasting pan into the saucepan. Then add 1 tablespoon (14.2 g) of butter and 1 tablespoon (8 g) of flour and turn the stove to medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly, making sure all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined. If you're having trouble blending the flour into the liquid, use a whisk instead of a spoon to break up large chunks. For a smoother gravy, strain the turducken drippings before you add them. Place a colander over the top of the pan and pour the drippings through it to catch any large bits. Stir in the whole milk and chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of whole milk and ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of chicken stock into the saucepan, continuing to whisk the liquids together as you do so. Turn the heat on the stove up to high until the contents of the pan begin to boil. It may help to pour the liquids in gradually while you stir to make it easier to blend them. You can also substitute 1%, 2%, or skim milk for the whole milk. However, it will make your gravy thinner. Reduce the heat and let the gravy simmer for 10 minutes. Once your mixture begins boiling, turn the heat down to low or medium-low. Allow the gravy to simmer so that it thickens up to the right consistency, stirring it occasionally to prevent it from burning on the bottom of the pan. If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can add more chicken stock after the 10 minutes are up. If you want a thicker gravy, whisk in a little more flour. Use a kitchen timer or the clock app on your phone to monitor the time. Add salt and pepper to taste if you'd like. Remove the pan from the heat and let the gravy cool slightly. Before serving, allow the gravy to cool off for about 5 minutes. Take it off of the stove while it cools so the gravy at the bottom of the pan doesn't scorch. If you aren't using the gravy immediately, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Preheat the oven to 375 °F (191 °C). Lay the turkey skin-side down and spread 1/3 of the dressing over it. Lay the duck on top and spread another 1/3 of the dressing on it. Place the chicken on the duck and spread the rest of the dressing on top. Roll the birds up and sew the turkey closed with butcher’s twine. Set the turducken on a roasting rack and rub the skin with seasoning. Cover the roasting pan and place it in the oven. Roast the turducken for 4 hours, then uncover it and cook it 1 more hour. Take the turducken out of the oven and let it sit for 1 hour. Remove the twine and place the turducken on a platter to carve it. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Toss the cornbread and cubed white bread in a mixing bowl. Saute the onion and celery with 4 tbsp (56.8 g) of butter in a skillet. Melt 6 tablespoons (85.2 g) of butter and mix it with the broth and eggs. Add the veggies and the butter mixture into the bowl with the bread. Place the dressing in a greased 9 in × 13 in (23 cm × 33 cm) pan. Set the pan in the oven and bake it for 45 minutes before removing it. Heat the turducken drippings, butter, and flour in a saucepan. Stir in the whole milk and chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the gravy simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let the gravy cool slightly.

https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Circulation-to-Your-Feet

How to Improve Circulation to Your Feet

If your feet are always cold, or if they get numb easily, you'll probably want to take steps to improve your circulation. Stretch your feet a few times throughout the day or move them around whenever you can. You can also massage the muscles in your feet to improve your circulation. Wearing support stockings is another good way to improve your blood flow throughout the day. If your circulation doesn't improve, make sure to talk to your doctor.

Move your feet and toes during the day. Make a habit of wiggling your feet and toes whenever you can remember. Rotate and move your ankles around to improve blood flow in your feet. Try to do this for a few minutes at a time. Moving your feet and toes during the day is especially important if you spend most of the day sitting. Stretch your feet to strengthen them. Stand so your feet are together and move one leg back. Lift the heel of that foot so you're on your toes. Stretch and hold the muscles on the bottom of that foot for 20 to 30 seconds. Do the stretch with the other foot. Stretch your feet throughout the day or whenever you remember to. Massage your feet to stretch the muscles and improve blood flow. Get a professional massage that focuses on your feet, or massage your feet yourself. Sit comfortably and rub a little lotion or massage oil in your hand. Gently rub the bottoms of your feet, your toes, and your heels. Rub the muscles firmly and stretch the toes apart. Massage your feet as often as you like. Consider buying foot massage devices or rollers that are designed to easily massage the muscles in your feet. Wear support socks. Ask your doctor if support hosiery would improve your circulation. Compression socks or stockings can improve the flow of blood from your feet throughout your body. To start wearing the socks, choose light support socks and ensure that they fit well without wrinkling. Avoid using support socks if you have peripheral artery disease, since the socks can cut off your already reduced blood flow. If you have a sensory disorder like peripheral neuropathy, you may not be able to feel if the socks are too tight. Talk with your doctor about your blood circulation. Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician if you think you have poor circulation in your feet. You might notice: Cold or numb feet Pale blue color on your feet Hair loss or dry, cracked skin on the feet Toenails that break or tear easily Feet that fall asleep easily Swollen feet Manage the condition that's causing the poor circulation. Your doctor will examine your feet, talk with you about your symptoms, and order blood work. Since several things can reduce circulation in the feet, it's important to find the cause of your poor circulation. Reduced circulation can be caused by: Diabetes High blood pressure or cholesterol Raynaud's disease Varicose veins Peripheral artery disease Heart disease Take medication to treat the condition that's causing poor circulation. Work with the doctor to create a treatment plan that's specific to you. You'll probably be prescribed medication that will improve the flow of blood to your feet or treat your condition. For example, if you have peripheral artery disease, you'll need to take pain relievers and blood thinners to improve circulation. If you have peripheral neuropathy, you may treat it with anticonvulsants, pain relievers, and antidepressants. Treatment for Raynaud's disease includes calcium channel blockers and vasodilators that open blood vessels in your feet and legs. Get your feet examined every time you visit the doctor. Your doctor should check the muscles of your feet and do tests for sensitivity if you've had poor circulation. Let your doctor know if the shape of your feet have changed or if you've lost feeling in your feet. If you have diabetes and experience severe problems with circulation, your doctor or podiatrist should examine your feet every 3 to 6 months. Stop smoking cigarettes. Take steps to quit or reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke. Smoking has been shown to reduce circulation in your feet, so quitting is an effective way to make your feet feel better. You can also talk with your doctor about smoking cessation aids. Find support groups that you can contact if you're struggling to quit. Improve your blood pressure and cholesterol. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, your blood vessels may become blocked or constricted. To improve blood flow to your feet, lower your high blood pressure or cholesterol by taking medications, exercising, and eating a healthy diet. Your doctor may want to treat you for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) if you have poor circulation and high blood pressure or cholesterol. Manage your weight. If you're overweight, the excess weight can block or weaken the veins in your legs and feet. Exercise and eat a healthy diet in order to reach your healthy weight. Reducing the pressure on your heart and feet will improve your circulation. Exercise your body throughout the week. Get blood flowing to your feet by being active and avoiding long periods of sitting. Try to exercise a few times a week. For example, you can walk, dance, do yoga, stretch, swim, or ride your bike. If your feet hurt, you might want to avoid high-impact activities such as basketball that require you to jump and land on your feet. Raise your legs when you rest. When you do sit down or rest, prop your legs up with a cushions or pillows underneath them. Elevating your legs prevents blood from pooling and setting in your feet. For a quick way to elevate your legs, lean back in a recliner and extend the leg rest.

Move your feet and toes during the day. Stretch your feet to strengthen them. Massage your feet to stretch the muscles and improve blood flow. Wear support socks. Talk with your doctor about your blood circulation. Manage the condition that's causing the poor circulation. Take medication to treat the condition that's causing poor circulation. Get your feet examined every time you visit the doctor. Stop smoking cigarettes. Improve your blood pressure and cholesterol. Manage your weight. Exercise your body throughout the week. Raise your legs when you rest.

https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Child%27s-Creative-Writing-Skills

How to Improve Your Child's Creative Writing Skills

The ability to write well can help your child academically and professionally as well as offer an outlet for their feelings and imagination. To help improve your child's creative writing skills, encourage them to love writing by reading to them every day so they can experience a variety of styles and subjects. Ask them about their favorite books to help them think about what kinds of writing they enjoy. You'll also want to give your child the tools to create their own stories, like a journal, pens, an age-appropriate dictionary, and a thesaurus. Encourage your child's creativity by focusing on their ideas, not their spelling, grammar, or handwriting. If your child has a hard time starting a story, spark their imagination by asking them to write a letter from the point of view of a favorite character, or help them invent a new country and ask them to write about what people do there.

Read to your child every night. Reading and writing go hand-in-hand. Good writers are well read in variety of subjects and writing styles. Your child's teacher and local librarian can help you select books that are appropriate to your child's age and interests. In addition to reading to your child, have your child read to you if they are old enough. Ask your child questions about their favorite books. Why do they like some books and not others? Help them to develop their tastes as a reader and to be thoughtful about words, characters, settings, and plots. If your child has a favorite author or book series, you might also consider taking your child to see the author speak or to a book signing in order to inspire your child to write. Create time for reading and writing. Make sure your child's schedule isn't packed with other activities. Reading and writing take a lot of time and mental energy, so you cannot expect your child to write a story in between soccer practice and piano lessons. Let your child explore the world of words during times when they can relax, breathe, contemplate, and think freely. Provide your child with a place and materials for creative writing. Just as children should have a quiet place to study and do their other homework, the same is true for their writing assignments. Ideally, this would be a desk in the child's room, away from the television. If your child wishes to have privacy, be sure that you afford that to them: do not read over their shoulder unless they say you can. A child's writing area should include the following materials: A notebook or journal Pens, pencils, and erasers A bookshelf to keep inspiration nearby An age-appropriate dictionary A thesaurus. A thesaurus isn't necessary for very young children, but it can be helpful for older children who wish to expand their vocabularies. Focus on creativity, not grammar. If your child is to succeed as a creative writer, they must learn how to experiment, take risks, and think outside the box. Don't discourage your child's creativity by harping on about spelling, grammar, or punctuation. Feel free to gently correct these mechanical errors, but do not make your child feel like they have failed a homework assignment. Instead, praise creativity and talk to them about their ideas. Show interest in your child's ideas. You might be your child's sole audience for their stories for quite a while. Encourage them to love creativity and writing by demonstrating your keen interest in their ideas, thoughts, and stories. Ask them questions about their stories that show that you were paying attention. Compliment your child when they have done something well, such as come up with an interesting character, write a funny plot, or use a difficult word correctly in a sentence. Display your child's work. Children love it when their own drawings, stories, and paintings are displayed for the whole family to see. Keep your child motivated to write by putting their stories up on the fridge or placing them on a bulletin board. You can also work with your child to make a special "book" out of their stories, including homemade illustrations and decorations. Stitch the book together with ribbon or yarn to create a special archive of their creativity. Play stenographer. If your child is too young to write and spell out long stories, ask your child to come up with stories out loud. Write down your child's thoughts and read them back to your child. You can do this with very young children to help them learn to connect spoken and written words or with older children to help them focus. Write and read along with your child. Be a model reader and writer for your child. Demonstrate to them that reading and writing are valuable and fun activities. The more your child sees you reading and writing, the more likely they will be to continue the practice on her own. Correspond with friends and family often. Sometimes the most valuable writing activities are those that build and maintain important personal connections. Develop email or letter-writing correspondence with friends and family members and ask your child to assist you. If your child is excited to receive and send letters, your child might apply this excitement to other writing activities. Incorporate writing activity into imaginative play. Your child likely already plays a number of fascinating, imaginative games. Perhaps they like to pretend that they are someone famous or enjoy playing "cops and robbers." Figure out a writing activity that fits into your child's interests and enthusiasms to spark their creative writing talents. For example, you might: Encourage them to write a letter from the perspective of a character that they like to play Suggest that they write about "a day in the life" of their imaginary friend Help your child invent an imaginary country and ask them to write about what people do there Ask your child to create a "mashup" story that includes their favorite characters from completely different worlds Play word games. There are a number of games and toys that can help build your child's vocabulary. These can all help your child develop a love of words and learn how to use different words appropriately. Some popular word games and toys include: Scrabble Mad Libs Magnetic poetry Boggle Balderdash Catchphrase Taboo Play a collaborative story-writing game. If your child is shy or uncomfortable coming up with their own creative writing ideas, propose a game where the two of you can write a story together. Try to keep the story silly and light-hearted in order to keep your child interested and engaged. A few game ideas include: Write a story by switching after each sentence. First you write a sentence, then your child continues with the next sentence, then you take over again, etc. Try to add unexpected surprises and goofy twists to keep the story fun and exciting. Draw a picture and ask your child to imagine a story behind the picture. Make a list of words by having you and your child point to random words in a dictionary. Then brainstorm a way to use all of those words in a single story. Keep the games short. Depending on how old your child is, your child might have a limited attention span. Keep the games age-appropriate and brief in order to keep your child from becoming discouraged. Limit these games to 15-30 minutes and allow your child to quit early if they seem bored, stressed out, or tired. Remember that these games must be fun in order to work. Ask questions about the world around you. Develop your child's curiosity in order to develop their creative writing skills. Ask your child questions about the world around you in order to spark their curiosity and creativity. Having interesting, thoughtful conversations in the home will help your child develop the curiosity and vocabulary necessary to becoming a creative writer. For example, you might: Ask your child to look out a car window and think about where people on the sidewalk are headed Point out animals while you're walking and ask your child to think about what the lives of these animals are like Ask your child to come up with a new name for their favorite park Ask your child what their favorite building is and why they like it so much Ask your child to rewrite a famous story. Sometimes children might not be able to come up with completely unique characters, settings, and plots. In order to get them to practice writing creatively, consider having your child write a new version of an old classic, such as a fairy tale. What would your child change about the story to make it his own? Have your child write a story around a random sentence. An effective writing prompt can be to pick a sentence out of your child's favorite book and asking them to write a story around that sentence. See if your child can come up with a story that departs from the original source material to teach them how versatile creative writing can be. Have your child "read" wordless books. Wordless books can be an excellent way to have your child practice coming up with story ideas. These books have intricate, whimsical pictures that can allow your child to brainstorm an infinite number of new stories and ideas. Check out or purchase a few wordless books and ask your child to figure out what the words might be. Encourage daily writing. The best way to improve writing skills, no matter the writer's age, is through regular practice. Your child might be getting a lot of good practice at school. However, if your child's school provides limited writing practice or if you're homeschooling your child, you may want to include additional formal writing lessons at home. Even having your child write very straightforward things (such as what they did at school that day or what kinds of snacks they want to eat) can be excellent writing practice. It doesn't always have to be creative writing practice to be effective. Recognize, however, that sometimes children will be reluctant to write. Let them take some time away from writing if they need to (unless they have to complete a school assignment). Encourage your child to keep a journal. A daily journal can be a terrific way for a young writer to expand their vocabulary, develop a unique writing style, and learn how to express complicated thoughts in words. This builds essential skills and gives children an important outlet for sharing their thoughts and feelings. Encourage your child to plan before writing difficult things. Sometimes the best writing practice is freewriting when your child simply writes whatever comes into their mind. However, if your child is a bit older and wants to write a longer or more ambitious story, encourage your child to make a writing plan first. Make sure your child has a sense of what they will write about, what the point of their story is, and (if relevant) what the assignment entails. Do they have a plan for the beginning, middle, and end of the story? Resist the urge to do the writing yourself. Perfectionism can be harmful to your child's creativity and self-confidence. Rather than fixing your child's errors and mistakes, have your child reread their own writing and ask them what they think about it. Let them locate their own errors and encourage them to fix things themselves. Never take over and rewrite their story yourself. For example, you could underline the words they have misspelled without giving them the correct spelling. Ask them to look up the correct spelling in the dictionary. Be sure that you provide your child with positive feedback as well as gentle suggestions for improvements. Provide fun opportunities for revision. One of the most important skills your child will learn is how to revise first drafts into final drafts. Encourage your child to make changes to their story and to work hard at improving it. For example, you can ask them to use sticky notes to build off of the first draft of a story in order to add more details, clarify their language, and vary their sentence structures. Let your child know that practice and perseverance are essential to the writing process.

Read to your child every night. Create time for reading and writing. Provide your child with a place and materials for creative writing. Focus on creativity, not grammar. Show interest in your child's ideas. Display your child's work. Play stenographer. Write and read along with your child. Correspond with friends and family often. Incorporate writing activity into imaginative play. Play word games. Play a collaborative story-writing game. Keep the games short. Ask questions about the world around you. Ask your child to rewrite a famous story. Have your child write a story around a random sentence. Have your child "read" wordless books. Encourage daily writing. Encourage your child to keep a journal. Encourage your child to plan before writing difficult things. Resist the urge to do the writing yourself. Provide fun opportunities for revision.

https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-and-Walk-in-Flip-Flops

How to Buy and Walk in Flip Flops

Flip flops can be super comfortable, but only if you choose the right size. When you're shopping for flip flops, make sure you have about 1/2 inch of room all around your foot when you try them on. The straps should also fit snugly over your feet, but not rub against them. Since flip flops lack the support you get from other footwear on the sides of your feet, try to pick a pair that have arches in the middle for comfort. When you walk in your flip flops, keep your feet pointing straight so your flip flops don't catch in the ground. You should also take slightly shorter steps, which will reduce the pressure on your hips.

Check for 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of room around your foot when you try them on. When standing in them you should be able to see about a ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) of the footbed all around your foot. If you try them on and your toes or heels hang over the edges, go up a size. Check for the ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) of room while standing still and walking around because your foot might shift as you walk. Make sure the straps are a good fit and don’t rub the top of your feet. If the straps are leather or cloth, make sure it's a snug fit. Flip flops with rubber straps can be less irritating to the skin on your feet but make sure the material isn't too tight or too loose in certain places. Tight rubber straps might cut into your skin over time and loose rubber straps might cause irritation friction. Choose a flip flop with a thick sole and good arch support. Flip flops aren't typically the most supportive shoes—most of the time they're intended for convenience. Try to find a well-padded flip flop that has a thicker sole near where the middle part of your foot rests (the arch). If you can feel your heel hitting the hard ground when you walk, that's a sign of a thin sole. Too much walking in a thin flip flop will eventually cause your feet to be sore. Light foam footbeds might seem like a cheap, easy option, but this material provides little to no support. Over time, wearing flip flops like this can cause plantar fasciitis (painful inflammation near the heel of your foot). Try bending the flip flop with your hands to test its stability. Too much bend near the center of the footbed means it provides little stability. Opt for foot-molding footbeds for increased comfort and support. Flip flops that have foot-molding footbeds will gradually change their form to fit the shape of your foot. They're a good choice if you'll be doing a lot of walking because they usually provide good support and shock absorption. Note that if you currently have foot problems like pronation or supination (that is, your weight rolling either to the inside or outside of your foot), foot-molding footbeds might exacerbate the problem. Opt for contoured footbeds for the most stability and support. If you're going to be wearing your flip flops every day or doing lots of walking, contoured footbeds are the way to go. They'll give you the most stability and arch support. Some are even molded to be orthopedic and will help correct any mild abnormalities in your foot muscles. Try on different pairs of contoured flip flops as the heel cups (the back part cradling your heel), toe boxes (the front part holding your toes), and arch height can vary from model to model. Note that contoured flip-flops can be pricey, but it may be worth it for the health of your feet! Plus, they'll probably last a lot longer than foam-soled flip flops. When walking, keep your feet pointed as straight as you can. If you walk with your feet turned inward (“pigeon-toed”) or outward (“duck-footed”), your flip flops might get caught on the ground or each other and cause you to trip. Walking either one of these ways can also cause foot abnormalities and other issues over time. If you naturally walk pigeon-toed or duck-footed, you can correct your gait by doing hip and leg rotation exercises. Do penguin walks to help correct pigeon toeing. Stand upright with your feet turned outward. Shift your weight onto your heels and walk about 20 to 30 paces. Do about 3 or 4 sets of 20 paces at least once a day for the best results. This simple exercise will help your hips' external rotation—internally rotated hips are a common cause of pigeon toes. Correct duck-feet with a hip rotation stretch. Stand upright with your right leg raised in front of you. Lock your knee and flex your feet so your toes are pulled back. Then, rotate your right hip toward your center (so your raised toes are pointing to the left). Return to the starting position to make 1 rep. Do this simple move 10 to 12 times on each leg at least once a day. Keep your strides natural or a little shorter, if necessary. Taking large steps can put pressure on your hip flexors and, over time, this can lead to strains and lower back pain. Your gait might be a little shorter while you're wearing flip flops because taking smaller steps helps keep them on. It's better to go with what feels natural than to try to overcompensate by taking larger steps. Taking smaller strides also helps absorb some of the shock when you step. Over-striding might can also cause sore heels and lead to plantar fasciitis over time. Pinch your big toe and pointer toe together as you walk. Slightly squeezing these two toes together will help you to keep control of the position of the flip-flop on your foot, lessening the chance that you might trip. This is especially important if your flip flops don't have a thong or toe hold. You don't have to actively try to do this as it should just come naturally. If your flip flop comes off even if you're pinching your big toe and second toe together, that's a sign that you need to go down a size. Curl your toes slightly to grip the flip flop. Curling your toes just slightly can help you keep your balance and grip on the flip flop. However, avoid over-curling your toes because doing so can cause hammer toes and lead to corns, calluses, and foot pain. As your foot is directly under your body, your toes will naturally curl as if to grip the ground. Then, once your foot passes behind your body, your toes straighten again in order to propel you forward while keeping your balance. Walk heel to toe to keep your legs and hips pain-free. Walk in flip flops as if you were barefoot. Avoid scuffling along flat-footed because doing so can lead to hip and leg issues over time. If your flip flops fit correctly, there should be no need to continuously scuff or slide your feet to keep them on. Touch the ground with the fleshy part of your heel first, then roll your foot downward onto the ground so the outside of the arch will make contact before the ball of your foot and toes. The flip flop should hit the heel of your back foot as you lift it off the ground to bring it forward again (hence the name “flip flop”).

Check for 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of room around your foot when you try them on. Make sure the straps are a good fit and don’t rub the top of your feet. Choose a flip flop with a thick sole and good arch support. Opt for foot-molding footbeds for increased comfort and support. Opt for contoured footbeds for the most stability and support. When walking, keep your feet pointed as straight as you can. Do penguin walks to help correct pigeon toeing. Correct duck-feet with a hip rotation stretch. Keep your strides natural or a little shorter, if necessary. Pinch your big toe and pointer toe together as you walk. Curl your toes slightly to grip the flip flop. Walk heel to toe to keep your legs and hips pain-free.

https://www.wikihow.com/Feed-Laying-Hens

How to Feed Laying Hens

To feed laying hens, leave a pre-mixed feed formulated for laying hens out at all times, along with a bowlful of grit, like tiny pieces of stone or gravel. In addition, let them roam free so they can find insects, which are a good source of protein. If you can't let them roam free, feed them mealworms as an occasional treat instead. Once your hens reach around 20 weeks, give them extra calcium by feeding them things like oyster shells, limestone, and crumbled up eggshells.

Provide your hens with the right food and nutrition at the right time. When your hens are mature enough to start regularly producing (18 to 24 weeks depending on breed), you need to make sure that they have the right feed and nutrients to produce eggs suitable for human consumption. Otherwise, your hens' egg production will be poor and their eggs might break before they make it to the table. The proper diet will also ensure that your hens look and feel healthy. Add calcium to the hens’ diet, at the right time. After about 20 weeks, you need to up the amount of calcium your laying hens consume. Laying hens need 2.5% to 3.5% calcium in their feed, which is higher than other chickens. The calcium will help provide the proper nutrients to support healthy eggs. Offer this calcium to your hens separately from their regular feed, so that they can consume it at their own pace. For good sources of calcium, consider: Oyster shells. Calcium grit. Limestone. The hens' own eggshells, but only after they have been cooked and thoroughly cleaned. If you choose to offer eggshells, grind them up into a fine powder so that the hens do not recognize what they are eating and decide to try eating their own eggs. Feeds with added calcium. Allow your hens to roam free. Free-range chickens are able to supplement their diet with a variety of insects, berries, seeds, and grain. This will not only help them secure the nutrients for healthy egg production, but it will also improve the taste of your eggs. In addition, you'll have happier hens, and you might even be able to sell their eggs for more money to a population that is increasingly concerned with the well-being of farm animals. Maintain appropriate amounts of protein. You don't want your laying hens to have too much protein in their diet. While meat hens need 20-24% protein in their diet, laying hens only need 16% or less protein. As a result, be alert to the type of feed you buy, and what your hens are consuming. To boost protein, consider: Letting your chickens free range for worms. Extra grower feed. Feed that is formulated for laying hens. Find some good layer feed. Layer feed is feed that comes with the nutrients that laying hens need to produce healthy eggs. If you don't want to spend a lot of time overseeing your hens' diets, consider purchasing a pre-mixed layer feed. If you do formulate your own layer feed, make sure that it has the protein (16% or less), and calcium levels (2.5% to 3.5%) to ensure that your eggs will be strong enough to make it to the table. Typical laying hens will consume a quarter of a pound (0.11 kg) of feed a day. Provide your hens with all of their food at one time, preferably in the morning. Always check feed levels to make sure your chickens have enough feed. Provide your hens with a bowlful of grit. Grit refers to tiny pieces of stone or gravel that stay in the hens' gizzards and help to grind down their food. Without a little grit in their diet, your hens won't be able to digest and use all of the nutrients they're supposed to be getting in order to produce healthy eggs. Adding grit to your hens' diets is especially important if your hens are confined and you don't allow them to roam. Avoid feeding your hens large amounts of table scraps. While table scraps can supplement the diet of your hens, you need to be careful about what you're feeding them. Some foods will hurt the egg production of your hens, rather than help it. Consider: Egg laying hens should not be fed more table scraps than they can consume in 20 minutes. Potatoes, pasta, beans, and even stale bread are all ok. Avoid avocado, chocolate, citrus fruits, and tomato stems. These are toxic to chickens. Avoid foods with strong tastes like garlic and onions, as the eggs might take on those tastes. Table scraps could also increase the fat intake of your hens, making them overweight and unhealthy. Feed your hens mealworms, sometimes. Mealworms are little worms that provide hens with lots of protein and other nutrients. As a result, you should consider mealworms only as a treat for your hens. While they might make your hens happy, feeding them too much could undermine your egg production by raising their protein levels too high. Give your hens mealworms maybe once a week. Mealworms are probably unnecessary if your hens free-range, as they'll be able to find their own worms and other insects. You can grow your own mealworms , if you don't want to buy them. Maintain a healthy coop. The overall status and quality of your coop is going to impact egg production and will impact your hen's feed consumption. Unhealthy coops are breeding grounds for bacteria and disease, will contaminate your food, sicken your chickens, and potentially lower your egg yield. A few simple steps will prevent such problems. Consider: Deep-cleaning the coop every month or so. Scrub out the coop with a scrub brush and spray it down with a bird-safe disinfecting spray, such as diluted white vinegar. Cleaning up any droppings and rotting feed inside the coop once a week. Allowing your chickens to roam free a couple of hours a day. Make sure they are safe from any potential predators, however. Not overcrowding your coop with too many hens. The recommended size is 4 square feet (0.4 sq. m) per hen for birds that are allowed to free-range, and 10 square feet (1 sq. m) per hen for birds that are confined at all times. Start your chicks on a healthy diet geared toward egg-laying early. Chicks should get starter feed until they are 6 to 8 weeks old. Starter feed will give them all of the vitamins and nutrients needed to develop into healthy egg-laying adults. The amount of feed chicks need per day varies depending on breed and age, so consult the back of your feed bag or someone at your local feed store. A sound investment and good care early on will help you get more eggs later. Switch your chicks to grower feed at the right age. After 6 to 8 weeks old, you should switch your chicks to grower feed. This will help them grow, mature, and develop into the egg layers you want them to be. At 20 weeks, you'll have to switch them to a feed more suited toward egg-producing. Consult the back of your feed bag or an employee at your local feed store for information on how much to feed different types of chicks at different ages.

Provide your hens with the right food and nutrition at the right time. Add calcium to the hens’ diet, at the right time. Allow your hens to roam free. Maintain appropriate amounts of protein. Find some good layer feed. Provide your hens with a bowlful of grit. Avoid feeding your hens large amounts of table scraps. Feed your hens mealworms, sometimes. Maintain a healthy coop. Start your chicks on a healthy diet geared toward egg-laying early. Switch your chicks to grower feed at the right age.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Romantic-Girl

How to Be a Romantic Girl

If you want to be a romantic girl, be open about how you feel with your partner or crush. For example, you can tell them why you love being around them or what they do that makes you feel special. At first, it may feel awkward to express your feelings or giving compliments, but it's a good way to make someone feel loved. Alternatively, you can write them a sweet note saying how much you care about them and how you're looking forward to seeing them. Surprising your partner is another way to be romantic, so consider giving them a small gift or planning a nice night out without an occasion just to show you care.

Tell the other person how they make you feel. Sometimes the best way to be romantic through words is to tell the other person how you feel about them. What makes you love to be around them? What do they do that you can't get enough of? Especially in an established relationship, these little reminders can fall by the wayside, so sprinkling a few into conversations can make you both feel a little more loved. Say something genuine, like “Whenever I'm with you, you make me feel like the only girl in the room,” or, “You always go the extra mile to make me feel special. I love that so much.” Talk about things that your partner loves. Showing that you're interested in the things they love can make them feel special and important, and give you lots of things to talk about. Whether you're in a relationship or just talking to a crush, talking about their interests is a great way to start a conversation that you know they'll be invested in. If you don't know much about their interests, do a little research. Pay attention to the things they spend their free time on and see what you can learn about them. For example, if they love sports, you could learn about their favorite team and talk about how they're doing this season. If they like to travel, ask them what places they'd love to visit. If they're interested in music, listen to their favorite band or genre and talk about it. Give them compliments to make them feel special and loved. Complimenting someone you have a relationship with or are interested in can really ramp up the romance. Don't shy away from compliments on their appearance—making them feel attractive is a huge part of creating a romantic vibe—but compliment deeper parts of their personality as well. Show them how much you admire and appreciate them. You could compliment their looks by saying something like, “I know it's cheesy, but when I look at you, you kind of take my breath away,” or, “I just can't stop looking at you tonight.” You could also compliment their personality by saying something like, “I've never met someone who makes me laugh like you do,” or “I love the way you're always helping other people.” Make the other person laugh with teasing and inside jokes. Laughing with another person can help you feel closer to them, solidifying your bond and showing that you both enjoy being around each other. It's even better when the laughing comes from light teasing or even inside jokes, which both show how well you know each other and how comfortable you are together. For example, you could reference inside jokes by saying, “I always think about that time we got lost walking your dog… remember?” or, “This dinner reminds me of our first date… Remember how nervous we were? You could barely even talk!” Share secrets with each other. When you share something private or even secret, you're showing a deep level of trust in the other person. That can lead to a deeper romantic connection, creating a special bond between you and showing the other person that you feel connected to them in a unique way. You could say something like, “I've never told this to anyone else, but…” You and your partner could even share secrets back and forth, making a kind of game out of it to take the pressure off. For every secret you tell, they share one too. Wear cute, flattering clothes. Wearing clothes that make you look and feel good will help you feel confident and flirtatious, which is a great way to show your romantic side. You can even take it a step further by paying attention to what kind of clothes your partner or crush likes best on you and wearing them more often. If the other person ever compliments something about your look, such as your clothes or hairstyle, try to repeat the style later. You could even suggest they go shopping with you to help you pick out clothes they'd like to see you in. Make eye contact with the other person and give them your full attention. Giving someone your undivided attention doesn't sound like much, but it can actually mean a lot. Put down your phone, turn off the TV, and really listen to what the other person says. Turn your body towards them and make eye contact to show that what they're saying is important to you. Showing them you're really listening and invested in your time together is a crucial step to creating a deep, romantic connection. Touch your partner casually and often, during day-to-day activities. Showing physical affection in small, gentle ways can remind the other person that you love and appreciate their body. Keep your gestures simple, soft and genuine to let them know that you want to be close to them. Dance together to get physically and emotionally closer. Dancing with your partner or the person you're interested in will make you feel more connected to each other, both physically and emotionally. You don't have to be at a club, dance hall, or school dance, either—turn on some music when you're hanging out at home and ask them to dance. You could say, “This is such a good song. Come dance with me!” Offer a massage or cuddles. Creating a romantic mood is all about getting closer, and cuddling together or even giving the other person a massage is a great way to relax and show your affection. Put on some music or even turn on a favorite TV show while you curl up together or lay out on the couch, or offer to massage their neck or back while they sit at the table. You could say something like, “I know you had a really rough day. Let me give you a massage to help you relax,” or, “Let's cuddle up and watch the last few episodes tonight. Want me to make popcorn?” Try getting intimate in new ways. If you're looking to be more romantic in the bedroom, try doing something new together. Ask him about his fantasies and share your own, or try roleplay. Letting your guard down in terms of physical intimacy can bring you to a new level of closeness. You don't have to play out your fantasies, if you're not comfortable with it. Sometimes just talking about them can help you feel closer, or put you in a more romantic mood. Leave a sweet, genuine note for your partner. Put a short letter on their computer or backpack just telling him that you care about them, or are looking forward to seeing them later. Leaving something small like this for them to find can really make their day, and show that you're thinking about them in a sweet, romantic way. You could write them something longer or keep it short and sweet. Try saying something like, “You looked great today! Can't wait to see you later,” or “I'll be thinking about you all day today.” Surprise your partner with a nice dinner, a gift, or a weekend away. Surprises big and small are a great way to show your romantic side to a crush or partner. Give them a small gift, treat them to dinner or dessert, or go bigger with a night or weekend away. Just showing that you put in the time and effort to surprise them is romantic in and of itself, no matter the size of the gift. Frame a picture of the two of you together. In the digital age, printing and framing a photo of you with your partner shows that that memory means a lot to you—and by extension, that the person means a lot to you, too. It's something they can put up to remind them of a great time you had together, which keeps you on their mind in a sweet, romantic way. You can give the photo as a gift or surprise them with it. Do a new activity together. Sharing new experiences with someone you care about can really bring you closer together and foster a deep, romantic connection. Suggest some things you'd both enjoy and be positive and excited when you try them together. Be open to their suggestions, too! You could try an activity together, like snorkeling, painting, or an exercise class, or traveling to a new place together. It could even be as simple as cooking a meal together, or trying a new kind of food. Cook a meal with each other. Making a meal together, whether it's a big dinner or a casual lunch, is a way for you to work with your partner to create something delicious. The best part? You get to enjoy it together afterwards! Pick out a dish that both of you love and set up a time to whip it up together. Be patient with each other and don't expect it to turn out perfectly. The point is to have fun and enjoy your time together! Choose a meal that's simple but tasty, like spaghetti, baked chicken and veggies, or steak. Have an adventure together. You don't have to take a long flight or spend a lot of money to have a romantic adventure with your partner! Getting away—even if it's not that far away—is a great way to get both of you out of your regular routines, creating a perfect atmosphere for romance and a deeper connection. Try something like: Going camping or hiking nearby Booking a night at a nearby hotel for a “staycation” Taking a beach trip and trying a new water sport, like kayaking or paddle-boarding Saving up together for a special trip

Tell the other person how they make you feel. Talk about things that your partner loves. Give them compliments to make them feel special and loved. Make the other person laugh with teasing and inside jokes. Share secrets with each other. Wear cute, flattering clothes. Make eye contact with the other person and give them your full attention. Touch your partner casually and often, during day-to-day activities. Dance together to get physically and emotionally closer. Offer a massage or cuddles. Try getting intimate in new ways. Leave a sweet, genuine note for your partner. Surprise your partner with a nice dinner, a gift, or a weekend away. Frame a picture of the two of you together. Do a new activity together. Cook a meal with each other. Have an adventure together.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Girlfriend-in-High-School

How to Get a Girlfriend in High School

To get a girlfriend in high school, find ways to talk to the girl you like, like stopping to talk at her locker and asking where her next class is or asking her about an assignment in class. You can also try to make her laugh by making jokes or goofing around with your friends, but remember to show her that you can be serious, too. Once you have her attention, take her one a date so you can be alone and tell her that you really like spending time with her. Finally, look into her eyes so she knows you're focused on her and ask her, “Will you be my girlfriend?”

Stand out. This is the first step to getting the girl's attention. If you look or act like everyone else, you won't catch her eye. This doesn't mean that you should go out of your way to do weird things or to wear neon, but it does mean that you should take a chance and be original when you can. Here's how to do it: Impress her with your wit. If you're in a class or a social situation, make a witty comment while everyone else is still thinking to show her how sharp and funny you are. Wow her with your charm. Learn how to be smooth when you talk to anyone, whether it's your English teacher or your shy lab partner. Being charming means being able to talk to anyone and make people feel at ease no matter what, and if you do that, she will be impressed. Be a jack of all trades. If you're a history buff, lacrosse star, and the lead of the school play, she will notice you. Obviously you can't do everything, but the more active you are in school, the likely she'll be to run into you and be impressed by your skills. Don't stand out in a bad way. If you're the kid who always gets detention or talks back to his teachers, she may find you amusing, but she will not see you as boyfriend material. Don't act confident — be confident. Let's face it. High school is not a time when people are at their most confident. Not only is your body and voice changing, but you're walking around filled with confusing hormones and new emotions, while trying to balance your school work and navigating a tricky social arena. Though the people around you may appear confident, it's likely that they're just masking their deep insecurities with arrogance, and that's exactly what you should avoid. Here's how to make her notice you by being truly confident: Take the time to look good. This doesn't mean spending hours gelling your hair or grinning in front of the mirror. Just make sure to take regular showers, style your hair, and wear clothes that flatter your body and show off your style. Oh, and make sure to wear pants that actually fit you. Pursue your interests. Seriously. No matter how "nerdy" you may feel your real interests may be, if you're really passionate about something, you will make it cool. Don't try out for the football team just because that's what all of your friends are doing if you'd rather play golf, or join the French club. She won't be impressed by you if you look like a follower. Followers do not have confidence. Don't be afraid to be enthusiastic. Though you may think real confidence is looking too cool for school and slouching in your seat in the back of the class, real confidence means wanting to learn and being excited by the world. If you're interested in something in class, ask questions. She'll be impressed that you're so comfortable with who you are that you do whatever you want. Address your flaws. Part of being confident means knowing you're not perfect. Everyone in high school has plenty of growing to do, and that's natural. If you know you need to work on being more sensitive or a better friend, then do it. Be fun. Girls want to have fun, and they don't want to be with a guy who is dark or mopey. Though you can't have a smile on your face all the time and high school can be rough, make it look like you're having a good time, and pretty soon you'll actually start having a good time and she'll want to join you. Here's how to do it: Be friends with everyone. Though navigating high school cliques can be tricky and you can't be a part of every friend group, you should take the time to get to know a variety of people. This will show the girl that you're friendly and don't care about the status of the people that you talk to, and that you're a versatile person. Drop the haters. Don't hang out with dudes who are mean to women, or who pick on the uncool kids. Girls are completely turned off by that, and you should avoid hanging out with haters or you'll look like one too. Always be laughing. Laugh and smile as much as you can. If you're surrounded by a force field of positive energy, the girl of your dreams will gravitate toward you. Start hanging out with her during school. Once the girl has noticed you, it's time to kick your game up a notch by paying her more attention. You should still play it cool and act like you're not too eager to hang out with her, but slowly start showing her that you think she's a cool chick during school. Here's how you can do it: Stop to chat at her locker. Say "hey" and ask where her next class is. Make it look like you're just passing by. You can make her laugh by saying, "Mind if I check my hair?" and squinting into her locker mirror. Start walking with her in the halls. Everyone knows that one major role of the high school boyfriend is walking his girl from class to class, even if it's the classes are miles apart. If you're in the same class, walk with her to the next one, and make her laugh as you're getting there. You can play it cool and say goodbye to get to your own class halfway through. Just give her a taste of how awesome it would be to have you as a boyfriend. Charm her in class. Be smooth by knowing all the answers to your teacher's questions without being a know-it all. Make your classmates snicker from time to time without being a class clown. Look over at her to see her reaction. Catch her eye at school events. Whether you're at the school play or the school dance, there are a few ways to show her she's special and make her want to hang out with you. You should find a balance between playing hard to get and putting all your cards on the table. Here's how to do it: If you see her at the school play or talent show, ask her how she likes it. Show her that her opinion matters to you. Don't linger too long — just long enough to make her wish you'd stay. If you're at the school dance, come up to her and dance like a goofball and then look very serious when you ask her if she likes your moves. If she's really into it, you can ask her to dance. If you're in the same club or do the same sport, ask her how she is without fawning all over her. Get her hooked after school. If you see the girl at a party or at the mall, that may be your best chance to isolate her a bit and make her see that you'd be the best boyfriend ever. Once you're away from school property, you can relax a bit and let loose, and show her who you really are without being so worried about what everyone else is thinking. If you run into her at the mall, ask what stores she went to. If she has a bag, ask her what she got and tell her you bet it'll look great on her. Bonus points if you say something when you see her rocking the sweater she showed you in school. If you run into her at the movies, ask her what she saw or what she's seeing. Give your opinion on a recent movie you saw. Just avoid saying that everything sucks. If you see her at a party, chat her up. But don't talk to her all night. Talk to a few other girls to show you can hang with anyone. Just don't flirt with anyone else so much that she doesn't feel special. Ask her out on a date. In high school, once you start going on dates with a girl, it basically means she's your girlfriend, but you still have to play it cool when you ask her out. If she says yes, it doesn't mean she's your girlfriend — she's just trying you out as boyfriend material. So when you do go on a date with her, you better be your best self. Here's what you do: Be romantic. Get her flowers, open doors, and give her your coat if it's even a little cold. High school guys can be a bit dense, so you may be the first guy to treat her this kindly. Don't be afraid to compliment her. You don't have to shower her with affection when you first see her, but you should definitely say, "You look nice tonight." You can even compliment her clothes or jewelry. She obviously spent a lot of time trying to look her best and will appreciate your comments. Catch her interest. Unless you're sitting in a movie, you'll have to strike up an interesting conversation. Come prepared with a few interesting things to say, whether it's related to one of her interests, your family, or just something funny that happened in school. Avoid putting people down or saying everything is lame. Take her somewhere that makes her feel special. Take her on a cute mini-golfing date and then go out for ice cream. If there's a new fancy restaurant in town, take her there if it's her thing. If she really wanted to go to the movies and local restaurant, fine. But treat it like a real date and try paying for everything if she lets you. Always make her feel special. Without sounding like an interviewer, you should ask her about her interests, her friends, her family, and her opinion on a variety of subjects. Turn. Off. Your. Phone. Seriously. Ask her to be your girlfriend. You can ask her at the end of the date, after your first kiss, or a little while after your first date. Once she's ready, you should ask her, because you don't want her think you're just a player who wants to hook up. As soon as the moment feels right and you're alone, you can pop the question. Make sure you're somewhere quiet, where your friends or her friends can't hear you. Lock eyes. Turn your body toward her to show she has your complete attention. Be simple. Just say, "I really like spending time with you," or "I've never met someone like you before." Then say, "Will you be my girlfriend?" Do not have your friends ask her to be your girlfriend. This isn't middle school. You're in the big leagues now. React like a gentleman. Whether she wants to be your girlfriend or out-right rejects you, you should act like the confident, mature person you have been throughout your friendship. If she says yes, you can hug her or even kiss her and say it makes you so happy. But if she turns you down, you have to take it well or you'll look like a big jerk. If she says yes, have a mini-celebration. You don't have to do a little fist-pumping dance, but you can show her how much you care about her. If she says no, don't sweat it. Just say, "All right. You can't blame me for trying." End with a compliment and wish her luck. High school is all about finding the kind of girl you really like, and though she may seem like the only decent girl around, your high school or town is filled with amazing girls. Now that you've had some experience trying to get a girl, it'll only be easier to find someone who really wants to be your girlfriend.

Stand out. Don't act confident — be confident. Be fun. Start hanging out with her during school. Catch her eye at school events. Get her hooked after school. Ask her out on a date. Ask her to be your girlfriend. React like a gentleman.

https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-the-Area-of-a-Polygon

How to Calculate the Area of a Polygon

To calculate the area of a regular polygon, use the specific formula for that shape. For a triangle, multiply ½ by the length of the base and the height. For a square or rectangle, multiply the length of the base by the height. To find the length of a trapezoid, add the length of the two bases and multiply that number by the height. Then, divide the total by 2 to get the area. Be sure to include units in your answer if they're provided.

Write down the formula for finding the area of a regular polygon. To find the area of a regular polygon, all you have to do is follow this simple formula: area = 1/2 x perimeter x apothem. Here is what it means: Perimeter = the sum of the lengths of all the sides Apothem = a segment that joins the polygon's center to the midpoint of any side that is perpendicular to that side Find the apothem of the polygon. If you're using the apothem method, then the apothem will be provided for you. Let's say you're working with a hexagon that has an apothem with a length of 10√3. Find the perimeter of the polygon. If the perimeter is provided for you, then you're nearly done, but it's likely that you have a bit more work to do. If the apothem is provided for you and you know that you're working with a regular polygon, then you can use it to find the perimeter. Here's how you do it: Think of the apothem as being the "x√3" side of a 30-60-90 triangle. You can think of it this way because the hexagon is made up of six equilateral triangles. The apothem cuts one of them in half, creating a triangle with 30-60-90 degree angles. You know that the side across from the 60 degree angle has length = x√3, the side across from the 30 degree angle has length = x, and the side across from the 90 degree angle has length = 2x. If 10√3 represents "x√3," then you can see that x = 10. You know that x = half the length of the bottom side of the triangle. Double it to get the full length. The bottom side of the triangle is 20 units long. There are six of these sides to the hexagon, so multiply 20 x 6 to get 120, the perimeter of the hexagon. Plug the apothem and the perimeter into the formula. If you're using the formula area = 1/2 x perimeter x apothem, then you can plug in 120 for the perimeter and 10√3 for the apothem. Here is what it will look like: area = 1/2 x 120 x 10√3 area = 60 x 10√3 area = 600√3 Simplify your answer. You may need to state your answer in decimal instead of square root form. Just use your calculator to find the closest value for √3 and multiply it by 600. √3 x 600 = 1,039.2. This is your final answer. Find the area of a regular triangle. If you want to find the area of a regular triangle, all you have to do is follow this formula: area = 1/2 x base x height. If you have a triangle with a base of 10 and a height of 8, then the area = 1/2 x 8 x 10, or 40. Find the area of a square. To find the area of a square, just square the length of one side. This is really the same thing as multiplying the base of the square by its height, because the base and height are the same. If the square has a side length of 6, then the area is 6 x 6, or 36. Find the area of a rectangle. To find the area of a rectangle, simply multiply the base times the height. If the base of the rectangle is 4 and the height is 3, then the area of the rectangle is 4 x 3, or 12. Find the area of a trapezoid. The find the area of a trapezoid, you just have to follow this formula: area = [(base 1 + base 2) x height]/2. Let's say you have a trapezoid with bases that have a length of 6 and 8 and a height of 10. The area is simple [(6 + 8) x 10]/2, which can be simplified to (14 x 10)/2, or 140/2, which makes for an area of 70. Write down the coordinates of the vertices[3] X Research source of the irregular polygon. Determining the area for an irregular polygon can be found when you know the coordinates of the vertices. Create an array. List the x and y coordinates of each vertex of the polygon in counterclockwise order. Repeat the coordinates of the first point at the bottom of the list. Multiply the x coordinate of each vertex by the y coordinate of the next vertex. Add the results. The added sum of these products is 82. Multiply the y coordinate of each vertex by the x coordinate of the next vertex. Again, add these results. The added total of these products is -38. Subtract the sum of the second products from the sum of the first products. Subtract -38 from 82 to get 82 - (-38) = 120. Divide this difference by 2 to get the area of the polygon. Just divide 120 by 2 to get 60 and you're all done.

Write down the formula for finding the area of a regular polygon. Find the apothem of the polygon. Find the perimeter of the polygon. Plug the apothem and the perimeter into the formula. Simplify your answer. Find the area of a regular triangle. Find the area of a square. Find the area of a rectangle. Find the area of a trapezoid. Write down the coordinates of the vertices[3] X Research source of the irregular polygon. Create an array. Multiply the x coordinate of each vertex by the y coordinate of the next vertex. Multiply the y coordinate of each vertex by the x coordinate of the next vertex. Subtract the sum of the second products from the sum of the first products. Divide this difference by 2 to get the area of the polygon.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Weed-Killer

How to Make Weed Killer

To make weed killer, mix equal parts white vinegar and water and put it into a spray bottle. If you're trying to kill plants with a waxy or hairy coating, like dandelions or crabgrass, add 1 teaspoon of dish soap to the vinegar to help it penetrate the plant's protective layer. Alternatively, add a small amount of lemon juice or rubbing alcohol to the vinegar to kill really tough weeds. Once you've mixed the weed killer, spray it directly onto the plant and repeat as necessary.

Start with 2 c (400 mL) of white distilled vinegar. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which effectively kills weeds. Keep in mind that vinegar is non-selective and will kill any living plant it touches, not just weeds. White vinegar can be used alone, or you can add additional ingredients to the vinegar to make an even stronger solution. Avoid using vinegar on or near your lawn, since it will kill the grass. Vinegar will raise the acidity of your soil. Before planting, test the pH of your soil and adjust it accordingly, if needed. Use horticultural vinegar with 20% acetic acid for increased effectiveness between pavers or on patios. The extra acidity will affect the pH balance of your soil and other plants. Add 2 to 3 tbsp (29 to 44 mL) of lemon juice concentrate, if desired. Lemon juice contains high levels of citric acid and can be effective when used with the white vinegar. If you want to try it, simply mix the lemon juice in with your 2 c (400 mL) of white distilled vinegar. Add 1 to 2 tsp (7 to 14 mL) of dish soap to kill particular plants. Dish soap can be a helpful addition to vinegar when you're dealing with weeds that have a waxy coating or a “hairy” surface, like dandelion and crabgrass. The fuzzy exterior blocks the absorption of vinegar, but dish soap will penetrate the outer protective layer of the plant and help the mixture stick to the leaves. You can use dish soap or dishwasher detergent in liquid or powder form. Dish soap can be used in conjunction with a lemon-vinegar mixture, but a soap and vinegar solution will be very effective. Mix 1 fl oz (30 mL) of rubbing alcohol into white vinegar. Isopropyl alcohol can be very effective when mixed with white vinegar or even when used alone. You can also use cheap gin to achieve similar results. Simply add the alcohol of your choice to the white vinegar and stir it thoroughly. You can use alcohol, vinegar, and lemon juice together in one mixture, but a solution that strong may cause soil damage. Dilute the vinegar solution 1:1 with water. You can use the full-strength solution if your weed problem is severe, but this is typically too strong. A 50/50 mix diluted with water will be very effective on weeds without traumatizing the area where it's used. Full strength solutions may penetrate the soil and kill the roots of plants other than weeds. They can also disturb crucial microorganisms in the soil. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it to your weeds. Use a funnel to transfer the solution to a spray bottle, then replace the nozzle tightly. Apply the solution to the weeds and monitor the results for 24 hours. If needed, you can apply more solution, but you probably won't need to. Set the nozzle to "stream" rather than "spray" if the weeds are growing close to plants that you don't want to kill. Don't forget -- weed killer does not discriminate. It will kill any plant it comes in contact with, so use it carefully! Use rock salt or table salt as a weed killer. Try this method only if you want to kill weeds in an area where you do not plan to grow anything for several years -- perhaps around paving stones and in pavement cracks. Salt kills the weeds by dehydrating them and absorbs into the ground, preventing all plant growth. You can apply salt in one of two ways: Dissolve 1/2 c (120 mL) salt into enough warm or hot water to fill your spray bottle. Apply the salt dry. Simply sprinkle the salt on the weeds you want to kill. This works particularly well on garden paths and along lawn edgings. Kill the weeds with boiling water. Dump a large pot of boiling water on your weeds if there are no other plants close by. Since boiling water kills the weeds by literally burning them, don't use it around your other plants. Boiling water can be very effective, especially on young weeds, and results are typically immediate. You might have to repeat this several times over multiple days to sufficiently kill all the weeds. Add 1 tbsp (15 g) of table salt to the boiling water to make an even stronger solution. Spray a mixture of borax and water on the weeds. Mix 10 ounces (280 g) of borax and 2.5 gallons (9.5 L) of water together thoroughly. Use a garden sprayer to apply the solution to the weeds. Be careful not to saturate the soil as it could damage plants you want to keep. Wear gloves and glasses while you handle the solution, since it may cause skin irritation. Never use this solution to control weeds in a vegetable or flower garden; it will damage veggies and flowers.

Start with 2 c (400 mL) of white distilled vinegar. Add 2 to 3 tbsp (29 to 44 mL) of lemon juice concentrate, if desired. Add 1 to 2 tsp (7 to 14 mL) of dish soap to kill particular plants. Mix 1 fl oz (30 mL) of rubbing alcohol into white vinegar. Dilute the vinegar solution 1:1 with water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it to your weeds. Use rock salt or table salt as a weed killer. Kill the weeds with boiling water. Spray a mixture of borax and water on the weeds.

https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Basic-Hair-Braid

How to Do a Basic Hair Braid

To do a basic braid, start by brushing or combing your hair from the ends to the roots, which will prevent tangles. Next, divide your hair into 3 even sections at the nape of your neck, then cross the right section over the middle section, so it becomes the new middle section. Then, cross the left section over this new middle section. Continue this alternating pattern of crossing your rightmost and leftmost sections of hair over the middle section until you reach the end of your hair. Finally, tie your braid off with a hair tie at the bottom, so the braid won't come undone.

Start with brushed, tangle-free hair. Comb out your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. If your hair is very frizzy, consider applying a bit of hair oil or smoothing cream. Divide your hair into three even sections at the nape of your neck. You will have a right section, a middle section, and a left section. Hold the left section in your left hand and the right section in your right hand. If you want two braids, one on each side of your head, then part your hair down the middle. Choose one side to start braiding first. Part the hair on that side into three sections. Try to position the braid just behind your ear for a sleek, chic look. Cross the right section over the middle section. The right section is now in the middle. What used to be the middle section is now on the right. Cross the left section over the new middle section. The left section is now the middle section. What used to be the middle section is now on the left. Continue the braid, alternating right and left sides. Always bring the outer section over to the middle. Alternate the right and left sides until you have a few inches of hair left. Pull the sections tight to keep the braid secure. If the braid is too loose, it will fall out. You can always loosen the braid once you tie it off by massaging it between your palms. Try to smooth your hair down with your fingers as you are braiding. This will keep the braid neat. Tie your braid off with a hair tie. You can make your braid as long or as short as you want. Most people leave the last 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) of their hair unbraided; you can leave more if that's what you like. Hold the end of your braid secure with one hand, and use the other hand to wrap a hair tie around the end of your braid. Make sure that the hair tie is snug; if it is too loose, you may need to wrap it a few more times. Try to use a hair tie that matches your hair color: black, brown, or beige/blond. If you have dark red hair, go for a brown hair tie. If you have lighter red hair, use a beige hair tie. If you are doing two braids, then repeat the whole process on the other side of your head. Consider adding a ribbon or pretty hairclip to the end of your braid. You can tie a thick ribbon around the end of your braid into a bow. You can also tuck in a silk flower, or add a pretty hairclip. This is a great way to dress up an otherwise ordinary braid. Here are some ideas to get you started: If it is summer, consider tucking a silk hibiscus or orchid into your braid for a tropical look. In the fall, consider using a clip made from bronze, leather, or wood. If it is winter, consider using a delicate silver clip with clear rhinestones. You can also go festive with a red and green ribbon for Christmas, or a blue and white ribbon for Hanukkah. If it is spring, stick with ribbons, delicate flowers, pastel colors, or bright colors. Start with brushed, tangle-free hair. Comb out your hair so that it is smooth and frizz free. Begin from the ends and work your way up to the roots. If your hair is frizzy, try applying a bit of hair oil or smoothing cream. Gather some hair at the back of your head into a half-up, half-down ponytail. Start gathering your hair at just above eyebrow level or so. You will start braiding this hair chunk first. Divide the hair chunk into three even sections. Smooth each section that you divide so that it will be neat in your braid. Hold the right section with your right hand and the left strand section in your left hand. You can also use mini claw-clips to hold each section separate. Start with a standard braid. Cross the right section over the middle section so that it becomes the middle section. Next, cross the left section over the new middle section. You do not need to standard-braid any further. If you want to do a Dutch or reverse French braid, cross the right/left sections under the middle sections instead of over. This will created a "lifted" look for your braid. Add a small strand of hair to the right section. Gather a ½ to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 centimeters) wide strand of hair from your hairline. Add it to the right section. It is now part of the right section. Cross the now-thicker right section over the middle section. The right section is now in the middle. What used to be the middle section is now on the outside. If you are doing a Dutch or reverse French braid, cross the right section under the middle section instead of over. Add a small strand of hair to the left section. Gather a ½ to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 centimeters) wide strand of hair from your hairline. Add it to the left section. It is now part of the left section. Cross the now-thicker left section over the new middle section. The left section is now in the middle. What used to be the middle section is now on the outside. If you are doing a Dutch or reverse French braid, cross the left section under the middle section instead of over. Continue French braiding your hair until you reach the nape of your neck. Keep adding thin strands of hair to the right and left sections before you cross them over/under to the middle. Try to smooth down each section just after you cross it over. This will give you a neater braid. Try to keep the braid as tight as possible at this point. Decide how you want to finish off your braid. When you reach the nape of your hair, you can tie your French/Dutch braid off with a hair elastic, or continue braiding standard fashion. If you decide to continue braiding, keep the braid as tight as you can. You can muss it up later, after you have tied it off, to make it look looser. Tie your braid off with a hair tie. Whether you decide to end your braid at the nape of your neck, or at the last few inches/centimeters of your hair, you will need to tie it off. Choose a hair tie that closely matches your hair color, and wrap it around the end of your braid enough times so that it does not slide off. Consider tying a ribbon around the end of your braid after you tie it off. This will help hide the hair tie. You can also add a hairclip or silk flower instead. Here are some more ideas to get you started: Let the season inspire you. Tuck a silk hibiscus flower into your braid during the summer. Wear a hairclip made from leather in the fall. Let the holiday inspire you. If it is around Halloween, clip an orange and black bow to the end of your braid. If you want, you can even glue a plastic spider to the center of the bow. Match the decoration to your outfit. If you are wearing an elegant dark blue evening gown with silver embellishments, a delicate silver hairclip with clear/white crystals might look lovely. Match the decoration to the event. If you are attending a school rally or sports event, consider wearing a ribbon in your braid that matches your school or favorite team's colors. Part your hair off to the side. The side part should be above one of your eyebrows. You will start braiding from this part towards the opposite temple. This side braid works great for shorter hairstyles. Gather a small chunk of hair right next to the side part and your hairline. For a thin, head-band style braid, gather a 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) wide chunk. For a thicker, boho-style braid, gather a 2 inch (5.08 centimeters) wide chunk. Divide the chunk into three even sections. Hold the two outside sections with one hand and the middle section with your other hand. Begin with a standard braid. Take the section closest to your hairline and cross it over the middle section. Then, take the section closest to the part, and cross it over the new middle section. After these two crossovers, you are ready to start French braiding. You do not need to standard braid anymore. This method will give you a smooth, flat French braid. If you want a Dutch or reverse French braid, cross the outer sections under the middle sections instead of over. Add a thin strand of hair to the section closest to your hairline. Grab the strand from your hairline. It should be the same thickness, or thinner, than the section itself. Add the strand to the hairline section. Your hairline section is now thicker. Cross the hairline section over the middle section. It is now the new middle section. If you are making a Dutch or reverse French braid, then cross the hairline section under the middle section instead. Add a thin strand of hair to the section closest to your side part. Grab the strand from the side part. It should be the same thickness, or thinner, than the section itself. Add the strand to the side part section. Your side part section is now thicker. Cross the side part section over the new middle section. It is now the newest middle section. If you are making a Dutch or reverse French braid, then cross the side part section under the middle section instead. Continue adding strands and crossing over sections. Try to position the braid between your ear and side part. As you braid, try to keep the sections as tight as possible. Also, try to smooth the hairs down. This will give you a smoother, neater braid in the end. You can always muss it up later. If you are doing a Dutch or reverse French braid, remember to cross the outer sections under the middle sections instead of over. Consider how you want to end the braid. If you are working with a thin, delicate braid, you can end it just above your ear, finish it off as a standard braid, and then tie it off with a clear hair elastic. If you are working with a thicker, boho-style braid, you can continue French braiding it so that it wraps around your head. Read on to find out how to do that. Stop braiding when you are 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) away from the nape of your neck. Start French braiding horizontally across the back of your head instead, until you reach the other side of your neck. At this point, you can tie the hair off with a hair tie. You can also continue braiding it standard fashion, and tie it off when you are 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) away from the ends. Consider adding a decorations to the end of your braid after you tie it off. Not only will this help hide the hair tie, but it can help make your braid look more interesting. Here are some ideas to get you started: Add a silk flower to your braid for a boho look. The bigger the flower, the better. Consider twisting the rest of the braid into a bun and securing it with bobby pins. You can then tuck an ornate hair comb into the bun. If you did a mini side braid, consider tying the end off with some leather lace and leaving the rest of your hair loose for a boho or elvish look.

Start with brushed, tangle-free hair. Divide your hair into three even sections at the nape of your neck. Cross the right section over the middle section. Cross the left section over the new middle section. Continue the braid, alternating right and left sides. Tie your braid off with a hair tie. Consider adding a ribbon or pretty hairclip to the end of your braid. Start with brushed, tangle-free hair. Gather some hair at the back of your head into a half-up, half-down ponytail. Divide the hair chunk into three even sections. Start with a standard braid. Add a small strand of hair to the right section. Cross the now-thicker right section over the middle section. Add a small strand of hair to the left section. Cross the now-thicker left section over the new middle section. Continue French braiding your hair until you reach the nape of your neck. Decide how you want to finish off your braid. Tie your braid off with a hair tie. Consider tying a ribbon around the end of your braid after you tie it off. Part your hair off to the side. Gather a small chunk of hair right next to the side part and your hairline. Divide the chunk into three even sections. Begin with a standard braid. Add a thin strand of hair to the section closest to your hairline. Cross the hairline section over the middle section. Add a thin strand of hair to the section closest to your side part. Cross the side part section over the new middle section. Continue adding strands and crossing over sections. Consider how you want to end the braid. Stop braiding when you are 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) away from the nape of your neck. Consider adding a decorations to the end of your braid after you tie it off.

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

How to Make Pancakes

"To begin making pancakes, beat 3 eggs in a large bowl until they're creamy. Then, add 2 cups (280 grams) of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 5 tablespoons of sugar, and a pinch of salt to the egg mixture. Then, pour 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 1 1/2 cups (375 milliliters) of milk into the bowl and stir all the ingredients together. Next, pour a spoonful of the batter into a pan on medium-low heat, cook each side for 2 minutes and serve."

Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat until creamy. Add in the dry ingredients (excluding the salt and baking soda if using self-rising flour). Do not stir mixture at this point! Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Make sure that it's completely melted; about a minute is sufficient. Add the butter and milk to the mix. Stir gently, leaving some small clumps of dry ingredients in the batter. Do not blend until completely smooth. If your batter is smooth, your pancakes will be tough and flat as opposed to fluffy. If using vanilla extract, you can add it to the mix alongside the butter and milk. Heat the frying pan to a medium low flame. If you have an initial "pancake" setting on your stove, use that. Be sure to use non-stick spray, or a pat of butter so the pancakes won't stick. Sprinkle a few flecks of water onto your pan. If it 'dances', or jumps from the pan with a sizzle, the pan is ready for the batter. Pour about 3 tablespoons to 1/4 cup batter from the tip of a large spoon or from a pitcher onto the hot griddle or greased frying pan. The amount you pour will decide the final size of your pancakes. It is best to begin with less batter, and then slowly pour more batter onto the pan to increase the pancake size. Cook for about two minutes or until the pancake is golden. You should see bubbles form and then pop around the edges. When the bubbles at the edge of the batter pop and a hole is left that does not immediately close up, flip the cake gently. Cook the other side until golden and remove. Want a deeper color? Repeat the steps for another thirty seconds per side until the pancake is done enough for your tastes. Enjoy! Try adding butter, peanut butter, syrup, jelly, chocolate chips, cookies, candy crumbles or fruit to your pancakes for a different, more exciting flavor. The varieties are endless. These are the most delectable pancakes you will ever taste. Make rainbow pancakes. Looking for a colorful twist to your pancakes? Rainbow pancakes are the way to go! They are quick, easy, and fun to make. Little ones enjoy the beautiful colors added in their pancakes for a lovely 'rainbow'. Make fluffy pancakes. Having delicious fluffy pancakes that look like a pillow are one of the best pancakes out there. Finishing off with rich maple syrup will make your pancakes the bomb! Try a variety of fruit pancakes. They are many types of fruit pancakes to try from and do make your breakfast a hint healthier. Examples can be such as blueberry pancakes , apple pancakes, and even pear pancakes. Find your favorite! Make Bisquick mix pancakes. If you're not in the mood to make your yummy breakfast from scratch, grab your Bisquick mix box and whip some tasty pancakes that taste nearly homemade. Make buttermilk pancakes. Sometimes using what you have on hand can make something taste so good, and in this case, buttermilk. Buttermilk pancakes are faster to make so they are perfect for moving-on morning rushes. Cook these pancakes with close eye and top them off with anything you desire. Make basic pancakes. You don't always have to carry on a bunch of ingredients to make something so good such as pancakes. Make easy pancakes that you and everyone else will love. Make Mickey Mouse pancakes. They're cute, easy, and super yummy. Kids will enjoy these pancakes if they are a big Disney fan!

Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat until creamy. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the butter and milk to the mix. Heat the frying pan to a medium low flame. Sprinkle a few flecks of water onto your pan. Pour about 3 tablespoons to 1/4 cup batter from the tip of a large spoon or from a pitcher onto the hot griddle or greased frying pan. Cook for about two minutes or until the pancake is golden. Cook the other side until golden and remove. Enjoy! Make rainbow pancakes. Make fluffy pancakes. Try a variety of fruit pancakes. Make Bisquick mix pancakes. Make buttermilk pancakes. Make basic pancakes. Make Mickey Mouse pancakes.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cope-With-Leaving-Someone-You-Love

How to Cope With Leaving Someone You Love

Leaving someone you love can be really difficult, but you can cope by acknowledging your emotions, finding support in family and friends, and giving yourself time to heal. Whatever the reason for leaving this person, you should realize that it's okay to still have feelings for them. Just because you love someone doesn't mean that it's enough to make a relationship last. While you deal with these emotions, try talking to a close friend about what you're feeling. If you're dealing with depression or anxiety you might also consider finding a support group, since talking to people in a similar situation can be very soothing. As you heal, be patient with yourself. It will take time to feel normal again, so don't put too much pressure on yourself. Instead, focus on finding new activities, like a book club, or volunteering, to distract you and give you a fresh start.

Acknowledge the love. Maybe you are ending your relationship because you are moving. Or maybe you have just realized that this is not the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Whatever your reason, it can be very emotional to leave the person you love. It's important to realize that you can leave someone but still love them. Acknowledge the powerful bond that you have. You can honor the love that you have. But you should also understand that love is not always enough to make a relationship last. Maybe you need to leave because you have a job opportunity far away. Or perhaps you are just incompatible. It is ok to still love someone, but feel the need to move on. Treat the other person with respect. If you are the one ending the relationship, it can be very difficult. Remember that it is also hard on your partner. Try to treat the other person with respect and kindness. Avoid blaming. It's ok to explain why you are leaving, but try to avoid statements such as "It's all your fault I am leaving." Listen to the other person's feelings. If you love this person, you should respect him enough to hear his point of view. Allow both of you time to heal. You will likely both need time to grieve the end of the relationship. Consider friendship. Just because your romantic relationship won't continue, that doesn't mean you have to completely cut the other person out of your life. It is possible that in time you can become friends. If this is something you would like to pursue, talk to your partner. Ask for his honest opinion. Try saying, "I know our relationship won't be continuing as we're used to, but I would like to stay in your life as a friend." Don't expect to make the transition immediately. Give yourselves time to adjust. Avoid contact for 1-2 months. Then gradually begin communicating with each other. Make a plan for being alone. If you are used to being in a relationship, being on your own can be a big adjustment. Take some time to think about how you will cope alone. Consider your emotional needs and logistics. Maybe you are worried that you will experience anxiety after leaving your partner. Ask a close friend to be "on call" if you need someone to talk to. If you are worried that you will miss practical things, such as having someone to make your morning coffee, think about how you will adjust. For example, maybe you can start treating yourself to a to-go coffee on the way to work. Make a list of all of the ways that you will need to adjust. Then make a list of all of the possible solutions you can find. Find a support group. Leaving someone you love can be an incredibly emotional process. If you are having trouble dealing with depression, anxiety, or grief, you might need some help. Consider finding a support group. Talking to people who are in a similar situation can be very soothing. Look for a group near you. Maybe your spouse is leaving for a long military deployment. There are groups that specialize in supporting you through that difficult transition. Ask your doctor for a recommendation. Hospitals often have a wide variety of support groups that they host. Focus on the positive. It might be hard to find at first, but there is likely a positive side to this tough situation. Spend some time reflecting on how your life is changing. Write down all the ways it is changing for the better. Although ending a relationship is hard, there are some positive aspects. For example, being on your own can lead to personal growth. You will likely feel an increased sense of independence and freedom. Take advantage of being able to focus on your own needs and wants. For example, if you feel like having popcorn for dinner and watching several hours of reality tv, you can now do that without worrying about anyone else. Spend special time together. Moving is one of the main reasons that people have to leave someone they love. If you are in a situation where you have to move away from close friends or family, it can be really difficult. Try to spend a lot of time with your loved ones before you go. Make your relationships a priority. Schedule plenty of quality time with your friends before the move. Have fun together. You're likely feeling sad, and that's ok. But try to participate in the activities that you enjoy. If you and your best friend have always enjoyed going dancing together, don't stop. Keep your dance dates up until the time you have to leave. Have an honest conversation. Tell your loved one that you are going to miss them. Try saying, "Mom, I'm really going to miss you when I leave for college. I just wanted to let you know that." Stay in contact. Let your loved ones know that it is important for you to stay connected. Try brainstorming different ways that you can keep in touch. You can even write some actual letters. Get on a friends and family cell phone plan. You'll be able to text and call as much as you want without worrying about your minutes. Schedule video chat dates. Are you worried you're going to miss impromptu dance parties with your best friend? Just Facetime her whenever your favorite song comes on. Use technology. Stay connected with social media. This is the perfect time to finally convince your grandmother to get a Facebook account. Make plans to visit in advance. Leaving someone you love can feel scary. This is especially true if you don't know when you will see them again. To avoid this sinking feeling, schedule a visit before you even leave. Sit down together with your calendars. If you have a group of friends that you are going to miss, invite everyone over for a planning party. Select a couple of dates that work for everyone. You can have fun deciding when you will visit, and when your friends will come check out your new home. If you are leaving for college, check out the campus calendar. Let your parents know when parents weekend is, and invite them to come. Send care packages. Care packages are a great way to feel connected with your loved ones. Set up a system where you send a package one month and your loved one returns the favor the next month. These packages will give you both something to look forward to. Include items that remind you of fun times you had together. For example, if you loved going to yoga together, send your friend a gift card to your favorite studio. You can also include items that are homemade. Make a batch of your dad's favorite cookies to send to him. Be creative. If you're thinking of fun times you had at the beach, send a little plastic baggy of sand from the shore. Get involved. Leaving someone you love is tough. But don't forget it can have some advantages. You'll definitely have some more free time, so take advantage of that. Find a new activity. You could look for a book club that meets in your area. Look for a way to get involved in the community. Consider volunteering at a local animal shelter if you're a pet lover. Getting involved in new activities will help you meet new people. They won't replace the ones you miss, but they can certainly help you feel less lonely. Go exploring. If you've moved to a new town, get out and look around. Pretend that you are a tourist. Take in all the sights, such as museums and local parks. Spend some time looking for new "favorites". What better reason to try all of the pizza places in your new neighborhood? Exploring your new city will help you to feel more at home. The better you know your way around, the more comfortable you will feel. Even if you haven't moved, you can still explore. Challenge yourself to venture out to a new coffee shop or try a new gym. You might meet some new friends. Be patient. Give yourself time to adjust to your new normal. It will take a while to get used to not being around your friends and family. Be kind to yourself and understand that it is part of the process. Don't put pressure on yourself to acclimate to your new routine too quickly. Take some time to think about what sorts of positive changes you could make in your life. Acknowledge your emotions. Even after you have adjusted, you will probably have days where you just really miss your friends or family. That is normal. Take note of your feelings, and allow yourself time to process. When you are feeling lonely, that is a great time to reach out to your friends. A few minutes laughing on the phone can make you feel much more cheerful. Be active. Take a walk when you are feeling low. Physical exercise and being outdoors can lift your spirits.

Acknowledge the love. Treat the other person with respect. Consider friendship. Make a plan for being alone. Find a support group. Focus on the positive. Spend special time together. Stay in contact. Make plans to visit in advance. Send care packages. Get involved. Go exploring. Be patient. Acknowledge your emotions.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-People-Feel-Good

How to Make People Feel Good

If you want to make people feel good, focus on having friendly conversations and making them feel important. Ask people questions about themselves when you're in a conversation to show that they interest you. For example, if someone tells you how they got a flat tire on vacation, you could say, “Wow, how did you get that tire fixed?”. You should also respond enthusiastically when they tell you something, like saying “That's great” if they have a piece of good news. Remember things that people have previously told you to show that you're engaged with them. For instance, if someone tells you on Friday that they're going to a concert over the weekend, ask them on Monday how it went. Smile often when you're around people, which helps spread a positive energy that will make everyone feel better.

Listen more than you speak. Try not to dominate conversations. If you do all the talking in a conversation, people will feel like you're talking at them. Instead, let other people talk and only provide input when they're finished. This makes you look like a polite, attentive person who cares what other people have to say. Don't interrupt a person while they're speaking. People don't like being cut off. Always let them finish what they're saying. Of course, still answer questions if the person asks them. But don't just look for the next time you can start talking about yourself again. Allow other people to talk. Ask questions about the person. Keep conversations going by asking the other person about themselves. Give people the opportunity to open up and talk about themselves. They will appreciate talking to someone who listens to them. Even a simple, “How are you doing today?” makes people feel like you care about them. Don't just ask superficial questions. Demonstrate that you were listening by asking questions based on what they person was saying. For example, if someone is telling you about their vacation and mention they got a flat tire, say, “Wow, how did you fix the tire?” This shows that you're not only interested, but were paying attention to the story. Look away from your phone or computer when speaking with people. Don't look distracted while conversing with people. Checking your phone or computer constantly makes you look rude and uninterested. Put your phone down and look away from the computer. Make eye contact with the person so they know you're paying attention. If you do have to check your phone, excuse yourself and say, “Sorry, I have to check this for one second.” If you are actually busy and don't have time to talk, be polite about it. Say, “I'd love to talk some more but I have a work call to make. I'll see you later.” Be enthusiastic about what they say. Get excited when someone tells you something. If they share a piece of good news or an accomplishment, congratulate them. A simple, “That's great!” will make them feel like they really did accomplish something and that you care about it. People sometimes get shy when you compliment them. If they say something like, “Oh, it's no big deal,” you can follow up with, “Well just know I'm happy for you.” This maintains the personal connection with the other person without making them uncomfortable. Return compliments if the other person gives them. It's possible someone will congratulate or compliment you in a conversation. Thank them sincerely for the compliment, and then return a compliment. This makes you look both gracious and generous at the same time. A coworker might say that you offered a great idea in the meeting today. You could respond, “Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. With your skills I'm sure you can pull it off.” Avoid criticizing their opinions. Inevitably, you'll disagree with people on some of their beliefs or opinions. Keep the conversation friendly and don't criticize them. Allow them to voice their opinions. That way, they'll continue feeling safe and happy talking to you. You can still voice your disagreement without being hostile. Just simply saying, “That's not the way I see it, but I get your point,” shows that you disagree but also gives the other person credit. If you want to avoid confrontation altogether, you can just ignore their opinion and try to steer the conversation elsewhere. Remember details about people’s lives. This is a great practice for connecting with people and showing them you really care about what they're saying. If you always forget things they've told you, it will seem like you aren't listening to them. Make an effort to remember the details they've told you to increase your connection with the person. Ask about these details too. Someone might tell you on Friday that they're going to a concert over the weekend. If you see them on Monday, ask how the concert was. This shows you were listening and that you care about them. If you have trouble remembering things, try doing some exercises to improve your memory. Show your interest with nonverbal cues. Certain mannerisms and body language show a person you're paying attention. Nodding, making eye contact, and changing your facial expression according to what they say all shows the person that you're invested in what they say. Don't remain firm or unresponsive. This shows that you don't care about the conversation. If someone tells you a story about something unexpected happening, widen your eyes and make a shocked face. They'll feel like you're completely invested in the story. You can also do this when you aren't directly having a conversation with someone. If a coworker is giving a presentation in a conference room, look at them while they speak. Nod along when they make a good point, and take notes. These all make the person speaking feel important and they will appreciate it. Offer praise in moderation. Compliments and praise are great ways to make someone feel important. Give compliments to other people, but don't overdo it. If you constantly compliment everyone, your praise won't look genuine. Be sincere when you compliment people, and then move on. Don't continue complimenting the person after they've already acknowledged your compliment. If they say thank you, don't say, “No but really, you did a great job.” This could come off as fake. Bring attention to their accomplishments. Compliments don't only have to be private matters. If someone you know accomplished something, let other people know about it. The person will be happy to see that other people take their accomplishments seriously. This doesn't have to be a grand gesture. You might be giving a presentation and say, “I'd like to thank John for doing a great job on these figures here.” This quick statement gives John credit without dwelling on the matter. However, if someone asks you to keep something quiet, respect their wishes. They may want to be the one to tell a certain person or might just be shy about it. Write thank-you notes if a person does something for you. Making people feel appreciated is another great way to show them that they're important. If someone helps you out, take some time to write them a genuine thank-you note or email. Explain how they helped you and let them know you appreciate it. Personal thank-you's work as well. Try to find the person and thank them. Saying, “I just wanted to drop by and say thanks for that favor you did,” shows that you went out of your way for them. If you can't find the person, a thankful phone call is great too. Avoid gossiping and talking about other people negatively. Spreading gossip about people creates a more hostile and less friendly environment. If you get a reputation for doing this, less people will want to interact with you. Stay away from gossiping and make yourself someone that people feel comfortable talking to. They'll be much happier around you. This is a good situation where thinking about the Golden Rule helps. Would you like someone spreading rumors about you? Probably not. So don't spread rumors about others. Treat people the way you’d like to be treated. This is often called the “Golden Rule” for a reason. If you want to make people happy, just think about what makes you happy. Then treat people accordingly. Live by this code and you'll be a much friendlier person. Think about if you were talking to someone and you made fun of them for liking a certain band. Would you be happy if someone did that to you? Probably not. Reconsider your actions and apologize. Smile as much as possible. Smiling helps you feel positive and also spreads positivity to the people around you. Make a conscious effort to smile often. You'll look like a much friendlier person and people are more likely to come talk to you. Whenever you greet people, smile as you say hello. This is an easy way to spread more positive feelings. Don't try to make your smile as wide as you can. This will look fake. Just slightly turning the corners of your lips up makes you look bright naturally. Have a good sense of humor. Having a sense of humor helps reduce your stress and keep a positive attitude. More importantly, people will gravitate towards you if you're a fun person. Laugh often and try to brighten other people's moods. This will spread positive energy all around you and people will appreciate it. Remember that having a sense of humor isn't just about telling jokes. It's more about keeping a lighthearted mood about things. If something negative happens, try to find a bright side in it. Be the person that stays optimistic when other people are feeling down. Always know the limits for your humor, however. Don't tell inappropriate jokes. If people don't seem amused by your antics, tone it down.

Listen more than you speak. Ask questions about the person. Look away from your phone or computer when speaking with people. Be enthusiastic about what they say. Return compliments if the other person gives them. Avoid criticizing their opinions. Remember details about people’s lives. Show your interest with nonverbal cues. Offer praise in moderation. Bring attention to their accomplishments. Write thank-you notes if a person does something for you. Avoid gossiping and talking about other people negatively. Treat people the way you’d like to be treated. Smile as much as possible. Have a good sense of humor.

https://www.wikihow.com/Manage-Your-Money-Wisely

How to Manage Your Money Wisely

The key to managing your money wisely is only spending what you can afford and saving for a rainy day. Keep track of your income and expenses so you know how much money you have leftover to spend. Try to save around 20 percent of your income for future investments and purchases. It's also a good idea to keep 3 to 6 months' worth of living expenses in a savings account in case of an emergency, like losing your job or having to pay for extra medical bills. Only use credit for bills and purchases you know you can afford at the end of the month. That way, you won't end up paying extra interest. When you're making big purchases, like a new car or computer, do plenty of research so you can find the best deal and save money.

Make a list of your guaranteed monthly income. Calculate all of your income on a monthly basis. Do not include any income you hope to get from overtime, tips, bonuses or anything else that is not guaranteed. Only use income that you know, without a doubt, will be earned that month. This gives you a clear picture of how much money you have to spend each month, allowing you to draft an accurate budget. Any additional money (tips, bonuses, etc.) should be considered "extra." By planning for only your guaranteed income you ensure that you will have enough money to cover living expenses should anything happen. It also leads to the happy "surprise" of extra money when it comes. Track all of your expenses each month. Keep all of your receipts to get an accurate picture of your spending habits. Luckily, modern technology has made this easier than ever, as you can log-in online to see you bank and credit card activity. Most banks even break this up by type of spending as well, such as "Food/Groceries," "Gas," or "Rent." If you spend cash, keep the receipt and make a note of what you bought. Apps like Mint, Mvelopes, HomeBudget, and more allow you to sync your credit cards, bank accounts, and investments to one place, providing graphs of your spending based on categories. This is a great way to get a view of your finances with very little work needed. Break your expenses down into fixed, essential, and non-essential. This is the best way to see where you can save money and start spending wisely. Fixed Expenses: These are things that do not change month to month but must be paid, including rent, car/loan payments, etc. Essential Expenses: These include food, transportation, and utilities -- anything that you need to live but whose cost changes from month to month. Non-Essential Expenses: This is everything else, such as movie tickets, drinks with friends, and toys/hobbies. This is the biggest place most people realize they can save money. Keep these records every single month. You cannot just do this once and expect to get a perfect budget. The best way to see how you spend money is to keep tabs on it all the time, checking at least once a month to see how you are doing. In general, your income will stay the same, so you will need to adjust your expenses if you feel like you are losing money. Place your month income and expenses side-by-side in a spreadsheet. You can also write them down in a journal or notebook. Having these numbers next to each other lets you see how much money you have left over to spend. Calculate how much money you have left over after fixed and essential expenses. If you only spent the money you needed to live, how much of your income would be left over? Take your guaranteed income and subtract the fixed and essential expenses to find out how much money you have to spend each month. You need to have this number in order to manage your money wisely, as it is your "allowance" for savings and fun. This includes the money you spend on your rent or mortgage, utilities, phone bill, and other essential needs. Split your remaining "allowance" into savings/investments and lifestyle activities. The money that's left over after you subtract your essential bills every month is your discretionary income. You can use that for things like shopping, buying groceries, going out, and adding to your savings. There are many, many schools of thought on how much money you should be saving each month, and they all have their pros and cons. 10% is the bare minimum you should be putting aside into savings. This will quickly grow, and often will not hurt you much in the short-term. That said, this money should also be used to pay off any debt if it is large and interest payments are big. 20% is considered a good, safe amount of savings. This ensures that, ever 5-6 months, you end up with enough saved income to protect you for a full month if something happens to you. It allows you to save a lot of money without drastically affecting quality of life. 30% is the goal everyone should shoot for. This allows you to save money for retirement, big activities like vacations, and large purchases (cars, college, etc.). It may, however, limit what you can afford in the short term. Set a personal budget and stick to it. Once you know how much spare cash you have, you need to commit to spending no more than what you have. If your problem is shopping for clothes -you have a passion for fashion- you need to learn to ask yourself "Do I really need this?" in the store. Don't waste money on designer brands and shop at used clothes stores. Shop during sales, but only if you actually need things from the store. What are you priorities in life -- good food, vacations, or just time with the family? Knowing what you personally care about buying can help avoid costly impulse buys. What things in your life can you cut and hardly notice -- such as a scone to go with your morning coffee, the 200 cable channels you hardly watch, bottled water, etc? You'll have an easier time sticking to your budget if you build it around how you actually spend money. Then, you can adjust your spending in certain areas if you find places where you can cut back. Only use credit cards for bills you know you can pay that month. Credit cards are not free money. Interest rates on credit cards are huge, even if they don't make you pay them immediately. Managing your money wisely means using your credit cards wisely-- as extensions of your budget, not separate budgets. That said, responsible card use helps to build credit, which is required for home and car loans. Some crucial things to remember include: Read all of the agreement form before signing up for your card. What is the monthly interest rate? How is minimum payment calculated? Are there annual or overdraw fees? Always try and pay more than the monthly minimum. If you pay the entire balance each month, for example, you won't pay any interest down the road. One credit card is enough -- juggling multiple bills and statements is a surefire way into credit card debt. Curb spending on credit so that you stay within 30-40% of your limit. You should never get close to your limit, as this is often difficult to repay without exorbitant interest rates. Know your purpose when shopping. Impulse buys are the bane of smart shoppers and money managers. You need to ask yourself, before buying anything, do you need this to live? Will you enjoy it for a long time, or is it a fleeting pleasure? Avoid shopping as a recreational activity, instead saving it for the essentials. Making grocery lists will keep you on track in the store, helping save money and plan meals effectively so no food is thrown out. Never buy something just because it is on sale -- you are still spending money, no matter how much the advertisement talks about "savings." Do your research before making any big-ticket purchases. Car shopping, for example, is not the time to turn into an impulse buyer. It is also not the time to get swept up in a sales pitch, no matter what the car dealer is trying to tell you. You can save tons of money by taking 2-3 hours to research cars, house, home theater systems, etc. in advance before you go shopping, avoiding rip-offs and getting what you came for and nothing more. Browse online and set an appropriate spending cap -- the absolute maximum you will spend on a car/house/etc. Be very strict about this cap, no matter what a salesman says. Look up how much the object should cost and memorize the number. Check the prices at 2-3 different vendors to compare them. If you feel comfortable negotiating, you can mention to a vendor that you've found a similar or better price and ask them to lower theirs. If you have time to spare, wait and look for sales. Typically, for example, car dealerships offer sales in the summertime. Buy in bulk whenever possible. It is difficult to lower your essential expenses, such as food, but it is not impossible. Buying in bulk is more expensive up-front but you save money in the long run. You can buy toiletries, food, and cleaning supplies online or at bulk stores like Costco to slash your expenses. When buying food you only save money if you don't throw any out, otherwise you simply paid more money for the same amount you normally eat. Learn to read "unit price" which is the small label in stores that says "price per pound" or "price per ounce." Bulk items have a lower unit price, which means you are getting more product for less money. Take out the money you can spend in advance if you have trouble saving. If finances are tight, one of the best ways to keep from overspending is to take out the total amount you have to spend, in cash, at the beginning of the month. Separate it out into envelopes, one for food, gas, rent, etc. so that you know exactly how much you have. Leave your debit / credit cards at home. It is a lot easier to simply swipe a debit or credit card without thinking about the dollar value of a purchase. If you have to hand over the same amount in cash each time you buy a non-essential item you are much more likely to pause. Aim to have 3-6 months living expenses, at a minimum, saved at all times. Many financial advisers even suggest going further, saving for at least 9-12 months, but 3 is the absolute bare minimum that you should have on hand in case of emergencies. This money is only spent if you absolutely need it, like if you lose your job or need to pay medical bills. What are your fixed and essential expenses for one month? Multiply this number by 3-6 months to get your minimum emergency savings. Make a list of your saving goals. Are you planning for retirement or a vacation to Aruba next year? Depending on what you want to save for, the amount you need to save each month will change drastically. Make a list of events you want to save for, their costs, and then the number of months until the event occurs. For example, you may need to buy a car for a new job next year. You've got your mind on a used car for $5,000, and the job starts in 6 months. This means that you need to save roughly $834 each month to pay for the car. Start saving for the holidays 5-6 months in advance. Even $50 a month will give you a cushion of $300 for gifts by December. Saving to send your kids to go to college can't start early enough. Make separate savings accounts for them when they're born and make saving a priority. Invest in your future early and often. Placing $5,000 a year in retirement savings in your 20's earns you twice as much money when you retire as someone who invests $20,000 a year in their 40's. This is because, with time, a small amount of money gains interest. That interest then gains interest as well, quickly multiplying your money. Long story short-- saving now will pay big dividends later on in life. Save and pay debts simultaneously whenever possible. Do not try and prioritize one at the expense of the other, as you could actually be losing money. For example, you can write-off $2,500 of your student loans on your taxes, and the interest rates will always stay fixed. This means paying the minimum now and pocketing any excess cash in savings will actually make you money, as the write-off can offset interest payments and the savings have more time to grow with interest. The exception to this is high-interest credit card debt. If you find yourself sinking into a hole of credit card payments or are only able to pay interest, you may save more money by taking 2-3 months to pay them off. Put away profits and raises in savings accounts or investments. Whenever possible, take additional cash and throw it into savings and investments. You may be tempted to buy a nice new car or toy, but saving the money now will make a huge difference later in life. When you get a raise, add that amount to your monthly savings. You will keep your same quality of life and save much more in the long-term. Look into employee-matching options. Many companies that offer 401k investments offer matching benefits as well, meaning they will double what you pay for your own future. The benefits of this cannot be overstated -- it is literally free money for your retirement. Talk to your HR department to see what options you have -- some companies also have matching college saving programs and stock or investment options as well. Never remove money from a 401k or long-term investment before it matures -- you may have to pay a fee or relinquish all the gains you've made.

Make a list of your guaranteed monthly income. Track all of your expenses each month. Break your expenses down into fixed, essential, and non-essential. Keep these records every single month. Calculate how much money you have left over after fixed and essential expenses. Split your remaining "allowance" into savings/investments and lifestyle activities. Set a personal budget and stick to it. Only use credit cards for bills you know you can pay that month. Know your purpose when shopping. Do your research before making any big-ticket purchases. Buy in bulk whenever possible. Take out the money you can spend in advance if you have trouble saving. Aim to have 3-6 months living expenses, at a minimum, saved at all times. Make a list of your saving goals. Invest in your future early and often. Save and pay debts simultaneously whenever possible. Put away profits and raises in savings accounts or investments. Look into employee-matching options.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Mousepad

How to Clean a Mousepad

To clean your mousepad, first fill a sink with soapy water and place the mousepad in it. Gently brush the top of the mousepad with a sponge, then rinse the mousepad off with water. Next, rub the mousepad with a dry cloth to remove the excess water. Finally, let the mousepad air dry for 24 hours before using it again. If the back of your mousepad says “machine washable,” you can wash it with your regular laundry instead. Just use cold water and air dry the mousepad when you're done.

Check out what your mousepad is made of. Usually it will be a spongy foam, covered with either a finely knit fabric or a plastic top. Clean it according to the type of surface. If the surface is fabric, try rubbing gently with a moist washcloth or rag and a bit of shampoo. Shampoo is a mild cleaner that's gentle on most fabrics and on skin, plus you already have it. If your mousepad is plastic-covered, use any mild spray household cleaner and a cloth or sponge. Dish soap or shampoo will work just as well. Rinse all the cleaner off the mousepad. Pat the outside of the mousepad dry. Allow the mousepad to dry thoroughly. Let it dry all the way through the foam before returning it to your desk.

Check out what your mousepad is made of. Clean it according to the type of surface. Rinse all the cleaner off the mousepad. Pat the outside of the mousepad dry. Allow the mousepad to dry thoroughly.

https://www.wikihow.health/Prevent-Emphysema

How to Prevent Emphysema

To prevent emphysema, you should first try to stop smoking, as tobacco is the most common cause. If you need support quitting, try joining a stop-smoking program in your area or using nicotine gum and patches to manage your cravings. You should also avoid secondhand smoke from other smokers, since it has a strong correlation with emphysema. Additionally, reduce your exposure to hazardous chemicals, like industrial dust, asbestos, fiberglass, and pesticides, if possible. If you cannot avoid hazardous environments, make sure to use respirators and ventilation system to reduce their effects on your lungs.

. Stop smoking Tobacco smoke is a recognized cause of emphysema and other forms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), such as chronic bronchitis and asthma. The best way to avoid emphysema is to never start smoking. If you're currently a smoker, quitting can help improve your health, even after years of smoking. Smoking is the cause of emphysema in 80% to 90% of all reported cases. When you quit smoking, your circulation begins to improve immediately. Your lungs will also be able to make some repairs to the damage smoking has caused. Quit all at once. Smoking at all, even on occasion, will still do damage to your lungs. Write down the reasons why you want to quit and keep that piece of paper in a prominently-visible place. Remind yourself every day why it's worth it to quit. Try nicotine-replacements like nicotine gum and patches to manage your cravings. Join a stop-smoking program in your area. Let your friends and relatives know about your decision to quit and ask them for support. Call help hotlines for support any time you're struggling to stay away from tobacco. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that you call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for help and support. . Avoid secondhand smoke Secondhand smoke, which is smoke you inhale from another person's tobacco smoking, is a known environmental cause of emphysema. Among non-smokers who develop emphysema and emphysema-like symptoms, an average of 20% of individuals grew up around other people who smoked. If you live with or spend time with someone who smokes, politely ask him not to smoke in front of you. Let your friends/family members know about your concerns over secondhand smoke. Ask the smokers you know to smoke outdoors. If you carpool with smokers, ask them to avoid smoking in the car, or (if they refuse) make sure they keep the windows down and blow smoke outside. Limit exposure to hazardous conditions. Around 10% to 20% of nonsmokers who develop emphysema are exposed to hazardous conditions in the workplace. You can reduce your chances of developing emphysema and other respiratory problems by limiting exposure to those conditions, or avoiding them altogether whenever possible. Industrial dust is a known cause emphysema. It can come from many materials, including wood, cotton, coal, asbestos, silica, talc, metal, fiberglass, pesticides, grain, coffee, and drug/enzyme powder. Smoke from any burning organic material can cause emphysema. Firefighters often develop emphysema due to occupational exposure to smoke. Gaseous vapors put out by solvents and other liquids can irritate the nose and throat, and can eventually cause emphysema. Mist from paint, lacquer, hair spray, pesticides, cleaning products, oils, acids, and solvents can all cause emphysema. Fumes from metal that has been heated and cooled quickly are a frequent cause of emphysema. If you work in welding, smelting, furnaces, pottery, plastics, or rubber manufacturing, take every precaution. . Take safety precautions in hazardous work environments If you cannot avoid exposure to hazardous conditions in your workplace, you can take safety precautions to at least limit your exposure. Safety equipment like respirators and ventilation systems can help reduce how much of a given hazard your lungs are exposed to. Wear a respirator whenever you're exposed to hazardous conditions. Make sure it's fitted properly so it will work effectively on your face. Let your supervisor know about your concerns regarding your workplace. Urge your supervisor to increase ventilation in the workplace. Ask about other ways you can limit or avoid exposure to the hazardous conditions. If your supervisor does not take your concerns seriously, try speaking with a higher supervisor or union member (if you are part of a labor union). Identify the symptoms of emphysema. If you are or have been a smoker, if you have a family history of emphysema, or if you work in hazardous conditions, you may be at risk of developing emphysema. By knowing the symptoms, you can prepare yourself by understanding what to look for and when to be concerned. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms on a regular basis: Wheezing and shortness of breath Difficulty performing light exercise, such as climbing stairs Long-term, hacking cough (often called "smoker's cough") Long-term production of mucus (especially yellow/greenish mucus) Test your lung capacity at home. If you're concerned about your potential for having acquired emphysema, you may want to test your own lung capacity at home. While this is not a substitute for a proper medical examination, it can help give you some idea of how good or bad your lungs are. Take a full breath and hold it for one second. Blow out the air as hard and as fast as you're able to. Your lungs should be completely empty in under six seconds. If it takes you longer than six seconds to completely empty your lungs, you may have some type of obstruction or limitation on your airways' capacity to breathe. See your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms. If you notice any symptoms of emphysema and you've been having a hard time breathing, it's important to get checked out right away. While there is no cure for emphysema, getting treatment early on and making the necessary lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of emphysema and may improve your quality of life. Your doctor will run tests to determine if emphysema is the cause of your symptoms. X-rays, pulse oximetry, arterial blood gas tests, electrocardiograms, spirometry, and pulmonary function tests are all common ways your doctor might diagnose or rule out emphysema. No at-home diagnosis can substitute for a doctor's evaluation. Talk to your doctor right away about any concerns you have regarding your risk of emphysema. Relieve your symptoms with oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy involves receiving higher volumes of oxygen through a machine. The oxygen is usually administered through either a full face mask or a nasal tube. Oxygen therapy may be beneficial to you if your doctor recommends it based on your oxygen levels at rest and while exercising. This treatment may potentially prolong the lifespan of COPD patients, but is mostly relied on for symptom relief. Use bronchodilator medications. Bronchodilators are usually administered as a hand-held inhaler. They relieve the symptoms of emphysema by relaxing the muscles in and around your airways, allowing the airways to open more fully so that breathing comes easier. There are two main types of bronchodilators: short-acting and long-acting medications. Both forms can cause trembling, headaches, dry mouth, heart palpitations, muscle cramps, coughing, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea. The most common bronchodilators include: Beta-2 agonists — these medications are usually taken through an inhaler. Common beta-2 agonists include salbutamol, salmeterol, formoterol, and vilanterol. Anticholinergics/antimuscarinics — these medications are administered via inhaler. Common medicines in this class include ipratropium, tiotropium, aclidinium and glycopyrronium. Theophylline — this class of medicine is usually taken orally as a tablet or capsule, though intravenous versions are available for severe emergencies. Take anti-inflammatory medications. Anti-inflammatory medications reduce swelling/inflammation in your airways. These medicines can be administered as an inhaled steroid, an oral steroid, or an inhaled non-steroid. However, prolonged use of anti-inflammatory medications over time may cause osteoporosis, hypertension, elevated blood sugar, and redistribution of fat in the body. The most common inhaled steroids are Beclomethasone dipropionate (Beclovent, Vanceril), Fluticasone propionate (Flovent), Flunisolide (AeroBid), Budesonide (Pulmicort), Mometasone (Asmanex), and Ciclesonide (Alvesco). Common side effects of inhaled steroids include coughing, sore throat, hoarseness, and mouth infections like thrush. The most common oral steroids are Methylprednisolone (Medrol), Prednisolone (Prelone), Prednisone (Deltasone), Hydrocortisone (Cortef), and Dexamethasone. Common side effects of oral steroids include an increase in appetite, mood swings, muscle weakness, skin blemishes, sweating or swelling, elevated blood pressure, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of infection. The most common inhaled steroids are Cromolyn sodium (Intal) and Nedocromil sodium (Tilade). Common side effects of inhaled steroids include coughing, dry throat, nausea, and mouth infections like thrush. They can also leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Treat infections with antibiotics. Many people with emphysema develop bacterial infections such as acute bronchitis and pneumonia. If this happens, your doctor will prescribe you a course of antibiotics to help you fight the bacterial infection. Mild to moderate emphysema-related infections are typically treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics like doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium. Severe emphysema-related infections may be treated with penicillin, fluoroquinolones, third-generation cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides. Participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Pulmonary rehabilitation classes teach you techniques that you can employ at home to reduce your emphysema symptoms. These programs typically focus on breathing exercises and different breathing techniques that can make respiration easier. Ask your doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation programs in your area. Your doctor's office may even organize such programs, and if not, your doctor should be able to refer you to one. Try nutrition therapy. If you've recently been diagnosed with emphysema, your doctor may advise you to lose weight. Alternately, if you're in the late stages of emphysema, your doctor may recommend that you gain additional weight. Taking specialized courses in nutrition that are designed for individuals with emphysema can help you manage your weight, whether that means gaining or losing pounds. Ask your doctor for nutritional advice, and find out if there are any nutrition therapy programs in your area. Ask your doctor about lung volume reduction surgery. As emphysema progresses, parts of your lungs may become damaged beyond repair. These damaged areas can make it more difficult to breathe, and they may restrict your lung capacity. When you opt for lung volume reduction surgery, a surgeon will carefully remove some of the damaged portions in very small wedges. This allows the rest of your lung tissue to expand, making breathing come easier and more efficiently. This surgery, as with oxygen therapy, can prolong the patient's life, not just treat symptoms. Not everyone is eligible for surgery. Ask your doctor if you meet the criteria. Find out if you qualify for a lung transplant. For very severe emphysema, your doctor may recommend a lung transplant if no other options have worked. This is a very serious and potentially dangerous surgery in which your chest will be opened up and a donor's lung transplanted into your own body. There may be certain qualifications for this procedure, including having an advanced stage of emphysema. Talk to your doctor to find out more about this and other options for your emphysema.

. . Limit exposure to hazardous conditions. . Identify the symptoms of emphysema. Test your lung capacity at home. See your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms. Relieve your symptoms with oxygen therapy. Use bronchodilator medications. Take anti-inflammatory medications. Treat infections with antibiotics. Participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Try nutrition therapy. Ask your doctor about lung volume reduction surgery. Find out if you qualify for a lung transplant.

https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-an-Easily-Disoriented-Older-Dog

How to Protect an Easily Disoriented Older Dog

To protect an easily disoriented older dog, keep an eye on it at all times in case it gets stuck behind something or lost and confused. You should also try your best to stick to the same schedule every day since change can be hard for a disoriented older dog to cope with. For example, try to feed and walk your dog at the same times every day, and walk your dog along the same route each time. Additionally, avoid rearranging the furniture in your home since it could confuse your dog. If your home has stairs, block them with a baby gate so your dog doesn't accidentally fall on them.

Keep your dog inside. A disoriented older dog can easily get confused about where it is. This could be dangerous if your dog is outside and can't remember how to get back inside. Even if your dog gets disoriented when inside, the indoor environment is likely safer than the outdoor environment. Observe your dog’s movements when inside. When your dog is indoors, watch where it goes. Pay attention to if your dog walks into a corner and can't get out, or gets stuck behind a door. These actions could be distressing to your dog. Protect your dog from this distress by gently guiding it out of corners or behind doors. Talk in a soothing voice while you're doing this so your dog can feel safer and more relaxed. Watch your dog when it’s outside. If you have a backyard, keep a close eye on your dog when you let it outside to go to the bathroom. When in the yard, your dog get easily disoriented, forget how to come back to the house, and possibly wander off (if there's no fence). It may help to go out in the yard with your dog so you can guide it back to the house. If your dog wanders off and heads toward the street, it could get hit by a car, which could cause serious injury or be fatal. Do not rearrange your furniture. If your older dog has gotten used to your furniture in a certain way, changing the furniture arrangement could cause your dog to get even more disoriented. Your dog could start bumping into furniture and possibly injuring itself. To help protect your dog from injury due to its disorientation, keep your furniture in the same place. Keep the same daily routine. In older dogs, brain function starts to decrease due to a buildup of a protein called amyloid. With your dog's brain not working so well, it could have a hard time adjusting to change. If your older dog gets easily disoriented, changes to its routine could be distressing. As much as possible, make sure your dog eats, goes out for walks, and has playtime at about the same time each day. Walk the same route each day. An easily disoriented dog will not have a good sense of direction. When you take your dog out for a walk, consider walking the same route each time. This way, your dog may not get so easily disoriented and distressed when outside. Keep your dog on a leash during the walks so it doesn't wander off when it gets disoriented. Block your dog’s access to stairs. If you have stairs in your home, your older dog could accidentally fall down the stairs if it doesn't know where it's going. Stairs can be very problematic if your dog has seizures, since dogs become very disoriented after seizures and could take a tumble on the stairs. Block your dog's access to the stairs by placing a baby gate at the stairs. Close all windows and doors. When your dog gets disoriented, it could walk through an open door or climb through a window without being fully aware of what it's doing. If your dog manages to get outside, it could wander off into a dangerous situation. Protect your dog by making sure it can't get through any windows or doors. Treat your dog’s vestibular disease. Older dogs commonly get vestibular disease, which causes sudden disorientation and wobbliness for a few days. If your dog has suddenly become very disoriented, take it your vet, who can make a vestibular disease diagnosis and prescribe a sedative to help your dog relax.

Keep your dog inside. Observe your dog’s movements when inside. Watch your dog when it’s outside. Do not rearrange your furniture. Keep the same daily routine. Walk the same route each day. Block your dog’s access to stairs. Close all windows and doors. Treat your dog’s vestibular disease.

https://www.wikihow.com/Saut%C3%A9-Asparagus

How to Sauté Asparagus

To sauté asparagus, start by rinsing 1 pound of asparagus under cold, running water in a colander. Then, use your hands to snap off the woody base of each spear, which shouldn't be eaten. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat, and add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter. Once the fat is heated, transfer the asparagus to the pan and cook for 2-5 minutes, adding salt and pepper to taste. Try lemon garlic, bacon with shallots, or mushroom variations to add extra flavor.

Rinse and snap the ends off of 1 pound (450 g) of asparagus. Get out the asparagus and run it under cool running water. Then set the asparagus on your work surface. Hold an asparagus spear with both hands and bend it near the woody base. Keep bending until the asparagus snaps. Repeat this for all the asparagus and discard the ends. While you could use a knife to trim the asparagus, it will be harder to locate where the woody portion ends and the tender part begins. Use asparagus that is uniform in thickness so they all sauté evenly. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and add the asparagus. Set a large skillet on the stove and pour in 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of extra-virgin olive oil. Turn the heat to medium-high and lay the asparagus in the pan when the oil shimmers. Try arranging the asparagus so about half of the tips are pointing in 1 direction while the other half are pointing the opposite direction. This will help them fit in a single layer. Cook the spears for 3 to 5 minutes and turn them occasionally. Use tongs to turn the asparagus every once in a while so they sauté evenly. The asparagus should soften a little, but still be crisp in the center. Add 3 to 4 minced cloves of garlic and cook it for 30 seconds. Peel and finely chop the garlic. Scoop it into the skillet and toss it with the asparagus. Let the garlic cook with the asparagus for 30 seconds. The garlic should become fragrant. Avoid cooking the garlic for more than 30 seconds because it can burn quickly. Turn off the heat and season the asparagus with lemon, salt, and pepper. Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter or just take the skillet off of the hot burner. Pour the juice of 1 lemon over the asparagus. Sprinkle the zest of the lemon, salt, and pepper according to your taste over the asparagus. Serve the asparagus immediately. If you'd like to add Parmesan cheese, sprinkle 1 tablespoon (5 g) of grated cheese on top. Store leftover sautéed asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the asparagus will continue to soften as it's stored. Rinse the asparagus and trim away the woody ends. Get out 1 pound (450 g) of asparagus and run the stalks under cold water to remove dirt and sand. Place the asparagus on your work surface and hold 1 stalk between both hands. Bend it until it snaps near the woody base. Discard the woody base and trim the remaining stalks of asparagus. Cut the asparagus into 2 to 3 in (5 to 7.5 cm) pieces. Use a sharp knife to cut the stalks into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside on your work surface while you cook the bacon. Fry 4 slices of chopped bacon over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Put the chopped bacon into a large skillet and then turn the heat to medium. Stir and cook the bacon until it's crisp. Since bacon can vary in thickness depending on brand, you may need to cook your bacon for more time. Remove the bacon and leave 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of bacon grease. Use a slotted spoon to scoop the fried bacon out of the skillet. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate so the fat drains. Pour out all but 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of the bacon grease from the skillet. Drain the bacon grease into a heatproof container that you can refrigerate or dispose of. Put the shallot and asparagus pieces into the skillet. Keep the burner on medium and add 1 sliced shallot to the skillet. Stir in the pieces of asparagus so they're coated with the bacon grease and they mix with the shallots. Sauté and stir the asparagus frequently for 7 minutes. The shallot should turn golden brown and the asparagus will soften a little. Keep in mind that the center of the asparagus will still have a little bite. Stir in the bacon, salt, and pepper. Put the fried bacon back in the skillet with the asparagus and shallot. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) of kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon (0.2 g) of black pepper. If you'd like to heat the bacon back up, turn the heat up to medium-high for about 30 seconds. Turn off the burner and stir in the vinegar. Pour 1 ⁄ 2 teaspoons (7.4 ml) of white wine vinegar into the skillet and stir it into the asparagus mixture. Serve the asparagus with bacon and shallot immediately. Refrigerate the leftover asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bacon and asparagus will soften as they're stored. Rinse and trim the woody ends from the asparagus. Run cold water over 1 pound (450 g) of asparagus to rinse away dirt and sand. Put the asparagus on your work surface and hold 1 stalk between both of your hands. Bend the stalk until it snaps near the woody base. Throw away the woody base and trim the woody ends from the remaining stalks. Slice the asparagus into 2 to 3 in (5 to 7.5 cm) pieces. Take a sharp knife and cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces. Set the asparagus aside while you slice the mushrooms and shallots. Slice 3 shallots and sauté them over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of coconut or olive oil into a large skillet and turn the burner to medium. Once the oil shimmers, add the sliced shallots to the oil. Stir and cook the shallots until they soften. The shallots should become fragrant once they've softened. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook them for 1 minutes. Mince 2 to 3 cloves of garlic and stir them into the skillet along with 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of red pepper flakes. Let the garlic cook just until you can smell it. If you prefer spicier vegetables, add more red pepper flakes. Stir in the broth, mushrooms, asparagus, salt, and pepper. Pour ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of chicken or vegetable broth into the skillet and add the chopped asparagus. You'll also need to slice 8 to 12 ounces (225 to 900 g) of mushrooms and add them to the skillet along with salt and pepper to taste. Use 1 type of mushroom or a mix if you enjoy variety. Cover and cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat. Put the lid on your skillet and let the vegetables cook until the asparagus softens a little. You don't need to stir the mixture as it cooks in the broth. Cook the asparagus mixture uncovered for 2 minutes. Take the lid off of the skillet and keep the heat at medium. Let the asparagus mixture cook so most of the broth is absorbed. You can stir the asparagus occasionally with tongs or a spoon. Scatter Parmesan cheese over the asparagus mixture and serve it. Turn off the burner once the asparagus has softened. Sprinkle 1/2 cup (50 g) of grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus and mushrooms in the skillet. Serve the vegetable mixture immediately. If you'd like the cheese to brown, put the pan a few inches under a broiler. Broil the cheese until it turns golden brown. Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the asparagus and mushrooms will continue to soften as they're stored.

Rinse and snap the ends off of 1 pound (450 g) of asparagus. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and add the asparagus. Cook the spears for 3 to 5 minutes and turn them occasionally. Add 3 to 4 minced cloves of garlic and cook it for 30 seconds. Turn off the heat and season the asparagus with lemon, salt, and pepper. Rinse the asparagus and trim away the woody ends. Cut the asparagus into 2 to 3 in (5 to 7.5 cm) pieces. Fry 4 slices of chopped bacon over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the bacon and leave 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of bacon grease. Put the shallot and asparagus pieces into the skillet. Sauté and stir the asparagus frequently for 7 minutes. Stir in the bacon, salt, and pepper. Turn off the burner and stir in the vinegar. Rinse and trim the woody ends from the asparagus. Slice the asparagus into 2 to 3 in (5 to 7.5 cm) pieces. Slice 3 shallots and sauté them over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook them for 1 minutes. Stir in the broth, mushrooms, asparagus, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat. Cook the asparagus mixture uncovered for 2 minutes. Scatter Parmesan cheese over the asparagus mixture and serve it.

https://www.wikihow.com/Raise-Baby-Birds

How to Raise Baby Birds

If you want to raise baby birds, remember it's best not to touch wild birds unless you're sure they've been abandoned. For domestic birds, hand feed babies with an eye dropper, using a formula designed for their species. Even if the parents are taking care of the feeding, handling the babies several times a day will help them become comfortable with humans. When your baby birds begin to pick things up with their mouths, start introducing soft foods like fruits, vegetables, and cooked grains into their diet.

Create a nest box. If you are breeding birds, you should create a nest box before the female is ready to lay her eggs. Any wood box that is wide enough for the birds to turn around in and deep enough that the adults will not be able to kick all of the nesting material out of the box will do. Nesting boxes can be wood or metal. Wood provides more warmth, but metal is easier to clean. Fill the nest box almost to the top with pine or aspen shavings. The adults will probably kick some of the nesting material out, but this is fine as long as some remains. Placing the nest box on the outside of the cage will make it easier for you to interact with the babies when they hatch. Once the eggs hatch, you will need to replace the soiled wood shavings on a daily basis. Keep an eye on the parents. Watch the parents carefully both before and after the eggs hatch. They are typically capable of caring for the babies, but you may need to intervene if the babies are in danger. If the parents are not sitting on the fertilized eggs, you may need to place the eggs in an incubator to help them hatch. If the parents are not feeding one of the babies, they may have rejected it because it is too weak. If this happens, you will probably need to take the baby away from the parents and raise it yourself. You can try reintroducing it to the parents after it has become stronger, but be sure to continue watching them closely. Be on the lookout for parents (especially fathers) who pluck the babies' feathers. This can mutilate or even kill the baby bird if done aggressively enough. If you notice this, move the parent to a different cage. You can try letting the parent visit the babies during feeding times, but only if it does not continue to pluck the babies' feathers. Decide if you will hand feed the babies. If you want to get your baby birds used to being handled by humans, you can begin hand feeding them at around two to four weeks of age, depending on the species. You can buy formulas that are specifically designed for the species of bird you are raising and feed them using an eye dropper, syringe, or spoon. The amount you feed them will depend on the birds' species and size. Be extremely careful not to feed baby birds anything that is too hot, or you may cause serious burns. The ideal formula temperature for cockatiels is 104-106 degrees Fahrenheit. You do not need to hand feed baby birds unless the parents do not appear to be feeding them. If you allow the parents to continue feeding them until they are weaned, the babies will develop better social skills to interact with other birds. If you start hand feeding them, they will become more tame around humans. Starting to hand feed baby birds before this time will probably not make any difference in their tameness. They will also miss out on the healthy bacteria that is introduced into their digestive systems by their parents in the first few weeks. If you do not hand feed the babies and allow the parents to continue feeding them, be sure to provide more seed and fresh foods than you normally would. If you notice the parents pacing around the cage, they may not have enough food. Be sure to clean any excess food off of the baby bird's feathers and out of its mouth using a sterile cloth or cotton swab and warm water. This will prevent bacteria buildup. You can also use a small amount of Citricidal to clean the feathers. Note that if you buy a bird at a pet store, it should be old enough to feed itself, so you will not need to hand feed it at all. Handle the babies. Even if you choose not to hand feed your baby birds, you can still get them used to human contact simply by handling them regularly. Begin handling them several times a day for about 15 minutes per session, starting when they are about 12 days old. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling the babies. They are very susceptible to bacteria when they are young. Handling the babies for too long will cause them to become cold and tired, so stick to short sessions. Give the babies lots of love by cradling them in your palms, stroking them, and talking to them. Use a brooder. If you want or need to raise the babies entirely away from their parents, you will need to use a brooder to keep them warm. You can set one up by placing a heating pad partially under the container you are keeping them in, and then covering the container with a towel to keep the heat in. The temperature should be 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit for babies that have pin feathers, 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit for babies that are fully feathered, and 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit for babies that are fully weaned. If you are using a heating pad to heat your container, be sure to place it only partially under the container so that the babies can escape the heat if it gets too hot. An aquarium makes and ideal container. You can also purchase special brooders or brooder tops that are designed to heat aquariums. Line your container with a soft material like toilet paper, paper towels, or cotton diapers. Be sure to change the lining material after each feeding. If you raise the baby birds away from their parents, it is best to allow them to socialize with them from time to time. Wean the babies. Whether you have been hand feeding your baby birds or allowing the parents to feed them, you will need to start introducing them to weaning foods when they become old enough. The exact age will depend upon the species. You will know they are ready for weaning when they begin to pick things up with their mouths. Don't force the babies to wean if they're not ready. It may take several weeks for them to complete the transition. Be sure to continue hand feeding or allowing the parents to feed until the babies begin to refuse this type of feeding. If their necks are pumping and they are making noises, they are begging for food. You can buy weaning pellets to feed your baby birds during them time. You can moisten them to make easier to eat. You can also start introducing other soft foods, like fruits, vegetables, and cooked grains. If possible, move each baby to its own cage during the weaning process. This will result in optimal bonding with humans. Understand what's best for the bird. In almost all circumstances, it is in a wild bird's best interest to be raised by its parents. Being raised by humans has numerous disadvantages for the bird, especially if you intend on releasing it back into the wild, so be sure not to intervene unless necessary. A bird that is raised by humans will miss out on important social interactions with other birds, and may not be able to pick up everything it missed. A bird that is raised by humans will not learn many of the survival skills its parents would have taught it, such as how to find food or how to spot a predator. This will decrease the bird's chances of being able to survive in the wild. A bird raised by humans is likely to exhibit no fear of humans, which could get it into trouble with people who are not familiar with the bird. Check for injuries. Whenever you find a baby bird, you should determine whether it is injured. If so, contact a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator right away. Signs of injury include bleeding, wings that are drooping or twerked up, an inability to flutter its wings, shivering, and falling over. It is fine to handle the baby bird. It is not true that its parents will reject it if it has been handled by humans. Be sure to always wash your hands before and after handling a bird. If the bird was in another animal's mouth (like your cat or dog), you should assume that it is injured and get medical help for it. It may need antibiotics to protect it against dangerous bacteria acquired from the other animal, even if its skin isn't broken. Do not assume that a bird is injured just because it can't fly or seems slightly clumsy. Birds typically leave their nests before the are completely able to fly. This is a normal part of the learning experience for them. Determine if it is a nestling or fledgling. If you have determined that the bird is not injured, the next step is to determine whether it is a fledgling, which means it is learning to fly, or a nestling, which means it should still be in its nest. Fledglings may not be able to fly, but they should be able to grip firmly on your finger or another perch. Nestlings will not be able to do this. You can also identify a nestling by its lack of feathers. If you find a less than fully-feathered bird on the ground, it is probably too young to be there. Return nestlings to the nest. If you have found a nestling that has fallen from its nest, the best possible thing you can do for the bird is to return it to its nest as soon as possible. Look in nearby trees and bushes closely, keeping in mind that the nest may be somewhat hidden. If you can't find the nest, you can create a new nest for the bird by placing it in a small basket or container and hanging it from or nailing it to a tree. Make sure the container has holes in the bottom for drainage and is lined with paper or cloth to prevent the bird from slipping. Remove fledglings from immediate danger. If you have determined that the bird you have found is a fledgling, you do not need to return it to its nest, but you should remove it from any danger that it might be in. This includes moving it out of a road or placing it in a tree if there are predators nearby. If the bird is not in immediate danger, there's nothing for you to do. Simply leave the bird alone and let it learn to fly. If you know that you have fledglings in your yard who are just learning to fly, try to keep your pets out of their way for a few days, and ask your neighbors to do the same. Keep an eye on it. If you have left a fledgling be or returned a nestling to a nest, you may still be concerned about it. If so, it's best to watch it from a distance. Its parents will not return to take care of it if you are there, so give the bird some space and wait to see if they come back for the baby. Parents should return to their babies within two hours, but they may not stay long. If you have been watching the bird and the parents do not return, you may consider intervening. Create a safe nest. You will need to house your baby bird in some kind of small container. A small box or bowl will suffice. Be sure to line the nest with a soft material like toilet paper to make it more comfortable. Make sure there is enough bedding in the nest that the bird can prop himself up to defecate over the edge of the container. Keep the nest in a dark, quiet place. Too much light can damage the baby bird's eyes, and too much noise can scare it. Keep it warm. If you are caring for a nestling, it is extremely important to make sure that it stays warm. You can do this by placing a heating pad under the bird's container and then covering it with a towel to keep the heat in. Keep the heating pad on low to avoid burning the bird. It is a good idea to leave at least a small portion of the container off of the heating pad so the bird can escape if it gets too hot. If you don't have a heating pad, you can fill an old sock with rice and microwave it until it is warm to the touch, but not hot. If you have a heating lamp, you can use this, with a 40 watt bulb placed at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) from the bird, as a heater. If you place the bird's nest inside an aquarium, you will simulate an incubator. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Once you have made sure that the baby bird is safe and warm, contact a wildlife rehabilitator to finish raising it. A trained professional will be much better prepared to care for this baby bird than you will. It is important to understand just how labor-intensive it is to raise a baby bird when deciding whether or not to contact a wildlife rehabilitator. They need to be fed approximately every 30 minutes, so it is a very big commitment. If you can't locate a wildlife rehabilitator by searching online, you can try contacting your local game warden or conservation department. You can also try calling vets in your area. Even if they are not able to take the baby birds, they may be able to refer you to a local wildlife rehabilitator. Consider offering food. The decision to provide food or water for your baby bird will depend on how long you must care for it before you can get it to a wildlife rehabilitator. If you do not need to provide food, it is best not to, as all birds have different dietary requirements, and feeding a bird the wrong thing can be very bad for it. If the bird has reddish skin or if you pinch the skin on the back of its neck and it doesn't spring back right away, it is probably dehydrated. If the bird is debilitated or dehydrated, do not attempt to provide food, even if it appears hungry. Never try to put water in a bird's mouth. The bird can aspirate the water and die. If you need to provide water, you can try giving it a small amount of dog kibble that has been soaked in water until it is soft. Decide if you will attempt to release the bird. It is important to decide from the beginning whether or not you will attempt to release the bird back into the wild from the very beginning. If you plan on keeping it as a pet for its whole life, you will probably want it to become tame, but if you are planning on releasing it, this tameness may inhibit its survival. If you plan on keeping the bird, handle it as you would any other pet. If you plan on releasing the bird, it is best to avoid handling it except when it is absolutely necessary. This means keeping children and pets away from the bird as well. A single baby bird under two weeks old will always imprint on its caretaker (see that person as its mother and become very attached), so it is best to surrender these birds to professionals who can care for them for the rest of their lives. If you have multiple baby birds, it may be possible to keep them from imprinting on you by staying away from them as much as possible. This will greatly increase their chances of survival in the wild. If you plan on releasing the bird, it's best to give it plenty of time outside, or at least in a place where it can see and hear the outside world. This will help it learn more about its environment. Provide food and water. Food and water requirements vary from species to species, so it is extremely important that you find out what kind of bird you are dealing with before you attempt to feed it. Once you have figured out what kind of food your bird needs, you can feed it by placing small amounts of food on the end of a drinking straw. Try cutting one side of the straw of at the end so that it resembles a scoop. Depending on the species of bird you are dealing with, you may feed it moistened dog kibble, seeds, or meal worms. If in doubt, ask a veterinarian what the appropriate diet for your bird would be. Never feed a bird bread or milk. Many birds get their water from the food they eat, rather than from drinking. The bird will be able to eat entirely on its own when it is between six and 10 weeks old, but you can begin providing small amount of food in the cage at four weeks to help it get used to the idea of self-feeding. Get a cage. Once the bird is able to get out of its box, you will need to put it in a cage. Get as large of a cage as you can so your bird has room to move around. Try to expose your bird to sunlight, either by placing the cage outside for part of the day or by placing it near a window. If you cannot offer exposure to natural sunlight, try using an artificial sun lamp. Provide toys, like plastic wiffle balls, for your bird to play with. Perches are also important. Be sure to allow the bird enough time out of the cage to practice flying. The bird will not need any instruction, but it will need to work at it for a while in order to become a proficient flier. Release the bird. Once your bird is able to fly and eat on its own, you can consider releasing it back into the wild. Let the bird make the decision to leave the nest for good on its own. You can do this by bringing the cage outside and opening it, allowing the bird to come and go as it pleases. It may return to the cage the first few times or it may leave right away.

Create a nest box. Keep an eye on the parents. Decide if you will hand feed the babies. Handle the babies. Use a brooder. Wean the babies. Understand what's best for the bird. Check for injuries. Determine if it is a nestling or fledgling. Return nestlings to the nest. Remove fledglings from immediate danger. Keep an eye on it. Create a safe nest. Keep it warm. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Consider offering food. Decide if you will attempt to release the bird. Provide food and water. Get a cage. Release the bird.

https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Bermuda-Grass

How to Kill Bermuda Grass

To kill Bermuda grass, start by mowing the grass so it's easier to get at the roots. Then, use a hand trowel to dig into the grass below the root level. Once you've gone under the root with the trowel, pull out the clump of grass with the root attached, and toss it in a bag. When you're finished pulling out all of the grass, sift through the soil to make sure there aren't any remaining roots. For large patches of Bermuda grass, you may want to smother the grass with cardboard and mulch instead.

Pull up the heaviest growth by hand. Before you can choke out the creeping grass, you'll need to remove as much as possible from the affected area. Grab a handful of leaves near the soil and pull them up firmly until you dislodge the underlying root system. Clearing the ground will give you a head start over new growth, making your cover more effective. Use a leaf bag or wheelbarrow to dispose of the stripped Bermuda grass to prevent spreading small pieces to other parts of your lawn. You should throw it in the trash rather than the compost in order to prevent it from spreading. If you don't want to hand pull the grass, you could try mowing the lawn very short, which will help. Cover the bare patch with 2-3 layers of cardboard. The cardboard acts as an insulator to keep the root system cut off from sunlight, moisture, and nutrients. For the kind of growth that pops up on most lawns, 2 stacked sheets ought to be enough. If you have a serious overgrowth problem, it may be necessary to use 3 layers. Most home improvement centers sell parcels of cut cardboard for a few dollars apiece. For a more economical alternative, look for boxes that have been thrown out or recycled. Overlap the edges of each section to keep new grass from popping up between the cardboard. If you don't have cardboard, you could use several layers of wet newspaper instead. You might also have success using landscaping fabric in place of cardboard to achieve the same effect in areas with sparse ground cover. Shovel mulch on top of the cardboard. Pile the mulch about 5-6” thick. That way, you'll still be able to plant smaller flowers and shrubs without having to risk exposing the root system of the Bermuda grass. Once the mulch is in place, tamp it down lightly with the flat edge of a shovel or trowel to compact it. Any conventional gardening mulch will do, or go with an all-organic mixture of arborist's waste and compost. Allow up to 2-6 months for the cover to finish off the roots. In the meantime, avoid disturbing either the mulch or the underlying cardboard as much as possible. After an extended time without water, sunlight, and nutrients, the Bermuda grass will no longer be able to survive. Light cover will typically be wiped out within a couple months—thicker patches may require a little more patience. If you want to see how the buffer is working, dig down to a small section of the cardboard and peel it back so you can take a peek underneath. Remove as much grass as you can. Mow the Bermuda grass down close to the ground, or pull out small sections by hand. Doing away with the bulk of the grass slows its growth considerably, giving the landscaping fabric the time it needs to be effective. Shorter grass is less likely to cause uneven bunching beneath the fabric, as well. Place a sheet of landscaping fabric over the affected area. Unroll the sheet and stretch it out over the part of your lawn or flowerbed where growth is heaviest. Make sure the sheet is lying smooth and flat. Landscaping fabric is the best ground cover option for broad areas where Bermuda grass is coming in thick. Cut the sheet as needed to fit better over narrow or oddly-shaped areas. Be careful not to tear, wrinkle, or damage the landscaping fabric in any way while you're handling it. Cut holes in the landscaping fabric to make room for your plants. Use a pair of scissors or a utility knife to open up the fabric enough to accommodate whatever you may already have growing. If you think you might want to add new plants in the future, wait until you're actually ready to plant to make holes for them. This reduces the number of places where new grass might come up. Don't make the holes any bigger than they need to be to fit around your plants. If you do, you may soon discover that new Bermuda grass has sprouted in the intervening space. Only cut holes for shrubs and other perennials. Caring for annuals forces you to remove the landscaping fabric too frequently. Cover the landscaping fabric with a layer of mulch. Spread the mulch 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) thick. This should be deep enough to allow you to plant new additions later. Leave 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) around the base of your plants to avoid crowding the roots and stem structures. Select a mulch mixture that contains the moisture and nutrients your existing plants need to flourish. Inspect the area around the fabric periodically for new grass. The dense material will stifle the underlying root growth within about 6-8 weeks. In the meantime, keep an eye on the edges and openings to make sure no new grass has found its way through. Strip any stray leaves you happen to come across manually. Landscaping fabric is a quicker alternative to cardboard-and-mulch ground cover. However, it can create more opportunities for stubborn grass to continue spreading if not correctly installed and maintained. You should not plant a lawn over landscaping fabric. Mow the Bermuda grass. Clip the grass just above the level of the soil to remove as much growth as possible. The less you have to contend with starting off, the easier it will be to knock out. Hand-strip or run a weedeater over narrow sections where a lawnmower won't fit. This method tends to work best in the summertime, or in regions with hot, dry climates that receive an abundance of direct sunlight. Stretch a sheet of clear plastic over the overgrown patches. Lay the plastic flat over the affected area, making sure there are no wrinkles or creases. The transparent plastic will magnify the sun's rays, harnessing its heat to literally burn out the thriving grass. For larger areas, it may be necessary to use multiple overlapping sheets. If necessary, cut the sheeting to the correct size and shape to fit the part of your lawn overrun by the Bermuda grass. Gardeners and landscaping specialists often referred to the process of using concentrated UV light to wipe out invasive species as “solarization.” Secure the perimeter of the plastic. Tack down the loose edges with metal gardening stakes, or place heavy stones along the length every few feet. When the plastic is properly anchored, you won't have to worry about scavenging animals or sudden gusts of wind pulling it up. To make doubly sure the plastic stays put, bury the edges under 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) of topsoil. Leave the plastic in place for 4-6 weeks. Every day, the intense heat and light will fry the grass a little more. The remaining leaves dry out and turn brittle, eventually leading to the death of the entire root system. All you have to do is carry on with your gardening as usual and make sure the plastic isn't damaged or loosened. One benefit of using a plastic cover is that you'll be able to monitor its progress without having to temporarily remove it. Mow the grass. You may have to go over the heaviest growth a few times to prepare them for excavation. Clearing away overgrown areas beforehand makes it easier to get at the roots without losing an excessive amount of soil. Dig out the grass below the root. Use a hand trowel to agitate the soil well below root level. Then, pull out the entire root structure in one piece—it should give way with little resistance. Throw the uprooted clumps into a plastic leaf bag or wheelbarrow to keep it away from the ground. Any live roots you miss may find their way back into the loose soil and start the problem up all over again. If you're worried about losing precious soil, place the clumps on a tarp to dry in the sun for a full day, then shake off the soil clinging to the roots and return it to your garden. Sift the soil beneath the grass to eliminate the remaining roots. Inspect the turned soil closely for any root or leaf fragments that may have been left behind. Pick these out by hand whenever you come across them. Make sure there are no visible traces left when you're done. Keep a close watch on your lawn or garden in the coming weeks to look for signs that a new crop of Bermuda grass might be replacing the old. Digging out a sea of Bermuda grass one handful at a time can be tedious, but it's one of the most meticulous and cost-effective ways to guarantee that you've gotten rid of it for good. Purchase some glyphosate. Glyphosate, an active ingredients in weed killers like Roundup, is a popular choice for halting the spread of invasive ground covers like Bermuda grass. Look for the herbicide at your local gardening store or home improvement center. It is typically sold as a spray, making it easy to coat an entire section of the lawn with relative ease. Keep in mind that glyphosate is not a selective herbicide—this means that it's harmful to any type of plant it comes into contact with, not just weed-like species like Bermuda grass. Remember that glyphosate is toxic, so you should use it with care. Make sure that you follow all of the instructions on the label and wear protective equipment. Water your lawn thoroughly 1-2 weeks before applying the herbicide. Sweep a garden hose on low pressure over the Bermuda grass twice a day for just long enough to wet it. A good watering helps the leaves grow green and lush. This is desirable because chemical herbicides are often absorbed through the leaves rather than the roots. If you use a sprinkler system for irrigation, set it to douse the grass in regular intervals. The best time to use herbicides to beat back belligerent Bermuda grass is during the spring and summer months, when the leaves are readily soaking up the most nutrients. Spray the Bermuda grass with the glyphosate. Coat the affected area evenly with a heavy misting of the herbicide. As it soaks into the leaves, it will begin to break down the enzymes the Bermuda grass relies on to grow. Allow the grass to dry naturally, and avoid mowing or irrigating for the next several days. Follow the instructions on the label carefully to make sure you're deploying the chemical safely and correctly. It's a good idea to wear gloves and a strap on a facemask or respirator to protect your airways when working with glyphosate. Repeat as many times as needed until the grass dies off. Bermuda grass is a particularly persistent and resilient species, which means one round of herbicide will rarely do the trick. Continue treating your lawn once a week to combat the grass's ability to spread. You may need to repeat the process up to 5 times to neutralize it completely. Look for Bermuda grass to dry out and begin turning brown as it dies. Be sure to survey other places nearby where Bermuda grass may be growing unseen. Keep in mind that using herbicides will make it difficult for future plantings to thrive. It's best to wait at least 2 months before planting anything in treated soil.

Pull up the heaviest growth by hand. Cover the bare patch with 2-3 layers of cardboard. Shovel mulch on top of the cardboard. Allow up to 2-6 months for the cover to finish off the roots. Remove as much grass as you can. Place a sheet of landscaping fabric over the affected area. Cut holes in the landscaping fabric to make room for your plants. Cover the landscaping fabric with a layer of mulch. Inspect the area around the fabric periodically for new grass. Mow the Bermuda grass. Stretch a sheet of clear plastic over the overgrown patches. Secure the perimeter of the plastic. Leave the plastic in place for 4-6 weeks. Mow the grass. Dig out the grass below the root. Sift the soil beneath the grass to eliminate the remaining roots. Purchase some glyphosate. Water your lawn thoroughly 1-2 weeks before applying the herbicide. Spray the Bermuda grass with the glyphosate. Repeat as many times as needed until the grass dies off.

https://www.wikihow.com/Feed-Puppies

How to Feed Puppies

To feed puppies, start by giving them small amounts of kibble soaked in water 4 times a day once they're around 4 weeks old. After 3 months, switch to 3 meals a day, and by 6 months, feed them twice a day. Try to feed the puppies in a quiet spot away from other animals so they don't develop guarding behavior that can become dangerous later on. Additionally, make sure they have access to clean, fresh water throughout the day.

Learn about a puppy’s nutritional needs. Puppies have a lot of growing to do, so their bodies require more calcium, protein, and calories than an adult dog. Therefore, it is essential to feed your puppy food that is meant for puppies and identified on the label as food for "Growth". It is difficult to provide a balanced homemade diet for puppies, because they have such specific nutritional requirements and must have the correct balance of calcium and phosphorus in their food. The calcium to phosphorus ratio in puppy food needs to be within the range of 1:1 to 1:5 to help the puppy develop strong bones and teeth. Getting the ratio wrong at a young age means the puppy may have irreparable damage to their adult teeth, and may also have stunted bone growth. Choose a brand of dog food that uses high-quality ingredients. The first ingredients on the list should be a meat protein like “chicken” or “beef' and not a grain like “corn” or “wheat.” The caloric content of the food is often found on the manufacturer's website and not on the bag. There will be information on the protein, fat and fiber in the nutrient analysis section. Most puppies are fed a diet in the mid 20 to 30% protein range.[8] When it comes to choosing any food, make sure you look at the list of ingredients. If it contains chemicals and ingredients you can't pronounce, don't give it to your puppy. Labelling regulations mean the contents are listed in order of quantity. Thus look for high quality ingredients, such as meat. The type of meat should be listed such as "Beef" or "Chicken" etc. Be wary of "meat meal" because this means meat by-products such as offal or skin and is lower quality. Use a body condition scoring system (BCS). A BCS will help you determine whether your puppy or adult dog is at a healthy weight. A dog that is neither under nor overweight will have ribs that are not visible, but easily palpated with the flat of your hand. It will also have a nice waist just in front of the hips and a flank tuck when viewed from the side. Provide the right amount of food. The amount of food that you feed a puppy has an impact on its lifespan. Puppies that are overweight in their first year of life may potentially die 2 - 3 years ahead of their lean littermates. Use the suggested feeding quantities on your puppy's food package as a starting point, but then assess your puppy's body score on a weekly basis. Each puppy is different and so the amount of food you need to feed them is very different. The amount you give the puppy is dependent on how many calories it needs to stay at a healthy weight and size. Adjust your puppy's food up or down by small amounts (such as 5 - 10 %) when you need to make changes. This fine tuning helps to prevent the puppy's weight from see-sawing up and down. Talk to your veterinarian. If you want to make sure that you are feeding your puppy the right type and amount of food, talk to your veterinarian. The dog food bag may offer some guidelines, but it is impossible for the dog food manufacturer to be able to tailor their recommendations for each individual dog. Your veterinarian may be able to make a recommendation based on your puppy's specific needs. Let your puppies nurse for the first four weeks. The milk the puppy's mother produces contains the exact combination of nutrients it needs to grow healthy and strong. It should make up the entire diet for the first four weeks after birth. If you actually bred the litter and have the puppies and the mother dog, the introduction of “dog food” typically starts around one month of age. If you try to wean the puppy too early, his health will be compromised. If possible, let your puppies watch their mother eating. Puppies like to copy and they will understand what to do much better by following her example. Introduce small quantities of puppy food at four weeks of age. Puppy kibble provided three to four times per day will allow the puppies to start investigating and ingesting the new food. Soak the kibble in water or puppy formula. The puppies will start licking and eating the new food as they become more familiar with the taste and new texture. The puppies will also walk through the food and make a mess. You will need to keep on top of keeping things clean. Make sure the new food is designed for puppies. Be consistent with the type of food you give your puppy. If you are bringing home a new puppy, stick with the same brand your puppy was fed by the previous owner for a few weeks before deciding to change to a different food. Food changes should be done gradually over a week or two to prevent stomach upset and possible diarrhea. Add in small amounts (about 10%) of new food to the old diet until you reach 100% new food. Unless your veterinarian recommends an abrupt change in diet, take your time. Feed your puppy his special food and nothing else. It might be tempting to give your puppy enticing foods like bacon or ham from the table, but do not get into the habit of doing this. Table scraps will often make your puppy vomit or give him diarrhea. Giving your puppy table scraps may also lead to obesity and even pancreatitis. Bear in mind that the more people food you give your puppy, the more he'll want, so it can interfere with training and even cause behavior problems. Consult your veterinarian about dog safe supplemental feeding. Low fat options include vegetables (green beans, carrots, broccoli, etc.) or tofu or skinless chicken breast. Remember, everything in moderation and you have to be cautious of creating a picky eater. Watch for the signs of low blood sugar in small breeds. Toy and miniature breed puppies are predisposed to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). In extremely rare instances, the puppy's blood sugar can drop and the puppy will be lethargic. In severe cases, the puppy can start having seizures. This is an emergency and you need to take your puppy to the veterinarian immediately. You can try rubbing Karo syrup on the gums to help, but still take your puppy to your veterinarian. Providing access to food all the time or every 3-4 hours for the first 6 months of life for toy breed puppies will help prevent dietary based hypoglycemia. For larger breed puppies, feeding three times per day is generally sufficient. Provide fresh water with your puppy's food. Fresh water should be provided for your puppy at all times; there's no need for a schedule. Refill your puppy's water dish often and wash it out once per day to keep it clean. Bring a bottle of water and a collapsible dish with you when you travel. Set aside a quiet area for your puppy to eat. Puppies need a quiet area to eat their food. Make sure that your puppy has a nice quiet space to eat and prevent other animals from getting to your puppy's food bowl. If your puppy feels threatened while eating, he may start guarding his food bowl. This resource guarding behavior can escalate and become dangerous to you and others. Try placing your puppy's food and water bowls in a quiet corner of your kitchen or at the end of a hallway. Make sure that your puppy can access his food and water bowls with ease. Feed your puppy at the same time every day. Puppies are like babies in that they like to stick to a schedule. Meal feeding also helps with house training, since the puppy will need to relieve itself on a schedule. Bear in mind that a puppy has a small stomach and he cannot take in his calorie requirements for the day in two large meals. However, as he grows his stomach expands relative to his frame and he can cope with larger, less frequent meals. If your puppy is under 3 months of age, then feed him 4 meals a day. If your puppy is between 3 - 6 months of age, then feed him 3 meals a day (4 for toy breeds). If your puppy is 6 months or over, feed him 2 meals a day. Make arrangements if you will not be home to feed your puppy. If you are often not home during the day, you'll need a way to feed your puppy while you are gone. For example, you could come home at lunch or arrange for a neighbor to feed your puppy in the middle of the day. You can also purchase feeders that operate on a timer that will make food available at certain times during the day. This schedule will only be for a few months, then you can feed morning and night when your puppy is older. Take your puppy to his potty place after he finishes eating. Most puppies need to eliminate 15-20 minutes after eating a meal, so it is a good idea to get into the habit of taking your puppy to go potty right after he finishes eating. Doing so will help prevent accidents in the house and teach your puppy good bathroom habits.

Learn about a puppy’s nutritional needs. Choose a brand of dog food that uses high-quality ingredients. Use a body condition scoring system (BCS). Provide the right amount of food. Talk to your veterinarian. Let your puppies nurse for the first four weeks. Introduce small quantities of puppy food at four weeks of age. Be consistent with the type of food you give your puppy. Feed your puppy his special food and nothing else. Watch for the signs of low blood sugar in small breeds. Provide fresh water with your puppy's food. Set aside a quiet area for your puppy to eat. Feed your puppy at the same time every day. Make arrangements if you will not be home to feed your puppy. Take your puppy to his potty place after he finishes eating.

https://www.wikihow.com/Say-Good-Morning-in-Spanish

How to Say Good Morning in Spanish

To say “Good morning” in Spanish, use “buenos días” for a standard greeting. You can also simply say “buenas,” which will be understood as good morning if you say it in the morning. If you're in a Latin American country and want to be more casual, say “bien día” when you're talking to friends. Alternatively, to greet a child or loved one who is still in bed, try “arriva!”, which literally means up. When you need to greet someone more formally, add their title, such as señor for Mr. or señora for Mrs., after “Buenos días.” You can also add the expression “a todos“ after “buenos días” if you're greeting a group of people.

Use "buenos días" (boo-EHN-ohs DEE-ahs) as a standard morning greeting. If you're learning Spanish in school, this is likely the first phrase you'll learn that means " good morning" in Spanish. Use "buen día" (boo-EHN DEE-ah) in some contexts. In some Latin American countries, such as Puerto Rico and Bolivia, the phrase "buen día" is used for "good morning" in casual, familiar settings. This greeting is extremely informal, and typically considered slang, so the best time to use it is when talking to friends or close acquaintances around your own age. Exclaim "¡buenas! " This short, relatively casual greeting is derived from "buenos días." While you can technically use it at any time of the day, if you used it in the morning it would be understood as "good morning." Pronounce "buenas" as "boo-EHN-ahs." Follow your greeting with the person's title. Just as you would use "sir," "ma'am," or "miss" in English, you can add "señor," "señora," or "señorita" after "buenos días" to greet the person more politely or formally. Señor (sehn-YOR) means "sir" and can be used to address any man, particularly a man who is older than you or in a position of authority. Señora (sehn-YOR-ah) means "ma'am" and should be used with married women or women who are older than you or in a position of authority. Use señorita (sehn-yor-EE-tah), meaning "miss," when you are greeting a younger or unmarried woman, but want to be polite. Use specific names or titles. If you're singling a person out from others, or want to address them by a different title, simply add the word or phrase you want to use after the phrase "buenos días." For example, if you wanted to say good morning to your doctor, you might say "Buenos días, doctor." Address a group with "muy buenos días a todos" (moo-EE boo-EHN-ohs DEE-ahs ah TOH-dohs). If you're speaking in front of an audience or walking up to a large group of people you want to greet all at once, you can use this phrase. A literal translation would be "A very good morning to you all." Since this is a rather formal phrase, use it on more formal occasions. For example, you might begin remarks over a business breakfast meeting by saying "muy buenos días a todos." Exclaim "¡arriba! " The greeting "¡arriba!" (ah-RREE-bah – don't forget to roll the "rr") literally means "up!" It is often used in the morning to greet a sleeping child or loved one and tell them to get out of bed. This greeting is similar to saying "rise and shine" in English. Declare "ya amaneció" (yah ah-mahn-ay-cee-OH). If you want to rouse someone out of bed when they are still asleep, you might use this phrase. A literal translation of this phrase is "already dawn." The idea behind this phrase is that the day has started without whoever is still sleeping, and it's past time for them to get up. Some people might consider this phrase rude, so don't use it with someone unless you're close to them. Ask "¿Cómo amaneció usted? " If you're looking for a polite way to ask someone how their morning has been, you might use "¿Cómo amaneció usted?" (KOH-moh ah-mahn-ay-cee-OH OOH-stehd), which means "How is your morning?" Literally, this question would be translated "How dawned you?" It's similar to asking someone how they felt when they woke up this morning. You also might say "¿Qué tal va tu mañana?" (kay tahl vah too mahn-YAHN-ah), or "How is your morning going?" This question typically works best mid-morning. Use "que tengas buen día" (kay tehn-GAHS boo-EHN DEE-ah) as you're leaving. Although in Spanish you can use the phrase "buenos días" both coming and going, you can also use this phrase, which means "have a good day." You also could say "que tengas un lindo día" (kay tehn-GAHS boo-EHN DEE-ah), which means "have a nice day." This phrase is typically used more casually. In more formal settings, you might use "que tenga buen día" (kay tehn-GAH boo-EHN DEE-ah), which means "I hope you have a good day." Ask someone how they slept. In Spanish, as in English, it's common to ask close friends or family members how they slept the night before, particularly early in the morning. The formal way to say this is "¿Durmió bien?" (door-mee-OH bee-EHN), or "Did you sleep well?" The question "¿Descansaste bien?" (days-cahn-SAHS-tay bee-EHN) is a little more casual. It's better translated as "Did you rest?" or "Did you get some rest?"

Use "buenos días" (boo-EHN-ohs DEE-ahs) as a standard morning greeting. Use "buen día" (boo-EHN DEE-ah) in some contexts. Exclaim "¡buenas! Follow your greeting with the person's title. Use specific names or titles. Address a group with "muy buenos días a todos" (moo-EE boo-EHN-ohs DEE-ahs ah TOH-dohs). Exclaim "¡arriba! Declare "ya amaneció" (yah ah-mahn-ay-cee-OH). Ask "¿Cómo amaneció usted? Use "que tengas buen día" (kay tehn-GAHS boo-EHN DEE-ah) as you're leaving. Ask someone how they slept.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Basketball-Player

How to Be a Good Basketball Player

To be a good basketball player, first you need to master the basics, so do dribbling drills regularly. Start with circle dribbles, using one hand to dribble the ball around your right leg, then switching hands and legs. Next, move on to figure 8 dribbles, bouncing the ball from one hand to the other and dribbling in and out of your legs. Then, do some shooting drills, setting a goal for how many shots out of 10 you'll make from a certain spot on the court, and practicing until you hit your goal.

Improve your ball handling skills. Some experts believe the ability to handle the ball well is the most important skill in the game. You shouldn't have to think too hard about dribbling the ball if you practice a lot. A good way to improve this skill is through dribbling drills. Practice with circle dribbles. In this drill, you use one hand to dribble the ball in circles around your right foot. Then switch to the other hand and leg. Practice dribbling between cones or chairs. Try doing figure 8 dribbles, in which you dribble the ball in and out of your legs, using a figure 8 motion. Bounce the ball from one hand to the other. Practice your dribbling with both hands so you can more easily change directions on the floor. Dribble suicide drills condition you while improving drilling ability. Start at the baseline. Dribble in a sprint to the closest free throw line and back. Then dribble to midcourt line and back. Then dribble to the farthest away free throw line and back. Finally, dribble all the way to the other side of the court and then back. Start at one end of the court. Dribble the entire length of the court and make a layup or a jump shot. Get your own rebound, and do the same thing, moving to the other end of the court. Do this three times as fast as you can. Improve your passing ability. Passing is a skill that basketball players must master. There are two basic ways to pass. One is a chest pass in which you throw the ball to your teammate without it bouncing. The second is a bounce pass, in which you bounce the ball once when throwing it to your teammate. This is the hardest pass for a defender to intercept. Players working on passing abilities might want to play a pickup game that uses no dribbling at all so they can focus more on passing. Practice passing with two hands. This will give you more control over the ball. Put your weight into the pass by stepping into it. This will improve ball speed and control. Aim for your teammates' hands when passing to them. Pass to a specific team member rather than throwing the ball in the direction of their voice. Your thumbs should point down at the end of a pass, and you should follow through. Otherwise, the ball will be harder to catch because it won't have the right back spin. You don't have to pass a ball with great speed. Don't forget the easy pass. If you get too tricky, you might provoke more turnovers. Don't jump when passing. If you do this, you can't land with the ball so it's harder. Move toward the ball when it's being passed to you. That makes it harder for a defender to intercept it. Try to catch it with two hands. Improve your shooting. The shooters get a lot of the glory, and they are obviously critical to the game. But you don't want to be in a situation where people are blocking your shots or you miss a lot of them. That will land you on the bench. Use your fingertips. This helps you maintain proper control of the ball when shooting. Bend your legs and stay small when you begin the shot. Then, spring up, and end tall, with your body straightened and hands up in the air. When players start shooting while standing straight, they can lower their shooting percentage. The legs are critical in shooting. In fact, you should play the entire game with your knees mostly bent. Go for the higher percentage shots. Don't always try to shoot the tricky shots. Figure out which shots are difficult for you to make, and focus on the easier shots. This will make you seem like a better shooter overnight. Point the elbow toward the middle of the rim, and keep it in, as well as your middle finger when you follow through. Finish your shot as if you are dipping your hand into the rim. Proper follow through also means that your fingers should hang down, not be together or pointed. Fully extend your arm at the end of your shot, with your elbow snapping back. And keep your elbow at the level above your eyes when you release the ball. Condition your body. Athleticism makes the difference between a good skill set, and an unstoppable skillset. Speed, quickness, verticality, strength, and stamina can turn any skill deadly just by simply giving you the advantage over an opponent physically. You need to perform practice drills that condition your body in a way that is designed for basketball offensive play, not just exercises like you might do for fun. Coaches look for players with good conditioning - an explosive first step or who can jump 2 feet (0.61 m) in the air. Use a pre-planned workout. There are many basketball conditioning plans that will help you get in shape and improve your stamina. Even 45 minutes three times a week can make a big difference. Some conditioning workouts suggest exercises like skipping rope, sprinting from the free-throw line to the net and slapping the net with the hands, shooting for one minute from different spots on the court, and performing defensive slide moves. Keep your feet moving. A good defender must be quick on the feet and constantly on the move. If you stand still too long on the court, you won't be good at this position. Mentally envision that you've stepped in paint. Ask yourself, how many of your footprints will you see on the court? You want to “paint the floor” by moving a lot and being everywhere. Increase your activity on defense, and you will be more effective. Try for every single ball. Don't keep your eye on the ball – keep your eye on the other player. Otherwise you could be tricked by ball fakes. Maintain eye contact with the player you are guarding. Keep the player away from the baseline and force him or her to the front of the rim. Stay low. Good defenders bend their knees. They spend most of the game moving and crouched low. They should also keep their head lower than the head of the person they are guarding. Keep feet wide apart and legs bent when on defense. Constantly move your feet. It will be easier for an offensive player to get past you if your legs are together or your feet crossed. Keep your nose lower than the nose of the person you are guarding. This way you can react quickly to motion made by your opponent. Standing upright can make a defender lose balance. Your feet should be shoulder length apart, with your knees bent slightly. Put your hand on the ball. If you are careful, you can use this technique to be a better defender without fouling the player you are guarding. If the opponent is holding the ball in shooting position, put your hand on the ball. This will make it harder for them to shoot the ball. If your opponent has the ball below their midsection, put your hand on top of the ball. This will make it harder for them to shoot. Become a better rebounder. Remember no matter how good you are, you are only one player out of five. Rebounding the ball can determine the outcome of games. Your team can't score if it doesn't have possession. Move to the inside position, so you have a better chance at the ball. Don't stand straight. If you squat down, you will have more power in your jump and a better chance at the ball. When you jump for the ball, keep both hands as outstretched as you can. Improve your defensive conditioning. Defenders need to do a lot of running and must stay low to properly guard another player. Defensive endurance training will improve play. Doing a wall sit is a good way to improve your defensive conditioning. All you need to do is find a wall and sit down, as if you were sitting in a chair (but without one). Stand with your back to the wall. Slide down the wall until your knees are in a 90-degree angle with the floor. Hold the position for about 60 seconds when starting out. Try jumping rope with two legs and go as fast as you can. Time and count your jumps so you can track progress. It sounds simple, but jumping rope is a great way to improve your conditioning for basketball. That's because it improves endurance but also agility. Try agility drills. Start on the baseline, right side. Sprint to the top right corner of the free throw line, shuffle to the left corner, backpedal to the baseline and shuffle to where you started. Then, move to the right corner and do the same thing. Boys should be able to do this in 10-14 seconds and girls in 11-15 seconds. Try lower body strength training. Lifting weights will improve your body's overall strength, which is good on defense when you need to get rebounds or block shots. You want to vary exercises, though. Do squats. Take a dumbbell, keep feet flat on the ground and go as low as you can, keeping your thighs parallel to the ground. Try lunges and step ups. Using a barbell or dumbbell, keep your leading foot flat on the ground and your torso erect. Step up on a box and then down again or lunge forward with each leg. Try upper body strength exercises. These exercises are divided into pushes and pulls. You can use bands to help you by putting a foot or knee into a band when doing things like chin-ups or pull-ups if they are hard for you in the beginning. Use a barbell or dumbbell to do bench presses or shoulder presses. To bench press, lie on a weight bench with your feet on the floor. Unlock the bar and lift it with straight arms. Lower it to mid-chest, and then press it upward, locking your elbows. Don't move your butt off the bench. Try to do this in sets of five reps. Use a barbell or dumbbell to perform bicep curls. When doing a bicep curl, you want to stand straight with a dumbbell in each hand. Keep your elbows in close to your body. Make sure your palms face forward. Then curl the dumbbell until the biceps fully contract and dumbbells stop at the shoulder. Now, lower the dumbbells to the starting position, and repeat.. Master the rules. Sometimes younger basketball players forget the game's rules. If you don't know the rules by heart, you will cause problems for your team. A good way to master the rules is by joining a club team when you're young or in the summer in between seasons. If the team on offense has the ball behind the mid-court line, it has 5 seconds to move the ball over the mid-court line or it loses the ball. Knowing a rule like this helps you prevent turnovers. The offensive team can't bring the ball back over the mid-court line once it gets the ball over the mid-court line, or it loses the ball. These are the kinds of rules that smart basketball players know. Study the game. You need to understand everything you can about your position and about court strategy. You are going to get more playing time if you are a strategic player in addition to one with strong technical skills. You can find many training videos on YouTube. Study your past games and those of the competition. What worked? What went wrong? After a game, sit down with your coach. Together, try to come up with one area that you need to improve. Then, work on that area in practice. Find a mentor. You can ask a basketball coach or find a good basketball player who'd be willing to teach you. Different coaches have different philosophies and systems. Figure out yours so you can adapt to it. Maybe they don't want point guards to get more than three turnovers in a game. Whatever their own personal rules are, it's helpful if you learn them. Watch professional and other high-level games to see how the best play the game. Use what you learn in your own game. Understand your role. Don't focus solely on scoring. One mistake young players make is they put all the emphasis on scoring. Focus on how you can add value to your team. Maybe you are a great passer, for example. If you're not good at being a three-point shooter, don't try it much. You should give up the ball to the teammate who's better at that role. Maybe you are a great catch-and-shoot player. Then focus on that. If you are a center, you want to spend your time practicing rebounding and post drills, not dribbling. So figuring out your role also helps you pick the right training exercises. Be mentally tough. Basketball is a mental game, not just a physical one. Some experts say the mental aspects of the game are 70% of it. Coaches look for players with mental toughness. Provide 100 percent effort. Basketball is a game of dedication and persistence. Don't be afraid to be criticized, either. It's how you will learn. Coaches want players who are passionate, determined, who want to get better and who will work hard to do so, and who have the will to prepare to win, not just the will to win. Be aggressive. Coaches look for players who are aggressive and focused on the court and off it. They want someone who will dive on the floor if there is a loose ball and is constantly applying pressure to other players when acting as a defender. Remember it’s a team sport. Basketball consists of two teams, each containing five players each, who try to score by shooting a ball through a hoop that is 10 feet off the ground on each end of the court. Great players elevate their teammates' play when they are on the court. To be a good team player , pass more often, run for an open space to help that teammate being surrounded by the opposite team, help block, help with rebounds, etc. People will like you and will return you the favor!

Improve your ball handling skills. Improve your passing ability. Improve your shooting. Condition your body. Keep your feet moving. Stay low. Put your hand on the ball. Become a better rebounder. Improve your defensive conditioning. Try lower body strength training. Try upper body strength exercises. Master the rules. Study the game. Understand your role. Be mentally tough. Remember it’s a team sport.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-English-Exams

How to Prepare for English Exams

To prepare for an English exam, make flashcards with key concepts, like authors' names, dates, and works, and use them to test yourself. Additionally, try rewriting your lecture notes, since rephrasing material sometimes helps it sink in. Then, once you feel confident about the content, review past exam papers to get an idea of the types of questions you're likely to be asked. You'll also want to take short, 10-minute breaks between study sessions, which shouldn't be longer than 50 minutes each.

Confirm the exam content and form. Before you begin studying, you should confirm which information from your English course will be on the exam. Your syllabus should outline whether it is a unit-specific exam, for example, or a comprehensive exam covering an entire course worth of material. Check your syllabus, and read through your notes to see if your instructor announced any changes in class. Email your instructor or meet with her after class to confirm that you are studying the right material. Try to find out what format the literature exam will be in. If it is short answer or fill-in-the-blank format, you'll have to know the material a little more thoroughly than if it's a multiple choice format. Make sure that you attend class in the days leading up to the exam. Instructors will often do a review session in one of the class periods before an exam. Read your notes. Your notes from class should help you get a general idea of what information your instructor thinks is most relevant or important from the reading assignments. If you've been taking notes while you read the course material or otherwise notating important passages, review those notes and passages as well. If your instructor talked about it in class, it's fair game for the exam. Anything from the relevant readings is also fair game for exam material. Review any supplemental material from class, such as handouts, worksheets, etc. Bring your book to class each week. Reading along while your teacher quotes or references passages can help give you a visual memory of the passages you're likely to be tested on. Take notes on any passages you discuss in class, and reread those passages extensively. You may also wish to highlight or underline any particularly important passages for ease of reference. Create a study guide. As you go back through the book or books your exam will cover, take notes that will outline what you've read. You can make your own comprehensive study guide by reviewing important passages and jotting down the main people, places, and events in the book(s). Make a list of characters and their noteworthy characteristics. Try to get an overall sense of each character's personality, as well as each character's role in the book. Write down the dates or time period (if relevant) and the setting of each major section in the book. Try to get a sense of how the period may have affected the setting, and how both setting and period may affect characters. Jot down any details you learned about the author's life. Try to make connections between what the author experienced (both personally and generally, in his place and time) and what takes place in the book. Try to pin down what the book means, beyond just rehashing the plot. Was it a social commentary? A criticism of some person/place/movement? Is the novel thick with simile and metaphor? Quiz yourself. Once you've written your own study guide and compiled all your course notes and handout materials, you should review this information until you can recall any portion of the material. Test your knowledge of the material by doing a quiz-and-recall review. Read a line from your notes with the answer covered or blanked-out, and see if you can tell (without cheating) what the notes said. You can also quiz yourself on plot and character questions by reciting the main characters, and main sequence of events to yourself. Do this as often as possible to test your memory - you can even quiz yourself by reciting these summaries while walking or doing chores. Take the exam. After extensive study sessions, you should be ready to take the exam. Beyond just knowing the information, however, it can be useful to know how to take an exam efficiently. If you're taking a multiple choice exam, it's fairly easy to answer the exam questions systematically in a way that maximizes your potential for success. Pay attention to how many points each question is worth and spend more time on the questions that are worth more. For example, you would want to spend more time on a question that is worth 10 points than a question that is worth 2 points. Skip difficult questions and come back to them later. Hammer out the answers you know first, then spend more time working on what you're struggling with. Cover the answers while you read the question. Underline key words, and look for absolute qualifiers like "always," "never," or "none." In a true or false situation, these terms often indicate that the answer is false. Predict the answer before you look at the answer bank. Then find the best response that most closely matches your answer. Cross out any answers that you know are wrong. Make an educated guess if you are absolutely stumped - if you eliminated two wrong answers, you've probably got a 50/50 chance of guessing correctly. Reread the book(s) for the exam. If you have sufficient time, it may be helpful to reread the book or books you will be tested on. If you don't have time to review the entire book(s), you should at least reread the most difficult passages. Identify the major themes in the book, and try to get a sense of the most important events. Write out the basic plot of the book. Include details like which character carries out a given action, as well as the overall sequence of events. Review old test questions. You may not know what exactly will be asked of you on an essay exam, but you should have a fairly decent idea based on your completion of the reading and any previous exams you've taken. By predicting what will be asked of you on the exam, you can study more efficiently and outline your essay well before it's time to take the test. Review the questions and format of the last exam essays you completed for this course. Focus on the structure of previous exam essays. Were you asked to write about the reading within the context of historical events? The author's life? Did previous exam essays ask you to summarize the plot? Or did it go deeper, like compare/contrast questions, or questions that ask you to prove/disprove an argument? Anticipate possible essay questions. Once you have a sense for the types of essay questions that might be asked, review your notes and study materials with that knowledge in mind. Try to pull out potential questions based on what you know about your instructor's essay questions in the past, and come up with your own thoughtful, articulate responses to those hypothetical questions. Put yourself in your instructor's shoes. What types of questions does he like to ask, and how might he pull those questions out of the course material at hand? You can also predict possible essay questions by looking for any boldface text/headings in your course textbook (if you have one), and turning those phrases into questions. As you look for possible essay topics, practice phrasing those questions using key essay terms like "describe," "explain," "define," and "contextualize". Outline your essay answers at home. Once you've generated a few potential essay questions, try outlining your answers to these questions. This should help you to memorize some of the information that you will need to know and determine how best to organize your essay. You can make your essay outline as detailed as you want. For example, you could create a skeletal outline that briefly states the topics you will cover in each paragraph or you could create a more detailed outline with topic sentences for each paragraph followed by bullets for other details. Make sure that the points you include in your outline will provide a satisfactory answer to the question and that you know how to elaborate on each of these points. Only include relevant information in your outline. When you take the essay exam, you will need to be as concise and direct as possible and avoid padding your answers. Identifying and memorizing lots of relevant details will help you to write the best essay answers possible. Take the essay exam. After you've reviewed the material for the exam, covered possible essay topics, and written practice essays, you should be ready to take the exam. Try to pace yourself if you're working within a time limit, and make sure you read every question (and its instructions) carefully before answering. Write down a condensed summary of all the information you've studied on your scrap paper or in the margins. This is called a "memory dump," and it's incredibly helpful for freeing up your mind to review the questions at hand. Review the instructions for each section to ensure that you're answering in the correct format. Analyze each question. Take a moment to reread what's being asked of you before you formulate a response, and look for action verbs that indicate what/how you should be writing. Form a thesis that will address the question. Organize and sketch out your supporting information on scrap paper or in the margins. Write a clear, concise thesis statement in response to the question, and write the body of your essay using your supporting information as the main points of each body paragraph. Review your answers. Confirm that your essays answer the questions completely, and look for any glaring factual errors, grammatical errors, or structural mistakes. Rewrite your notes. Rewriting your notes can help you process the information from lectures/readings and commit that information to memory. When you rewrite your notes, though, be sure that you rephrase and summarize what your original notes said, instead of simply copying them word for word. Read over your original notes and give yourself a few minutes to process what you wrote. Think about the key concepts, characters, and literary devices discussed in each note passage. Paraphrase your notes into your own words. Try also drawing comparisons or connections between relevant topics and ideas discussed in class. Make and use flash cards. Flash cards are easy to make and can be a valuable tool for studying. You can use these cards to study and memorize key terms, concepts, names, dates, and places. You'll need a stack of blank index cards. Write a term, concept, or name on one side of the card and its definition or explanation on the back. Quiz yourself by only viewing one side (either the term or its explanation) and reciting what appears on the other side. When you've mastered giving the explanation for the term, switch it up by giving the term for the explanation. Set aside cards you struggle with and review those cards with extra effort. Repeat the whole process until you've committed the cards to memory in any order. Break up your study sessions. It may be tempting to cram right before an exam, but you will not retain much information by staging long, exhausting study sessions. Instead, you should study more efficiently by breaking your study sessions up into smaller, more manageable blocks of time. Don't study for longer than 50 consecutive minutes at a time. This can overload your memory and prevent you from retaining all the information. Take breaks between study sessions. Aim for at least a 5 to 10 minute break, and try stretching or going for a walk to refresh your mind and body before the next session begins. Pace your sessions out over the course of several days or weeks. Refuel by having a nutritious snack when you take a break from studying. Opt for fresh fruit and vegetables for a refreshing, reinvigorating study snack. Determine how/where you study best. Some night owls find that they are more productive in the evening. Morning people, on the other hand, might prefer to wake up early after a good night's sleep and do their studying over coffee. However you study, it's important to try different study times and locations to figure out what works best for you. Schedule your study sessions during the time of day that you're most alert and attentive. Don't study when you're too tired. Study sessions while you struggle to stay awake will not be very productive, and you probably won't retain much information. Figure out where you study best. If you like working in a comfortable environment, you might study well at home. If you prefer a quiet, distraction-free setting, try the library. Get a good night's sleep. It's important to get a restful night of sleep before the exam. You should show up to class alert and awake, ready to begin as soon as possible. Adolescent students in high school or younger typically need 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. College students typically need between 6 and 10 hours of sleep, with seven to eight hours being the average. Make sure you're wakeful for the exam. Drink a caffeinated beverage or chew gum to ensure you're mentally alert. Start your morning out right. Follow your usual morning routine to feel your best the day of the exam. If you usually shower in the morning, make time to do so. Just make sure you leave early enough to get to class at least 15 minutes before the exam to ensure you're in the right classroom. Eat a small, nutritious breakfast. Oatmeal and fruit is usually a good bet. Avoid eating anything that might upset your stomach. Make sure you use the bathroom before you get to the exam. Wear comfortable clothes. Bring whatever you need. When you leave your home the day of the exam, make sure you've got everything you'll need for the test. The last thing you want to do is show up unprepared in some way. Bring extra writing utensils, in case your pen dies or your pencil breaks. You may want to bring a water bottle or coffee to stay hydrated and focused. If it's an open-book or open-notebook exam, bring your textbook(s) and your notebook to the exam.

Confirm the exam content and form. Read your notes. Create a study guide. Quiz yourself. Take the exam. Reread the book(s) for the exam. Review old test questions. Anticipate possible essay questions. Outline your essay answers at home. Take the essay exam. Rewrite your notes. Make and use flash cards. Break up your study sessions. Determine how/where you study best. Get a good night's sleep. Start your morning out right. Bring whatever you need.

https://www.wikihow.com/Convince-Your-Parents-to-Let-You-Travel-with-Friends

How to Convince Your Parents to Let You Travel with Friends

To convince your parents to let you travel with your friends, wait until your parents are relaxed and in a good mood, since they'll be more likely to say yes then. Make sure your parents have met your friends first, so they'll be more likely to trust you travelling with them. When you talk with your parents, explain why the trip is important to you and what you'll get from it. For example, say something like, “I really want to go to Spain because I've always been curious about the culture, and I want to actually use the Spanish that I've learned.” Explain how you plan to budget the trip and keep safe while you're away to show your parents you've thought about the details. Once you've told them your plans, ask your parents what they think to show that you value their opinion.

Pinpoint where you want to go. Before talking to your parents, you and your friends should get together and all figure out the details of the trip. The most important part of your trip to figure out is where you are going to go. Even if you already know your destination, make sure you know exactly what region or area you want to visit. If you plan to visit multiple locations, make sure you know exactly where they are and how far apart they are from each other. For instance, even if you know that you want to visit California, you can narrow down your trip to visiting San Francisco and San Jose. If you and your friends disagree on where to go, try to reach a consensus. If your parents pick up on the fact that you and your friends have different thoughts about the trip, they will be less likely to give their permission. Figure out how long your trip will be. Once you know where you're going, figure out how long your trip will take, including travel time. Make sure that you and your friends check a calendar and pick the exact dates you will be leaving and coming back. Check in with your friends about their schedules and coordinate a time that works best for everyone. Make a day by day plan. Make a comprehensive day-by-day plan that details exactly where you will be throughout your trip. This is especially important if you are visiting multiple cities or countries. You need to know exactly what days you will be in each location. You also should figure out what main activity or activities you will be doing each day. For example, one day in your schedule could be: “Monday, September 12: 3rd day in Mexico City. Visit the Anthropology Museum and the Casa Azul. Eat dinner downtown.” Hear your friends out and compromise when you are planning your activities. Figure out transportation. Once you know exactly where you'll be on each day of your trip, you can start to figure out how you will get from place to place. If you are travelling a long distance, you will have to fly to your destination. Then figure out how to get from place to place based on the plans that you laid out. Note the cost of the transportation. Don't actually buy any tickets, just write down how much a ticket would cost. Find places to stay. Figure out how where you will stay overnight for each part of the trip. Ask you friends if they know of anyone in the place you are visiting where you could stay. Also check out the prices of hotels and hostels, and write down several options. Aim to be economical, but don't stay somewhere that isn't reputable just because it's cheap. Estimate the overall cost. Add up the price of your transportation and lodgings. Then add the approximate amount you expect to spend per day on food and souvenirs. Add a little extra in case something comes up. This should give you a good estimate of the cost of the trip. Adding a little extra money to your budget in case of emergencies will help show your parents that you are responsible and thinking ahead. This may help convince them to let you go. Write out your itinerary. Either type up or write down your itinerary. It should include everything that you have already worked on, and should be organized by day. Each day should include the main activities of the day along with the price of each hotel and method of transport. This will show your parents how much thought you put into your trip as well as give them an idea of the sorts of things you will be doing. This may help reassure them. Introduce your friends to your parents. Make sure that your parents are familiar with your friends before you show them the plan. Invite your friends to your house a couple times so that they can get more familiar with them and see that they are responsible. If they've never met your friends, have your friends over for dinner and introduce them first. After that, have them come over a few times. Your parents can't help but worry about you. They will be more likely to let you travel with someone they know rather than someone they don't know at all. Find a good time to talk with your parents. Don't spring the trip up out of the blue. Find a good time to sit down and go over your plan with your parents. It may be best to tell your parents that you want to talk about something and ask them when would be convenient for them. It may be best to talk to your parents alone instead of with your friends. Especially if your parents don't know your friends very well, they may feel more comfortable and willing to agree to the plan if they are talking just with you. Introduce the idea of the trip. When you and your parents have sat down, tell them that you want to go on a trip. Let them see that it is something that you are passionate about and have been wanting to do for a long time. Also tell them which friends are coming on the trip with you. Tell your parents why this trip is important to you. After you tell your parents that you want to go on the trip, explain why this trip would benefit you. If your parents have qualms about you going on a trip, they want to know that it's worthwhile. Don't mention partying as a reason why you want to go on the trip; instead talk about how it would enrich you as a person. You could say something like, “I really want to go to Spain because I've always been curious about my Spanish heritage, and I also want to actually use the Spanish that I've learned.” Show you parents the itinerary. Give your parents the physical copy of the itinerary, and run through each day while they are looking at it. Explain your ideas about transportation and lodgings. Also describe the main activities that you are going to be doing on each day of your trip. You want your plan to appear as ordered and thought-out as you can, so present it chronologically instead of skipping around. Make sure that you mention why each activity you are doing is enriching or beneficial. Run over the budget. Tell your parents what budget you arrived at. Let them know that it is only an approximate budget, and that it can be worked down. Break down the budget into parts, showing them how much money is going towards transportation, hotels, etc. If your parents are financially-conscious, you could even add that you are willing to work or do chores in order to earn money for your trip. Ask your parents what they think. It's important to have a back and forth conversation with your parents. After you have gone through the entire plan, ask them what they think. Listen carefully to any questions or concerns that they have. By this time, your parents should see that you have planned thoroughly and thoughtfully, and should be on board. This will show your parents that you still value their opinion. This is a sign of maturity. As a result, they may be more likely to agree to your trip. If your parents are not on board with your idea, be prepared to make a few compromises in order to arrive at an agreement. Suggest ways you can save money. The budget may be what is giving your parents pause. If they are worried that the trip will cost too much money, suggest a few ways that you can save money. This includes splitting hotel room costs between your friends, using inexpensive methods of transportation, or shortening your trip. If you have enough money saved up, you offer to pay for a portion of the trip, which will help save your parents money. If you have a lot of money saved up, offer to pay for the whole trip. You can also suggest postponing the date of the trip so that you can save up money in the meantime. Show your parents that you will be safe. Safety might be another concern for your parents. Let them know all the ways in which you will be staying safe. This could include getting vaccines, picking hotels instead of hostels, using various methods to keep your passport and wallet secure, and sticking together with your friends instead of splitting off. Letting your parents know where you will be at all times may help reassure them and set their minds at ease. Talk about communication. Your parents will want a way to communicate with you. Let your parents know that you will always be by your phone when you travel. If your parents want to check in with you every day, suggest a time of day when they can call and see how you're doing. If you are travelling internationally, see if you can use your phone in the country you're visiting or if you can rent a phone. Adjust your friend group. Your parents may like the fact that you would be traveling alone, but want someone a little older to travel with you. Consider asking an older friend or sibling if they want to join you on the trip. It could give your parents peace of mind if they knew that there was someone older going with you, especially if that person has done travelling before. Make sure that this older friend or sibling is mature. Just because someone is physically older than you does not always mean that they are more mature and responsible. Changing their mind about the destination. Your parents could simply feel that the place you are traveling to is not safe or suitable. This can be a hard objection to work around. First, give your parents more information about the city or country that you want to visit. Try to see if any of your friends or acquaintances have travelled there, and tell your parents about their experiences. Videos of the city or country work well, because they can give your parents some idea of what the place is actually like. If you absolutely cannot get them to embrace the place you want to visit, you may have to think about changing your plans to another destination. Talk over the plan with your friends and your parents. Get your friends and your parents together to talk about any changes that you may have made to your travel plans. It will make your parents feel better to know that everyone is on the same page, and that you and your friends are taking the trip seriously. For example, you can all have dinner at a pizza restaurant, and talk over your plans there. Try to choose a relaxed environment to minimize stress and miscommunication.

Pinpoint where you want to go. Figure out how long your trip will be. Make a day by day plan. Figure out transportation. Find places to stay. Estimate the overall cost. Write out your itinerary. Introduce your friends to your parents. Find a good time to talk with your parents. Introduce the idea of the trip. Tell your parents why this trip is important to you. Show you parents the itinerary. Run over the budget. Ask your parents what they think. Suggest ways you can save money. Show your parents that you will be safe. Talk about communication. Adjust your friend group. Changing their mind about the destination. Talk over the plan with your friends and your parents.

https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Your-Dog-Under-Control-Outside

How to Keep Your Dog Under Control Outside

To keep your dog under control outside, leash it during walks to prevent it from wandering off, eating garbage, or chasing after people or animals. You should also make sure to walk your dog regularly, so it gets enough exercise and doesn't become understimulated or bored. If you have a hard time getting your dog's attention when you take it outside, consider bringing along some toys or treats as a distraction. However, if your dog continues to misbehave, you may want to ask your vet for additional feedback and advice. They may recommend hiring a professional trainer, who can teach your dog commands like "quiet," "down," and "sit and stay," which will help you better control its behavior.

Teach your dog the “quiet” command. If your dog tends to bark at people or other animals when they are outside, you may want to teach them the “quiet” command. This command can encourage your dog to stop barking and calm down. You can teach your dog the “quiet” command by saying “quiet” in a normal tone and making eye contact with your dog. Hold a treat in your hand when you do it and only give your dog the treat once they stop barking. You may need to practice this command several times with your dog so they understand that when you say “quiet” that means, stop barking. Do not yell or shout at your dog when you are trying to get them to be quiet as this often just makes them more alarmed and prone to barking. Distract your dog with a toy. You can also get your dog to quiet down and stop barking by using a distracting activity. You may distract your dog by giving them their favorite toy or by engaging them in another activity, like having them “sit” or “stay.” Make sure you have a toy with you when you take your dog for a walk, as you can then use it to distract your dog if they start to bark at a person or another animal. Set up a fenced-off outdoor space for your dog. You can keep your dog from barking by creating an outdoor space that is fenced off just for them. You may have this space in your backyard or on another spot on your property. Make sure the area has a fence that is high enough to block your dog's view so they are not tempted to bark at people or other animals walking by. You may allow your dog to go off leash when they are in the fenced area. If you do so, make sure the area is secure and they cannot get out to bark or bother anyone. Avoid crowded areas if your dog is prone to barking. If you know your dog is prone to bad behavior when they are around big crowds or a lot of other dogs, such as barking, you may stay away from these situations. Though it is important to socialize your dog and have them interact with other people and other pets, you may limit these sorts of interactions. Keep your dog on a leash when you are in crowded areas with them and try to take them to less crowded areas if they tend to misbehave around too many people. You may also limit your dog's interactions to only a few dogs that they like or seem to get along with. For example, maybe there is a dog in the neighborhood they seem to get along with. You may then suggest a play date or go for a walk with the other dog so your dog can still be social, but the activity is controlled. Tell your dog to get "down" if they jump on others. If you notice your dog tends to jump up on people when you take them outside for a walk, you should use the “down” command. Teach your dog not to jump up on other people or other animals by using this command. If you notice your dog jumping on someone else, tell the person to calmly turn their back on your dog. Then say, “down” to your dog, lightly tugging on their leash. Once they get down, reward them with a treat. Teach your dog the “sit and stay” command. This basic command can help your dog stay calm and in one place if they get distracted or riled up outside. You may start by teaching your dog this command indoors and then try having your dog do it during their walks. This way, you can use it on your dog if they start to get too excited while on a walk or when around other dogs. To teach your dog to “sit and stay,” hold a treat in your hand. Then, tell your dog to sit. You may need to lightly tap their butt towards the ground so they know to sit. Once they sit, say “Good job!” and give them the treat. Another way to teach the dog "sit" is to hold a treat above their head where they can see it. Slowly move the treat over their head towards their back. As you do this, say "sit." Usually, dogs will try to follow the treat with their eyes. As the treat passes over their back, they will naturally sit so they can see it. Reward the dog once they sit. Then, hold another treat in your hand and say, “stay.” Only give your dog the treat if they stay in the seated position. Once they have sat and stayed for 10 to 20 seconds, say “Good job” and give them the treat. Get your dog to “go to their place.” The command “go to place” can also be good to teach your dog if you want them to go to a designated spot outside to calm down. You may use this command if you plan to let your dog off their leash in your backyard or in a fenced-off area. To get your dog to follow the “go to place” command, lay out a mat or a towel on the ground outside. Then, hold out a treat and say, “go to the place” while pointing at the mat or towel. Once your dog goes to the mat or towel, say “sit” and “stay.” Give your dog the treat as a reward. You may need to reinforce this command by having your dog practice it several times, rewarding them with a treat every time they do it correctly. With enough practice, your dog should respond correctly to this command, indoors and outdoors. Make sure your dog understands the "come" command. If you are worried about your dog chasing after birds, squirrels, or other critters when you are outside with them, you should teach them the “come” command. Tell your dog to “come” if they start to stray away from you on their leash. Reward them with a treat once they return to you. Over time, they should follow the command without a treat as a reward. You can also deter your dog from chasing something they shouldn't by taking out one of their toys and playing with them. If you notice your dog staring at a squirrel in the yard, for example, distract them by throwing the toy at them and engaging them in play. Have your dog do the “leave it” command. Teaching your dog the “leave it” command can come in handy if you want your dog to stay away from any food or other objects that are on the ground when they are outdoors. You can teach your dog this command when they are on their leash. Use one of your dog's toys as the “leave it” object. Hold your dog on the leash and hold a treat in your other hand. Throw your dog's toy a few feet away from them. When your dog goes for it, lightly tug on the leash and say “leave it.” Once your dog backs off, reward them with a treat. You may need to practice this command several times with your dog until they obey the “leave it” command. Keep your dog on their leash when you walk them. If you are worried about your dog wandering off to eat garbage or other things on the ground, keep them on their leash during their walks. Walking your dog on a leash is good training and will ensure they stay within your control. Use a high quality leash that is at least six feet long. You may clip the leash to your waist so you can control your dog as they walk. Your dog should then walk to the side of you and at your pace. You can tug lightly on the leash if your dog gets out of hand or if they do not obey a command. Walk your dog on a regular basis. Dogs often dig up dirt and soil when they are under-stimulated or bored. You can prevent your dog from digging in your yard by making sure they get enough exercise every day. Take your dog for a walk twice a day and make sure you play with them often. Tiring out your dog is one way of encouraging them to leave the dirt in the yard alone. You should also provide interesting, engaging toys for your dog, such as a Kong stuffed with treats. Having fun toys to play with can discourage your dog from digging up soil. Sometimes dog will dig at the ground on hot days so they can lie in the cool dirt. If you notice your dog doing this, bring them inside to where it is cooler or set up an area for them outside in the shade. Speak to your vet. If you are struggling with keep your dog's behavior under control when they are outside, you may want to reach out to your vet. Ask your vet if they have experienced this issue with other dogs before and if they have any advice on how you can address the issue. They may suggest teaching your dog specific commands to improve their obedience. They may also suggest making certain adjustments to your dog's routine. For example, you may ask your vet, “Do you have any advice on how to keep my dog calm and controlled when they are outside?” or “Is there anything I can do to keep my dog calm when they are outdoors?” Hire a professional trainer for your dog. You can also look into hiring a professional dog trainer to help you learn how to keep your dog under control. You may ask your vet to recommend a trainer or ask other dog owners for a recommendation. Make sure the trainer has experience working with dog obedience outdoors and is certified to train dogs. When you speak to the professional trainer, you may let them know what you are looking for in terms of training for your pup. You may say to them, “I am looking for techniques to help keep my dog calm and under control when they are outside. Can you help me?” Bring your dog to an outdoor obedience class. Another way to get others to help you train your pup is to enroll your dog in an outdoor obedience class. You may be able to get a referral for the class through your vet or through your trainer. Outdoor obedience classes will often be geared to helping dogs stay on their best behavior when they are outside.

Teach your dog the “quiet” command. Distract your dog with a toy. Set up a fenced-off outdoor space for your dog. Avoid crowded areas if your dog is prone to barking. Tell your dog to get "down" if they jump on others. Teach your dog the “sit and stay” command. Get your dog to “go to their place.” The command “go to place” can also be good to teach your dog if you want them to go to a designated spot outside to calm down. Make sure your dog understands the "come" command. Have your dog do the “leave it” command. Keep your dog on their leash when you walk them. Walk your dog on a regular basis. Speak to your vet. Hire a professional trainer for your dog. Bring your dog to an outdoor obedience class.

https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Good-in-Glasses-(for-Women)

How to Look Good in Glasses (for Women)

If you're a woman who wants to look good in glasses, make sure you get the right frames for your face shape to help complement your look. For example, if you have rounder features, go for square or rectangle glasses. For more angular, stronger features, choose oval or round frames. You can also match your glasses to your style. For example, if you're a sporty person, consider polarized lenses or polycarbonate lenses that resist shattering. Or, if you wear a lot of vintage clothes, go for cat-eye frames. To highlight your glasses, style your hair in a high bun or updo. Alternatively, if you have longer hair, curl the ends for a relaxed, casual look.

Choose a pair of frames based on your face shape. Once your have identified your face shape, you should look at frames that will complement your face shape. If you do not know your face shape, there are several charts you can look up online to help you determine this. You should also keep in mind certain frame styles you should avoid. Round: If you have a round face, you have noticeable curves on both sides of your face and less defined angles, or cheekbones. The width and length of your face are mostly equal in size. Oval: Individuals with oval faces have balanced features, and their chin is slightly narrower than their foreheads. Oblong: If you have an oblong face, your face will be longer than it is wide. You will also have a long straight cheek line, and you may have a longer nose. Base-down triangle: If you have a base-down triangle face, you will have a narrow forehead that widens at your cheek and chin areas. Base-up triangle: If you have a base-up triangular face, you have a very wide top third area of your face and a narrow or small bottom third of your face. Diamond: This is the rarest face shape, where you have a narrow eye line and jawline and broad cheekbones that are high and dramatic. Square: If you have a square face, you have a strong jaw line and a wide forehead. The width and length of your face are the same proportions. Avoid round glasses for a round face. If you have a round face, you should go for eyeglasses that are square or rectangle to contrast the roundness of your face. Avoid round frames and rimless frames, as these will only highlight your round face and will not complement your face shape. Opt for wide frames if you have an oval-shaped face. If you have an oval shaped face, you should look for frames that have a strong bridge and are wider than the broadest part of your face. Geometric shaped frames tend to look good against an oval shape. You should avoid glasses that are oversized and cover up more than half of your face. Big frames can throw off the natural balance and symmetry of your face. Balance out an oblong face with longer frames. Make your oblong shaped face appear more balanced by choosing frames that have more depth than width. Look for frames that have decorative elements on the sides of the frames and a low bridge. Avoid round frames or small frames. Choose cat-eye or wide frames for a base-down or base-up triangle face. Highlight the narrow upper third area of a base-down face with frames that have color and detailing on the top of the frames. You can also try cat-eye shaped frames. For a base-down triangular face, go for frames that are wider at the bottom to balance out the wider top area of your face. Frames in light colors and materials, as well as rimless frame styles, are also ideal for this face shape. Consider cat-eye frames for a diamond-shaped face. If you have a diamond shaped face, you should look for cat-eye glasses or oval frames. These frames will play up your narrow forehead and chin and accentuate your cheekbones. Avoid boxy or narrow frames. Avoid angular frames for a square face. Individuals with square shaped faces should look for eyeglasses that sit high on the bridge of their nose and have oval or round frames. You should avoid angular and boxy frames that will draw attention to your angular features, as this can make your face appear bulky or heavy. Play up your best facial feature. Your eyeglasses should work with your facial features, rather than against them. If you are proud of a certain facial feature, such as your blue eyes or your strong cheekbones, look for frames that show off this facial feature. For example, you may choose blue frames to match your blue eyes, or you may look for red frames to match your red eyebrow hair. Or, you can play with contrasting color. You could match purple frames with green eyes. Choose a frame color that complements your skin tone. Your skin tone should also complement your frames, as eyewear that works with your coloring will often look better on you. Your skin tone has been proven to be more of a deciding factor for eyeglass frames than your eye color or your hair color. If you have a cool skin tone, go for frames that are silver, black, pink, purple, blue, mauve, gray, and dark tortoise. These frames will not wash out your complexion. If you have a warm skin tone, look for frames that are light tortoise, gold or honey, beige, olive green, and brown shades. Avoid pastels and white and black frames. Balance your eyebrows with your frames. Give your face more dimension by making sure your eyebrows fit with the look of your frames. If you have thick, bold frames in a bright color, you may want to keep your eyebrows simple and neutral so they do not compete with your glasses. You may do very light eyebrow maintenance, like plucking stray hairs, and brushing your eyebrows out to keep them simple and clean. If you have plain frames or rimless frames, you may want to play up your eyebrows and draw more attention to your eyes. Use an eyebrow pencil to lightly fill in your eyebrows, following the natural arch of your eyebrows. Wear glasses that match your wardrobe style. Consider how you would classify your style. Are you preppy, edgy, vintage, or athletic? Cat-eye frames would work well for a vintage style, but they might look out of place with an athletic wardrobe. If you wear a lot of a certain color, like purple, consider wearing glasses that match that color. For example, you may want to choose semi-round frames if you have a preppy style. Enhance your professional image with the right frames. Conservative frames are often the best choice if you are working in a serious business environment. Oval, rectangle, and almond frames work well for a professional style. Some common colors for this style are gold, silver, brown, gray, and burgundy for women. Avoid frames in bright colors or unusual shapes unless you work in a creative and/or casual environment. Sport comfortable glasses for an active lifestyle. If you live a very active lifestyle, consider glasses that accommodate your needs. For example, choose glasses that have polarized lenses, or polycarbonate lenses that resist shattering. You can also choose wraparound glasses to help the glasses stay in place. Wear functional glasses if you’re a parent. Functional does not have to mean unstylish. Ovals, soft cat-eyes, and upswept rectangle frames are functional, simple, and stylish. You can add a personal touch by choosing frames with metal accents or simple patterns. Basic colors like black, silver, and gray are good choices, but you can add an edge to your style by choosing glasses in uncommon colors like plum and soft green. Choose glasses that display your love for fashion. Don't be afraid to experiment with unique and colorful styles if you want to show that you are creative and fashion savvy. Consider modern frames that are made of metal and feature a geometric design. Or, large frames in bright colors or patterns (like a flower pattern) are great for showing off a quirky style. Fashion trends change often, and this includes glasses. Look up current fashion trends if you want to stand on-trend with your glasses. Show off your glasses with an updo. If you want to highlight your new bold frames, as well as your facial features, try putting your hair in an updo like a high bun, or a sleek chignon at the nape of your neck. Combining an updo with interesting eye makeup and a bold lip color will ensure your face does not get lost among your hair or your frames. If you have bangs, a high bun can help to show off the lower half of your face, and your bangs will act as a great frame for your eyeglasses. Keep your hair long and natural for an easy going look. If you have longer hair, past shoulder length, you can try curling the ends of your hair, and pinning back one side or both sides of your hair for a relaxed, casual look. This look is easy to do if you're strapped for time in the morning, and it will help show off your frames. Choose a frame for your haircut. Make sure to take your glasses with you to show your stylist the next time you get a haircut. Your hair cut may look good without glasses, but look different when you get home and put glasses on. A pair of square frames would work well with long, straight hair. If you have bangs, try a pair of light frames. In general, wear light frames with a bold haircut and bold frames with a simple haircut. Wear the right frames for your hair color. Try to match the color of your frames with the basic tone of your hair. For brown or black hair, wear a dark or metallic frame. If you have blonde hair, try a pair of frames with light rims or no rims at all. Redheads can make just about any color of frames work, except white or yellow. Play with eye shadow and eyeliner. Just because your eyelids are behind a pair of glasses doesn't mean you should leave them bare. Makeup can enhance the style of your glasses. Show off your eyes by applying a cat-eye with eyeliner, or using eye shadow in a light color. Light eye shadow will highlight your eyes, but darker and bolder eye shadow may make your eyes appear too dark. You can also wear eye shadow that complements the color of your glasses. For example, choose a violet eye shadow if you wear yellow frames. Wear lipstick to enhance your frames. For black, square frames try cherry red lipstick. If you wear glasses with caramel frames, try a red-orange lip color. Bold lipstick, however, looks great with any glasses. Colors such as coral, wine, and fuchsia can be worn all year long.

Choose a pair of frames based on your face shape. Avoid round glasses for a round face. Opt for wide frames if you have an oval-shaped face. Balance out an oblong face with longer frames. Choose cat-eye or wide frames for a base-down or base-up triangle face. Consider cat-eye frames for a diamond-shaped face. Avoid angular frames for a square face. Play up your best facial feature. Choose a frame color that complements your skin tone. Balance your eyebrows with your frames. Wear glasses that match your wardrobe style. Enhance your professional image with the right frames. Sport comfortable glasses for an active lifestyle. Wear functional glasses if you’re a parent. Choose glasses that display your love for fashion. Show off your glasses with an updo. Keep your hair long and natural for an easy going look. Choose a frame for your haircut. Wear the right frames for your hair color. Play with eye shadow and eyeliner. Wear lipstick to enhance your frames.

https://www.wikihow.com/Fly-a-Hydra-Jet-in-San-Andreas

How to Fly a Hydra Jet in San Andreas

To fly a Hydra jet in San Andreas on your Playstation 2 or XBOX, press Δ:Y to enter the jet when you see one. You can usually find jets at the Aircraft Carrier in San Fierro or in the "Restricted Area" in Las Venturas. Once you are in the jet, leave your finger on X:A to keep the jet in the air. To fly forward, press R3 to bring the wheels up and slowly push the R stick forward to take off. If you see a target you want to shoot, press R1/RT to lock onto the target and then the alt fire button to shoot.

Find a Hydra. Here's where they appear, depending on where you've progressed in the game: At the Aircraft Carrier in San Fierro. In the "Restricted Area" in Las Venturas. At the abandoned airstrip north of the Restricted Area after completing the mission "Vertical Bird." Enter the jet by pressing Δ:Y . Get the Hydra into the air. Keep your finger on X:A. Use the left analog stick to control the Hydra. Ascend to a point where there are no obstacles. Fly forward. Press R3 to bring the wheels up and slowly push the R stick forward. This will send the Hydra in a forward direction. Land. To land, you must do everything in reverse. Pull the R stick towards yourself to rotate the engines downward, for "hover mode," use Square to slow the Hydra down, and press R3 to lower the landing gear. Shoot targets. Press R1/RT to lock on. Press the alt fire button to shoot. Find a Hydra. Here's where they appear, depending on where you've progressed in the game: At the Aircraft Carrier in San Fierro. In the "Restricted Area" in Las Venturas. At the abandoned airstrip north of the Restricted Area after completing the mission "Vertical Bird." Or you can type "jumpjet" to spawn one. Enter it by pressing Enter or the F key. Control the jet. Press 8 on your keypad (to the right) to rotate the thrusters into regular flying mode. Press 2 on your keypad (to the right) to rotate the thrusters into hover-mode. Press and hold W to fly, S to slow down. Press Q/E to rotate the jet left and right. Press A/D for roll. Press the up/down arrows for pitch. To retract or extend your landing gear, press the + key on the keypad (to the right) or the 2 key (to the top left). Shoot targets. Press Space to lock onto a target. Use Left Alt for your machine gun. Use Left Ctrl to fire missiles. Playstation 2: Triangle, Triangle, Square, Circle, X, L1, L1, Down, Up. Xbox: Y(2), X, B, A, L(2), Down, Up Computer: Type 'jumpjet' minus the quotes

Find a Hydra. Enter the jet by pressing Δ:Y Get the Hydra into the air. Fly forward. Land. Shoot targets. Find a Hydra. Enter it by pressing Enter or the F key. Control the jet. Shoot targets. Playstation 2: Xbox: Computer:

https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Sheets-from-Slipping-Off-a-Bed

How to Prevent Sheets from Slipping Off a Bed

To prevent sheets from slipping off your bed, make sure you're using the right size sheets for your mattress. If you have the right size but are still constantly pulling the sheets off in your sleep, try putting non-slip rug corners on your mattress to keep your sheets in place. When dealing with slick sheets, like silk or other smooth fabrics, try putting a rougher sheet, like a flannel material, underneath to keep the softer sheet in place. If you'd prefer to buy new sheets, try getting a zipping sheet that goes around your entire mattress. You can also get sheets with a drawstring, which allows you to tighten the sheets on the bed from underneath the mattress.

Find a set of stretchy bands for beds. These bands are basically like large rubber bands that fit over the mattress. They fit over the top and bottom of the mattress. You can find them online, at some big box stores, or at a household item store. Choose the bands based on the size of your bed. Stretch bands over the mattress at the bottom and the top. Stretch out 1 band. Find the locking mechanisms. These should be on either side of the mattress. Slide the band onto 1 side at the top of your mattress, go above and below the mattress. Go to the other side and pull the band down on that side. It should be about 1 foot (30 cm) down the mattress. Do the same with the bottom band. Put on your fitted sheet. Place the fitted sheet on the bed. Next, put the fitted sheet on the bed like you normally would. You're putting the fitted sheet on over the bands, which will help hold it in place. Click the knobs into the locking mechanisms. The bands should come with knobs that fit into the locking mechanism. Place a knob on each locking mechanism. Click the knob in place over the fitted sheet. Place the rest of your sheets on the bed per normal. Use suspenders to hold the corners in place. Suspenders go across the corners of the fitted sheet. Suspenders can have metal clips or plastic locking mechanisms, where a knob fits into place on the other side. Lock them into place on the corners, about 6 inches (15 cm) out on either side of the corner seam. Put the sheet on the bed, tucking the suspenders under the mattress. Cut elastic to create your own suspenders. Cut a short length of elastic. Use elastic that's 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide or so. A length of about 6 inches (15 cm) should be fine. Mark the place you'll pin the elastic on either side of the corner seam. Stretch out the corner of the sheet so you have about 6 inches (15 cm) of straight (not ruffled) sheet on either side of the seam at 1 corner. Mark the length on the sheet with a small safety pin on each end. Use safety pins to attach the elastic to the fitted sheet. Pin the ends of the elastic at each marker. The elastic should draw the corner of each sheet together. Repeat for each corner, and then place the sheet on the bed. You can also sew these in place if you prefer. Pick the correct-sized sheets. While picking sheets that fit well won't automatically stop them from popping off, it can help. Start by measuring the depth of your mattress. When you look at sheets, make sure they fit the mattress you have, as you may need deeper or shallower sheets, depending on your mattress. Use zipping sheets for babies and kids. If your kids are constantly pulling their sheets off, you may want to switch to zipping sheets. The main part of the sheet goes under the bed, but you only put it on once. The top of the sheet zips off, so you can change it out as needed. With the zipper, the sheets stay in place. For adults, try drawstring sheets, which allow you to tighten the sheets on the bed underneath the mattress. Place non-slip rug corners under the mattress. You may have seen the corners that you place under rugs to keep them from moving. You can also use these for your sheets. Place 1 under each corner of the mattress, and then put the sheets on as normal. The stickiness of the corners keep the sheets in place. Foam can also work for this purpose. Place a rougher sheet underneath the softer sheet. Sometimes, if you have silk sheets or other smooth sheets, they're more likely to pop off. Try placing a rougher sheet underneath the fitted sheet, such as a flannel sheet, to help keep the top one from popping off.

Find a set of stretchy bands for beds. Stretch bands over the mattress at the bottom and the top. Place the fitted sheet on the bed. Click the knobs into the locking mechanisms. Use suspenders to hold the corners in place. Cut elastic to create your own suspenders. Mark the place you'll pin the elastic on either side of the corner seam. Use safety pins to attach the elastic to the fitted sheet. Pick the correct-sized sheets. Use zipping sheets for babies and kids. Place non-slip rug corners under the mattress. Place a rougher sheet underneath the softer sheet.

https://www.wikihow.com/Do-String-Figures

How to Do String Figures

Making string figures is a fun activity that involves looping a long string around your fingers to make cool-looking patterns. If you're just starting out, you'll want to practice making an opening A figure, which is the basis for other complex string figures, like Cat's Cradle and Jacob's Ladder. To get set up, knot the ends of a 3-foot piece of string together. Drape one end of the loop over both of your thumbs. Then, slip both of your pinky fingers over the string. To do a simple opening, pick up the section of the string crossing your left palm with your right index finger. Return your hands to their original position, then turn your palms to face each other. After you've done this, pick up the string crossing your right palm with your left index finger. If you've done it right, your string should cross twice between your palms making 2 Xs in the center.

Get a piece of string. Any type of string or yarn will work. The string can be many different lengths, but generally three to six feet works best. Multicolored string may make it easier to track your movements while you learn. Tie the ends of the string together. Make sure the knot is secure and not too big. Some toy makers sell string already in a loop especially for this game. Double-check that the string can slide smoothly across your skin without causing a rope burn. Drape the string over your thumbs. Start with your hands in front of you and both thumbs pointing up. Place a section of the string over the side of your thumbs facing your chest. Your hands should be roughly six inches apart with palms facing each other. Pick up either side of the far thumb string using your pinky fingers. You may need to bring your palms closer together slightly. Dip your hands slightly forward with your wrist if necessary. If your string is properly positioned, it should be held diagonally across your palm, looped over the back base of each pinky finger and thumb. Spread your arms as wide as they will go. Keep your hands level with your chest, palms facing each other. The result should be a rectangular loop that isn't sagging. This is called Position 1 or First Position. Pick up the section of string crossing your left palm with your right index finger. To do this, start by moving your palms close together so that they nearly touch. Lower your right hand so that your right index finger lines up with the center of your left palm. Move your right index finger under the string so that it loops over your fingernail. Return your hands to their original position. Make your palms face each other. Spread your arms back apart to tighten the string. The string doesn't need to be taut. Just make sure it doesn't sag, or the string may tangle. Repeat steps 1-2 with your hands reversed. Loop the string crossing your right hand over your left index finger. Bring your arms back apart with your palms facing each other. The string should loop over the backs of each of your thumbs, index fingers, and pinky fingers. If there is a loop over a different finger or one missing from these digits, start over. Check to make sure you've correctly made Opening A. When your fingers are spread, your figure should be vertically, horizontally, and diagonally symmetrical. The string should cross twice between your palms, forming two Xs in the center. One way to think about the proper shape is a large diamond in the center connected to two triangles by its top and bottom angles. The other two angles are at your index fingers. The bases of the triangles are the parallel string segments between your thumbs and your pinky fingers. Recognize the difference between a "string" and a "noose. " A string is any straight section. A noose is any loop around your digits. Most string figure guides will use this nomenclature. Memorize the different strings. The near thumb string is the straight piece of string closest to your chest, while the far thumb strings are the sections running from your thumb to the first X. The near index finger strings are the sections running from the center of this X to your index fingers, while the far index finger strings start at your index fingers and end at the further X. The near pinky finger strings begin at the further X and end at your pinky fingers. Finally, the far pinky finger string is the section that runs between your right and your left pinky fingers. Some guides will use "little finger" instead of "pinky finger" and "forefinger" or "pointer finger" instead of "index finger." Learn the different nooses. There are six nooses, three for each hand. They are the left and right thumb nooses, index finger nooses, and pinky finger nooses. The nooses should sit right on top of the last knuckles of their corresponding digits. Drape the string over both your left and right index fingers. Hold your hands open with your palms facing outward. The near string should be short, just the distance between your two hands. The far string should be very long. Loop your left thumb under the right side of the far index string. Bring your hands close together and use your left thumb to hook the string around itself. Return your left hand to its original position. There should now be a section of string extending from under your right index finger over to your left thumb. Loop your right thumb under the left side of the far index string. Mirror Step 2 using your right hand and the dangling left index string. Return your right hand to its original position, palm still down. The string should now make an X between your hands with a short near string across your index fingers and a long far string across your thumbs. Bring your hands apart to even out the string. Rotate your wrists so that your palms now face each other. A properly-formed Navajo Opening should be much less angular than Opening A. The nooses will be loose and wide. There should be two parallel strings oriented inward, one connected the index fingers and the other connected the thumbs. Underneath these two strings should be an X formed by two strings connecting the index fingers to the thumbs on opposite hands. Loop the string once around each of your index fingers. Your hands should be held at chest level with your index fingers pointing upwards. Make sure that the far string is short, while the near string is very long. This opening is sometimes called the Index Opening. Create a circle within the far string. Move your hands closer together. Use your right index finger and thumb to pinch the slack into a loop, making a cross within the far string. Hold the loop with the index finger and thumb of each hand so that the loop is pointed upwards with the cross oriented down. Thread both of your index fingers through the circle. Turn your wrists slightly outwards in order to hook your index fingers into the loop. Each of your index fingers should now have two nooses. There should also now be two straight near strings and a set of crossed far strings. Bring your hands apart. A properly-formed Murray Opening should consist of two nooses on each index finger. One noose should rest on the bottom knuckle, while the second noose should cross near the base of your finger nails. It should look like a wide rectangle with an X crossing through its center.

Get a piece of string. Tie the ends of the string together. Drape the string over your thumbs. Pick up either side of the far thumb string using your pinky fingers. Spread your arms as wide as they will go. Pick up the section of string crossing your left palm with your right index finger. Return your hands to their original position. Repeat steps 1-2 with your hands reversed. Check to make sure you've correctly made Opening A. Recognize the difference between a "string" and a "noose. Memorize the different strings. Learn the different nooses. Drape the string over both your left and right index fingers. Loop your left thumb under the right side of the far index string. Loop your right thumb under the left side of the far index string. Bring your hands apart to even out the string. Loop the string once around each of your index fingers. Create a circle within the far string. Thread both of your index fingers through the circle. Bring your hands apart.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pinch-Pot

How to Make a Pinch Pot

To make a pinch pot, once you've chosen your clay, take a tennis-ball sized chunk of clay and roll it into a smooth ball. Use your thumb to make an opening in the ball and then use gentle pinching motions all around to thin the pot's walls. It's ok to do this in any shape you want, just be sure the walls are of uniform width. Let the pot dry until it's “leather-hard,” which may take a few hours. Then smooth out the surface and add patterns or textures if you want.

Use oven baked polymer clay. This clay is very popular with hobbyists for its durability and versatility. Once you form your pot, you can easily cure the pot by baking it in your oven. However, polymer clay is not food safe. If you make a pinch pot out of this clay, you won't be able to eat or drink out of it. Polymer clay can damage wooden or varnished surfaces in your home. If you choose to use this clay, cover your workspace with a towel or plastic bag. This clay can be purchased online or at a craft store. Purchase air-drying clay. Air-drying clay cures on its own without having to be baked in the oven or fired in a kiln. You can also paint a varnish onto the surface to make it safe for dry foods. However, this type of clay can't be submerged or filled with a liquid as it will disintegrate. This clay can be purchased online, at a craft store, and at some professional pottery supply stores. Buy pottery clay. If you want to make a durable, food and drink safe pinch pot, you need to use pottery clay. This kind of clay can be intimidating to beginners as you have to fire it in a kiln to cure it. However, many professional pottery supply stores also provide kiln services. Simply drop off your pottery, wait a few days, and pick it up again once it's been fired. Talk to a store representative to choose a particular clay and to learn about their firing services. If you're planning on glazing your pot to make it food safe, you will have to purchase a glaze as well. A store representative can help you choose the right glaze for your needs. Create a ball. Pull a tennis-ball sized chunk of clay away from your clay supply. Next, roll the chunk between your hands or against your work surface to form a ball. Keep the surface of the ball as smooth as possible. Make sure you don't create pockets in the surface of the ball by pressing with your fingers. Instead, use your palms to mold the ball. Create an opening. Cup the ball in your hand. Next, gently press your thumb into the center of the ball to create an opening. Leave at least 3/8 of an inch (1 centimeter) of clay at the bottom to form the base of the pot. If you accidentally pinch through the base of the pot, roll the clay into a ball again and start over. Pinch the pot. Use gentle pinching motions to thin out the walls of the pot. Work in circles to thin out the sides at the same rate. Keep pinching until the walls are as thin as you'd like them. The walls of the pot should be similar in thickness without any large divots. Smooth out any cracks in the clay with your fingers after you've finished forming the pot. While pinching, pay attention to the shape of your pot. Will it be a circular pot, a square-bottomed pot, or a long, tall pot? The walls can be as thick as you'd like them. However, make sure you don't make them any thinner than 3/8 of an inch (1 centimeter) or they will collapse. Let the pot become “leather hard”. Set the pot in a low-traffic location and cover it with a lightweight hand towel. Let the pot dry for a few hours, checking on it periodically. When the pot is leather hard, it will be cool to the touch and firm like a block of cheese. If the pot starts to look chalky, it is getting too dry. Smooth the surface of the pot. Once the pot is leather hard, you can smooth the surface and add embellishments. Many potters prefer to use their fingers to smooth the surface of the pot, but you can also use specialized pottery tools such as wooden ribs. Additionally, you can even out the lip of the pot by cutting away any uneven areas with a craft knife. Other embellishments can include: Using your fingers to smooth away any marks or cracks in the surface Using a wooden stick to carve a pattern into the side of the pot Scraping a serrated metal rib against the side of the pot to create a rough texture Allow the pot to dry completely. Let the pot become “bone dry.” During this stage, the pot will be rigid, brittle, and chalky. Polymer clay and pottery clay must be bone dry before you can bake it or fire it. Otherwise, it may melt or explode. Be careful when handling a bone dry piece of pottery as it can break easily. Cure oven-baked clay. Refer to your package of clay to see what temperature to set your oven to. Once your oven has preheated to the right temperature, place your pottery on a baking sheet and put it in your oven. Refer to the manufacturer instructions for cooking times and safety tips. Some people believe that you shouldn't bake polymer clay in your oven because it will leave a harmful residue. However, this is a myth. The baking sheet should not be used for food again once it's been used for polymer clay. Dry out air-drying clay. You don't need to cure air-drying clay in the oven or in a kiln. Instead, place a lightweight towel over the pot and set it in an undisturbed location. Let it dry for five to seven days to allow it to completely harden before decorating it. If you paint the clay when it's still wet, it won't harden properly. Once it's dry, the clay will be chalky and firm. It's better for the clay to dry too long than too little. Fire pottery clay in a kiln. The firing process will cure the clay and make it rock hard. Once your pot is completely bone dry, carefully transport it to your local pottery supply store. These stores usually offer inexpensive firing services. You will be able to pick up your fired piece after a few days. Make sure you tell the store employee the name of the clay you used as different clays are fired to different temperatures. Paint your oven baked polymer clay pot. You can use any kind of water-based paints, metallic pastes, chalk paint, or mica powders to decorate the surface of your pot. Once you've decorated it, seal the paint onto the surface of the pot with a sealing varnish. Polymer clay isn't food safe, so you don't have to worry about choosing food safe paints or varnishes. Avoid using nail polish or oil based paints on your pot. They will dissolve the surface of the clay. These materials can be purchased at most craft supply stores. For help finding them, talk to a store representative. Decorate an air-dried pinch pot. Air dry clay can be decorated with latex and acrylic paints. If you're planning on using your pinch pot to store or serve dried foods, you will need to varnish the surface of the clay. Purchase a food-safe professional varnish and apply four to five coats to the surface of the pot. Acrylic paints, latex paints, and food-safe varnishes can be purchased at craft supply stores. Talk to a store representative for help finding these items. Follow the manufacturer instructions when applying the food-safe varnish. For example, some varnish manufacturers ask you to let the varnish dry twenty-four hours between coats. Glaze or paint pottery clay. Once your pot has been fired in a kiln, you can decorate the surface however you'd like. If you're not going to use the pot for food or drinks, you can paint the pot with acrylic, latex, or oil-based paints. Alternatively, glaze your pot to make it food and drink safe. This will require another firing in the kiln, so talk to a pottery store representative to learn about your options. You will need to choose a glaze that has a similar firing temperature to your clay. Talk to a pottery store representative for help choosing a glaze. Never glaze the bottom of your pot. This will make it stick to the kiln shelf and ruin it.

Use oven baked polymer clay. Purchase air-drying clay. Buy pottery clay. Create a ball. Create an opening. Pinch the pot. Let the pot become “leather hard”. Smooth the surface of the pot. Allow the pot to dry completely. Cure oven-baked clay. Dry out air-drying clay. Fire pottery clay in a kiln. Paint your oven baked polymer clay pot. Decorate an air-dried pinch pot. Glaze or paint pottery clay.

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

How to Start a Microbrewery

To start a microbrewery, you'll need a love of craft beer as well as financial investment and patience. When considering how to finance your microbrewery, you can pay for it yourself, seek investors, or take out loans. Unless you plan to pay for everything yourself, you'll want to draw up a detailed business plan, including your operating budget, location, and unique selling points, to get investors interested. After you get enough capital to begin planning your microbrewery, you'll need to start getting your equipment, including kettles, kegs, boilers, tanks, pumps, and refrigeration systems. Additionally, find a location that's on the edge of a busy area so you can benefit from foot traffic but won't have to pay a huge amount in rent or mortgage.

Prepare for a huge investment. The beer industry is one of the most heavily taxed and thoroughly regulated sectors in the U.S. Because of this, you will have to pay for much more than brewing equipment and location. Depending on your state's laws, you might also have to pay for distribution and extra structural reinforcements to support large tanks. You will also have to apply for a federal brewing permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, a process which can take up to a year. In order to be approved, you must have all of your equipment in place and your location completely prepared for business before you can begin selling to the public. It will be up to you to decide how to finance your brewery. If you rely on investments from other people, you will be required to have a quicker return on investment than if you invest your own money. Depending on the size and location of your brewery, it could cost between $500,000 and $1 million to open. Take advantage of the tax code. Although beer is heavily taxed at $18 a barrel, the federal government offers a reduced $7 a barrel rate for craft brewers on their first 60,000 barrels. This reduced tax, first implemented in 1991, was designed to help small business owners open craft breweries. Calculate your barrels. One of the key determinants of your investment and business plan will be how many barrels of beer you want to brew. Remember that 1 barrel = 31 gallons = 320 12 oz glasses of beer. Most microbreweries make less than 15,000 barrels a year, and some make only a few hundred. Your equipment costs will also be determined by how much you plan to brew.. Equipment to produce one barrel of beer can cost $100,000 (bought used) whereas brand new equipment to produce 30 barrels of beer can cost $1 million or more. Scout a location. You should have some idea of where you plan to put your brewery. Will you have a small tasting room or will you also have a restaurant attached to your brewery? Will you plan to sell merchandise like t-shirts and pint glasses in addition to beer? These factors will determine what kind of space you need to have. Finding a location that is on the edge of a busy area is generally a good place to start looking. You will still benefit from foot traffic, but you won't have to pay an exorbitant amount in rent or on your mortgage. Gain startup capital with a business plan. After you have determined the above factors, you need to start raising capital to open your brewery. If you cannot provide all of the startup costs yourself, you will need to get money from other sources. One of the most effective methods for raising funding is to draw up a business plan and show it to potential investors. The business plan should include your operational budget, your location, your plans for making a profit for the first year, and your longterm plans for expansion. Your plan must clearly show how you will fund the business. For instance, make it clear that you will provide 70% of the capital with your own personal money, 15% of the cost from small business loans and 15% from friends and family. The business plan should also include your Unique Selling Point (USP). What does your brewery offer that no other competitor offers in the area (such as unique beer flavors or brewing methods)? Why should an investor pick your project over someone else's business? Make a passionate case for your business. Present your business plan to friends and family. One of the most common sources of funding for small businesses comes from friends and family who already know you. They will understand your level of passion for the project and your general knowledge of the business. Beware that taking money from friends and family could potentially hurt your relationships if you do not handle their investment responsibly or if the business fails. Apply for a small business loan. The U.S. Small Business Administration is designed to help owners like yourself. Their SBA 7a loan is meant to help you pay for things such as real estate, machinery, and other operational expenses. The 7a loans are set at a maximum of $5 million; the average amount granted in 2012 was $337, 730. The interest rates vary because they are negotiated by the lender and the applicant. The application for this loan requires significant paperwork, including your personal financial history, projected loss statements, information for any other owners or affiliates, and income tax returns. Use a home equity loan to finance your microbrewery. A home equity loan is based on the difference between the price your home could currently gain on the market and the amount you still owe on the mortgage. If you have significant equity on your home, you could use this to finance your brewery. Don't just take the first loan that is offered to you. Instead, compare interest rates and repayment plans from multiple banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies. Keep the risks of this loan in mind. If you cannot repay the loan according to the lender's terms, you could be forced to sell your house. This should not be used as your first resort. Look into crowdsourcing for raising capital. If you know that your friends and neighbors would love to have a great brewery in their neighborhood, then look into crowdsourcing web sites like Kickstarter and GoFundMe. These sites will allow your potential customers to donate to you directly; it will also be a great way to promote your business before it opens. Protect yourself legally and financially. Hiring a lawyer and an accountant early in your business strategy will help you make sure your business is functioning properly. An accountant will oversee your costs and help you stick to your budget, while a lawyer will make sure you stay compliant with all state and federal guidelines for brewers. Visit your competitors. The microbrewers are known for being supportive of each other (especially when you have a common antagonist in large corporations, such as Anheuser Busch). Visit other microbreweries and ask them for their opinions, especially on picking equipment and designing the space for their customers. Get the right equipment. Microbrewing requires a significant amount of equipment, although you can buy most of it ready to use. Companies like GEA Brewing can supply each piece for every system (mashing, fermentation, cooling, cleaning, packaging) that you will need. You can also find better deals on used equipment on sites like ProBrewer rather than spending more on brand new pieces. You will generally need the following pieces of machinery: Kettles Kegs Boilers Fermentation tanks Storage tanks Refrigeration equipment and ice liquid tank Cleaning equipment Filter tank and pump Canning and bottling equipment Consider the scalability of your space for your equipment. If your microbrewery is successful, will you have the space to put in additional tanks to serve more customers? Renovate your location. You might be leasing a space, buying a former business, or building a new one from the ground up. Either way, you should have a team of high quality contractors and designers to help you create the best space for your customers. Ensure you have proper ventilation. Breweries run on steam, so you have to ensure that your space can be properly ventilated and that it is also tall enough to accommodate large tanks. Create a proper drainage system. Brewing on location will require very strong plumbing and a drainage system that can accommodate hundreds of gallons of beer. You should budget for a complete renovation of the current plumbing system in your location. Invest in high quality flooring. This might be an easy detail to overlook, but your floors will suffer a lot of wear and tear from spilt beer. Make sure that you have a high composite floor that can withstand the acidic content of beer. Consider your customer's experience. How will you accommodate your customers in your space? Will customers be seated primarily at a bar and small tables or will there be booths and large tables? Will you serve food in addition to beer? What is the design of the space? Will your brewery have a cozy, pub-like feel to it or will it be light and airy? How many people do you wish to accommodate? You should also consider if you will have space for entertainment, such as a small stage. Microbreweries tend to be popular places to socialize, so you might also consider doing a trivia night or an open-mic night. Draw in customers to your location. While you are still building up a reputation for serving excellent beer, you might need to add extra incentives to draw in more customers. Consider offering happy hour specials, promote special or seasonal beer flavors, and host popular local performers for a discounted rate in order to attract more customers. Host seasonal events at your brewery. For example, if you are located in a coastal area famous for its oysters, consider hosting an oyster festival where you pair your beer with a few special dishes featuring the local cuisine. You can also host screenings of popular TV shows or movies to help bring in customers. Get into the community. While your location might draw in a high amount of traffic, you also need to market yourself to the broader community. Beer festivals will be an obvious place to start, but consider also serving your beer at local food festivals, farmer's markets, and at large concert and film festivals. Embrace broad distribution. Ideally, you won't just sell beer at a single location (your brewery). Instead, reach out to other bars and restaurants about carrying kegs of your beer for their customers. If your brewery has a bottling system, you should also try to distribute your beer with local grocery stores and liquor stores. Check your state's laws on distribution. Many states will let you self-distribute your beer to other vendors while others require that you use an approved distributor. You can find a list here: [1] Connect with important influencers. Research popular beer bloggers and local food critics and then reach out to them with an offer to try your beer. If there are popular magazines on food and culture in your city or town, then you should also reach out to them. Create social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc) to promote your brand. Also consider adding a blog section to your web site discussing all the best ways to enjoy your beer. Send out a weekly or monthly newsletter with special offers and information for your loyal customers. This will give your brewery a "niche" value and create loyalty amongst your regular customers.

Prepare for a huge investment. Take advantage of the tax code. Calculate your barrels. Scout a location. Gain startup capital with a business plan. Present your business plan to friends and family. Apply for a small business loan. Use a home equity loan to finance your microbrewery. Look into crowdsourcing for raising capital. Protect yourself legally and financially. Visit your competitors. Get the right equipment. Renovate your location. Consider your customer's experience. Draw in customers to your location. Get into the community. Embrace broad distribution. Connect with important influencers.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Bright-White-Eyes

How to Get Bright White Eyes

To make the whites of your eyes look brighter, apply 1-2 eye drops, like Visine or Clear Eyes, in the effected eye to reduce dryness and irritation that can cause redness. Be sure to use these sparingly because they can cause your eyes to become dryer over time. Additionally, adjust your diet to eat more orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, like lemons, oranges, pumpkins, and carrots, as well as leafy greens, like spinach, to help detoxify your liver. If your eyes are bloodshot due to fatigue, aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night and drink 10 glasses of water per day.

Use regular eye drops like Visine or Clear Eyes. These eye drops are used to reduce redness in your eyes and give them a bit of moisture to counteract irritants or otherwise dryness in the eyes. Visine, Clear Eyes, and other brands can be purchased at grocery and drug stores, as well as larger stores like Target, Walmart, and so on. Put 1-2 drops in the affected eye. Consult the instructions on the bottle for additional information. Don't use eyedrops like Visine or Clear Eyes too often. While they give good immediate results, when used regularly, they actually prevent your eyes from creating their own natural lubrication, and your eyes may become chronically dry, red, and dependent on the drops. A safer option is saline drops or gentle eyedrops like Systane that mimic natural tears. Try thicker viscosity eye drops. A Japanese brand of eye drops called Rohto is a product that is thicker than natural tears. They have cooling properties that relieve burning eyes and they reduce redness as well. These are available at grocery and drug stores. If you have not used any eye drops before, these might not be the best ones to start with, as they can feel a little harsh to the eye. Try blue eye drops. A company from Switzerland, Innoxa, makes eye drops that are actually colored blue. In addition to relieving burning and redness symptoms, Innoxa Blue Drops also coat your eyes with a light film of blue, which counteracts the yellowish tinge in your eyeballs to make them appear whiter. Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkins, lemons and oranges, contain vitamins and antioxidants that will help keep your eyes white. Eating green, leafy foods like spinach and kale also have a positive effect on your eye health. Nuts like almonds, walnuts and peanuts also contain minerals that promote eye health. These fruits and veggies will also help to detoxify your liver. A healthy liver will help keep the whites of your eyes clear and bright. If your liver is full of toxins, then it may not be able to process foods and vitamins as efficiently as it should. Detoxify your liver by drinking a glass of beetroot juice on an empty stomach, or eating carrots and spinach. Reduce refined sugars and carbohydrates in your diet. Reducing the amount of foods that contain refined carbohydrates and sugars, as well as wheat, can help your body process foods better and detoxify your liver. Decrease the amount of unhealthy foods you eat, particularly at night, which can interfere with a good sleep pattern. Take supplements. Your eyes depend on good levels of Vitamin A and C to maintain their health. In addition to eating foods rich in these vitamins, take a supplemental vitamin every day. Also boost your level of omega 3 acids by taking 4 capsules every day of omega 3 or fish oil supplements. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Getting enough sleep every night will ensure that your body is rested and consequently that your eyes are rested and restored to their natural white color. Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. If you are having trouble falling asleep, try soothing music or 10 minutes of meditation before going to bed to ensure that your body knows that it's time to sleep. Drink plenty of water. Bright white eyes rely on adequate hydration, and keeping your body hydrated will help replenish your body's fluids, thus reducing puffiness and redness in your eyes. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of plain water every day, or approximately 64 ounces. Cut down on alcohol and caffeine. Both of these will dehydrate your body and add to puffiness and redness to your eyes. They also can interrupt good sleep patterns, which may interfere with you getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Avoid irritants like smoke, dust and pollen. Smoking irritates the eyes and can cause redness. It can also dry out the eyes. Eliminating smoking from your daily habits can help your eyes restore their natural color and hydration. Dust that can be found both outside and inside can also irritate your eyes and make them prone to redness. Pollen and other allergens might also contribute to eye irritation. Use an air purifier indoors to reduce these irritants if they are hard to avoid. Reduce eyestrain. Working on a computer all day long can take a toll on your eyes, but it might not be an option to reduce the amount of time you spend on the computer. If you must work on a computer for several hours every day, then you should address ways to help reduce eyestrain. These can include installing proper lighting, changing your computer's settings so that your monitor is the same brightness as the rest of the room, blink more often, exercise your eyes, and so on. Wear sunglasses when you are outside. UVA and UVB rays can damage your eyes over time, and exposure to sunlight contributes to yellowing your eyes. Wear sunglasses that protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays. Most sunglasses available today will have this feature, but be sure to check the label. Try to wear sunglasses whenever there is even a little glare outside. There doesn't need to be blue skies and sun for you to need sunglasses. On cloudy days, there may be quite a lot of glare that can strain and damage your eyes. Visit your doctor. You may have a medical condition called jaundice that contributes to yellowish eyes. Jaundice is a condition when hemoglobin in your blood is broken down into bilirubin and does not clear through your body properly. If the bilirubin builds up in the skin, it causes the skin and eyes to appear yellow. Jaundice can indicate a medical issue most commonly having to do with the liver, gall bladder, or pancreas. Talk with your doctor to rule out jaundice and any underlying diseases or conditions that may be contributing to yellowish eyes. Try Ayurvedic remedies. Ayurvedic medicine originated in India about 3,000 years ago and uses natural remedies and practices to prevent and treat health conditions. Triphala is an herbal mixture used in Ayurvedic medicine that can treat a number of conditions, including improving eye health and eye whiteness. It accomplishes this in part by detoxifying the body. Triphala can be purchased at Indian food import stores as a powder or in tablet form. Use triphala as an eye wash. Dissolve one tablespoon of the powder in 8 ounces of water overnight. Strain this mixture and then sprinkle it over your eyes or use as an eye wash. A word of caution: triphala is also used as a laxative to correct constipation, so proceed carefully with using it. One of the main ingredients in triphala is Indian gooseberry, the juice of which can be dropped directly into your eyes at night to improve their whiteness. Rub carrot juice on your eyelids. Eating carrots will improve your eye health, and so will topical application of the juice. Wash and dry several carrots, and chop off their ends. Process several carrots through a juicer to get healthy carrot juice that can then be applied on your eyelids. Leave the juice on your eyelids overnight. Be careful not to put the juice directly into your eyes. Use a cold compress on your eyes. Putting your skin in contact with something cold will help reduce puffiness, but it can also help whiten your eyes as well. Soak a washcloth in ice water, wring it out, and lay the washcloth over your eyes for 5-10 minutes. The redness in your eyes should diminish after repeating this a few times over the course of a day. Brighten the area under your eyes. Dark circles under your eyes will make your eyes appear dull. Brighten up the area under and around your eyes by applying concealer. Dab several small dots of concealer across the bottom of your eye and gently tap across the dots to blend them with the rest of your skin. Use blue tones of eye shadow and eyeliner. Adding navy or indigo blue colors around your eyes will be somewhat softer than the drama and harshness of black colors. Also, the blue tones will help to counteract yellowish colors that might show up in the whites of your eyes, which will make your eyes appear brighter and clearer. Use eyeliner. These days white eyeliner could be easily found in market. Just a swipe or two of white eyeliner on your eyelid will not only make them brighter will also make them wider. You can also take little white eyeliner near corner of your lids and blend it, this will give an angel like look. Your face will look dewy and very fresh. Use brown mascara on your bottom lashes. Making your eyes stand out can help them appear whiter. Using black mascara on both top and bottom lashes will make dramatic eyes, but they do not help your eyes look whiter. Instead, try brown mascara on your bottom lashes. This softer color will help draw the attention upwards to your top lashes, which will make your eyes appear wider, more alert and whiter. Try a light-colored eyeliner. By using a light bone-colored or flesh-colored eyeliner, your eyes will attract and reflect light, which will help make it seem like your eyes are larger. Outline the inner corners of your eyes with the eyeliner to give the illusion of being brighter. Apply a shimmering white or light-colored eye shadow in the inner corners of your eyes to attain a similar effect. Try to refrain from using a white eyeliner pencil to outline your eye, as this can be hard to blend in properly and may look too "staged" or artificial. Use an eyelash curler. An eyelash curler, which is readily available at drug stores and grocery stores for about $5 to $6, will clamp your eyelashes and bend them upwards in a curl. Curling your lashes upward will make your eyes appear to be bigger and more open. They can also draw attention to your eyes by making your eyelashes appear longer. Use a bit of pink blush. Apply pink blush to the apples of your cheeks, your lips, and across the highest point of your eyebrows. This will lighten and brighten your entire face, which will help make your eyes appear brighter and whiter.

Use regular eye drops like Visine or Clear Eyes. Try thicker viscosity eye drops. Try blue eye drops. Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Reduce refined sugars and carbohydrates in your diet. Take supplements. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Drink plenty of water. Cut down on alcohol and caffeine. Avoid irritants like smoke, dust and pollen. Reduce eyestrain. Wear sunglasses when you are outside. Visit your doctor. Try Ayurvedic remedies. Rub carrot juice on your eyelids. Use a cold compress on your eyes. Brighten the area under your eyes. Use blue tones of eye shadow and eyeliner. Use eyeliner. Use brown mascara on your bottom lashes. Try a light-colored eyeliner. Use an eyelash curler. Use a bit of pink blush.

https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-Up-in-School

How to Catch Up in School

It can be really stressful to start falling behind on schoolwork, but if you get organized and work hard, you can catch up in school. Write down a list all of the work that you haven't done yet. Work on assignments that are past due first, if your teacher will still accept them, then focus on anything that's due in the near future. It may be a good idea to meet with your teachers to let them know that you are behind and trying to catch up. Some teachers might even grant you an extension on late assignments.

List the work you haven't done yet. In order to catch up in school, you'll need to start by figuring out exactly what you need to catch up on. Start by writing up a list that includes all the work you need to get done. This should include assignments that are past due as well as work that is coming due in the near future. For each each task, note the due date and what, exactly, you still need to do. It should include readings you haven't done, papers you haven't turned in, and other homework that is past due or due soon. Meet with your teachers. Ask your teachers to meet with you for a few minutes to discuss the situation. Let them know that you know you are behind and are trying to catch up. Ask what help or advice they can give. Your teachers should be able to tell you which assignments they will still accept. This way, you don't waste time doing work that is so late you will no longer receive credit. They may have advice on how you can get work done faster or more efficiently. They should also be able to tell you which tasks are most important to your grade. In some cases, teachers may be willing to grant you extensions on deadlines, especially for work that hasn't come due yet. If you show you are genuine in your desire to learn the material and get caught up, some teachers will be lenient. Prioritize the list. After meeting with your teacher, rank the items on your list in order of importance. Remove any tasks that it is no longer possible for you to get credit for. In prioritizing work consider the point value of each task. Consider how you are doing in the classes the various assignments are for. You should prioritize those tasks that will make the biggest difference in your grades. If there is a class you are at risk of failing, assignments from this class will be most important. You should also consider due dates in prioritizing your list. Focus on those things that are either the oldest, or that you can get done before the deadlines pass for maximum credit. Make a plan. Once you've figured out where to focus your energies, sit down with a calendar or planner and set some goals. Figure out when you can reasonably get things done by. Setting deadlines for yourself will help you track your progress and keep you accountable to yourself. Schedule work time. Next, establish a set period of time each day that you will dedicate to catching up on your work. Stick to this plan, every day. The amount of extra school work time you will need to set aside will depend on how much you need to get done. In some cases, an extra hour a day might be enough, but in others you may need to set aside much more time. Think about the time of day you feel most productive. If you're more of a night owl, you might prefer doing your extra work after dinner or before bed, for instance. To succeed, be aware that you will probably have to step back from some of your other activities, at least temporarily. You may need, for example to spend less time with your friends, stop going to club meetings for a while, skip a few piano lessons or soccer games, or even withdraw from certain time-intensive activities entirely. Dig in and get the work done. Once you have a plan, stick to it. Work every day to make progress on your school work. Just keep in mind that you'll have to be the one responsible for motivating yourself if you want to get caught up. If you are having trouble staying focused on your work during long work sessions, try building some short breaks into the schedule. This can help boost your productivity and creative thinking. Getting a little extra exercise can also help you stay focused. During work times, turn off your phone if you can, log out of social media, and make sure there aren't other distractions around such as a TV on. Having a well organized work space that is free of clutter and distractions can also help. Use a planner. Once you get caught up, you can probably ease up a little on your work schedule, but you should maintain the same organization and discipline. Keep using a planner or calendar to keep track of work deadlines. Sometimes people get behind because they just forget when things are due. Keeping a planner or setting reminders in your phone can prevent this. Set aside adequate time for school work. Being caught up doesn't mean you can go back to the way things were before. The fact that you got behind in the first place probably means you weren't setting aside enough time for school work. As before, establish a certain time each day to work on school work, and stick to it. Evaluate the activities you are part of outside of school and figure out which ones are most important to you. That way, if you have to let something else slide in favor of school work, you know what you're willing to skip or drop out of. Consider joining a study group. Many students find that studying with other people not only allows them to pool their knowledge, but also helps them be more organized and accountable. If you've agreed to meet with people to work at a certain time, that creates social pressure that doesn't exist when you are just working alone. If you decide not to work on your own, you are failing to live up to your own goals, but if you decide not to meet with your study group, you'll be letting other people down, too. Reward yourself for success. Devise a system of small rewards to motivate you to get work done. Whenever you get a project in on time, give yourself one of these rewards. This rewards can be anything that you enjoy. It could be your favorite candy, a new article of clothing, a song purchased online, or an activity like a trip the mall with your best friend of a little time spent playing your favorite instrument. These rewards are motivating because they create a positive association in your mind with getting things done on time. Your brain will start to understand that completing a task leads to something positive, and this can help you feel more motivated to work.

List the work you haven't done yet. Meet with your teachers. Prioritize the list. Make a plan. Schedule work time. Dig in and get the work done. Use a planner. Set aside adequate time for school work. Consider joining a study group. Reward yourself for success.

https://www.wikihow.com/Feel-Beautiful

How to Feel Beautiful

If you want to feel beautiful, start by making a list of your best qualities and reading it to yourself every morning for a boost of confidence. Creating the right atmosphere can definitely influence how you feel about yourself, so try decorating your home with beautiful things and playing music that you love. Work on immersing yourself in beauty rather than focusing on your own appearance and criticizing what you perceive to be flaws. If you need to, take a break from looking in mirrors except when it's absolutely necessary! Regular exercise can also boost your confidence and leave you feeling energized and uplifted.

Journal about your positive attributes. Start a gratitude journal that highlights your appreciation for what you love about yourself the most. By staying grounded in your good qualities, both your inner and outer beauty, you will keep these things more present in your mind. This way, each time you have a moment of self-doubt or face an rude remark from someone else, the things you cherish most about yourself will be ready at hand. Consider the following tips for a gratitude journal that really works: Don't just go through the motions. Journaling is more effective if you make a strong decision to become happier and more grateful for your positive attributes. Go for quality over quantity. Journal in deep detail about a few things rather than making a superficial laundry list about many attributes. Make it as personal to you as possible. Consider specific situations and relationships that have been positively impacted by these qualities of yours to see how you benefit from these traits in your daily life. Reflect on how your life would be if you suddenly did not have your positive attributes. This makes gratitude come quite easily. Take a look at your relationships. If you have steady doses of fondness and acceptance, you will always be able to see yourself in the positive light that your loved ones do. Similarly, if you spend lots of time with overly harsh or judgmental people, you will learn to view yourself according to their rigid, critical standards. If you are filled with the notion that you are unattractive or unworthy, question whether or not someone in your life bolsters this idea. Make sure that you have a good support system of friends and loved ones. There's nothing more effective than social support to make you feel strong, capable, and beautiful. Deck out your home with beauty. This may mean decorating your room with beautiful scenes you find in magazines or posters or keeping cute memorabilia and knick-knacks around. Having beautiful surroundings will make you feel beautiful too. Remember to fill your space with what you find beautiful, rather than just following the latest trends in design and decoration. Flattering lighting, like white-coated incandescent bulbs, will set a mood of soft, elegant light that makes you and your surroundings look more appealing overall. Consider the placement of your light fixtures as well. Light that reaches your face from all directions makes it more difficult to see lines and shadows. So, for example, you'll want to replace overhead fixtures in your bathroom with lighting on either side of your mirror. Start each day with an affirmation. Put to task all the positive attributes that you see in yourself by using them to boost your confidence each morning. Remind yourself, in as much vivid and personal detail as possible, the things that you offer to the world. Look in the mirror and tell yourself that these qualities (i.e. your bright smile, your compassionate style) are yours to share. You may feel silly or even self-aggrandizing at first, but you will get used to being kind and motivating toward yourself and experience the benefits of being your own best friend. Also, try writing confidence-boosters on post-it notes, on fridge magnets, or even on the bathroom mirror with eyeliner. Putting small reminders in places where they're bound to be seen frequently will keep you in-tune with the sort of thinking that fosters optimism. Mind your posture. Good posture not only sends messages to others that we are confident and capable, but it also sends positive messages to yourself. This is because your mind is constantly communicating with your body about how you're feeling. When you are standing up straight and looking ahead rather than at the floor, your brain receives the message that you do indeed feel good about yourself and ready to face the world (literally). People who sit up straight rather than slouch tend to be more confident in what they say and do. Try also to keep your shoulders back and your chest ever so slightly open forward. Doing this will make you look self-assured, taller, and even slimmer. Listen to music often. Music is a large part of what helps you appreciate the natural beauty in life, and it is even thought to precede language in its impact on your sense of connection with and orientation in the world around you. Listen to whatever gets your blood pumping, be it pop, rock, jazz, or country. Sustained listening will keep your mood uplifted and your thoughts appreciative of beauty. Get a cute pet. Pets serve two purposes when it comes to helping you feel beautiful. First, you get to spend lots of time around a visually pleasing, always-smiling creature. In a way, they can make the perfect accessory to be out and about with. Also, pets make trusted companions that will help you feel loved and cherished without the conditions of human relationships. Make sure you only get a pet if you have the means to take care of it actively. Pets require a good deal of responsibility and daily attention, but the benefits are enormous. Get active. In addition to benefits like weight loss, exercise has also been linked to fewer depressive symptoms and a lowered risk of heart disease. This means that keeping a regular exercise routine will keep you feeling uplifted, energized, and secure in your good health. If you find it difficult to find the motivation to begin, try starting small by adding brisk walks to your week. Then, you can gradually increase the amount of cardiovascular or strength training exercise to the degree that your lifestyle permits. Try to exercise in ways that increase your flexibility. This way you will learn to see your body as something that is always evolving and changing. Smile. Do you ever have those unbearably happy mornings? The type where you find yourself smiling at everyone on an early grocery run, for example? These experiences may actually change how you see yourself and how others see you, too. Compared to people who are not smiling, folks who tend to show their pearly whites more often are considered by others to be more sincere, social, and even competent. Even if you don't feel like it. It'll make you feel and look a lot happier! Remember that taking good care of your teeth is a great way to increase confidence in your smile. Brush and floss regularly, and reduce your risk of tooth decay by rinsing your mouth out after eating or drinking sugary foods. Do what you're good at. Spend as much time as possible doing things that let you see how talented and capable you are. A feeling of accomplishment is part of what creates the sort of beauty that emanates from within. This may seem obvious, but sometimes the things we're truly good at can slip away from us if a job or school responsibilities ask that we diverge from our talents. For example, if writing is your forte, craft poems and prose in your spare time. If you're brilliant at sports, join a team that plays on the weekends so that you'll always get your healthy dose of competition. Eat well. Remember that healthy eating is not the same as going on a diet. Diets tend to be temporary and unsustainable in the long run. Eating well requires habits like introducing more fresh veggies, fruits, and whole grains to your shopping list, and cooking with a good degree of variety. If you're big on foods with lots of fat, sugar, and salt, consider cutting back significantly. Because balance is key, treating yourself is also a part of eating well. If you're tempted by the occasional ice cream cone or pastry, don't deny yourself outright--this is where moderation comes in. Treating yourself will help you remember that how you treat yourself is a big part of the self-confidence that makes you radiant. Learn relaxation methods. When you are at ease, people will respond positively, making you feel attractive and present to others. Think about it--when you see someone who looks comfortable in her skin, you can't help but want to be a part of that relaxed way of being. The following are helpful practices that will slowly lower the amount of tension you habitually carry in your body: Progressive muscle relaxation Yoga Intentional breathing Be comfortable in your clothes. If you feel physically uncomfortable in what you're wearing, you will begin to develop an oppositional relationship to your body; in other words, a negative body image. Forcing yourself into clothes that don't fit well will make you see your body as too large or too small to wear what you want to wear. Especially for women, wearing well-fitting clothing can change your perception of yourself for the better, increasing your confidence related to emotional management, social skills, and work-related tasks. Ground yourself in the truth of beauty. The funny thing about beauty is that we value it so highly without realizing that, on average, conventionally attractive people are not happier than anyone else. Remember that a sense of optimism, hope, satisfying relationships with others, and a sense of meaning and purpose life are what influence happiness the most. This means that in the grand scheme of things, there are many more important factors that influence total well-being and joyous living than outward appearance. Change your negative self-talk. It is very common to walk around all day with a "little voice" in your head that repeats critical and insecure thoughts, like how fat your cheeks are or how clumsy you are. But, the one great thing about that little voice is that you can put other thoughts in dialogue with it. Replace the unkind messages in your head with neutral thoughts about the same things; for example, focusing on the rosiness of your cheeks rather than their size. Going further, try to give challenge that little voice by silently answering it with the things you like most about yourself. Tell it why others might find you desirable--maybe you have luscious lips or tell the funniest jokes. Soon you'll learn to see that qualities of your appearance and of your character are what make you attractive. Accept your appearance. Accepting your appearance might be no small task, especially if you often find yourself fearing the judgment of others and being concerned with how you're supposed to look. Think about the features that you like and dislike about yourself, and try to understand that, wherever your opinion falls, all of these features combined make you who you are. Be proud of yourself and your appearance despite whether or not it matches conventional standards. Stop judging yourself by taking your focus off of your appearance. Give yourself and the mirror a little time apart! People who view their image negatively tend to zoom in on their characteristics and flaws, and self-focus tends to also bring with it more self-criticism. Check reality. Stop comparing yourself to who and what you think others are. When you see a supermodel or a famous person who you're tempted to compare yourself to, try thinking about these people more as genetic anomalies than standards of beauty to live up to. Because our culture sets unrealistic standards for beauty, the importance of finding your unique beauty is all the more pressing. Make an effort to focus on your achievements rather than your deficiencies. This means spending time taking stock of all of the unique things that you bring to the table. Whenever you are tempted to compare yourself to others, try appreciating them instead of approaching with envy. Marvel in your differences and think about how boring life would be if everyone had the same gifts. Besides, when you compare yourself to others, you are really comparing your insides to someone else's outsides. This means that you're bound to be disappointed--you have more knowledge about yourself, especially of the nasty little secrets that tend to be kept private. Learn to take a compliment. Part of feeling beautiful is letting in others' positive opinions of you, too. Sometimes it can be so surprising or even confusing to hear praise that you end up signaling to others that compliments make you feel uncomfortable. In haste, we often end up responding to compliments by saying "Oh..." or "That's not true". At the bare minimum, be sure to respond with a positive acknowledgment of “Thanks,” remembering that timing is crucial. If you wait too long, the acknowledgment can be confusing, too soon and you could be interrupting the speaker. Or, go above and beyond just acknowledging the compliment by elaborating on it or using it to open a new conversation. You can also share the wealth by giving an uplifting comment in return. Appreciate your progress. Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize how far you've come; in the past years, it's likely that you've come into your own just by virtue of growing and maturing. Maybe your skin has cleared since early adolescence or you've gained lots of confidence from new work or romantic opportunities. Look at old pictures and yearbooks. Take some time to laugh at how awkward you looked and felt compared to now, and treasure how far you've come.

Journal about your positive attributes. Take a look at your relationships. Deck out your home with beauty. Start each day with an affirmation. Mind your posture. Listen to music often. Get a cute pet. Get active. Smile. Do what you're good at. Eat well. Learn relaxation methods. Be comfortable in your clothes. Ground yourself in the truth of beauty. Change your negative self-talk. Accept your appearance. Check reality. Learn to take a compliment. Appreciate your progress.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Book-Cover

How to Make a Book Cover

To make a book cover with a brown paper bag, start by cutting the bag open and removing any handles. Then, center the open book on the paper and draw a horizontal line along the top and bottom edges of the book. Remove the book and fold the paper in at the lines, toward the center. Put the book back on the folded paper and open the front cover. Then, fold the edge of the paper over the cover and close the book. Repeat this step for the back cover.

Grab some brown paper, butcher paper, or a brown paper bag. All of these types of paper can make an excellent book cover. This type of cover can be left as is, or made fancier with stamping, painting or decoupaging. You could also use other papers: gift wrapping paper, photocopied design paper, and any other forms of paper that you consider strong enough to form a book cover. Measure the cover. Place the brown paper down on a flat work surface. Center the book on the paper. If you are using a paper bag, you will want to cut the paper bag open so that it lays flat. Remove any handles as well. Your paper should be bigger than your book so that you have enough of it to wrap around your book and create pockets for the covers to slide into. Draw a horizontal line on the paper along the top and bottom edges of the book. Use a ruler and pencil to achieve this. This horizontal line will be your guide for folding your paper to help form your book pockets. Remove the book from the paper. Fold the paper in from the top and bottom to the drawn lines. You want to crease the paper on the horizontal lines you've just drawn. Note that folds can be made neater and cleaner by using a bone folder. A bone folder is a piece of plastic that looks like a knife. It is used to get perfect folds and creases without cutting the paper. Place the book back onto the folded paper. The back of the book should be facing down onto the paper. Center the book horizontally. Make sure that the sides of the paper are of an even length on either side of the book. Then make sure you line up the book so that the top and bottom are flush with your creases. Open the front cover of the book. Fold the left edge of the paper in over the cover. With the front cover open, take the left side of your paper and fold it over the cover. If you have too much paper and the fold goes too far for your liking, cut the excess paper. Close the book while keeping the paper folded around the cover. Keep the folded left edge of the paper tightly in position. The paper should stay wrapped snugly around the front cover. You may have to reposition the book so that you don't rip the paper on the book's spine. If the paper is too tight, move the book to give it more slack. You want to wrap the book without ripping the paper. Open the back cover of the book. Fold the right edge of the paper in. Just like you did with the front cover, fold your paper over the back cover. If you have too much paper, cut some off. Close the book to make sure that the paper fits around it. Slide each of the book’s covers into the newly created paper flaps. Do this one at a time. You'll notice that the folds and flaps have created a pocket. You can now slide each cover into the pocket for a better hold. Provided the paper has been folded sharply and crisply, and the paper is of substantial heaviness, the cover should not need any taping down. However, you may want to tape the pocket down if you feel it necessary. Decorate or label the book. The sky's the limit on making the brown paper more interesting. You can draw on it, potato print or paint it (do before making the book cover, though). Or stick on a label and write the name of the book inside the label space. Ribbon or braid can be glued down the spine for added effect and strength. This can be nice if the book is for a wedding, guestbook, or another memento. You can also write the name of the book, or the name of your class on the front of the paper to make it easier to differentiate. Grab your plastic covering. Plastic film is probably the most standard covering for a book. You can use clear or colored adhesive plastic contact paper. Or you can use various types of book covering plastic that isn't adhesive but is made for book covering. Either type of plastic will protect your book. But, the non-adhesive method tends to be less damaging to the book in the long run. should you wish to ever remove the plastic covering, non-adhesive is easier to remove. You can also opt to make a plastic sheet protector book cover. The chemicals in the adhesive may eventually tarnish the book. Additionally, the adhesive method is not an environmentally friendly way to cover a book because recycled versions of it have not yet been created. Regular plastic coverings take a bit more work but can be easily removed. You can also try covering a book with plastic wrap. Contact paper book covering comes in a roll. It is usually available from anywhere that sells stationery or craft supplies. Most rolls will have measurements printed on the backing of the contact paper, which will help you to align the plastic. Roll out a sheet of the contact paper that is large enough for the book. Place the book on the contact paper. Center the book using the lines on the backing of the paper. If there are no guidelines, use a ruler. Think of this part as similar to wrapping a present. Cut the contact paper off the roll. Leave enough room when cutting so that you have enough paper to fold over the front cover. This will free the roll from the portion you'll be working with. You should now have your book laying on top of a free, flat piece of plastic paper. There should be some excess paper around all sides of the book. Remove the book from the contact paper. Peel the contact away from its backing if you need to. If you're using sticky contact paper that has a backing, you'll need to peel away the backing to reveal the adhesive side. When you lay the book back down, lay it on the adhesive side. The plastic will stick to the book. Place the book back onto your plastic paper. Open the front cover of the book to bring a fold over of plastic paper. Bring your plastic paper over to the inside front cover of the book. You will want to apply a small piece of tape to hold the plastic in place. The repeat with the back cover. Don't tape down the back cover yet. Cut out triangles in each corner of the contact paper. After you have folded the plastic over the corners you will have excess paper that needs to be trimmed and cut. First cut two slits in the plastic on either side of the book's spine. Then, cut off the corners of the plastic from the top and bottom of your book. Cut at an angle so that your scissors go up to the corners of your book. You need to cut the corners so that you can easily cut away a layer of plastic inside the book covers. And fold down the extra plastic on the top and bottom of the book. Cut away the top flap inside your covers. You will see flaps that are no longer connected to the parts of paper that are extending on the top and bottom of your book. Cut away these flaps so that you can easily fold down the extra plastic. Lift the bottom of the book off the plastic paper, leaving the front cover flap in place. You want to lift the book to reveal the spinal tabs you cut. Then fold down the spinal tabs toward the center of the paper. Gently lower your book back down over the folded tabs. Fold down the top and bottom portions of the paper. All that's left to do is to open up your covers and fold the remaining parts of plastic paper into the inside covers. Try to tape the plastic together to hold everything in place without taping the book if possible. Tape can be hard to remove from the book, especially without causing damage. Check for air bubbles. Running a ruler across the cover usually dispels these. Then you're all done. Grab your fabric. Use up a piece of fabric that is left over from another sewing project. Or make a special purchase of a fabric you just happen to like a lot. Either way, covering a book with fabric is a nice way to keep the book in good condition. Fabric can also add a personal touch that makes this book unique and special to you. Choose the fabric. The fabric needs to be fairly substantial to protect the book, so avoid anything too flimsy. Also get some lightweight fusible interfacing. Fusible interfacing is used to add a rigidity or stiffness to a fabric. The interfacing gets applied to the wrong side of the fabric, or underside to help form your fabric. Press the fabric. Take an iron and smooth out your fabric so that there are no wrinkles. Any wrinkles that you have when applying the fabric to your book will stay. Try using a fabric that is made to be wrinkle free to make covering your book easier. Measure the cover. Place the fabric down on a flat work surface. Center the book on the fabric. Make sure you have plenty of extra fabric. Draw two horizontal lines across the fabric along the top and bottom edges of the book. Extend the edges of the fabric beyond the book to provide adequate space for flaps on each side. For best results, make the flaps at least 2 inches/5cm wide. For larger books, add even more width. Leave a small allowance both above and below the horizontal lines when cutting. Remove the book from the fabric. Cut out the fabric to the new measurements, giving yourself more fabric than the dimensions of the book. You'll want to give yourself some extra fabric to work with when cutting. Extra fabric also helps you to apply the fusible interfacing. When applying the interfacing, you'll want to fold a small bit of the fabric over itself, around the interfacing. Fuse the interface to the wrong side of the fabric. This will be the side of the fabric that faces into the book. The fusible interfacing will have a bumpy side, the side that attaches to the fabric, and a smooth side. Press it into the fabric with a damp cloth. Then take your iron and iron it for 10 to 15 seconds. If you need to move the iron, pick it up and place it down in a new spot. Don't glide it to heat another spot of the interfacing. Place the book back onto the fabric. The interfaced side of the fabric should still be facing up. The interfacing isn't meant to be shown. When you lay the book down, it will be against the interfaced side of fabric. This means that when you complete your cover, the interfacing will be inside and not exposed. Open the front cover of the book. Lay the cover down and bring the left edge of the fabric in. You want to fold the left edge of the fabric over the book's cover to create a sort of pocket. Then, using a pin, pin the flaps of fabric together. The top and bottom edges of fabric should extend past the edges of the book cover slightly. The extra fabric allows you to pin the fabric without pinning the book cover. Open the back cover of the book. Fold the right edge of the fabric in over the cover. Repeat the same process for the other cover, pinning the flaps of fabric together. Remove the book from the flaps. You will now have the general shape of your fabric book cover. Fold down any extra fabric that extended passed the vertical edges of the book covers. You want to fold in any extra fabric and pin it to the rest of the fabric. Stitch the fabric together. Using a topstitch, sew across the top and bottom of the cover. A topstitch is a method of stitching that has you bringing the thread over the edges of your fabric layers. The stitch will then bring the layers together. Capture the flaps or pockets as you sew. You will want to make sure to stitch all your flaps together. The top stitching will allow you to connect any flaps or pockets that have been folded over. The ultimate result will be one large pocket for you to slide your cover into. Do this for both sides. You should have two pockets, one for each cover stitched. Slide the book into its cover. It's now ready for everyday wear and tear! You can also reuse this cover on any other book that is the same size as your original one. Use a colorful piece of felt to make a book cover. Felt is a strong and durable fabric to use for a book cover. It's a good cover style for kids' books or for notebooks that are toted around a lot in a bag. If you can, use wool felt in preference to synthetic felt mixes, as it's a lot easier to work with. However, wool felt tends to be more expensive too. Use a piece of felt large enough for the book. An average dimension (paperback, notebook) is typically 8.5” x 12”/21.5cm x 30.5cm. Although you may need your felt to be larger depending on the size or your books. The sides of the felt need to be adequately large so as to fold over the edges of the book to create flaps. Lay the book on its spine. Fold the covers down. This will help you get an idea of how much felt you need. The book should be centered on the felt, and should be opened and sitting flat. Trace the top and bottom of the book with a fabric pencil. This tracing will tell where to fold the felt for the top and bottom. Don't trace the vertical edges as these parts will get folded in to create flaps. The extra width that extends past the vertical edges of the covers will turn into the flaps. If using the measurement for the felt provided above, this extra part should measure approximately 2 inches/5cm more each side. Also add a 1/4 inch/6mm edge above and below the marked horizontal lines. This will give you extra felt to cut or fold. Cut the felt piece out. Lay it down flat on the work surface. You will now have a piece of felt that is slightly larger than your book. Place the book on the felt. Lay it on its spine and bring the covers down to lay on top of the felt. Center the book onto your fabric so that each edge has an even spacing between book and felt. Fold the left vertical side of felt in. Take the portion of fabric that extends past your front your book cover and fold it over the cover. Pin The felt in place. You should have excess felt on the top and bottom of your book so that you pin only the felt and not the actual book. Repeat for the right side, pinning the felt in place. This creates the book flaps or slip pockets for your covers. Carefully remove the book from the felt. Slipping the felt off the book carefully without disturbing the pins. Stitch across the top and bottom of the felt fabric. Capture each side and fold in the stitching, as this is what keeps the slip pockets, or flaps, intact. You can either hand stitch or machine stitch, depending on the final look you're after. Trim off any excess felt above and below the stitching lines. Leave a small amount of felt above the stitching line, it's important not to trim too closely. Don't cut too close to the stitching as you risk cutting the thread and unraveling your stitching. Slip the book into the flaps. Close it to make sure it sits tight. It should now be a well-protected book.

Grab some brown paper, butcher paper, or a brown paper bag. Measure the cover. Draw a horizontal line on the paper along the top and bottom edges of the book. Remove the book from the paper. Place the book back onto the folded paper. Open the front cover of the book. Close the book while keeping the paper folded around the cover. Open the back cover of the book. Slide each of the book’s covers into the newly created paper flaps. Decorate or label the book. Grab your plastic covering. Roll out a sheet of the contact paper that is large enough for the book. Cut the contact paper off the roll. Remove the book from the contact paper. Place the book back onto your plastic paper. Cut out triangles in each corner of the contact paper. Cut away the top flap inside your covers. Lift the bottom of the book off the plastic paper, leaving the front cover flap in place. Fold down the top and bottom portions of the paper. Grab your fabric. Choose the fabric. Press the fabric. Measure the cover. Remove the book from the fabric. Fuse the interface to the wrong side of the fabric. Place the book back onto the fabric. Open the front cover of the book. Open the back cover of the book. Remove the book from the flaps. Stitch the fabric together. Capture the flaps or pockets as you sew. Slide the book into its cover. Use a colorful piece of felt to make a book cover. Use a piece of felt large enough for the book. Lay the book on its spine. Trace the top and bottom of the book with a fabric pencil. Cut the felt piece out. Place the book on the felt. Fold the left vertical side of felt in. Stitch across the top and bottom of the felt fabric. Trim off any excess felt above and below the stitching lines. Slip the book into the flaps.

https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-a-Funnel-Spider

How to Identify a Funnel Spider

To identify a funnel spider, look for a dark brown or black body and legs that are covered with a thin, dark layer of hair. Funnel spiders have a hard, shiny carapace, which is a shell-like section, near the front of their bodies that should be fairly easy to spot. These spiders also have 2 large, poisonous fangs that point directly downward at the front of their bodies, so be very careful if you're near this kind of spider!

Look for a dark brown or black body. The legs and back of the funnel spider will usually be covered by a thin and dark layer of hair, but the body of the spider will always be a largely uniform pure black or a very dark brown. Look at the spider for this color, or any markings which might indicate that its a different type of spider. Some funnel spiders may have a very slight pattern on their body, but most will be a singular color. Check for a hard, shiny carapace. The carapace is a hard, shell-like section that covers the back of many different animals. The funnel spider has an easily recognizable carapace near the front of its body. Look for a shiny black surface that is almost entirely free from hair to identify the funnel spider. The carapace is more protective than it is reflective. It can be used to identify the spider, but won't be particularly useful in spotting it from a distance. Keep an eye out for the funnel spider's large fangs. The funnel spider is one of the more poisonous spiders in Australia, and it has the fangs to prove it. Look for 2 large fangs pointing directly downwards from the front of the spider to help identify it as a funnel spider. If the spider feels threatened or is preparing to attack, you may be able to see a small drop of poison on each fang. If you notice this, be extra careful to avoid being bitten and poisoned. Notice if the spider is between 1 to 5 cm (0.39 to 1.97 in) in length. The body of the funnel spider is normally around 2 centimetres (0.79 in) in length, with the legs extending beyond this. Look at the body from a distance to determine whether or not the spider is the right size to be a funnel spider. Some funnel spiders, particularly the females, can grow to more than 5 centimetres (2.0 in) in length. They will rarely be shorter than 1 centimetre (0.39 in), unless they are recently hatched. You should never measure a spider precisely if you don't know what species it is. Look from a distance, estimate the size of it, and always assume the worst when identifying a potentially venomous spider. Check for visible spinnerets. Spinnerets are the organs near the back of abdomen which allow the spider to spin its web. On funnel spiders, the spinnerets are often longer than other spiders and should be easily visible. Look for 4 spinnerets on the back of the spider to help identify the funnel spider. There are two sub-species of funnel spiders, the more deadly Atrax funnel spiders and the less deadly Hadronyche funnel spiders. Atrax funnel spiders will often have larger or more obvious spinnerets than Hadronyche funnel spiders. Take extra care with spiders that have larger spinnerets. Differentiate the larger females from the smaller male spiders. As well as being different in size, the male funnel spiders also have a more potent venom than the female spiders. This makes them more dangerous, so it's important to be able to tell the difference between the two. Here are a few things to look for: Female funnel spiders will almost always be larger than their male counterparts, by up to 1 centimetre (0.39 in). If you see 2 funnel spiders, the larger one will be the female. The second leg from the front on a male funnel spider will have spurs on it, which the females will be lacking. The males will leave their burrows in search for a female mate, which means that you're more likely to see the male funnel spiders than the females. Know that funnel spiders are only found in Australia. While other, similar species of spiders can be found around the world, the funnel or funnel-web spider can only be found in Australia. Predominantly, they are found in South Australia, Western Australia, and New South Wales. When identifying a funnel spider, make sure that they can be found in your area first. The funnel spider is so well-known in New South Wales that a particularly deadly species of it is known as the Sydney Funnel-web Spider or Atrax robustus. Be warier of the funnel spider if you are in Sydney or any of the surrounding areas. Be wary of moist, cool, sheltered areas. The sun can often be harsh on funnel spiders, so they tend to hide in cool, dark places during the day. Be extra careful when looking under rocks, dense bushes, rotting logs, or even inside crevices and rotted trees, as these are all places perfect for a funnel spider to hide. If it's raining, more areas may be hospitable to funnel spiders than usual. Sometimes, their burrows can be flooded and force them out during harsh rain as well. Be extra careful of funnel spiders when it is damp or raining. Look for the telltale funnel-web outside of burrows. The funnel spiders are given their name for the webs they construct around their burrows to trap and catch their prey. Look for strands of web stretching from the ground or from nearby bushes towards a small hole in the ground to create a funnel-like shape. This is a sign that you have located the burrow of a funnel spider. The funnel spider waits for prey to walk over the webs, using the vibrations to tell them there's something to eat outside. If you see these webs, avoid touching or disturbing them, as it may alert the spider to come and attack you. Know that the poison can only kill humans and primates. The venom of a funnel spider is usually used to paralyze small insects for the spider to eat. In humans and other primates, it makes nerves fire very quickly and causes the heart to tremble, which can lead to death. Be concerned if you or someone else is bitten, but don't panic if a pet is bitten by a funnel spider. If a pet is bitten by a spider, take them to a vet to be safe. It's not easy to tell what kind of spider has bitten your pet unless you see the bite happen. Apply pressure to and above the wound. If you are bitten by a funnel spider, you should try and slow the flow of the venom through your system while you seek medical attention. Wrap a pressure bandage tightly over the area where you were bitten and continue wrapping it up the limb or body towards your heart. You don't need to wrap the entire body when treating the bite. Wrap as much as you can, but don't wrap more than 30 centimetres (12 in) at the most. Wrap the bandage to the same tightness you would wrap a bandage for a sprained ankle. It should slow blood flow, not cut it off completely. As you are wrapping the bite, you may be able to identify it , which can help with treatment. Avoid moving the muscles around the bite. Moving the muscles in the area near the bite will encourage blood flow and allow the venom to work quicker. Keep the limb or area where you were bitten as still as possible. To ensure that the muscles do not move, bind a solid splint to the muscles or limb to prevent movement entirely. Get to a hospital immediately. An antivenom for the funnel spider's bite will prevent the venom from affecting you, but it can only be administered by a medical professional. Get to a hospital or emergency room as quickly as possible after you have been bitten so that a professional can treat your bite. If you can do so safely, bring the spider with you to the hospital to help with identification and to make sure the right antivenom is given as quickly as possible.

Look for a dark brown or black body. Check for a hard, shiny carapace. Keep an eye out for the funnel spider's large fangs. Notice if the spider is between 1 to 5 cm (0.39 to 1.97 in) in length. Check for visible spinnerets. Differentiate the larger females from the smaller male spiders. Know that funnel spiders are only found in Australia. Be wary of moist, cool, sheltered areas. Look for the telltale funnel-web outside of burrows. Know that the poison can only kill humans and primates. Apply pressure to and above the wound. Avoid moving the muscles around the bite. Get to a hospital immediately.

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

How to Say I Love You in French

To say "I love you" in French, say "Je t'aime." Alternatively, you can say "Je t'adore," which means "I adore you." Or, you can say "Je te désire," which means "I want you." If you want to make a grander gesture, consider saying "Je t'aimerai pour toujours," which means "I will love you forever."

Decide which verb you wish to use. You can use "aimer" (to love), "adorer" (to adore), or "désirer" (to desire). "Aimer" is the strongest in emotion of the three verbs. Don't use it lightly! Use the "tu" form. It's not likely you'd be telling someone formally or someone unknown that you love them! "Tu" and "vous" are the two forms used when addressing another person. "Tu" is used for people you know well or children. In "je t'aime," "tu" is contracted to "t'" because of the succeeding vowel. Literally, it translates to "I you love." If you are seeking to risk a restraining order, "je vous aime" ( zhuh voo zem ) is used formally. Learn how to say the various basic phrases: Je t'aime -- I love you (zhuh tem) Je t'adore -- I adore you (zhuh tah door) Je te désire or j'ai envie de toi -- I want you (zhuh tuh duhzai-uh or zhay ohn-vee duh twah) Practice it before saying. If you're nervous, practice will be invaluable. Telling someone that you love them can be exciting or terrifying and saying it in French makes it seem even more romantic. Bonne chance! (Good luck!) Get the pronunciation down. French is full of sounds that are represented a bit differently in English. "j" in "je" is pronounced [zh] -- like the g in mirage "e" (in "je") is pronounced like the oo in good "t'aime" is pronounced [tem] to rhyme with them. Use terms of endearment. Often "I love you" is accompanied by something else, something extra. Make it even more memorable by adding a special touch. "Je t'aime, toi" emphasizes that you love them and only them. Follow with "my darling": To a woman -- ma chérie (ma shay-ree) To a man -- mon chéri (mo(n) shay-ree; the (n) is nasal) "Mon amour" -- my love (moh(n) ah-mohr) "Ma belle" -- my love (mah bell) "Mon chou" -- my cabbage, my pastry (moh(n) shoo) (informal) Say it more vividly. You do not have to stick to the literal "I love you." There are dozens of ways to express how you feel, though a bit more complicated. "Je t'aimerai pour toujours" -- I will love you forever (zhuh tem-air-ay poor too-zhoor) "T'es l'amour de ma vie"" -- You're the love of my life (teh lah-moor duh ma vee) "Je t'aime plus qu'hier et moins que demain" -- I love you more than I did yesterday and less than I will tomorrow (zhuh tem ploo kee-air ay mwahn kuh duh-mahn) Prepare for a response. The conversation doesn't stop there! Get ready for a response or to inquire further. "Est-ce que tu m'aimes?" -- Do you love me? (ess kuh too mem) "Moi aussi, je t'aime." -- I love you too. (mwah ah-see, zhuh tem) "Veux-tu m'épouser?" -- Will you marry me? (voo too may poo say)

Decide which verb you wish to use. Use the "tu" form. Learn how to say the various basic phrases: Practice it before saying. Use terms of endearment. Say it more vividly. Prepare for a response.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Knife-Sharpener

How to Use a Knife Sharpener

Before you sharpen a knife with a manual sharpener, try holding up a folded sheet of paper and slicing down through it with the knife. If the knife can't cut through the paper without stopping, insert it into the “coarse” slot on a manual sharpener. Pull the blade of the knife through the slot 3 to 6 times, following the contour of the blade and moving from base to tip. Next, pull the knife through the “fine” slot once or twice to refine the edge. When you're done, rinse the knife and dry it with a clean towel before putting it away.

Test your knife by running it through a piece of paper. You may already know that your knife is dull, but if you aren't sure, fold a piece of newspaper in half (or just use a single sheet of computer paper), hold it up in the air, and bring your knife down to cut through it. If your knife doesn't slice through the paper, it's time to sharpen it. The knife should continuously cut through the paper without stopping if it is sharp and in good shape. Use the “coarse” setting for very blunt knives that need to be reshaped. Most manual sharpeners have at least 2 settings: 1 labeled “coarse,” and 1 labeled “fine.” The coarse setting will actually remove steel from the blade to resharpen the edge, while the fine setting is used for everyday knife maintenance. These settings are the same on electrical sharpeners, though an electric sharpener may have an additional slot between “coarse” and “fine.” Pull the blade through from its base to its tip 3 to 6 times. Insert the blade into the manual sharpener at the base, which is where the blade meets the handle. Use gentle force, pushing the blade down as you pull it through the slot, toward your body. Repeat this action 3 to 6 times, 3 for a mildly-dull blade, or more for a severely-dull blade. This action resets the blade, restoring it to its original sharpness. Use enough force when you pull the blade through that you hear an audible grinding sound. If you're using an electric sharpener, you won't need to press down—the whirring mechanisms will take care of everything for you. Move the blade so you’re following its contour as you pull it through. Each time you bring the knife through the sharpener, you won't just pull it straight through. Instead, follow the curve of the knife so that the handle comes up and is higher at the end than it was at the beginning. This way, the entirety of the blade will get sharpened. If you're pressing down, you'll be able to tell by the sound and feel that you're moving the blade the right way. If you no longer hear the grinding noise or feel the resistance of the blade, you probably aren't following the contour closely enough. Run the blade through the fine setting 1 to 2 times to finish the process. After you've finished pulling the blade through the “coarse” setting, you need to give it a few finishing touches to refine its edge. You don't need to use as much force with the “fine” setting, and the grinding sound won't be nearly as loud as it was in the “coarse” setting. If your sharpener has more than one setting, pass the knife through each in-between setting 1 to 2 times, making sure that you end at the “fine” setting. These additional settings are just gradations of grinding and help fine-tune your knife even more. Rinse the knife off and dry it with a lint-free towel. Use warm, soapy water to rinse away any lingering steel remnants before using your knife again. Feel free to use a sponge or dishtowel to give the knife a quick wipe down. Dry the knife off completely to prevent it from rusting, and return it to its knife block or similar storage space. Avoid running your knives through the dishwasher. They can get banged up or damaged by other items. Maintain the knife by running it through the “fine” setting daily. The general rule of thumb is to pull your knife through the fine setting once for every 2 hours of use. Depending on how often you cook, you may not need to do this every day, but keep it in mind as a helpful way to keep your knife sharp. If you do a daily or semi-weekly pass through the manual sharpener, chances are you won't need to do much more to keep your knives sharp. Invest in an electric sharpener if you cook often with expensive knives. Electric sharpeners themselves are more expensive than manual sharpeners, running about $40 to $100, depending on the brand you get. They're more intuitive, though, and are really easy to use as they will just pull the blade through for you. It takes less time and effort to sharpen your knives than the other manual methods require. Make sure to do your research before ordering your electric sharpener. Some brands are meant for specific kinds of knives, and some include extra features, like a lifetime warranty. Buy a pull-through or handheld sharpener for a nice at-home option. This is a really nice choice for your everyday home cook who doesn't spend more than an hour or 2 in the kitchen every day. They're smaller than the electric versions, making them easier to store, and they're fantastic to use for daily touchups or for grinding a dull blade back to sharpness. They cost anywhere from $10 to $60, depending on the brand you choose. There's something to be said for the feeling of manually sharpening your own knife, too. Lots of cooks enjoy the physicality of taking care of their knives and you do get more control over your movements with a manual sharpener than you would with an electric sharpener. Opt for a whetstone for a gentle, temperature-controlled sharpener. Whetstones are generally just a small block of material that you'll run your knife down to sharpen its blade. Always soak it in water for at least 5 to 10 minutes before you use it. Hold the knife at a 22-degree angle and slide it forward down the whetstone, with the blade touching the stone. Repeat the movement 5 to 10 times to sharpen your knife. The cold-water soak keeps your knife from overheating as it's being sharpened. If a knife gets too hot, it's chemistry can change and the blade can become brittle and warped. Do double-check the instructions before wetting your whetstone. While the majority of them do need to be soaked beforehand, there are a few brands and types of stones that aren't meant to get wet. Use a honing rod to quickly realign the edges of the blade. A honing rod is also often called a sharpening steel, and they often come along with a block-knife set. Honing doesn't actually remove any steel from the knife and doesn't technically sharpen it, but it does push out-of-line edges back into place, which in turn makes your cuts sharper and more precise. It doesn't require much pressure, and it's something you can use on a daily basis to keep your blades sharp. Don't use a honing rod in lieu of sharpening your knives with an alternative method from time to time. It can bend the edge over time, making it hazardous to use. Take your knives to a professional if you can’t do it yourself at home. It costs about $1.50 to $2.25 per inch to have your knives sharpened by a professional. Some companies allow you to ship your knives to them if you don't live nearby (you'll need to pay the shipping costs, though). Check out your warranty! Some knife brands offer free sharpening for life, so that might be something you could take advantage of, too.

Test your knife by running it through a piece of paper. Use the “coarse” setting for very blunt knives that need to be reshaped. Pull the blade through from its base to its tip 3 to 6 times. Move the blade so you’re following its contour as you pull it through. Run the blade through the fine setting 1 to 2 times to finish the process. Rinse the knife off and dry it with a lint-free towel. Maintain the knife by running it through the “fine” setting daily. Invest in an electric sharpener if you cook often with expensive knives. Buy a pull-through or handheld sharpener for a nice at-home option. Opt for a whetstone for a gentle, temperature-controlled sharpener. Use a honing rod to quickly realign the edges of the blade. Take your knives to a professional if you can’t do it yourself at home.

https://www.wikihow.com/Convince-Your-Parents-to-Get-You-a-Cell-Phone

How to Convince Your Parents to Get You a Cell Phone

To convince your parents to get you a cell phone, choose a time to talk to them about it when they're relaxed and not busy with something else. Tell them some of the positive things that will come from you having a phone. For example, you could say that you'll be able to stay in touch with them when you're out playing sports, or explain how it will make it easier for you to socialize with friends. If your parents don't seem to like the idea, tell them that you're happy for them to use parental controls on your phone so they can see what you're using it for. Additionally, let your parents choose the phone and plan if cost is a concern, which will show them you're being reasonable about it. When your parents give you an answer, react calmly and avoid arguing to show them that you're mature enough to accept their decision.

Do your research on cellphones. Look up the kind of phone you want and see how much it costs. In addition to the basic cost of the phone, figure out any accompanying monthly bills. See if you can find a deal on a phone. For example, look into buying used/refurbished phones on sites like eBay or Swappa. Older devices tend to be cheaper than the newest flagships. Also, your family's current carrier may be able to offer you a discount. This can be very helpful if money is a big concern for your parents. Consider the reasons your parents might say no. To convince your parents, you need to sidestep their reasons. Think about what they might say so that you can plan a response in advance. For example, they might say no because you might have had other electronics in the past which might've broken but try to convince them that you're older and more mature now and that you can take care of your own belongings. If your parents are worried about money, then they are likely to say that they can't afford a new phone. Many parents have practical concerns in regards to cost and monthly bills when it comes to a cellphone. You can offer to pay for some of the phone yourself by getting a part-time job or save up your allowance to help with finances. If you play a lot of video games, then your parents may worry that you'll download too many gaming apps. If your older sibling got caught talking to someone they weren't supposed to, then your parents may worry that you'll do the same. Find ways to address potential concerns. After you've made a list of potential concerns, think about how to approach them. What can you do or say to ease your parents worry about you getting a phone? For every problem, think of a solution. Plan your response. You need to counter your parents' reasons why you shouldn't get a phone, so find an argument against each of the reasons you just listed. Show your parents that the phone won't cost as much as they think, or explain to them how you will help pay for it. Ask your friends for free gaming apps, or be prepared to promise your parents that you won't download any games. If it's the time you spend gaming that your parents are worried about, then promise to cut back on video games if you get the phone. Promise to let your parents periodically check who you are texting or messaging. Think of reasons you should have a phone. You're more likely to convince your parents if you have a strong case, so plan to show them that your new phone is a necessity by brainstorming all the reasons why you need one. Promise to be responsible with the phone. Let your parents know that you'll be upfront with them about what you're doing on the phone and will use it responsibly. Promise to limit your time on the phone. You can agree to only use the phone for a set number of hours each day. A phone would allow you to call your parents if you're in trouble or to contact emergency services if you're in danger. Also, it's okay to exaggerate just a little bit but if you're too dramatic your parents might think that you're joking and are immature and not able to ask Remind them that kids your age often encounter peer pressure, so having an easy way to contact them would allow you to have an “out” in such situations. If you miss school, you could ask your friend for their notes and the assignments. Or if you missed a day of school and needed to catch up or maybe if you forgot a book or notes you need. Remind your parents that if you don't get your own phone, you're going to have to keep using theirs which is pretty annoying for them. Identify the benefits of having a phone. Cellphones can have some benefits. If you emphasize how the phone can help you thrive, your parents will be more likely to allow you to have one. Emphasize any learning possibilities from the phone. For example, you can listen to audiobooks or download apps to help you organize your homework. Tell your parents unlimited texting can allow you to alert them of your whereabouts if you're ever running late. Show your parents that you are responsible. Your parents need to know that you can take care of the phone, so think of how you've shown them that you are responsible in the past. Remember to do your homework every day. Do all of your chores without your parents asking and maybe even do extra chores that your parents would like. Take care of your clothes, backpack, and video games. Getting a job, if legally permissible, and won't interfere with your studies. Responsibly spend your lunch money and save any money you receive as a gift. Suggest requirements for keeping the phone. Present the phone as an ongoing reward that you will have to continue to earn. For example, your parents could require you to keep your grades up, do extra chores, or help pay for the plan. Practice what you'll say. You don't have to have your speech written out word-per-word, but it can help to jot down your thoughts first. Practice what you'll say a few times in front of the mirror. This way, you'll go into the situation feeling a little more prepared. You can start the conversation with something like, "Hey, I'd like to talk to you guys about something that's been on my mind." To introduce the topic of the cellphone, say something like, "I've been really wanting a cellphone for awhile now." Choose a good time. Ask your parents when they are relaxed and in a good mood. If they are busy, rushed, or having a hard day, wait to ask. Don't interrupt your parents if they're already talking to someone, whether it's on the phone or face-to-face. You can let your parents know you want to talk by saying something like, "Do you guys have a minute? I wanted to talk something over with you." If your parents are busy with an activity, it's okay to let them know that you want to talk to them when they have a free moment. Say, “Hey, mom. I see that you're making dinner right now, but if you have time tonight, I'd like to talk about something.” Consider writing a letter to request the phone. Be direct. It's always best to be direct. Instead of dropping hints, politely introduce the subject right away. Say something like, "I wanted to discuss me having my own cellphone." You can also try something like, "I wanted to ask if you would let me have my own cellphone." Behave maturely. Be polite and sensible throughout the discussion. If you whine, argue, or storm off, then your parents will see that you aren't mature enough for a phone. Play on their emotions. You can appeal to their emotions in several ways, including their concern for your safety, your need for independence, and your need for social acceptance. If you go out of town for a sport or activity, tell your parents that the phone will allow you to stay in contact with them while you're gone. Tell them a story about a kid who was in danger and needed to call someone. For example, say, “Remember last month when a stranger stopped that girl two streets down? She used her cell phone to call 911 and got help.” Explain how not having a phone has negatively affected you socially, with making or keeping friends. Present any information you gathered. Remember the information you gathered earlier and use it now. Talk about why you want a phone, how you'll be responsible when using it, and any benefits the phone my have. For example, say something like, "I would really like to be able to interact with my friends. I'd be using the phone for socializing, so I wouldn't be doing anything irresponsible." Add any benefits. For example, say, "My friend has this neat app that helps them organize their schedule. That could help me stay on track with homework." Use logic. Show your parents that getting you a phone makes the most sense for your family. Incorporate the responses you prepared for their potential reasons against the phone. For example, if your parents pick you up from practice, tell them that you could call when it's time to pick you up. Use your planned responses. Say, “I know that you're worried that I'll play on my phone during dinner, but I promise to leave it in my bedroom the whole time we're eating.” Bring evidence. Print out a news article about why kids your age should have phones. Choose a credible news source that your parents will believe. Try a parenting blog that says you should get a kid a phone at your age or younger than you are. Avoid posts written by other kids and make sure the adult that wrote the article is reliable. Offer to take on more responsibilities. Explain to your parents that you will do more chores in exchange for getting a phone, and explain how you can use the phone to do more work for school. Let your parents set restrictions. Your parents are more likely to say yes if you agree to their rules for using the phone and allow them to check up on what you're using it for. Suggest ways that they can check your phone to ensure that you've followed their rules. You may even suggest a phone tracking app so that they can track your location. If your parents say that you're not allowed to do something like texting friends, don't get upset. Over time, they will allow you to if you show you're mature and responsible. Let your parents choose the phone and plan. Don't be concerned about the type of phone or its features. Offer to let them select a pre-paid plan or cheaper phone model for your first phone. Express gratitude when asking. Showing your parents you appreciate them can help increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. Tell your parents how much you appreciate everything they do. This way, it will not come off like you feel entitled to a cellphone. For example, say something like, "I know how hard you guys work to pay for everything and I really appreciate that." Offer to help pay. If you have saved some of your allowance or gift money, offer to use it to buy the phone. You could also offer to forgo your allowance to help pay the phone bill or to contribute money that you earn from a job, babysitting, or mowing yards. Listen to their perspective. Your parents have a right to express themselves and any concerns they have. If your parents have follow-up questions or want to make a comment, let them talk. Do not interrupt as your parents respond to you. Ask for a reason if they refuse. If your parents say no, it's okay to ask why. However, do so politely to avoid seeming argumentative. Do not say, "But why? Everyone else has one!" Instead, try something like, "Okay, but is there any particular reason you're saying no?" Refrain from arguing or complaining. It's okay to try to compromise or persuade your parents if they say no. However, do not start complaining, raising your voice, or otherwise behaving in an argumentative fashion. This will only frustrate your parents and will greatly decrease the likelihood they'll change their minds. Avoid phrases like, "It's not fair!" This can come off as argumentative. Instead, try something like, "Okay, thank you for listening, but I feel like you're not hearing my side." Accept their answer. If they say no, don't protest or plead with them. Show that you are mature by listening to what they say without reacting. Stay calm, and take a deep breath before you respond. Avoid arguments. Arguing with your parents won't change their minds; instead, they'll likely become more resistant to the idea of you getting a phone. Understand their response. If your parents say no, remember that they have a good reason. They have your best interest in mind, or may just not be able to add the expense of a phone right now. Offer to earn the phone. If money is a concern, offer to pay for some of the costs yourself. If you already have a job, say you'll save money from that. You can also offer to get a job to help pay for the phone. You can also offer to earn the phone in other ways. For example, ask if you can have a phone in exchange for bringing your math grade up. Say something like, "I could put $25 of my own money towards the bill each month." Ask for the details. Whether you get a yes or a no, you need to ask your parents a few clarifying questions to know what you need to do next. If they say yes, ask them for their rules and expectations. Say, “I'm so excited about getting my new phone! How can I prove to you guys that you're making a good decision?” If they say no, ask them what you can do to show them that you're ready for a phone. Say, “What can I do to show you that I'm responsible enough for a phone?” Plan your next step. If your parents say yes, then talk to them about when you can go phone shopping. If they say no, take steps to show your parents that you are responsible and reconsider how you can show them that you need a phone. If they say no, remember that you can ask again or they may reconsider, so try not to get upset. Instead, think about what you can do now to help yourself be successful the next time you ask. Remember, when you are asking your parents for the phone, never disturb them by again and again asking to buy the phone. They won't be satisfied with your behavior. Request they think it over. If your parents seem hesitant, request a delayed response. Say something like, "I can see you guys aren't entirely sure about this. Why don't you take a few days to think about it and then we can discuss it again?" Accept a "No" for now. In the event that your parents are not at all willing to let you get a cellphone, politely accept this. If you accept a "No" with grace, this shows responsibility. Your parents may be more willing to change their minds down the road. End the conversation by saying something like, "Thank you for your time anyway. I appreciate you guys listening."

Do your research on cellphones. Consider the reasons your parents might say no. Find ways to address potential concerns. Plan your response. Think of reasons you should have a phone. Identify the benefits of having a phone. Show your parents that you are responsible. Suggest requirements for keeping the phone. Practice what you'll say. Choose a good time. Be direct. Behave maturely. Play on their emotions. Present any information you gathered. Use logic. Bring evidence. Offer to take on more responsibilities. Let your parents set restrictions. Let your parents choose the phone and plan. Express gratitude when asking. Offer to help pay. Listen to their perspective. Ask for a reason if they refuse. Refrain from arguing or complaining. Accept their answer. Offer to earn the phone. Ask for the details. Plan your next step. Request they think it over. Accept a "No" for now.

https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Someone-Down

How to Take Someone Down

To take someone down, use your arms to cover your face or duck below their punches so you can counterattack. Then, grab their arm or shirt and use their forward momentum to pull the attacker towards you and down to the ground. As you're pulling them towards you, use your leg to trip them. It's important that you execute your takedown quickly to prevent your attacker from countering your movements. You also need to reset your stance and set your legs in a defensive position quickly after you take them down so you can prepare for your next move.

Block or avoid an attack from your opponent. If someone is coming at you in an attack, you'll want to be prepared to defend yourself. Back away from the attacker to put yourself out of reach. Place your arms in front of your face to block any punches. Duck under a punch and prepare to counter attack. Use the force of your opponent’s attack against them. When someone is attacking you, you can use the forward momentum of the attack to pull the attacker towards you and to the ground. Using your opponent's momentum against him is a good way to take on an opponent that is larger than you are. Lean back away from the attack. Grab the person by the arm or shirt as they are punching or attacking. Pull the attacker towards you and down. Use your leg to trip them to the ground as you pull them. Sweep your attacker off his feet and onto his back. Using a combination of a trip and a push, you can make someone fall backwards. This method works well when you are able to position yourself in front of an opponent. Move in close to your opponent. Step one leg beside your attacker. Grab the person by the shoulders and push them backwards. Sweep your leg around and behind their ankles while you push. Use martial arts like Tae Kwon Do. Using a combination of defensive moves to avoid your attacker and an offensive take down, you can easily take down an opponent. Enroll in a beginner's martial arts class at a local gym. If you're unsure what specific type of martial arts to study, try doing some research on the different styles, reading reviews, dropping by a martial arts school, and maybe watching a class to see what the atmosphere is like. Watch instructional videos to see the movements in action. Practice the moves in front of a mirror or with a trained partner. Subdue your opponent with a choke hold. In order to perform a choke hold, you must be in the proper position to grab your opponent. This technique works best when you move quickly and can catch someone off guard. An opponent that is much larger than you may be able to break free of a choke hold and turn on you quickly. Once the attacker stops moving, check for anyone else who's trying to harm you before running away to somewhere safe. Wrap your dominant arm around the person's neck as you move behind them. Your elbow should be under the person's chin with your bicep and forearm on either side of the neck. Place your other hand behind the person's head. Squeeze your bicep and forearm closed and push the person's head forwards with your other arm. Hold the choke for 10-20 seconds and slowly lower the person to the ground. You can also subdue your opponent by jabbing them in the eyes, striking their nose with your palm, or kneeing them in the groin. Watch your opponent. Observe your challenger's movements, and pay attention to how they react to your motions. Watch for times when they get off balance or exposes himself by raising his center of gravity. Move around the mat keeping a constant eye on your opponent. Test your opponent's reactions by moving towards him from different angles. Look for weaknesses in the way they respond to your movement. Plan your takedown move. Depending on the type of wrestler you are facing, different moves may provide more success for a takedown. A “Duck Under” requires you to move under your opponent's arm as they approach and quickly grab him around the waist from behind. Keep one arm straight out in front of your opponent as you move behind your him; wrap your other arm around his waist from behind. Once you have a hold on your opponent, flip him onto the mat by falling back and swinging him with you. A “Double Leg” takedown involves grabbing both legs of your opponent around mid-thigh and pulling them up and towards you to force your opponent onto his back. Approach your opponent from the front and grab both legs at once. Be careful not to lower your head or you become vulnerable. Use a “Single Leg Takedown” to quickly take a shot at your opponent's front leg as you face each other, lift it off the ground and knock him down by attacking the other leg. Grab the leg that is closest to you and pull it up. Use your feet to sweep his other foot off the mat while you push him off balance with the leg you are holding. Execute your takedown quickly. Move fast to prevent your opponent from having time to counter your move. Slow, hesitant motions are easier to anticipate and block. Commit to the takedown, and follow through with your attack. Don't stop your move until the referee calls the point or a penalty. Recover quickly to prepare your next move. After a takedown, you need to reset your stance quickly. Expect your opponent to counter attack to score against you after a takedown. Set your legs in a defensive position. Be ready to take a shot at your opponent if they provide an opening. Prepare yourself to counter any aggressive moves by your opponent.

Block or avoid an attack from your opponent. Use the force of your opponent’s attack against them. Sweep your attacker off his feet and onto his back. Use martial arts like Tae Kwon Do. Subdue your opponent with a choke hold. Watch your opponent. Plan your takedown move. Execute your takedown quickly. Recover quickly to prepare your next move.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Scientific-Poster

How to Make a Scientific Poster

To make a scientific poster, put the key details from your research paper on your poster, and leave off the rest so your poster doesn't look cluttered. Also, separate the information on your poster into columns so it looks organized, and make sure all of your sections, graphs, and images are clearly labeled. You should also keep in mind that people will be viewing your poster from about 6 feet away, so use an 18-24 point font, crisp images, and 2-3 colors in your title to help it stand out.

Create a short title. Scientific papers may have lengthy titles. Shorten yours so that it adequately conveys what your research is about and your experimental method but takes up no more than 2 lines at the top of your poster. If you can, make your title "catchy" so it will attract interest from passersby, but don't try to make it funny. Write an introduction. Place your research in the context of previous work as well as why it's an important topic to work on, then introduce an interesting hypothesis. Make sure the introduction is different than your abstract. Keep your introduction to under 200 words so it can be read quickly. You can add a photograph or other visual aid to make it more interesting and eye-catching. Don't clutter your introduction with definitions, background information or anything else that will only bog down the narrative and cause passersby to lose interest. Describe your experimental approach. Briefly, describe your method, taking no more than 200 words and using illustrations if they're helpful. Flow charts are especially good for this section. Leave off abstracts. The content of poster should create a visual abstract of your scientific experiment instead of being a copy of your report. Know your audience. Just as you would when you write a paper, make the information included on your poster will give the appropriate depth of information. It should be understandable even to a reader that is not specialized in the same particular field. Give your results. Do this with 2 brief paragraphs of text and a clearly labeled table so passersby can understand your results at a glance. Use clear and succinct graphs that are labeled so a passerby can understand. Most will skip the other sections and just study your results, so take extra care with this section. In the first paragraph, state whether your experiment worked or not. In the second paragraph, analyze your results in terms of your hypothesis and indicate how many times you replicated the research. Include relevant figures from your study. Include some discussion of your conclusions. In about 200 words, tell the reader why your research was important and relevant, both to the field of study and the real world. Discuss which direction you want to take your research in the future. Remind the reader of your result and whether your initial hypothesis was supported. Try to convince your reader that your results are conclusive and interesting. List any previously published research you used. Cite any journal articles you read that support your research or any research that is referenced in your study. Use the correct format prescribed for researchers in your field to note your sources. Thank everyone who assisted and supported you. Don't list the titles of people who supported you, but do list what specific assistance or support they provided. If there was any actual or potential conflict of interest or commitment regarding your research, list it in this section. Give your contact information. Provide your name, email address, website if you have one, and a place where readers can download a copy of your poster. You may want to create a handout-sized version of your poster with your information so your audience can go back to review your study later and can easily follow up with you at a later date. Determine the size of your poster. You can figure out the size you need by how much text in your report, the number of images or graphs you plan to include. If your report is under 5 pages and has less than 7 pictures or graphs a 36X48 should work. If your report has more information you can adjust your size accordingly. Check with any poster size requirements for your event. You may have space limitations for your display, and sometimes your poster size may be restricted. Be sure you have adequate supplies to display your poster. Usually, display stands or clips may be provided for you on site, but it is best to check ahead to make sure you bring everything you need. Carefully select what to put on your poster. Many students try to include everything in their research paper, but this is a serious mistake. You can leave off the abstract and large areas of text tend to dissolve into visually cramped, boring, gray spaces that are intimidating to an audience. Posters that have too much text on them will be passed over in favor of those that are easier to read. Highlight the key details and share the extraneous details verbally. Use columns to organize and structure your presentation in a logical manner. Clearly label any sections, graphs or images. Use software designed for making slide presentations and software that manipulates images to create your poster. If you know how to use Powerpoint, Keynote or design programs like Photoshop, you can make some stunning visual aids that can combine your text and graphics into a professional looking display. Once you've created all your sections and illustrations, transfer the files to portable document format (PDF) so you can be certain how they will look when printed. Use either PC or Mac platform for everything so you don't run into compatibility problems when moving files between the two. Look at your poster from a distance of 6 feet (2 m) away. Check your graphs, charts and other illustrations to make sure a reader can make out the details at that distance. Take another couple steps back. Your poster title should be readable from 10 feet (3 m) away. Use a large font for all text. Paragraph text should be between 18-24 pt. font. You can use a different font style for titles to help distinguish them, but otherwise, you should keep the font consistent. Use color to attract the eyes of your audience. 2-3 colors can help your various titles to stand out. Avoid adding too many, though, so it doesn't become overwhelming. Avoid using 3D illustrations unless it's absolutely necessary. If you do use 3D illustrations, print stereoscopic versions on the poster and provide readers with 3D glasses. Don't settle for poor-quality images. Go to the trouble of finding image files that will still look sharp when blown up to place on your photo. You may have to take your own digital photos. Add audio and video files if appropriate. There are a number of ways to do this, from using the devices found inside recordable greeting cards to attaching your personal media player to your poster. You can place a quick response (QR) code on your poster that readers with smartphones and similar devices can scan to access a website that will show photographs, play sound files or display other media on their devices. Assemble a rough draft of your poster. Place your information so it is in an easy to follow sequential order. Evaluate how the information is organized and if the poster is visually appealing. Ask for feedback from fellow students and teachers. Use the feedback to create the final version. Store your poster safely. You may want to purchase a cardboard tube to store and protect your poster until your presentation. You don't want all your hard work to go to waste. If you don't want to purchase a container, consider rolling the poster up and wrapping a rubber band loosely around each end to keep it closed until your presentation. Consider having a professional printing service create your poster. You can use a local printing service or find one online that specializes in creating scientific posters. If you are traveling to a scientific gathering, you can have a printing service create your poster and have it waiting for you when you arrive. Conference organizers often make agreements with printing services to make and deliver posters as a courtesy to students. If you plan to use a poster printer at your university, see if they have a place to sign up. During crunch time, many people may be trying to print off their work. Make a "Back in 5 Minutes" sign that can hang next to your poster. For many events, a presenter should be present to answer client questions or give additional information as needed. It's a good idea to have a sign on hand in case you need to step away to get a drink or use the restroom. This can help reduce the chance you miss any interested visitors. Bring any additional reference materials you may need. A good poster may still not include every bit of relevant information. You should be prepared to answer any questions with all your available information. Bring note cards that you can refer to in a pinch. You may also want to get a binder to carry along any other information that might be requested. Practice your presentation multiple times before taking it to the public. This will make you more confident and engage the listeners.

Create a short title. Write an introduction. Describe your experimental approach. Give your results. Include some discussion of your conclusions. List any previously published research you used. Thank everyone who assisted and supported you. Give your contact information. Determine the size of your poster. Carefully select what to put on your poster. Use software designed for making slide presentations and software that manipulates images to create your poster. Look at your poster from a distance of 6 feet (2 m) away. Add audio and video files if appropriate. Assemble a rough draft of your poster. Store your poster safely. Consider having a professional printing service create your poster. Make a "Back in 5 Minutes" sign that can hang next to your poster. Bring any additional reference materials you may need.

https://www.wikihow.com/Count-Cards

How to Count Cards

To count cards, use the Hi-Lo strategy to track the ratio of high cards to low cards. Give the high cards a specific value (-1) and the low cards a specific value (+1). Then, add the numbers up to keep a running count of the cards. If the ratio of high cards to low cards is higher than normal, the deck is in your favor and you can make bigger bets to increase your winnings!

Learn basic strategy. First things first, you can't really be an effective card counter if you don't know the ins and outs of basic blackjack strategy. Sure, you could count the cards, but it wouldn't result in you winning anything. Try to walk before you run. It's in your favor to practice in casinos, if you plan on counting cards at casinos. Unlike at your kitchen table, there are a ton of other factors going on that must be considered -- like hiding the fact that you're hustling everyone. When you play blackjack with a well-practiced strategy, you get the house's advantage to relatively 0. All casino games are in favor of the house, so this 0 is pretty good! Get so good at blackjack it's like breathing. You should be a machine when it comes to this game, spitting out the best thing to do in split seconds. You shouldn't need a book open, you shouldn't need a second to think, and you should be able to do it with one eye closed and both arms tied behind your back. Knowing this game like the back of your hand is the only way you'll make money. Counting cards gives you a one percent edge. If you're betting $100, that's $1 you make per hand. The only way this 1% will result in you banking millions is if you have it down to a legitimate art. Familiarize yourself with the concept of counting cards. General strategy for card counting uses the Hi-Lo strategy. High cards are given a specific value (-1) and low cards are given a specific value (+1). When added up, they total the running count. That's it. The simpler you can keep it, the less your brain will want to explode -- so think of this simplicity as a good thing. Understand why card counting works. It works because high cards (tens) improve a player's chances of hitting a blackjack, which pays out at 3:2. They also increase the dealer's chances of going "bust." Low cards, on the other hand, are bad for the player (who wants a blackjack and to beat the house) but good for the dealer (they prevent them from busting on 16 or lower). Understand how it works. If the ratio of high cards to low cards is higher than normal (that is, there are lots of high cards still in the shoe), the player can make bigger bets to increase the amount he/she can win when the deck is favorable. They keep a number in their heads that tells them when to bet and how much to bet -- or not to bet at all! A deck with a positive number is good. The higher the number, the more you want to bet. The higher the number, the more high cards are left to be played. Learn the values. To track the ratio of high cards to low cards (thus knowing whether the deck is in your favor or not), you'll need to assign the cards a value. Start at 0 and as each card comes up, add it to your tally. Cards 2-6 have a value of +1. Cards 7-9 have no value. Cards worth 10 have a value of -1. Aces also have a value of -1. Learn how to bet accordingly. Increase your bets when the count is running positive (that is, about +2 and above). The higher the count, the more you should bet, but keep in mind that if you range your bets too much, you might draw some heat from the casino. Generally speaking, you want to increase your bet by a unit of 1 for each point that the tally goes up. If you do it any more drastically than that, those eyes in the skies will be on you like a hawk. Test yourself. Grab a complete deck (sans the jokers) and rifle through it, keeping track. You should end up at a very round 0 if you've counted the cards accurately. Aim to get through the deck in under 25 seconds. That way, even Dealer McSpeedy won't get by you. Start timing yourself when you can get through the deck and end up at 0 every time. Even though the math is very simple, it's easy to get side tracked. Don't be surprised if you end up with a different number consistently in the beginning stages. Take a card out and leave it face down. Run through the deck and get your tally -- what's the unturned card? Take in pairs. If you look at a jack and a 4, your thought process should not be, "-1 and +1 = 0." It should simply be, "0." When you see a low card and a high card, they cancel each other out. Keeping this in mind will make it much easier as the cards fly by you at lightning speeds. Counting cards is about remembering a tally. Counting cards well is about accuracy and speed. To be a good card counter, it has to be like riding a bike -- you can go on autopilot at the drop of a hat. Taking in pairs gives you a lot less to worry about, making it easier for you to be accurate. Get the true count. Long gone are the days when casinos work with just one deck (mostly, at least). It's a lot more common to run into a game that is working with 5 or 6 (in what's called the shoe ). Because of this, your running count may not be the true count. To find the true count, divide the running count by the number of decks waiting to be dealt. If your running count is +4 and there are 4 decks left, the true count is actually +1. To know how many decks are left, you're gonna have to take a covert look at the discard tray. Do this between hands, when you have the extra bit of time. If you are working with a single deck, you invert and multiply. Say you have 3/4 of a deck left and the count is +4. You would then multiply 4 x 4 to get 16 and divide it by 3 (a little over 5). Some people choose just to go with the running count in a single deck, but know that the true count is always a little bit different (higher, regardless). Practice with distractions. It's all well and good if you can count cards in the comfort of your own home, door locked, curtains drawn, and telephone off the hook. But when you do it at a casino? There will be a thousand and one distractions taking place at the same time. Doesn't matter how simple the math is -- if you get off by 1, you're shooting yourself in the foot. Start by turning the TV on. Then add the radio. Throw in a dog and a few kids and you'll almost be at the level you'll be dealing with at any hopping casino. Not to mention you'll have several sets of eyes watching you at all times -- you've got to be accurate and low-key. Consider learning other types of card counting. For the record, Hi-Lo is the most popular for a reason -- it yields good results and it's simple to master. However, there are a number of varieties. In KO, the difference is that 7s are worth +1. In Omega II, 4, 5, and 6 are worth +2. 10, J, Q, and K are worth -2 and Aces are worth 0. In halves, 2 and 7 are worth +.5. 5 is worth +1.5. 9 is worth -.5. Know the statistics of each variety. Statistical analysts have these numbers all figured out and it's not a simple, "Does it work or not?" There are a number of factors to take into account: When it comes to betting correlation (BC), Halves has the highest correlation. This is used to predict betting situations. Hi-Opt II and Omega II have the highest playing efficiency (PE). This determines decisions and deviations (when you change from basic strategy) in play. Hi-Opt II has the highest insurance correlation (IC). This tells you when it's best to buy insurance (because Hi-Opt II has an additional Ace count). As you can see, Hi-Lo is not mentioned. This is because it falls in the middle of the pack for every factor. Hi-Opt II has an additional Ace count and Halves is just tedious (adding further distraction) and Omega IIs playing efficiency doesn't match the betting correlation. Unless you're the best blackjack player this side of the Mississippi, stick to Hi-Lo. Learn the concept of "wonging," or back-counting. It is called "wonging in" when you stay away from a table until it's hot enough to warrant joining. When the table grows cold, you "wong out." It's typically done on bigger decks, otherwise you'd be getting up as soon as you sat down. Lots of casinos have banned mid-shoe entry for this purpose. If you do consider doing this, know that it looks fishy to even untrained eyes. How else would you know when to swoop in for the kill if you weren't counting cards? The suspicions you do avoid, however, are changing your bets. When you're wonging, you bet the same exorbitant amount every time. Act like a tourist. Card counters are notorious for playing blackjack for hours and hours, often without eating or enjoying the amenities available at the resort. Acting like a tourist just looking for a simple good time may take the suspicion off of you. You want to blend in. Busting out your three-piece Armani suit is not what you want to do when starting your card counting career at your local casino. Leave the Italian suede at home and act like a regular Joe. Let your bet ride, if you need to increase the bet. Dealers are trained to shuffle the deck upon an unexplainable increase in the bet. For this reason, only up your bet in small increments and at seemingly random points in the game. This may seem counter to making money, but if you get thrown out, you'll be making zero. No, card counting isn't illegal, but it is heavily frowned upon and you can be asked to never return. Appear to be interested in other things besides the game. This is why we had you practicing with the TV, radio, and several messy, loud-mouthed children. If you are so busy counting your lips are practically moving, it's a dead giveaway. Go ahead, get a drink, make small talk. Enjoy yourself. Counters have a reputation for being "zoned in" to the game. He will remain fixated on their cards while everyone else is looking at a gorgeous woman. Don't be that guy. You need to be proficient enough at counting that you can carry on a conversation. Chat with the dealer about how their day is going. If the pit boss comes up, chat with him, too. Tip the dealer. Many dealers know how to count cards. A dealer that likes you will be more likely to wait before shuffling on a favorable deck and shuffle sooner on a bad one. A dealer can help you or hurt you. Motivate the dealer to be for you. Same goes for the entire pit crew -- get them on your side, your not-so-heinous crime may slide under their radar. Know who's watching you. At any time, there are hundreds of cameras going on in the casino in addition to the eyes of the dealers, those in the pit (behind the tables), and the security staff. If they'll catch a waitress for serving a customer every 18.37 minutes, they'll definitely have the attention span to monitor you. Because of this, it's very important to be on your best behavior. If a casino suspects you're counting, they probably won't come right out and say it. They may have someone start a conversation with you to distract you, assign you a high-speed dealer, shuffle spontaneously or change the betting rules. If any of these happen, back down slowly, but immediately. Do everything slow. When you hit a table, stay there for a spell. Why would you leave? And when you make your moves at this table, take a second to think about it. Normal blackjack players haven't spent the past three months staring at this exact set up in black and white. Everything you do needs to be nonchalant and casual. Do not jump from table to table every time the deck sours. This will bring you to the attention of the casino personnel fast. Make minimum bets until the deck is richer. Increase casually because you're doing well -- not because you know what's about to come.

Learn basic strategy. Get so good at blackjack it's like breathing. Familiarize yourself with the concept of counting cards. Understand how it works. Learn the values. Learn how to bet accordingly. Test yourself. Take in pairs. Get the true count. Practice with distractions. Consider learning other types of card counting. Know the statistics of each variety. Learn the concept of "wonging," or back-counting. Act like a tourist. Let your bet ride, if you need to increase the bet. Appear to be interested in other things besides the game. Tip the dealer. Know who's watching you. Do everything slow.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Broken-Key-from-an-Ignition-Lock

How to Remove a Broken Key from an Ignition Lock

To remove a broken key from an ignition lock, don't spray cleaners or lubricants into the lock, since this can damage it. Instead, spray compressed air into it to clear any debris. Then, put the broken key back in to help you reach the broken piece. With the key in the lock, slide a thin, stiff wire, like a straightened paperclip, along both sides of the key. Once you've pushed the wire in, remove the head of the broken key while leaving the wire in the lock. When you've removed the head, try to grip the broken piece with the ends of the wire, like you'd use tweezers or chopsticks. It might help to bend the ends of the wire downward so they have more surface area to grip the key fragment with. If you can't remove it using this method, you'll need to call a local locksmith.

Clear away any obstructions in the ignition lock. Remove any debris from that might be blocking the key fragment with compressed air. Do not spray cleaners or lubricants into the ignition lock as these chemicals may damage the lock. This is especially true for newer vehicles with added features. Place the place entire key back into the lock. This will serve as a guide to help you reach the broken piece of the key. Slide a thin, stiff wire along the sides the broken key. Paperclips make a good wire. You can straighten them out so that they will slide alongside the key into the lock. Sometimes it is best to bend the ends just slightly to help with grasping the key fragment. Remove the head of the broken key from the ignition switch. Be careful not to pull your wire out with the key handle. You want to keep it in place on the broken piece of key still in your ignition. Grip the broken piece of key between the wires. It may help to twist the wires around each other to secure a good grip. You may also be able to use them in a similar fashion to chopsticks or tweezers. You can also try bending the ends downward so that the wire has more surface area in contact with the key fragment. This may help you grasp the fragment and pull it out. Pull the broken piece out. While you are pulling out, shaking up and down slightly may reduce the risk of getting the broken piece lodged. Use long, thin needle nose pliers to spread the key opening. Insert the tip of the pliers into the keyhole and then open them to spread the keyhole opening. There is no need to do this unless the broken piece of key is stuck, as it can damage your ignition lock/keyhole. Opening the keyhole will provide a clear path for removing the piece. Grab the broken piece of key with the pliers. Once you have opened the keyhole, slide the pliers as far as you can into the lock and attempt to grasp the key fragment with them. If the pliers will not fit far enough into the opening to grasp they key then you can attempt to use wire or tweezers. Pull the broken piece of key out of the opening. Once you have a hold of the broken piece of key, pull it straight out of the opening. Now you can use a spare or have a new key cut. Identify a lock locksmith. You can look in a phone book or online to find a lock smith in your area. You can also use websites designed to match you with a locksmith in your area. Call more than one locksmith. Locksmiths are often available at all hours without additional charge, and will quote you a price over the phone. Calling more than one locksmith can get you a better price. Be sure to ask the locksmith if they offer services for cars, as some may not. Hire your locksmith of choice. Once you have decided which company you would like to use, call them back and ask them to come service your vehicle. Replace your key. Regardless of what method you used to get the key out of the ignition lock, it is now broken. You will need to use a spare key or buy a replacement.

Clear away any obstructions in the ignition lock. Place the place entire key back into the lock. Slide a thin, stiff wire along the sides the broken key. Remove the head of the broken key from the ignition switch. Grip the broken piece of key between the wires. Pull the broken piece out. Use long, thin needle nose pliers to spread the key opening. Grab the broken piece of key with the pliers. Pull the broken piece of key out of the opening. Identify a lock locksmith. Call more than one locksmith. Hire your locksmith of choice. Replace your key.

https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Cognitive-Dysfunction-in-Senior-Dogs

How to Diagnose Cognitive Dysfunction in Senior Dogs

To diagnose cognitive dysfunction in senior dogs, start by observing your dog's behavior for a couple of days. Look for common symptoms like disorientation, which includes wandering aimlessly or not recognizing people, changes in how much it sleeps or interacts with you, and an increase in bathroom accidents. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, take it to the vet for a physical exam and a confirmed diagnosis.

Detect when your dog is disoriented. Clinical signs of canine cognitive dysfunction are grouped into four categories, known as 'DISH': d isorientation, changes in social i nteraction, s leep cycle changes, and h ouse training accidents. Signs of disorientation include staring into space, getting stuck in corners, and getting lost inside or in the yard. You might notice some other signs of disorientation in your dog: Aimless wandering Can't find the door, or stands at the wrong door to go outside Staring at the walls Not recognizing familiar faces Notice changes in social interaction. A senior dog with cognitive dysfunction will not interact with people like it used to. For example, if your dog has cognitive dysfunction, it may not greet family members at the door anymore, walk away when someone is petting it, or not try to get your attention as much. Your dog may start begging for food even when its food bowl is full. You may also notice your dog following people around the house more (or less) than it used to. Look for changes in your dog’s sleep cycle. Normally, a dog will nap occasionally during the day and sleep well at night. However, the substances in the brain regulating your dog's sleep cycle stop working properly with cognitive dysfunction. When your dog's sleep cycle changes, you may notice your dog sleeping much more than usual. Other signs of an altered sleep cycle include waking up at the wrong time and pacing the floor in the middle of the night. When your dog paces at night, it may start howling, which will probably disrupt your own sleep cycle! Look for bathroom accidents. If your senior dog has cognitive dysfunction, it may forget its house training and start going to the bathroom in your home. Your dog may also stop letting you know when it needs to go outside. Your dog may even start having accidents in front of people at home. If your senior dog is having accidents, don't punish it. Your dog is not having bathroom accidents on purpose. Rather, the cognitive dysfunction has affected your dog's ability to know the proper place to go to the bathroom. Take note of other signs of cognitive dysfunction. Some signs of cognitive dysfunction don't necessarily fit into the 'DISH' categories. For example, cognitive dysfunction can cause a dog to drool, pant, or lick excessively. It can also cause restlessness, indicated by a dog's inability to get comfortable and stay in one place for long periods of time. Your dog may have a hard time dealing with new situations, such as a new pet or a change in routine. Take your dog to the vet. Usually, the signs of canine cognitive dysfunction start gradually and worsen over time. You may think your dog is just getting old, but those signs may indicate cognitive dysfunction. The only way to know for sure is to take your dog to your vet for further examination. Give your vet a detailed history of your dog’s symptoms. Your vet will make a diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction based on your dog's history, physical exam findings, and diagnostic test results. Provide your vet with as much information as you can about your dog's symptoms: What symptoms you've noticed When the symptoms started and if they've gotten worse Your dog's behavior before you noticed the signs Have your vet perform a physical exam. If your dog's signs of cognitive dysfunction are subtle, they may not be easily detectable on a physical exam. Other than looking for signs of the disease, your vet will perform other basic tasks of a physical exam, such as taking your dog's temperature and listening to its heart and lungs. Your vet will also ask you questions about your dog's symptoms: Can you describe the symptoms in detail? How have your dog's symptoms affected you? Are you upset or distressed? Have you noticed signs of physical illness, such as changes in appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea? Agree to a neurological examination. To get a better idea of your dog's brain function, your vet may want to do a neurological examination. For this exam, your vet will evaluate the function of the cranial nerves, determine how well the anal sphincter is working (this could explain the bathroom accidents), and test if your dog recognizes where its legs are without seeing them. Magnetic resonance imaging is a great way to visualize the brain. However, this diagnostic method is usually not available in veterinary clinics. Allow your vet to take a blood sample. The signs of cognitive dysfunction can also be seen with other diseases, such as hepatic encephalopathy, pancreatic tumors, and kidney failure. Therefore, your vet will need to perform some diagnostic tests to rule out these other diseases as causes of your dog's symptoms. Blood work can provide clues of other diseases. Hepatic encephalopathy occurs when problems in the liver ultimately end up affecting the brain. Let your vet take a urine sample. Analyzing your dog's urine can also help your vet rule out other diseases. A dog with kidney or pancreatic disease could have abnormal urine results. Determine whether your dog responds to treatment. Your vet may recommend diagnosing your dog according to how it responds to treatment. Your vet will prescribe a medication commonly used to treat cognitive dysfunction, and determine whether it improved your dog's symptoms. This diagnostic option can be useful if all other diagnostic tests are normal. Anipryl is the medication used to treat canine cognitive dysfunction. Your vet will instruct you on how long to give the medication, and recommend a follow-up appointment to assess symptom improvement.

Detect when your dog is disoriented. Notice changes in social interaction. Look for changes in your dog’s sleep cycle. Look for bathroom accidents. Take note of other signs of cognitive dysfunction. Take your dog to the vet. Give your vet a detailed history of your dog’s symptoms. Have your vet perform a physical exam. Agree to a neurological examination. Allow your vet to take a blood sample. Let your vet take a urine sample. Determine whether your dog responds to treatment.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Fish-Trap

How to Make a Fish Trap

The best way to make a fish trap depends on what you fish for. Make a smaller trap if you fish for minnows or pan fish. Make a larger trap if you fish for catfish, carp, or suckers. Arrange 12 pieces of lumber into the shape of a cube and nail them together with a hammer. Wrap wire mesh around 3 sides the frame if you fish for minnows or pan fish, and wrap poultry netting around the 3 sides if you fish for catfish, carp, or suckers. Secure the mesh or netting to the edges of the frame with snap ties. Then, create a funnel with the mesh or netting and use it to cover the open side of the cube.

Decide on the dimensions of your trap. The size of the trap will vary depending on the fish you hope to catch and the waters you plan to trap them in. Minnows or pan fish for bait can be caught in a trap 12 inches (30.5 cm) by 24 inches (61.0 cm), while large catfish, carp and suckers require a much larger trap. You also want to be sure your trap is not taller than the depth of the water if you plan to use it in shallow areas. Choose a shape for your trap. Many are rectangular, with a 1:2:4 height, width, and length ratio, but cylindrical traps work well if there is not any current in the water to cause them to roll and become fouled. Select the material you will use to build the trap. In Alabama, where trapping catfish is a long-standing tradition, craftsmen build the finest traps using white oak strips, woven together with galvanized steel or copper wire. Because such traps require considerable skill and time, it's easier to build a trap with a wire mesh fabric or poultry netting. The choice then, is the mesh size, determined by the size of fish you are trapping. For bait minnows, a hardware cloth in ⁄ 4 or ⁄ 2 inch (0.6 or 1.3 cm) mesh is fine. For suckers or carp, poultry netting (chicken wire) is less expensive. Cut 12 pieces of lumber to build a box frame. You will need 4 pieces the length of your intended box, 4 pieces of your intended height and 4 of your intended width. For example, a trap that is 12 inches (30.5 cm) tall, 24 inches (61.0 cm) wide, and 48 inches (121.9 cm) long would require four 12 inches (30 cm) pieces of lumber, four 24 inch (61 cm) pieces and four 48 inch (120 cm) pieces. Larger or smaller traps would require the same amount of longer or shorter lumber pieces, respectively. Create a box frame with the 12 pieces of wood. Arrange the pieces in the shape of a cube. First create 2 squares with the smaller lengths, with similar-sized pieces parallel to one another. After you nail the 2 squares together, connect them with the 4 longer pieces of wood, creating a box frame. Cut the wire mesh large enough to fold around the box. Be sure you allow for some overlap at the seam. A 12 inch (30.5 cm) by 24 inch (61.0 cm) by 48 inch (121.9 cm) trap will require a sheet of wire 6 feet (1.8 m) long and 4 feet (1.2 m) wide. Fold the wire mesh around the longer sides of your box frame. Create a 90-degree corner around each slat of wood by folding the mesh around the outer corner of your frame. Tie the 2 edges of the sheet together with plastic "snap ties" or light gauge wire. Cut another piece of wire fabric for 1 end of the box. The piece would be a 12 by 24 inch (30 by 61 cm) rectangle in this example. Secure the sheet in place with the same ties or wire you seamed the box in the previous step. A larger or smaller trap will require wire fabric equal to its width by its height. Form a funnel to place at the other end of the box. Use the same type of wire mesh. The larger funnel opening should be large enough to attach it to the slats of your box, tapering down to leave an opening facing the inside of the box that is just large enough for your target fish to swim into the trap, but not escape. In this example, the larger side of the funnel could be a 12 by 24 inch (30 by 61 cm) oval, and the smaller end might have a diameter of only 5 inches (13 cm), varying based on the size of fish you hope to trap. Bait the trap. Place a spawn net filled with your bait into the trap, along with a large stone or piece of brick to weigh the trap down. Common bait used for catfish is chicken liver, corn, or even dog food. Other fish species should be baited with food they find most attractive. If you don't have spawn net or another mesh cloth, you could use an onion bag or mesh fruit bag. Secure the funnel. Instead of using zip ties, use wire that can be untied later to release or remove your catch, then retied for future use. Tie an anchor rope to the trap. Anchor rope, available from outdoor sporting stores, will withstand its time underwater and is strong enough to withhold the weight of the trap and any fish inside. You will use the rope to pull your trap out of the water when you are ready to check it, so it should be at least 15 feet (4.6 m) long. You could use twine rope in place of the anchor rope, but it isn't as strong or durable. Place the trap. Take the whole apparatus, including the bait inside, to the fishing hole you plan to place it. Then simply drop the trap in the water in your chosen location. Secure the other end of the rope on the bank. If you're trying to catch catfish, place the trap near their spawning grounds when the catfish are spawning. Check the trap periodically. Pull the trap in slowly when you decide to check it, keeping in mind you never know what will be inside it. At the least, check the trap daily to make sure no turtles, otters or other predators have discovered it and either damaged it or gotten trapped inside. If you're using a crab ring, pull the trap in as quickly as possible so the crab aren't able to escape. Situate yourself downstream of the current to make the trap easier to pull out of the water.

Decide on the dimensions of your trap. Choose a shape for your trap. Select the material you will use to build the trap. Cut 12 pieces of lumber to build a box frame. Create a box frame with the 12 pieces of wood. Cut the wire mesh large enough to fold around the box. Fold the wire mesh around the longer sides of your box frame. Cut another piece of wire fabric for 1 end of the box. Form a funnel to place at the other end of the box. Bait the trap. Secure the funnel. Tie an anchor rope to the trap. Place the trap. Check the trap periodically.

https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Jeans-by-Hand

How to Wash Jeans by Hand

If you want to wash your jeans by hand to help them last longer, fill a bathtub or large sink with cool to lukewarm water mixed with a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Place your jeans in the water and use your hands to swish them around for 1-2 minutes, then allow them to soak for 15-30 minutes. Drain the dirty water, then fill the tub back up with fresh water and let your jeans soak for another 5-10 minutes. Roll or fold the jeans up to press the excess water out of them when you're finished.

Fill your bathtub or utility sink with cool to lukewarm water. Make sure the area is clean and that you run enough water to fully submerge your jeans. Wash dark jeans and brand new jeans in cooler water to prevent fading. Add a small amount of mild, liquid detergent to the water. Swish the water a bit so the soap is mixed in well. Avoid powdered detergent. It doesn't mix well in water that is cool and standing. Most liquid detergents will work but a mild, color safe detergent will preserve your jeans' color better. In a pinch, you can use baby shampoo, liquid dish detergent, or even white vinegar. Place your jeans in the water and swish them around. Use your hands to move the jeans around in the water for 1-2 minutes. Avoid rubbing the fabric against itself. If you have a spot to address, gently rub it with a washcloth instead. Soak your jeans for 15-30 minutes. You want to make sure they are fully submerged in the water for the best results. If the jeans are buoyant and floating to the top of the tub, you can place bottles of shampoo and conditioner on top of the jeans in order to hold them down. Drain the dirty water and run another tub full. Gently move the jeans around in the clean water and then let them soak for 5-10 minutes. Roll or fold the jeans up and press the excess water out of them. Once the rinse water is drained, fold or roll your jeans up lengthwise. Press down with both of your hands, palms open, using the weight of your upper body to compress the jeans at the bottom of the sink or tub. Do this several times, rearranging or flipping them over to get more trapped water out. Never wring your jeans. This damages the fibers and contributes to wear and tear. Air dry your jeans to avoid shrinkage and fading. Stretch jeans out on a drying rack (or another flat surface) or hang them on a line. They will dry faster if they are not folded or hung over an object like a chair or door. Air drying your jeans will preserve the fibers for longer than machine drying. Air drying will also prevent shrinkage and fading. Machine dry your jeans on low heat if you are pinched for time. If you put your jeans in the dryer, make sure to protect them by using a low to medium heat setting. Nothing destroys jean fibers more than high heat electric drying. Machine drying will shrink your denim and, over time, fade the color. If your favorite jeans are prone to stretching out, machine drying will tighten them back up. Spot clean your jeans to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Spot cleaning is a good way to care for your jeans and avoid unnecessary wear and tear from over-washing. If your jeans are mostly clean but you spilled something or got a little mud on them, consider spot cleaning to preserve your jeans and save on water. Use a dab of mild detergent on a cotton swab or washcloth. Put just a little bit of liquid detergent, baby shampoo, or liquid dish detergent on a damp cotton swab or washcloth. Gently rub the stained area until the spot is gone. Use your cotton swab or washcloth to gently rub the jeans in a circular motion. If it's difficult to see if the stain is really gone, you can rinse the spot with a little water to remove the soap for a better look. Place a blotter cloth behind the stain. As you rub the stain with a damp cloth, the excess liquid and the stain itself will be absorbed by the blotter cloth behind the material. A paper towel folded up can serve as your blotter cloth if you don't have anything else on hand.

Fill your bathtub or utility sink with cool to lukewarm water. Add a small amount of mild, liquid detergent to the water. Place your jeans in the water and swish them around. Soak your jeans for 15-30 minutes. Drain the dirty water and run another tub full. Roll or fold the jeans up and press the excess water out of them. Air dry your jeans to avoid shrinkage and fading. Machine dry your jeans on low heat if you are pinched for time. Spot clean your jeans to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Use a dab of mild detergent on a cotton swab or washcloth. Gently rub the stained area until the spot is gone. Place a blotter cloth behind the stain.

https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-Kidney-Damage

How to Repair Kidney Damage

Having kidney damage can be stressful, and while you can't necessarily repair your kidney, there are steps you can take to slow the progression. Before you make any lifestyle changes, talk to your doctor about what's best for you. Likely, your doctor will recommend that you drink 8-12 glasses of water a day to keep your kidneys healthy. You should also avoid salty foods, like canned soup, pizza, deli meats, and fast food, since sodium can make kidney damage worse. Limiting potassium is also important in protecting your kidneys, so avoid bananas, potatoes, dried fruits, and tomatoes. Besides eating right, aim to exercise at least 30 minutes a day 5 days a week to keep your blood pressure low.

Drink lots of water (if permitted). Water helps to cleanse your kidneys, which can help to keep your kidneys healthy. Try to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day (1.5 to 2 liters). If you have had kidney stones, then you will need to drink more water. Aim for eight to 12 8-ounce glasses (about 2 to 3 liters) of water per day. If you are on a fluid-restricted diet, then follow your doctor's instructions for how much fluid you can have. Reduce your sodium intake. A high sodium intake can also make kidney damage worse and make it harder for your kidneys to repair themselves. Aim for less than 2,300 mg per day if you are under the age of 51, and less than 1,500 mg per day if you are over 51. To restrict your sodium intake you will need to get into the habit of reading food labels. Salt is often high in processed foods, so choose whole foods whenever possible. Processed foods that may be high in sodium include: Pizza Deli meats and bacon Pasta Frozen dinners Canned soup Cheese Fast food Limit potassium. In someone with healthy kidneys, 3,500 to 4,500mg of potassium is the recommended amount; however, in someone with poor kidney function who is on a potassium restricted diet, 2,000 mg is the recommended daily intake. Check with your doctor if you are not sure if you are supposed to follow a potassium restricted diet. Foods that are high in potassium include bananas, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, squash, cabbage, dried fruits, grains, and salt substitutes. If you need to limit your potassium intake, then you will need to check the potassium content of all of the foods that you eat and keep track of your potassium intake. Eat a moderate amount of protein. Try to get about 20 to 30% of your calories from protein. Eating too much protein can damage your kidneys, but you still need protein for your body's basic processes. Steer clear of high-protein diets if you already have poor kidney function. High-protein diets can harm your kidneys. Choose lean proteins such as fish, skinless chicken, beans, and low-fat cheese. Check with your doctor before taking any supplements. Some herbs and vitamins can damage your kidneys, so it is important to use caution when considering an herb or supplement. Make sure that you check with your doctor first before you start taking any herbs or other supplements. Get other diseases and conditions under control. Some diseases and conditions can predispose you to kidney disease or may even make kidney disease worse. Try to get yourself as healthy as possible to help your kidneys repair themselves. For example, if you have high blood pressure, then talk to your doctor about what you can do to lower your blood pressure. If you have diabetes, then do what you can to get your diabetes under control. A family history of kidney disease may also predispose you to kidney disease, so make sure that you take extra precautions if you have a parent, sister, or grandparent who has kidney disease. Exercise. Getting regular exercise can help you to stay in good overall health, prevent weight gain, and reduce blood pressure. If you are healthy enough for exercise, then you should try to get 30 minutes of physical activity five days of every week. Check with your doctor to be sure that exercise is a good idea for you. Try to find something that you will enjoy so that you will stick with it. For example, you might find that you enjoy swimming, biking, hiking, dancing, or a combination of these activities. Quit smoking. Smoking damages your blood vessels and decreases blood flow to your kidneys. Since blood is necessary for healthy tissues, a lack of blood can cause damage and may also make it hard for your kidneys to repair themselves. Smoking also increases your risk of developing kidney cancer, as well as other conditions such as high blood pressure. Ask your doctor about smoking cessation programs and medications that may help you quit smoking. Use over-the-counter pain killers in moderation. When taken too often, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other over-the-counter pain medicines can lead to kidney damage. If you take these medications on a daily basis, talk to your doctor about other options to manage pain. Keep in mind that it is okay to use over-the-counter medicines for occasional pain, but frequent use can lead to kidney damage. Request tests to check your kidney function. If you are concerned about your kidney function or if you are at risk of developing kidney problems due to a family history of kidney disease, then ask your doctor for regular kidney screening tests. These tests can show if there is a problem so that you and your doctor can start treating the problem before it becomes worse. Follow a low-protein diet if necessary. In instances of severe kidney damage, a low-protein diet may be necessary to prevent too much waste from building up in your blood. Protein creates waste that makes your kidneys have work harder to get rid of the waste. Ask your doctor if you should go on a low-protein diet. If you need to go on a low-protein diet, your doctor will most likely have you meet with a dietician so that you will know what to eat. See if you need to go on a low-phosphate diet. If your phosphate levels are high, then your doctor may require you to follow a low-phosphate diet. Dairy is rich in phosphate, so you will have to limit your dairy intake and reduce your intake of other foods as well, such as eggs, red meat, and fish. If reducing your dietary intake of phosphate does not work, then your doctor may prescribe phosphate binders. These medications have to be taken along with meals to absorb some of the phosphates in your food. Ask about medications to treat complications. Poor kidney functioning can lead to a variety of other health problems, so you may need to start taking medications to treat these complications. Some possible complications of kidney disease include: High blood pressure Cholesterol Anemia Swelling Brittle bones Consider dialysis. If your kidneys are not working well enough to clear the excess waste and fluid from your body, then you may need to consider dialysis. You can either have hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis is performed with a machine that filters the waste and excess fluids from your blood. You will need to go to a clinic a few days per week to have this type of dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis is also done with a machine that fills your abdomen with dialysis solution that attaches to waste and unnecessary fluids and then drains them from your body. This form of dialysis can be done at home with a special machine, but you will have to do it every day. Look into a kidney transplant. If your kidneys have stopped working and you do not wish to do dialysis treatments for the rest of your life, then a kidney transplant is the only other option. To receive a new kidney, you will either have to find a donor or wait for a kidney to become available. Keep in mind that for the rest of your life after you have a kidney transplant, you will have to take medications to prevent the donor kidney from being rejected.

Drink lots of water (if permitted). Reduce your sodium intake. Limit potassium. Eat a moderate amount of protein. Check with your doctor before taking any supplements. Get other diseases and conditions under control. Exercise. Quit smoking. Use over-the-counter pain killers in moderation. Request tests to check your kidney function. Follow a low-protein diet if necessary. See if you need to go on a low-phosphate diet. Ask about medications to treat complications. Consider dialysis. Look into a kidney transplant.

https://www.wikihow.pet/React-when-You-See-Dogs-in-Hot-Cars

How to React when You See Dogs in Hot Cars

If you see a dog in a hot car, stay with the car and monitor the dog to make sure it is responsive and active until the owner returns. As you're watching the dog, look out for symptoms of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, vomiting, and thick saliva. If you're outside a store parking lot, you can take note of the owner's car color and model and ask an employee to alert them over the intercom. Once the owner returns, you can calmly educate them about the dangers of leaving their dog in a hot car. In the event of an emergency, you should try calling animal control or a non-emergency police number. However, never smash the car's window, as this is considered a serious crime in many areas.

Write down the car’s information. When you see a dog in a hot car, you should write down the car's information. This includes any information needed to identify the car or owner. Write down the details about the car, such as the color, make, and model. You can also note the license plate number. You can write it down or take a picture of it with your cell phone. Notify someone in authority. You should notify someone when you see a dog locked in a hot car. If you are in a parking lot where it's easy to know which store the owner is in, go in to ask for a manager and see if they can call the owner of the car over the intercom. You may want to contact a security guard, parking lot attendant, or police officer you see nearby. If the manager won't call the person over the intercom, try to be persistent. Ask the manager again and explain that the dog is in danger of dying. Talk to the owner. Remain by the car monitoring the dog. Watch to see if the dog is responsive and active. Wait until the person returns to the car and you know that the dog is safe. When the owner returns, talk to them about the dangers of leaving the dog in a hot car. Stay calm, but firm. Don't get angry or yell at the person. Use the moment to educate. For example, you might calmly explain that a dog can die from heatstroke or brain damage after 15 minutes in a hot car. Call the authorities. If you can't find the owner of the car and you believe the dog is at risk of dying, call for help. You may call animal control or the police by using a non-emergency contact number. You want to try to get help so the dog can be rescued and saved before it dies from the heat. If possible, don't leave the dog or car until the dog is safe. Recognize heatstroke symptoms. Heatstroke is one of the major risks for a dog locked in a hot car. A dog can suffer from heatstroke within 15 minutes, and heatstroke can lead to death. When you see a dog in a hot car, look for the following signs: Thick saliva Heavy panting Dark tongue Vomiting Bloody diarrhea Lack of coordination Glazed eyes Take the dog to the vet if they are suffering from heatstroke. After the dog has been rescued from the hot car, you should determine if they exhibit the symptoms of heatstroke. If they do, advise the owner to take them to the vet immediately so they can receive care. If the owner is unable to take the dog to the vet or not around, take the dog to an air conditioned building. Call animal control and tell them there's an emergency and you need their help. They can help you get the dog to the vet. Cool the dog down. Once the dog is taken out of the car, check to see if it has the symptoms of heatstroke. If the dog isn't suffering from heatstroke, advise the owner to start trying to cool them down. The dog should be moved to an air conditioned car or building immediately. Offer the dog water to drink to start rehydrating. If the owner has not returned to the car, consider taking the dog to a nearby area so you can start cooling the dog down. Cover the dog in cool water. You can use a hose, put them in a tub, or pour water over their head with a cup or pitcher. You might also place towels soaked with cool water on the dog. Shoot for the groin, stomach, chest, and paws. Make sure the water is cool not cold. This helps lower the dog's body temperature. Place the dog in front of a fan or a vent. Refrain from breaking a window to rescue a dog. There is incorrect information circulating around the internet about police officers saying it is okay to break a car window to rescue a dog. This is not true. In some states, it's even illegal for police officers to break into a car to rescue a dog. Though you may feel the need to break a window to rescue a dog, realize that the action may be a misdemeanor or felony. Some states, like Ohio and Florida, have good Samaritan laws that may protect someone from charges if they break a window to save an animal or child left in a hot car. Check your state or country's laws before breaking a window to make sure you don't face criminal charges. Contact your local government to improve laws. Not all states and countries have the same laws about animal cruelty or dogs in hot cars. If your area does not have hot car laws, or you are not satisfied with them, consider contacting your local government to encourage them to make a law or stricter laws regarding animals in hot cars. Less than half of the states in the United States have hot car laws. If your town doesn't have laws protecting animals in hot cars, talk to officials about getting a law put into place. Become an activist. Another way to react to seeing a dog in a hot car is to become an activist to help spread awareness about the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars. Some people don't realize the dangers, or others may not think about it in the moment. Many animal groups have fliers, videos, stickers, and even dashboard sunscreens that you can distribute around your community to help raise awareness. Talk to local businesses about putting up fliers in their establishment or signs on their doors reminding people, especially during the summer, not to leave dogs unattended in hot cars.

Write down the car’s information. Notify someone in authority. Talk to the owner. Call the authorities. Recognize heatstroke symptoms. Take the dog to the vet if they are suffering from heatstroke. Cool the dog down. Refrain from breaking a window to rescue a dog. Contact your local government to improve laws. Become an activist.

https://www.wikihow.com/Pose-for-Pictures

How to Pose for Pictures

To pose for a picture, try to tilt your head slightly away from the camera to create shadows along the cheekbones, which will prevent your face from looking too wide. You'll also want to smile naturally by parting your lips slightly and smiling with your teeth. Additionally, turn slightly to the side to appear slimmer and keep your shoulders back so you stand tall. Then, try to angle one foot away from the other so you have a more relaxed posture.

Pose in front of an uncluttered background. Do a quick scan behind you to make sure there's nothing that will pull the focus away from you. If there is, angle the shot so you can't see whatever's in the background, or pick another location to shoot. No matter how cute you look, if there's a distracting image in the background of your photo, that's all anyone will see. For instance, make sure there aren't any objects behind you that will look like they're coming out of your head, like a stop sign or a tree branch. You might also check for people, trash, or even just an unmade bed. For a cool, artistic feel, try standing in front of a brightly-colored wall. However, avoid backdrops with busy patterns, as they can be distracting. Face the light. Before you take a picture, turn so you're facing into a soft light source. This will give you a flattering glow, whereas standing with your back to the light can create harsh, unflattering shadows on your face. For instance, if you're indoors, you might face the center of the room, or you might stand near a window facing outward. Shoot with the camera angled down to make your face look more defined. Have the person taking the picture stand so the camera is slightly above your eye level. Then, look up into the camera to create a flattering angle that focuses on your beautiful eyes! This approach works for close-up photos as well as shots that include your whole body. Keep your mouth and face relaxed. Gently close your lips, then imagine drawing just the corners of your mouth up into a slight smile. This will keep your facial muscles relaxed, and combined with the look in your eyes, it can result in an intriguing photo that will pull the viewer in and leave them wondering what your secret is. For a more mischievous look, try only smiling with one corner of your mouth. Roll your shoulders back. Before you take the picture, straighten your back, lengthen your neck, and roll your shoulders back. Whether the picture will be of just your face or your whole body, having good posture will help you look and feel more confident, and that's going to translate into a better pic. Keeping your shoulders rolled back will also make your neck look longer, which will create more definition around your chin and jawline. Turn at a 30-45° angle toward the camera to look slimmer. Shooting straight-on will emphasize the width of your shoulders, chest, and waist. If you'd prefer for these areas to look more narrow, turn away from the camera at a slight angle. If you have a "good side," make sure you angle yourself so that is the side facing the camera. Stand with one foot angled away from the other. Having both of your feet planted at the same angle will make the rest of your body look stiff and blocky. Instead, turn one foot to a slight angle to the other. If you'd prefer, you can cross one leg in front of the other, instead. Shots where it looks like you're walking can be very flattering, as well. Lift slightly onto your toes to look taller. Keep your arms slightly bent. To look relaxed and natural, bend your arms slightly at your elbows. You can also place one or both hands on your hips, if you'd like, but keep your elbows pushed back so you still look like you're at ease. If you want your arms to appear more muscular, keep them tight against your body. However, if you'd prefer your arms to look more slender, hold them slightly away from your body. If you cross your arms, keep them crossed loosely to avoid looking tense. Interact naturally if there are other people in the photo. If you're posing for a couple's photo or a group shot, act relaxed, and try to pose so that everyone is doing something slightly different. However, don't be afraid to connect with the other people in the shot—making eye contact, holding hands, or putting your arms around each other can all add warmth to the shot. For instance, if you're taking a photo with a group of your friends, you might drape your arm over the person next to you. In a couple's photo, you might embrace your significant other and look into the camera. If you're in doubt about what to do, just try to pose in a way that looks relaxed and natural for you. Hold the camera slightly above your eye level for a flattering shot. When you're taking a selfie, it's usually most flattering if you hold the camera up and angle it slightly downward. Then, look up into the camera, lifting your eyebrows slightly. That will give you a wide-eyed, fresh look that's picture-perfect. Play around with different angles to add variety to your feed. While the top-down look is a great angle for most people, don't be afraid to experiment with different shots, especially if you'll be posting a lot of selfies! For instance, you might try holding the camera off to the side, or you might stand in front of a mirror to show off a cool outfit. Your followers might get bored if you only post pictures of yourself from the exact same angle every time. Turn so you're facing into the light. Just like if someone else is taking a picture of you, you'll get the most flattering glow if you angle your face toward the nearest light source. Just be sure to avoid direct sunlight, which can leave harsh shadows on your face. If you're in direct sunlight, find a shaded spot nearby where you can take your selfie. If you don't have good lighting, try using your camera's flash. You can also invest in a portable ring light if you want great selfie lighting wherever you go! Lengthen your neck and sit or stand up straight. Imagine that there's a string coming out of the top of your head, pulling your body straight up. Lift your head and neck, and push your shoulders down. This will create a long line that will emphasize the curve of your neck and shoulders. Exhale softly to make your lips look full and relaxed. Whether you're smiling, scowling, or pouting, it's easy to accidentally tighten your mouth when you're focused on taking a selfie. To keep your mouth relaxed, gently blow air through your lips right before you snap the picture. Don't let your cheeks fill up with air as you do this, or your face will appear rounder than it is! Take a lot of shots, then study them to discover your best angles. Snap as many pictures as you can stand to, making tiny changes in your facial expression and the angles of your head and body. Then, go through your camera roll. Study the photos to see what you like and don't like. As you get more experienced, you'll start to learn the angles that are most flattering to your face, and posing for a selfie will most likely start to feel more natural. Everyone's perfect angle is different, and finding what works for you can take some experimentation. For instance, you might shoot from above if you have a big chin, but you might shoot from the side or below if you have a big forehead. Look for interesting backdrops to include in your selfies. Don't just recreate the same shot all the time. Instead, take selfies in a wide variety of different spots, and try to include at least a little of the background in the frame. That way, every selfie will offer something new to the viewer—and it's a great way to keep track of your favorite experiences, too! For instance, you might take a selfie standing in front of your favorite food truck one day, then post a shot of yourself and your best friend waiting in line at the movies the next day. Opt for a solid-colored or simple background. In a professional photograph, you should be the main focus. Ask your photographer to shoot you in front of a plain backdrop. Or, if you'd prefer, you can shoot in your office or another professional setting. Just make sure the shot is framed so it's free of anything that will distract the viewer from the shot of you. For instance, if you're a doctor, if you choose to shoot a professional picture in your examination room, make sure to clear the counters of promotional materials and samples so the shot will be uncluttered. Take several deep breaths to relax. If you feel nervous or tense in front of the camera, that's going to show in your body and your face when you look at your photos. To help yourself feel more comfortable, take several long, deep breaths, which will help you release any tension that you might be holding in. For instance, try breathing in for 4 counts, holding your breath for 4 counts, and exhaling for 4 counts. Repeat that 2 or 3 times, or until you start to feel calm. Face into the nearest light source. When you're taking a professional headshot or another picture where you need to look business-like, try to sit or stand so your face is turned toward the brightest light in the room. That way, there won't be any shadows obscuring your face in the finished photo. If you're working with a professional photographer, they may provide their own light source, or they may use reflectors to bounce light back onto your face. Push your tongue against your teeth to create a genuine smile. If you want to look like you're having a great time, smile widely, then press your tongue against the back of your top teeth in the front of your mouth. This will help lift your cheeks, which will result in a more natural-looking smile. For an even more natural smile, think of someone or something you really love while you're posing. Experiment with looking into the camera or off in the distance. When you look into the camera, you'll project confidence and boldness. Keep your eyes soft, but don't be afraid to give a direct stare. However, if you'd prefer more of a candid look, try looking into the middle distance, instead. Hold a prop if you need something to do with your hands. Grab a cup of coffee, your phone, or even a purse strap before you take the shot. That way, you won't have to worry about how to hold your hands, and you can look and act more natural while your picture is being taken. If you don't have anything nearby that you can use as a prop, try lightly holding one of your wrists with the other hand. You can also touch your cuff or your collar, or you can tuck your hair behind your ears. If you put your hands in your pockets, try to keep your elbows angled slightly back. Stand up straight with your shoulders back. Having good posture will make you look taller and create more flattering angles, but it will also make you look more confident. When you look like you feel good about yourself, you'll be able to project a more professional appearance, so your clients will feel more confident in your abilities, as well. It can sometimes help to picture a string running all the way from the bottom of your spine through the top of your head. Imagine that someone is pulling on the top of that string to help lift your posture. Angle your body toward the camera to look slimmer. Instead of taking the picture straight on, which can make you look broader, try turning about 30°-40° away from the camera. Combined with good posture, this will make you look taller, slimmer, and more confident, which may help boost your professional image. If you'd prefer more of a straight-on shot but you'd still like this slimming effect, stand at an angle, then turn your shoulders back toward the camera. This will make your waist and hips look more narrow. Bend your arms and legs to look more natural. Standing or sitting with your arms and legs straight out will make you look stiff and uncomfortable. Instead, try posing so your limbs form natural angles, like standing with one knee slightly bent and a hand on your hip, or sitting with your legs crossed. Hold your arms away from your body slightly if you want them to look more slender, or press them into your sides if you want them to look more muscular. If you need help deciding what to do with your hands, try holding a prop that's related to your profession. For instance, if you're a teacher, you might hold a pen, and if you're a cook, you might use a spatula. Have the photographer shoot slightly upward if you want to look more powerful. If you're taking a photo where your whole body will show and you want to look taller and leaner, ask the person taking the picture to hold the camera just below your eye level. Then, they can tilt the camera up slightly to make sure your whole body is in the frame. This will make you look authoritative and powerful, so be sure to adopt a confident pose! Typically, it's best if you stand a little further away from the camera for this shot. This angle can emphasize the area under your chin, so keep your head tilted upward. Avoid taking pictures in direct sunlight. You'll find yourself squinting in the bright sun, and the light will cast shadows on your face. Instead, stand in a spot that's slightly shaded, then face into the indirect light. If you can't avoid being in the bright sun, you can recreate indirect lighting by facing away from the sun. If you or your photographer has one, have someone hold up a reflector (or even a piece of white posterboard) to bounce the light back onto you, which will help you avoid shadows on your face. Sunrise and sunset are the best times of day to take pictures because the light creates a soft warmth in photos. Include natural scenery in the background of your picture. One great thing about taking pictures outdoors is that you'll often have plenty of interesting things around that you can include in your shot. Try shooting in front of a picturesque view, for instance, or just sit next to a tree for a simple, natural photo. Make sure there's nothing in the background that will spoil the natural beauty of your picture, like litter or power lines. Interact with whatever's around you. When you're taking pictures outside, it gives you a unique chance to incorporate the natural world into your shot. Try taking a picture where you're smelling a beautiful flower, for instance, or climb up on a nearby large rock. Remember to always prioritize safety! Never climb over guardrails or other safety barriers for the sake of getting a photo, and always keep an eye on your surroundings, including other people, animals, and traffic. Try big, bold poses to make the most of the space. When you're shooting indoors, you might not have a lot of room to move around and experiment with different shots. Outdoors, however, you can run, jump, throw your arms up in the air, and interact with the world around you. Get out and get moving to see what inspires you during your photo shoot! Take a few shots first in safe poses. That way, you'll know you'll have something to fall back on, and you can be more creative with your posing as the shoot progresses.

Pose in front of an uncluttered background. Face the light. Shoot with the camera angled down to make your face look more defined. Keep your mouth and face relaxed. Roll your shoulders back. Turn at a 30-45° angle toward the camera to look slimmer. Stand with one foot angled away from the other. Keep your arms slightly bent. Interact naturally if there are other people in the photo. Hold the camera slightly above your eye level for a flattering shot. Play around with different angles to add variety to your feed. Turn so you're facing into the light. Lengthen your neck and sit or stand up straight. Exhale softly to make your lips look full and relaxed. Take a lot of shots, then study them to discover your best angles. Look for interesting backdrops to include in your selfies. Opt for a solid-colored or simple background. Take several deep breaths to relax. Face into the nearest light source. Push your tongue against your teeth to create a genuine smile. Experiment with looking into the camera or off in the distance. Hold a prop if you need something to do with your hands. Stand up straight with your shoulders back. Angle your body toward the camera to look slimmer. Bend your arms and legs to look more natural. Have the photographer shoot slightly upward if you want to look more powerful. Avoid taking pictures in direct sunlight. Include natural scenery in the background of your picture. Interact with whatever's around you. Try big, bold poses to make the most of the space.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Loan-Originator

How to Become a Loan Originator

To become a loan originator, work on developing good people skills since you'll need to be able to help stressed-out borrowers feel at ease. Also, you'll likely work on commission as a loan originator, so make sure you're a good salesperson. You should also be prepared to work long hours since loan originators devote a lot of time to finding people who need loans. If you think the job is right for you, you'll need to register through the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry before you can apply for jobs.

Understand what loan originators do. A loan originator gathers all of the required loan documentation from a borrower. This includes a completed loan application and a credit report. The originator helps the borrower determine the right type of loan for their needs. A loan originator works with the underwriter to get the loan approved.The underwriter makes the decision about loan approval. Obtain the proper registration. If you want to work at a covered financial institution, you will need to register as a federal mortgage loan originator. For all other companies, you will need register as a state-license mortgage originator. You can register both through Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry. Consider the skills you'll need to succeed as a loan originator. The process of applying for a loan can be stressful. You'll need good people skills to help borrowers feel at ease. Many loan originators work with a small salary and on commissions. Others work exclusively on commission income. Successful loan originators are good salespeople. They are willing to work long hours to find customers who need loans. Interview with a lender. To become a mortgage loan originator, you need to be hired by a lending institution. Banks and credit unions provide mortgage loans. You can interview with small, local lenders or large national institutions. Mortgage lenders may be subject to both federal and state lending laws. Commercial loan originators are often freelance and package loans to multiple institutions. Determine how your employer operates. To properly register as a loan originator, you need to know how your employer operates. Most lenders are federally chartered or insured institutions. If your company fits this description, you will use the Federal Registry Resource Center to register. Understand federal lending laws. Federally chartered or insured institutions must comply with two primary sets of rules. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) exists to protect borrowers from unfair lending practices. The SAFE Act enhances consumer protections by setting minimum standards for state-licensed mortgage loan originators. Use the NMLS system. Individuals who meet the definition of a mortgage loan originator may have to register using the NMLS system. This system is required for loan originators who are employed by a federal agency-related institution. You can confirm the type of institution with your employer. The primary document you will complete for registration is a Form MU4R. Review the form. The Form MU4R is submitted through the National Mortgage Licensing System and Registry. The form is completed by either the employing institution of the individual loan originator. An loan originator answers questions about personal and employment history. The individual must also answer questions about any past legal issues or industry disciplinary action. Get your NMLS log in information. Wait for your employer to create your account at NMLS. When they do, you'll receive a user name and password. Change the user name and password. Fill out the form. Your form must be initiated, then filled out completely. Once the form is complete, it needs to be submitted. Either the employer or the loan originator must pay a fee when the form is submitted. If the employer initiates the form, submits the document and pays the fees, the loan originator must attest that the form is correct. Check on your state's requirements. Review the NMLS website find your state's licensing requirements. If you register through only through your state, you will complete Form MU4. Agencies within your state may also require you to apply for a specific license. The license you need will depend on how your employer operates. Banks, credit unions and independent mortgage companies may each have a different state licensing process. Meet the testing and continuing education requirements. The SAFE Act requires all state licensed loan originators to pass a written qualified test. The loan originator must also complete pre-licensure education courses and take annual continuing education courses. Use the NMLS site to find the specific requirements for your state. Complete the criminal background check (CBC). Every loan originator must complete the CBC. Form MU4 (state licensing) and Form MU4R (federal licensing) require a CBC Authorization Request. This request gives the licensing officials permission to perform a background check. Schedule a fingerprint appointment. Once the individual or employer has paid for the CBC request through NMLS, the loan originator must schedule a fingerprint appointment. If you have provided fingerprints within the last 3 years, you have already met this requirement. Fingerprints must be taken within 180 days of the date they were scheduled. The FBI reports the results to the NMLS system with 48 hours of submission. Determine your testing requirements. The SAFE Act provides a Uniform State Test that many states have adopted for their loan originator licensing process. If your state has adopted the UST, you will take the National Test Component with Uniform State Content. States that have not adopted the UST may have other testing requirements. Understand how loan originators manage their office. Many states allow loan originators to operate from a home office. That's because a growing amount of work in this field is transacted over the Internet. If you choose to set up a home office, make sure that you have a separate business phone line, as well as high speed Internet. Whether you work in an office building or at home, you'll spend a great deal of your day on the phone or online. Keep in mind that customers are better informed about loans than ever before. Most customers shop for loans by doing research on the web. Your fees and level of service must be good to secure their business. Work to find customers and meet their needs. Your business objective is to find customers who need loans. Once you locate a potential borrower, you manage the process of applying for the loan. Your last step is to work with an underwriter to get the customer's loan approved. You are paid a commission based on the dollar amount of the loan. Find referrals and leads. As a loan originator, you may work for a commercial bank, credit union or a mortgage company. Your primary sources of business are leads and referrals. You may get leads from your employer. Say that a banker, for example, finds out that a customer is interested in a mortgage loan. That banker can refer the client to a loan originator at the bank. Real estates agents are another great source of business. As an agent finds interested homebuyers, they can refer those clients to you for a loan. Your best referral source is a satisfied customer. It's critically important to provide a high level of service to your clients. If they like their experience, they may refer other borrowers to you.

Understand what loan originators do. Obtain the proper registration. Consider the skills you'll need to succeed as a loan originator. Interview with a lender. Determine how your employer operates. Understand federal lending laws. Use the NMLS system. Review the form. Get your NMLS log in information. Fill out the form. Check on your state's requirements. Meet the testing and continuing education requirements. Complete the criminal background check (CBC). Schedule a fingerprint appointment. Determine your testing requirements. Understand how loan originators manage their office. Work to find customers and meet their needs. Find referrals and leads.

https://www.wikihow.com/Pass-the-ASVAB

How to Pass the ASVAB

To pass the ASVAB, start by contacting a military recruiter or requesting an informational packet from the Army website to learn what will be on the test. Next, set aside time to study every day, focusing on areas like word knowledge, math, and problem solving. Then, go to the ASVAB website to take practice tests so you can focus your studying on your weakest areas. Once you're at the exam, answer the questions you know first, then go back to the ones you're unsure about to make the most efficient use of your time.

Learn about the ASVAB test areas. The ASVAB is broken down into different areas of expertise based on aptitudes that are integral to military service. For more information about each section, speak to a military recruiter or request an informational brochure. These descriptions will offer better insight into how you should study for the exam. There are 9 subject areas tested by the ASVAB. Four of them are academic in nature and count towards an AFQT score, and 5 of them are to determine military occupational specialties. Your AFQT score must be at least 31 to qualify for admission. Contact a military recruiter by visiting the U.S. Army website at https://www.goarmy.com/locate-a-recruiter.html. You can also request an information pack from the U.S. army by filling out your contact information at https://my.goarmy.com/info/form/GetBrcFormRedirectByUrl.action?url=/info/send1. Set aside time for reading. Set up a study plan for the ASVAB by breaking down your work into sections. Devote a good deal of study time to reading, which will help you prepare for test areas that test your comprehension skills. These ASVAB test areas include: Word Knowledge: questions about the basic meaning and context of words, tested through your use of synonyms. Paragraph Comprehension: questions that will test your understanding of written material. Schedule time to practice problem solving. Schedule study time that will be devoted to science, math, and reasoning problems. Take the time to work through sample problems and hone your calculation skills. This practice will help you tackle ASVAB test areas such as: Arithmetic Reasoning: basic arithmetic questions, presented in the form of word problems. Mathematics Knowledge: questions that will measure your grasp of mathematical applications and concepts. General Science: a combination of life science, physical science, and earth and space science questions. Devote time to hands on studying. Some sections of the ASVAB require a more practical, hands on method of studying in addition to reading about them. If possible, actually engage in or observe the activities that you will be tested on (e.g., wood working, auto repairs.) If this isn't an option, look for relevant instructional videos to offer you a visual representation of ASVAB tests areas that include: Electronics Information: questions that will test your knowledge of electronic systems, devices, electrical current, and circuits. Auto and Shop Information: questions about auto maintenance and repair, as well as questions related to wood and metal shop work. Mechanical Comprehension: questions about the principles of mechanical devices, as well as their structure and materials. Assembling Objects: questions that test your knowledge of spatial relationships. Look up sample ASVAB questions. To get a better sense of what will be asked of you on the ASVAB, search online for sample questions. THE ASVAB is given in multiple choice format, with four possible answers for each question. Visit the ASVAB testing program website at http://official-asvab.com/samples_app.htm to access test questions. To study for the ASVAB, purchase a test prep book and take online practice exams. Take a pre-ASVAB. If you're worried about failing the ASVAB, take a pre-ASVAB to gauge your performance. Your scores on these practice tests will not count, but will give you a sense of what areas of knowledge you should work on. You can take a pre-ASVAB with a military recruiter, or access one online to take on your own. Focus your studying. Once you take the practice test, concentrate your studying on the areas you didn't perform as well in. In addition, you should study for the area of specialization that interests you most to further your chances of developing a career in that sector. Devote time and energy to studying to ensure your success. Show up feeling healthy and well-rested. To improve your performance on the ASVAB, get at least six hours of sleep the night before. Getting less rest than that will hinder your concentration and other cognitive skills, which will adversely affect your test results. Eat a healthy, well-balanced meal before taking the test to prevent the distraction of hunger or low blood sugar. Follow instructions carefully. At the start of the exam, the test administrator will provide general instructions for how to complete the test. Listen carefully and do not start the test until the administrator says to do so. The ASVAB is divided into subtests that will be given in specific, timed intervals, so it is important to follow the test administrator's directions throughout the exam. The ASVAB will take between three and four hours to complete. Answer the questions you know in each subtest first. Make the most efficient use of your time by answering the questions that you know in each section first. Once you are done, go back and review the unanswered questions afterwards. You can adjust answers in the subtest you are working on until the test administrator instructs you to move to the next subtest. Once you have moved on to a new subtest, you can no longer review answers in the subtests you have already completed. Use process of elimination. To tackle questions that you are unsure about, use the process of elimination. Start by ruling out any answers you know to be incorrect. From there, do your best to make an educated guess to answer the question. Points are not deducted for wrong answers on the ASVAB, so make sure to answer all the questions that you can.

Learn about the ASVAB test areas. Set aside time for reading. Schedule time to practice problem solving. Devote time to hands on studying. Look up sample ASVAB questions. Take a pre-ASVAB. Focus your studying. Show up feeling healthy and well-rested. Follow instructions carefully. Answer the questions you know in each subtest first. Use process of elimination.

https://www.wikihow.com/Come-up-With-a-Rapper-Name

How to Come up With a Rapper Name

To come up with a rapper name, try using your real name for inspiration. For example, the rapper Eminem used the first letters of his first and last name, Marshall Mathers, to come up with his rap name. You could also try reviving a childhood nickname to come up with something unique to you. The rapper Snoop Dogg was inspired by his mother calling him Snoop as a child after the cartoon character Snoopy. If you have a specific style of rap you're aiming for, such as thoughtful or funny lyrics, try to relate this to the name you choose by using descriptive words like smiling or angry. Another option is to choose something that's a big part of your life, such as your home town or previous career. If you're still struggling to come up with a name, try using an online name generator, which will create a name using 2 or 3 random words.

Pick a name to match your style. Your rapper name may sound fairly different depending on where you come from and what sort of rapping you do. Your name should reflect how you want to come across: dangerous, or goofy, or thoughtful, or clever. Think about your identity. Consider the sorts of names that other rappers in your area use. You don't need to copy anyone else – but you might be wise to get familiar with the "scene" that you want to break into. Use your real name as a guide. Include the first letter of your name, or twist your name into something entirely different. Make your rapper name something that sounds like your real name, but differs enough to distinguish you. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Get creative! Consider Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers. His rapper name is based on his initials: "M and M." Lil Wayne's real name is Dwayne Michael Carter. He just took the "D" out of Dwayne to make it Wayne! Bring back a childhood nickname. Snoop Dogg's mother was the one to bestow him with his rapper name: Snoopy (of Peanuts fame) was his favorite cartoon character growing up, and his mother started calling him after the character. When Snoop got into the rap game, he decided to use his childhood nickname to give himself a unique stage presence. Try a rapper name generator. The Internet is brimming with free word generators, and some of them are specifically designed to come up with rapper names. Even if you don't go with exactly what the algorithm gives you, a generator might set you on the right track. You might even be able to find rapper name "quizzes" online that tell you which sort of rapper name you should choose. Use your life to inspire your name-to-be. Choose a name, word, or place from your childhood. Name yourself after something that is ever-present in your life. You have the chance to define your name, but you also want your name to define you – so pick something that reflects the way that you are living. Ask around. Talk to friends, family, and other rappers to see if they have any ideas. The people that you see everyday are the ones who observe and know you the best – so there's a good chance that they'll at least put you on track to finding your ideal rap name. Just say, "I'm trying to come up with a good rapper name. Do you have any ideas?" Look for perspective on how you come across. Ask, "How do I come across when I rap?" Model your name after a favorite rapper. This doesn't necessarily mean that you should call yourself "C-Diddy" if you love P-Diddy. Study the stage names of rappers that you admire, and think about why their name suits them so well. Use a similar structure or a similar lyrical device. Read about how famous rappers picked their names. Drop the name into a song. You don't have to stick to a name just because you say it out loud – especially if you're just starting out. Say your name at the beginning of a rap to see how it sounds. If you reference yourself in the flow of your rap, make sure to refer to yourself by your new rapper name. Ensure that it's catchy – something that people will remember. Record yourself and listen over the tapes. If you like the way that it sounds, then keep it. If you don't like the way that it sounds, then try to come up with something else. Don't be afraid to use multiple names. Perhaps there are several aspects of your personality that come through when you rap. Try to stick to one "stage name" – but feel free to reference "characters" and versions of yourself when you rap. Eminem, for instance, often refers to himself as "Slim Shady" to express the rougher, meaner side of his personality. Ask for opinions. If you're having trouble deciding, ask someone you trust for his or her advice. Ask a friend, a sibling, or another rapper. You don't have to take anybody's advice – but it might help you solidify your own opinion. Remember that nothing is permanent. Sometimes, the best way to form an opinion on something is to try it out. You can always change your rapper name if doesn't stick!

Pick a name to match your style. Use your real name as a guide. Bring back a childhood nickname. Try a rapper name generator. Use your life to inspire your name-to-be. Ask around. Model your name after a favorite rapper. Drop the name into a song. Don't be afraid to use multiple names. Ask for opinions. Remember that nothing is permanent.

https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-High-Heels-Without-Pain

How to Wear High Heels Without Pain

If you're looking for a way to wear high heels without pain, the easiest solution is to buy insoles made specifically for high heels. Make sure to choose insoles based on your problem areas, such as cushioned gel inserts for the balls of your feet, or moleskin inserts to prevent rubbing and sliding at the back of the ankle. If the heels tend to rub against your feet, especially after sweating, try wearing slip on or no-show socks that will hide under your shoes. Alternatively, if the shoes are slightly too big, use heel or strap grips to help keep them in place.

Get your feet sized at a shoe store. Measure the length and width of your feet at a shoe store, and ask for assistance to find the most accurate size of shoe to buy. Make sure to measure both feet. It's common to have slightly different sized feet. You may actually need to get two different sized shoes, or make sure to get the size of the larger foot. Note that you will be a different number size in different stores and brands, so always try several sizes. Also find your European size for brands that utilize them. Try on plenty of shoes. Try on a wide variety of heels at the shoe store, and try each one in a couple of different sizes to see which one feels best. Don't just stand up in the heels, but walk around the store for several minutes to see what they feel like after some time. Look out for the backs rubbing against your heels or for your toes feeling scrunched inside as an indication that the heels are too small, or your feet popping out of the backs or sliding forward when you walk as an indication they are too large. Consider a lower or more comfortable style. Choose a thicker and more stable heel like a platform, wedge, or chunky heel to provide more support and weight distribution. Shy away from pointed-toe styles if you have wide feet or toes, opting for round or almond-shaped instead. You can also buy heeled boots or heels with ankle straps to help support your ankles. Sit on a chair with bare feet and one one leg extended out in front of you, then relax your foot and ankle. Measure the distance between the end of your big toe to an imaginary line that extends straight out from your heel. This is the ideal height of heel for you, as it most closely mimics your natural shape. More important than the style of heel is where the heel is placed. Ensure that it's positioned squarely under the heel bone rather than at the very back of the foot. If you go for a skinnier heel, look for one that curves in slightly at the top rather than forming a straight line. Invest in quality heels. Choose high-quality brands or materials for a higher likelihood of comfort. Look out for genuine leather, solid rubber soles, and other sturdy textiles that appear to have well-constructed seams and joints. You can even tug a little at parts of the shoe to test their strength. Buy an insole for the sole of the foot. Buy an insole that fits heels for increased comfort across the whole length of your sole. You might want to buy these ahead of time or at the same time as the heels to make sure the shoes still fit properly with the inserts in. Get padding for problem areas. You can buy cushioned gel or fabric inserts to fit areas like the ball of the foot and the back of the ankle to prevent rubbing, sliding, or pressure. Any brand of moleskin is a great option for padding, as it can be cut to any size or shape, sticks directly onto the foot, and stays put on tricky areas or over already-formed blisters. Be sure that any insert you buy doesn't have so much bulk that it makes your shoe too small to fit into. Use heel or strap grips to keep heels in place. Find a product meant for sticking to your heel area or even to the strap of a slingback to prevent rubbing and keep your heel inside a shoe that may be slightly too large. Practice heel-toe walking. Try to step like you would in any other flat shoe, heel to toe. It can take some getting used to maintain balance on a thinner heel. Take small steps and look at yourself walk in a mirror if you can. It's a good idea to practice walking around your house in heels to get used to their feel and the right way to walk. Use good posture. Keep your abs engaged, your shoulders back, and your head up. Note that your posture in heels will require more curves in your body, with your back slightly arched and your chest and pelvis pushed forward. Get used to walking with this new, slightly more forward center of gravity. Find support when you're on stairs or uneven surfaces. Hold onto a railing or wall when you can to lend support and prevent catching a heel or rolling an ankle. Wear a wider heel for outdoor surfaces, to prevent them from sticking into dirt or grass or causing you to slip or injure an ankle. Relieve the pressure occasionally. Take a break from your heels every now and then while you're wearing them. Try slipping off your heels while you're sitting down, or even elevating or massaging your feet to bring circulation to them. Gently rotate your ankles and spread your toes apart under the table when you can to provide relief and prevent injury. Wear socks or tights. Slip on no-show socks that will hide under your heels, or wear tights or stockings to make heels more comfortable if they tend to rub against your feet, especially after sweating a little. Simply reduce the amount of time in heels. Limit the period of time you wear heels to a minimum, as best you can. Instead of wearing heels through the whole day, try wearing a flat during work and save the heels for going out at night.

Get your feet sized at a shoe store. Try on plenty of shoes. Consider a lower or more comfortable style. Invest in quality heels. Buy an insole for the sole of the foot. Get padding for problem areas. Use heel or strap grips to keep heels in place. Practice heel-toe walking. Use good posture. Find support when you're on stairs or uneven surfaces. Relieve the pressure occasionally. Wear socks or tights. Simply reduce the amount of time in heels.

https://www.wikihow.com/File-a-Claim-Against-a-Construction-Contractor%27s-Bond

How to File a Claim Against a Construction Contractor's Bond

Most states require construction contractors to be bonded, which is a type of insurance. If your contractor breaks your contract, you can file a claim against their bond. If you're not sure which surety company your contractor is bonded with, check your state's licensing board website. The surety company may have a claim form for you to fill out, but if not, you can write a letter to their claims department. You'll need a copy of your contract and any evidence of their failure to meet the terms, such as emails, cancelled checks, or bank statements. Alternatively, file a complaint directly with your state's licensing board. They will conduct an investigation and may try to resolve the situation through mediation or arbitration.

Identify the surety company that wrote the bond. Typically the name and contact information of the surety company that wrote a construction contractor's bond will be listed with your state licensing board. Typically you can find this information on the licensing board's website, but you may need to make a phone call to the licensing board office. You'll need the contractor's license number or the correct legal name under which the contractor is licensed to access this information. You should be able to determine the name and basic contact information for the surety company that wrote the bond, as well as the dates through which it is effective. Confirm the contractor was covered. You should be able to find information about the dates the particular surety company covered the contractor. The project the contractor worked on for you must be within those dates. Compare the dates the project occurred to the date listed for the bond. The project must start and end within the effective dates of the bond. You also may be able to get ahold of a copy of the bond itself. This won't be available from the licensing board, though – you'll have to get it from the contractor or from the surety company itself. Keep in mind that you might run into conflict asking the contractor for a copy of their own bond. Instead, ask the person above them – the person to whom the bond runs. If they're a subcontractor, you want to talk to a general contractor. If they're the general contractor, you should talk to the property owner or the project manager. Gather information. You'll need to provide the surety company with a detailed description of your claim, including dates, times, and locations where necessary. You also may need supporting documentation or photographic evidence. Most surety companies will want, at a minimum, a copy of the contract you signed with the construction contractor for whom they wrote the bond. If you are a subcontractor and your claim is based on nonpayment, you may need to provide cancelled checks or bank statements to show which payments were made. If your claim is based on nonperformance, on the other hand, you should include proof in the form of photos or correspondence between you and the contractor. Submit your claim. The method of filing a claim against a construction contractor's bond will vary according to your state law as well as the policies and procedures of each individual surety company. You may be able to find this information online, or you may have to call. Don't address your claim to the surety company representative who wrote the bond. That person typically will be a member of the sales department, and have nothing to do with claims. You need to search for the surety company's claims department and address your form there. Just call the general number for the surety company and ask where you should send a claim. If the surety company doesn't have a form to complete, you'll have to write a letter and send it to the claims department. Make sure the claim includes your name and contact information, the name and contact information for the construction contractor, and a detailed description of the incident that gave rise to your claim. Wait for a response. Once your claim is received, the surety company will investigate your claim and send you a response, typically within a few weeks. The type of remedy offered will depend on the reason for your claim and the contractor's response to your claim. The surety typically will conduct an investigation of the claim to determine its options. This may include communicating with the construction contractor. Generally, the surety will not take action without getting input from the construction contractor. The contractor should be aware of the claim against the bond, and in most cases they are given an opportunity to correct the problem on their own before the surety company takes action. If the contractor owes you money and won't pay, the surety company may write you a check for the total. The contractor will then owe the money to the surety. In cases of nonperformance, the surety company may provide another contractor to complete the work as set forth in the original contract. Find your state's licensing board. Each state has a licensing agency or board that is responsible for licensing construction contractors. You can search for the board online to find a website that provides information about the state board and the location of a field office near you. Once on the website, locate the complaint information page. You'll find information about the types of complaints you can file and the process for doing so. Keep in mind that not all issues you have with a contractor will be licensing violations. Licensing complaints may only be appropriate for particular types of performance or payment disputes. You'll also find out what the deadlines are for filing a complaint. Typically there will be a deadline of a few months or a year from the date the incident took place that is the subject matter of the complaint. Filing a complaint does not mean that the licensing board will file a claim against the contractor's bond on your behalf. You'll have to do that yourself. You may file your claim against the contractor's bond at the same time, or before, you file your complaint to the licensing board. Fill out a complaint form. The licensing board will have a complaint form you must complete that details information about you, the contractor, and the subject matter of the complaint. You may be able to download this form from the licensing board's website, or you may need to visit the local licensing office. Your complaint form must include your name and contact information, as well as the name and contact information of the construction contractor. If you've already filed a claim against the contractor's bond, you should state this somewhere on your complaint to the licensing board. The licensing board may want to contact or work in tandem with the surety company. As with the surety claim, the complaint must provide a detailed description of the incident that gave rise to your complaint. However, your goal may be different depending on the particular licensing violation committed. A default on the responsibilities of a construction contract usually constitutes a licensing violation as well. However, this is not always the case. If you're unsure whether the incident constitutes a licensing violation, you may want to call and speak to someone who works at the licensing board. Submit your complaint form. Once you've completed your complaint form and signed it, you'll need to send it in to your local licensing board office along with any supporting documents. In some locations, you may be able to fill out and submit the form online. However, you'll still need to mail copies of supporting documents such as the contract. At a minimum, you'll need to include a copy of the construction contract. Other documents may be necessary to support the facts you set forth in your description. You may want to send to the licensing board the same information and documentation that you sent to the surety company. Cooperate with any investigation. Once your complaint is received by the licensing board, it typically will be assigned to an agent who will contact the contractor and investigate your complaint. The agent also may contact you for more information. After speaking to the contractor, the agent may contact you and ask additional questions regarding the incident you described in your complaint. If your complaint deals with nonperformance of the contract, the agent may want to visit the construction site to better understand what was and wasn't done. Attempt mediation or arbitration. Most licensing boards use some form of alternate dispute resolution to resolve complaints filed with them. The form of dispute resolution recommended or required varies greatly among states. Mediation is voluntary, meaning both you and the contractor must agree to participate. During mediation, a neutral third-party will attempt to negotiate a resolution to the problem between you and the contractor. Arbitration may be voluntary or mandatory. However, even if you engage in voluntary arbitration, you typically have no choice over the outcome once you agree to the process. In arbitration, a neutral arbitrator (typically a judge or retired construction law attorney) hears from both sides, similar to a courtroom hearing, and then makes a decision which is binding on all parties. If you are unable to reach a decision through mediation or arbitration with the licensing board, and you are dissatisfied with the response of the surety company to your claim, you may have to file a lawsuit to resolve your problem. Locate the correct court. Typically you'll want to use the small claims court in the county where the project took place. Check the court's website or call the court's clerk to find out what the claim limits are in your area. Small claims courts only provide monetary damages up to a certain amount. This limit varies from state to state. It may be as high as $10,000, but usually it's less. If the construction project isn't completed and you want to enforce the contract by having the contractor complete the work, small claims court won't work for you. This also is true if your damages are higher than the small claims limit. Small claims courts are designed so you can handle your claim yourself. However, you should consult an attorney if you're contemplating a lawsuit against a contractor and their surety company that must be filed in state court rather than small claims. Fill out the necessary claim forms. Each small claims court has fill-in-the-blank forms for you to complete if you want to initiate a small claims case. Typically you'll have to go to the clerk's office to get copies of these forms. Some courts also have the forms available online. You can download them and either type your answers directly on the form or print them out and handwrite your answers. If the forms come with instructions, read them carefully before you start filling out the forms. The forms are typically fairly self-explanatory, asking information about yourself, the person you're suing, and the reason you're suing them. Remember that you can only sue in small claims court for money – not performance. If you want to get a court order for the contractor to complete a project, you'll have to use a regular state court. File your claim. Once you've filled out your forms, make at least three copies of the forms themselves along with any supporting documentation such as the construction contract. Take both your original forms and your copies to the clerk's office. You'll have to pay a filing fee to the clerk, typically $100 or less. Courts do have fee waivers for indigent litigants, but these waivers may not be available for small claims cases. You may want to call the clerk's office ahead of time to find out the exact amount of the filing fee and what forms of payment are accepted. You also may be able to find out this information on the court's website. The clerk will stamp your originals and copies, and give the copies back to you. One copy is for your records. The other two copies are for the construction contractor and the surety company that wrote their bond. Have the contractor and surety company served. After your claim is filed, you must have the form hand-delivered to both the contractor and the surety company so they have legal notice of the claim you've filed against them. You cannot serve the forms yourself. This must be done by someone over the age of 18 who has no involvement or interest in the case. Often people choose to pay a small fee to the sheriff's department to have a sheriff's deputy complete service. This way you know it's been done correctly. You'll need the name and address of the surety company's agent for service. You'll need the same information for the construction contractor if they have incorporated their business. Receive any written response. When the contractor and the surety company receive the claim, they typically have a brief period of time to file a written answer. Unlike in state courts, written answers are optional in some small claims courts. If a written answer is required, you can expect it to be served on you in the same way you served your claim. Once you have all this information together, you may want to consult an attorney about your case. You typically aren't allowed to be represented by an attorney in small claims court, but they can provide you assistance in preparing for your hearing. The contractor or the surety company may have various defenses to your claims. If they provide a written answer, this can give you time to evaluate those defenses and determine what you can say in response. Spend the time before the hearing getting your paperwork together. You will need your copies of all the papers you filed with the court, as well as a copy of the contract and any other evidence, such as photographs, that you wish to show the judge. Attend your hearing. On the date your hearing is scheduled, you must show up in small claims court if you want the judge to hear your claim. If you're late or fail to appear at the hearing, the court typically will dismiss your claim. Small claims courts hearings typically are less formal than regular courtroom hearings, but try to dress professionally and conservatively. Treat the judge and there court officers with respect. Depending on the size of the courthouse, you probably want to show up about a half hour early so you have time to go through security and find the right courtroom. The judge will be hearing several cases in one day, so take a seat in the gallery until your case is called. This gives you an opportunity to observe the procedure in other cases (unless, of course, you're called first). Move to the front of the courtroom when the judge calls your case. Since it's your claim, the judge will want to hear from you first. You may have to give a small summary of your claim, or the judge may ask you questions. After hearing from the contractor or surety company, the judge will make his or her ruling on your claim. Although the judge typically will make a decision from the bench, it may take a day or two for you to get the written order.

Identify the surety company that wrote the bond. Confirm the contractor was covered. Gather information. Submit your claim. Wait for a response. Find your state's licensing board. Fill out a complaint form. Submit your complaint form. Cooperate with any investigation. Attempt mediation or arbitration. Locate the correct court. Fill out the necessary claim forms. File your claim. Have the contractor and surety company served. Receive any written response. Attend your hearing.

https://www.wikihow.com/Consolidate-Loans

How to Consolidate Loans

To consolidate your student loans, start by figuring out why you want to consolidate your loans. If you need to lower your monthly payment, contact a private lender to see what rates they can offer. Alternatively, if you want the simplicity of dealing with a single lender, try going through the U.S. Department of Education to bundle your loans. Make sure you talk with your current lender before applying for any loan consolidation to ask which loans are eligible for consolidation.

Make a list of your debts. You can't choose a good course of action until you know how much you owe. Find all of the debts you want to consolidate and create a list with the following information: The amount due Your monthly payment The interest rate on the loan Whether the loan is secured or unsecured (secured loans are tied to an asset, e.g., your car acts as security for the car loan) Check your credit history. Lenders will only make loans if they are confident you can pay them back. Pull a free copy of your credit report and a copy of your credit score. Generally, you'll need a solid credit score (in the mid-600s) to get a personal consolidation loan. Your score might be hurt by errors in your credit report. Check it thoroughly and dispute any wrong information. For example, there might be accounts listed that don't belong to you, or accounts might be inaccurately listed as in default. If your score is low, wait to consolidate. You can pay down debt and improve your credit score first. Research consolidation loans. Many lenders offer these loans. In fact, you probably get offers in the mail. You can ask your bank or credit union for a personal consolidation loan. You might also approach online lenders. Consider the following: Don't use a secured loan to consolidate unsecured loans. For example, a lender might say, “Sure, we'll give you a $20,000 consolidation loan, but we want you to put your home up as collateral.” If you default on a secured loan, the lender can take the collateral. Pay attention to both interest rates and the term (length) of the repayment period. Don't focus only on the monthly payment. Research online lenders closely. They should have a physical address listed on their website and use encryption when you submit information. Check with the Better Business Bureau if there have been complaints. Assess your priorities. Loan consolidation can save you money in 2 ways—it might lower your monthly payment or it might lower the total amount you end up paying back. Some loans will do both, but some will do only 1 or the other. For example, you might find a consolidation loan that will cut your monthly payments in half. It does this by stretching out the repayment period to 20 years. You'll end up paying more over the life of the loan. In some situations, however, you might be focused only on cutting your monthly payment. For example, you might have lost your job. In this situation, a lower monthly payment will give you some breathing room, and you can refinance the consolidation loan later. Apply for the loan. Contact the lender and provide all required paperwork. You'll have to provide a bunch of information, such as personal identification, proof of income, and your employer information. Pay off your smaller loans. After you've been approved, the lender will probably send you a check. Don't go shopping! You need to use these funds to pay off your smaller loans. Pay them off in a timely manner and then commit to paying back your consolidation loan. Consider other options. Loan consolidation might be unnecessary or not the right choice for you. For example, if you've recently fallen on hard times, you might have other options. Consider the following: You can call your creditors and ask that they let you skip a couple payments until you land on your feet. You'll have to have a good reason, such as a job loss or illness. Also the lender wants to be sure your problems are temporary. You can visit a credit counselor and set up a debt management plan. The counselor can negotiate with your creditors to reduce your interest rate and waive late fees and penalties. You make one payment to the credit counselor, who distributes your payments to each creditor. Check if you qualify for a balance transfer card. Many credit cards offer a low APR for 12-18 months if you transfer a balance onto them. Generally, you need good credit to qualify—often a credit score over 700. When you transfer, you might pay only a small transfer fee, around 4% of the amount transferred. You can find offers for balance transfer cards online. Visit websites such as NerdWallet or Credit.com to compare offers. You might already have a balance transfer card. Check your statements. Avoid transferring large amounts. You'll only come out ahead if you can pay off your debts before the 0% APR period ends. If you can't, then the interest rate will zoom up, often over 15%, which will cost you a lot of money. The interest rate on a personal loan will be lower than 15%, so avoid using a balance transfer unless you can pay everything off early. Complete the balance transfer. Transferring is easy. You simply tell the credit card company the account you want transferred and the amount. The amount should show up on your next statement. Pay your bills on time. The 0% APR is only good if you make monthly payments in full and on time. If you don't, then you'll lose the introductory rate and probably pay penalties and fees on top of it. Set payment reminders, if necessary. For example, many credit card companies will send a text or an email reminder. You'll have an easier time paying your bills if you create a budget and stop spending. Some people see that their monthly payments are low, so they spend even more. Avoid this. List your student loans. Gather all of your monthly loan statements and create a list with the following information: The lender The amount you owe Your monthly payment The length of the repayment period Whether the loan is federal or private Identify your goals. People consolidate their student loans for different reasons, and the reason matters for purposes of how you consolidate. Consider the following: You want to consolidate because you are overwhelmed with paperwork. In this situation, you can consolidate some loans through the Department of Education. You won't lower your interest rate at all. Instead, the new consolidated loan will be a weighted average of the interest rates on all of your loans. You want a lower interest rate. You'll need to pursue consolidation with a private lender. A lower interest rate will decrease the amount you pay each month. It will also reduce the amount you pay back over the life of the loan (unless the term of the loan is longer). You want a lower monthly payment. Generally, you should consolidate with private lenders. However, if you consolidate with the Department of Education, you can seek income-driven repayment plans or extend the repayment period, both of which will lower your monthly payment. Find private lenders. Some of the more popular lenders include SoFi, CommonBond, and Citizens Bank. Typically, you'll need a credit score in the mid-600s, so pull your credit score. Check the interest rates offered by each lender. Fixed rates range between 2-9%. Variable rates might be initially lower, but they can zoom up in the future. Ask questions. There are many people who can help you decide which consolidation path is right for you. Talk to your current lender and discuss your options. Consider asking the following questions: “Are all of my loans eligible for consolidation?” Most federal loans can be consolidated with the Department of Education. However, private lenders set their own rules. “If I consolidate my loans with the Department of Education, do I lose anything?” For example, you might lose any credit you have earned if your loans are currently on an income-driven repayment plan. “Can I consolidate if my loans are currently in default?” Apply. Gather your student loan information. If you are applying for a private loan, you'll need information about your financial history: job history, current income, educational background, etc. To consolidate with the Department of Education, go to www.studentloans.gov and use your Federal Student Aid ID to log in. You'll pick which loans to consolidate and choose a servicer. You'll also pick a repayment plan, which can run from 10-30 years, but income-driven plans are available also. To apply with a private lender, you should submit information about your financial background and your student loans. They will make a decision based on this information and your credit history. Consider other options. Your financial difficulties might be temporary. If so, consider different options that will give you some breathing room. There's no reason to consolidate if you don't need to. You might seek deferment or forbearance, which will allow you to suspend payments on federal loans for a period of time. Contact your lender. You might also qualify for income-driven repayment plans on federal loans. Although you can choose these plans after you consolidate, you can also choose them without consolidating. On these plans, you might only pay 1-2% of your disposable income. As your income increases, you can pay more.

Make a list of your debts. Check your credit history. Research consolidation loans. Assess your priorities. Apply for the loan. Pay off your smaller loans. Consider other options. Check if you qualify for a balance transfer card. Avoid transferring large amounts. Complete the balance transfer. Pay your bills on time. List your student loans. Identify your goals. Find private lenders. Ask questions. Apply. Consider other options.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dye-a-Baby-Chicken

How to Dye a Baby Chicken

To dye a baby chicken, collect eggs that are on their 11th to 14th day of incubation, and sterilize their shells using alcohol pads with 95 percent isopropyl alcohol. Then, use a clean hypodermic needle to puncture a small hole in the eggshell, about 1 half-inch from the small end of the egg. Make sure not to insert the needle too far, or you could damage the embryo, and do not reuse the same needle on different eggs to ensure sterility. From here, you should inject about.5 milliliters of vegetable food coloring into the egg, just under the shell and membrane, by inserting the tip of the needle into the hole.

Use chicks in their 11th to 14th day of incubation. It is possible to inject eggs that have been incubated anywhere from 10 to 19 days, but the 11th to 14th period is ideal. Only one injection is necessary if done at this time. Sterilize the egg and needle. Sterilize the outside of the egg and the hypodermic needles. You do not want to introduce bacteria to the embryo which may harm it. Use alcohol pads of 95 percent isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly wipe down the egg and needles. Let the eggshell and utensils dry. Make sure they not become contaminated while drying. For example, place them on a sterile gauze pad. Puncture the eggshell. With the hypodermic needle, slowly and carefully make a small hole in the shell about one half-inch from the small end of the egg. Do not insert the needle too far as this will damage the embryo. Use a different needle for each egg to ensure sterility. Insert the dye. Extract.5 milliliters of dye from the bottle and insert the tip of the needle into the hole.Slowly and carefully inject the dye into the egg to prevent overflowing. Insert the dye just under the shell and membrane. Use vegetable food coloring as the dye. Use a different needle for each color to keep colors pure. Seal the hole. Close the hole in the shell with a small drop of melted paraffin, making sure to cover the entirety of the hole. Paraffin can be found at many craft stores. You can use an adhesive bandage if no paraffin is available. Insert dye and seal the hole within 30 minutes. Do not keep the eggs out of the incubator longer than 30 minutes for the safety of the embryos. Embryos can be damaged if not kept at a high temperature. Return the eggs to the incubator. Chicks typically take 21 days to hatch. Incubate chicken eggs between 99 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit with 50-65 percent relative humidity.

Use chicks in their 11th to 14th day of incubation. Sterilize the egg and needle. Puncture the eggshell. Insert the dye. Seal the hole. Insert dye and seal the hole within 30 minutes. Return the eggs to the incubator.

https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-a-Girl-Likes-You-Even-Though-She-Already-Has-a-Boyfriend

How to Tell if a Girl Likes You Even Though She Already Has a Boyfriend

To tell if a girl likes you even though she already has a boyfriend, pay attention to how she talks about her current boyfriend. If she only says negative things about him, she may be sending you signals that she likes you. Additionally, pay attention to whether she goes out of her way to brush against your hand or arm, as well as whether she always smiles when she sees you and laughs at all of your jokes. These could be signs that she's more interested in you than in her boyfriend.

Notice the touch barrier. Pay attention to if she has broken the touch barrier with you. If she has, you need to figure out if it is friendly or flirty. She might just be giving you a friendly pat on the shoulder or she might be flirting with you because she is interested in you. If she touches you often, it might be a sign that she is flirting. The amount of time she touches you for is an aspect of what determines if the touching is flirty or friendly. Was the touch a quick brush or does her hand linger for a few seconds? Where she touches you could be a sign of what the touch means. Touching your shoulder might be something she does with friends, whereas touching your hand or face could be a sign she is interested in you. Notice if she reciprocates your touch. If you give her a side hug and she leans into it, she might like you. If she seems uncomfortable and pulls away from the hug, maybe not. Watch her body language. If she gives you space when she talks to you, she might not like you. If she turns her body toward you and points her feet your way, she could be interested. Some women get nervous around guys they like. Touching her hair and neck are signs she is feeling jittery and nervous around you and might be interested in you. Notice her eye contact. Some women look at the guy they like often. If she likes you she won't be able to help but look at you. If you notice a lot of eye contact from her when you talk to her, she might be interested in you. If you know she is the kind of girl to get shy and nervous, she might be doing the opposite and not looking at you at all. This could also mean she likes you. Pay attention to how she acts around her boyfriend. If every time she is with her boyfriend she has a huge smile on her face, it might be a sign you should back off. If she always looks miserable with him, then maybe there is room in her heart to develop feelings for someone else. Paying attention to how she acts around her boyfriend might help you figure out how she feels about you, but it also might not mean anything. If she her look sad with her boyfriend, it does not necessarily mean she does not love him or that she wants to be with you. Notice her sense of humor. If she is always really serious around you, she might not like you. It could just mean she is shy or not a humorous person, but often girls joke around with guys they like. If she genuinely seems like she is having fun with you – teasing you, joking around with you, and laughing at your jokes – she might like you. Think about what she talks to you about. If your conversations consist only of basic day-to-day small talk (“How was your weekend?” or “It is really warm out today.”), she might not like you. Although it could also mean she is too nervous to ask you anything deeper. If she is asking you about your life and interests and telling you about hers, she might be interested in you. Pay attention when she talks about her boyfriend. If she has never brought him up or only says negative things about him, her feelings for him could be fading. If she goes on and on to you about how perfect he is, she probably does not like you. It can be complicated though because it is possible to have feelings for more than one person. If she says, “Tanner bought me roses yesterday and we are going out to dinner tonight! He is the best boyfriend,” she probably does not like you. If she says things like “Tanner and I got in a huge fight last night because we never do anything together,” her heart might not be all in the relationship. Notice when she talks to you. If she goes out of her way to talk to you and give you attention, she might like you. Is she speeding up to catch up with you and talk to you or does she only talk to you if you happen to be near each other? If she seems to be going out of her way to talk to you and show you attention, she might like you. Look at your messages. Pay attention to your online conversations, not just the conversations you have in person. If she never sends you texts or snapchats, she might not like you. (Although she might not be doing this because she has a boyfriend.) If she always sends you texts or snapchats about her day-to-day activities or asks you about yourself, she might be interested. If she only texts you once a month to ask about school or work, maybe not. Figure out your intentions. If you decide to ask her how she feels about you, figure out what you want first. Do you just want to sleep with her one time and never speak again or are you in love with her? If you don't have genuine feelings for her, it is probably not worth your time or her time to try to pursue her. If you genuinely like her, then it might be worth asking her how she feels about you. Flirt with her. Don't just jump right into asking her how she feels about you. First flirt with her you to show her you are interested. Be yourself and joke around with her. Give her compliments and ask her about herself. Smile when you see her and make eye contact. Try to break the touch barrier with her by finding an excuse to brush against her or touch her arm. Be sincere and not fake. Bring up that you are interested. If you feel like you have established a connection with her and feel confident that she might like you back, ask her how she feels. This can be stressful and nerve-racking but worth it to finally have a clear answer. Be confident but also be understanding that this is a delicate situation and you might be putting her in an awkward spot. Even if she has been flirting with you, it does not mean she must not love her boyfriend. Try saying something like, “I know you have a boyfriend - and I don't want to get in the way of that - but I just wanted you to know that I have developed feelings for you. I completely understand that you are committed to someone else, but I want you to know that if you weren't I would want to date you.” Give her plenty of time to think about what you tell her and to navigate her feelings. Back off if you need to. If she says she is not interested, then she is not interested. Leave her alone and let her be happy with her boyfriend. Continuing to pursue her is rude and disrespectful. Give her however much space she wants or that you need to get over her. If you are both comfortable with it, continue to be her friend.

Notice the touch barrier. Watch her body language. Notice her eye contact. Pay attention to how she acts around her boyfriend. Notice her sense of humor. Think about what she talks to you about. Pay attention when she talks about her boyfriend. Notice when she talks to you. Look at your messages. Figure out your intentions. Flirt with her. Bring up that you are interested. Back off if you need to.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dye-Hair-Two-Colors

How to Dye Hair Two Colors

To dye your hair two colors, start by separating your hair horizontally at the back of your head in a zigzag pattern. Then, separate the top and bottom sections into 4 parts each, securing them with clips. Next, mix the first dye and apply it with gentle downward strokes, one section at a time. After you finish each section, wrap it in a piece of foil. Once you've finished the bottom, repeat the same steps with a different colored dye on the top sections of your hair. Finally, let the dye set before removing the foil and rinsing the dye from your hair.

Separate your hair. Brush or comb your hair into two loose pigtails. This will make it easier to wrap in foil after you apply the bleach and the dye. Tie an elastic band on each segment to mark the bottom 2/3 of your hair. Bleach the area below the elastic bands. If you have dark hair, you may want to consider bleaching your hair, especially if the hair colors you're going for are significantly lighter than your current hair color. Using an applicator brush and dye bowl or an applicator bottle, apply the bleach in gentle downward strokes. If you have blonde or light red hair and are dyeing your hair darker colors, you can skip this step. If you're hoping to get brown or burgundy colors, you may be able to achieve them without using bleach, even if your hair is dark. Simply use a dye that comes with a developer. Apply the foil. You'll need several pieces of foil for this step. Wrap each separated section. Allow the bleach to process for the amount of time that the product recommends. This can be anywhere between 10 and 45 minutes. Unfold one piece of foil to check the progress. Don't let the bleach process for a longer time period than the instructions recommend. Remove the foil. Gently unwrap each piece of foil. Give them a good rinse to remove the bleach. Toss them in the recycling bin. Wash and dry your hair. Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. This will remove the bleach from your hair. Blow dry your hair. Otherwise, it won't absorb the dye. If you notice that the bleach has caused some yellowness or brassiness, opt for a purple toning shampoo. This should give you a more even foundation for the dyeing process. Divide your hair. Brush your hair into two loose pigtails. Tie an elastic band just above the top of the bleached section on each side. Open the first dye kit. This should be the lighter color. Pour the dye into a dye bowl or applicator bottle. If the dye is separated into powder and liquid, mix the ingredients until you don't see any powder particles. Make sure every last bit of powder gets stirred into the mixture. Apply the first color. Use a dye bowl with the enclosed applicator brush or use an applicator bottle to dye the entire bleached section of your hair. Paint the dye in slow downward strokes on the entire bleached section of your hair. Using vertical strokes rather than horizontal strokes should prevent the formation of a stark line. Mark the next section of your hair. Fold a piece of foil over the bottom 1/3 or 1/4 of your hair. Secure it with an elastic band. This will prevent the darker color from bleeding too much into the lighter section. Open the second color. This should be the darker color. Repeat the steps you took with the first color. You will need a separate applicator brush and a dye bowl, or an applicator bottle, if it is not included in the kit. Apply the second color. Use the applicator brush or bottle to coat your hair from the top of the lighter color to the beginning of the foil. Move in gentle downward sweeps. Blend the colors at their meeting point by giving each lock a gentle twist. Let both colors set in. Follow the instructions on the box. Set a timer for the recommended amount of time. This is usually about an hour. Rinse with a vinegar mixture. Mix one part apple cider vinegar and three parts water in a spray bottle. Spritz the dyed part of your hair. Make sure the spray covers the entire colored section. This helps the color to last longer. Use the rinse every time you wash your hair. Finish with a color-safe conditioner. Follow the vinegar rinse up with some color-safe conditioner. Apply the conditioner to your hair and then rinse it out well to help lock in the color and also remove the vinegar smell from your hair. Separate your hair. Brush or comb your hair into two to three sections on each side. This will make it easier to wrap in foil after you apply the bleach and the dye. Tie an elastic band on each segment to mark the tips of your hair. How many inches or centimeters you want to color is up to you, but it typically looks best to dye more if your hair is long and less if your hair is short. For example, if your hair is shoulder length, 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) may be suitable, but 5 inches (13 cm) or more may be best for mid-back length hair. Bleach the tips of your hair. If you have dark hair and want to dye your tips a much lighter color, consider using bleach. Using an applicator brush and a dye bowl or an applicator bottle, apply the bleach in gentle downward strokes. If you have blonde or light red hair and are dyeing your hair darker colors, you can skip this step. If your hair is darker and you want your tips to be a brown or burgundy color, then you may be able to achieve your desired color with a developer instead of bleach. Apply the foil. You'll need several pieces of foil for this step. Wrap each separated section. Allow the bleach to process for the amount of time that the product recommends. This should take 10-45 minutes. Unfold one piece of oil to check the progress. Don't leave the bleach on your hair for more time than the product recommends. Remove the foil. Gently unwrap each piece of foil. Give them a good rinse to remove the bleach. Toss them in the recycling bin. Wash and dry your hair. Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. This will remove the bleach from your hair. Blow dry your hair. Otherwise, it won't absorb the dye. If your hair has a yellowish or brassy tint, use purple shampoo before proceeding with normal shampoo. Open the first dye kit. Pour the dye into a dye bowl or applicator bottle. If the dye is separated into powder and liquid, mix the ingredients until you don't see any powder particles. Make sure every last bit of powder gets stirred into the mixture. Apply the first color. Use the enclosed applicator brush and dye bowl or applicator bottle. Paint the dye in slow downward strokes on the entire bleached section of your hair to avoid creating a stark line. Open the second color. Repeat the steps you took with the first color. Use a separate bowl or bottle for this dye mixture. You will also need a separate applicator brush and dye bowl or applicator bottle, if it is not included in the kit. Apply the second color. Paint the bottom half of the bleached area. In this step, you'll cover part of the first color. Blend the colors at their meeting point by giving each lock a gentle twist. Let both colors set in. Follow the instructions on the box. Set a timer for the recommended amount of time. This is usually about an hour. Rinse with a vinegar mixture. Mix one part apple cider vinegar and three parts water in a spray bottle. Spritz the dyed part of your hair. Make sure the spray covers the entire colored section. This helps the color to last longer. Use the rinse every time you wash your hair. Follow up with conditioner. Apply color-safe conditioner to your hair to lock in the color and to get rid of the vinegar smell. Then, rinse it out thoroughly. Bleach your hair. You may want to bleach your hair if it's dark and you desire a lighter color. Use an applicator brush and dye bowl or an applicator bottle to apply the bleach. Move in gentle downward strokes. If you have blonde or light red hair and are dyeing your hair darker colors, you may skip this step. If your hair is dark and you want to dye it brown or burgundy, try doing so without the use of bleach. Use a dye that comes with a developer, and skip the bleach application. Apply the foil. You'll need several pieces of foil for this step. Wrap each separated section. Allow the bleach to process for 10-45 minutes, or however long the product instructions recommend. Unfold one piece of oil to check the progress. Don't let the bleach process for a longer period than the product suggests. Remove the foil. Gently unwrap each piece of foil. Give them a good rinse to remove the bleach. Toss them in the recycling bin. Wash and dry your hair. Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. This will remove the bleach from your hair. Blow dry your hair. Otherwise, it won't absorb the dye. Use a purple shampoo to get rid of any unwanted brassiness or yellowness. Separate your layers. Use a comb to divide your hair horizontally at the back of your head. Use a comb to create a slight zigzag pattern. This will prevent an odd-looking line of the lower layer from popping through the top. Divide the upper layer. Comb your hair. Separate it into a right and a left section. Divide it again into top and bottom segment. Clip each part to the top third of your head. Divide your lower layer. Comb your hair. Separate it into right and left sections. Divide again into top and bottom sections. Make sure your hair clips are a different color for this step so that you don't confuse your top and bottom layers. Open the first dye kit. Pour the dye into a dye bowl or applicator bottle. If the dye is separated into powder and liquid, mix the ingredients until you don't see any powder particles. Make sure every last bit of powder gets stirred into the mixture. Dye the bottom layers of your hair. Use the applicator brush or bottle. Sweep the dye on individual locks with gentle downward strokes. After you finish each lock, fold it in a piece of foil. Open the second dye kit. Repeat the steps you took with the first color. Use a separate bowl and brush or bottle for this dye mixture, if it's not included in the kit. Let out the clipped hair. Brush or comb out this section. Do this gently, being careful not to puncture the foil. Dye the top layer. Use your applicator brush or bottle to apply the dye with gentle downward strokes. Fold up each segment into a piece of foil. Let the dye set in. Follow the instructions on the box. Set a timer for the recommended amount of time. This is usually about an hour. Remove the foil. Gently unwrap the foil from each section of hair you dyed. Wash the foil to remove the dye. Toss it in the recycling bin. Rinse with a vinegar mixture. In a pot large enough to fit your head, mix one part apple cider vinegar and three parts water. Dunk your hair in the pot. This step helps the color to last longer. Use the rinse every time you wash your hair. Finish with conditioner. After you've done the vinegar rinse, apply some color-safe conditioner and rinse it out. This should help keep the color vibrant for longer and also remove the vinegar smell from your hair.

Separate your hair. Bleach the area below the elastic bands. Apply the foil. Remove the foil. Wash and dry your hair. Divide your hair. Open the first dye kit. Apply the first color. Mark the next section of your hair. Open the second color. Apply the second color. Let both colors set in. Rinse with a vinegar mixture. Finish with a color-safe conditioner. Separate your hair. Bleach the tips of your hair. Apply the foil. Remove the foil. Wash and dry your hair. Open the first dye kit. Apply the first color. Open the second color. Apply the second color. Let both colors set in. Rinse with a vinegar mixture. Follow up with conditioner. Bleach your hair. Apply the foil. Remove the foil. Wash and dry your hair. Separate your layers. Divide the upper layer. Divide your lower layer. Open the first dye kit. Dye the bottom layers of your hair. Open the second dye kit. Let out the clipped hair. Dye the top layer. Let the dye set in. Remove the foil. Rinse with a vinegar mixture. Finish with conditioner.

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How to Store Jewelry

To store jewelry, put it somewhere with a stable temperature and low humidity, like your bedroom closet. Avoid storing your jewelry in bathrooms, attics, basements, or other humid places since humidity can cause jewelry to tarnish. Also, if you have silver jewelry, keep it wrapped in a silver cloth, which will keep out oxygen and prevent tarnish. For diamond jewelry, store each piece separately since diamonds can get chipped and scratched if they knock into each other.

Make or buy a jewelry tree. Jewelry trees are great for displaying all your favorite pieces and keeping necklaces tangle-free. Simply hang your necklaces, bracelets, and rings from the branches of the tree. If you're buying one, make sure it's made out of a material that won't rust or tarnish your jewelry. If you're making one, customize it for your jewelry and decorate it to match your style. Display your jewelry in a bell jar. Pick a few dramatic pieces to showcase and layer them in a bell jar. Display the jar in your bedroom or even in your living room. Bell jars are available at craft stores and some hardware stores as well. You can also find them in a variety of shapes and sizes online. Use a picture frame to display your jewelry. Remove the glass from a decorative picture frame. Hang the frame on the wall, and then put thumbtacks into the wall inside the frame. To use it, simply hang your jewelry on the tacks. You can showcase necklaces, earrings, and even bracelets this way. Instead of using tacks, you can attach wire to the back of the frame and hang your earrings on the wire lines. Hang your jewelry on decorative knobs or hooks. Find a cool piece of driftwood or spray paint and decorate a scrap piece of wood for the base of this piece. Attach several fun and funky knobs or hooks (available at craft stores) to the wood. Then, mount the wood to your wall and hang your jewelry over the knobs. Put your rings in a teacup. Hunt through local thrift stores or garage sales for a cute teacup in a pattern you like. Then, simply place it on your dresser or countertop and fill it with rings. Not only will you be able to easily find the ring you want, but there's a decorative element to this method as well. Drape your necklaces over a mannequin. This is a great idea for those who are fashion-forward, as you can drape jewelry over your favorite vintage or designer clothing on the mannequin. Choose a full-size head and shoulder mannequin or a miniature full-body mannequin. You can find them in antique stores and online. Stack your bracelets on a glass bottle. Choose a glass bottle in a fun color or design, and arrange it on your dresser or vanity. Stack bracelets over the mouth of the bottle to create a cute and fun jewelry display. Store your earrings in a ceramic egg dish. Go to a store that sells kitchen accessories or browse the Internet to find a ceramic egg dish. Rather than showcasing your famous deviled eggs, use the dish to store earrings. Simply place a pair of earrings in each egg compartment for an organized and creative jewelry display piece. Hang your necklaces on branches or antlers. If you happen to have antlers as artwork, try draping a few necklaces over them for a clever way to display your jewelry. Alternatively, you can hang branches on your wall or put them in a vase and layer necklaces over them. You could even spray paint the branches in a color of your choice. Use a jewelry dish to hold your everyday pieces. You can display, and keep track of, your everyday jewelry items by placing them in a jewelry dish on your dresser, nightstand, or countertop. Simply drop your watch, earrings, etc. into the dish when you take them off for the day. You can use a pretty bowl in place of a jewelry dish as well. Store each piece of diamond jewelry separately. Jewelry with diamonds should be stored separately from each other and from other pieces. If the diamonds knock into each other, they can create scratches or chips. Use a jewelry box with separate ring, earring, bracelet, and necklace holders, or store each piece in its own box. Keep your pearls away from plastic. Certain chemicals in plastic can cause your pearls to deteriorate, so keep them away from plastic containers, thumbtacks, and other plastic items. Instead, store your pearl jewelry in a wooden jewelry box lined with fabric. Wrap silver jewelry in a silver cloth. Silver items can be placed together and wrapped in a silver cloth. There should be a flap that completely covers the jewelry to keep oxygen out, which will reduce the amount of tarnish on your jewelry. You can find silver cloths at your local jeweler's shop as well as online. Store your jewelry in a place with a stable temperature and low humidity. High humidity can easily tarnish your jewels, so it's best to keep them away from bathrooms, attics, basements, and other damp environments. Extreme heat can also discolor your jewelry as well as cause your gems and pearls to crack. Your bedroom closet may be a good spot to store your jewelry. Place your most valuable jewelry in a safe. Rather than displaying your family heirlooms and priceless pieces, keep them in a safe. Using a safe prevents theft and also protects your jewelry from the elements, which can tarnish precious metals. You can even purchase a special jewelry safe to protect your showpieces. You can choose to use a personal safe in your home or keep your valuables in a safety deposit box at the bank. Use a tackle box to store your gems. Tackle boxes come in various sizes, so you'll be able to choose one that fits your jewelry needs. This is a simple way to keep your jewelry organized, and also works well if you're moving. If you have fragile items, line each compartment with felt or a similar fabric to protect your jewelry. Put jewelry in drawer organizers. These are easy to use, organize, and customize. Drawer organizers can be purchased from storage, craft, and dollar stores. They can be as small or large as you need, and often have different-sized compartments to fit all your jewelry storage needs. Repurpose a shoe box. Cover a shoe box in scrapbooking paper or fabric to update its appearance. Cut cardboard paper towel rolls to fit in the box and wrap them in the same, or a complementary, paper or fabric. Slide your bracelets over the rolls and lay your earrings and necklaces at the bottom of the box. Choose a store-bought jewelry box to house your pieces. Jewelry boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they generally include a small mirror. There are lots of ways of obtaining such a box, such as through jewelry and department stores, big box stores, and online sales. If you like vintage items, look for an older jewelry box from an era that matches your décor theme.

Make or buy a jewelry tree. Display your jewelry in a bell jar. Use a picture frame to display your jewelry. Hang your jewelry on decorative knobs or hooks. Put your rings in a teacup. Drape your necklaces over a mannequin. Stack your bracelets on a glass bottle. Store your earrings in a ceramic egg dish. Hang your necklaces on branches or antlers. Use a jewelry dish to hold your everyday pieces. Store each piece of diamond jewelry separately. Keep your pearls away from plastic. Wrap silver jewelry in a silver cloth. Store your jewelry in a place with a stable temperature and low humidity. Place your most valuable jewelry in a safe. Use a tackle box to store your gems. Put jewelry in drawer organizers. Repurpose a shoe box. Choose a store-bought jewelry box to house your pieces.

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How to Do the 40 Hour Famine

The 40-hour famine is a charity event hosted by World Vision where people give up something they love for 40 consecutive hours. Typically what they give up is food, but people also choose to give up other things like technology, furniture, or talking. If you'd like to participate, first, talk to your doctor to make sure it's safe for you to fast. Then, visit the 40-hour Famine website to sign up. You may also be able to sign up at a participating school, church, or community center in your neighborhood. Before your fast, collect donations from friends and family to raise money for World Vision. As you fast, make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and get a good night's rest.

Check your eligibility. Participants must be at least 12 years of age. Children under 12 are allowed to join the Famine for only eight hours. Consider, too, any health conditions you have, such as blood pressure issues, diabetes, or depression. If you intend to give up food, ask your doctor if that's a good idea in your case. If you want to fast, don't do it if you're sick. If you have a chronic illness or other disability, consult your doctor first. Those going without food should be well-fed prior to the event and should not maintain a fast during extreme physical exertion ("fun runs," sports tournaments, gym classes, etc.) Go to the 40 Hour Famine website, or sign up at a school, church or community center. Choose a challenge. The most common Famine challenges include: Going without food Giving up technology (TV, radio, computer or other IT device, MP3 player, even lights and electrical appliances) Not using furniture (chairs, beds, etc.) Giving up free time or play time by doing chores around the house without pay Some participants have even gone without sleep for 40 hours, but this is not recommended. This is just a list of suggestions. You can invent your own challenge. Just be smart about it. Don't do anything dangerous. The point is not to be daring; it's to raise money and awareness for the underprivileged. If you are a minor and choose to go without food, make sure your parents are well aware of this fact and approve of your choice. Consume barley sugars (hard candy) and rice or something similar if you are going without food. The Famine permits you to eat these to maintain energy. Find a good time for your Famine. Many participants do this over a weekend (Friday evening through Sunday morning). Ask your friends and family for donations of money. Tips on asking for donations can be found in the World Vision booklet about the Famine. Just be courteous and express gratitude to donors. Most people donate between $5 and $20. Send an email. Go to the 40-Hour Famine Website and the "My Famine" section. You will receive a link for email recipients to use in donating by credit card. Go door-knocking. This is a great way to reach people. Be very courteous when contacting the public. It's safer and more fun if you go with a friend. This step is definitely optional. If you're fasting, have a big meal right before you begin. Eat high-carbohydrate foods, like pasta, spaghetti or rice. Have some vegetables and fruit and take a multivitamin or two if you can. Try to avoid lollies (candy). Remember to drink water during the fast, as this will fill you up and keep you hydrated. Do not over-indulge before the fast, as you do not want to throw up. Hire (rent) some movies or borrow a few books, as they will help take your mind off your hunger. Plan some things with your friends. Go to a park, go shopping (no credit cards if you've given them up) or go to dinner (if you're not fasting). The best way to survive this challenge is to stay occupied. Take some rest and stay off your feet prior to the challenge. You will want to be rested before you begin, especially if you've given up furniture by sleeping on the floor. Find a friend who is participating in the famine. Spend part of the 40 hours with him or her so you can encourage each other. It's more fun this way. Drink water frequently and eat some hard candy every few hours. Even if you don't feel like it to begin with, these actions can help you endure a fast. Watch some movies. These will help you get through the day, and (if you're fasting) keep your mind off the hunger. Conserve energy if you're fasting. During the 40 hours it's possible you won't feel especially hungry. You may, however, feel tired or lethargic. In this case, limit yourself to quiet, fairly stationary activities. Sleep. Try to sleep long hours, particularly on the second night. This is a good way to help the time go by. Go out. Meet up with your friends for meals (if appropriate), a sporting event or a shopping trip. Don't talk about it. The more you take your mind off the challenge, the easier it is. Do some indoor activities: reading, drawing, studying or homework. Find a good place to sleep if you've given up furniture. Carpet is preferable to something harder. Decide for yourself whether pillows and blankets count as furniture. If you fasted, resume food carefully. A light salad or a piece of fruit is a good start. Don't eat too much at first. Give your stomach a gradual re-introduction to food. Avoid fatty foods for about eight hours. Keep your fluids up. Drink some water, juice, cordial, tea or soft drink. Avoid milk, shakes and milky coffee. Have a small, meaty meal (like pizza) for dinner. If you fasted, avoid heavy exercise for at least 24 hours. Find your group leader or (if you signed up on the Internet), go through the World Vision website. Send in the donations you received. Congratulate yourself. You've done a great and challenging job for a good charity. If the donations you raise reach a certain threshold, World Vision will present you with a "thank you" gift.

Check your eligibility. Go to the 40 Hour Famine website, or sign up at a school, church or community center. Choose a challenge. Consume barley sugars (hard candy) and rice or something similar if you are going without food. Find a good time for your Famine. Ask your friends and family for donations of money. Send an email. Go door-knocking. If you're fasting, have a big meal right before you begin. Plan some things with your friends. Take some rest and stay off your feet prior to the challenge. Find a friend who is participating in the famine. Drink water frequently and eat some hard candy every few hours. Watch some movies. Conserve energy if you're fasting. Sleep. Go out. Don't talk about it. Do some indoor activities: Find a good place to sleep if you've given up furniture. If you fasted, resume food carefully. Keep your fluids up. Have a small, meaty meal (like pizza) for dinner. If you fasted, avoid heavy exercise for at least 24 hours. Find your group leader or (if you signed up on the Internet), go through the World Vision website. Congratulate yourself.

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How to Get Rid of a Squirrel in Your House

To get rid of a squirrel that's in your house, start by isolating it, if you can, by closing the door to the room. Then, open a window to the outside so the squirrel has a way to get out. Next, soak some rags in apple cider vinegar and put them in the room, since squirrels dislike the smell of apple cider vinegar. Alternatively, try making loud noises to drive the squirrel out of its hiding place and make it flee.

Stay calm. A squirrel, much like most wild animals, is just as scared of you as you may be of it. As much as you want the squirrel out of your home, the squirrel's primary goal is also to get out of your house and back to a familiar environment. Animals have a similar anxiety response to humans and respond aggressively to perceived threats to safety. By staying calm, you will prevent the trapped squirrel from having a severe aggressive response. The squirrel is likely to be erratic since it is unsure what to do in the foreign environment of your home. Additionally, a squirrel, on very rare occasions, can be rabid, so don't get bitten by one. Isolate the squirrel if possible and separate your pets. You'll want to keep your pets as far away from the squirrel as possible so no fleas, ticks, or diseases are transmitted between them. Move all of your pets outside, into a holding pen/crate/cage, or put them into a separate room immediately. Pets can catch diseases the squirrels carry. Pets can catch illnesses from parasites squirrels have, like fleas and ticks. Disease can be transmitted through a squirrel bite, or potentially a significant scratch. Pets can become serious ill from consuming or biting a diseased squirrel. An example of this is squirrel pox, which grey squirrels are immune to but carry. Determine if a mother has nested her babies in your house. Even if you evict a mother squirrel from your home, if her babies are still trapped or nested inside, she will expend every effort to get back to her young. Beyond this, a mother squirrel that fears for her young will be more likely to attack. To check for young squirrels you should: Search 20 feet (6 m) around where you've found the squirrel. Avoid invading the space around a potential nest. The mother may attack if she thinks you are a threat to her young. Make some noises and then be silent. You should hear noises from the young squirrels in response. The main squirrel breeding times are February through May and August through October. During these times of the year, it's highly likely babies will be present. Allow young squirrels to mature before evicting. Relocating a squirrel family can be taxing on the health of its members, and young might not survive for long outside of the safety of the nest. If you are certain there are baby squirrels in your home, you'll want to call a professional, or you could wait a few weeks before ejecting the squirrels from your house. Baby squirrels only take a few weeks to grow large enough to survive without a mother. Waiting may be the most humane way of getting rid of squirrel young. Provide an avenue of escape. Close off all other routes and leave a single exit to your house open, like a wide open window. If getting to a window in the same room the squirrel is in puts you too close to the squirrel for your own comfort, you might: Open the window in the room next to the one the squirrel is in, leave the door open to that room, and close off all other routes. Close off hiding spots while keeping your distance. Drawers, cupboards, and other nooks and crannies comfort the squirrel, as these may remind it of its natural habitat or its nest in the knothole of a tree. By closing these off you can prevent the intruding squirrel from hiding out in a safe place as opposed to hightailing it out of your home. Remove all food sources. Especially in inhospitable weather, like in winter or during a drought, a squirrel may be especially hard to remove if it has a food source available. Squirrels, like other rodents, have sharp teeth that can gnaw through even thick bags. Remove even closed food sources. Create some incentive to leave. Squirrels, much like many animals, are sensitive to certain scents and other kinds of stimulus. In particular, squirrels have a dislike for the smell of cider vinegar, so you might want to soak some rags in the stuff and put them in the room in which your squirrel resides. You might also leave a radio playing constantly in the room the squirrel is in to drive it out. A bright light left on throughout the day and night can also make your house less appealing to squirrels. Predator urine can be bought from farm supply stores, sporting good centers, and online retailers. Soaking rags in predator urine, like that of a fox, could lead to your squirrel invader beating a hasty retreat. Create loud noises for squirrels in difficult spaces. Squirrels in your attic or other narrow spaces, like a wall or crawlspace, can be difficult to get at without coming into too close of contact. In this case, you should bang on the rafters and walls. Even entering your attic and speaking in a loud voice may be enough to chase your squirrels out of your home. These loud noises will often provoke a squirrel's flight response, making it flee through the escape path you've provided. Use a humane trap. There are many different kinds of humane traps available. These are specially designed to help remove squirrels from your home. You can buy a humane trap at most hardware stores or from a general online retailer. A one-way door is a kind of trap that lures squirrels in but does not let them out. When using this kind of trap, you should take the squirrel at least 3 miles (4.8 km) away before releasing it. Depending on the kind of trap you buy, setup and squirrel removal may have different procedures. Always be sure to follow the directions that come with your trap for best results. Leave the room and seal it off if necessary. If the room does not have a door, close all other doors that lead to that room and put up a makeshift barrier if possible. You'll want something the squirrel won't able get around or hop over, like a door sized piece of particle board or plywood. If you do not have particle board, plywood, or another door barrier available, you could always remove a door from another room and use it to block off the room the squirrel is in. When using a door from another room, you should anchor the door into place by putting something heavy, like a stack of books, boxes, a bag of salt, or a bag concrete at its base. Stay away from the house for one or two hours. You should take your pet(s) with you, if at all possible. This will prevent any accidental interaction between your pet(s) and the squirrel. As soon as the squirrel realizes that no one else is in the house, it should leave through the escape route you've left open. Some dogs have been bred to hunt woodland creatures and may work extra hard to get at the squirrel in your home. Leaving this kind of pet unsupervised could result in it escaping its pen/cage/room to hunt the squirrel. Verify the squirrel is gone and clean the area. Once you've returned, thoroughly check the room in which the squirrel resided to be sure it is gone. Then you should check the surrounding rooms and the rest of your house, just in case the squirrel got around your barrier or found some other route to travel deeper into your house. Squirrels, like many rodents, tend to spread around their urine and feces. You should thoroughly clean the area the squirrel has inhabited with a strong cleaner, gloves, and a mask. Seal off squirrel entrances. To prevent more squirrels from making your house their home, you'll want to close off any entrances the squirrels might use to get back inside. This will require some investigation on your part. In some cases, you may need to replace rotten wood caused by a leaky roof. In many cases, squirrels will chew through soft, rotten wood to gain access to your attic. Patching holes in your roof and eaves could stop your squirrel infestation from happening again. Repeat the process, if necessary. Some more stubborn squirrels may require you to use a combination of techniques, like playing a radio non-stop and introducing predator urine, before your home is inhospitable enough to drive it away. If after two or three attempts the squirrel remains, it may be time to call a pest control expert.

Stay calm. Isolate the squirrel if possible and separate your pets. Determine if a mother has nested her babies in your house. Allow young squirrels to mature before evicting. Provide an avenue of escape. Close off hiding spots while keeping your distance. Remove all food sources. Create some incentive to leave. Create loud noises for squirrels in difficult spaces. Use a humane trap. Leave the room and seal it off if necessary. Stay away from the house for one or two hours. Verify the squirrel is gone and clean the area. Seal off squirrel entrances. Repeat the process, if necessary.

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How to Treat Your Boyfriend

To show your boyfriend how much you love him, be considerate of his feelings by asking him what he thinks or what he'd like to do. When he answers you, listen carefully to what he says and let him finish what he's saying without interrupting, even if you disagree with him. You should also compliment him regularly by saying things like “You look really great today,” which will make him feel good about himself, as well as your relationship. Along with praise, show appreciation when he does things for you, even if it's something as small as taking out the garbage. While doing things for him, make sure to take care of your own needs, like exercising and spending time with your friends. That way, you can maintain your individuality while giving your boyfriend personal space to pursue his own interests.

Ask your boyfriend for suggestions. Get some pointers from the source: your boyfriend. Candidly ask him how you can be a better partner. You might say something like, "Hey, I want to be a better partner to you. Do you have any suggestions on how I can do that?" Take notes on what he says and try to make changes as needed. Make changes that are realistic for you— you can't become a completely different person, though. Be an active listener. Every partner wants someone to hear them out, so practice actively listening when your boyfriend talks. Focus on his words completely rather than thinking of how you'll reply. Let him finish what he's saying and then try to paraphrase what he said in another way. Improving your listening skills is in itself a solution for being a better partner. But good listening also helps you to hear it when he communicates how he wants to be treated. Consider his feelings. You're hard-wired to think of yourself first, but take out the time to think about how your boyfriend feels in certain situations. Try to stand in his shoes for a moment. Doing so can help you understand him better and intuit an appropriate response. For example, if your boyfriend is upset about a bad grade on a test, imagine how you would feel in his situation. What would you want from him if you were in the same place? Great partners are considerate, which comes down to practicing empathy. Establish a pattern for giving and taking space. Being together 24/7/365 is just not realistic or healthy for modern relationships. Allow your boyfriend to take time for himself (and vice versa). Figure out how you'll give and take space ahead of time, so neither partner feels hurt by the need to disconnect. Saying something like, “I need a moment" or “Can l get lost in my thoughts for a while?” should do the trick. In addition to taking space in the moment, you should also establish a routine of taking time apart to pursue your separate interests or hang with your individual friends and families. Don't feel bad about spending time apart. Healthy relationships always involve some separation. Take care of yourself. Free yourself up to have a little extra to give to your boyfriend by practicing self-care. Eat healthy , exercise , get plenty of rest, and schedule in “me time” each week. When you take good care of yourself, you are in a better position to improve yourself as a partner. Compliment your boyfriend regularly. Tell your boyfriend what you like about him as often as you can. Praise serves two purposes: it helps him feel good about himself and it also reinforces positive behaviors. Choose different areas to focus on each time you compliment him— his looks, his abilities, his ideas, his treatment of others, etc. Be sure your compliments are always sincere. You don't want to overdo it and say things that you don't actually mean. Make sure he overhears you speaking well about him to others. In addition to saying nice things about your boyfriend to his face, you should also pay him compliments to others. Rave to your sister about how he helped you study for a science test or tell your best friend how cute you think he is. Overhearing these positive words (or having them get back around to him) will make your boyfriend feel good about himself and his relationship with you. Support his goals. Does your boyfriend know that you're his No. 1 fan? Show him by cheering him on in his endeavors. This could translate to telling him he'll make a great doctor someday or showing up at his band performances. Show genuine appreciation. “Thank you" is often understated in relationships, so take out time to let your boyfriend know you appreciate him. Say, “Thanks for helping me with those boxes, babe" or “I really appreciate how you're always there for me.” Tell him how much you care. Give your boyfriend reassurance often. Don't assume he knows that you care; tell him. Say, “I don't know what I would do without you” or “I love you so much" (if that's true). Take an interest in his passions. Connect with your boyfriend through his interests. For example, if he's crazy over a certain TV show, watch it with him. If he likes a certain musician, buy him tickets to a concert. It's okay to have separate interests, but sharing some or at least showing interest in those that are important to him will bring you closer. Prioritize time with him. Quality time is essential for healthy relationships, so be sure to carve out time together often. While it's perfectly okay for you to make time for yourself as well as others, your boyfriend shouldn't regularly feel like he's in last place. Each week, compare your schedules and set aside time for just the two of you. Make personal disclosures. Your boyfriend will feel important if you regularly share your thoughts, feelings, ideas, and experiences with him. Disclosing also forges a deeper bond between you. Tell him when you're scared about not getting picked for the job you want or how frustrated you are about your relationship with your dad. If you disclose, your boyfriend is more likely to reciprocate. Spoon-feed disclosures based on how close (and serious) you are. Start small and work your way up. Demonstrate trustworthiness. Romantic relationships are built on trust. Show your boyfriend that you are trustworthy by keeping his confidences when he discloses, sticking to your word, and being a reliable partner.

Ask your boyfriend for suggestions. Be an active listener. Consider his feelings. Establish a pattern for giving and taking space. Take care of yourself. Compliment your boyfriend regularly. Make sure he overhears you speaking well about him to others. Support his goals. Show genuine appreciation. Tell him how much you care. Take an interest in his passions. Prioritize time with him. Make personal disclosures. Demonstrate trustworthiness.

https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-and-Treat-Spondylosis-Deformans-in-Cats

How to Diagnose and Treat Spondylosis Deformans in Cats

Before you diagnose and treat spondylosis deformans in your cat, watch for common symptoms such as limping, having decreased flexibility, and losing muscle mass around the spine area. Additionally, notice if your cat winces or cries out in pain when touched, as this can indicate that it has spine spurs. If your cat has any of these symptoms, take it to the vet as soon as possible to get a diagnosis. Once your cat has been diagnosed, you may need to give it a prescription pain medication, or if the spurs are severe, get spine surgery.

Pay attention to a stiff gait. Sometimes, the spurs on the vertebrae in the back press into the spine, affecting the cat's gait and other movements. Usually, it's because the spurs have made it more difficult for the cat to move. If you notice that your cat is limping or walking strangely, contact your vet. Check for decreased flexibility. This disease can also affect how much the cat moves its spine. Therefore, you may notice the cat isn't turning over as easily as it used to, or that it's having trouble stretching or cleaning itself. Look for loss of muscle mass. Another symptom that can appear with this condition is the atrophy of muscle along the spine. This symptom can take longer to appear than other symptoms. Notice back pain. While this condition doesn't appear to be painful for every cat, it can be. You may notice your cat wincing, pulling back, or crying out in pain when you stroke parts of its back where the spurs are located. Be ready for a physical examination. Your vet will begin with a physical examination. They will note whether they see any problems in the cat's gait or flexibility, as well as if the cat seems in pain. However, this condition cannot be definitively diagnosed with a physical examination. While the examination is going on, let the vet know if your cat has had any spinal issues in the past. Expect x-rays. The most common way to diagnose this condition is through the use of x-rays. The vet will use them to examine the cat's spine. In turn, the vet will be able to determine if the cat has spurs in that location. The vet may need to take x-rays from multiple angles to see the bone spurs properly. Ask about MRIs or CT scans. In some cases, an MRI or CT scan may be needed to properly diagnose this disease. Your vet might do this test, or they might send you on to a specialist for advanced imaging. Skip treatment. Often, your cat will not need any treatment for this condition, as the spine degeneration is usually due to aging. If your cat is not in any pain, your vet may decide that treatment isn't necessary. Ask about pain relievers. When a cat is in pain from this condition, the vet will often prescribe a pain medication. However, make sure you only give pain medication under the direction of a vet, as many human pain relievers are toxic to cats. Usually, the vet will prescribe an NSAID pain reliever. Discuss weight loss. If your cat is overweight, it may help for the cat to lose weight. Ask your vet about whether your cat is a good candidate for this option. If the vet says yes, have them discuss a weight loss plan with you. Generally, to help your cat lose weight, you need to decrease how much food it eats. A typical indoor cat needs 20 calories per pound of weight per day to maintain its weight, so an 8 pound cat needs 160 calories to maintain its weight. For an indoor cat to lose weight, you need to decrease its caloric intake by 40 calories. Therefore, an 8-pound cat would need 120 calories a day to lose weight. For outdoor cats, you can increase the caloric intake to 35 calories per pound to maintain its current weight. The adjustment for losing weight is the same. Expect surgery only under extreme conditions. Surgery may be necessary if the spurs are affecting the cat's spine. However, often the vet will not recommend this course of action. Most of the time, the spurs grow back, since they are trying to stabilize the spine.

Pay attention to a stiff gait. Check for decreased flexibility. Look for loss of muscle mass. Notice back pain. Be ready for a physical examination. Expect x-rays. Ask about MRIs or CT scans. Skip treatment. Ask about pain relievers. Discuss weight loss. Expect surgery only under extreme conditions.

https://www.wikihow.com/Douche-for-Feminine-Hygiene

How to Douche for Feminine Hygiene

To douche for feminine hygiene, first prepare a douching solution by mixing 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water. Alternatively, purchase a douching kit from your drug store if you don't want to make your own solution. Pour the solution into a squeeze bottle before getting into the shower or bath tub. Then, place the tip of the bottle inside your vagina and squeeze the solution out. After you've finished cleaning inside your vagina, wash the outside with a mild soap and water. Finish by cleaning the douche bottle and the bath tub if you spilt any of the solution while douching.

Know that your body cleans out vaginal discharge, blood, and semen on its own. Many women douche in order to clean themselves after a period, rinse out vaginal discharge, or to clean out semen after sex. The great thing about the human body though, is that it is built to do these things on its own. The vagina cleans itself without douching, meaning that you don't have to refer to man-made soaps and rinses in order to keep your vagina in healthy, working condition. Douche at your doctor’s suggestion. The last few years of studies have offered up important research that shows that douching can be more harmful than beneficial to your body. The vagina naturally cleans itself with its high acidity and natural mucous, which douching removes. As a result of douching, you are more likely to suffer from a yeast infection or other bacterial infection. Talk to your doctor before you decide to douche, and do so at their discretion. Don’t douche to remove itching or burning sensations. Some women feel like they need to douche in order to get rid of itching or burning they feel near or inside their vagina. These are symptoms of an infection though, and douching simply covers them up. Rather than trying to wash away these symptoms, meet with your doctor and explain what you're experiencing. Don’t douche to remove a strong odor. Although the vagina may have a very mild, constant odor, if you are experiencing a strong odor (outside of your menstrual cycle), it is likely a symptom of a possible infection. Instead of trying to rinse out the odor, talk to your doctor and ask for their advice. They may or may not support the idea of douching, but it is best to go to them first rather than possibly making things worse. Don’t douche in attempts to prevent STDs or pregnancy. Douching is not an alternative to a condom or other contraceptive; its primary goal is to 'clean' the inside of the vagina. Therefore, don't douche in attempts to prevent an STD/STI or pregnancy after sex, as it will be ineffective. Wash the outside of your vagina as an alternative to douching. If you are concerned about keeping your vagina clean and odor-free in general, stick to washing the outside of your vagina instead. Use a mild soap and warm water in the shower or bath to remove any sweat or grime that might have built up on the exterior of your vagina, while your body does the work of cleaning the inside on its own. Choose a douching product. Look through the available douching products at your local drugstore to choose an option that looks best for you. Avoid any solution that contains scents or dyes, as these are much more likely to cause an infection. If you prefer, you can create your own douching solution at home using vinegar and only buy a squeeze bottle at the store for application. Prepare the douching solution. If you bought a kit at the store, follow the box directions to prepare the douching solution it came with. Typically you will need to use a quart of water to prepare it. If you are making your own at home, mix one part vinegar with three parts water, in an amount equal to at least two cups. Fill the squeeze bottle or douche pouch with the solution. Follow the directions on the box to do this, or simply pour the solution into the squeeze bottle. If all the solution doesn't fit, fill it as high as you are able and then add the rest later. Get into the shower or bathtub. Douching isn't the messiest thing in the world, but it could be under certain circumstances. To prevent spilling any of the solution, get into the shower or bathtub for the entire process. You'll likely want to shower or bath afterwards anyway. Rinse the vaginal cavity using the squeeze bottle. Insert the tip of the squeeze bottle or douche pouch into the vagina, and squeeze it to release the fluid. Continue rinsing the inside of the vagina until you have used all the available fluid. Wash the outside of the vagina. Use a mild soap and warm water to wash the outside of the vagina as you would normally during a shower or bath. Your goal now is to wash off any of the douching solution left on the exterior of your vagina. The douching solution is relatively harmless on any other part of your body, so rinse it off if it came into contact with anything else but don't worry about it too much. Finish cleaning up. Follow up with any post-douching cleaning activities you deem necessary. Clean out the douching pouch/squeeze bottle and store it for later use, and clean up anything else you might have made a mess with while concocting your solution.

Know that your body cleans out vaginal discharge, blood, and semen on its own. Douche at your doctor’s suggestion. Don’t douche to remove itching or burning sensations. Don’t douche to remove a strong odor. Don’t douche in attempts to prevent STDs or pregnancy. Wash the outside of your vagina as an alternative to douching. Choose a douching product. Prepare the douching solution. Fill the squeeze bottle or douche pouch with the solution. Get into the shower or bathtub. Rinse the vaginal cavity using the squeeze bottle. Wash the outside of the vagina. Finish cleaning up.