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https://www.wikihow.com/Vacuum-Your-Dog

How to Vacuum Your Dog

To vacuum your dog, start by purchasing a dog grooming attachment that fits your vacuum cleaner. Then, turn the vacuum on and off around your dog, and call it over to you while the vacuum is running to acclimate the dog to the vacuum. When your dog isn't scared of the vacuum anymore, have it sit or lie down, then run the attachment over its back in one long motion. Start at the bottom of the dog's neck and work your way down to its tail, moving with the grain of the dog's fur. Finally, run the attachment over the dog's back, legs, and belly once or twice to lift up any loose hair.

Purchase a quiet vacuum to calm your dog down. Look online or in a department store for vacuums that are made specifically to be quiet. The noise from the vacuum will irritate or scare away most dogs, and purchasing a vacuum on the quieter side may make them less stressed. Make sure that the vacuum you purchase works with whatever dog-vacuuming attachment that you purchase. Some popular brands include the Shark Rotator, Miele Dynamic U1 Cat & Dog, and Miele Dynamic U1 Jazz. Turn the vacuum on near your dog. Since dogs have good hearing, the noise from the vacuum can irritate it. Your dog may be startled or scared at first, but exposing it to the vacuum cleaner's noise should get it used to the sound. Put your dog in the same room as the vacuum and turn it on. If the dog has had a bad experience with a vacuum, it may have developed a phobia and you'll have to spend more time getting it used to the vacuum cleaner. Call your dog over to the vacuum. Call the dog over to the vacuum while it's on. If your dog is scared of the vacuum and refuses to come, turn it off and call the dog over to you. Continue to do this each day, until you can turn on the vacuum without scaring away your dog. Getting your dog used to the vacuum while it's off might ease its anxiety. It could take several weeks for your dog to get acclimated to the loud sound of the vacuum. Don't get discouraged. Give your dog treats and positive reinforcement if it is still scared. Reward the dog with a treat if it doesn't run away and remains calm as you vacuum it. You can also pet your dog and tell it that it did a good job. The more positive you are around the vacuum, the less scared the dog will be. When you call your dog over to the vacuum and give it a treat, you're showing it that there's nothing to fear. Negative reinforcement may confuse or scare away your dog, and shouldn't be used when training it to be calm when next to the vacuum. Purchase a dog grooming attachment for your vacuum. The attachments that normally come with your vacuum could create a suction that could hurt your dog. Pet grooming attachments are made specifically to remove the hair from your dog's coat and won't harm your dog. You can typically find these tools online or at a pet store. Before you install or use the attachment, read the directions that came with the product. Popular pet grooming attachments include the FURminator Vacuum Attachment, Bissell Bark Bath, or Dyson Vacuum-Assisted Dog Groomer. Make sure that the vacuum attachment you purchase fits the model of vacuum you plan on using. This information can be found in the product description or instructions for the vacuum. Call your dog over to you. Turn the vacuum on and call your dog over to you. Do not force your dog to be around the vacuum if it is still scared. Make sure that the dog is dry before you vacuum it. Having the dog sit or lie down may make it easier to vacuum the dog. Run the attachment over the dog’s back in one long motion. Start from the bottom of the dog's neck and run the attachment over the dog's back and down to its tail. Move the vacuum with the grain so that you don't pull any hair out. Then, continue to vacuum the rest of the dog's back using the same technique. Hold your dog by the collar to keep it still while you do this. If the dog runs or looks distressed, take a break and try again later. Run the attachment over the area 1 or 2 times to completely lift up any loose hair. Don't put the vacuum on or near your dog's face, genitals, or rear end. Some attachments will have a button on the top of the attachment that sucks the hair into the vacuum when pressed. Gather as much hair as you can on the attachment, lift it off your dog, then press the button to suck up the hair. Vacuum the dog’s legs. Have the dog stand or sit and run the attachment from the top of its shoulders or hips, down to the top of its feet. If your dog is moving its legs, hold its paw to keep it still. Run the attachment over each leg 2-3 times to lift up loose hair. Vacuum the dog’s chest and belly. Run the attachment from the dog's collarbone, down to its stomach. Repeat the grooming method until you lift up the loose hair on the underside of the dog. Once you're finished, you will have successfully vacuumed all the loose hair off your dog. You can also have your dog roll over or play dead to make it easier to vacuum its stomach. Give the dog a treat after vacuuming it. A dog treat will act as positive reinforcement and can reduce any existing anxieties that your dog associates with the vacuum. If your dog believes that it will get a treat after being vacuumed, it will be more likely to behave itself while you do it. You can also reward the dog by saying "Great job" or by petting it. Vacuum your dog regularly. If you own a dog that has a longer coat, you'll want to vacuum your dog at least 2 times a month because dogs with long coats typically shed more heavily than short and medium haired dogs. If you have a dog with a medium or short coat, you can vacuum it once a month. Vacuuming your dog acts as an alternative for brushing. Creating a regular routine will help you remember to vacuum your dog regularly. You may want to vacuum your dog more in fall and spring because dogs often shed more during these times. Clean the vacuum after every use. Empty out the dog hair from the vacuum bag so that your vacuum works properly the next time you use it. Check the filter and brush roller on the vacuum cleaner and remove any twisted or bundled up hair. Don't vacuum your dog if it's wet or muddy. The vacuum method is meant for grooming purposes and shouldn't be used to clean a dirty dog. Your vacuum may also not be suited for water, so avoid vacuuming it if it's wet or muddy. If your dog is muddy or dirty, you can give it a bath instead.

Purchase a quiet vacuum to calm your dog down. Turn the vacuum on near your dog. Call your dog over to the vacuum. Give your dog treats and positive reinforcement if it is still scared. Purchase a dog grooming attachment for your vacuum. Call your dog over to you. Run the attachment over the dog’s back in one long motion. Vacuum the dog’s legs. Vacuum the dog’s chest and belly. Give the dog a treat after vacuuming it. Vacuum your dog regularly. Clean the vacuum after every use. Don't vacuum your dog if it's wet or muddy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Stomach-Hair

How to Remove Stomach Hair

To remove stomach hair, shave your stomach when your skin is wet so it's easier to remove the hair. Make sure to shave in the direction of the hair growth to avoid causing irritation. If you don't have much hair to remove, try plucking it with tweezers instead. Alternatively, use a depilatory gel or cream, which will break down the hair fibers and make it easy for you to rinse or wipe off the hairs.

Shave your stomach. One of the simplest ways in which to remove hair from your stomach is by shaving it. Shaving will quickly remove hair from your stomach, though it may require more frequent upkeep than other methods, depending on the texture and amount of hair. Only shave your stomach hair when your skin is wet, which can help soften the follicles, making removal easier. Only shave your stomach hair in the direction in which the hair grows. This can lessen irritation and the likelihood of cutting yourself. Use a clean razor with sharp blade to help prevent infection and likelihood of cutting yourself. Consider using an electric razor or clipper if your stomach hair is especially thick and copious. Pluck the hair. If you don't have a large amount of hair on your stomach, you can simply pluck it either with tweezers or have someone pluck the hair by threading. These methods pluck the hair below the surface at the follicle and thus only require upkeep whenever new hair grows. You can pluck stomach hairs with tweezers or make an appointment at a local salon or spa that offers hair removal services. Threading, which is an ancient form of hair removal, rotates a looped piece of thread across the skin to pluck hairs. Inquire with local salon or spa if they offer threading services. Depending on where you live, it may be difficult to find a trained threader. Be aware that plucking and threading can be painful and irritate skin, though threading may be a better option for sensitive skin. Wax or sugar your stomach area. Like plucking, waxing and sugaring remove hair at the follicle, which can hinder hair growth for longer than shaving. Waxing and sugaring can be very effective if a large portion of your stomach has hair and may also reduce overall growth if done over a longer period of time. Waxing involves applying a thin layer of warm, melted or cold wax to your skin and then pulling it off in the opposite direction of the hair growth. This uproots hair at the follicle. Like waxing, sugaring entails the application of a thin layer of heated sugar mixture that is then lifted off your skin to remove the hair. Sugaring may be a better option for more sensitive skin. Choose to wax or sugar yourself or have a professional remove stomach hair using these methods. Trim long or thick stomach hair before waxing or sugaring for better results and less pain. You can purchase home waxing and sugaring kits at many pharmacies. Most salons and spas will offer waxing and sugaring services, which can be expensive, but effective. Be aware that waxing and sugaring can be very painful, especially during initial treatments and on very sensitive stomach skin. In most cases, you'll need to undergo treatments every 4-6 weeks to remove your stomach hair. Do or have a small skin test with a wax or sugar mixture to ensure that you don't have an allergic reaction to it. In addition, you should never use wax or sugar on broken or inflamed skin because it can exacerbate irritation. Apply a depilatory product. Depilatories are chemical formulations that break down the protein structure of hair and dissolve it into a jellylike mass. This can be a quick and painless way to remove stomach hair, especially if it is thick and spread across a wide area. Depilatories come in various forms including gels, creams, lotions, aerosols, and roll-ons. Because you are putting a chemical on your skin, it is important to first do a patch test to see if your skin reacts. You also shouldn't use a depilatory on broken or inflamed skin. Apply the depilatory to the stomach hair you want to remove. Leave on the product for the length of time the packaging recommends and then wipe or rinse it off, along with the hair mass. If your skin burns at any time, remove the product immediately. Depilatory creams keep hair growth at bay for anywhere from 1 day to 10 days. Have laser hair removal treatments. If you do not want to deal with stomach hair in the long run, get your hair removed with laser treatments, which use a pulse of light to destroy hair follicles. Although it requires multiple treatments, laser hair removal can provide extended hair-free periods or completed removal of your stomach hair. Laser hair removal is most effective on individuals with light skin and dark hair because it is easier for the laser to penetrate the hair follicle with these conditions. Laser hair removal is a medical procedure and should be done under the supervision of a doctor or trained professional for best results and to help minimize the risk of burning your skin. The number of treatments you require depends on how much hair you have. You may need four to six treatments scheduled approximately six weeks apart. Laser hair removal doesn't always guarantee permanent hair removal and may require periodic maintenance treatments. The Food and Drug Administration has approved at-home laser devices for hair removal below the neck. Talk to your doctor to see if this is a viable option for you, knowing that performing laser treatments at home comes with significant risks. Get electrolysis. Like laser treatments, electrolysis is a medical procedure that destroys hair growth, though it uses shortwave radio instead of light. Electrolysis can effectively and permanently remove hair from your stomach area. Electrolysis involves a thin probe being placed under the skin and into the hair follicle. A pulse of shortwave radio is then sent through the probe to destroy the follicle. You will likely require a series of treatments over a period of time to fully remove your stomach hair. Have electrolysis done by a medical or trained electrolysis professional to minimize your risk of infection from unsterile needles or scarring from bad technique. Epilate with needles. Similar to both lasers and electrolysis, needle epilation uses an electric current to destroy hair follicles. This can be an effective and permanent way to remove smaller amounts of stomach hair, though not necessarily practical for something who requires extensive removal. Needle epilation involves inserting a fine wire close to the hair shaft under the skin. Your doctor or epilation professional will then send an electric current down the wire to destroy the hair at the base of the follicle. After this, she may use tweezers to remove loosened hairs. You may also require a series of treatments with needle epilation to remove all of your stomach hair. See your doctor. If your stomach hair is especially bothersome or doesn't go away with treatments, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as hirsutism. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to ensure that you do not have any condition that may be affecting the efficacy of your hair removal treatments. Hirsutism is a condition in women and some men that presents as unwanted male-pattern hair growth in women as a result of excess androgens including testosterone. Hypertrichosis is a condition that presents with excessive hair growth on some part of the body that is not related to androgens. There are few treatments available to persons with hypertrichosis and the results are often unsatisfactory. In most cases, doctors suggest hair removal procedures to alleviate excessive hair growth associated with hypertrichosis.

Shave your stomach. Pluck the hair. Wax or sugar your stomach area. Apply a depilatory product. Have laser hair removal treatments. Get electrolysis. Epilate with needles. See your doctor.

https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-House-with-Bad-Credit

How to Buy a House with Bad Credit

To buy a house with bad credit, apply for a loan with the Federal Housing Administration if you have a credit score of 500 or more. Alternatively, consider signing for a rent to own agreement. You could also ask the seller if they're interested in owner-financing the sale, which means you'll pay them in installments until you've paid the full purchase amount. However, make sure to get an attorney to review the terms of any agreements if you take this route.

Apply for a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan. FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. They are a popular option for people with poor credit scores as the qualifications tend to be more relaxed. Your credit score must be 580 or higher to qualify for a down of 3.5%. If your score is between 500 and 579, your down payment will be 10%. If your credit score is below 500, you are probably ineligible. However, if you have non-traditional credit history or insufficient credit you may still qualify for a loan. Look into the Department of Veteran's Affairs loan program. If you are a US veteran, you might qualify for a loan through the Department of Veteran's Affairs. VA loans are generally provided by private lenders, but a portion of the loan is provided by the VA. This means the lender will offer you more favorable terms. To qualify, you need to provide evidence that you served in the military, such as a DD-214 reflecting nothing less than an honorable discharge. The amount of your loan, and your eligibility, depends on the length of your service and your service commitment. Note that you may be eligible also if you served a minimum of six years in the Reserves and/or National Guards. VA loans do not have precise minimum credit score standards. Look into the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) lending program. This program provides incentive for people to settle in less developed parts of the country, so if you live in a rural area it might be a good option for you. Use the USDA website to look up your address and zip code. This will tell you if you live in an approved area. The house you are purchasing must be in an eligible rural or suburban area (generally under 20,000 residents), as defined by the USDA. You can look up the address on the USDA website to see if it is eligible or not. While there is no precise credit score minimum, there are certain income requirements depending on the number of people in your household and where your home is located. Additionally, many USDA loans go to people with a credit score that is at least in the fair range of 630-689. If you're not in a rural area and want a similar loan program, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development has a state-by-state list of programs on the website, and you can scan this list to find specific assistance programs in your area. You can find the list here: https://www.hud.gov/states. Be aware of the cons. Government programs can help you finance a home despite a lower credit score, but there are certain drawbacks you should be aware of before enlisting. Loans can carry additional fees. Read all the paperwork carefully and, if you don't understand anything, consult a legal professional. FHA, for example, requires an upfront mortgage insurance premium of 1.75% of the loan amount, and also a higher annual premium based on a variety of factors. USDA loans have 1% premium and a variety of added fees. Such loans are also better applied for if your bad credit is due to a one-time issue, such as the loss of a job or medical bills. If you have perpetual problems with money and payment, it's easy to get in over your head. You might want to reconsider home ownership for a few years. Know your credit score. Many people are unaware of what their credit score is. Knowing yours is the first step to improving a bad score. In the year leading up to making a home purchase, you should work on increasing your credit score as much as you can. Credit scores are scored on a scale of 300-850. Anything over 720 is considered good credit. Scores between 700 and 620 are considered mediocre. Anything below 620 would make you a lending risk. If you are going to check your credit score by yourself, make sure that you get a copy of your FICO score, specifically. This is the score used for mortgage lending. Many banks and credit card companies allow you to check your FICO credit score for free on their website. Some may even include it with your monthly statement. You can also check your credit score for free by consulting websites such as Credit Karma. You may check your credit score for free and get notifications about changes on your credit by consulting free websites, such as Credit Karma. However, Credit Karma uses the Vantage score, which could be more than 100 points off from your FICO score. You may also order a copy of your credit report from EquiFax, TransUnion, and Experian. This will give you a variety of documents to look over and help you catch any errors that need reporting. Seeing your credit score will allow you to manage any debts, and make a budget to get all your payments up to date. Check your financial history for any credit score red flags. It's not just the raw numbers that affect what kind of home you're eligible to purchase. It's the reason behind those numbers. If any of the following credit red flags are part of your financial history, you may have to wait to apply for a loan. You should also be prepared to explain the factors that caused these situations to a lender. Late payments on student loans reflects poorly on your application for conventional loans, as well as FHA loans. If you've been late on a loan payment within the past 12 months, be prepared to explain the situation. A history of delinquent payments can affect your credit score, which may disqualify you or increase the potential interest rate on a loan. Any foreclosures or bankruptcy can seriously affect your credit score. Furthermore, you may be required to wait a certain period of time before you can apply for another home loan. This can be anywhere from 2-7 years based on the circumstances. Talk to a lender to see what your options are. Eliminate debt. When lenders examine your credit score, they pay close attention to your debt-to-income ratio. Ideally, this should be under 43%, and this includes potential mortgage payments. Eliminating existing debt is important to improving your credit score, and your chance at purchasing your own home. Look at all of your credit card debts, and student loans. Try to make a dent in these payments, even if it means sacrificing in other areas of your budget. The more debt you can eliminate before applying for a loan, the better. Getting rid of credit card debts is a way of substantially improving your credit score rapidly. Many tools are available online, such as the ReadyForZero tool, that can help you manage your debt and bring overall debt levels down. Explain your financial history. Lenders understand extenuating circumstances can affect your financial situation or that sometimes bad credit is a result of a one time issue that you've moved past. When applying for a loan, be prepared to explain any bad marks on your credit score. Get as much supporting documentation as you need, such as medical reports, pay stubs, letters from bosses, and bank statements. This can explain delinquent payments or accruing a heavy amount of debt. When speaking to a lender, give them the full story. Ask upfront about any concerns they may have regarding your history, and be prepared to give specifics as to what led to your current credit score. Consider renting to own. If you have a poor credit score that makes lenders wary of dealing with you, rent to own can be a good Plan B. This option however takes a good deal more patience, as it can take awhile to connect with the right professionals. In most cases, rent-to-own are contracts between the buyer and seller without the use of a lending institution. This makes such transactions riskier than just buying the house. It is a good idea to get an attorney to review the contract until the home is legally yours. An ideal agent should know the local market well, and be able to navigate any potential pitfalls. Pick an agent with a lot of experience in a specific area and a good reputation. Before signing anything, practice due diligence. That is, do a comprehensive appraisal of the home and your contract with the owner. Have the home examined for any potential problems to assure the homeowner isn't trying to shrug off a problem property on you, and have any contract you sign checked by a third party. The main downside to renting to own is that, in the long run, the process is more expensive. Another con is that, oftentimes, contract specifics are fuzzy and added interest rates, fees, and payments mean many would-be owners get fed up and give up on owning the home. Work with owners and real estate agents you trust if you go this route. Consider owner financing. Owner financing is the financing of a property purchase directly through the person or entity selling it. It is a possible alternative if you cannot obtain funding through a conventional mortgage lender and the house owner is open to financing it for you (likely if if they are having difficulty selling the property). In order to protect their own interests, the seller may require a higher down payment than a mortgage lender would (20% higher is not uncommon). Ask a lawyer to carefully look over the contract for you. In some cases, you can lose your down payment if the seller doesn't pay their mortgage and loses the house. Your contract should specify that the seller must pay their mortgage and any liens to protect you when you buy the house. Look into subprime loan. Subprime loans got a bad reputation during the housing crisis, but with responsible financial planning they can potentially be a good alternative if your credit means you don't qualify for a conventional loan. However, you should be very careful with this option. Unless you are currently financially secure, you might want to try other alternative routes before looking into the subprime option. Subprime loans have higher interest and fees than conventional loans, so plan accordingly. You are often not allowed to pay off the loan early, and interests rates sometime spike towards the end of a mortgage. People often end up in a situation where they suddenly cannot pay off their loan due to increased interest and fees, leading to foreclosures. Subprime homes, however, do allow people to buy homes who would otherwise not qualify for home ownership. If your bad credit is a result of extenuating circumstances - such as an unexpected layoff or a medical emergency - and you are now in a financial situation that is sustainable long term and you know you will have the assets to pay the loan in the future, this route might work for you. However, never sign any paperwork you do not understand. You should always have a third party look over contracts, but this is extra important when signing off on a subprime loan. Buy a fixer-upper. Credit scores affect how much we can take out in loans, so aim for something at a low price with the intent of fixing it up over time. However, much like a subprime loan, this is only a good alternative option under certain conditions. Be honest with yourself. How much home repair are you able to do on your own? If you're particularly handy, and can undertake many repairs yourself, a fixer upper can be a bargain. But if you have to factor in costs of labor, which can get expensive fast, this might end up far more expensive up front than buying a pricier home. Know everything you can about the house. After your offer is accepted by the seller, an appraiser and inspector will evaluate the home and tell you what repairs may be necessary. Once you know what needs to be fixed, figure how much these repairs will cost and whether you can afford them. Aim to buy a house that's priced low because it needs certain cosmetic upgrades rather than a major overhaul. Look for fixer uppers in good neighborhoods, as you can get them up to market value with time and work. A house in a bad neighborhood will always be priced lower unless the neighborhood improves. Fixer-uppers may be more difficult to finance. Talk to a lender who will help you finance repairs after closing. While you may be able do the repairs yourself, it is usually best to get a licensed contractor to do them.

Apply for a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan. Look into the Department of Veteran's Affairs loan program. Look into the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) lending program. Be aware of the cons. Know your credit score. Check your financial history for any credit score red flags. Eliminate debt. Explain your financial history. Consider renting to own. Consider owner financing. Look into subprime loan. Buy a fixer-upper.

https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Low-Cost-WiFi-Antenna

How to Build a Low Cost WiFi Antenna

To build a low-cost WiFi antenna, you'll need a USB WiFi adapter, a USB extension cable, and a dish-shaped piece of metal cookware. First, connect the USB WiFi adapter and USB extension cable. Then, attach them to the inside of the metal cookware using twist-ties, tape, or hot glue. Next, plug the antenna into your computer using the extension cable. Finally, aim the antenna at a remote WiFi transmitter.

Get a USB Wireless LAN adapter "dongle". This small device, about the size of your thumb, provides WiFi capability to your computer. You will need this even if your computer has integrated wireless. For best compatibility, get one that includes the 802.11b and 802.11g standard. Check Google Commerce for good prices—simple ones, which are quite effective at close range, cost around $15 to $20USD. The shape is important. For cost effectiveness, look for a small thumb-shaped device. Larger "squashed mouse" models (~$50-60USD) are generally more sensitive and powerful. Although they may be harder to mount, they perform better in more demanding setups. Get a USB passive extension cable. You want a Type A (male) to Type A (female )cable. (you can find these at the dollar store, your local computer store, or Radio Shack). This will connect the USB WiFi adapter to your computer's USB port. The antenna is directional, so you'll need to position it so it has a direct line of sight view of the wireless access point. Make sure your cable is long enough to position it where you need, up to a maximum of 15 feet (4.6 m) (5m). You can link multiple extension cables together if you need. Active USB extenders (~$10USD) allow further cable runs, which may even allow elevated outdoor antenna placement. Get a mesh-covered dish. The easiest to use is an Asian "scoop" cooking utensil (shaped like a wok, but mesh) used to fry things—it's the perfect shape and conveniently comes with a long wooden handle! Other options include sieves, steamers, pot lids, and lamp shades—as long as they are dish-shaped and metal. Any parabolic piece of metal mesh will work—bigger means a better signal, but harder to carry around. Larger options include discarded DirectTV dishes or mesh covered umbrellas, and although these should give more signal boost, mounting difficulties and wind resistance tend to make about 12 inch (30 cm) (300mm) diameter the most practical. Flexible stalk desk lamps allow these to be neatly mounted & positioned. Assemble the system. Attach the WiFi dongle and USB extension cable in the dish with twist-ties, tape, or hot melt glue. You want the dongle at the focal point "hot spot" apex of the dish—radio signals come in and bounce toward the center, a few fingers above the surface of the dish. The best dongle location spot can be found by simple experiment. One aiming method involves covering the dish with aluminum foil and watching it reflect sunshine—the spot with the most light is the dish's hot spot. You may need a short support stick to get the dongle off the surface of the dish into this position. Alternative support methods use string tied across the face of the dish like a spider web, hollowed out plastic garden hose fittings, or even chop sticks! Plug in your antenna. Insert the male end of the USB extension cable into your computer, and set that as your WiFi card using your network settings. Aim your dish. Locate the remote WiFi transmitter that you want to access. Your WiFi antenna is very directional, so getting the aim right is important. Pointing the dish towards the remote antenna is the best place to start, although stray reflections from buildings etc may sometimes give good signals from unexpected directions. You can use an inexpensive hand-held laser pointer to verify that you are aimed right at the wireless transmitter. It's great fun with your cat when you're done surfing the web! Fine tune your dish. Once you are connected, tune your dish by adjusting the position of the dongle while watching the signal meter on your computer. A program like NetStumbler for Windows or KisMAC for the Macintosh can greatly help by giving you graphical readouts of signal strengths. Compared with inbuilt WiFi adapters, which are usually down at desk level and can easily be screened by metal walls, partitions, vegetation, or your body, even a simple elevated "woki" setup like this can boost signals and extend ranges enormously!

Get a USB Wireless LAN adapter "dongle". Get a USB passive extension cable. Get a mesh-covered dish. Assemble the system. Plug in your antenna. Aim your dish. Fine tune your dish.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Paav-Bhaji

How to Make Paav Bhaji

To make paav bhaji, start by mashing cooked peas, tomatoes, and potatoes until they're smooth. Then, cook the onion in melted butter, and add the cumin, chili powder, and garlic paste. After you've fried the onion and spices for 1 minute, add chopped pepper, and paav bhaji masala. Once the pepper and seasonings have cooked for 3 minutes, add the mashed vegetables to the pan, and stir until everything is combined. Next, fry the paav for 2 minutes in butter. Finally, serve the bhaji with 2 paav on each plate.

Chop the potatoes and tomatoes. Peel 1 pound (450 g) of potatoes and chop them into ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) pieces. Then remove the cores from 1 pound (450 g) of tomatoes and roughly chop them. If you want a lower-carbohydrate dish, substitute 1/2 of the potatoes with chopped cauliflower. Place the potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and water into a pan. Set a large pan on the stove and put the chopped potatoes and tomatoes into it. Add 2/3 cup (100 g) of green peas and pour in about 2 cups (470 ml) of water. You can also sprinkle a little salt over the vegetables according to your taste. The water should come about halfway up the sides of the vegetables. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need more water. Cover and simmer the vegetables for 15 to 20 minutes. Turn the burner to high so the water comes to a boil. Then turn the burner to medium or medium-low so the water bubbles gently. Put the lid on the pan and simmer the vegetables until they're soft. Mash the vegetables until they're smooth. Turn off the burner and remove the lid from the pan. Use a potato masher to mash the vegetable mixture. The vegetables will combine and become smooth. Then transfer the mashed vegetables to a bowl and set them aside. If the vegetable mixture is too thick to mash easily, pour in a little water to loosen it. Melt 10 tablespoons (140 g) of the butter with the onion. Put the butter into the large pan that you used to cook the vegetables. Then turn the burner to medium so the butter starts to melt. Stir in 1 large finely chopped onion. For a sharp, intense flavor, use a red onion. If you want a milder flavor, use a yellow or white onion. Add the cumin, chili powder, garlic paste, and fry it for 1 minute. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of cumin seeds (jeera), 4 tablespoons (32 g) of chili powder, and 1 tablespoon (19 g) of garlic paste. Cook the spices until the seeds begin to pop and smell fragrant. Sauté the bell pepper, turmeric, and masala in the spiced mixture. Add 1 chopped green bell pepper, 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 g) of ground turmeric (haldi), and 1 tablespoon (10 g) of pav bhaji masala or garam masala to the pan with the seasonings. Stir to combine them and cook the mixture over medium heat for about 2 to 3 minutes. The bell pepper should soften slightly and the bhaji will smell fragrant. Stir in the mashed vegetables and red food coloring, if desired. Scoop the mashed vegetable mixture back into the pan with the seasonings and stir until it's combined. Although the mixture will be slightly red, you can make it a more intense color by stirring in about 3 drops of edible red food coloring. You can add more edible red food coloring to make it as bright as you like. Taste the bhaji and add water if it's too thick. Taste a little of the bhaji and add salt if you think it needs it. If the mixture looks too thick or paste-like, stir in some of the remaining water to loosen it. Keep the bhaji simmering gently while you heat the pav. Watch the bhaji and adjust the burner if it begins to boil. Heat a skillet to medium and butter 8 pav. Set a large flat skillet or traditional tava on the stove and turn the burner to medium. Get out 8 pav and cut them in half horizontally. Then butter all the sides of the pav with the remaining 4 tablespoons (56 g) of salted butter. If you prefer, you can skip these steps and serve the pav at room temperature. Lay the pav on the skillet and toast them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Arrange the buttered pav on the skillet and toast them over medium heat for about 1 minute. Then use tongs or your fingers to carefully flip them over. Toast the other side for 1 minute and then remove them. The pav should become slightly crisp and golden brown. Spoon bhaji on a plate and serve it with the pav. Get out serving plates and spoon some of the hot bhaji onto them. Garnish the bhaji with some of the reserved chutney, if you like. You can also spoon a little extra butter on top. Set 2 of the toasted pav on each plate and garnish the dish with fresh cilantro. Chopped onions and lemon wedges are also traditional accompaniments to pav bhaji. Refrigerate leftover bhaji in an airtight container for up to 3 or 4 days. The flavor will intensify the longer it's stored.

Chop the potatoes and tomatoes. Place the potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and water into a pan. Cover and simmer the vegetables for 15 to 20 minutes. Mash the vegetables until they're smooth. Melt 10 tablespoons (140 g) of the butter with the onion. Add the cumin, chili powder, garlic paste, and fry it for 1 minute. Sauté the bell pepper, turmeric, and masala in the spiced mixture. Stir in the mashed vegetables and red food coloring, if desired. Taste the bhaji and add water if it's too thick. Heat a skillet to medium and butter 8 pav. Lay the pav on the skillet and toast them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Spoon bhaji on a plate and serve it with the pav.

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How to Defrost a Cake

Cake can last in the freezer and still taste delicious for up to 1 year. If you need to defrost a cake that's been in the freezer, start by moving it to your fridge and letting it defrost for at least 24 hours. You can leave it in the fridge for up to 2 days before it will start to go stale. Take it out 1 hour before you eat it so you can serve it at the best temperature.

Eat the cake within a year. If you're saving your wedding cake, you can still eat it on your first anniversary. However, you really shouldn't eat it much after that. The flavor and quality will definitely deteriorate. However, for the best quality, try to eat your cake within 6 months or so if it's not a wedding cake. Set the covered cake in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Start the thawing process in the refrigerator. Keep the cake in its wrappings, as you may damage it if you try to take it out at this point. You can leave it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before eating. It may start to go stale after that. Place the whole cake on the counter. After it has thawed in the refrigerator, take it out about an hour before you want to eat it. That will help it come up to a good temperature for eating. Keep it in the wrapping while it thaws on the counter, too. Remove the wrappings to eat the cake. If you prepped your cake well, it should have several layers of wrappings. Carefully peel off any plastic wrap or aluminum foil you used, as it may have stuck to the cake in places. If the outside of the cake is unfrosted, you can frost it now as it thaws. Add decorations to the cake. If you are using the cake for a party or centerpiece, smooth out the frosting with a knife. Add any decorations to the cake, as there shouldn't have been any on the cake when you froze it. If you froze the cake with decorations on it, they're likely smushed. You may need to do some damage control, such as scraping off iced decorations. Smooth out the icing, and top it with sprinkles or another decoration to hide the damage. Other decorations might bleed, like sprinkles. In that case, you might be able to swirl the colors into the cake frosting for a fun effect. Use the cake within 2 months. While you can freeze cake layers for much longer, the quality will start to degrade after a few months. It will still be safe to eat for up to a year, though. Place the covered layers in the refrigerator overnight. Like whole cakes, layers thaw best in the refrigerator. However, individual layers may defrost a bit faster than whole cakes, so you may get away with only 12-16 hours in the fridge instead of 24 hours. Use the layers within 2 days, as they'll likely get stale after that. Frost your cake straight from the fridge. You don't need to let it warm up on the counter before you frost it. It will warm up while you're working with it. In fact, it's easier to frost a previously frozen cake layer because it doesn't create as many crumbs. After frosting, add any decorations you'd like, such as piping, sprinkles, or chocolate shavings. It can still be lightly frozen in the center if you're frosting it on the counter. You may even be able to get away without doing a crumb layer of frosting. Avoid going straight to the counter for defrosting. When you leave a frozen cake out on the counter, it tends to get mushy. Don't try to speed up the process by just leaving the cake layers on the counter.

Eat the cake within a year. Set the covered cake in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Place the whole cake on the counter. Remove the wrappings to eat the cake. Add decorations to the cake. Use the cake within 2 months. Place the covered layers in the refrigerator overnight. Frost your cake straight from the fridge. Avoid going straight to the counter for defrosting.

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How to Define Love

Defining love can be tricky, especially since there are so many kinds of love, like romantic, familial, and friendship. Generally, if you're in love with someone, you'll feel happier when they're around and miss them when they're gone. You might also feel physically attracted to them if they're a romantic partner. However, if you're attracted to someone but don't feel an emotional connection with them, you're probably experiencing lust and not love. Another sign that you're experiencing romantic love is wanting to commit to someone and settle down with them in the future.

Feel the rush of romantic love when you meet a potential partner. This type of love makes you feel like you have butterflies in your stomach. Consider if you feel a deep desire for the other person and a connection that you don't have with someone else. Notice if you feel a physical attraction to them, along with a need to be near them. This could be romantic love. This is typically what you mean when you say, “I'm in love with you.” Experience friendship love as trust, companionship, and goodwill. You likely have special feelings for your friends that can also be called love. Notice if you feel comfortable and happy when you're around your friends. Consider if you feel like you can trust them with all of your secrets and if you want the best for them. These are signs that you love your friends. This type of love is usually what you mean when you say, “I love you, but I'm not in love with you.” You can genuinely care about another person and want them to have the best in life without feeling romantic love toward them. You may feel both romantic love and friendship love towards someone. You may experience this if you feel like your partner is also your best friend. Recognize familial love as a bond between family members. Families often have a strong bond that's built on a mutual love for each other. Look for a special connection between you and your closest loved ones, as well as a desire to spend time with them. You may also feel an obligation to protect or take care of them. This is familial love. Familial love isn't just for people who are blood relatives. Your family are the people who are always there for you and who have a great influence on your life. Feel the comfort and happiness that come from loving a pet. Your pet may feel like a family member to you, but the love you feel for your pet is slightly different. You likely feel content and relaxed when you're around them, and it's hard to feel alone when you have such a loving companion! The bond between an owner and their pet is often strong and the source of a lot of joy for both of them. If you feel this way about your furry friend, you'll know you love your pet. Your love for your pet can actually make you feel less stressed. Notice the fondness you feel when you express love for your interests. You likely say things like “I love ice cream” or “I love this song” every day. Understand that you can feel affection or enjoyment from your interests that can be a form of love. However, this type of love isn't the same as the love you feel for the special people in your life. This type of love is very fleeting because your interests can change often. Write down what you hope to get from a romantic partner. Think about your ideal relationship and the traits you hope your partner will have. Then, create a description of your ideal partner. This can help you understand what you expect from love so you know what it means to you. For example, you might decide that you want a partner that compliments you every day, remembers important events in your life, enjoys cuddling on the couch, and is creative. It's unlikely that you'll find your ideal partner because no one is perfect. However, this exercise can help you figure out what you're looking for. Decide on the type of relationship you want with friends and family. Think about what you appreciate about your family and friends, as well as how you enjoy spending time with them. Then, consider the things you feel are lacking to figure out if you want your relationship to change.Talk to your family and friends about how you want your relationship with them to be so that you're both on the same page. For instance, you may want to have a close relationship with your sibling where you can share anything with each other. Let your sibling know that you feel that way. Similarly, you might think that close friends should share their stuff and avoid dating each other's exes out of respect. Talk to your friends to see if you can take your relationship to this level. Prioritize the people you love to maintain your relationships. Check in with the people you love on a daily or weekly basis, depending on your relationship. Additionally, spend time with them regularly, and talk about your life with them. This will help you have solid relationships with your family, friends, and partner. For instance, make a habit of sending texts or memes to the people you love every day. Similarly, make dates to spend time with those you love, such as going to coffee with a friend, shopping with your mom, or seeing a movie with your partner. Look for ways to express your love. Sharing how you feel can help you better understand your ideas about love. Explore your feelings and communicate them to the people you care about. Here are some ways you can express feelings of love: Tell your friends and family members how you feel. Write a love poem about someone. Write a love song. Make small gifts for the people you love. Send your friends memes to express your love for them. Write a love letter. Make the choice to have romantic love for someone. You might think of love as just a feeling, but it's also a choice you make. When you decide to love someone, you choose to commit to them every day. When you're ready to be in love, make the choice to go forward with a relationship. On the other hand, you can also make the choice not to love someone. You might do this if the relationship isn't right for you or if they don't treat you well. It may take time for your feelings to go away, but it will happen in time. Identify your personal love language. Your love language is how you want to be loved, as well as how you express love. Consider what makes you feel loved and how you tend to express the love you feel for someone. Then, pick which of the 5 love languages best fits your needs: Words of affirmation - You want your partner to tell you they love you. Physical touch - You desire physical intimacy, like cuddling, holding hands, and kissing. Acts of service - You experience love as favors for each other. Gifts - You feel loved when your partner gives you things. Quality time - You want your partner to spend time with you. Notice if you feel a longing for someone. If you're in love with someone, you'll likely long for them whenever they're away from you. You may even miss them when they're only away for a short time. Look for feelings of wanting to be with them every moment. This could be a sign you're in love. For example, you might catch yourself thinking, “I miss him,” even though he just left. Similarly, you might find yourself cuddling a pillow and imagining it's the person you love. Consider if you feel happier or more content when that person is around. When you're in love, you'll enjoy being around the other person. You'll likely notice that everything seems better when they're around. Notice if you feel like life is better when you're with the person you love. This could mean you're in love with them. You might also feel like this when you're around a friend or relative. However, the feelings will be deeper when you're in love. Watch for feelings of passion when you think about the person. Passion could be a desire for intimacy or an eagerness to be near them. Consider if you feel the urge to kiss the person, hold their hand, or touch them in an intimate way. This might be a sign that you're in love with them. Passion can also be a sign of lust. To make sure you're feeling love, consider if you're also showing other signs of love, like feeling happier around them. Make sure you feel like you can totally trust them. Be able to rely on the person, and feel safe with them. They should listen to and support you when you share things with them. Additionally, trust that they aren't lying to you and that they can make decisions that are good for your relationship, like not cheating. You and your partner should both be giving and receiving trust. That means you should be reliable for them and should listen to and support them. Similarly, they need to trust you to make the right decisions. If you have any hesitations about trusting the person, you may not be ready for a relationship with them. You may still feel love for them, but you aren't ready to be totally in love with them. This is okay! Listen to your intuition. Decide if you feel emotionally committed to the person. Being ready to commit to someone is the ultimate sign of being in love. It means you're feeling a deep emotional connection with them in addition to passion and longing. Notice if you're ready for a real relationship with the person, which might mean you're in love with them. If you're feeling committed to the person, you'll likely see a future with them. Additionally, you'll be less interested thinking about other people in a romantic way. Pursue your love only if the feeling is mutual. You may fall in love with someone who doesn't feel the same way. This can be very disappointing and hurtful, but it's best to let yourself move on. Everyone has a right to their feelings, so don't try to make them love you. Instead, get over them by sharing your feelings, grieving the loss of your fantasy, and moving on with your life. Don't wait for someone to change their mind and start loving you. Remember, a better match for you may be out there waiting for you to find them. If you continue pursuing a person who doesn't return your feelings, you're likely becoming obsessed with them. This is harmful to both you and them. Respect their choices and search for love with someone else.

Feel the rush of romantic love when you meet a potential partner. Experience friendship love as trust, companionship, and goodwill. Recognize familial love as a bond between family members. Feel the comfort and happiness that come from loving a pet. Notice the fondness you feel when you express love for your interests. Write down what you hope to get from a romantic partner. Decide on the type of relationship you want with friends and family. Prioritize the people you love to maintain your relationships. Look for ways to express your love. Make the choice to have romantic love for someone. Identify your personal love language. Notice if you feel a longing for someone. Consider if you feel happier or more content when that person is around. Watch for feelings of passion when you think about the person. Make sure you feel like you can totally trust them. Decide if you feel emotionally committed to the person. Pursue your love only if the feeling is mutual.

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

How to Become a Diagnostician

Becoming an educational diagnostician is a lot of work, but if you want a career helping to diagnose learning differences and disabilities in students, it can be a very rewarding field. First, get a bachelor's degree in a subject like education. While you're studying, look for opportunities to volunteer at an organization that helps people with disabilities, like the Special Olympics. After you graduate, get your teaching certification and spend at least 2 years teaching, then pursue a master's degree and a professional certificate in educational diagnostics.

Explore career options while in high school. While in high school, you still might not know what you want to do as a career. However, if you think you may want to become an educational diagnostician, there are things you can do to gain experience and see if this might be a good fit for you. Volunteer at an organization for people with special needs. Teach or tutor younger kids to see if you enjoy working one on one with young people. Educational diagnosticians work individually with students to diagnose learning differences and disabilities. It's their job to help figure out what a student needs to be able to learn and thrive in a school setting. Complete your bachelor’s degree. You can get your bachelor's degree in education or in a variety of other subjects before deciding to become an educational diagnostician. Bachelor's degrees generally take about four years to complete when done through a full-time program. Having a specialization in special education is considered highly advantageous when applying for jobs or graduate school. To do this, you'll need to take specific classes within your major and talk to your advisor about what's required to fulfill the specialization. If you work full-time or don't have time for a full-time course load, you can take as much time as you need to complete your bachelor's degree. Do volunteer work. The National Clearinghouse for Professionals in Special Education highly recommends that students looking to become educational diagnosticians boost their credentials by doing volunteer work with people with disabilities. Some of the groups they recommend working with are: The Arc of the United States The National Easter Seal Society The Special Olympics Work as a teacher. In order to even begin training to be an educational diagnostician, you need to have at least two years of teaching experience. This is important, as it gives you the experience you'll need to be a competent diagnostician, and it will show you if this career path is right for you. In order to become a teacher, you need to pass a certification test and pass national background checks. Certification requirements for teachers vary by state. Check your state's certification requirements on the school board's official website. Complete your master’s degree in education. This is the master's degree that you'll need in order to pursue a certificate and career as a diagnostician. Some universities will let you complete your master's degree and your bachelor's degree in a combined program, which can make the entire course of study shorter and more direct. If you have already begun teaching through a certificate program, you may be too busy for a traditional master's program. Many online programs will be able to accommodate your busy schedule. If you have a master's degree in another field, you may be able to get a certificate rather than having to get an entirely different master's degree. Get your professional certificate. Within the master's program that you enroll in, you can pursue an Educational Diagnostician certification track. This will require you to take courses such as Educating Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports in Schools, Assessment and Evaluation of Students with Disabilities, Psychoeducational Assessment, Assessment and Evaluation of Students with Disabilities. If you have a master's of education in another track, or a master's degree in another discipline, you can potentially apply for certification through a graduate program. This generally means meeting with your advisor to come up with a list of courses you'll take in order to make up for any deficiencies in your education up to this point. Apply for jobs. There is considerable job growth in this field, which means that prospects for finding a job are good. You need to know what to look for in job postings and apply to any jobs that look like they might be right for you. Boost your chances of finding a job by emphasizing your relevant experience on your resume. The more experience you've had teaching and working in the field, the better your resume looks. If you don't see job openings where you live, you may need to consider looking for work elsewhere to stay working in the field. Prepare for a medical career while in high school. If you want to become a medical diagnostician, you'll need to become a physician. To do this, you'll need to get into medical school, which is quite competitive. Begin preparing early by getting excellent grades and participating in extracurricular activities. Great grades, standardized test scores, and a strong resume of extracurriculars make you a more attractive candidate to prestigious colleges. While in high school, get involved in science or biology clubs to learn more about science and whether a career in medicine is right for you. Get your bachelor’s degree. The first step toward becoming a doctor is getting your bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. You can choose from a variety of majors, but The College Board lists pre-medicine, biology and exercise science as suggested majors. You'll need excellent grades in order to get into medical school, as admissions are highly competitive. While you're in college, participate in extracurricular activities that will help you look competitive as an applicant for medical school. Join a science club, volunteer at a hospital or hospice center, or tutor other students in science. Pass the MCAT exam. The MCAT stands for Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). College juniors who plan to apply for medical school should register to take the MCAT. It is a standardized, multiple-choice exam that medical school admission committees use to assess how likely an applicant is to succeed in their program. The MCAT is notoriously rigorous. Make sure to study hard for it, giving yourself lots of time to prepare, rather than trying to cram or wing it. Get a tutor if you need one. You can hire a private tutor or attend a test prep class offered by a private company. Apply to medical schools. In order to be a medical diagnostician, you'll need a medical degree. To do this, you must attend medical school. Most medical schools in the US use the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), which centralizes the application process. This way, you can choose your preferred medical schools and submit a single application that will go to all of them. Apply to several medical schools. The application process is highly competitive, so it's good to have a backup plan if you don't get into your top schools. Most students begin the application process for medical school during the summer after their junior year in college. Some choose to take a year off after completing their undergraduate degrees before applying. Complete medical school and licensing exams. Medical school is generally four years of intensive, full time study. The curriculum includes classroom-based instruction as well as hands-on work that will bring you into a clinical setting. You'll also need to receive a passing score on the first two parts of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). This is a three-part exam. You must pass the first part of the exam before entering your third year of medical school. The second part is taken during your fourth year. This second part focuses more heavily on patient diagnosis, which is key to becoming a diagnostician. Complete a medical residency. Your medical residency is generally a three year period after medical school when you work intensively in a specific field of medicine. It's during this time that you get most of your experiential education to be a professional doctor. The process of matching with a residency program is complicated, but all doctors in training must go through it. If you're planning to be a diagnostician, aim for a residency that will support that aim. Areas of specialization that are heavily focused on diagnostics include: internal medicine, emergency medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, neurology, psychiatry, radiology, radiation oncology, dermatology, and pathology. Once you've completed your residency, you'll also need to pass the third part of the USMLE and get a state license in the state you plan to practice in. You may also choose to become certified by a board in a specific field. This is not always a requirement in order to practice in a field, but it boosts your credentials and can make you eligible for jobs such as being a medical director in a hospital or clinic. Apply for jobs that emphasize diagnostics. Many doctors begin looking for jobs during their residencies. It's also common for residents to transition to full-time positions wherever they've done their residencies. If you're looking to do something that would give you more experience in diagnostics, you can search for jobs elsewhere. Recruiters from hospitals and private practices often seek out young doctors to hire for open positions. Practice differential diagnosis. Differential diagnosis is when you take a given symptom and from that determine what it could be caused by. Diagnosticians are familiar with a range of symptoms and their possible causes. When a patient presents a given symptom, use your knowledge of medicine to determine what probably and unlikely causes are. There are online tools that offer "instant differential diagnosis." These can be useful and interesting to the lay person, but nothing replaces a doctor's thoughtful and experienced opinion. Continue to practice diagnosis as much as possible. The way to build a career on being a diagnostician is to hone your skills and practice. Whether you work at a hospital or in a private practice, you can become well known as someone who does excellent diagnosis by taking your time with patients, asking the right questions, and remaining curious. Pay attention to the context in which a patient's symptoms arise and the background story they tell you. Don't discount uncommon possibilities simply because they're not the most obvious. Master the art of physical examination and reading any kind of diagnostic tools, such as electrocardiography machines and medical imaging.

Explore career options while in high school. Complete your bachelor’s degree. Do volunteer work. Work as a teacher. Complete your master’s degree in education. Get your professional certificate. Apply for jobs. Prepare for a medical career while in high school. Get your bachelor’s degree. Pass the MCAT exam. Apply to medical schools. Complete medical school and licensing exams. Complete a medical residency. Apply for jobs that emphasize diagnostics. Practice differential diagnosis. Continue to practice diagnosis as much as possible.

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How to Use Coconut Oil for Flea and Skin Treatment on Dogs

Before using coconut oil for treating fleas and skin conditions on your dog, make sure to speak with your vet about how much and how often you should give the oil to your dog. Your vet may recommend putting the oil in its food or applying it directly to its skin. To apply the oil to your dog's skin, rub 1/2 teaspoon of high-quality organic coconut oil between your palms until it melts. Then, rub the oil all over the skin on your dog's back, lower legs, and stomach, paying special attention to areas with dry skin.

Buy extra-virgin coconut oil. Since your dog will be ingesting the oil, choose the highest quality coconut oil you can find. If possible, purchase organic oil. Avoid buying refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) coconut oil because the processing destroys nutrients. You can find high-quality coconut oil at grocery stores, pharmacies, and natural food stores. Give your dog the oil on a spoon or mixed into food. While you can give your dog 1 teaspoon (4 g) of coconut oil for every 10 pounds (4.5 kg) it weighs, you want to gradually work up to this amount. Start by feeding your dog 1/4 of this amount for a few days before you increase the amount. Feed the coconut oil directly off of the spoon or stir it into your dog's food. If you feed your dog too much coconut oil right away, it may have diarrhea and indigestion. For example, if your dog weighs 20 pounds (9 kg), start by feeding your dog 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) of oil for a few days. Gradually work up to 2 teaspoons (8 g). Balance the omega-3 oils in your dog's diet. Consider your dog's overall diet and ensure that it doesn't get too many essential fatty acids (omega-3s) that are found in coconut oil. If your dog takes a supplement that contains omega-3 oil, alternate days when you give your dog the supplement and coconut oil. Too much omega-3 can cause digestive problems, trouble with blood clotting, and insulin sensitivity. For example, if you give your dog an omega-3 oil three days a week, alternate with the coconut oil for the other four days. Ask the veterinarian about using coconut oil in the long term. Some veterinarians are skeptical about the potential benefits of coconut oil on the dog's skin. Ask your veterinarian about giving your dog coconut oil as part of its regular diet. If your dog is overweight, the vet might recommend that you only give the oil in the short term because coconut oil contains 120 calories for every tablespoon (12 g). Purchase high-quality coconut oil. Look for an unrefined, extra-virgin, organic coconut oil since it will be higher in nutrients than highly refined coconut oils. Avoid using refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) coconut oil. Keep in mind that coconut oil might become liquid if it's in a warm location, but will harden as it cools. Buy high-quality coconut oil at grocery stores, pharmacies, and natural food stores. Warm the oil between your hands. If the coconut oil is in liquid form, spoon about 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) of coconut oil into the palm of one hand. Rub your hands together so they're coated with the oil. If you're using coconut oil that is solid, scoop a small spoonful into your hand and rub your palms together for a minute. The coconut oil will soften and become liquid. Rub the oil over your dog's skin. Rub your oiled hands over the skin of your dog's back, lower legs, and stomach. You should also rub it over any skin that is dry, itchy, red, or flea-bitten. Apply the oil once or twice a day while your dog is suffering from skin problems. Reapply oil to your hands as needed. Rub coconut oil through your dog's fur. If your dog is suffering from fleas, you'll also need to treat your dog's fur. Rub more coconut oil between your hands and run your fingers through your dog's fur. Remember to rub coconut oil through the fur on your dog's underbelly. Apply the coconut oil once or twice a day while you're dog is infected with fleas. You can use the coconut oil for several days or weeks. Continue to apply the coconut oil until the fleas are gone. Put a sweater on your dog. Don't worry if your dog immediately licks the coconut oil off of its fur or skin, since it's safe to ingest. But if you're concerned that the coconut oil isn't coming into contact with your dog's skin or fur, you might need to put a sweater on your dog. The sweater will prevent the dog from licking off the oil.

Buy extra-virgin coconut oil. Give your dog the oil on a spoon or mixed into food. Balance the omega-3 oils in your dog's diet. Ask the veterinarian about using coconut oil in the long term. Purchase high-quality coconut oil. Warm the oil between your hands. Rub the oil over your dog's skin. Rub coconut oil through your dog's fur. Put a sweater on your dog.

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How to Peel a Difficult Hard Boiled Egg

To peel a difficult hard-boiled egg, hold the egg under cold, running water for 5-15 seconds to help the egg whites constrict and make the shell easier to remove. Tap the bottom of the egg a few times on your sink or counter to break the shell, then hold your egg under running water again and start peeling the shell from the bottom. If you're still having trouble, soak your egg in cold water in the refrigerator for up to an hour to loosen the shell even more.

Fill 2/3 of a plastic container with cold water. Turn on your faucet and make sure your water is cool. Place a plastic container under the faucet until it is about ⅔ of the way full. Then, turn off your water. Eggs peel easily when they are cold because the whites of the eggs constrict away from the shell. Place your eggs in the water so they are totally submerged. After you boil your eggs and let them cool for about 30 minutes - 1 hour, you can store them in water so the shell easily peels off. You can fill your plastic container up with your eggs, or grab another if you have too many eggs for 1 container. No need to put a lid on the eggs! They will cool fine without a lid. You can pour out some of water if it is close to overflowing. Store your eggs in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. The cool temperature of the refrigerator will chill your water, making it easy to peel even difficult eggs. They should easily peel off after about 1 hour. You can leave them in your fridge for up to 3-4 days. Storing eggs in cold water helps the egg separate from the shell, so you can easily peel it away. Peel your eggs using your hands and remove the shell entirely. After your eggs sit in cold water for a bit, take them out of the fridge and pour out the water from your container. Tap the egg with a spoon or on your counter to break the shell, and chip away the pieces using your fingers. Once you peel off some of the shell, you can easily remove the remaining layer. Turn on your faucet and let cold water run for about 15 seconds. Putting your eggs in the cold constrict the whites of the eggs, making it easier to remove the shell. To use the cold water, let your water run for a few seconds so the temperature can adjust. Your water does not have to be ice cold, but the colder the water, the easier it may be to peel away the shell. It is helpful to wash any dishes in your sink and wipe your sink with a soapy sponge. Hold your egg under running water for 5-15 seconds. Cup your hand around your hard-boiled egg, and place it under the running water. Let the water run over your egg for 5-15 seconds or so. You can leave it under the running water for more or less time if you'd like. Holding it under the water helps the egg adjust to the new temperature. Tap the bottom of your egg 1-3 times on your sink to start your peel. After your egg soaks under the running water for a few seconds, tap it a few times on your sink. It is best to tap your egg at the bottom for best results. This breaks the shell so you can easily peel it away. Alternatively, you can tap it on the side of your faucet instead. Take it out from under the water, and tap the bottom of your egg on the top of your faucet. Peel the egg starting from the bottom. The base of the egg is slightly wider than the tip, and it is easier to peel since there is more surface area. Remove the shell where you made your dents, and pull back on the shell using your finger. Do this as running water pours on your egg. Since the shell should easily slip off in the water, you should be able to easily peel even difficult hard boiled eggs. Collect the shells and dispose of them in your compost bin or trash can. Turn off your water, and place your egg on a plate or in a bowl. Then, scoop up the eggshell pieces from your sink. Eggshells make great compost, so toss them in your bin! If you don't have a compost bin, you can simply throw them in the trash. It is best to use a collector at the bottom of your sink so the shells do not go down your drain. If you have a garbage disposal, you can turn it on to get rid of any shells that fall down your drain. Boil your eggs in 1⁄4  c (59 mL) vinegar and 1  tsp (4.9 mL) salt. Use medium heat to bring your water to a boil, and pour in your vinegar and salt. You can pour in your ingredients when the water starts to bubble. These ingredients help separate the shell from the egg so you can easily remove them, even from difficult eggs. Try adding baking soda to your boiling water if you don't have vinegar. Rather than using vinegar and salt, you can also use baking soda to make it easier to peel your eggs. Fill your pot up with about 1 quart (0.95 L) of water, and add 1  tsp (4.9 mL) of baking soda once the water starts to boil. The baking soda gets absorbed into your eggs, loosening the bond between the egg white and membrane of the shell. Pierce your egg with a pin before you boil it so it is easier to peel. Before you boil your eggs, poke a hole in them so more water can absorb into the egg, making them easier to peel. You can use a push pin or a sewing pin to make your holes. Hold your egg in 1 hand, and insert your pin with gentle pressure to pierce through the shell. Then, gently place them inside your boiling water. Extra water in your eggs helps separate the egg white from the shell membrane. Poke your hole with care to prevent shattering the eggshell. Run the eggs under cool water to prevent them from overcooking. Eggs can continue cooking even after you remove them from the heat. To stop their cooking, place them in cold water immediately after you boil your eggs. If you overcook your egg, the egg will start to expand from excess water, making it more difficult to remove the shell. Alternatively, fill a bowl with ice and place your eggs inside the bowl. Then, place the bowl inside the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Fill 2/3 of a plastic container with cold water. Place your eggs in the water so they are totally submerged. Store your eggs in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. Peel your eggs using your hands and remove the shell entirely. Turn on your faucet and let cold water run for about 15 seconds. Hold your egg under running water for 5-15 seconds. Tap the bottom of your egg 1-3 times on your sink to start your peel. Peel the egg starting from the bottom. Collect the shells and dispose of them in your compost bin or trash can. Boil your eggs in 1⁄4  c (59 mL) vinegar and 1  tsp (4.9 mL) salt. Try adding baking soda to your boiling water if you don't have vinegar. Pierce your egg with a pin before you boil it so it is easier to peel. Run the eggs under cool water to prevent them from overcooking.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Veterinary-Hospice-Care-for-Your-Dog

How to Get Veterinary Hospice Care for Your Dog

To get veterinary hospice care for your dog, the best thing to do is to ask your vet for a recommendation in your area. When you talk to them, you can also ask what you'll have to do regarding your pet's food and medication during hospice care. Additionally, you can find hospice care options online or through an animal agency like the ASPCA. Since hospice care can be expensive, consider checking out a pet insurance plan that may cover some of its related expenses.

Determine if veterinary hospice is right for your pet. Hospice is an alternative to euthanasia if your pet has been diagnosed with a terminal condition or there is nothing else to be done for your older pet. Veterinary hospice helps you meet your pet's needs so they can live out of the rest of their days instead of getting put down. The goal of hospice care is to keep your pet comfortable. Understand what veterinary hospice care includes. Veterinary hospice care is not a service where you send your pet to live in a type of "dog nursing home." Hospice care is in-home care where you are the main caregiver. The veterinarian teaches and instructs you, but you manage all aspects of your pet's care. Vets can make house visits to provide emergency medical care or do a check up if the dog is unable to travel to the veterinarian office. However, the vet will not administer medication or shots, help you clean wounds, or deal with other issues. Decide if you have the time to commit to hospice care. Since you are in charge of your pet's hospice care, you should look at your life and decide if you have the time and energy to devote to your pet. You should think about your family, too. Would they be willing to help you out, or will you be the one caring for your pet? You should also decide if you have the money to devote to this care. Hospice care can be a wonderful way to say goodbye to your pet, but it can also be emotionally difficult for you. Decide if you can handle giving your dying pet hospice care during their final weeks or months. Figure out if your pet is in serious pain. You should only choose hospice care for your pet if they are not in serious pain. If they are in serious pain, you should instead discuss other options, like euthanasia, with your vet. Try to figure out if your pet is in pain, and decide the best course of action to minimize their suffering. Your pet may not whimper, whine, or cry if they are in pain. They may not stop eating or drinking, either. You may not notice any common signs of pain. Instead, your pet may experience respiratory signs, like panting a lot or having trouble breathing and gasping. Your pet may experience behavior changes, like hiding away and not being as social. They may not want to move. Your pet may become more picky about the food they eat. Avoid prolonging your pet’s life unnecessarily. Losing a pet is difficult. Pet hospice care can help make your pet's last days and weeks more comfortable and dignified, but you should make sure you are not prolonging your pet's life because you can't let go. Talk to your vet about whether or not pet hospice is a good idea for your pet. Take into consideration your pet's suffering, life expectancy, and quality of life. You want to make sure you are thinking about what is best for you pet, and not what is best for you because you can't let go. Consider euthanasia. Euthanasia is a procedure where your vet helps your pet have a gentle and humane death. The pet is sedated, and then given medication to end their life. Your vet can advise you on whether or not this is the option for your pet. Euthanasia is a good choice if your pet is primarily suffering and no longer enjoying life. Talk to your veterinarian about hospice care. For veterinary hospice care, your vet will help you make the decision to keep your pet under hospice care. The vet will help teach you about what is required during hospice care, including diet, medication, and other care requirements. Every veterinarian does not specialize in pet hospice care. You can ask your vet for a recommendation for a vet who provides hospice care in your area. You may also search online or contact animal agencies, such as the Humane Society or the ASPCA. They can help you find a vet or a hospice center in your area. Pet hospice care is an intensive commitment for you. You will have to be an active participant in your pet's care and provide continuous supervision. You will be the caregiver for the animal, not the vet. Educate yourself. Part of veterinary hospice care is education on the particular ailment your pet suffers from. This education includes symptoms, the way the pet will decline, and any other processes at the later stages of the disease. Your vet will work with you to help educate you on your pet's condition and how best to care for them. Design a hospice care plan. You and your veterinarian will work together to design and implement a hospice care plan for your pet. This plan will cover how best to meet the specific needs of your pet. The plan will also take into consideration your family's needs and wishes. For example, the hospice care plan will outline how to recognize pain in your pet and the treatment for their specific type of pain. The treatment plan will also cover how to deal with any bodily fluids, how to manage incontinence, and how to change bandages or care for wounds. Your treatment plan will also cover any nutrition information. Consider the costs. Hospice care can be expensive. Hospice vets often make house visits to check on the sick pet, which costs more than a regular vet visit. The medications and pain management treatments may be very expensive, too. You should talk to your vet about how much hospice care will cost as you make the decision. If you have to have someone come to your home to walk your dog, sit with your cat, or feed your pet a special meal, you have to consider that cost, too. Some pet insurance plans may cover some expenses related to hospice care, such as veterinarian visits and care. Consider looking into pet insurance plans to find one that can fit your needs. Manage the pet’s pain. One important aspect of pet hospice care is pain management. Your vet will help you learn the signs of pain in your pet, especially the ones that may not be obvious. They may instruct you to give your pet oral pain medications, or you may be taught how to administer medications through injections. You may also be instructed to eliminate as many environmental stressors for your pet as possible to reduce their pain. Make sure your pet receives proper nutrition. Part of hospice care is making sure your pet gets everything needed to meet their specific nutritional needs. This includes a diet you've discussed with your vet. You may have to buy a special food to feed them. Your vet may also suggest vitamins or supplements to give your pet. Keep your pet hydrated. Hydration is very important for your pet. Hydration helps reduce sensitivity to pain, along with helping them not feel sluggish, helping maintain appetite, and helping to reduce constipation. You can hydrate your pet by encouraging them to drink water. If your pet doesn't want to drink, talk to your vet about how to keep your pet hydrated. Maintain your pet’s quality of life. Quality of life for your pet includes making them happy. This might be through spending a lot of time with the family, letting them play with toys they can play with, or going on short walks. Your pet should stay mobile and active though they are in their final days. They just may need to go slower and for shorter durations of time. You may also need to get ramps or other mobility aids for your pet. Keeping your pet moving can help them going to the bathroom independently as long as they can. Clean your pet. One important thing while your pet is in hospice care is to keep them clean. Many pets in hospice care are incontinent. If this is the case, try diapers or special beds to help keep your pet clean. Urine and feces on the skin can lead to infections and sores. Keep coats clean and free of mats. Wipe nose, eyes, and mouth of any discharge. Use a warm, damp cloth in long, gentle strokes to clean your pet. Prepare emotionally for your pet’s death. Hospice care also helps you by helping you through the grieving process. Hospice care gives you some time with your pet during their last days while you accept the fact that nothing can be done and learn to let go. Hospice care can help you adjust to the idea that your pet will die. You can enjoy some last minute quality time with your pet before you have to say goodbye. Consider at-home euthanasia. Another optional service for veterinary pet hospice is at-home euthanasia. This can provide you and your pet with an option that is more comfortable for them. Instead of going to a vet office, your pet can remain in the comfort of their home as they pass away. Not every hospice service offers at-home euthanasia, but your vet may be able to help you find someone who will do it for you.

Determine if veterinary hospice is right for your pet. Understand what veterinary hospice care includes. Decide if you have the time to commit to hospice care. Figure out if your pet is in serious pain. Avoid prolonging your pet’s life unnecessarily. Consider euthanasia. Talk to your veterinarian about hospice care. Educate yourself. Design a hospice care plan. Consider the costs. Manage the pet’s pain. Make sure your pet receives proper nutrition. Keep your pet hydrated. Maintain your pet’s quality of life. Clean your pet. Prepare emotionally for your pet’s death. Consider at-home euthanasia.

https://www.wikihow.com/Deliver-Eye-Medication-to-Rabbits

How to Deliver Eye Medication to Rabbits

Before you give eye medication to your rabbit, wash your hands so you don't give it any diseases. Once you're clean, wrap it in a towel with only its head exposed. Next, take the cap off of the medication and gently pull your rabbit's lower eyelid so that a small pouch forms between the eyelid and eyeball. With the lower lid open, carefully squeeze the bottle until the correct number of drops come out. Finally, massage the eyelid to encourage your bunny to blink and reward it with a treat.

Gather your supplies. Don't corner your rabbit until you have everything ready. You'll need the medication, clean tissue, and a restraint towel (if you're using one). Take the time to read the medication instructions thoroughly so you completely understand the directions. Never leave your rabbit alone on a table or counter while you get supplies ready. Instead, leave her in her cage or hopping around until you're ready. Remember to wash your hands before administering any medication. This can prevent the spread of disease to your rabbit. Calm your rabbit. Choose a quiet area away from other people and pets so that your rabbit remains relaxed. Consider having another person nearby in case you need help restraining your rabbit. Make sure your rabbit is comfortable and not frightened by her surroundings. Your rabbit can pick up on your attitude so be positive and give a lot of reassurance during this process. If you're stressed or anxious, your rabbit might be too so stop and try another time when you're both relaxed. Hold your rabbit in a towel. One of the easiest ways to restrain your rabbit is to wrap her in a towel. Place a large thick towel across your work surface. Set your rabbit on it, about a third of the way towards the end. Wrap the short end of the towel snugly around your rabbit's body. Bring the longer end of the towel over your rabbit and tuck it snugly underneath her. With the towel technique, only your rabbit's head should be exposed. This will prevent her from kicking or squirming while you give her the medication. Get help holding your rabbit. If you don't feel comfortable restraining your rabbit by yourself, you may want to get another person to help you. Have the helper hold your rabbit by taking a firm grip on her scruff (the skin behind the ears). The helper should wrap the free arm around your rabbit's body to cradle her. Never lift your rabbit off of a surface by the scruff (or ears). This will injure your rabbit. Hold your rabbit close to you. If you don't need help restraining your rabbit and your pet is calm, try sitting on the floor with her. Set your rabbit in your lap so that her bottom is against your abdomen. Wrap an arm around her body to hold her snugly against your arm and body. If your rabbit begins squirming and wiggling, wait till she calms down before giving the medication. If you feel uncomfortable restraining your rabbit, ask a veterinarian or vet tech to show you the best way to restrain her. Pull your rabbit's eyelid open. Take the cap off the bottle or tube of medication. The medication will come in liquid or gel form. Gently pull your rabbit's lower eyelid so that a small pouch forms between the eyelid and the eyeball. If you have a hard time doing this, you could try to pull the upper eyelid back instead so that you deliver the medicine directly onto the white of the eye. Squeeze the medication into the eye. To deliver drops, carefully squeeze the bottle or tube so the correct number of drops fills the pouch between the eyelid and eyeball. To deliver ointment, hold the tube about an inch away from the corner of your rabbit's eye. Gently squeeze while moving along the edge of the lower eyelid so you end up with a long ribbon of ointment along the lid. Keep the nozzle of the bottle or tube pointed away from your rabbit's eye so that if she moves, you don't injure her. Make sure not to touch the nozzle of the bottle or tube to any part of your rabbit's body. Encourage your rabbit to blink. Once the medication is in your rabbit's eye, gently massage her eyelid so the medication spreads around the eye evenly. Let go of your rabbit's eyelid and let her naturally blink a few times. Replace the cap on the medication bottle or tube for future use. Take a piece of tissue and wipe anything that drips out of your rabbit's eye. This keeps medication from getting on her fur. Reward your rabbit. As soon as the medication is in the eye, give your rabbit a treat for good behavior and release her from your hold. Immediately rewarding her good behavior will help her associate the medication with a positive experience. This is especially important if you'll need to give her medication for several days. You may want to keep an eye on your rabbit and help her for a few minutes after giving the medication. Eye medications usually cause temporary blurred vision. Know when to contact the vet. If you've successfully given your rabbit the eye medication, but it doesn't seem like her symptoms are improving, contact your vet. Make sure you give the full dose for the prescribed amount of time. Contact your vet if you notice: Change in tears Change in the white of the eye Color changes in the iris Irregular edges to the pupil Cloudy cornea

Gather your supplies. Calm your rabbit. Hold your rabbit in a towel. Get help holding your rabbit. Hold your rabbit close to you. Pull your rabbit's eyelid open. Squeeze the medication into the eye. Encourage your rabbit to blink. Reward your rabbit. Know when to contact the vet.

https://www.wikihow.life/Make-Your-Bedroom-Smell-Good

How to Make Your Bedroom Smell Good

To make your bedroom smell good, start by vacuuming the floor, wiping down the surfaces, and opening a window to get fresh air circulating. If you keep any pets in your bedroom, don't forget to clean out their habitat! To scent the air with natural air fresheners, try placing a bowl of potpourri on your dresser, dabbing vanilla extract on a light bulb, or lighting a candle made with soy wax and essential oils.

Open your windows. If possible, open your window at least once a week to bring some fresh air into your room. There's no better air than fresh air; plus, direct sunlight can kill mold and other odor-causing bacteria. Contrary to popular belief, outdoor air can be less toxic than indoor air, where things like lead dust, radon, and other toxins can build up. When the weather is nice, open your window(s) once a day for at least 5 minutes. Clean the bed. Wash your sheets and pillowcases once a week, and clean your comforter at least once a season (every 3 months). Bedding can be odorous if you don't wash it regularly. Instead of making your bed immediately after getting up, pull the sheets down so that the mattress can air out for at least 30 minutes. Your body releases moisture when you sleep, which can dampen the bedding, making it a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Wipe down surfaces with a damp rag. Use a microfiber dust rag to trap dust, or consider using homemade lemon rags for an added fresh scent. Make these dust rags in advance, and use them to dust your bookshelves, window sills, electronics, etc. Mix 1 cup (240 mL) of water, 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of olive oil. Soak a few dust rags in the solution. Old t-shirts, underwear and socks can gain a second life as star cleaners! Wring out the rags so they are damp-dry, and then place them in a glass jar, layering them with the rind of 1 lemon cut into a few pieces. Close the jar tightly. To make things smell extra nice, dilute a few drops of your favorite essential oil in water. Dampen a rag with the oil solution and use that to wipe down any dusty surfaces. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. After cleaning your room, vacuuming ensures that you have cleaned everything off your floor. Don't forget the corners, under the bed, upholstered furniture, and even the walls, where dust can accumulate. The HEPA filter helps trap allergens like dirt and dust, preventing them from being released into the air. Vacuum 2 to 3 times a week if possible, and wash out the HEPA filter regularly. Apply vinegar to the walls. The walls of your room can trap and store many odors, which vinegar helps to eliminate. Mix.25 cups (59 mL) of vinegar with 2 US quarts (1.9 L) of water. Dip a sponge or washcloth into the mixture and clean your walls. Don't worry about the smell of the vinegar; it goes away once it dries. Make your bedroom a non-smoking room. Cigarette smoke clings to clothes and furnishings, and is a major contributor to air pollution in the home. Consider quitting altogether for maximum health benefits to you and those around you. Or, at the very least, limit smoking to outside. Keep your garbage can clean. If you have a rubbish bin in your room, remember to empty it regularly and give it a good clean by wiping it with an old rag and commercial spray. Also try spraying it with some air freshener to get rid of all the smelly toxins. Look for a trash can with a lid that closes. This can help keep any unpleasant odors contained. Avoid throwing away food garbage in your bedroom wastebasket if possible, since food garbage can quickly smell up a room even in a covered container. Carry any food garbage out of your room immediately and dispose of it in the kitchen garbage or an outdoor dumpster. Don't wear shoes into your bedroom. Shoes can track in a whole host of unsavory things, from traces of fecal matter to toxic chemicals that settle on city sidewalks. Leaving your shoes at the door helps keep your bedroom a healthy and better-smelling place. Use a carpet freshener. Carpets can often be the source of odors. Sprinkle a commercial carpet freshener onto your rug and vacuum up (follow the instructions for the specific product you're using). Alternatively, consider making this homemade solution, which gets your rug or carpet smelling fresh in no time: Mix 1/2 a cup (110 g) of baking soda with 1/2 a cup (100 g) of borax in a plastic bowl, and then add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of your favorite essential oil (wild orange is a natural flea repellent) or 1 teaspoon (about 2 g) of cinnamon or cloves (the latter deters moths). Stir together until the mixture is free of lumps. Sprinkle the solution onto the carpet and let it sit 15-20 minutes, then vacuum it up. If you're worried about staining a light-colored carpet, skip the cinnamon or cloves. You can use cinnamon or clove essential oils instead. If you or someone else is sensitive to smells, use plain baking soda instead. Simply sprinkle it on the carpet, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum it up. Keep pet habitats clean. If you share your bedroom with a pet, make sure that you clean their living spaces, as well. Dispose of solid waste on a daily basis, and clean litter boxes, cages, and aquariums regularly. If your pet sleeps in your room, wash its bedding more frequently than you wash your own. Pet beds and blankets can pick up bad smells quickly. Add some plants to your room. Not only do plants liven up your decor, research shows that they may also filter out toxins released by synthetic materials. However, keep in mind that some plants can trigger allergies in susceptible people, so use caution when selecting indoor greenery. If you have pets or children, make sure that the plant is not poisonous if ingested. Make sure you choose plants that are right for the conditions in your room. Some plants need lots of direct sunlight, while others like shadier spots. Check the plants' temperature and humidity needs as well–these are often included in a care tag when you buy a plant. Dab a few drops of vanilla extract on a cool light bulb. When you turn the light on, the warmth from the bulb will release a pleasant smell. Make your own natural room spray. While commercial air fresheners can contain a whole host of harmful chemicals, a simple mix of essential oils and water is a great alternative. Simply combine.25 cups (59 mL) of distilled water and 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil in an empty spray bottle. Lavender is known for its calming properties, while citrus scents like lemon, tangerine, wild orange, and grapefruit can be very refreshing. A variation on this is to add 1 tsp (4 g) of baking soda to the mix. This makes a great deodorizing spray for furniture. You can use these sprays on your linens, curtains, and rugs. Try naturally scented soy or beeswax candles. Candles add atmosphere and fill the air with an inviting scent. That said, you need to be choosy when picking your candles. Many contain paraffin, which releases carcinogenic chemicals when it burns; plus, material for the wick often has lead, and artificial scents may contain harmful toxins. Look for soy candles scented with essential oils, or beeswax candles, which release a subtle honey fragrance. You can make your own candles at home, too. Put out a dish of potpourri. Potpourri is a mixture of aromatic things like dried flower petals, leaves, and spices that fill your room with a long-lasting scent. You can buy potpourri at a drugstore, home décor store, or online. Alternatively, it's easy to make your own: just mix together star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves into a small jar or dish, and place the dish in your room. If you're feeling ambitious, you can dehydrate apples and oranges in the oven and add them to the mix. Cut the apple and orange into very thin slices, place them on a cookie sheet in a single layer, and bake them in the oven at 250 °F (121 °C) for about 1 1/2 hours, or until they are dry.

Open your windows. Clean the bed. Wipe down surfaces with a damp rag. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Apply vinegar to the walls. Make your bedroom a non-smoking room. Keep your garbage can clean. Don't wear shoes into your bedroom. Use a carpet freshener. Keep pet habitats clean. Add some plants to your room. Dab a few drops of vanilla extract on a cool light bulb. Make your own natural room spray. Try naturally scented soy or beeswax candles. Put out a dish of potpourri.

https://www.wikihow.com/Reverse-Dental-Bone-Loss

How to Reverse Dental Bone Loss

To reverse dental bone loss, start by going to your doctor to get a comprehensive dental exam. If your doctor deems that a bone graft is right for you, undergo the procedure to completely reverse your dental bone loss. You can also use fluoride toothpaste, brush and floss your teeth after meals, and increase your calcium intake to help slow down bone loss. To get more calcium, try drinking milk, eating yogurt and nuts, or taking calcium tablets.

Undergo bone grafting to reverse bone loss. It is very difficult to grow back dental bone that has already been lost. At present, the only way to completely reverse dental bone loss is to undergo bone grafting. When you undergo a bone grafting procedure, you can expect the wound to heal within 2 weeks. Your dentist might tell you that you will have to wait for 3-6 months before seeing the result of the bone grafting procedure. Bone grafting to reverse dental bone loss can be divided into three main types of procedure, discussed below. Get an osteogenesis-type bone graft to promote the regrowth of bone. In this procedure, bone will be taken from a source (an area of your jaw, mandible, etc.) and transferred to the area where you have dental bone loss. The bone cells that were transferred will start to multiply and create new bone to replace the bone that had been lost. Taking bone from one place in your body and implanting it into the site where there is bone loss is the gold standard in bone grafting. This technique allows your body to readily accept the new bone cells because it recognizes them as its own. The transplant of bone marrow is often used in osteogenesis. Investigate osteoconduction bone grafts to provide a scaffold for bone growth. In this process, a bone graft is implanted to the site where there is bone loss. These implants will serve as a scaffold where bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) can grow and multiply. An example of a scaffold material is bioactive glass. Together with the bone grafts, bioactive glass is transplanted to the area where there is bone loss, to regenerate dental bone. These bioactive glass serve as scaffold on which the bone grafts can grow and lay down bone. They also release growth factors that make the bone-forming cells more effective in laying down bone. Try osteoconduction to promote stem cell growth. In this technique, bone grafts, such as Demineralized Bone Matrix (DBM), from cadavers and bone banks are transplanted to the area where there is dental bone loss. DBM grafts will cause stem cells to grow where there is missing bone, and these stem cells will transform into osteoblasts (bone-forming cells). These osteoblasts will heal the bone defect and will form new dental bone. The use of DBM grafts from cadavers is legal and safe. Before the transplant occurs, all of the grafts will be sterilized thoroughly. After making sure that it is safe for transplant, the bone graft will be tested to see if it suits the body of the recipient. This is important to make sure that the transplant will not be rejected by your body. Undergo deep scaling to get rid of an infection causing bone loss. Deep scaling or non-surgical root planing is a deep cleaning technique, often needed if you are diabetic. During this procedure, the root area of the teeth is cleaned thoroughly to remove parts of the root that have been infected by the bacteria that is causing bone loss. Usually after deep scaling, gum disease will be controlled and no further dental bone loss will occur. If you have diabetes you may have impaired healing and require additional dental precautions like antibiotics and antibacterial mouth rinses. You may be prescribed doxycycline 100mg/day for 14 days. This compensates for your impaired immune system. Chlorhexidine rinses can also be prescribed to kill the bacteria responsible for severe gum diseases. You will be asked to rinse with 10 milliliters (0.34  fl oz) of 0.2% chlorhexidine (Orahex®) for 30 seconds for 14 days.[3] Have estrogen replacement therapy to prevent osteoporosis. Estrogen can help prevent osteoporosis and maintain the mineral content of your bones, by slowing down your bone loss. Hormone replacement therapy can also reduce your risk of heart disease and bone fractures. There are a few ways to get estrogen replacement therapy, of which the following are the most common: Estrace: 1-2 mg daily for 3 weeks Premarin: 0.3 mg daily for 25 days The following are estrogen skin patches that are also used in estrogen replacement therapy. These patches are worn on the stomach, below the waistline: Alora Climara Estraderm Vivelle-Dot Prevent dental bone loss by maintaining excellent oral hygiene. To avoid having to undergo expensive bone grafting procedures, prevent dental bone loss from occurring. Preventing it is fairly easy, provided you take the necessary steps. All you have to do to maintain excellent oral hygiene is follow a few simple steps: Brush your teeth thoroughly every after meal - Brushing your teeth at least twice a day can prevent gum diseases. Brushing removes the plaque that is responsible for gum diseases and dental bone loss. Floss after brushing. Flossing gets rid of plaque that isn't removed by brushing. It is imperative that you floss after brushing because there might be plaque that remained in your teeth that were not reached by the bristles of your brush. Visit your dentist regularly to have thorough teeth cleaning done. Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of dental bone loss. Tooth decay can be prevented by regular visits to your dentist to receive a thorough cleaning and comprehensive dental care. To preserve your dental bone, you must also keep all your teeth healthy. Visit your dentist every six months for routine cleaning, a must in order to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Regular consultation with your dentist enables him/her to monitor your oral health and prevent developing gum problems. X-rays can be taken to clearly reveal areas of dental bone loss. If you miss your routine dental check-ups, you may only find out about bone loss at a stage when it might not be reversible. Use fluoride toothpaste when brushing. Fluoride toothpaste can protect your teeth and gums from bone loss by, providing necessary minerals to your bones and tooth enamel. Excessive use of fluoride other than toothpaste is not recommended, as it may lead to other health problems. Use fluoride-based toothpaste once a day to brush your teeth, otherwise use normal toothpastes. Do not use fluoridated toothpaste in kids below the age of 10 years. Increase your intake of calcium to support bone health. Calcium is a critical nutrient to the health of all your bones, including your teeth. Calcium-rich foods and calcium supplements make sure your system receives the adequate amount of calcium needed to build up and strengthen your bones and teeth, increasing your bone density and reducing your risk of dental bone loss and bone fracture. Foods like low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, spinach and soy milk are rich in calcium and are important for the maintenance of strong teeth and bones. Calcium is also available in supplement tablets. Take 1 tablet (Caltrate 600+) after breakfast and 1 tablet after dinner. Should you miss one dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Make sure you get enough vitamin D to absorb your calcium properly. Take a vitamin D supplement or get some sun to ensure that you have the proper levels of vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D helps increase your bone density by helping your body absorb and retain calcium in your system. To determine if you are suffering from insufficient vitamin D, ask your doctor if you could have a blood test to measure the amount of vitamin D in your blood. A result of less than 40ng/mL indicates insufficient vitamin D in your blood. The recommended amount of vitamin D in your blood is 50 ng/mL. Take 5,000 IU of a vitamin D supplement daily. Recognize the signs and symptoms of dental bone loss to address it effectively. Dental bone loss in its early stages is difficult to detect just by looking at your teeth. Dentists usually need radiographs or a CT-Scan to see if your bone is shrinking. If you haven't consulted with your dentist for a long time, chances are you'd only realize that you have dental bone loss during its more severe stages. You can observe some changes if you are suffering from bone loss. These changes happen because your bone is shrinking and supporting your teeth less effectively. Note that these changes only develop over time: Flaring of teeth Formation of spaces in between teeth Teeth feel loose and can be moved from side to side Tilting of teeth Rotating of teeth Your bite feels different compared to before Understand that severe gum disease is a leading cause of dental bone loss. Periodontitis or severe gum disease, caused by the bacteria found in plaque, results in dental bone loss. The bacteria present in plaque inhabit your gums and secrete toxins that cause your bone to shrink. Additionally, your immune system can contribute to bone loss as it is in the process of killing bacteria. This is because your immune cells secrete substances (e.g., matrix metalloproteinases, IL-1 beta, prostaglandin E2, TNF-alpha) that can also promote bone loss. Know that diabetes contributes to an increased risk of bone loss. Diabetes is a disease that is caused by the impairment of insulin production (Type I) and resistance to insulin (Type 2). Both types of diabetes have effects on oral health. People suffering from diabetes often have severe gum problems that can result in dental bone loss. People with diabetes are hyperglycemic, or have elevated blood sugar levels that promotes the growth of bacteria responsible for bone loss. People with diabetes have impaired host defenses because their white blood cells are weakened, making them more prone to infection. Be aware that osteoporosis contributes to general bone weakness and bone loss. Osteoporosis is a disease often seen in women over the age of 60, wherein bone density decreases. This decrease is due to an imbalance in the calcium-phosphate equilibrium that helps maintain the mineral content of bone, combined with decreased estrogen levels. A decrease in overall bone density also affects dental bone, putting it at risk for bone loss. Remember that getting teeth removed can lead to bone loss. Dental bone often shrinks as soon as you lose your teeth. After teeth removal, a blood clot will form and white blood cells go to the site where your tooth was previously located to clear the area of bacteria and damaged tissue. A few weeks after, new cells will go to the area to continue this clearing process. These cells (osteons) can promote bone formation. However, these cells will only do so in the presence of teeth, because they demand bone for support. Since there are no teeth, there won't be any function for the bone and these cells will not create new bone.

Undergo bone grafting to reverse bone loss. Get an osteogenesis-type bone graft to promote the regrowth of bone. Investigate osteoconduction bone grafts to provide a scaffold for bone growth. Try osteoconduction to promote stem cell growth. Undergo deep scaling to get rid of an infection causing bone loss. Have estrogen replacement therapy to prevent osteoporosis. Prevent dental bone loss by maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Visit your dentist regularly to have thorough teeth cleaning done. Use fluoride toothpaste when brushing. Increase your intake of calcium to support bone health. Make sure you get enough vitamin D to absorb your calcium properly. Recognize the signs and symptoms of dental bone loss to address it effectively. Understand that severe gum disease is a leading cause of dental bone loss. Know that diabetes contributes to an increased risk of bone loss. Be aware that osteoporosis contributes to general bone weakness and bone loss. Remember that getting teeth removed can lead to bone loss.

https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Slate-Tile

How to Paint Slate Tile

Painting your slate tile can give it a brighter color than most glazes, and you can do it yourself in a few days. First, clean your tiles with diluted bleach and a sponge or washcloth. Once it's dry, apply a thin layer of painter's caulk, then a thin layer of primer on top to help the paint stick. Leave it to dry for at least 30 minutes, then apply your first coat of paint with a brush or roller. Latex and epoxy paint are generally best for slate tiles. Let your paint dry for at least another 30 minutes, then apply 2 to 3 more layers to make the paint brighter. When you've finished painting, leave the tiles to cure for 48 hours. Finally, apply 2 to 3 coats of a water-based urethane sealant, leaving each coat to dry for at least 30 minutes.

Wash the slate tile with bleach and water. In a bucket, mix a solution of bleach and water at a ratio of 1  c (0.24 L) of bleach per 1 US gal (3.8 L) of water. Dip a sponge or washcloth in the solution and scrub your tile in circular motions, removing any visible dirt or grime as you work from one end of the tile to the other. Towel or air dry the tile before applying any paint. Inspect your tile for bumps or uneven areas. Sand down any bumps with fine-grit sandpaper to make the surface even. If you notice any dips or cracks, coat the tile in an epoxy sealant before applying any paint. Epoxy is a durable tile sealant that can hold uneven tiles together and keep your paint coats smooth. You can buy epoxy sealants from most home improvement stores. If you apply epoxy to one tile, apply it to the rest as well for visual consistency. Cover any parts of the tile you don't want to paint with tape. If you want to paint part of the tile or make a pattern, block out any parts you need unpainted with painter's tape. Spread a plastic tarp over the ground surrounding the tile if you're only painting certain tiles, securing it in place with tape or weighted objects. Wear gloves to keep your hands clean and dry while painting the tile. If you want to paint a complex pattern, make a stencil and tape it in place over the tile. Make or choose a well-ventilated area while painting your tile. Open any windows and doors in the room if you're painting slate floor tiles. For slate tiles that are not adhered to the floor, paint the tile outside or near open windows. Wear a respirator while you're painting if you're sensitive to strong smells. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded while painting the slate tile, exit the room until you feel better and contact Poison Control if you experience nausea or vomiting. Coat the tile with a thin layer of painter's caulk. Painter's caulk helps the primer and paint adhere better to the slate surface. Squeeze the painter's caulk around the tile's surface and spread it around with your fingers until you achieve a thin, even coating. The caulk coating should be thin and translucent for an even coat. Scrape off any excess caulk with a razor. If you notice any dips or bumps, smooth them with sandpaper or epoxy before applying the caulk. Unlike primer and paint, you don't have to wait for painter's caulk to dry. Spread a thin layer of primer over the caulk. Using a paint brush or a spray can, depending on the container, cover the tile from one side to the other. Apply the primer in thin, long strokes for an even coating. Use a paint primer that is specifically made for painting tiles for a strong blond. Let the primer dry for 30-60 minutes before applying the paint. Add the first coat of paint to the tile. Using a paintbrush or roller, apply a coat of paint in long, even strokes. With minimal overlapping, work your way from one end of the tile to the other. Latex or epoxy paint generally adheres best on slate tiles. If the paint has a hard time spreading, add small amounts of paint thinner until you reach an easier consistency to work with. Apply 2-3 more layers of paint. Letting each layer dry for 30-60 minutes apply additional layers of paint using the same method you did to add the first one. The more coats you apply, the brighter and more opaque your tile's color will be. Let your slate tile cure for 48 hours. After you've applied the last coat, leave your tile undisturbed and let it dry for about 2 days. Avoid stepping on or touching the tile until it has tried completely. If you accidentally touch or step on the tile before it's dried, check it for smudges. You may have to apply an additional coat of paint and let it cure for another 48 hours. Peel off the painter's tape and inspect your work. Once the tile has dried, peel off any painter's tape and check your tile for imperfections. If you see any smudges or uneven areas, or if you're not satisfied with the color's brightness, apply another layer of paint and leave it again to cure. Apply 2-3 coats of a water-based urethane sealant. With a paintbrush or roller, use long, even strokes to coat the entire surface in paint sealant. Let the sealant dry for about 30-60 minutes between layers before applying an additional coat. Re-apply the sealant every 6 months to protect your tile and paint coats from damage. Finished.

Wash the slate tile with bleach and water. Inspect your tile for bumps or uneven areas. Cover any parts of the tile you don't want to paint with tape. Make or choose a well-ventilated area while painting your tile. Coat the tile with a thin layer of painter's caulk. Spread a thin layer of primer over the caulk. Add the first coat of paint to the tile. Apply 2-3 more layers of paint. Let your slate tile cure for 48 hours. Peel off the painter's tape and inspect your work. Apply 2-3 coats of a water-based urethane sealant. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Read-a-Digital-Ohm-Meter

How to Read a Digital Ohm Meter

Digital ohmmeters are used to measure the resistance of electrical components. To take a reading, turn the meter on and make sure the circuit isn't connected to a power supply. If you're using a multimeter, adjust the setting to the resistance function. Then, to test an individual component, take it out of the circuit and touch the leads to the two poles of the component to get a baseline reading. When you get a resistance value on the digital display, know that a “K” next to the reading indicates kilo-ohms and “M” indicates mega-ohms. If there is only the omega symbol, the measurement is in omhs.

Determine the scale of the readout by looking for a “K” or “M” beside the omega. The omega symbol on your digital ohmmeter screen indicates the ohm level. However, if the resistance of whatever you're testing is in the kilo-ohm (1,000 ohms) or mega-ohm (1,000,000 ohms) range, the display will add a “K” or “M,” respectively, in front of the omega symbol. For instance, a reading that says 4.3 with only the omega symbol indicates 4.3 ohms. A reading that says 4.3 with a “K” before the omega symbol means 4.3 kilo-ohms (4,300 ohms). Read the resistance value. Apart from understanding the scale of the digital ohmmeter, understanding the resistance value is the main element of the ohmmeter reading process. The numbers are typically front and center in the digital display, and usually extend to one or two decimal points. Resistance is a measure of how much a device or material reduces the electric current flowing through it. Higher numbers indicate a higher resistance rating, which means more energy will be required to integrate the component in a circuit. When you test a resistor, capacitor, or another electronic component, the ohmmeter will display a number indicating its resistance. Look for “1,” “OL,” (“over loop”) or a couple of dashed lines for an indication that the range is set too low. If you aren't using a meter with an auto-range function, you'll need to set the range yourself. To avoid setting the range too low, always start at the highest possible range and work your way down to lower ranges until the ohmmeter registers a reading. Do this even when you know the range of the component you're testing. Turn the meter on. The process by which your turn your ohmmeter on will vary depending on the model you're using. Typically, you can just thumb the switch that says “Power” or “On/Off.” Consult manufacturer directions for more information about how to select the resistance function on your multimeter. Select the resistance function if you're using a multimeter. An ohmmeter is included in the suite of tools available in the multimeter, a device that also functions as an ammeter and voltmeter. The exact method by which you select the resistance function will vary somewhat depending on the model of multimeter you're using. Look for a rotating switch or dial to change the setting. Consult manufacturer directions for more information about how to select the resistance function on your multimeter. Test resistance in a circuit when it is unpowered. In other words, don't connect the circuit to a power supply when using your ohmmeter. Doing so could damage your digital ohmmeter or invalidate your resistance reading. Take individual components out of the circuit before testing them. If you want to measure the resistance of an individual component (for instance, because you suspect it is faulty), remove it from the circuit, then test the component by touching the leads to the two poles of the component. This will give you a baseline reading against which you can later test the circuit. The precise method by which you remove individual components depends on what the component is. For instance, if you're testing a capacitor, you'll need to remove it with a soldering iron and discharge any remaining electrical energy from it. Test the resistance of an electrical component using the test leads. When you're ready to test components for resistance readings, touch the test leads to the leads of the component. These leads typically appear as two thin silver wires poking out of the component. Even within the same type of component, the placement of these leads varies. For instance, in some capacitors, the leads both exit the same side. In other capacitors, one lead will poke out of one end while the second lead pokes out the opposite end. If you're having trouble identifying the leads of the component you're interested in testing, consult manufacturer directions. It doesn't matter which test lead and which component lead you touch together. Use the auto-range setting if possible. Most digital ohmmeters have an auto-range function that eliminates the need for you to figure out the right range. This saves time and energy, and enables you to start using your ohmmeter sooner. The auto range setting might be inbuilt, or you might need to select it from a menu. Consult your user guide for more information. Start at the highest range on your ohmmeter. Always set the range to the highest setting available when you first start testing to see if you can get an accurate reading. Hold the probes of the ohmmeter against the sides of the circuit to take your reading. If the range is too high, then the reading will stay on 0 or close to it. If you set an analog ohmmeter's range too low, it will cause the needle to snap rapidly to one side, potentially damaging it. Turn the range down on the ohmmeter 1 step at a time to test the circuit. If the range is too high for a circuit, the reading may not be accurate or it will be hard to see. Use the range adjustment buttons on a digital meter or turn the dial lower on an analog meter to lower the range by 1 step. Test the probes on the circuits again to see if your reading is more clear. If not, keep adjusting the meter lower until you're able to see the reading. If you make adjustments to the ohmmeter's range, you may need to calculate the ohms using multiplication or division. Follow the instructions for your ohmmeter carefully to learn how to adjust your measurements.

Determine the scale of the readout by looking for a “K” or “M” beside the omega. Read the resistance value. Look for “1,” “OL,” (“over loop”) or a couple of dashed lines for an indication that the range is set too low. Turn the meter on. Select the resistance function if you're using a multimeter. Test resistance in a circuit when it is unpowered. Take individual components out of the circuit before testing them. Test the resistance of an electrical component using the test leads. Use the auto-range setting if possible. Start at the highest range on your ohmmeter. Turn the range down on the ohmmeter 1 step at a time to test the circuit.

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

How to Calculate GPA

To calculate GPA, start by adding up all of your individual grade percentages. Then, divide by the total number of grades to find the average. Once you have your average grade percentage, convert the percentage into a letter grade, like "A" or "B+". Finally, use the letter grade to determine where you are on the GPA scale. For example, if you have a "B," you'd have a 3.0, and if you have an "A," you'd have a 4.0.

Find a grading scale. The most common grading scale for schools in the United States is a four-point scale. Using this scale, a grade of A = 4 points, B = 3 points, C = 2 points, D = 1 point, and F = 0 points. This is called an unweighted GPA. Some schools use a weighted GPA, which allots 5 points for more rigorous classes, such as honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB). Other classes are weighted the same. Students who take the 5-point classes can end up with GPAs above a 4.0. Some schools use plus and minus grading, which values a plus as +.3 and a minus as -.3. For instance, a B+ is worth 3.3, a B is worth 3.0, and a B- is worth 2.7 points. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/51457-1b1.jpg\/v4-460px-51457-1b1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/51457-1b1.jpg\/aid51457-v4-728px-51457-1b1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} If you're unsure what your school uses, try asking your teacher or an administrator. Collect the most recent grades you can by asking your teacher, an office administrator, or registrar. You might also be able to figure out what grades you've received by going back over old report cards or transcripts. You want to collect the final grades for each of your classes. Individual class grades, midterm grades, or grades on mid-semester report cards do not count. Only final grades for the semester, term, or quarter factor into your GPA. Record the point value for each grade. Write down the correct point value next to each grade using the four-point scale. So, if you have an A- in a class, record a 3.7; if you have a C+, record a 2.3. For easy reference, use this chart from the College Board to help assign the correct 4.0-scale value. Add up all the values of your grades. After recording the scores for your grades, add the values up. So, let's say you received an A- in Biology, a B+ in English , and an B- in Economics. You'd add up the totals in the following way: 3.7 + 3.3 + 2.7 = 9.7. Take this final number and divide it by the number of classes you are taking. If you have a value of 9.7 on a 4-point scale for three classes, you will calculate the GPA using the following equation: 9.7 / 3 = 3.2. You have a GPA of 3.2. Determine the number of credits. For some schools, especially college courses, each course has a number of credit hours. Credit hours are units schools use to measure the work load. Generally, credit hours are based on mode of instruction, number of hours spent inside the classroom, and number of hours spent studying outside the class. Find out the number of credit hours assigned to each course you are taking. It should be listed on your transcripts or in the school catalogue. Some schools mostly offer 3 credit hour courses, other colleges 4 credit hour courses, and some schools do a mixture. For many schools, labs are 1 hour. If you cannot find the credit hours for each of your courses, talk to an administrator or the registrar. Assign the appropriate scale value for each letter grade. Use the common 4-point GPA scale to assign the values: A = 4 points, B = 3 points, C = 2 points, D = 1 point, and F = 0 points. If your school allots 5 points for upper level classes, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB), you will be using a weighted GPA scale. Add.3 for each plus value or subtract.3 for each minus value. If you have an A- in a class, mark it as 3.7. Match up each letter grade with its scale value and write it next to the grade (e.g. B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7). Calculate the weighted scores. To find the GPA, you must do a little bit of math to determine the different values for the scores that go into the overall GPA. Multiply each scale value grade by the number of credit hours to get the grade points. For example, if you made a B in a 4 credit hour class, you would multiply the scale value of 3 for the B by 4 credit hours, which gives you 12 grade points for that class. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/51457-8b1.jpg\/v4-460px-51457-8b1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/51457-8b1.jpg\/aid51457-v4-728px-51457-8b1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Add the weighted grade points for all of your classes together to calculate your total grade points. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/51457-8b2.jpg\/v4-460px-51457-8b2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/51457-8b2.jpg\/aid51457-v4-728px-51457-8b2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Find your total weighted credits. Add together the number of credit hours you have taken in total to get the total credits. If you took 4 classes that were 3 credit hours each, you will have a total of 12 credit hours. Divide the grade points total by the credit hours total. For example, if you have a total of 45.4 grade points in a total of 15.5 credit hours, you would have the following math problem: 45.4 / 15.5 = 2.92. Your credit hour-weighted GPA is 2.92. Set up your initial columns. In the A column, type in the names or numbers of the subjects you're taking. In the B column, type in the letter grades you want to factor into your GPA. Input the scale values in column C. Determine the numerical scale values of the grades you are inputting. To complete this step, you will have to decide if your school uses a weighted or unweighted GPA scale. The common 4-point GPA scale is as follows: A = 4 points, B = 3 points, C = 2 points, D = 1 point, and F = 0 points. If your school uses a weighted GPA scale, they allot 5 points for upper level classes. Ask an administrator, teacher, or registrar for this information. You can also look on your report card or final grade sheets. Add.3 for each plus value or subtract.3 for each minus value. For example, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7. Type an equals sign (=) into the first cell of column D. All excel equations begin with an equals sign, so you should use one every time you do a new calculation. Type the letters SUM. This will indicate to the program that it will be calculating a sum (adding) equation. Fill in your equation. The equation you will use to calculate your GPA will be determined by how many grades you have, but the basic format is =SUM(C1:C6)/6. C1 is the cell number (C- column, 1-row) of the first grade in your column. The number on the right side of the colon should be the cell number of the final grade on your list. The number after the slash should be the total number of courses that you are calculating. In this case, 6 courses are being calculated. If you have 10 courses listed, you will replace the 6 with a 10. Press the Enter key. You should be greeted with a single number in the D column, which is your final calculated GPA. Know the kinds of classes you've got. Certain classes have weights which alter the 'strength' of the class. A regular (also called on-level) class is multiplied by 1, or left alone. A PAP (which stands for Pre-Advanced Placements which can also be called Honours) is multiplied by 1.05. An AP (Advanced Placement, also called College or College Level) is multiplied by 1.1. Let`s say a person N. has 5 classes, and these are his grades; PAP Literature=94, Regular Chemistry=87, AP World Civilizations=98, PAP Pharmaceuticals Training=82 and Track=100 (lf unspecified, assume regular). Multiply the grades according to their weight. PAP Literature had a 94 which gets multiplied by 1.05 for 98.7%AJ (AJ=adjusted). Chemistry and Track are regular classes so they are left at their grades, respectively 87 and 100. PAP Pharmaceuticals Training is 82, multiplied by 1.05 is 86.1%AJ, and AP World Civilizations` 98 gets multiplied by 1.1 for a 107.8%AJ. Find the mean or average. The formula is very simple; (g+g+g...)/#g, when g=grade. Or in words, add the grades and divide by the number of grades added together. So 98.7+87+100+86.1+107.8=479.58. 479.58/5=95.916. So after rounding, Perso N. has a 95.2 or 96 GPA Percentage. lf the number seems too high or too low, be sure to check your math. lf on a calculator, be sure to use parenthesis or mistakes may occur.

Find a grading scale. Collect the most recent grades you can by asking your teacher, an office administrator, or registrar. Record the point value for each grade. Add up all the values of your grades. Take this final number and divide it by the number of classes you are taking. Determine the number of credits. Assign the appropriate scale value for each letter grade. Calculate the weighted scores. Find your total weighted credits. Divide the grade points total by the credit hours total. Set up your initial columns. Input the scale values in column C. Type an equals sign (=) into the first cell of column D. Type the letters SUM. Fill in your equation. Press the Enter key. Know the kinds of classes you've got. Multiply the grades according to their weight. Find the mean or average.

https://www.wikihow.com/Send-Dirty-Texts

How to Send Dirty Texts

To send dirty texts, start off casual by writing something like, “Hey, sexy.” If they respond with something similar, turn up the heat with a message like, “It's so hot in here. I'm going to take my shirt off,” or “What are you wearing right now?” If they play along, raise the stakes again by telling them you're naked or you wish they were with you. When they reply, tell them what you want to do to them or what you want them to do to yourself. If you want to meet up with the person, write something like, “Why don't we continue this in person? I want to use my hands for more than texting."

Test the waters. Even if you've been dating a girl or guy for months, it may turn out that this isn't the type of communication that she or he is comfortable with. For that reason, it's important to test the waters before you get into raunchy or explicit messaging and completely throw the person off. Start with a simple greeting like, "hey, baby" or "hey, sexy," and see how the person responds. If you're not too explicit at first, you can also just play it off and deny that you were even trying to send a sexy text if the person gets angry or accuses you of trying to start something. Just start with a sexual undertone. If you just say, "What's up?" or "How are you?" it'll be more difficult to transition to a sexy mindset. It's better to set the tone right away so the person knows what to expect. You can also say, "I'm a little bored. I could use some excitement in my life." Try this: "I saw a girl who looked just like you in this movie I was watching. She was really hot -- but you're even hotter." Wait for the person to respond in a sexy way. Once the person on the other end responds to the opening text in a favorable manner, it's time to play ball. If you see that the person is also up for dirty or sexy texting and is game, you can start to increase the sexual content of your texts -- but only by a little bit. Have patience as the person gets back to you. If it takes too long, you may not be in the mood anymore, and you can have fun another day. Don't keep sending dirty texts if you get no response. If the person comes back to his or her phone to a slew of dirty text messages, that will just look weird. If the person isn't into it, don't try to pursue it. Just apologize quickly and move on with your day -- there's no need to make a big production of it. Up the ante. Continue to send dirty texts but make them more explicit. You can even start to suggest that you can come over to put your dirty words into action. If the girl you're texting says she's studying sex ed, you can ask if you can come over for a "hands on" tutorial. Here are some other things you can say to up the ante: "Hang on, let me put on some clothes." "It's so hot in here. I'm going to take my shirt off." "What are you wearing on this balmy night?" "What if I showed you what I meant?" "Can you guess the color of my underwear?" If the person responds favorably, raise the stakes even higher. If you see that the person you're texting loves the dirty texts and maybe even wants to connect in person, then you can make the conversation even more explicit. You can talk about actually seeing the person you're texting, or about touching yourself or taking off your clothes. Here are some things you can say: "I took off all my clothes. I'm just lying under a blanket now." "I'd text you, but I'd rather close my eyes and imagine you were here." "What would you do if you were next to me?" "It's freezing in here. Why don't you come keep me warm?" "Sorry it's taking a while to text you back. My hands are a little busy." Get creative. If both you and the other person are really into the dirty texting, then you can keep going until you start touching yourselves or plan to meet up. Whatever happens, bring some imagination and creativity into your texting so the person on the other end doesn't get bored. Be as detailed and descriptive as you can, and respond quickly so the other person knows she has all of your attention. Here are a few more things you could say: "If you were here, I'd start stroking your hair. But then I'd start stroking something else..." "I'm so excited I can barely text." "I'm wearing this tight shirt. Do you want me to take it off for you?" "I'm taking off your belt -- I'm thinking about whipping you with it..." "I just got out of the shower, so my hair is soaking wet. Do you have a towel?" Have fun with mutual masturbation. If the dirty texting is going in the right direction, then you and your texting partner may slowly be removing your clothes and starting to touch yourselves. If both people are into it, then this can be a fun and stimulating activity. Just tell each other what you're doing to each other, what you're doing to yourselves, and what you would do if you were together. All you have to do is let loose and talk dirty until you've both orgasmed. You can say, "I want you to [verb] my [body part]." This can make the sexy experience feel more real. Tell the person how your body feels during the exchange -- describe every little sensation, even what you're feeling in your toes. See the person you're texting. Mutual masturbation is fun, but so is hooking up in person. If the conversation is going in that direction, then you can ask the person if she wants you to come over, or invite her over to your place. If it's clear that this is what the dirty texting is building towards, then you can suggest that the person should come over, and then be more explicit if you have to. Here are some things you can say: "I'm trying to picture how hot you look, but I'd rather just see you in person." "Why don't you come climb into bed next to me? I want to see if it's as good as I'm imagining it to be." "I guessed the color of your underwear. But how will I know if I was right?" "Why don't we continue this in person? I want to use my hands for something other than texting." "Why don't I drop in on you? I'll be in the neighborhood anyway -- if you want me to be." End the exchange. Whether you're ending the exchange because you're coming over to see the person, or because you both got what you wanted, you should be suave when you end things. You can also just end the exchange because you've both had some fun with dirty texting and it's time to go. Whatever the reason, you should be smooth and should continue to set a sexy tone even at the end. Don't just say, "Bye!" or "See ya!" when you're done texting. Say, "I can't wait to text you again soon." Or, "I'll get in touch with you on another hot, lonely night." Make the person want to hear more from you. Don't switch to a non-sexy topic at the end of the conversation. Don't say, "By the way, are you going to Kelley's birthday party tomorrow?" Save that question for another time. If you're ending the conversation because you're going to see the person, just say, "I can't wait to continue this in person" and make your way over to her place to take your dirty texting to a physical level.

Test the waters. Wait for the person to respond in a sexy way. Up the ante. If the person responds favorably, raise the stakes even higher. Get creative. Have fun with mutual masturbation. See the person you're texting. End the exchange.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-an-Infected-Sebaceous-Cyst

How to Treat an Infected Sebaceous Cyst

To treat an infected sebaceous cyst, place a warm towel over the affected area for 10 to 30 minutes 3 to 4 times a day. Additionally, wash the skin with an antimicrobial soap and avoid putting any skin care products or cosmetics on the cyst. You can also apply 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil every morning to help kill the bacteria and lessen any inflammation. Alternatively, rub aloe vera gel, which has antibiotic properties, on the lesion once a day.

Use a warm compress over the cyst. A towel that's warmed to 37-40 °C (100-105°F) may be applied 3-4 times a day for no more than 10-30 minutes. This dilates the blood vessels and the warm sensation diminishes the pain by acting as a counter-irritant that masks the pain brought about by the inflammation. Sebaceous cysts may be covered if not causing the patient distress; most are non-dangerous and are only bothersome aesthetically. However, if it's infected, seeking medical treatment is wise. Keep the cyst clean. Be sure to routinely and thoroughly wash the skin with non-irritating antimicrobial soap in running water. Pat dry the skin using a clean cloth or towel and cover with a sterile gauze – keep the gauze dry at all times. Avoid putting cosmetics and skin care products on the site of the cyst. This may cause further irritation and infection. Never pop the cyst on your own. This type of cyst dries up naturally; trying to pop it would put you at risk for further infection and may cause permanent scarring. Resist the temptation -- if it bothers you, get it removed by a doctor. If a cyst burst due to healing or accidental popping causing a break in the skin; wash the area thoroughly in running water using a non-irritating antimicrobial soap. Seek medical intervention if there's a noticeable infection. If signs of infection occur -- pain, swelling, redness, and warmth sensation -- notify your doctor immediately for appropriate medical intervention. It's a very routine procedure and nothing to worry about; however, if left alone, you can become septic, which is a very, very serious condition. Even if your cyst doesn't seem infected, you may wish to visit a doctor. A very simple incision will be made, and the cyst can be gone in a matter of minutes. You may need to get 1 or 2 stitches once the cyst is removed. Try tea tree oil. Oil made out of tea tree is a great anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory remedy. It can kill the bacteria causing infection. However, know that there is little hard science to back up the relation between tea tree oil and cysts. To use the remedy, simply apply 1 or 2 drops of tea tree oil on the lesion and cover it with a band-aid. Use tea tree oil once a day, in the morning, and uncover the lesion at night. Use castor oil. Castor oil contains ricin, a chemical very effective against bacteria. Soak a piece of cloth in castor oil and place it on the cyst. Place a hot compress on top of the castor oil-soaked cloth and hold it for 30 minutes. The heat will help the oil diffuse into the skin a lot easier. The ricin will destroy the bacteria causing the infection. Again, the science is lacking. It may fight bacteria potentially, but its efficacy on cysts is dubious. It likely will not be harmful, but it may also not be effective. Use aloe vera. Aloe contains phenolic compounds which have antibiotic properties. Apply aloe vera gel directly on the lesion and gently rub it until it penetrates the skin. Repeat the process each day, until the infection is cured. Aloe vera is a treatment that has been used for centuries. It is one of mother nature's greatest curing agents. However, once more, there's no science to show that it is an end-all, be-all cure for cysts. Experiment with apple cider vinegar. The main compound found in apple cider vinegar is acetic acid. It has antiseptic properties, killing infection-causing bacteria. This, however, is very general and does not specially apply to cysts. In other words, do not rely on this remedy alone. Apply vinegar on the affected area and cover it with a bandage. Remove the bandage after 3 or 4 days. You will notice that a hard layer is formed on top of the lesion. When you remove the crust or when it naturally falls off, pus will ooze out along with the bacteria. Clean the area and apply a new bandage, without vinegar. After 2 or 3 days, the cyst should be healed. Use dandelion. Boil a bag of dandelion dried herb in four cups of water. Simmer for 45 minutes after boiling and drink the tea 3 or 4 times per day. Continue to use the treatment for about a week. Dandelion is an herb containing taraxacin, a natural antibiotic. However, the science stops there. Medical treatment is much more effective for cyst removal than any herbal remedy. Get on antibiotics. An effective antibiotic to fight the infection will be prescribed as soon as possible. Be sure to finish your course so the infection doesn't weaken and then return. In as little as a week, your cyst will be disappearing. Flucloxacillin is one of the most common antibiotics used in the case of an infected sebaceous cyst. Take a 500-milligram pill every 8 hours, for a week, in order to cure the infection. Have your doctor remove the cyst with a minimally-invasive procedure. Medical intervention is a simple operation in which the cyst is completely removed. Don't worry -- the area around the lesion is numbed with a local anesthetic. Here's what you need to know: After the local anesthetic is applied, the surgeon will either perform an oval incision on both sides of the lesion's center or a single incision down its center. If the cyst is small, the doctor can lance it, instead of cutting it. The keratin around the cyst will be squeezed out. A retractor will be used to hold the edges of the incision apart while the doctor will use a forceps to remove the cyst. If the lesion is whole when removed, the operation is a success and the cure rate will be of 100 percent. If, however, the lesion is fragmented, the wound will be sealed by stitching after the procedure is complete. In the case where the cyst was infected, the same antibiotic treatment will be prescribed for a week after the intervention. Take care of the area post surgery. All the recommendations in the first section hold true after surgery, too. The most important thing is to keep the area clean and not to fuss with it. Do not touch the area, even if your hands are clean. As long as you take care of it, there will be zero complications. Identify if sutures were used in wound closure. If so, it is also important to take note when would they need to be removed (1– 2 weeks at most). Note: some type of sutures readily dissolves in the body and may not need removal. Use an herbal antiseptic or antibiotic cream in your cleaning regimen if you'd like. You can use either of the following: Guava leaves. Put whole guava leaves in a clay pot full of boiling water for 15 minutes. Let it cool until a tolerable temperature is achieved – lukewarm temperature is ideal. Use the solution to wash the wound. Aloe vera. After thorough washing and patting dry, generously apply the sap of the plant to the break in the skin and leave it to dry. You can do this several times a day if you'd like. As a precaution, you should always test a small amount of any of these homemade treatments for any allergic reaction. A good site to test this is in the forearms on the same side as your palms – their fair complexion and relatively thin skin make it easier to feel and notice any itching and redness. Know that abnormal cell proliferation is a cause. The skin surface is made out of keratin, a thin layer of cells which protects the skin. The keratin layer is continuously shed and replaced with a new batch of cells. Instead of a normal exfoliation, the cells can move deeper into the skin and continue to proliferate. Keratin will be secreted towards the inside of your body, creating a cyst. This is, in itself, not harmful or dangerous -- it's simply not aesthetically pleasing. It's only if a tumor or infection develops that this abnormal proliferation is something to worry about. Be aware that it can be triggered by a damaged hair follicle. Sounds pretty harmless, huh? Even just a hair follicle can create a sebaceous cyst. If you were worried you were suffering from some serious health problem, know that it can really just be because of a hair. When this is the cause, a small pocket of modified skin found in the dermis, which is the second layer of the skin, is referred to as a hair follicle. Each hair grows from one of these pockets. Follicles damaged by a constant irritating factor or surgical wound will suffer damage and scarring, leading to an ingrown hair. Know that an infection makes a cyst more serious. If a cyst is ruptured, bacteria can contaminate it, leading to infection. The cyst will become painful and will start to resemble a pimple. It will ooze pus as well as moist keratin deposits. The area around it will be red and slightly swollen. If this happens, you need to seek medical treatment. If the infection goes untreated, it will get worse and worse and can eventually affect your entire body. While a cyst itself isn't anything to be greatly concerned about, an infected cyst does require action. Know that inflammation can occur quite easily. Even if a cyst is not infected, it can still become inflamed. If the cyst is constantly exposed to an irritating factor, such as rubbing against a rugged fabric, it will become inflamed. Luckily, it's usually fairly easy to reduce the inflammation, either with NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) or just to remove the irritating factor. An inflamed cyst is difficult to remove because the area is vulnerable to infection. If a minor surgical procedure is necessary, it may be postponed until the inflammation goes away. Be aware that rupture can happen. A ruptured cyst will trigger an immune reaction if a foreign material infiltrates your skin. This will cause a collection of pus called an abscess to form. This is more likely to happen in large cysts. A ruptured cyst is better off seen by a doctor. A burst cyst needs to be kept as clean and hygienic as possible. Visit your doctor for advice on how to care for the cyst and what medical treatment you should seek.

Use a warm compress over the cyst. Keep the cyst clean. Never pop the cyst on your own. Seek medical intervention if there's a noticeable infection. Try tea tree oil. Use castor oil. Use aloe vera. Experiment with apple cider vinegar. Use dandelion. Get on antibiotics. Have your doctor remove the cyst with a minimally-invasive procedure. Take care of the area post surgery. Use an herbal antiseptic or antibiotic cream in your cleaning regimen if you'd like. Know that abnormal cell proliferation is a cause. Be aware that it can be triggered by a damaged hair follicle. Know that an infection makes a cyst more serious. Know that inflammation can occur quite easily. Be aware that rupture can happen.

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

How to Paint a Deck

Before painting your deck, wash it to remove any dirt, and smooth the wood with sandpaper. Next, apply 1-2 coats of exterior stain in the early morning or late afternoon, since painting in direct sunlight can cause the paint to dry unevenly. Once the stain has dried, apply 3 coats of water-based paint, making sure to let it dry in between coats. Finally, use a paintbrush to touch up any areas that are uneven or patchy.

Clear and sweep the deck. Remove any outdoor furniture, planters, or tools on the deck so it is empty. Put these items in a garden shed or the garage for temporary storage. Sweep the deck with a broom to remove surface dirt and debris. Powerwash the deck. Rent a power washer at your local hardware store or buy one if you plan to use it for other home maintenance projects. You can ask the salesperson at the hardware store how to use the power washer safely or refer to the user's manual for guidance. Powerwash the entire deck from top to bottom so it is clean and free of dirt or debris. If your deck only has mild dirt or debris, or you cannot find a power washer, hand wash the deck with a mild cleaner like dish soap, water, and a wire scrub brush. Apply the cleaner and gently scrub the the deck with the wet scrub brush, removing dirt and debris. Rub the deck in long, horizontal strokes to work the cleaner into the wood and then rinse off any remaining soap with water. Apply a mold deterrent if you are worried about mold and mildew. If you notice your deck is prone to mold or mildew, or if your deck is low to the ground, spray a mold deterrent on the deck. Then, use a wire brush or a broom to scrub the deterrent into the deck. Rinse off any remaining deterrent once you have scrubbed it onto the deck with a hose or a bucket of water. Look for mold deterrent for deck wood at your local hardware store or online. Let the deck dry overnight. Make sure the deck is completely dry before you scrape and sand it. If it is a very sunny day, it may dry within a few hours. To be safe, you may let it dry overnight. Use a paint scraper to remove any paint still on the deck. Run the paint scraper over any areas that have flaking or peeling paint. Scrape off the paint to reveal the wood underneath. Press the scraper in and up on the paint to remove it, taking care not to scrape the wood underneath. Look for a paint scraper at your local hardware store or online. Apply 80-100 grit sandpaper to smooth out the wood. Rub the sandpaper over any rough edges or spots on the wood once you remove the paint. Do not press too hard on the wood as you rub it with sandpaper, as you do not want to sand down the wood, just smooth it out to make applying the paint easier. Go over rough spots or sanding marks with 100-120 grit sandpaper. Do not press too hard on the wood as you sand it. Rubbing over any rough spots will ensure the wood is smooth and even for painting. Sweep the deck to ensure it is clean. Once you have scraped and sanded the deck, run a broom over it to sweep up any dust or debris. This will ensure the deck is clean and ready for painting. You can also blow the deck clean with a leaf blower, if you have one on hand. Repair any loose, damaged boards or nails on the deck. Before you dive into painting, look over the deck for any boards that are loose and secure them with nails. Remove any damaged boards and replace them with new boards. Check for any rusty nails and replace them with new nails. Level out any nails that are sticking up or raised with a hammer so they sit flush with the wood. You may apply rust resistant primer to the nail heads for added protection before you start painting, especially if the nails are prone to rust. Fill in any cracks in the wood. If you notice there are any holes or gaps in the wood, use high-quality, exterior-grade putty to fill them in. Put the putty in the cracks with your fingers and smooth the putty over with sandpaper. Make sure the putty sits flush to the wood so it blends in when you paint the deck. If any of the boards are badly cracked or full of holes, you may need to replace them rather than patch them up. Apply stain remover to any areas with stains or rust. Check the wood for any water or rust stains. Use a high-quality stain remover made for wood to get these stains out as best you can. Apply the stain remover according to the directions on the label. If you cannot get out stubborn stains on the wood, you may try using the paint to cover them up. Using a darker colored paint for the deck can help to cover up any unsightly stains on the wood. Mask off the walls, railings, and windows near the deck with painter’s tape. Put painter's tape around the edges of walls, railings, and windows so no paint gets on them. Do not use masking tape or other types of tape, as they will not protect the area properly. Look for painter's tape at your local hardware store or online. Cover all walls and doors with plastic sheets. Hang plastic sheets over walls, doors, and windows to protect them from paint. Secure them well with painter's tape so they are not at risk of falling off while you are painting. Look for plastic sheets for painting at your local hardware store. Make sure you also cover any plants or objects close to the deck with plastic sheets so they do not get splattered with paint. Wait for a time of day when the deck is in the shade. Avoid painting in direct sunlight, if possible, as you do not want the paint to dry too fast. If the paint dries too fast, it may appear uneven or patchy. Go for a paint time early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the deck is in the shade to avoid this issue. Apply 1-2 coats of exterior stain to the deck and let it dry overnight. Make sure the stain is high-quality and mildew-resistant, as this will ensure the deck is protected. Use a paint roller to apply the stain quickly and easily, working on area at a time. Start on the area furthermost from the doorway to the deck and roll on the stain in smooth, even motions with the paint roller. Once you have applied the stain to the entire deck, let it dry overnight. Use an exterior stain made for wood that is water-based, as this will help to seal the wood and prep it for the paint. Paint the deck from top to bottom, one section at a time. Use paint that is water-based and high-quality. If there is a wood ceiling or awning on your deck, paint this first. Then, paint the posts and railings. Paint the bottom of the deck last. Painting from top to bottom will allow each section to dry and make it easier for you to work in the space. Use a paint brush to cut into the edges or corners of the area. Start by using a paint brush to line the edges or corners of the area you are painting, such as the ceiling or railings on the deck. Use even strokes to cut the edges or corners so they are covered. This will help to prevent paint drips or uneven edges or corners. Apply paint with a paint roller to the area. Use the paint roller to apply paint in a smooth motion, following the grain of the wood. Work from corner to corner, rolling the paint on to meet the corners or edges you have cut with the paintbrush. Apply a small amount of paint at a time, as you do not want the paint to clump or dry too thick. Use a paint roller that is ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) thick if the surface of the wood is rough. Apply paint with a roller that is ⁄ 8 inch (0.95 cm) or ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm) thick if the wood surface is medium rough. Use a roller that is made of foam if the wood surface is smooth, with very little rise in the grain. Feather out the paint with a paintbrush for a smooth finish. While the paint is still wet, use a paintbrush to gently move the paint from side to side to smooth out any paint roller marks or clumps on the wood. Doing this will ensure the paint dries with a smooth finish. Working one small section at a time will ensure you can feather out the wet paint before moving on to painting the next section. Apply 1-3 coats of paint. Put the same number of coats on every part of the deck, from the ceiling to the posts, to the floor. Paint the floor of the deck a few boards at a time, making sure you have a clear path on and off the deck so you do not paint yourself into a corner. Applying 3 coats will ensure the paint is durable and make the paint easier to maintain. Make sure you allow the paint to dry overnight between coats. Touch up any areas with a paintbrush once the paint has dried. Once the last coat of paint has dried overnight, use a paintbrush to lightly touch up any areas that are uneven or patchy. Make sure the deck color looks uniform and even. You can then enjoy your new deck for years to come, as the paint will help the wood stay dry and protect it from fading or damage.

Clear and sweep the deck. Powerwash the deck. Apply a mold deterrent if you are worried about mold and mildew. Let the deck dry overnight. Use a paint scraper to remove any paint still on the deck. Apply 80-100 grit sandpaper to smooth out the wood. Go over rough spots or sanding marks with 100-120 grit sandpaper. Sweep the deck to ensure it is clean. Repair any loose, damaged boards or nails on the deck. Fill in any cracks in the wood. Apply stain remover to any areas with stains or rust. Mask off the walls, railings, and windows near the deck with painter’s tape. Cover all walls and doors with plastic sheets. Wait for a time of day when the deck is in the shade. Apply 1-2 coats of exterior stain to the deck and let it dry overnight. Paint the deck from top to bottom, one section at a time. Use a paint brush to cut into the edges or corners of the area. Apply paint with a paint roller to the area. Feather out the paint with a paintbrush for a smooth finish. Apply 1-3 coats of paint. Touch up any areas with a paintbrush once the paint has dried.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Clinical-Laboratory-Scientist

How to Become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist

If you'd like to become a clinical laboratory scientist, make sure that you're comfortable working with infectious materials like bacteria and parasites since you'll be required to do that in the lab. You should also focus on taking math and science classes to help prepare you for the job. After high school, obtain a bachelor's degree in medical technology or one of the life sciences. Then, get practical experience by training in a laboratory setting for at least 1 year before applying for a job as a clinical laboratory scientist.

Gain familiarity with the sciences as early as high school. Chemistry and biology are particularly important to understand as a lab scientist. If possible, invest time early in your career to cultivating a strong foundation in these subjects. Math is also an important subject to understand. If you truly understand and enjoy these subjects, this might be a good career for you. If you're already out of high school, look for opportunities to improve your knowledge of these subjects online or at the library. Know what type of post-high school education is required. Clinical laboratory scientists usually have a bachelor's degree with a major in medical technology or in one of the life sciences; clinical laboratory technicians generally need either an associate degree or a certificate. Lab scientists have a more extensive knowledge of molecular biology and microbiology techniques. Also, they are more likely to obtain management positions, as well as earn higher salaries, when compared with technicians. Lab technicians prepare samples, perform basic lab tests, and maintain instruments. Consider various schools. Gather information on universities that have programs specific to training clinical lab scientists. Take into account the cost to attend, the job placement statistics of graduated students, and research availability. Attending a university is a very expensive endeavor. Public schools in the state you reside may be cheaper than private schools, but public schools outside of your resident state may cost just as much as the private school. Schools should be able to provide you with data and job placement following graduation. Look into these statistics while trying to decide which school to attend. When choosing your school, weigh the costs of tuition against the benefits you'll receive from that school. For example, a higher tuition school may offer more scholarships or a better job-placement program. Additionally, they may provide more research funding for students. To be more competitive following graduation, try to find an internship or research opportunity during school. Not all universities have these available, so keep this in mind when deciding where to apply. Apply to multiple undergraduate universities to increase the probability that you will be accepted. Obtain your degree from a school accredited by a nationally recognized agency. Such organizations include the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. Degrees from schools with these accreditations are nationally recognized and will make you more competitive as a job candidate. Take the proper chemistry, biology, and physics coursework. Being a CLS requires that you learn the proper subjects before entering the workforce: biology, immunology, hematology, chemistry (organic, physical, and analytical), biochemistry, and physics (light and electricity). These courses represent the core type of work you will be doing on a daily basis. If you find these classes don't interest you, consider a different career path or speak to a counselor about other options. Look for jobs in the medical field. Hospitals are the leading employers, but clinical laboratory technologists are also employed by independent laboratories, physicians' offices and clinics, and manufacturers of lab equipment and diagnostic supplies. Look at websites such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science for job postings. Learn about the various job duties of clinical lab scientists. Some of the many duties that fall under the job description are: Examine body fluids and tissues for parasites, bacteria, and other organisms. Analyze chemical content and reactions necessary for finding out cholesterol levels and matching blood for transfusions. Measure types and levels of drugs in the system for treatment or to assess response to treatment. Become trained in using various laboratory equipment. Microscopes, cell counters and computerized equipment are all used by clinical laboratory scientists. In the process of obtaining your degree, you will be trained on these devices. Volunteer in a lab for additional experience and to decide if this is the right career for you. Knowing how to use equipment and gaining proficiency at it will make you a more desirable job candidate. Internships are also a good way to learn how to use these instruments. Practice infection control procedures. Clinical lab technicians and technologists often have to handle infectious material. Knowing about and wearing proper protective equipment (PPE) is essential in this field. Training in basic lab safety and bloodborne pathogens is also necessary. Gloves and a lab coat are mandatory in the laboratory. Masks or goggles may be required in certain situations. Specialize in a specific clinical laboratory field to be considered for specific jobs. If you want to practice in a particular field, you will need to do some additional work. Research the different specialties and choose the one that is the best fit for you. Examples of specializations are: clinical chemistry technologists, microbiology technologists, immunohematology technologists, immunology technologists, cytotechnologists and molecular biology technologists. Determine if your state requires a license. Right now, not every state in the United States requires a license, but it can be beneficial to obtain a license to be more employable. States that don't currently have licenses may have them in the coming years. Before you apply for a job, make sure you have all the necessary licenses and certification required at the time of application. The states that currently require licensure are California, Tennessee, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Puerto Rico. Licenses also vary depending on specialty. If you are going into a very specific field, you will need to obtain a license for that specialty. Gain at least one year post-graduation experience. Obtaining a license requires that you have at least one year of work experience or training in a clinical laboratory. You must also have verification of this experience before applying for the license. The training must be comprehensive in terms of the duties of a clinical scientist. Some states may require more work experience before becoming licensed. Each state has its own regulations so be sure to look up the specifics for where you will be working. Experience may also vary if you are seeking a license for a specialty. Pass the written examination for licensure. Not all states require the exam to be licensed, but some do and it is important to do well on it. The exam is called the Clinical Laboratory Scientist generalist licensure exam. There are three organizations certified to give the exam: ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology), ASCPi (international license), and AAB (American Association of Bioanalysts). Failure to pass the written exam twice requires a waiting period of one year before you may try again. Apply for the license. Applications can be submitted online for the license once you have met all of the minimum requirements. Have the paperwork certifying your degree, your work experience, and passing the exam before applying. There is usually an application fee (up to $300) associated with licensure, so make sure you have the proper funds before you apply. Pursue national certification. Look at CLS/MT (Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist) or CLT/MLT (Clinical Laboratory Technician/Medical Laboratory Technician) programs. American Medical Technologists, the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel or the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology are some of the better known certification bodies. Professional associations vary in certification requirements for lab scientists, therefore check with each association. Employers may require specific certifications. Apply for the certification. Gather all of your important documents verifying your work and training experience (employer documentation, letters of authenticity, certificates, etc) and your education (transcripts and degrees). You must also apply to take the exam, paying an application fee between $100-200. Different certification organizations may have slightly different requirements and application fees. Schedule your exam. Following the approval process of your application, you will be able to schedule the date of your exam. For some licensing bodies, you have a three-month window to schedule the exam. Start studying as soon as you finish the application so you have plenty of time. Study for the certification exam. There are many online practice tests and review courses available to help you study. If you know other people taking the exam around the same time, try forming a study group. Practice tests are the best way to gauge your knowledge. Take one every few weeks to see how you're improving. Study early and often. Don't try to learn too many things at once or you may get study fatigue. Focus on one or two topics each day to study in depth. Review the same subjects every few days to keep them fresh. Take the certification exam. On the day of the exam, make sure you aren't hungry and have eaten a decent meal. The exam is taken on the computer and is called an adaptive test: the exam gets harder as you get more questions correct. Make sure you have the basic computer skills necessary to take an exam on the computer. Decide if graduate school is the right choice for you. Graduate school takes many more years of hard work and is not the right choice for everyone. Graduate degrees can provide more opportunities for advancement into administrative positions. Lab scientists often have master's degrees and directors usually have a doctorate. Pursuing a master's degree takes about 2 years to complete. Most master's programs require that you pay your own tuition. Pursuing a doctorate takes an average of 5.5 years to complete. Many PhD programs provide a stipend and pay for your tuition in exchange for your work in a lab. Choose a graduate program. Once you have decided to pursue an advanced degree, you must choose a graduate program. If you have been in the workforce for a few years, you may have a specialty in mind already. Choose a program that focuses on that specialty and is well-known for job placement. Many of the factors to consider are similar to those of choosing an undergraduate university. Attending a university is a very expensive endeavor. Public schools in the state you reside may be cheaper than private schools, but public schools outside of your resident state may cost just as much as the private school. Schools should be able to provide you with data and job placement following graduation. You should look into these statistics while trying to decide which school to attend. Where does the program you're looking at rank compared to other schools? You don't need to go to the number one program, but choose a school that has the ability to get you the type of job you're hoping to achieve. Ask for positive letters of recommendation. Graduate school applications require reference letters. You want to make sure they are going to be positive letters. If you ask someone and they hesitate, they may not be the best person to write a recommendation for you. Ask professors you had a strong bond with or someone you did research with. Employers also make good references if they are in the correct field. A retail manager is not the ideal reference, but can work if you are trying to change fields. Friends and family are not generally accepted as valid references. Give your references a few months to complete their letters. Gently remind them closer to the deadline if you know they haven't been submitted yet. Take the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). The GRE is the standard entrance exam into graduate school. The test takes almost four hours to complete and is administered on a computer. You must have basic computer skills to take the exam. Spend an appropriate amount of time studying for the exam. You can purchase study aid books or you can take a special class to prepare for it. Consider taking the test a second time if you didn't achieve the score necessary for the school to which you're applying. Apply to multiple graduate programs. It's good to be confident, but you want to make sure you get into a program after spending all of that time preparing. Apply to more than one program to increase your chances of being accepted into at least one. Make sure you get your applications in by the deadline. Check with your references to make sure they have submitted their letters of recommendation on time.

Gain familiarity with the sciences as early as high school. Know what type of post-high school education is required. Consider various schools. Obtain your degree from a school accredited by a nationally recognized agency. Take the proper chemistry, biology, and physics coursework. Look for jobs in the medical field. Learn about the various job duties of clinical lab scientists. Become trained in using various laboratory equipment. Practice infection control procedures. Specialize in a specific clinical laboratory field to be considered for specific jobs. Determine if your state requires a license. Gain at least one year post-graduation experience. Pass the written examination for licensure. Apply for the license. Pursue national certification. Apply for the certification. Schedule your exam. Study for the certification exam. Take the certification exam. Decide if graduate school is the right choice for you. Choose a graduate program. Ask for positive letters of recommendation. Take the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). Apply to multiple graduate programs.

https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Healthy-Pregnancy

How to Have a Healthy Pregnancy

To have a healthy pregnancy, see an obstetrician for regular checkups to make sure you and your baby are healthy. If you're dealing with nausea, try eating smaller meals. Additionally, eat foods high in folic acid, like squash or spinach, which will help develop your baby's blood cells. Throughout your pregnancy, try to perform low impact exercise, like swimming or cycling, which can help you and your baby stay healthy.You should also avoid alcohol, smoking, and drugs, which can all harm your baby's health.

Choose the right caregiver. You'll develop a close relationship with your medical professional, so take some time to choose the right one for you. Ask your general practitioner for a referral to an OB/GYN. They will provide you with more specialized care, and be there at the birth of your baby. You can also ask friends for recommendations. Don't feel like you have to go with the first doctor you meet. You can ask for consultations with more than one candidate. Choose the one who makes you feel comfortable and confident. Ask questions such as, “How much experience do you have?” and “Are you comfortable with me designing my own birth plan?” Consider a doula or midwife if you are interested in a home birth or a non-traditional birth, such as a water birth. Get regular prenatal care. Frequent and consistent appointments with an OB/GYN, a family doctor or a certified midwife can ensure both your safety and your growing child's safety throughout the pregnancy process. Begin prenatal care as soon as you know that you're pregnant, when you decide you want to be, or when you suspect you might be. You can start by seeing your regular doctor, but will likely want to transfer to a specialized prenatal care doctor as your pregnancy progresses. So long as you are undergoing a normal pregnancy (according to your doctor), your scheduled prenatal appointments should follow this timeline: See your physician every 4 weeks until you are 28 weeks pregnant. See your physician every 2 weeks from the time you are 28 weeks to 36 weeks pregnant. See your physician once a week (or more often, as per your doctor's instructions) after the 36th week of pregnancy. Get regular exercise. Extra mid-body weight, morning sickness, and aching muscles can all combine to make exercise sound incredibly unappealing. However, keeping active while you are pregnant will ensure not only your health, but your baby's as well. Regular exercise can make delivery less difficult, make losing your baby weight easier, aid in post-birth physical recovery, and encourage healthy fetal growth. Aim to do thirty minutes of low-impact exercise such as swimming, riding a bicycle, lifting weights, or yoga a day. Walking is a good option, too. Don't participate in any high-impact exercises (long runs or HIIT workouts) or contact sports (soccer, rugby, football), as these put you at a high risk for injury. Overheating can be dangerous to your baby, so make sure you always keep cool by having a fan and cold water at the ready. Make sure to talk to your doctor before changing your exercise routine or starting a new one. Get enough sleep. Getting lots of good sleep while pregnant will give your body the time it needs to help develop your growing baby, making you feel better in the process. Aim for eight hours of sleep minimum a night, and try to snatch a mid-afternoon nap as well. Going to bed at a consistent time every night will also help to regulate your sleep schedule, making your sleep more restful and deep. Sleep on your left side, as this relieves pressure on your back. Other positions also risk cutting off the circulation to a major vein. Don't take any sleeping pills while pregnant, unless prescribed and approved by your doctor. Take prenatal supplements. Although a daily regimen of pills, supplements, and vitamins may be difficult to keep track of, it can be incredibly helpful in reducing the risk of a series of birth defects. To start, women should consume prenatal vitamins (advertised as such) in 600 micrograms per day after becoming pregnant. Prenatal vitamins contain a combination of high levels of folic acid and iron among other things, both of which are responsible for early development of the baby and reducing the risk of complications and defects such as spina bifida and premature birth. Talk to your doctor about what supplements to take, but keep in mind that most pregnant women need to consume extra: Folic acid (folate) Iron Zinc Calcium Keep an eye on your weight. It's true that you should be gaining weight while pregnant, but the amount you gain can have a big impact on both your child's health and your own. Individual weight gain will be dependent on your weight and BMI prior to pregnancy. To determine your ideal weight gain, start by calculating your BMI. You and your doctor can do this together, and discuss your healthy weight. As a guideline, use your BMI and weight to interpret how much you should gain. Underweight women (BMI less than 18.5) should gain 28–40 pounds (13–18 kg). Women at a healthy weight (BMI between 18.5-24.9) should gain 25–35 pounds (11–16 kg). Overweight women (BMI between 25-29.9) should gain 15–25 pounds (6.8–11.3 kg). Obese women (BMI higher than 30) should gain 11–20 pounds (5.0–9.1 kg). Visit your dentist regularly. Dental care is particularly important during pregnancy. This is because your body is producing higher than normal levels of estrogen and progesterone, both of which (in high levels) can be responsible for causing gingivitis and gum disease, leading to bleeding, gum sensitivity, and swollen gums on a regular basis. You should try to visit your dentist every 3-4 months while pregnant to make sure you're keeping a healthy mouth. In between visits, make sure that you brush and floss your teeth regularly. You may, depending on where you live, benefit from free or discounted dental treatment. Ask your primary care doctor about this possibility. Make sure you’re eating enough healthy foods. Good nutrition decreases the risk of significant health problems for both you and your baby. The oft quoted phrase 'eating for two' conjures up images of vast platters of food and multiple meals throughout the day. In truth, you only need to consume about 300 calories more per fetus, per day. Therefore, if you're pregnant with a single baby you should eat 300 extra calories, for twins you should eat 600 extra calories, and for triplets you should eat 900 extra calories per day. These numbers will vary slightly depending on your starting weight before pregnancy, but will remain close to 300 calories. The calories you consume should be healthy calories—not those from junk food or fast food. One of the primary goals of eating more is to supplement your body and the child with the vitamins and minerals necessary for development. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C. The recommended amount of vitamin C for pregnant women is 70 mg per day. However, it is best to get this from natural foods rather than pills and supplements. Aim to eat 3-4 servings of these foods per day. You can get lots of vitamin C from citrus fruits, papaya, strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, and red peppers (among other foods). Consume more protein. Eating protein is always important, but when you're pregnant you should aim to eat 2-3 servings of protein a day. Protein is primarily responsible for blood production and cell growth, both your own and your baby's. Great sources of healthy proteins include eggs, Greek yogurt, legumes (beans), tofu, peanut butter, and lean meats. Get plenty of calcium. Calcium is vital to pregnant women, and many don't get nearly as much as they need. Although there is normally some calcium in prenatal supplements, you should try to consume an additional 1000 milligrams of calcium per day. By consuming more calcium, you'll be aiding in your child's bone and nerve development. Great sources of calcium include yogurt, hard cheeses, milk, and spinach. Vitamin D is important to consume as well, as it is required for your body to absorb calcium. It is found in most of the same foods as calcium is, as well as in cereals and breads. Eat foods that contain folic acid. Yes, you'll be getting folic acid in a prenatal supplement. However, you should try to eat folic acid that occurs naturally in foods for the best results. Folic acid is responsible for enzyme functioning and blood production in your baby. Foods that contain folic acid include kale, chard, spinach, squash, beans, nuts, and peas. All of these foods contain other helpful nutrients, so try to eat 1-2 servings of them per day. Choose foods with zinc. It's important to get 11-13 mg of zinc per day during your pregnancy, so be sure to choose food items containing this essential mineral. Some options include beef, pork, poultry (chicken and turkey), cashews, almonds, peanuts, fortified breakfast cereal, yogurt, and cheese. Make sure you get enough iron. Iron is used in the body for blood cell production, both in your own body and your developing child's. Most prenatal supplements contain iron, but as per most nutrients, it is best that you consume iron in a natural form from food rather than a supplement. Foods that contain high levels of iron include red meats, spinach, and iron-fortified whole grains (like certain breads and cereals). Get at least one serving of these iron-filled foods per day. Take a fish oil supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for the development of your baby's brain and eyes. Because omega-3 fatty acids usually come from fish, like tuna, sardines, salmon, and anchovies, you may want to take a fish oil supplement instead of eating fish while you are pregnant to decrease your intake of mercury. You can take up to 300 mg daily. Avoid alcohol. Alcohol is a big no-no for pregnant women, as its consumption is responsible for an array of birth defects and complications. Drinking alcohol significantly increases the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth, makes it more likely that your child will have developmental disabilities later in life, and puts your baby at risk of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Cut alcohol out of your diet completely while pregnant, to avoid risking these complications. If necessary, seek help from a therapist specialized in drug and alcohol use. If you happened to consume alcohol prior to knowledge of your pregnancy, don't worry - so long as you cease your drinking habits, it is unlikely you'll experience alcohol-related complications. Some doctors and women believe that an occasional small glass of wine during pregnancy is okay. Talk to your doctor about this. Cut out caffeine from your diet. Although coffee, tea, and soda may be favorite drinks, if they contain caffeine they can be harmful to your little one. Caffeine consumption while pregnant is linked to higher rates of miscarriage and birth complications. It is best to cut out caffeine from your lifestyle altogether, but some doctors believe up to 200 milligrams (equal to one 10oz cup of coffee) per day is safe. When possible, use caffeine-free or decaffeinated versions of coffee, tea, and soda. Foods that contain caffeine (like chocolate) are fine in moderation, because the levels are so low. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat. Certain food-borne illnesses, including toxoplasmosis and listeriosis, are often present in undercooked and raw meat. These illnesses can be quite dangerous to a developing child, making it best to avoid the foods that carry them. Avoid eating any shellfish, raw fish (like sushi/sashimi), rare or seared meat, and raw eggs. Cut out mercury-heavy fish. Heavy metals, like mercury and lead, are incredibly damaging to a growing baby and can even cause death in high enough amounts. Some fish have particularly high levels of mercury, making them dangerous for pregnant women to consume. These fish include swordfish, shark, king mackerel, tuna steak, and tilefish. However, fish such as canned tuna, salmon, halibut, and cod are all still safe to consume while pregnant. Keep your consumption of any kind of fish - even the safe kinds - down to once or twice a week while pregnant. Stay away from unpasteurized cheeses. Although a platter of soft cheeses may sound delicious, unpasteurized fresh cheeses can contain bacteria that are responsible for an array of birth complications. As a result, it is best for pregnant women to avoid eating them altogether. Popular unpasteurized fresh cheeses include brie, feta, goat cheese, Camembert, and blue cheese. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, and Havarti are all safe to consume. Get your immunizations up-to-date before conceiving. If possible, you should see your healthcare provider to get any necessary immunizations before you become pregnant. Make sure your current healthcare provider has access to all your medical records so they can determine if you need any immunizations. If you do, get them as soon as possible. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) immunizations should be given before you become pregnant. You can get a flu vaccine while you are pregnant. Speak to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns regarding immunizations. Quit smoking. It's generally recommended that smoking of any sort be avoided, as it is very damaging to the lungs. This is especially true for pregnant women, because whatever you smoke, your baby smokes as well. Nicotine and tobacco in the blood stream is absorbed by the child, increasing the likelihood of stillbirth, miscarriage, and a low birth weight. Cut out all smoking, including cigarettes, e-cigs, cigars, and marijuana. Some studies have also shown that babies whose mothers' smoked while pregnant grow up to be chronic smokers themselves. You should also avoid secondhand smoke. Stay away from all illicit drugs. Drugs of any sort - particularly 'street' drugs - are incredibly dangerous for a developing child. Recreational drugs almost guarantee your child will suffer from a birth defect or complication, because they have such a significant impact on your body and brain function, and therefore your child's. Mothers who are addicted to drugs and continue to use them while pregnant can actually pass on their addiction to their child. The newborn baby is then addicted to drugs, and suffers withdrawal symptoms just like an adult does. If you're a user of recreational drugs or are addicted, check into a rehab program. Ask your doctor for help finding a spot if you are having trouble. Maintain a drug free lifestyle beyond the birth of your child for your own health. Steer clear of hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms. Raising your body temperature too high can be dangerous for your offspring, as high body temperature is correlated to developmental complications and birth defects. While warm showers and baths are fine, spending extended periods of time in very hot environments can cause serious problems, especially in the first trimester. Avoid any environment where the temperature is above 101 °F (38 °C), and if you absolutely must be in such an environment, limit your time spent there to less than 10 minutes. Avoid environmental toxins. Certain chemicals and toxins are particularly dangerous for pregnant women to come into contact with, even though they may not be for a non-pregnant woman. Cleaning solvents, strong chemicals, heavy metals (like mercury and lead), and some biological agents (like asbestos) are all associated with birth complications and defects. If you work or live in a place where you may come into contact with these toxins, do your best to avoid them at all times. Make lifestyle changes to do so, if necessary, like asking for a different assignment at work. Have someone else clean the litter box frequently, using extra caution. A very dangerous infection known as toxoplasmosis is prevalent in cat litter boxes, and can quickly spread to pregnant women. The illness may have no recognizable symptoms in the mother and will pass to the baby undetected, causing serious brain and eye damage. If you have a litter box, steer clear of it and have a friend or relative take over control of cleaning it regularly. The litter box needs to be cleaned thoroughly at least once a day while you are pregnant. If you have to do it, wear gloves and then thoroughly wash your hands after. Eat small meals to combat nausea and vomiting. Many pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting, especially during their first and second trimesters. Eating small meals frequently can help combat symptoms, as can eating foods that neutralize stomach acid, like bread, potatoes, and apples. Ginger may also help decrease nausea. Exercise regularly and eat fiber to help with constipation. Constipation is common in pregnant women in their second and third trimester due to large amounts of circulating progesterone, which decreases contractility of the GI tract. You can exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, and eat foods containing fiber to help combat constipation while you're pregnant. Don't forget to establish regular bathroom breaks as well. Ask your healthcare provider about medication for hemorrhoids. Constipation and straining to have a bowel movement often go hand-in-hand with hemorrhoids. Pregnancy also increases the intravascular pressure in veins below the uterus, which can also lead to hemorrhoids. Speak to your healthcare provider about using a topical anesthetic to shrink swelling and reduce pain due to hemorrhoids. Expect to urinate frequently or have incontinence. Many pregnant women have to dash to the restroom constantly, or find that they aren't able to hold their bladder as they used to be. To combat these issues, rest often and sleep on your left side to improve kidney function. You can also do kegel exercises to increase your perineal muscle tone. If you experience pain in your bladder or while urinating, speak to your healthcare provider about the possibility of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Handle mood swings. Your hormones will be at a high while you are pregnant. You might feel unnerved when you go from smiling one minute to crying the next. Don't worry! This is normal. Just try to find healthy ways to cope with these moods swings. Allow yourself to process your emotions. Don't try to force yourself to smile when you're upset. It's okay to let yourself cry for a few minutes! Take a break. If something is upsetting you, walk away. You can walk around the block or flip through a magazine until you feel better. Know the signs of depression. Many women experience depression during pregnancy. Watch for symptoms such as anxiety, persistent irritability, or the inability to sleep. Check with your healthcare provider if you notice these symptoms. They can offer advice or refer you to a mental health specialist. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Practice self-care. Be kind to yourself. Don't beat yourself up for having mood swings or feeling tired. Instead, allow yourself to relax. Make time each day for something you enjoy, such as watching an episode of your favorite show or reading a book. Indulge in a nap when you need to. Try to get rid of negative thoughts. For example, if you're concerned about body image, remind yourself that your body is doing exactly what it should! Find a support system. You're going to be going through a lot of changes, both physically and emotionally. It's important that you have other people that can help support you. Don't be afraid to lean on your family, friends, and partner. Have lunch with a friend. You can talk about any anxiety that you are feeling, or just relax and gossip! Ask your partner to take over more of the household duties. If you generally cook, ask them to make dinner a few times a week. If someone offers to help you, let them!

Choose the right caregiver. Get regular prenatal care. Get regular exercise. Get enough sleep. Take prenatal supplements. Keep an eye on your weight. Visit your dentist regularly. Make sure you’re eating enough healthy foods. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C. Consume more protein. Get plenty of calcium. Eat foods that contain folic acid. Choose foods with zinc. Make sure you get enough iron. Take a fish oil supplement. Avoid alcohol. Cut out caffeine from your diet. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat. Cut out mercury-heavy fish. Stay away from unpasteurized cheeses. Get your immunizations up-to-date before conceiving. Quit smoking. Stay away from all illicit drugs. Steer clear of hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms. Avoid environmental toxins. Have someone else clean the litter box frequently, using extra caution. Eat small meals to combat nausea and vomiting. Exercise regularly and eat fiber to help with constipation. Ask your healthcare provider about medication for hemorrhoids. Expect to urinate frequently or have incontinence. Handle mood swings. Know the signs of depression. Practice self-care. Find a support system.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Spark-Plugs

How to Clean Spark Plugs

To clean your vehicle's spark plugs, first disconnect the negative cable from your vehicle's battery. Then, locate the 4-6 covers, called boots, located on the top of your engine. Slide the cables out of each boot by hand and wipe the surface of the boots with a dry, clean cloth to knock off any dust or surface debris. Then, grab a can of compressed air and spray it over the area to blow the loosened grime away. To remove the first boot, pull it gently out of the port by hand. Grab a socket wrench with an extension on the end and slide it down into the port that the boot was blocking. Rotate the wrench counterclockwise and loosen the spark plug until you don't feel any resistance. Pull the spark plug out with the socket wrench. Grab a sheet of 220-grit sandpaper and gently scrape the electrode at the end of the spark plug until it looks like bare metal. Next, gently brush the threading and electrode with a wire brush. Finally, spray the spark plug with a brake cleaner and wipe the entire component with a clean rag. Reinsert the spark plug and tighten it with the socket wrench. Repeat this process for the remaining spark plugs located under the other covers on your engine.

Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. Locate the battery either in your engine bay or in the trunk. It will look like a black plastic box with 2 metal terminals sticking out of the top. Find the negative terminal, which will be marked with a (-) minus sign. Loosen the bolt holding the cable on the terminal and then slide it off. If you can't find your battery, refer to the vehicle's owner's manual or the manufacturer's website. Tuck the cable to the side so it doesn't accidentally come back into contact with the battery terminal. Locate the spark plugs. Find the spark plug wires (thick cables running from the ignition coils to the top of the engine) where they connect to the spark plugs and follow them to the openings in the cylinder head for each. There will be 1 cable and 1 plug for each cylinder in your engine, so a V6 will have 6, whereas a two-stroke dirt bike will only have 1. If you're having trouble locating the spark plugs on your particular vehicle, refer to the owner's manual or a vehicle specific repair manual for help. Use a can of compressed air to blow debris away from the spark plugs. Once you've found where the spark plugs are screwed in, you'll need to clean all the dirt and junk out of the area to stop any of it from falling into the cylinders while the spark plugs are removed. Use the compressed air to blow all loose materials safely away. If any dirt or debris falls into the cylinder while the spark plug is removed, it could cause serious damage to the engine. Always wear eye protection when using canned air to spray away debris. Disconnect the spark plug wire on 1 spark plug at a time. In order to keep the cables organized and minimize the risk of debris falling into the cylinders, you should clean the spark plugs 1 at a time. Removing all of the spark plugs at once could make it easy to confuse which cable goes to which cylinder, and would also increase the chances of something falling into the empty holes the spark plugs used to fill. Grip the spark plug cable firmly, low on the boot nearest to the spark plug, and then pull it away and off the plug. Don't pull from high on the wire or you could separate the inside of the cable from its connector for the plug. If the wire is really stuck, trying twisting it a little to loosen it up, then pull. Use a spark plug socket to unscrew the spark plug. Place the spark plug socket on the end of an extension and then connect it to your ratchet. Put the socket over the spark plug and turn it in a counter-clockwise direction to unscrew the plug from where it's seated. Once it's loose, pop the extension and socket off of the wrench and finish unscrewing it by hand. There's a rubber grommet inside the spark plug socket that will keep the plug in the socket as you remove it from the engine. Look around one more time for any loose dirt or debris before pulling the spark plug out. If you spot some, blow or brush it away. Use 220-grit sandpaper on the electrode. At the end of the spark plug (on the side that goes into the engine) you'll find a small piece of metal extending out of the plug. That's called the electrode. If it is black or discolored, slide the sandpaper beneath the bent over portion of the electrode between it and the plug itself and run it back and forth until you see clean metal on either side. The spark plug electrode should look like bare metal. If it doesn't, keep sanding until it does. Always wear eye protection and a mask when sanding. File down the grime on the electrode if it’s particularly dirty. If sandpaper doesn't do the trick, the spark plug really should be replaced , however, in a bind you can use a small file to grind away significant carbon build up on the electrode. Slide the file into the gap between the plug and the electrode and then move it back and forth to clean the metal. Scrub the threads with a wire brush. Chances are good that there's a build up of oil and grime in the threads of your spark plug, which will make re-installing them difficult. Scrub at the threads with your wire brush from a perpendicular angle to the plug (so the brush is moving in the same direction as the plug's threads) to remove the majority of the built-up gunk. Then switch and scrub it from other angles for maximum effect. Wear gloves while you do this to avoid poking yourself with the wire brush. The threads don't need to be perfectly clean to work, but should be free of most buildup. Spray brake cleaner on the plug and wipe it down. Brake cleaner is sold in spray cans at your local auto parts store and can be used to effectively clean grime off of many car parts. Aside from cleaning, it evaporates rapidly so the parts dry quickly. Spray some brake cleaner on the plug and threads, then use a clean rag to wipe away any remaining dirt or debris. If your spark plugs are really dirty, you can use the brake cleaner and wire brush together to tackle stuck on grime. Make sure to wipe the plug down thoroughly with the rag after to remove all of the brake cleaner that has soaked up dirt and oil. Repeat the process for each spark plug. Once that first spark plug is clean, reinstall it and reconnect the spark plug wire that goes to it. Then repeat the process with each spark plug until they have all been cleaned and reinstalled. Grip the spark with pliers on the end the wire connects to. Because the torch will get extremely hot, you'll need the extra length the pliers provide to keep your hand safely away from the heat. Keep a firm grip on the plug, but don't squeeze so hard that you risk damaging the spark plug. It only needs to sit in the pliers as a handle extension. If you have a bench vice, that will work in place of pliers. Put on gloves and ignite your torch. Turn the knob on your gas or propane torch to allow gas to flow, then either hit the ignition button or place an ignition source in front of the nozzle. The torch will then light up and begin burning. You may choose to wear gloves just to give your hands a bit more heat protection. Turn the torch all the way up so it is producing a blue flame. Hold the end of the spark plug in the flame until it turns red. The torch will burn the carbon and debris off of the spark plug, and because the plug is designed to be inside the engine when it ignites, it will survive the heat without issue. Hold the plug in the flame, rotating it from side to side, until the end of the plug and the electrode are glowing red hot. Depending on how hot your torch is, this may take several minutes. Be extremely careful not to allow the flame from the torch to reach anything else in your work area. Let the plug cool and do not touch it with your fingers. After the plug gets hot enough to burn away the carbon, it will need to cool for a few minutes before you can work with it. Be extremely careful; the spark plug will return to normal colors long before it is cool enough to touch. To be safe, give each plug at least 5 minutes to cool before attempting to reinstall it. Once the spark plug is cool, it will be clean enough to reinstall. Repeat the process for each spark plug. Once the spark plug is cool enough to reinstall, put it back in, reconnect the spark plug wire, and move on to the next spark plug. Continue to repeat these steps for each plug until they are all clean. It is important that you clean each spark plug so that some cylinders don't burn more efficiently than others. Use a gap tool to correct the gap between the plug and the electrode. Check your vehicle's owner or service manual to find the exact gap measurement for your spark plugs in millimeters. Then, insert a gap tool into the space between the spark plug's body and the electrode that sticks out of it. Use the tool to measure the gap, then either pry the electrode further from the body to increase the gap or press it closer to the body to decrease it until the gap matches the vehicle's specifications. You should be able to press the electrode out or squeeze it closer to the body simply by applying pressure on it using the gap tool. You can purchase a spark plug “gapper” or gap tool at any auto parts store. If you are unable to find the gap specifications for your vehicle, try the manufacturer's website. Place the plug in the spark plug socket with the threads facing out. The spark plug socket has a rubber grommet that will hold the plug in place as you lower it down into the engine and make it easier to thread the plug once you have it in there. The threaded portion of the spark plug is the same end as the electrode. That end should be sticking out of the spark plug socket. Insert the spark plug and turn it clockwise to seat it by hand. It's important that you don't cross-thread your spark plugs, which occurs when you forcefully tighten it even though it hasn't seated properly in the engine. To avoid this, tighten the spark plug by hand using an extension connected to the spark plug socket. Keep screwing the spark plug in until it becomes snug. If the spark plug seems to be screwing in on an angle, unscrew it, pull it out, and start again so it seats evenly. Tighten the spark plug using a socket wrench. Once the spark plug is snugly seated in place, connect a ratchet to the extension and finish tightening it. Make sure the spark plug is secure, but you don't have to put too much force on it through the wrench. Over-tightening the spark plug could cause it to break inside the engine, so only apply enough pressure to ensure the spark plug is secure. Reconnect the plug wire to the spark plug. Grip the plug wire by the boot near the end and press it firmly down onto the exposed end of the spark plug sticking out of the engine. You will hear an audible pop when the plug wire is firmly connected. If the wire doesn't seat perfectly at first, twist it to the left and right as you press it down to help it pop into place. If you don't hear it click or pop, the plug wire isn't connected firmly enough yet and could pop off while driving.

Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. Locate the spark plugs. Use a can of compressed air to blow debris away from the spark plugs. Disconnect the spark plug wire on 1 spark plug at a time. Use a spark plug socket to unscrew the spark plug. Use 220-grit sandpaper on the electrode. File down the grime on the electrode if it’s particularly dirty. Scrub the threads with a wire brush. Spray brake cleaner on the plug and wipe it down. Repeat the process for each spark plug. Grip the spark with pliers on the end the wire connects to. Put on gloves and ignite your torch. Hold the end of the spark plug in the flame until it turns red. Let the plug cool and do not touch it with your fingers. Repeat the process for each spark plug. Use a gap tool to correct the gap between the plug and the electrode. Place the plug in the spark plug socket with the threads facing out. Insert the spark plug and turn it clockwise to seat it by hand. Tighten the spark plug using a socket wrench. Reconnect the plug wire to the spark plug.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Burger-Patty

How to Make a Burger Patty

To make a standard beef burger patty, combine the ground beef and spices together and divide the meat into 4 equal balls or portions. Next, line a burger mold or round cookie cutter with plastic wrap and press the balls into the mold one at a time to compact the meat. Then, lay the patties out on a flat surface and cover them with plastic wrap. Press down on the patties until they flatten to your desired thickness and gently press a small indentation into the center of each one.

Combine ground beef and spices. Use your hands to mix about 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) salt and 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) ground black pepper into the ground beef. You can vary the amount of salt and pepper you use according to your own sense of taste. If desired, you could also add other spices and seasonings to change the flavor of the burger completely. For a quick change of pace, use 1 Tbsp (15 ml) of a pre-mixed hamburger spice blend. Divide into serving amounts. For standard, 1/4 lb (115 g) patties, separate the ground beef into four equal balls or portions. The exact amount can depend on the size burger you want. For instance, if you prefer super-thin, diet-friendly patties, you could divide the meat into as many as eight portions, creating 1/8 lb (60 g) patties. On the other hand, if you want giant patties, you could split the full amount into two portions, creating 1/2 lb (225 g) patties. Line a burger mold with plastic wrap. Use an actual burger mold, a round cookie cutter, a plastic lid, or another round container that is the right shape and size. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap over that mold. The plastic wrap will prevent the patty from sticking to the sides of the hamburger press. If using an actual press, choose one that will work for the size burger you chose based on weight. If using another item, like a can lid, instead of an actual press, choose a lid that look just a little bit bigger than the size of the hamburger bun you anticipate using. Press the burger into the mold. Place one separated portion of ground beef into the lined mold and flatten it into the mold using your hands. Carefully remove it from the mold by lifting it out with the plastic wrap. Make sure that the beef is compactly pressed into the mold to help the burger patty hold together more firmly. If necessary, add more meat or remove excess based on how much excess space is left in your mold. If the mold does not work for you at all, you can form each separate portion into a ball and use your hand to flatten it into the shape of a patty. It may not be perfectly round, but this will usually do the trick well enough as long as you aren't trying to impress anyone with perfectly formed patties. Flatten, if desired, for thinner patties. If you want the burger patties to be even flatter, you can press them down using the bottom side of a clean baking sheet. More specifically, lay the burger patties out on a clean counter, cutting board, or inverted baking sheet and cover them with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Press down on the beef patties using the bottom of a second baking sheet until they flatten to your desired thickness. Slightly indent the center. Using your thumb, gently press a small indentation into the center of each patty. The indentation should be no deeper than 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). This small indentation or “well” is important, especially for normal beef patties and thick beef patties, since it can prevent the patties from becoming too plump in their centers during the cooking process. Store the patties until ready to use. Ideally, you should wrap the patties in an airtight plastic bag or in plastic wrap and allow them to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before you cook them. Mix the beef and spices. Use your hands to combine the ground beef with 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) salt and 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) ground pepper until well mixed. You can add more or less salt and pepper according to your own tastes. If you want to try something different, you could also use a pre-mixed spice blend or another set of spices and herbs that suit your liking. Vary the amount based on how strong you want the flavor to be. Form into a rectangle. Place the hamburger meat onto the center of a large sheet of parchment paper. Pat it down, using your hands, into a 6-inch (15.25-cm) by 8-inch (20.3-cm) rectangle. If you want to make the sliders more even in thickness, you could press down on the rectangle gently with the bottom of a baking pan or using a rolling pin. Cover the meat with parchment paper before using either option, however, so that the beef does not stick to the bottom of your utensil. Cut the rectangle into squares. Use a sharp knife with a smooth blade to cut the rectangular portion of beef into 12 squares, each measuring about 2 inches (5 cm) in width and length. As a side note, this technique can also be used of you want to the patties to contain a normal amount of ground beef but want them to have a square shape. Simply make sure that the size rectangle you form can be divided into evenly sized perfect squares. For instance, you could form an 8-in by 8-in (20.3-cm by 20.3-cm) square of meat and cut it evenly into four patties that are 4 inches (10 cm) long on each side. Store the patties until ready to use. Refrigerate these patties for roughly 20 minutes before you plan on cooking them. Keep them covered until you pull them out of the refrigerator. Preferably, you should use an airtight plastic bag or plastic wrap. Mix the beef and spices. Using your hands, thoroughly mix the ground beef with approximately 3/4 tsp (3.75 ml) salt and 1/2 tsp (2.4 ml) ground black pepper. Add more or less salt according to taste. The same goes for the black pepper, as well. If desired, you can use a separate hamburger spice blend or other seasonings that you enjoy tasting in your burgers, like garlic powder or chili powder. Make sure that the seasonings you choose will complement both the beef and the cheese, though. Form four balls. Break the chunk of ground beef into four even, separate pieces. Roll these portions into balls. These “balls” of hamburger need to be pressed together firmly so that the meat is dense and able to adhere to itself. When using this technique, you cannot afford to have crumbly burger meat. Create an indentation. Use your thumb to indent the middle of each ball. The indentation should be deep enough to reach the center of the ball. Alternatively, you could also use the handle end of a wooden or plastic mixing spoon to form the indentation. Pack cheese into the center and close. Fill each indentation with roughly 2 Tbsp (30 ml) shredded cheddar cheese. Use your fingers to smooth the top of the beef over the exposed indentation, hiding the cheese in the center as you do so. Cheddar cheese is recommended by default, but you can get creative by trying other types of cheese, as well. You can even stick small wedges or cubes of cheese in the center of the burger as long as they fit and are roughly equivalent to 2 Tbsp (30 ml) of shredded cheese. Flatten into patties. Use your hands or a burger mold to flatten the filled burger balls into patties. For these burgers, it might be easiest to form the patties using your hands. You could still work with some sort of patty press or mold, though. Line the mold with plastic wrap, press the stuffed patty ball into it, and flatten out the meat until it fills the mold. Store the patties until ready to use. Wrap these patties in plastic wrap or an airtight plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes before taking them out and cooking them. Mix the ingredients together. Use your hands to combine the ground turkey with both the dry and liquid seasonings. Continue mixing until the spices and herbs seem evenly distributed and the entire mass of turkey burger meat seems sticky and compact. Ground turkey tends to be drier than ground beef, but the mayonnaise can add enough tackiness to the mixture to help hold it together better. You can vary the spices as desired. Keep in mind, though, that most turkey burger patties have more spices than most beef patties do. Turkey has a slightly blander, milder taste than beef, so the additional spices help punch up the flavor of your turkey patties. Divide into four balls. For standard size turkey burgers, separate the entire bulk of seasoned meat into four even 1/4 lb (115 g) portions. Note that you could technically form larger or smaller burger patties. Even though it's a less common practice with turkey patties than it is with beef patties, there is no reason why it should not work. Flatten into patties. Use your hands or a burger mold to form the portions of turkey meat into flat burger patties. Since these burger patties tend to be a little stickier to the touch than beef patties are, forming the patties with your hands can be easier than using a burger press. If you are comfortable enough with your patty mold, though, you can still give it a shot and likely have success. Make sure to line the mold with plastic wrap before pressing the turkey patty meat into it. Store the patties until ready to use. You could cook these turkey burger patties immediately, but if you wrap them in plastic wrap or a plastic bag and refrigerate them for 20 minutes or so, you might find that the patties cook more evenly and stick less during the cooking process. Mash the black beans. Place the beans into a medium bowl and use a fork to mash them into a paste-like texture. The texture of the mashed beans should be thick and chunky. You should still see some skins in the mixture. Do not puree the black beans in a blender or food processor at this point, though, since they could become too watery to form patties if you do that. Process the vegetables. Place the green bell pepper, onion, and garlic into a food processor. Run the machine on medium speed until the vegetables are finely chopped into tiny, indistinguishable pieces. Do not allow the mixture to reach a pureed or paste-like consistency, though. Immediately after processing these vegetables, stir them into your mashed black beans until thoroughly combined. Stir together the egg and seasonings. In a separate small bowl, mix together the egg, chili powder, cumin, and chili sauce, beating them gently with a fork or whisk until combined. The yolk and white of the egg should be fairly well combined. The seasonings should also appear evenly spread out within the egg mix. Add the egg mixture and the bean mixture, along with the bread crumbs. Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with the bean mixture. Mix everything together until evenly combined. Add the bread crumbs to the same bowl and mix again, making sure that the crumbs are thoroughly combined, as well. When ready, the entire mixture should be evenly sticky and it should hold together when pressed into portions without any difficulty. Note that the eggs help bind the ingredients together. The bread crumbs add volume to the patties, and they also prevent the mixture from becoming too moist. Divide into four patties. Separate the vegetable mixture into four portions, and flatten each portion into a burger patty using your hands or a burger mold. The veggie burger mix might be easier to form into patties if you use your hands, but if you do decide to use a patty press or mold, line it with plastic wrap before use. Store the patties until ready to use. These veggie burger patties are usually cooked immediately, but if you decide to store them, wrap them in plastic wrap or a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate them until you are ready to cook the burgers. Finished.

Combine ground beef and spices. Divide into serving amounts. Line a burger mold with plastic wrap. Press the burger into the mold. Flatten, if desired, for thinner patties. Slightly indent the center. Store the patties until ready to use. Mix the beef and spices. Form into a rectangle. Cut the rectangle into squares. Store the patties until ready to use. Mix the beef and spices. Form four balls. Create an indentation. Pack cheese into the center and close. Flatten into patties. Store the patties until ready to use. Mix the ingredients together. Divide into four balls. Flatten into patties. Store the patties until ready to use. Mash the black beans. Process the vegetables. Stir together the egg and seasonings. Add the egg mixture and the bean mixture, along with the bread crumbs. Divide into four patties. Store the patties until ready to use. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Your-Image

How to Change Your Image

If you want to change your image to something fresh and more true to yourself, you can start right now. Work on breaking your bad habits and changing things you don't like. For example, if you're not very sociable and you want to be, join some clubs and meet new people, which will help improve your confidence. Try to work on one thing at a time so you don't get overwhelmed. You can also update your wardrobe with clothes that reflect your new image. Act confidently and use open body language, like keeping your arms at your sides and facing people, to make yourself more approachable. Most of all, remember to be who you really want to be, and not who people think you should be.

Think about the way people see you now. Before you can come up with the right new image, put some thought into the image other people have of you now. Reflect on your many interactions and how others often regard you. Identifying your existing image is the first step to making a gradual shift. Ask yourself: What kind of things do people tend to say about you? What are some of your best qualities, according to your friends? See yourself from someone else's eyes. Are you the shy one or the loud joker? This can help you figure out which parts you want to work on. Know that how people see you may not ultimately be your true self—sometimes your parents, your community, and your job can limit you by trying to dictate who you are. Paint a picture in your mind of how you want to be seen. You're on a quest for a new image, but what should it be, exactly? Decide what characteristics you want people to associate you with. Think about what your idols are like and how you can tailor your public appearance to be more like them. For example, you might wish to be admired for your bravery, like your favorite superhero, or give off the class and sophistication of a classic movie star. Start small. Begin with the basic personality traits you wish to have and make room for them in your life, making sure they're still in line with your personal values and beliefs. One fun way to brainstorm who you might want to be is to use a platform like Pinterest to collect images you enjoy looking at. By noticing visual patterns of characteristics/traits that you're naturally drawn to, you can model yourself accordingly. Iron out your less desirable characteristics. Your behavior will affect your image. If you want to change it, you will need to emphasize your good qualities and minimize the negative ones. Think about personality flaws that people have taken issue with in the past, and try to fix them. After a while, people will notice these changes and begin to view you in a new light. For example, if you get defensive and becoming argumentative in disputes, try to keep a level head and acknowledge the opinions of others. Figure out what you've done to earn a tarnished image and try to do the opposite. For example, if you're often seen as insensitive, go out of your way to show more concern for others. Everyone has room for improvement in their interpersonal habits and characteristics, even those commonly perceived as being "nice." Set goals for yourself. Come up with a projection of how you'd like to change the way people view you in a week, a month, a year, etc. Focus on becoming more outgoing, or make a resolution to keep your cool in stressful situations, one day at a time. Keep your goals and progress written down in a notebook to serve as a reminder to exhibit the characteristics you're trying to develop. No matter what your long-term goals are, always think day-to-day. It can be helpful to say “Today, I will be more generous and caring” at the start of each day. Try to exercise your desired trait in different circumstances in your everyday life. Eventually, it will become an ingrained part of your personality. Hang out with different people. The thoughts and actions of the people we spend time with can affect our own. If the company you keep plays a part in others viewing you negatively, it may be time to make new friends. Look for people who have good images themselves, and reflect on what you and other people like about them. You don't have to completely abandon your old friends. Just make room in your life for people with the kinds of qualities you want to have. Meeting new people can also give you a chance to make a good first impression and settle into your new image right off the bat. Friends tend to think of each other in certain ways, and they tend to expect certain types of behavior. This can make changing yourself for the better more difficult. Correct the repercussions of your bad image. Some people might not want to give you a new chance if they think you haven't changed. That's why it's important to change people's minds about you. Rectify as many cases of bad behavior from the past as you can. Offer sincere apologies to people you've offended, resume friendships that were ended over petty disagreements, and erase any gossipy or vindictive posts from social media that might make you look spiteful. Your detractors will be more willing to accept a change in your image if they see that you're making a real effort. Always be the first to apologize, even if you weren't at fault. It shows that you value your relationships more than being right. With a clear conscience, you'll be in a better position to move forward in constructing a new image. Change the way you think about yourself. Before you can overhaul your image with others, you have to accept your own self-image by changing your internal language. Consider the traits you want to have, then start thinking about yourself in those terms. For instance, if you're used to thinking “I can't do this” when faced with obstacles, and you want your new image to be that of a strong, self-assured leader, start telling yourself “I've got this!” Your actions will follow the same course as your thoughts. It can be daunting to make such a big change, but remember that many of your thoughts and characteristics are formed through behavioral patterns and can be relearned with enough conditioning. Be conscious of the way you’re acting. Take account of your actions to make sure that you're being the kind of person you want to be seen as. Remind yourself of the goals you set and the traits you're trying to promote. Modifying your image can be a long, repetitive process of making small corrections to your behavior until they become second nature. You'll find yourself gradually becoming more comfortable with yourself as you evolve. Audit your behavior constantly. Keep in mind the way you want to come across and choose your words and actions accordingly. Try to work on one aspect of yourself at a time. Don't try to do too much at once. If you've always been the shy, quiet type, there's no use in trying to immediately transform yourself into the life of the party. Pick one or two characteristics you want to tweak and give those your attention. Once you've changed your patterns of thought and behavior, you can use this progress to guide yourself toward bigger, more substantive changes. Be patient. It can be disheartening to feel like people aren't seeing you the way you want to be seen, but changing your image just takes time. Reward yourself for small successes. Practice positive thinking by encouraging yourself whenever you break a bad habit, or react to something in a way your old self wouldn't have. Make sure others notice the change. Though changing your image is mostly about altering the way you view and carry yourself, it's other people that witness the image you put forth. Make sure they notice your development. Let your new characteristics be the ones you use to interact with others. With time, they'll come to stop thinking of you the way they always have and get used to the new you. No one can read your thoughts, so be mindful of the way you want to come across when presenting your new image. A change of image means a change in the ways you act towards others. Don't be discouraged if some people don't believe in the new you. Because you're stepping up your game and transforming into somebody better, some people can feel challenged by that. Update your appearance. Like it or not, the way you feel about yourself, and the way others view you, is closely linked to how you look. When searching for a new image, make clothing and style choices that reflect the attitude you're trying to display. For example, wearing dark clothing can help you give off an edgier, more confident image if you're used to wearing brightly colored clothes. Wear clothes that accentuate your new outlook. Take chances. Sometimes, a new wardrobe is all it takes for people to start looking at you differently. Body language is important too. In fact, it speaks more about your inward personality than the way you dress yourself. Project your desired characteristics. Use your new look to advertise your new image. Getting your appearance in order will give you the confidence to implement your new character traits and help you feel more like the person you want others to see. Let your new clothes, style or body language serve as cues to remind you how to carry yourself. Think of it as a kind of uniform that represents your desired image. Take some time to fix your appearance before dealing with people, even if it's just to practice smiling or keeping an inviting stance. This can make you feel more self-assured. Treat others the way you wish to be treated. This could also be written "treat others the way you wish to be seen." The "Golden Rule" is an age-old adage, but it's one that's easy to forget when you're too wrapped up in your own perceptions. If everyone else doesn't seem to be viewing you the way you'd like, it may be a reflection of your actions. Make sure you're living up to the standards you've set for your new image. Remember that people form their impressions of you based on what you show them. Your reputation with others often acts as a kind of mirror for the way you're living. Being more conscientious about how you treat people will not only help you improve your standing but bring you personal satisfaction. Stay true to yourself. Making changes to your image is not the same as acting like someone you're not. Be yourself and listen to your intuition. If something doesn't feel right, don't do it, even if you want it to be part of your new image. Rather than ignoring who you are at heart, your new image should be sincere, refined by the addition of characteristics and values that you admire. It's about becoming a better version of yourself and putting that on display to the world, not fabricating a fake persona. Your new image should be authentic in the sense that you act in a way that is consistent with your true feelings. Acting like somebody you're not can be emotionally exhausting and leave you feeling dissatisfied with yourself and your relationships. Be bold. Change is intimidating, but it can be very empowering. Don't give in to self-consciousness or be afraid of being different. Take pride in being honest and trying something new. Get excited about making positive adjustments to your life. Determination and persistence are necessities for becoming the person you want to be. You have a chance to let people see you in a whole new light—take it! Starting small, being sincere and doing a little at a time is key to gaining confidence in your new image.

Think about the way people see you now. Paint a picture in your mind of how you want to be seen. Iron out your less desirable characteristics. Set goals for yourself. Hang out with different people. Correct the repercussions of your bad image. Change the way you think about yourself. Be conscious of the way you’re acting. Try to work on one aspect of yourself at a time. Make sure others notice the change. Update your appearance. Project your desired characteristics. Treat others the way you wish to be treated. Stay true to yourself. Be bold.

https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Toys-for-Your-Rabbit

How to Choose Toys for Your Rabbit

Rabbits enjoy playing with small animal toys, as well as toys made for birds, dogs, and cats. Give your rabbit toys it can safely chew on to wear down its teeth, such as wooden blocks or willow balls. Additionally, offer your bun toys it can roll around, such as non-toxic plastic balls. Similarly, look for toys your rabbit can shake and toss, like plastic keys or hanging toys made for birds. For an inexpensive option, give your rabbit a cardboard tube or box to shred, which will give your bun loads of joy. You can even put hay or a treat in the homemade toy to encourage lots of play.

Find chew toys. Rabbits need lots of chew toys, so they can wear down their teeth. They chew on just about anything they see but there are some things that are better for them to chew on than others. Some chew toys that are made for rabbits include: Wooden rabbit chew toys Compressed chew cubes Willow balls Buy cat and dog toys that suit your rabbit's nature. There are many items in pet stores that you can get for your rabbit. They don't even have to be advertised as "rabbit toys" as long as they are made out of strong materials and they don't have pieces that can be easily chewed off. Just make sure you check them regularly and throw away any that are chewed up so they don't become a choking hazard. Some rabbits love to play with other pet toys, including: Crinkly dog toys Cat jingle balls Hanging bird bells Squeaky dog toys, depending on how easily scared your rabbit gets. Get baby toys for your rabbit. Rabbits love baby keys, stacking cups, rattles, and colorful linked plastic toys that are made for human infants. Rabbits basically love any toy made for a baby that can fit into their cage or play area. Wooden baby toys are especially good for rabbits. They tend to be made of hard wood and they should be untreated or treated with non-toxic sealants. Give your rabbit toys that roll and move easily. Your rabbit may enjoy toys that it can move around and chase after. This includes balls, such as cat balls with bells in them, and plastic Slinkys, which rabbits can often manipulate. Go to your local pet or toy store and find a ball or toy for your rabbit to play with. Make sure that your rabbit's head will not fit inside the hole of the Slinky. If your rabbit's head gets stuck inside, the animal could panic and injure itself while trying to get out. Because of this, a smaller sized Slinky is often the right choice. Put additions in your rabbit's cage. There are a wide variety of commercial products that are made to make your rabbit's cage more stimulating. You could add tunnels, hiding spots, and anything your rabbit will enjoy chewing on. Gather a variety of items the rabbit can chew on. There are a wide variety of items you can find around your home that are good for rabbits to chew on and won't cost you much money. Items that are not treated with chemicals are key and make sure you are not giving your rabbit something covered in indigestible material, such as rubber or glue. Some great options include: Cotton towels Woven grass mats or baskets Phone books Wicker paper plate holders Cardboard egg cartons Provide small pieces of wood. Rabbits like to chew on wood. It is fun for them but it is also important for the health of their teeth. Cut small pieces of willow, aspen, or apple wood and give them to your rabbit. There are some types of wood that may be toxic to rabbits. Don't give a rabbit wood from an apricot, cherry, plum, or peach tree. Stuff a toilet paper roll with hay. To give your rabbit something fun to chew on, cut the edges of a paper roll and bend them out. Then stuff the tube with the rabbit's hay, which is typically timothy hay. This will be a fun object for the rabbit to chew on. A paper towel roll will be a great substitute for a toy your rabbits can chew on.. Rabbits should eat mostly grass hays, such as timothy or meadow hay. You can give your rabbit a small amount of alfalfa or clover hay but it should only be used sparingly, as too much can cause urinary tract problems in rabbits. Give your rabbit a cardboard box to play in. Cut some holes in a cardboard box so that the rabbit can easily get in and out of it. This box could range from a large cardboard box to a tissue box filled with paper or hay. Whatever type of box it is, your rabbit will likely chew it into pieces. Make sure that all plastic tape or lining is removed from the box before giving it to your rabbit. Hide food in your rabbit's toys to encourage foraging. Rabbits forage for their food in the wild. You can help replicate this behavior by hiding some of their food in their toys, like inside a cardboard roll packed with hay or in a cardboard box. Don't provide toys with loose or small parts. When you give toys to your rabbit, you need to make sure they are safe for it to play with. Avoid buying toys with loose and small parts made of indigestible materials, such as plastic. Your rabbit will chew them off and then ingest them. They can then become stuck in the rabbit's digestive system and endanger its health. Also ensure that homemade toys don't have pieces that could break off and become lodged in your rabbit's digestive system. Avoid buying toys made of toxic materials. When adding items to your rabbits cage, make sure they are made of materials that are not toxic to rabbits. A rabbit will chew on just about anything, so everything you put in its cage should be either really strong or made of chewable materials that can be digested. For example, don't give your rabbit toys that contain toxic tape or glues. Giving the animal only items that are glue or tape free, or are made for pets, can help you avoid this. Make sure wood toys are safe for your rabbit. There are some types of wood that are safe for rabbits and some that can be toxic to rabbits. Safe woods include apple, ash, cottonwood, dogwood, hazelnut, manzanita, pecan, poplar, and willow. Avoid woods made of fruits that contain a single pit. Don't allow your rabbit to chew on toys that are made of: Alder Apricot Balsam Fir Birch Cedar Cherry Fir Maple Oak Peach Pine Plum Redwood Observe your rabbit when new toys are introduced. When you add a new toy to your rabbit's cage, you need to make sure that it will not be a danger to your pet. Watch your rabbit play with the toy and make sure that the animal plays with it safely. Make sure that the toy cannot be destroyed by the rabbit quickly and that no non-digestible pieces don't break off. If your rabbit is tearing apart a plastic toy really quickly, it may not be the right toy for your pet. Your rabbit's toys should be strong enough to withstand their teeth.

Find chew toys. Buy cat and dog toys that suit your rabbit's nature. Get baby toys for your rabbit. Give your rabbit toys that roll and move easily. Put additions in your rabbit's cage. Gather a variety of items the rabbit can chew on. Provide small pieces of wood. Stuff a toilet paper roll with hay. Give your rabbit a cardboard box to play in. Hide food in your rabbit's toys to encourage foraging. Don't provide toys with loose or small parts. Avoid buying toys made of toxic materials. Make sure wood toys are safe for your rabbit. Observe your rabbit when new toys are introduced.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Product-Catalog

How to Make a Product Catalog

Before making a product catalog, gather your content material, such as high-quality images of the products. You'll also want to write short, catchy descriptions that explain the main benefits of the products. Next, organize your content by placing similar products together, using consistent typography, and color-coding the sides of the pages for each section. Once you've laid out your content, create a cover that will grab your customer's attention.

Gather your content. Make sure you have all of the ingredients in place before beginning any design steps. The content you'll need before you make the catalog includes images of the products, a list of products and product features, and a list of other content that needs to be written, such as information about the company, customer testimonials, and any other information that will help your customers make the right decision. Produce visually appealing product images. You may be tempted to take your own images to save money, but unless you yourself are a professional photographer, it's best to hire a professional to take images for you. Your product photographs are one of the most important aspects of the catalog since this is what customers will see first. An appealing image will encourage customers to read the description and, hopefully, make a purchase. If you have photography skills and feel comfortable taking the pictures yourself and own a digital camera, set the camera on the highest resolution and follow product picture protocol: use individual, not group pictures of products on a light background, add a drop shadow to make the products leap off of the page, and upload them at no lower than 300 dpi. Know your product features. Before you write the content about each product, you'll need to know all of the technical specifications of each one. You can also assign item numbers and prices, including original and discount prices. You may also want to jot down any benefits that come to mind while sorting through your products. Though you may want to tell readers every little thing there is to know about each product, you should only give them the information that will help them make a decision. You can direct them to your website if they want even more information about the product. Choose an appropriate size for your catalog. You should pick a convenient size for your catalog to be when it's closed. Depending on where it will be used, whether it's on an airplane or on a desk in a waiting room, you'll need to consider the most convenient size for your product so your customers aren't overwhelmed by an overly-large catalog or aren't frustrated by a catalog that is too small to let them clearly see the images and information about the products they are considering. Choose the right amount of pages. Your catalog needs to be long enough to give your customers all the information they need, but short enough to keep their interest and to not bog them down in extra details. Don't forget about a table of contents, any products that may be featured on an entire page, and additional informational pages, such as the company history. Make sure that your pagination is consistent. You can make it easy for customers to find your website address and number by putting them on each of your two-page spreads. You can list your phone number on the bottom right of each page and your website URL on the bottom left, or do the reverse. You can also place one on the top or one on the bottom. Be sure to keep the page count in 4 page increments since printing companies print 4 pages on an entire sheet of paper (2 on the front and 2 on the back). Write product descriptions. Keep each description short, between 50-150 words. You will want to include the features of each product, but be sure to tie small benefits into each feature. And don't forget about a core benefit. For instance, the grip features of those golfing gloves will provide a more stable hold on the club, but more importantly, customers can golf on a pro-level when wearing these gloves (core benefit). Help customers select the right item as you are writing about the products, describing what they need to know about them, from price to weight or dimensions. If you'd like additional writing help, you may consider hiring a copywriter. Write the additional content. When you're copywriting, you should use short, easy-to-read sentences and paragraphs that avoid overly technical language. Each section of your catalog should have a cover or introductory page that shows a person using one of the products in the section, along with a short article about the benefits of the entire product category. Your content can also include a brief history of the company to make your readers feel more comfortable with your products. You should also create the order form if you will accept faxed or mailed orders. Organize your content. You'll need to plan which content will appear on each page. Be sure to place similar products together. Additionally, you should place products that go together near each other as well. For example, if you're selling upscale men's dress shoes, you may place shoehorns that will keep the shoes intact for a long time on the same page, because customers who consider nice shoes may be looking for this as well. This is also a great way to show customers something that they didn't even know they needed. To organize your content effectively, you'll need to not only have product sections, but an introductory section at the front of the book, an educational section if you want to include articles, as well as a section for return and warranty information. You can intersperse articles throughout the catalog so that buying your products is never far from the customer's mind. Make sure to use consistent typography and designs so your customers aren't distracted. However, you should make it convenient to find a specific section by color-coding the tops, bottoms, or sides of the pages of each section. Use powerful fillers. When you're trying to reach a 4-page increment, you may need to use some filler pages in your catalog. Make these fillers promote the purpose of your catalog -- selling products. Including the history of your company will help customers be more comfortable buying your products. So will customer testimonials and guarantees. Anything that will put a customer's mind at ease and legitimize your company will help you make the most of extra real estate. Create an impressive cover. The cover will be the first thing your potential customers see and it will make or break the success of your catalog. If your cover does not capture attention, the catalog may get thrown in the trash before a customer even opens it. Including feature items, any specials or discounts, and stunning images all encourage a consumer to flip through the pages. If your catalog is seasonal, go with a theme that matches the time of year or an upcoming holiday. Design an order form. Although creating the order form can be a bit tedious, keep in mind that a customer may give up on buying that one-of-a-kind lamp because the form is too confusing. Including a customer service number will give customers a way to contact you if they get stuck. A perforated form that is addressed makes mailing the order much easier for customers as well. Don't forget necessities such as a quantity option and both shipping and billing address options. If your customers can also order the product online, let them know that this is an option. Create a mock-up. It's important to create a mock-up of your product catalog before you order hundreds of catalogs and realize you've made some organizational errors or visual mistakes. This process will keep you from wasting time on redoing page layouts, and it will give you a sense of what your catalog will actually look like. Unless you have a graphic design background, you should hire or meet with a professional to find the best way to lay out the pages in your catalog. You will discuss your budget, the printer you will use, any tear-out order forms, and the images you want to use. Once you or your graphic design expert will have a sense of these components, you can find a way to lay out the information, and a way to place as many products as you can on one page without crowding them. You can use shapes or other placeholders to represent the images you will eventually use. Once you have everything ready, you can even use the real images, proof the catalog, and have potential buyers take a look at it to get some suggestions before you take it to your printer. Print your catalog. If your catalog is only 4 pages, you could try printing it yourself, but a professional will take less time and ensure quality results. Plus, a commercial printing firm will take care of issues such as page implementation (page order) and creep (outer pages coming out shorter than the inner pages when folded together). A printer will also be able use a much more durable binding technique. Some printing companies even provide mailing services for your convenience. Just make sure to find a printer that you can trust for reasonable prices and professional quality.

Gather your content. Produce visually appealing product images. Know your product features. Choose an appropriate size for your catalog. Choose the right amount of pages. Write product descriptions. Write the additional content. Organize your content. Use powerful fillers. Create an impressive cover. Design an order form. Create a mock-up. Print your catalog.

https://www.wikihow.com/Listen-to-Ambient-Sounds-with-Alexa

How to Listen to Ambient Sounds with Alexa

*Say, "Alexa, enable Free Ambient Noise." Enables the Free Ambient Noise skill.

Try the Free Ambient Noise skill. First, you'll need to enable the skill. To do that, simply say, "Alexa, enable Free Ambient Noise." This skill allows you to play many different types of ambient noises. You only need to enable any skill once, unless you disable it later. Start the Free Ambient Noise skill. Anytime you want to start the skill, simply say, "Alexa, open Free Ambient Noise." The skill will prompt you to choose a type of ambient noise. Just say the type of noise you want, like "Thunderstorm." The noise will play until you say, "Alexa, stop." Some of the choices you can pick are: Rain sounds such as: Thunderstorm Sounds, Distant Thunderstorm, Heavy Rain, Rain Sounds, Rain on a Tent, or Rain on a Tin Roof. Water sounds: Ocean Sounds, Babbling Brook, Fountain Sounds, Dripping Water, Shower Sounds or Waterfall Sounds. Nature sounds: Forest Night, Wind Sounds, Windy Trees, Windy Meadow, Windy Leaves or Rainforest Sounds. Animal sounds: Bird Sounds, Forest Bird Sounds, Cat Sounds, Frog Sounds, Cricket Sounds, or Whale Sounds. Household sounds: Fan Sounds, Oscillating Fan, Vacuum Sounds, Washing Machine, Clothes Dryer, Dishwasher Sounds, Clock Sounds or Hair Dryer. Tones such as; White Noise, Brown Noise, or Pink Noise—which are soothing noises that are pitched differently. Background noises: Fireplace Sounds, City Sounds, Airplane Sounds, Train Sounds, Wind Chimes, or even Space Deck—which sounds a bit like the hum of the Star Trek bridge. Set a sleep timer. Say, "Alexa, stop in 30 minutes," to set a time for the sounds to play for and then turn off. You can choose any amount of time you wish. This way the ambient sounds can help you fall asleep but won't keep playing all night. Look for specific ambient sound skills. If you like one type of sound you can enable a standalone skill for that sound. Each ambient sound option also has its own standalone skill. For instance, "Alexa, enable Ambient Sounds: Space Deck." Enabling this skill will allow you to play it with just one command, like, "Alexa, play Ambient Sounds: Space Deck." {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Listen-to-Ambient-Sounds-with-Alexa-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Listen-to-Ambient-Sounds-with-Alexa-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Listen-to-Ambient-Sounds-with-Alexa-Step-4.jpg\/aid9694525-v4-728px-Listen-to-Ambient-Sounds-with-Alexa-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":334,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"529","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Try the Free Ambient Noise skill. Start the Free Ambient Noise skill. Set a sleep timer. Look for specific ambient sound skills.

https://www.wikihow.com/Push-Back-Your-Cuticles

How to Push Back Your Cuticles

To push back your cuticles, start by soaking your nails in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes, which will make your cuticles softer so they're easier to work with. Then, dry your nails off and apply some moisturizer around the outside of your nails. Once your cuticles are ready, use an orange stick to gently push them back toward the base of your nails. Don't push too hard or scrape your nails, or you could tear your cuticles and get an infection.

Remove any existing nail polish with a non-acetone polish remover. Apply a small amount of acetone-free nail polish remover to a cotton ball and gently smooth it over your nail until all traces of your old nail polish are gone. It's best to do this first, because after you push back your cuticles they may be a little tender, and nail polish remover might sting. In addition, if you leave old polish on your nails, small chips could get pushed into your nail beds as you're working on your cuticles, potentially leading to an infection. Unless you have acrylic nails or a particular manicure that requires it, you should avoid using nail polish remover with acetone, which can dry out your nails and cuticles. Soak your nails in warm water for 5-10 minutes. The warm water will soften your cuticles, so you'll be able to push them back easily and with less discomfort. If you like, you can heat up jojoba or coconut oil and add it to the water for even more moisturized cuticles. A long shower might also soften your cuticles enough to push them back. Alternatively, you can put avocado oil or cuticle oil from a beauty supply store on your cuticles and leave for 2-3 minutes. Be sure to rub on in a circular motion and then soak your hands in a nail dish with warm soapy water. Make sure the cream or oil is still on your cuticles and continue to soak for 5-10 minutes. Dry off your hands with a clean towel. After you've finished soaking your nails, shake off any excess water, then use a clean, soft towel to pat your hands dry. This will ensure the moisturizer will be able to bond to your nails. Using a clean towel will help prevent the spread of bacteria to your hands, which could leave you more susceptible to infection once you have pushed back your cuticles. Apply a small amount of oil to your cuticles let it soak in for 3-5 minutes. Your cuticles will already be softened from soaking them, but you can add extra moisture by applying lotion, oil, or cuticle remover to your nails and letting it soak in. If you're using oil, like coconut oil or a special cuticle oil, you can leave it on for as long as you like. If you decide to use chemical cuticle remover, be sure to read the packaging so you know exactly how long you should leave it on. Otherwise, you risk damaging the nail beneath the cuticle. You can purchase cuticle oil or remover at any beauty supply store. Choose a cuticle pusher made of wood to avoid damaging your cuticles. Orange sticks (also called orangewood sticks) are small round pieces of wood with a round, slanted edge at both ends, and they're a great option for gently pushing back the delicate skin around your nails. You can find orange sticks at any drug store or beauty supply store. If you have especially sensitive skin, wrap the tip of the orange stick in cotton before you use it. You can pull apart a cotton ball or use cotton gauze if you have some on hand. You can also push back your cuticles with a soft cloth, a cotton swab, or even just your fingers, but you'll get a cleaner look by using the orange stick. Rest your hand on a flat sturdy surface to steady yourself. If you're trying to push back your cuticles while your hands are in the air, it will be harder to control the pressure you're applying with the orange stick. By resting your hand on a sturdy table or countertop, you'll be less likely to scrape or tear your cuticle. Use the stick to gently push back the skin along the bottom of your nail. Holding the stick at an angle, carefully push the cuticle all the way into the corner, and gently work your way up the sides of your nail. This will help loosen any dirt and prevent ingrown nails. It may help you have more control over the stick if you use circular motions as you move across the nail. Don't push too hard or scrape your nails with the orange stick. Rub your cuticles gently with a warm, damp washcloth. You may notice small pieces of excess skin at the base of your nail where you pushed back your cuticles. Do not cut or tear these, as it's easy to cut too deep and leave your nail bed exposed to the danger of infection. Instead, gently exfoliate the area with a clean washcloth dipped in warm water. When you're finished, your cuticles should make a smooth, thin line at the base of your nail. If you have more stubborn hangnails or pieces of skin, use a cuticle nipper to remove any final pieces. These tools are specifically designed to minimize cuticle damage. Be careful to only trim the translucent, dead skin, though. Don't cut the skin along the bottom of your nail. Use a pair of nippers to trim any hangnails you might have. Nippers are often used to trim cuticles, but their long pointed blades are perfect for trimming hangnails as well. Angle the trimmers to get as close as possible to the base of the torn skin, then snip the hangnail away in one smooth cut. Hangnails are pieces of skin or cuticle which have torn or split, and they are often found in the crease beside your nail or below the cuticle. If you don't trim your hangnails, they can tear more, leading to more pain and an increased risk of infection. Wash your hands in warm soapy water when you're finished. You may have residue from the cuticle oil left on your hands, or there may be small pieces of skin left from the exfoliation process. However, these should come off easily when you wash your hands. Before you paint your nails, dry them thoroughly and make sure all traces of oil are gone. It may be helpful to wipe each nail with a cotton ball dipped in a non-acetone polish remover to help dry them out. Moisturize your cuticles daily. To keep your cuticles healthy, you should moisturize them every day. You can use moisturizing lotion, petroleum jelly, or your favorite oil, depending on what you prefer. Apply the moisturizer, then rub it so that your cuticles can absorb the moisture. Dry cuticles are more susceptible to peeling or splitting. If this happens, it can be very painful and can lead to infection, and it can also cause your cuticles to grow back thicker than before. Push your cuticles back once a week. Over time, your cuticles won't need to be pushed back as much, but it's still a good idea to keep them touched up. Keep an orange stick near your hand cream and take a few minutes to moisturize and push back your cuticles about once a week after you take a shower. Don't bite your nails or the skin around your nails. Biting your nails can irreparably damage your nail bed, and chewing on your cuticles, hangnails, or the skin around your nails can lead to dangerous infection. In addition, damaging your cuticles can cause them to grow back thicker, making them harder to push back. Instead of biting your nails, use a nail file to smooth them out if they chip or split. Use a new orange stick each time you push back your cuticles. Wooden orange sticks are porous, meaning it's difficult to completely sanitize them. It's best to just toss out the stick after you're finished using it so you don't have to worry about spreading bacteria the next time you give yourself a manicure. Wooden orange sticks are meant to be disposable, which is why they're inexpensive and often come in packs of 10 or more.

Remove any existing nail polish with a non-acetone polish remover. Soak your nails in warm water for 5-10 minutes. Dry off your hands with a clean towel. Apply a small amount of oil to your cuticles let it soak in for 3-5 minutes. Choose a cuticle pusher made of wood to avoid damaging your cuticles. Rest your hand on a flat sturdy surface to steady yourself. Use the stick to gently push back the skin along the bottom of your nail. Rub your cuticles gently with a warm, damp washcloth. Use a pair of nippers to trim any hangnails you might have. Wash your hands in warm soapy water when you're finished. Moisturize your cuticles daily. Push your cuticles back once a week. Don't bite your nails or the skin around your nails. Use a new orange stick each time you push back your cuticles.

https://www.wikihow.com/Frame-a-Picture

How to Frame a Picture

To frame a picture, go with a frame that matches the type of picture you're framing. For example, you might opt for a black frame to complement a black-and-white picture, or a wooden frame for a colored photo. Also, choose a large frame if you want the photo to stand out, or a smaller frame if you want the picture to be more subtle. If you want there to be a space between the frame and the picture itself, mount the picture on a mat made of paper or cardstock.

Consider the design of your room. If the room looks modern, you'll want to avoid ornate, wooden frames. If the room is classic, you'll want to avoid sleek or brushed metal, modern-looking frames. Of course, this rule can be broken in order to make a design statement. Consider the style of the picture. Older style pictures will generally look more at home in older styled frames. You will also want to consider the color of your picture. If black and white, it will look better with a colored or black/white frame. If the picture has color, it can look better with either color frames or wooden frames. Choose the frame style. You'll have to decide if you want a thin frame, thick frame, shadow box frame, or other styled frame. Some pictures, such as printed canvases, might look better with no frame at all! Choose the size relative to the room. Do you want the picture to feature prominently in the room and take up a large amount of space or do you want to have it be smaller and simply be a beautiful detail to the room? You'll have to decide what works better for your design. Choose the size relative to the picture. Think about how big the picture is going to be. Now, do you want there to be a lot of space between the picture itself and the frame? Or do you want there to be no space at all? 1-2" of mat (or space between the frame an picture) is normal, as is no mat whatsoever. However, you can make a dramatic statement by having a larger gap (4-6" or more). Of course, this is relative to the size of the picture. If the picture is enormous, a 4" mat might be very reasonable. Using an acid-free mat board is recommended. Choose your color. Generally, black, white, and brown are considered good neutral colors that will generally match with most pictures. You can also go with colors, however. This is an especially good idea if you really want to make a picture pop, and draw attention to it in the room. Generally, you would choose a color by finding a highlight or significant color in the picture and then making the frame that color. For example, if your degree has a red seal, you might make that pop by having it framed in a matching red as well. Consider using a mat. If you decide to have a gap between the frame and the picture, you'll need a mat. This is a piece of paper, cardboard, or cardstock which creates a secondary "frame" for the picture. You'll need to decide what color you want your mat to be. Usually, a white or cream color is used, but you can also use more brightly colored mats which compliment your picture. Measure your mat. Take the measurement of your picture and add the width you want for your mat to get the mat size. Let's frame an imaginary 8x10 photo. For this photo, we want a mat with a 1.5" width. So the measurements for the mat become 11x13" (since the width needs to be added to each side). Cut the outside edge. Measure a square corner, using a tool if you have one, and then cut the mat to the desired measurement. Use a box cutter or other extremely sharp tool in order to get a clean line. Our mat will be 11x13" around the outside. Cut the inside edge. Cut the inside edge where you want the picture to go. The usual advice is to have the gap on the bottom marginally larger than the one on top (this should be almost imperceptible). Dry fit it to figure out where you want it and then measure and cut a hole in the center of the mat that fits the measurement of your image. A good tip is to measure the exact shape, in this case the 8x10 rectangle, and then make the actual cuts just inside of the line you drew. This way you won't accidentally end up with gaps where you made the hole too big. Attach the picture. Fit the picture into the hole for the mat. Take two pieces of tape and use them to bridge the gap along the top line. These should be evenly spaced, towards the center. Next, take two more pieces of tape and place these over the top, mat-side of the first tape pieces. The long edge of these pieces should follow the line of where the picture and mat meet. This is a safe way to tape photos to mats, since the tap can simply be cut where the picture and mat meet, leaving only minimal tape on the picture itself. Gather your materials. We're going to make a frame for our theoretical 8x10 photo with our 1.5" width mat. You'll need: 1x2 lumber in a wood type of your choice 1/4" square dowels in a matching or pleasantly contrasting wood of your choice 5 mm diameter dowel rods A miter box, saw, square measure, and measuring tape Glue and rubber bands Materials to make a basic jig, such as plywood. Optional materials like paint or stain Cut the pieces to the desired lengths. For now just think about the 1x2s. The inside measurement of that portion of the frame will be the same size as your mat, with the outside measurement adding the additional length for the miter. Cut the 1x2s to the size you'll need for the outside measurement of the frame. Once you have your 1x2s cut, cut your square dowels to the same measurement. In our example, since the 1x2s are actually 1.5" x.75", we need to add 1.5" to each end to get the outer edge measurement. So the short side pieces will then be 14" and the long side pieces will be 16". Glue the two sections together. Glue the square dowel to the 1x2, so that the faces are flush. Miter the ends. Using a box miter (or miter saw, if you have one), cut the ends of the four pieces so that they are at a 45 degree angle. The short end of each miter should be on the side with the square dowel. Sand any rough edges. The measurement on one side of the short pieces should now be 14", with the other at 11". The measurement on one side of the long pieces should now be 16", with the other side at 13". Make a simple jig. Set out a plywood sheet. Measure out the outline of the 14x16" frame, as well as the inside 11x13" shape. Nail small pieces of scrap wood at the center on both the inside and outside lines, so that the pieces of the frame can sit snugly between them with the mitered corners still accessible. Glue the mitered edges and then insert the pieces into the jig (careful not to glue them to the surface). Drill and insert dowels. Using a drill, make pilot holes and then drill a 5 mm hole for your dowels at each of the four corners. This should pass diagonally through the corner, passing at the halfway point along the mitered edge. Then, cover your dowel in glue and fit it through the hole. There should be some extra sticking out on either side. Stretch rubber band around the dowel ends on opposite sides of the frame to hold it together and then remove it from the jig. Allow the glue to dry. Sand and add finishing touches. Score and snap off the extra dowel ends and then sand it down until it's smooth. You can now paint or stain your picture frame. Cut glass or plastic. You can get glass custom cut to the measurement of the larger square (so that it nestles in the recess created by the square dowels). You can also buy clear acrylic and cut it to size (score on one side and then snap). Place the plastic into the recess, followed by your mat and picture. A backing can be added or you can use nails or clips to hold the picture and glass in place.

Consider the design of your room. Consider the style of the picture. Choose the frame style. Choose the size relative to the room. Choose the size relative to the picture. Choose your color. Consider using a mat. Measure your mat. Cut the outside edge. Cut the inside edge. Attach the picture. Gather your materials. Cut the pieces to the desired lengths. Glue the two sections together. Miter the ends. Make a simple jig. Drill and insert dowels. Sand and add finishing touches. Cut glass or plastic.

https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-Your-Friend-Likes-You

How to Tell if Your Friend Likes You

If you think your friend might like you romantically, think about how often you talk to each other, whether it's face to face or just by text. If they talk to you every day, there's a good chance they might want more than a regular friendship. Consider if they often want to hang out with you alone instead of with other friends, which is a big sign they're into you. When you hang out, think about how much physical contact they give you, as hugging a lot, tickling, and brushing against you are nearly always signs of romantic interest. If they are getting flirtier with you and compliment you more than they used to, this is also a big sign that they might bet interested in you.

Think about how you spend time. If when you hang out most often, it's just the two of you, could be your friend sees you as potentially more than a friend. Almost all friends hang out, and often it'll just be one-on-one. If your friend has been suggesting lots of one-on-one hangouts, that's extremely common for both close friends and for flirty romances, and not necessarily a sign of a romance. But, if you've noticed that it's happening a lot lately, or more than usual, it might be a sign your friend likes you. If your friend doesn't want to hang out with other people when you're hanging out together, that could definitely be a sign. Ask yourself if you spend time together every day. You might see your friends often, but if you feel the need to check in with this person all the time, every single day, there might be a lot more there than a regular old friendship. Does your day feel incomplete if you don't talk to your friend? Do you miss your friend, even if you're just apart for the after-school period of the day? Keep in mind texting as well. If you're regularly having never-ending text conversations, we're talking hundreds of messages a day, then you might like each other. Think about where you hang out. Are your hangouts are getting more intimate? Going for coffee, just the two of you? Going to dinner, or for long walks in the evenings? Are they going out of their way to invite you to something you love, but they don't care much about? That's a sure sign that your friend is showing you that you matter to them, a lot. Maybe they like you more than a friend. Analyse how physical things are getting. Do you have lots of physical contact? If your friend likes you, they may start touching you more. While some people are naturally "hands-on," an increase in physical contact is almost always a sign of romantic interest. You may find that they're doing it to test your boundaries, like dipping your toe in the water to find out how cold it is. If you notice that it's happening quite frequently, it's a big sign. If the contact makes you uncomfortable, then say something about it. It's never ok to touch someone inappropriately and out of the blue if you're not interested. Think about the things they given you. If you're receiving gifts, consider if they are very personal gifts, such as poems, songs, or things that you specifically like, your friend may be trying to get a message across in big bold letters: I Like You. Personal gifts and hand-made items are usually signs of romantic interest. Mix CDs? Huge sign of a crush. Ask yourself about the flirting that goes on. Some people are just naturally flirty. The barista, the server, the bus driver might all be flirted with in the course of a day for the naturally flirtatious. Of course, you may find that your platonic relationship has suddenly turned flirty on a regular basis, where it wasn't before. They may not be so subtle or shy about their crush on you. If your friend is paying you a lot of compliments, or making cheeky little flirty comments, it's a safe bet that they like you and are interested. Consider any conversational limits the two of you have. If your friend tells you everything–like, everything–then it's a pretty good sign that you've got a more-than-friends relationship. You might talk to friends about school, and your sports team, and other normal stuff. But if you're regularly talking to someone about your dreams, your hopes, your fears, and your deepest kind of stuff? That might be a sign that there's more going on there. Having deep conversations is also something that happens between very close friends. If you're just having good conversations but don't notice any other signs, it's not necessarily a sign of anything more. Decide if your friend acts nervous around you. If you're just friends with someone, there's not usually any reason to feel nervous about anything. If your friend seems to be suddenly tense or anxious around you, that could be a sign that you're becoming more than a friend to them. Try to pay attention to their body language and their level of nervousness. Look at their look. Is your friend seeming to dress up around you? Does your friend seem to be making an extra effort to look good in your presence? If you made plans to walk around the mall, but your friend looks like they're done up for a date, it might be because they think they're going on one. Pay especially close attention to things like hair products, make-up, and fancy clothes. If your friend is putting in the extra effort, you'll notice. Look for signs your friend gets jealous. Try bringing up a current crush that you've got. Even if you have to make it up, bring up the concept of dating someone else and see how your friend reacts. If they like you, they may get jealous, or become kind of down. They may make fun of the person you say you've got a crush on. This is all a sign that they're interested. Ask your friend about their current crushes. If they get embarrassed or don't want to talk about it, it might be because their crush is sitting in your chair. Ask yourself if you like your friend. If you're wondering whether or not your friend likes you more than a friend, it might be because you're feeling those feelings yourself. But it can be hard to tell the difference sometimes. What's the difference between wanting to hang out with someone a lot and wanting to be "more"? Maybe nothing! All relationships move at different paces, and it can be hard to tell. Do you think about your friend more your other crushes or love interests? If so, you might be having deeper feedings. Are you attracted to your friend physically? If so, you might like them, but you also might like them even if you never really noticed them before. You might like what you've gotten to know on the inside. Decide how you feel. If you've noticed some signs that your friend might have a crush on you, it's important to give some thought to the way that you feel before you do anything about it. Decide what you'll do for either outcome, before you actually do anything. Assume the answer is "yes," and that your friend likes you. Do you feel the same way? Would you like your friendship to be more than just a friendship? Assume the answer is "no," and that your friend doesn't like you. Might bringing it up make your friend uncomfortable? If you do like your friend and would like to be more, do you think talking about it might harm the friendship you do have. Ask! Just ask your friend. The best and fastest way to find out if your friend likes you is to just ask. If you've noticed more than a couple of the signs listed in the previous section, there's a good chance that your friend might like you. Sit them down, say, "We've been spending a lot of time together. I just noticed and I started wondering – Do you like me? Do you want to be more than friends?" Even if they don't like you, if your friend is a true and caring friend, they won't be offended if you ask, or if you talk about whether or not you want to be more than "just" friends. If you think your friendship might suffer, and you're not interested in being a couple, then you might consider not asking. Don't worry about whether or not they like you and just continue being friends. Ask your mutual friends for advice. If you've noticed some signs of attraction, but you're just not sure, then ask around. Talk to a trusted mutual friend who knows both of you equally. Say something gentle and kind, like, "I've noticed that ___ seems to be paying a lot of attention to me lately. Do you think there's something there?" Asking around doesn't mean "spreading rumors." Don't tell people that your friend likes you if you haven't talked to them first. Tell them how you feel. If you suspect they do like you, and you like them back, then tell them. Take a chance! You never know where it could take you. And if you don't like them, and they are making you uncomfortable, it's also important to tell them. You don't deserve to feel uncomfortable, and your friend probably doesn't want you to feel uncomfortable either. Even if you don't like them back, it can be good to clear the air and be honest with one another. If you're made uncomfortable by your friend's advances, it might be important to spend some time apart for a while. Spend some time apart, if you're uncomfortable. If your friend does like you and you don't, or vice versa, it might make it hard to keep hanging out like you have been. It's sad to think that your friendship might suffer, but in some cases, it's important to spend a little time apart so you can stay friends in the long-term. In some cases, if your feelings are strong enough, it might be hard to stay friends like you used to be, if you feel differently about each other. You may find yourselves naturally moving apart from each other. That's ok. It's a big part of growing up.

Think about how you spend time. Ask yourself if you spend time together every day. Think about where you hang out. Analyse how physical things are getting. Think about the things they given you. Ask yourself about the flirting that goes on. Consider any conversational limits the two of you have. Decide if your friend acts nervous around you. Look at their look. Look for signs your friend gets jealous. Ask yourself if you like your friend. Decide how you feel. Ask! Ask your mutual friends for advice. Tell them how you feel. Spend some time apart, if you're uncomfortable.

https://www.wikihow.com/Build-Muscle-Endurance

How to Build Muscle Endurance

Building up your muscle endurance will help you work out for longer without getting as tired. To start building your endurance, focus on doing more reps and using lighter weights when you work out. You should also take fewer and shorter breaks. It might be hard, but working yourself to your limit and not giving your muscles a chance to recover is what will really help you develop more muscle endurance. When it comes to choosing the best exercises for building your muscle endurance, go with compound exercises, which are exercises that work out multiple muscle groups at once. Squats, push-ups, and pull-ups are all compound exercises. Combine strength training and cardio exercises during each workout too. Engaging all of your systems within the same workout will help you build more muscle endurance.

Build strength and endurance together. Typically, at the gym you would do fewer repetitions with heavy weights to build strength, and more repetitions with light weights to build endurance. Doing both together in one routine allows you to build muscle strength, size, and endurance all at the same time. Design a routine that involves four exercises for each muscle group. Each exercise should target that muscle group in a different way, requiring movement from a different angle, or with different grip positions. You can use dumbbells, plate loaded bars, and machines or body weight to do strength training exercises. For the first exercise, you'll do four repetitions per set with the heaviest weight you can handle. Do three sets with a brief rest of a minute or two in between. Your second exercise uses lighter weights, with eight repetitions per set for three sets. For your third exercise, choose even lighter weights and do three sets of 12 repetitions each. In your fourth and final exercise for that muscle group, do three sets of 16 repetitions with the lightest weight. For example, to build the strength and endurance of the muscles in your back, you might start with T-bar rows for your first, then do wide-grip lat pull-downs, move to one-arm dumbbell rows, and finish off with straight-arm pull-downs. Correct muscle imbalances. In your strength training, you may focus on one muscle group more than another. If parts of your body are stronger than others, this imbalance causes your body to work inefficiently. That inefficiency not only decreases your muscle endurance, but also makes you more at risk for injury. You might recognize significant muscle imbalances from viral images you've seen on the internet that show bodybuilders with skinny, underdeveloped legs and a massive upper body. These images typically are captioned with a caution not to "skip leg day." While your imbalance may not be that significant, you probably have a general idea of which muscle groups need more work – typically, the ones you don't enjoy, or even dread, working on. You can find more specific muscle imbalances by looking to common muscle group pairs. If a particular muscle is consistently tight, or always sore after a workout, it may be that its opposing muscle needs to be strengthened. For example, if your triceps are tight and sore, strengthening your biceps can improve this (and vice versa). If you have tight hamstrings, work on your quadriceps, abs, and hip flexors. Bringing the weaker muscle groups into balance with the others can go a long way towards building muscle endurance. Keep in mind that all of your muscles ultimately work together, even if certain exercises work particular parts of your body more than others. If one group has to pick up the slack for the others, efficiency suffers. Concentrate on full-range-of-motion exercises. Exercises that employ your full range of motion enable you to work the entire muscle, as well as improving your flexibility. Flexibility is not only essential to helping prevent injury, but can help you build muscle endurance by encouraging your muscles to work more efficiently. With increased flexibility, you'll be able to move more deeply into exercises which require a full range of motion, such as squats. This enables you to work your muscles more effectively. Greater range of motion accesses greater length of the muscle and hence more muscle fibers. Perhaps more importantly, increased flexibility enables you to consistently perform exercises with correct form, which can help prevent strains and injuries. Full-range-of-motion exercises improve the function in your joints and reduce stress on your tendons. They also will keep the muscle groups surrounding those joints from being overworked. Using your full range of motion, over time, will increase your muscle strength as well as your muscle endurance. You can use your full range of motion on nearly any exercise. For example, if you're doing squats, make sure every repetition is a full squat, rather than the shorter "pulse squats" that only employ about a quarter of your full range of motion. Increase sets and repetitions gradually. If you continue to do the same exercises with the same level of resistance for an extended period of time, eventually you'll get no benefit from the exercises. Progressive overload is the key to continually building muscle endurance. It only takes your body a couple of weeks to adjust to resistance, so you should be increasing the amount of weight you use at least that often. Along with increasing resistance, you also should increase the number of repetitions you do. This doesn't just apply to weight lifting. If you're running, for example, you should increase the distance you run every couple of weeks to increase your cardiovascular and muscular endurance. Warm up before stretching. Before doing any kind of stretching exercises, increasing your body temperature by one or two degrees is essential to get blood flowing to the muscles you intend to stretch. Otherwise, you could end up injuring yourself. Your warm-up doesn't have to be complex. A simple 10-minute walk or jog typically will do the trick. You may also want to incorporate lunges or squats, particularly if your stretching or strength-training exercises for the session are going to be focused on your lower body. If you're doing a whole-body workout, you might try a five-minute walk or jog followed by five minutes of jumping rope or jumping jacks to get the blood moving to your arms and shoulders. Stretch both sides of your body. Just as the strength of your muscle groups should be balanced, so should your flexibility. The dominant side of your body may naturally be more flexible than the other, which means you have a deficit to make up. To increase your flexibility for the purposes of building muscle endurance, you should stretch each muscle group every time your exercise. If your non-dominant side is weaker or less flexible, start there and then work on your dominant side. With all stretching, go as deeply as you can without feeling any pain. Stop when you can feel tension, but before the stretch hurts. You should only feel a pull, not intense burning. If you've not done a lot of stretching or are particularly stiff, you may want to work with a certified personal trainer in the beginning. They can ensure that you're using correct form and aren't going too far or putting too much stress on your joints. Use dynamic stretching before your workout and do static stretching after your workout. Slow, controlled movements that work through your entire range of motion are helpful for increasing flexibility. These stretches also mimic many of the motions you'll use in your full routine, which can enhance your performance. You may be accustomed to static stretches, in which you move into a position to stretch a particular muscle group, hold the stretch for several seconds, and then release. With dynamic stretches, your body is continually moving. This makes them ideal for a continued warm-up at the beginning of your workout. Start with basic movements, such as neck rotations, shoulder circles, and arm swings. Keep your movements slow and controlled. Breathe deeply and make every movement with intention and focus. Your movements should be smooth and continuous. Go as far as you can, moving through your full range of motion. If particular muscles are tight, push them as far as you can without pain. Use weights to increase certain stretches. Using weight with static stretches may help to lengthen your muscles. However, keep in mind that this type of stretching may be too extreme for some people and it can lead to pulling a muscle. Start with unweight stretches and only move up to this form of stretching if regular static stretching becomes too easy for you. For example, you can do a chest stretch using lightweight dumbbells. Lie on your back on a weight bench with your legs hanging off the end or flat on the floor. Lift the dumbbells to a contracted position over your chest, then slowly lower them so your arms are at your sides. Lower as far as you can without pain, feeling the stretch in your pectoral muscles. Hold the position for about 10 seconds, then slowly raise them back to the contracted position above your chest. You can also stretch your biceps and triceps using dumbbells and a weight bench at a 60-degree incline (or lying completely flat for a deeper stretch). Lean back on the bench and curl the dumbbells, then lower them slowly into a maximum stretch for your biceps. Extend your arms straight up and then lower the dumbbells to either side of your head for a triceps stretch. It's possible to add resistance to almost any static stretch, using dumbbells, wrist and ankle weights, or resistance bands. Incorporate stretching before and after your workout. Stretching encourages the growth of fascia, the connective tissue that holds your muscles in place. Not growing this connective tissue as you are building muscles can inhibit your ability to build both strength and endurance over time. Dynamic stretching may be better to do at the beginning of your routine, while static stretching works better as you're entering your cool-down phase. You don't have to limit your stretching to a dedicated "workout time," however. There are plenty of basic stretches that you can do throughout the day, such as when you are sitting at your desk at work. These stretches not only keep your muscles active, but encourage the continued growth of fascia. For example, you can do neck rotations after working on the computer for an hour, or stand and do shoulder circles or arm swings. Limit your recovery time between sets. If you're trying to build muscle endurance, you don't want your muscles to recover – you want them to continue to work for longer. When you exercise, particularly during strength-training exercises, shorten your rest breaks and take fewer of them. To really build muscle endurance, you should be working yourself to your limit at every session. Try not to stop until you feel as though you absolutely must, or you can no longer complete the repetitions or movements with good form. You can push yourself this way and build muscle endurance without fancy equipment or a gym membership. For example, you can do 10 pull-ups, 10 squats, 10 push-ups, and then 10 sit-ups. Do each exercise back-to-back with no rest. At the end of that set, if you can no longer continue, take a brief rest, then go through the circuit twice more. Keep in mind that this builds cardio endurance, but not skeletal muscle endurance unless the exercises are repeated to failure. You also might replace the traditional rest time with a cardio interval. For example, do a set of strength-training exercises, then jump rope or jog in place for 30 seconds, then return to another strength-training exercise. An added benefit of decreasing your recovery time between sets is that you may find your exercise sessions don't take as much time out of your day. Combine strength training with cardio. When you divide your training regimen into "strength days" and "cardio days," you'll have a difficult time building muscle endurance. To successfully build endurance, you need to engage all of your energy systems at once. Working out in intervals is a good way to do this. For example, you might use a bench press, then jump rope for a minute, then do squats, then do overhead presses, then do crunches. Set your intervals so that upper-body movements are followed by lower-body movements. This gives your muscles a little more recovery time even though your body is constantly moving. When you're doing strength-training exercises, try to do your repetitions as quickly as you can while still maintaining good form. Choose compound and hybrid exercises. Compound exercises require using more than one joint, while hybrid exercises combine two distinct types of movement into one exercise. Doing both of these together increases the whole-body component of your routine, which will help you build muscle endurance. Squats, push-ups, and pull-ups are examples of compound exercises. Bicep curls, on the other hand, are an example of an isolated exercise – they only focus on your biceps, with some work being done by your other arm muscles, but nothing in your lower body. Combining two compound exercises, or one compound exercise with an isolated exercise, produces a hybrid exercise. For example, you might do a squat with an overhead press. The more muscles you involve in each exercise, the more your heart is stimulated. This increases both your muscle and cardiovascular endurance. Adding an isolated exercise to a compound exercise, such as doing lunges with bicep curls, is a good way to build muscle endurance while also targeting a particular muscle group for more intense exercise. This can be especially helpful if you are trying to correct a muscle imbalance. Add plyometrics. Plyometrics involves explosive movements that stimulate the development of fast-twitch muscle fibers to increase your speed and power. While this might not sound so much like endurance, these movements require a lot of energy and will present a significant challenge to your muscles. Full plyometrics routines are designed primarily for professional athletes, and can take quite a toll on the body of beginners or amateur workout enthusiasts. However, you can borrow some of the more basic, lower-impact plyometrics movements and incorporate them into your regular workout regimen. For example, you might include a set of burpees or jumping knee tucks between regular strength-training exercises. Keep in mind that even activities such as jumping rope are technically plyometrics exercises. Try a variety of activities. In as little as a couple of weeks, your muscles are going to get used to doing even the most well-crafted exercise routine. Switching up activities keeps your muscles from being overused because you're asking them to move in different ways. If you want to build stamina and endurance, it's important to be agile and able to adapt to different movements. One way to ensure you have constant access to a variety of different fitness activities is to join your local gym or fitness center. Most offer many different classes that you can jump into periodically to challenge your muscles as well as motivate yourself mentally. If joining a gym is out of your reach, you can still increase the variety in your training regimen by planning several different routines and rotating them. One way to ensure you don't know what to expect (physically or mentally) would be to provide each routine with a number. Each day, draw a number or use a random-number generator online to pick the routine you'll do that day. You also might consider joining a community sports league, if there's a particular sport that you enjoy. Playing a sport is a good way to add variety to your training regimen, and most sports also build muscle endurance.

Build strength and endurance together. Correct muscle imbalances. Concentrate on full-range-of-motion exercises. Increase sets and repetitions gradually. Warm up before stretching. Stretch both sides of your body. Use dynamic stretching before your workout and do static stretching after your workout. Use weights to increase certain stretches. Incorporate stretching before and after your workout. Limit your recovery time between sets. Combine strength training with cardio. Choose compound and hybrid exercises. Add plyometrics. Try a variety of activities.

https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Ulcers-Caused-by-Mast-Cell-Tumors-in-Dogs

How to Diagnose Ulcers Caused by Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs

To diagnose ulcers caused by mast cell tumors in dogs, look for symptoms like vomiting, black feces, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or an increase in salivation. If you suspect a GI ulcer in your dog, take it to the vet for an exam. In addition to a physical exam to detect abdominal discomfort, allow your vet to perform blood work to diagnose an ulcer. If the results come back positive, your vet will recommend an endoscopy to visualize the ulcer. After a diagnose has been made, prepare to treat the ulcer with medication to reduce stomach acids and protect the GI lining.

Observe vomiting. Vomiting is a common sign of GI ulcers in dogs with MCTs. Sometimes, there is blood in the vomit. The blood may either be fresh (bright red) or digested (dark ''coffee grounds'' appearance). An ulcer erodes the lining of an organ, causing irritation and bleeding. Look for black feces. If your dog has a GI ulcer caused by an MCT, its feces may look black. This black color is due to digested blood in the feces, caused by hemorrhage (excessive bleeding) in the GI tract. These black feces, called melena, will also have a tar-like consistency. Dogs with GI ulcers from MCTs can also develop diarrhea. Detect abdominal pain. GI ulcers can cause abdominal pain. If your dog has abdominal pain from the ulcer, it may stretch out its body into a 'praying' position to relieve the pain. The 'praying' position is when a dog holds its head close to the floor and raises its hind end in the air. Your dog may not want you to touch its belly because it hurts too much. Notice a decreased appetite. With a GI ulcer from an MCT, your dog will not feel like eating much, if at all. With your dog eating less, or not eating at all, it will lose start losing weight. Watch for increased salivation. Sometimes, excessive drooling can indicate a GI ulcer in a dog with an MCT. Observe your dog to see if it is drooling more than usual. Have your vet examine your dog. If you suspect a GI ulcer in your dog, take your dog to your vet for further examination. Your vet will be able to detect a sensitive and painful abdomen. They may also see pale gums if the ulcer has caused a lot of GI tract bleeding. However, the physical exam likely won't provide specific clues indicating a GI ulcer. During the physical exam, give your vet a detailed history of the symptoms you've seen at home, including when you first noticed them and how long they've been going on. Ask your vet questions. Asking questions will help you understand what is going on with your dog and what to expect next. Below are some questions you can ask: How will the ulcer be treated? How long will ulcer treatment last? How will I know the ulcer is gone? Will the ulcer come back after the end of treatment? Allow your vet to perform blood work. A blood sample will help your vet look for indications of a GI ulcer. Below are blood work results suggesting an ulcer: Low red blood cell count, indicating anemia High white blood cell counts, indicating inflammation Low protein levels Let your vet visualize the ulcer. A physical exam, history of the problem, and blood work will give your vet important clues suggesting an ulcer. However, the only way to definitively an ulcer is by visualizing it. To do this, your vet will perform either abdominal surgery or an endoscopy. Because abdominal surgery is expensive, invasive, and can have serious complications, your vet will likely recommend an endoscopy. To perform an endoscopy, your vet will anesthetize your dog and insert a thin endoscopy tube either down your dog's throat or up through the large intestine. The tube has a camera at the end. Create a treatment plan with your vet. After diagnosing the ulcer, your vet will make treatment recommendations for treating the ulcer. The sooner you decide on a treatment plan, the sooner your dog can start feeling better. When treating a GI ulcer, no matter the cause, it is important to treat the underlying cause. Since your dog has an MCT, treating the cancer will also help treat the ulcer. Treat the ulcer with medication. Medications to treat GI ulcers focus on reducing stomach acid secretion and protecting the GI lining from further ulceration. With less stomach acid being released, the lining of the stomach and small intestine can heal. Examples of medications are omeprazole and sucralfate. Ulcer medications are oral. If your dog doesn't like taking pills, try hiding them in a tasty treat. Follow your vet's prescription instructions carefully. Consider surgery to treat the ulcer. Sometimes, GI ulcers do not respond well to medication. If your dog is continuing to have GI ulcer symptoms despite treatment, contact your vet. They may recommend surgery to remove the ulcer.

Observe vomiting. Look for black feces. Detect abdominal pain. Notice a decreased appetite. Watch for increased salivation. Have your vet examine your dog. Ask your vet questions. Allow your vet to perform blood work. Let your vet visualize the ulcer. Create a treatment plan with your vet. Treat the ulcer with medication. Consider surgery to treat the ulcer.

https://www.wikihow.com/Wean-a-Baby-from-Breastfeeding

How to Wean a Baby from Breastfeeding

To wean your baby from breastfeeding, start by replacing one breastfeeding a day with bottled formula milk, since babies need to make the change gradually. After a few days, replace a second feeding a day with formula milk. Continue replacing breastfeedings with formula milk until your baby is only drinking from the bottle. If you can, get your partner or someone else to feed your child from the bottle, since babies can smell breastmilk and may resist the formula if you try to feed them yourself.

Decide on a weaning schedule. You need to taper off gradually, not just immediately stop breastfeeding. Based on how long you have determined you have and then number of feedings you give your child per day, you will be able to figure out how to best wean your baby. It's important to start slowly, both for you and the baby. He needs to get used to not breastfeeding, and your body needs to let down from producing milk. Weaning can be very tough for both the mother and the baby — be mentally ready for a challenge. Start replacing breastfeeding with bottle feeding. The easiest way to start moving your baby away from being dependent upon breastfeeding is to move her onto drinking formula from a bottle. Babies should not drink milk until they are a year old — then you can let them drink milk from a bottle as well. You can also try replacing breast feeding with formula in a cup if your baby seems ready. There are many options of cups meant for babies over six months old. Replace one of the feedings per day with a bottle. Start with her least favorite feeding. After a few days or longer, replace another feeding with a bottle feed. Continue replacing bottles for times you typically breastfeed. Stay out of the room for the bottle feeding. Babies can smell milk and understand when you're near. Get someone else to do the feeding when you can. Avoid making the act of not breastfeeding a big issue. Babies can take different amounts of time to finally stop breastfeeding. If you withhold the breast from the baby and she is gesturing her desire for it (licking lips, placing hands on your breast) it might make it into an issue when it wasn't before. Try distracting her before she can start getting interested in breastfeeding at times when she typically wants to nurse. Work on phasing out the night feedings. Breastfeeding your baby at night and in the early morning are often the most difficult habits to break. Many babies find it very comforting to fall asleep right after breastfeeding, or eat immediately upon waking. Some children might take easily to a bottle instead of the breast, but many like the comfort and closeness of breastfeeding and will resist switching to a bottle. Try holding your baby in the same position as you do when breastfeeding when you try to give him a bottle. Start a new bedtime routine. Rather than the feedings being what you and your baby do to snuggle down, think about other ways she could relax. Some of the ways you can try to get your baby to sleep include: Singing to your baby Reading books to your baby Patting your baby's back Find good solid foods to supplement your baby’s nutritional intake. If your baby is over six months old, it's time to begin solid foods. Any earlier, and babies' heads and necks tend to not be strong enough to support swallowing solids. Some foods are particularly good when weaning your baby. Weaning foods are complementary in nature — that is, they complement mother's milk. The basic purpose of introducing these foods is: a) to provide taste and variety to the baby's diet; b) to provide the “missing” nutrients; c) to teach the baby swallowing, chewing and eating skills; and d) to habituate the baby to the exact taste and flavor of home meals. Begin with liquids, then go on to semi-solids and finally to normal home foods. By the age of ten months, the baby should be eating an almost full diet. Most pre-made baby foods have "stages" of foods to help you decide which foods to start with. Many parents start with rice or other grain cereals and go on to vegetables or fruits next. Do not expect the baby to swallow much food. He is still learning to chew/swallow the food, and there will be times when the baby seems to be “refusing” the food, or even “throwing” it back out, when actually, he is just unable to co-ordinate his mouth and tongue movements sufficiently enough to put the food inside. Start with just one to two tablespoons of solid food and increase over time as you baby wants more. Begin the weaning process with just one food. Give this food daily for the first three to four days. Ensure that she is able to eat it, digest it and remain free from any allergic symptoms like coughing, loose bowel movements, or rashes. After the four days or so are up, start with another new item. A food item that does not agree with the baby can be re-tried after some weeks as long as it doesn't cause hives, wheezing, swelling, or trouble breathing. In cases of families with a history of food allergies, atopic eczema, drug intolerance etc, new foods should be tried with caution.

Decide on a weaning schedule. Start replacing breastfeeding with bottle feeding. Stay out of the room for the bottle feeding. Avoid making the act of not breastfeeding a big issue. Work on phasing out the night feedings. Start a new bedtime routine. Find good solid foods to supplement your baby’s nutritional intake. Do not expect the baby to swallow much food. Begin the weaning process with just one food.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Gorilla-Glue

How to Remove Gorilla Glue

To remove Gorilla Glue from skin, start by washing the area with soap and water. Next, soak a cotton ball in acetone nail polish remover, dab the affected area, and let the acetone sit on the glue for 6-10 minutes before washing it off with warm, soapy water. If you need to remove the glue from a metal or other non-plastic surface, soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and place the cotton ball over the affected area for 5 minutes. Then, wipe the area down with warm, soapy water and scrape away any lingering glue with the edge of putty knife.

Wash the affected area with soap and water. Pour a tablespoon (14.8 mL) of dish soap into a basin filled with 2 cups (475 mL) of warm water. Soak the glued skin into the water and leave it for at least 5 minutes. Pour out the basin, refill it with fresh water and soap, and repeat the process at least once more. This should help to loosen the glue away from the skin. Work citrus juice into the glue. Place a few drops of citrus juice directly onto your glued skin. Or, cut a lemon or lime in half and put it directly against the skin. Keep the citrus juice or lemon/lime on your skin for five minutes. The citric acid will start to eat away at the glue, making it more likely to fall away. Be cautious using this method if you have any cuts or sores on your skin, as the citrus can cause some irritation. Apply an acetone-based nail polish remover. Dip a cotton swab or cotton ball into a bit of nail polish remover. If the attached area is larger, you can also pour some polish remover into a bowl. Soak the affected area of skin for 6 to 10 minutes. Then, take your skin out of the solution and wash it off with warm and soapy water. Make sure to get a nail polish remover with 100% acetone, as that is the active ingredient that will eat away at the glue. Exfoliate with a pumice stone. Grasp your pumice stone firmly in one hand and rub it back and forth across the glued skin. Apply just enough pressure so that you can feel the drag of the glue, but not enough to tear or rip your skin. Repeat for a few minutes until the glue begins to separate from your skin. To minimize any damage to your skin, change directions with each pass of the pumice stone. You can also try to use rough exfoliating gloves to work the glue loose. Rub with sugar or salt. In a small bowl, mix together a spoonful of sugar, a spoonful of salt, and just enough water to moisten them both. Apply this mixture onto the glued skin area and rub it in with your fingers. Wipe off and replace the solution as it gets broken down. The rough salt and sugar crystals should wear away at the glue. Rub warm oil onto your skin. Place a small bowl of sunflower oil, coconut oil, baby oil, or olive oil in the microwave and heat it for 10 to 20 seconds. The final temperature should be warm, but not hot enough to burn. Use a cotton swab to apply the oil directly onto the glued skin area. Let it soak for a 3-4 minutes. Check to see if the glue has dissolved. If not, repeat the entire process over again. Some people also claim that lip gloss or cooking spray, non-heated, can help to loosen super glue. Wait for it to fall off naturally. Skin naturally regrows and regenerates. If the glued spot isn't too large or painful, you can simply wait for it to flake away on its own after about 5 or 6 days. Make sure to watch for any cracking or breaking of the skin around the glued spot. This is also a good option if you are worried about applying corrosive chemicals to your skin. Apply moisturizer afterwards. Glue provides a barrier that prevents moisture from reaching your skin. Combine this with any chemicals that you apply to break it down and you might notice that your skin seems abnormally dry or flaky. Counteract this by rubbing in a bit of body lotion or baby oil onto your skin. Never pull the skin apart immediately. Resist the natural urge to pull or yank the skin away from what it's connected to. Gorilla glue is a very strong adhesive and can actually damage your skin before breaking away. If the glue is on a large portion of your skin or if you are in pain, seek medical attention right away instead. Do a test spot. Locate a hidden area on the damaged surface. Soak a cotton ball with the removal chemical that you plan on using. Place the cotton ball on the surface and keep it there for 5 minutes. Remove the ball and check the spot for any discoloration or damage. This will let you know if that chemical is safe to use on a larger area. Apply acetone to the surface. You can use 100% acetone to loosen up Gorilla Glue from fabrics or even hard surfaces. Get a cotton ball and soak it in acetone. Then, place it on top of the glued surface and leave it for 5 minutes. Remove the ball and wipe the surface off with a water-dampened rag. Repeat this process if the glue stays stuck. Do not apply acetone to plastic surfaces, as it can cause additional damage to them. Apply isopropyl alcohol to metal or non-plastic surfaces. Dampen a cotton ball or folded paper towel with isopropyl alcohol and place it against the glued on area. Let the alcohol sit on the surface for about 5 minutes. Remove it and wipe the area down with warm, soapy water. The glue should be loosened enough to scrape away with the edge of putty knife. Peel the glue away with a blunt tool if it’s stuck to a hard surface. Get a putty knife or other tool and apply pressure to the side of the glued area. Make a gentle scraping motion to lift up the edges of the glue. If the glue stays put, then add a bit of acetone to the area with a cotton ball and try again. Scrub fabric with a toothbrush. Apply a bit of acetone or soap and water onto the fabric. Then, get a toothbrush and rub it over the glued on area. Try to alternate directions while rubbing and experiment with a light jabbing motion against the fabric to flake the glue away. Wash any clothing or fabrics. After you've removed as much glue as you can from the surface of the fabric, place it in the washing machine by itself on the warmest setting possible. Read the instructions on the fabric's label to avoid damaging it. It's best if you wait until the Gorilla Glue is fully dry before completing this step. This will prevent the glued parts from sticking to other areas of the fabric. Lay a soaked wet cloth on plastic surfaces. If you get glue on plastic products, it can be more difficult to remove, as acetone and alcohol will eat through the surface of the plastic. Get rid of the glue by soaking a cotton cloth in warm water and dish soap. Place this cloth on top of the glued area and leave it for 2 to 4 hours. Drip a mixture of soap and water onto the cloth during this time to keep it moistened. After you remove the cloth, you can wipe up the glue if it has dissolved. If the glue is still there, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush. Follow the package directions. Before starting your project, carefully read the instructions on the Gorilla Glue package. Pay attention to how you are supposed to hold the applicator and how much glue you are supposed to apply at a time. If you have any questions, reach out to Gorilla Glue Customer Service via the number on their website. For example, to move the glue down into the nozzle, you'll need to hold the bottle upside down and tap the cap on a hard surface a few times. Wear gloves. Putting gloves on your hands while working on a project is the best way to prevent super glue from getting on your skin. Try out different types of work gloves at the hardware store to find the best type and fit for you. The downside is that you'll have to be careful not to get any glue on the gloves themselves. Disposable gloves are a great option when working with glue. However, make sure that they fit properly. Cover your workspace. Remove any extra items from your work area and cover the entire space with either foil or a plastic sheet. The benefit of foil is that the glue will not stick to it after it's hardened. Either way, using a cover will protect the surface underneath, such as a countertop, and prevent it from being damaged. Choose the right applicator for your project. One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is attempting to complete a project with a too small or too large super glue applicator. There are many different types of Gorilla Glue available, everything from pens to gel tubes, so spend some time researching exactly what you should use. It's also important to remember that even the largest projects generally only require a very small amount of super glue.

Wash the affected area with soap and water. Work citrus juice into the glue. Apply an acetone-based nail polish remover. Exfoliate with a pumice stone. Rub with sugar or salt. Rub warm oil onto your skin. Wait for it to fall off naturally. Apply moisturizer afterwards. Never pull the skin apart immediately. Do a test spot. Apply acetone to the surface. Apply isopropyl alcohol to metal or non-plastic surfaces. Peel the glue away with a blunt tool if it’s stuck to a hard surface. Scrub fabric with a toothbrush. Wash any clothing or fabrics. Lay a soaked wet cloth on plastic surfaces. Follow the package directions. Wear gloves. Cover your workspace. Choose the right applicator for your project.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Fair-Skin-in-Two-Weeks

How to Get Fair Skin in Two Weeks

To get fair skin in 2 weeks, apply a mixture of orange juice and turmeric to your face each night before you go to bed. In the morning, use cold water to wash out the mixture, which will bleach your skin with citric acid. Alternatively, mix 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of powdered milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond oil to create a mask. Once the mixture is ready, apply it to your face for 15 minutes before rinsing it off. If you just want to lighten your skin temporarily, use a foundation and concealer on your face that are a shade lighter than your skin color. Next, blend in the makeup at your jawline so the line between your natural skin color and the lighter areas are less obvious.

Mix orange juice with turmeric powder. The vitamin C in oranges is essential for healthy skin. It is also a great bleaching agent due to citric acid. Mix two tablespoons of orange juice and half a teaspoon of turmeric powder together. Apply the balm to the darkened areas, or all over your face, if you like. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off with water the next morning. Use this every day for the best results. Make sure that you completely cover the areas you want to lighten. Keep in mind that turmeric has a staining effect, so your skin might appear orange or tan after using this mixture, which is probably the opposite of the effect you're going for. Don't worry, once that effect fades, your skin will be subtly fairer because of the fruit acids and turmeric. Try mixing dried orange peel with yogurt. This makes a mask that you can use to lighten the skin of your face over-all. You'll first need to dry out an orange peel. Then, grind the peel into a fine powder and mix it with plain yogurt. Smooth the results over your face and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Wash it off with water afterward. Repeat this two or three times per week. The lactic acid in yogurt and the citric acid in the orange peel are natural bleaches. In a small bowl, mix one teaspoon of honey, one teaspoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of powdered milk, and half a teaspoon of almond oil together. Apply the mixture to your skin and leave it on for about 10 of 15 minutes, then rinse it off in cold water. Use this mask every other day. Make a gram flour face mask. Gram flour, also known as chickpea flour or besan, is made from ground chickpeas (garbanzo beans.) It is well-known in India as an exfoliant and skin lightener. Combine two tablespoons of gram flour, a quarter tablespoon of turmeric powder, and two tablespoons of milk. Mix the ingredients together to form a smooth and fine-textured paste. Smooth the mask onto your face and neck. Leave it on your skin for about 20 or 30 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. You can use this mask on your body, too. Apply daily for the best results. Resurrect a trend from 18th and 19th century France. Very pale skin was in vogue in France during the 1700s and 1800s, so aristocratic women would lighten their skin using cosmetics. We can learn from their mistakes; they typically applied paint made from lead! Instead, try these safe alternatives: Rather than matching your makeup to your face, select a shade of foundation one shade lighter than your actual skin color. Remember to also use concealer and setting powder one shade lighter than your skin. Blend the makeup into the skin at your jawbone and neck so that it fades gradually rather than leaving an obvious line that divides the pale skin on your face from the darker skin on your neck (or better yet, wear a turtleneck or scarf). You can try out a version of this tactic without spending a ton of money on new cosmetics by simply purchasing a finishing powder in a lighter shade. Apply it over your normal foundation and concealer, and if you like the effect, consider buying lighter foundation and concealer as well. Take advantage of the contouring trend. Most major cosmetics brands are jumping on the trend, which is also known as highlighting or strobing depending on the technique. You can adapt this trend to create the illusion of fairer skin temporarily. Contouring using makeup involves carefully placing lines of darker color on areas that are meant to recede, like under your cheekbones and along the sides of your nose, while placing lighter streaks of color along areas that are meant to stick out a bit and catch the light, like the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, or forehead. Then, the colors are carefully blended so that you can't tell that you've put color in either place, but it gives a very nice visual effect of well-defined facial features. Learn about contouring techniques from this helpful wikiHow article , but when you go shopping for products, purchase products in shades slightly lighter than you would normally buy. Apply the products using the contouring technique, but at each step, go one to two shades lighter than you would normally go. For instance, when you begin, apply foundation to your entire face in one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. Then, when you contour the darker areas, use a color that matches the natural color of your face (rather than a darker shade). The highlighted, lighter areas should be a shade or two even lighter than the color you began with to really stand out. It's important to stay in the same color family as the rest of your skin. If you are cool-toned, choose products that are meant for cool-toned skin; and if you are warm-toned, choose products that are meant for warm-toned skin. Otherwise your contouring will seem like you've painted your face. Use highlighting cream. For a more subtle effect, simply mix a highlighting cream into your regular foundation. It will only subtly lighten the actual color of your skin, but because of its very fine sparkle and luminosity, it will make your complexion appear fairer in the light. Try Josie Maran Argan Enlightenment Illuminizer, NARS Illuminator, or a similar product from your favorite drugstore brand. The key is to choose a liquid highlighter that can be easily blended into liquid foundation, and in a shade that is slightly lighter than your skin tone but in the same color family. The end result should be skin that seems to glow, like a freshly moisturized face; if it seems glittery or shiny then you've added too much illuminator to your foundation. Try lotions or creams containing niacinamide (Vitamin B3). This active ingredient is popular in Asian countries, where fair and luminous skin is generally in fashion, as well as in the United States and other places as an aid in fading dark spots, removing tans and evening skin tone. You can purchase a serum of 5% niacinamide online or in health food and general nutrition stores. It is thought to improve the condition and elasticity of the skin as well as improving skin tone. You can also look for products with niacinamide as an active ingredient. Some popular brands include Kate Somerville's Mega-C Dual Radiance Serum, Philosophy No Reason To Hide Multi-Imperfection Transforming Serum, or Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence. Look for vitamin C, mulberry extract, or licorice-root extract. These are popular ingredients in Korean skin lightening products, and they work by inhibiting melanin production in the skin. Try Cremorlab White Bloom Trimple Bright Floral Mask or Be the Skin Purifying White Waterfall Toner. Consider using other fruit acids. Acids in fruits work by exfoliating the outer layer of the skin, essentially mimicking a very mild chemical peel which fades dark spots on the surface of the skin. Try Goodal Luminant Plus Whitening Essence, Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid Hydrating Gel, REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask, or Ole Henriksen Lemon Strip Flash Peel. Use a skin bleaching cream. Most skin bleaching creams contain the drug hydroquinone as the active ingredient. You can purchase varieties which contain two percent or less of this drug at your local drugstore, while you need a prescription to get more powerful creams. These have between four to six percent hydroquinone. Use as directed on the package or by your doctor. This generally means applying it no more than twice daily. As with any other drug, hydroquinone has its risks. They include: Premature aging Increased risk of skin cancer. The reason for this is that skin treated with hydroquinone is more sensitive to sunlight. Skin discoloration Allergic reaction Consider a chemical peel. A chemical peel is a procedure in which chemicals are applied to the skin, usually the face, which cause the skin to exfoliate and peel away. Depending on how deeply into the skin they penetrate, chemical peels come in three varieties: superficial, medium, and deep. Superficial peels use alpha-hydroxy acid and only penetrate the outer layer of the skin. Choose this method if the skin discoloration you are trying to address is minor. Recovery time is a day or so. Medium peels use glycolic or trichloracetic acid and penetrate the outer and middle layers of the skin. They are suitable for moderate skin discoloration. Because medium peels penetrate deeper into the skin, it can take 14 days to heal after a treatment. Deep peels are the most invasive and as such, are suitable for the most extreme cases of skin discoloration. Deep peels use trichloracetic acid or phenol, which deeply penetrate into middle layer of the skin. Because of this, they can only be performed once in a person's lifetime. Healing time is the most extensive: 14 to 21 days. Regardless of the type of peel, there are risks. They include scarring and the reactivation of cold sores Try laser skin resurfacing with the q-switch nd:YAG laser. Laser skin resurfacing works by targeting and destroying the unwanted skin cells with high energy light. The body then generates new skin cells and increases its production of collagen, one of the building blocks for great skin. It does this without damaging the top layer of the skin, which means that there is no downtime. The recommended treatment schedule is six cycles over a two week period. You'll see noticeable results after every treatment, which continue to improve over time. q-Switch refers to this laser's ability to operate at two wavelengths: 1064 nm, or infrared, and 532 nm. The Nd:YAG refers to the laser's crystal structure, which is neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet. Minor side-effects such as some skin redness can occur, but this usually resolves within 30 minutes of the procedure.

Mix orange juice with turmeric powder. Try mixing dried orange peel with yogurt. In a small bowl, mix one teaspoon of honey, one teaspoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of powdered milk, and half a teaspoon of almond oil together. Make a gram flour face mask. Resurrect a trend from 18th and 19th century France. Take advantage of the contouring trend. Use highlighting cream. Try lotions or creams containing niacinamide (Vitamin B3). Look for vitamin C, mulberry extract, or licorice-root extract. Consider using other fruit acids. Use a skin bleaching cream. Consider a chemical peel. Try laser skin resurfacing with the q-switch nd:YAG laser.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Extra-Credit

How to Get Extra Credit

If your grades need a little boost late in the year, it's worth asking your teacher if you can get extra credit. Wait until after class or lunchtime, and ask your teacher nicely if there's any chance of getting extra credit. Mention any personal reasons that have affected your work, since they'll be more likely to help you if you have a valid reason. Your teacher might offer you the opportunity to redo a test or assignment if it's not against the rules. If your teacher says no, you can still check the class syllabus to see if there's anywhere else you can earn extra points towards your grade.

Ask early. If you are asking for extra credit after the final exam, your professor or teacher is less likely to think about your request. If you see you are doing poorly in the class halfway through the semester, don't wait until the final week to ask. See what you can do right away, and your professor or teacher might be more willing to help you. Be exceptionally polite. You are asking the professor to do extra work. Therefore, you need to approach your professor with respect and deference, as it is up to her whether or not to grant your request. For instance, you could begin by saying, "I appreciate you taking the time to see me. I know you have a busy schedule. I have a request to make that I realize may make more work for you, but I do have a legitimate reason for my request." Have a compelling reason. Most professors and teachers will be more lenient if you have a legitimate reason for missing a class or an assignment. For instance, if you were sick and had to miss several class periods, your instructor might be willing to give you extra credit or let you make up work. Similarly, if you have a close family member who is seriously ill, some teachers will take that under consideration. Work may be a legitimate excuse for some but not others. Have paperwork to back up your excuse if possible. For instance, you could take in a doctor's note or your work schedule. You can make your case by saying something to this effect: "I realize I've missed some classes, and I would really like to make that up with some extra credit so that I can learn the material properly. I know that typically you do not give extra credit. However, I did have some extenuating circumstances. My grandmother had a heart attack and was in the hospital. I drove down to see her and to provide support for my mom." Go in person. Many students make pleas for extra credit by email. It's easy for a professor or teacher to delete your email. It's not as easy to dismiss you in person. Make an appointment, or drop by during the professor's or teacher's office hours. Ask about a specific grade. If you really want to just make up a bad grade or test, ask specifically about that. Maybe you can retake the test or redo the work to make up some of the points. Often, you won't be able to get full credit back, but your teacher may be willing to give you partial credit. This request works well early in the semester, especially if you are a freshman in college or taking a difficult course in high school. You're trying to learn a new style of writing, testing, and grading that is more difficult, so your professor or teacher may be more lenient as you learn. You can approach your teacher by saying something to the effect of "I was surprised that I did so poorly on this essay. I usually do well. I want to learn what it takes to do better in this class. I would love to hear your feedback and have the opportunity to rewrite this paper." Try making a case for the whole class. If you notice that most everyone did bad on a recent exam, try asking your teacher about extra credit for the whole class. She may be more willing to grant it if the opportunity is offered to everyone. Have something in mind before approaching her. Maybe you could go to a campus lecture related to the class and write a short paragraph about attending. Another option is to do a community service project related to the class. For instance, you could say, "I know we all did pretty bad on the last exam. Is there anyway we could get some extra credit as a class? I found a great opportunity where we could volunteer, and it's related to our class material. I'd be willing to sign in people for the opportunity." Understand why your teacher may not want to give you extra credit. Asking for extra credit implies you haven't done earlier work or you did poorly. Your teacher may just think you're after the grade and you don't really care about learning. In addition, your teacher likely will not want to offer you an extra credit opportunity that she doesn't offer to the rest of the class. Other teachers may feel that extra credit takes away from your regular work. Check your syllabus. If you're in a college course, your professor will hand you a syllabus at the beginning of the semester. Often, if the professor is going to offer extra credit, she will put it on the syllabus somewhere. She may go over it at the beginning of the semester, but she may not. Take the time to read your syllabus. In a high school class, your teacher may tell you about projects you can do for extra credit at the beginning of the school year. Make notes about those projects, and ask your teacher for more information if you feel like she didn't provide enough details. Pay attention in class. Your teacher or professor may offer opportunities throughout the semester or school year. These opportunities could be anything from an extra project to attending a concert related to class material. Try to take advantage of these opportunities even if you don't think you'll need them. Look for bonus questions on tests. Study hard for tests, and pay attention to extra material in the class. Teachers and professors will often offer bonus questions on tests. These questions are sometimes harder than the regular questions or may make use of some miniscule detail. Other times, they may be something silly and have an obvious, easy answer. Take advantage of them. Give your best effort. Make sure you put as much effort as you can in to each assignment. Go over it to look for mistakes, and make sure you've mastered the material. If you mastered the material for your homework assignments and essays, you'll have an easier time when it comes to studying for tests. Show up to class. If throughout the semester you've been showing up to class, you've shown your professor you're committed. However, don't just show up--participate. Engage in the discussions that your professor is facilitating. Ask questions when you have them. Show your professor that you care about learning, not just about your grade. In addition, you'll learn more by being engaged, and your grades will go up. Plus, some professors make attendance part of your grade, so you can literally improve your grade just by being there. Also, by paying attention, you'll get a sense of your professor's personality and expectations. Knowing those two things can help you when you go to ask for extra credit, and they'll also help you write better for that professor when given essays. Take good notes in class. Try to jot down the main ideas while your professor is lecturing. Your professor will cover what she thinks is most important, so those notes will help you when get around to taking a test or writing an essay. Do the reading ahead of time. You can't participate well without doing the work and without studying hard. Your education is your job. Like a job, you should expect to put in 40 hours a week. In high school, that may mean you're studying 4 to 5 hours a night, but in college, that definitely means you need to put in 5 hours of studying a night on weeknights. Take notes on the chapter. Try to capture important themes. The headings in the chapter should give you an idea of what is most important. Jot down questions. If the teacher doesn't cover what you don't understand, ask her about it during class. Turn in your homework on time. Turning in your homework with ample time takes some planning. If you have trouble with that kind of planning, get a student planner and record all your assignments in it. Add in reminders for when you need to start working on an assignment. Turning in your homework improves your grade, helps you learn the material, and shows you are committed. Learn your study style. Whether your a visual learner, an auditory learner, a tactile learner, or something in between, use it to your advantage. If you're a tactile learner, make sure to incorporate it into your studying. Maybe you need to write notes when you're first learning material or even re-write them when you are studying for a test. If you're auditory, maybe your best bet is to read aloud or be read to. Many ebooks have a read aloud option, so you can use that to help you learn. Study for tests, and learn to take them well. Tests are often a large part of your grade. However, not everyone knows how to study for tests, and not everyone takes tests well. You can, however, teach yourself to do better on tests. Plan what you need to study. Often, your professor or teacher will give you a study guide for your test. If she doesn't, you can still make an outline by using the syllabus or textbook. Look at the major ideas, and decide how much detail you need to go into for your test. Remember, it's always best to study what you know the least about. If you know something really well, don't spend as much time reviewing it. Have a plan for the test. If you think you'll forget something, write it down when you first get the test. Skip questions you don't know. You can always come back to them later if you have time. For multiple choice, come up with an answer before looking at the answer choices, while for essay questions or short answers, make a small plan for the points you want to include. Finally, always be sure to read all questions carefully. You don't want to miss a question you know just because you were rushing through the test.

Ask early. Be exceptionally polite. Have a compelling reason. Go in person. Ask about a specific grade. Try making a case for the whole class. Understand why your teacher may not want to give you extra credit. Check your syllabus. Pay attention in class. Look for bonus questions on tests. Give your best effort. Show up to class. Take good notes in class. Do the reading ahead of time. Turn in your homework on time. Learn your study style. Study for tests, and learn to take them well.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Sliding-Screen-Door

How to Remove a Sliding Screen Door

To remove a sliding screen door, find the screws at the bottom corners and unscrew them with a screwdriver. Pull the door up until you can see the bottom wheels on either side. Then, use your screwdriver to unscrew the head stop located at the top of the door frame. Slip a flathead screwdriver under the wheels and push them upwards as you lift the door out of the track and out of the frame. Once the door is free, set it aside in a safe place.

Remove any curtains or other decorations. Any decorative items you may have on the door, such as curtains, will only get in the way of your job. Removing them before you start working will save you from hassle later on. Locate the screws at the bottom of the door. Most sliding screen doors have screws located at the bottom corners. These screws hold the wheels your door uses to slide back and forth on its track in place. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew each screw. Unscrewing the bottom screws will effectively loosen the door's wheels and make the door easier to remove from its frame. Be sure to rotate the screwdriver to the left to unscrew the screws. Don't stop until you can clearly see the heads of both screws sticking out of their sockets, and the door has become loose enough for you to push it up and away from the bottom track. You don't have to take the screws out completely unless there's no other way to get the door off the track. You can test this by lifting the door once the screw heads are poking out of their sockets. If the door lifts up from the track easily, don't unscrew any further. Keep unscrewing if the door won't lift. Pull the door up until you can see its bottom wheels. You should be able to see 1 wheel on either side of the door. When you pull the door up, move it as gently as you can. You don't want to risk breaking the door or any of its parts, especially if you plan on putting the door back later on. Unscrew the head stop with a power or Phillips screwdriver. Open the door and locate the head stop screw at the top corner of the door frame, right where the door would touch the frame when it closes. This screw may be tightly fixed; if you can't undo it with a manual screwdriver, try a power screwdriver. Your screen door could fall out of the frame once the door stop is taken out. Be sure to have someone else watching it while you work until you're ready to take the door out of the frame. They can catch the door just in case it falls. Slip a flat screwdriver underneath the wheels and push them upwards. Pushing the wheels up will make it easier to lift the door out of the track. Again, move the screwdriver gently. It should slide underneath the wheels with only a little bit of effort. Pull the door up from the bottom track until the wheels are out. You will be able to tell the wheels are sufficiently loosened once you're able to pull the door up away from the bottom track. Pull it gently, and keep holding it up to begin moving the door out of the frame. Slide the door over the bottom track and out toward you. You will have to pull the door upwards first before you can maneuver it out of the track. Again, move as gently as you can. It will not take much force to remove the door now that the wheels are loosened. Remove the door by pulling it out of the top track of the door frame. The door should slide right out of the top track once you've freed it from the bottom track. Once the door is completely loose from the frame, set it aside somewhere safe, such as against the side of the house or lying flat on a work bench.

Remove any curtains or other decorations. Locate the screws at the bottom of the door. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew each screw. Pull the door up until you can see its bottom wheels. Unscrew the head stop with a power or Phillips screwdriver. Slip a flat screwdriver underneath the wheels and push them upwards. Pull the door up from the bottom track until the wheels are out. Slide the door over the bottom track and out toward you. Remove the door by pulling it out of the top track of the door frame.

https://www.wikihow.com/Quote-and-Cite-a-Play-in-an-Essay-Using-MLA-Format

How to Quote and Cite a Play in an Essay Using MLA Format

To quote and cite a play in your essay using MLA format, start by referencing the author and title of the play in the main body of your essay. Then, name the speaker of the quote so it's clear who's talking. For example, write, “In Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? the character Honey says…” After introducing the quote, frame the dialogue with quotation marks to make it clear that it's a direct quote from a text. If your dialogue is written in verse, use forward slashes to indicate each line break.

Include the author and title of the play. Before you launch into the dialogue from a character, name the author and the title of the play first. Include the author and title before the character's dialogue as a way of introducing the play to your reader. For example, if you were quoting a character from the play Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, you would write, In Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? , the character Honey says... Name the speaker of the quote. Whenever you quote from the play, make sure you note who said it in the play. Write the name of the speaker, followed by a present tense verb like “says,” “states,” “argues,” “notes,” or “claims.” Use a comma between the verb and the quote. For example, if you are quoting the character George from the play Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee, you would write, “George says,…” or “George states,…”. Put the quote in quotation marks. Put quotation marks around the dialogue. This will let your reader know it is a quote from a text. For example, if you are quoting from Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? , you would write: Martha notes, "Truth or illusion, George; you don't know the difference." Put slashes between verse lines. If you are quoting a play that is written in verse, use slashes to distinguish each line break. Put a space after each slash. For example, if you were quoting from Shakespeare's Measure for Measure , you would write: Claudio states “the miserable have no other medicine / But only hope.” Put a blank space between the body of your paper and the first line. Separate the body of your paper and the quote with one blank line. This will let the reader know you are quoting from the play. You do not need to use quotation marks when you are quoting dialogue by multiple speakers from a play. The blank space will act as a marker, rather than quotation marks. Indent the speaker names 1 inch (2.54 cm) from the left margin. Write the name of the speakers in all capitals, followed by a period. For example: MARTHA. Truth or illusion, George; you don't know the difference. GEORGE. No, but we must carry on as though we did. MARTHA. Amen. Indent the dialogue ¼ inch (0.63cm) from the left margin. If the character's dialogue runs past one line, make sure you indent each line ¼ inch from the left margin. Verse dialogue is indented 1 ¼ inch (3.17cm) from the left margin. Include the stage directions. If there are stage directions in the dialogue, put them in as part of the quote. Use parentheses to notate the stage directions. Copy the punctuation as noted in the play. For example: RUTH. Eat your eggs, Walter. WALTER. (Slams the table and jumps up) --DAMN MY EGGS--DAMN ALL THE EGGS THAT EVER WAS! RUTH. Then go to work. WALTER. (Looking up at her) See--I'm trying to talk to you 'bout myself--(Shaking his head with the repetition)--and all you can say is eat them eggs and go to work. Put the citation in the text using parentheses. MLA formatting requires you to use in-text citations for prose plays. Place the citation at the end of the quoted text in parentheses. If you are quoting dialogue from one speaker, place the citation at the end of the quoted dialogue, in the text. If you are quoting dialogue from multiple speakers, place the citation at the end of the block quote. Cite the author’s name. Note the author's full last name first in the citation. For example, you may write: “(Albee…)” or “(Hansberry…)” Note the title of the play. After the author's last name, put in a comma. Then, write the title of the play you are quoting in italics. For example, you may write, “(Albee, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?...).” If you have mentioned the title of the play once already in an earlier citation in your essay, you do not need to mention it again in the citations for the play moving forward. Include the page number and the act number. Note where you found the quotation in the play. Write the page number after the author's name, followed by a semicolon. Then, write the act number. For example, you may write, “(Albee 10; act 1). If you are including the title of the play, you may write: “(Albee, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? 10; act 1).” Place the citation in-text. MLA format requires you to put citations for a verse play in the text of your essay. Use parentheses around the citation and place it at the end of the quotation. Note the act number and the scene number. All verse plays will have acts and scenes that are ordered numerically. Write the act number, followed by a period. Then, write the scene number. For example, if the quote appears in act 4, scene 4 of the play, you will write, “(4.4…)”. Include the line number or numbers. Verse plays are broken into lines. The lines are ordered numerically, starting at 1. Look for the line number or numbers for the quotation and include them in your citation. For example, if the quote appears on lines 33 to 35, you will write, “(33-35).” The completed citation would look like: “(4.4.33-35)”.

Include the author and title of the play. Name the speaker of the quote. Put the quote in quotation marks. Put slashes between verse lines. Put a blank space between the body of your paper and the first line. Indent the speaker names 1 inch (2.54 cm) from the left margin. Indent the dialogue ¼ inch (0.63cm) from the left margin. Include the stage directions. Put the citation in the text using parentheses. Cite the author’s name. Note the title of the play. Include the page number and the act number. Place the citation in-text. Note the act number and the scene number. Include the line number or numbers.

https://www.wikihow.com/Close-a-Bag-of-Chips-by-Folding-It

How to Close a Bag of Chips by Folding It

If you don't have a chip clip, you can easily fold a bag of chips to close it. To make a basic fold, first lay the bag down and smooth it out to remove any excess air. Then, fold the top of the bag down an inch or 2, and continue folding until you get to the end. Store the bag upside down on top of itself to keep it closed.

Lay the bag down and smooth the bag out to remove air. Shake the bag a little to let the chips settle at the bottom of your bag. Set your bag of chips on its back so that the label is facing up. Smooth down the top portion of the bag 3-4 times until its flat. Work from the bottom of the bag to the top to remove the excess air from the bag. This method is easy, but it won't keep the air out unless you store the opening under a heavy item. The more air there is the bag, the faster your chips will become stale. Fold the opening of the bag on top of itself. Rotate the bag so that the opening of the bag is facing you. Grip the corners of the open end with your index finger on top of the bag and your thumbs underneath. Fold the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) of the bag over on top of itself to close the bag. Continue folding the bag in 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) layers. With your first fold completed, press down along the seam where you folded it. Then, slide your thumb underneath the fold and grab the top of the bag. Create an additional fold that is the same size as your first fold. Repeat the process until you've created 5-6 folds. Press down along the top of the bag after each fold to keep it closed. Store the bag upside down on top of itself. Take your bag and flip it upside down so that the folds are on the bottom of the bag. Your bag of chips should stay folded automatically. To keep the folds from unraveling over time, place a vase, bowl, or something heavy on top of the folds to keep them weighed down. Your folds may slowly come undone if you don't weigh them down at all. Lay the bag on a table and flatten the top to remove excess air. Shake your bag a little to collect the chips at the bottom of the bag. Place your bag on a flat surface and lay it on its back so that the label is facing up. Then, use the palm of your hand to flatten the upper half of the bag. Do this 4-5 times to crease the sides of the bag. This method creates the best seal but it requires a little more work. You'll also need more of the bag to be empty, so you may not be able to do this if your bag is mostly full. This method is really hard to pull off if you have a smaller bag of chips. You're better off simply folding smaller bags over. Fold the top corners of the bag towards the middle so they meet. Keeping the bag flat, fold each corner of the opened end towards the middle of the bag. Angle each corner downwards so that both corners meet 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) below the bag's opening. Fold the top 1 in (2.5 cm) over the corners. Keep your corners pressed flat as you pinch the top of the bag at the joints where the corners start to angle down towards the middle of the bag. Carefully fold the top 1 in (2.5 cm) of the bag down over the top of the corners. Keeping the bag held down shouldn't be difficult. The easiest way to do it is to use your middle, ring, and pinky fingers to press them into the table while you're folding. Continue folding the top of the bag until you have 2-3 layers. Take your fold and repeat the process. Grab the top of your first fold and create a second fold that's the same size as your first layer. Repeat this process until you've created 2-3 layers. You must have at least 1 in (2.5 cm) of the corners available below your folds for this to work. Press your palm flat into the folded sections of the bag to flatten them. Stick your thumbs into the corner flaps and invert the top of the bag. To seal the bag, hold the folds at the top of the bag down with your index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers. Insert your thumbs between the corners and the bag. Lift the bag up and push your folds down while pulling the corners up to invert the top of the bag and close it on itself. Essentially, the tension between the corners and the folds at the top will keep the bag sealed.

Lay the bag down and smooth the bag out to remove air. Fold the opening of the bag on top of itself. Continue folding the bag in 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) layers. Store the bag upside down on top of itself. Lay the bag on a table and flatten the top to remove excess air. Fold the top corners of the bag towards the middle so they meet. Fold the top 1 in (2.5 cm) over the corners. Continue folding the top of the bag until you have 2-3 layers. Stick your thumbs into the corner flaps and invert the top of the bag.

https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-a-Girl-She-Is-Pretty

How to Tell a Girl She Is Pretty

Before you tell a girl she's pretty, make sure you're in the right setting and it's the right time. For example, it would be inappropriate to tell her in the office, during a meeting, or in class, since this will probably make her uncomfortable. However, if you're on a date, or you've spent plenty of time with her, go for it. When you're ready to tell her, say it in a friendly and gentle tone. Try saying, “I like your new sweater. You look very pretty in it.” or simply, “You look very pretty tonight.” Alternatively, try paying a compliment to a specific feature, like her hair or her smile. For example, say, “You light up the room with your smile!”

Pick the right spot. Your compliment might not be welcome if the setting is wrong. Inside the office, at a professional meeting, in the classroom, and even out to lunch with colleagues are inappropriate situations to tell a girl that she is pretty. Doing so in these circumstances will put the girl on the spot and could embarrass her, which is not what you want to do. A compliment could also seen as inappropriate if you are on strictly professional terms, either by her or by co-workers and friends. It may also violate your workplace's sexual harassment policy. Telling a stranger on the street that she is pretty walks a fine line with harassment and will probably not be welcomed. Cat-calling and whistling are also not OK. The words might be on the tip of your tongue, but think first. Make sure it is the right time and place. Try to be familiar with the girl. It is important that you have had some interaction with the girl who you are telling, even if you have just exchanged a few smiles in the past. This way she will have a degree of comfort with you before you tell her she is pretty. Your compliment might go awry if you do not know the girl well. She may consider it out of the blue and “creepy.” If you can, get to know her a bit. Exchange small talk or pleasantries before class or at the water cooler. If you are bolder and work together, try sitting at the same table as her over lunch in order to introduce yourself. Make some small talk. Use other social situations to get to know her. It is easier to tell a girl she is pretty after you've spent some time together and are on friendly terms. For example, you could talk while waiting for the bus before or after school, at office parties, or during group projects. Plan what you intend to say beforehand. Without a plan for what to say when you approach a pretty girl, it is possible that you will stumble over your words, appear confused, and generally seem awkward. This is not the impression you want to make. By planning what you want to say and how to say it, you will be better able to handle the situation and come off as confident and smooth. Think about how you want to initially approach the girl and begin your conversation. Think about what makes the girl pretty in your eyes, and plan on sharing this with her in a gentle way. Avoid long-winded speechifying. Keep it short, sweet, and to-the-point. Make your move. A simple "hello" will do to begin a conversation. You can then follow this up with a few questions about her, her day, and her plans. Starting with small talk will help you be more confident with the girl, and the girl be more confident with you. Stay calm and be yourself. Don't try to put on a false face or you might come across as insincere. Even worse, the girl may think you are joking. Pay attention to body language when talking. Make sure that you look her in the eyes instead of elsewhere. This will show her that you are engaged and interested in her and the conversation. Do not lean towards her in an aggressive way, but stand back in a relaxed manner. Try to read her body language, as well. If she faces you or leans in slightly, it means that she is engaged in the conversation and may be interested. Try not to fear rejection. Tell yourself that you have little to lose if she is not interested. Besides, fear will only work against you. Tell her that she looks pretty. There are a number of ways to do this after you have had some initial conversation. What is critical is that you do not blurt out your compliment in the middle of the conversation. Instead, wait for a lull in the conversation. Try something like “You look very pretty this evening” or “I just wanted to say that you look pretty tonight.” It is usually good to go with simplicity. You might also try to be original and plan your own lines. “I've always thought you have lovely eyes” or an indirect “Have you done something new with your hair? It is very pretty the way that it frames your face.” Build on your initial compliment. If the girl responds well to your compliment, consider continuing with a bit more flattery. Draw attention to the little things that you find beautiful about her. Perhaps it is her eyes, her eyebrows or something else. Avoid sexually charged compliments. Not only does this objectify her, but it also crosses the line of good sense and decency. Be genuine with your compliments, though, and don't go over the top. Avoid clichés, as well. Be mindful of setting. A passing compliment to a female friend, work colleague, or peer on her dress or appearance might be fine in a professional setting. However, you again need to be mindful of the context and also your mutual level of comfort. It is best to be close friends with the girl before you compliment her on looks, in order to avoid possible misunderstand or complication. Schools and workplaces nowadays are careful about maintaining a safe environment and don't take kindly to sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is any “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.” Your compliment might be friendly and good-intentioned, but could be perceived as unwelcome or aggressive by another. Be sure that your friend is comfortable with you. Keep it casual and gentle. Avoid misunderstanding by all means possible. Make sure that your friend realizes that you are just offering her a nice, friendly, brotherly compliment and doesn't think that you are interested in more. Tone and body language are key. Make sure that your tone is casual and gentle when paying the compliment. Consider complimenting her in an indirect way – a way that says she is pretty without necessarily directly referencing her appearance. It is also important that your body language is non-aggressive. Don't lean in too much and respect her personal space. Don't move in too closely, in other words. Pay her the compliment. Let the compliment come out naturally in the course of conversation. Say, “I like your new sweater. You look very pretty in it” or “You're looking very lovely and in high spirits today!” After paying her the compliment, proceed about your normal activities and continue working. A compliment that does not focus directly on appearance might be something like “You light up the room with your smile.” Keep those compliments coming. If you are already in a relationship with the target girl, then you should be sure to keep the stream of compliments flowing. Don't take it for granted that she knows you consider her pretty. She will appreciate hearing it every now and then – and the more the better. “You are so beautiful/cute/pretty/lovely” will always work. Or, alternately, call he a goddess or say something like, “You are as pretty as you are smart.” Focus on different outfits, as well. When your girlfriend wears a new outfit, tell her how good she looks in it. Be creative. Think of different ways to compliment your girlfriend once a day. When you are in a relationship, simply telling your girlfriend she is pretty may grow stale. Fortunately, there are a number of other ways to pay her compliments. Compliment her on looks, but also on her personality, her dress, her scent, and her grooming. Trying saying in you next conversation, “You are right! You're so smart.” Try more general complements that reflect how happy you are with her, like “I so lucky to have a pretty girl like you” or "You make me so happy.” Compliment her in new and different ways. Try making her a playlist of songs that have meaning for the two of you, for example. Back up your words with actions. Words go even better with gestures. Every once and a while, for instance, bring your girlfriend a random gift to back up all the compliments you have been paying her. She will remember your thoughtfulness. You can try also leaving a note, sending her a random text message and/or posting a comment on her facebook or instagram page, or calling her unexpectedly. Use your imagination.

Pick the right spot. Try to be familiar with the girl. Plan what you intend to say beforehand. Make your move. Tell her that she looks pretty. Build on your initial compliment. Be mindful of setting. Keep it casual and gentle. Pay her the compliment. Keep those compliments coming. Be creative. Back up your words with actions.

https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Your-Hamster-Dying

How to Deal With Your Hamster Dying

To deal with your hamster dying, make sure to talk about your feelings with your family and friends, who can help you get through the grieving process. If you're struggling to express your feelings, try writing them down in a journal. You could also look at pictures of you with your pet to help you remember the good times. Additionally, consider calling the ASPCA hotline to find support groups for people who have recently lost a pet.

Recognize the signs. There are many reasons that may claim the life of your hamster. Old age, for example, may make your hamster's eyes go dull. You may notice his fur getting thin. It may make your hamster listless and cause his appetite to disappear. Your hamster may exhibit unusual signs, such as urinating in its nest. Talk to someone who can help. Your parents may be able to offer advice on how to help your hamster. You may be able to talk to an experienced professional, like a vet, for more specific details on how to care for your hamster. She will give you advice on diet, exercise, and care. Consider your hamster's suffering. If your hamster in too much pain, you may want to consider other options. Euthanasia may be the best option to stop his suffering. This is a painless process and the professionals will do what they can to make the last stages of your pet's life as comfortable as possible. Prepare your friends and family. You want to tell those close to you about what is going to happen. This may be your child's first experience with death, and you want to approach it with care. Be honest and approach with empathy. Make your hamster comfortable. In your hamster's last days, make him as happy as possible. Put soft material in his cage. Let him sleep as much as he wants. Put his favorite toys in his cage. Avoid excessive holding. Your hamster may lose energy and may not participate in its usual exercise. You do not want to make him excessively tired by holding him. Feed and water appropriately. Talk to your vet or parents about what diet would be best. If your hamster is suffering from heart damage, for example, you may want to avoid fatty foods like sunflowers. Teeth issues can also plague older hamsters. Try feeding him soft foods like rice or cereal. Acknowledge your grief for the loss of your hamster. You are going to be upset and are going to hurt. You might feel strong emotions like anger, grief, depression, or guilt. It is okay to feel these strong feelings after a loss of a loved one. Take some time. Your hamster was a part of your family and you will need time to grieve. Consider taking time off work or school to feel your grief. Statistics show that the pain you feel when you lose a pet is akin to losing a human family member. Talk to friends and family. Your loved ones probably are aware of how much you loved your hamster. They can help you through the grieving process if you reach out to them. Talk to them about what you are feeling, and they may help to ease the passing. Memorialize your hamster. Remember the positive things about your friend. You can go through pictures of your pet. You can think about the games and toys you played with him. These good things may make your grief a little less painful. Write out your feelings. You can start a blog or journal. Writing out your feelings may help you work out your grief. You can write about the positive memories and thoughts of your beloved family member. Reach out to resources. There are national resources you can reach out to if you need someone to talk to you. Reaching out to resources like the ASPCA hotline can connect you to people who understand. Volunteer at a local shelter. Once you start the healing process, you might hesitate to bring a new hamster into your home. You can volunteer at a local animal shelter to help others in need. Helping animals in need might help you with the grief process. Look for a new friend. After you start to heal, you may feel up to bringing in a new hamster. Visit your local shelter or pet store for a new addition to your family. Get back to a regular routine. To fully move on, it might be best to get back to your day to day schedule. It might hurt for a while, but if you take one day at a time, you will find that your grief lessens. Remember it will be alright. Everyone experience loss, know that you are not alone with your loss. This may be a very hard time for you, but things will get better. Remember these steps and take time to grieve your loss.

Recognize the signs. Talk to someone who can help. Consider your hamster's suffering. Prepare your friends and family. Make your hamster comfortable. Avoid excessive holding. Feed and water appropriately. Acknowledge your grief for the loss of your hamster. Take some time. Talk to friends and family. Memorialize your hamster. Write out your feelings. Reach out to resources. Volunteer at a local shelter. Look for a new friend. Get back to a regular routine. Remember it will be alright.

https://www.wikihow.com/Evaluate-Writing-Skills

How to Evaluate Writing Skills

To evaluate someone's writing skills, you'll need to think about the organization and content of the piece. Most pieces should have an introduction, a body containing the main points, and a conclusion summing up the work, so it's important to note whether the writer knows how to use this structure. Check for common spelling or punctuation errors, since being able to follow these rules is a critical part of developing writing skills. You should also consider the range of vocabulary they use and if it's appropriate for what they're writing. For example, if the piece is aimed at a general audience, the writer should use clear language to make it understandable to everyone. The writer should also be able to use capitalization properly, like capitalizing the first letter of each sentence and all proper nouns. You'll also want to look out for good grammar, like proper tense and gender.

Assess the writer’s background. Before you can assess a person's writing skills, you must take their background into account. For example, you would not evaluate an ESL student's writing the same way you would if they were a native English speaker. Consider such factors as: The writer's age and developmental level. Their educational background and experience. Their familiarity with the language in which they will be writing. Target your evaluation to the writer’s experience level. You will need to adjust your expectations depending on the writer's background. Keeping in mind their age, experience level, and language proficiency, design a test that is appropriate for the individual. For example, if you're evaluating an ESL writer's skills, you may wish to focus mainly on linguistic accuracy (e.g., correct use of grammar, syntax, word forms, and vocabulary). If you are evaluating the writing of children, keep their age and grade level in mind. For example, you should expect an 8th grader to have a more complex understanding of verb moods and tenses than a 4th grader. Use a chart like this one to determine what skills are appropriate for the child's grade level: https://www.cde.state.co.us/sites/default/files/documents/coreadingwriting/documents/rwc_gle_at_a_glance.pdf. For professional and academic writing, basic technical proficiency may be less of a concern than style, content, organization, and proper citation techniques. However, you should still evaluate technical proficiency, as it's an important part of the writer's skills. Think of your evaluation as having a broader approach as the writer's educational background advances. Keep your assignments relevant to the writer’s needs or the skills you're improving. Writing a formal academic paper requires a very different skillset from writing a letter or a screenplay. Before you create a test or assignment, consider whether it reflects the types of writing skills you want to evaluate. For example, if you are testing the writer's ability to use descriptive language, you might ask them to describe a piece of art in a few paragraphs, or to describe a photo of the countryside. If you want to assess their ability to convey information concisely, you could have them complete an assignment in a specific number of words or paragraphs. You may not be addressing the writer's immediate needs, especially if they're in a class you're teaching. However, you should be helping them work on a specific skill. Determine your assessment criteria. There are many different types of writing skills, so you will need to select a few to focus on. Decide exactly which skills you want to evaluate, since this will determine the nature of the assignment and how you evaluate it. For example, you might focus on: The use of proper writing conventions, such as good spelling, grammar, syntax, capitalization, and punctuation. The writer's mastery of written vocabulary. The clarity and fluency with which the writer presents their arguments. The use of clear and logical structure within the text. Create a scoring rubric. A rubric is a way of quantifying whatever it is you are trying to evaluate. This might involve assigning a letter grade based on your overall impression of the work (a holistic rubric) or giving points based on the degree to which the work meets specific criteria (an analytic rubric). Rubrics allow you to score students with different needs and backgrounds using a different scale. Consider the writer's background and current skill level when creating your rubric so you can differentiate your evaluation process. For example, an ESL student will have a different rubric than a native speaker who is also an honor student. If you're not sure where to start, do an online search for example writing rubrics. This site offers a variety of rubric templates: http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php. A holistic rubric might assign a letter grade based on the overall clarity, organization, and technical proficiency of the writing. For example, you might say, “An 'A' paper will present the main argument clearly and support it with specific facts. It will also be free of grammatical and spelling errors.” In an analytic rubric, you will need to develop a numerical scoring system for the different criteria you will be looking at. For example, you might subtract 1 point for every grammatical error, or assign a range of points (0-10) for organization, fluency, or the degree to which the writing addresses the assignment topic. Set clear parameters for your assignment. The writer will need to know exactly what is expected of them as they are completing their assignment. Tell them what you will be looking for in as much detail as possible, and invite them to ask questions if they have trouble understanding the assignment. Provide both written and verbal instructions to accommodate different learning styles. Give them information such as: How much time they have to complete the assignment. Approximately how long the text should be (e.g., 5 paragraphs, 10 pages, or 300-500 words). The purpose of the assignment (e.g., to assess their ability to present a persuasive argument). The topic (or range of topics) you would like them to write about. Keep re-evaluating throughout the writing process. Building writing skills is a process, and so is evaluating those skills. You will get a better idea of the writer's abilities if you check in and provide feedback at multiple points during the writing process and assess how their writing improves and develops over time. For example, you might offer to provide feedback on drafts, and then look at how well they incorporate your suggestions into the final product. If you can, offer multiple assignments over a period of time, and provide feedback that encourages improvement and development. Check the writer’s spelling. Writing conventions are the basic technical skills that make writing coherent and understandable. Good spelling is a key element of clear and professional writing. When assessing spelling, keep in mind such issues as: The overall number of spelling errors (e.g., what percentage of words are spelled correctly vs. incorrectly?). The writer's understanding of basic spelling rules and patterns (e.g., the use of silent letters, the softening of certain consonants before certain vowels, etc.). The prevalence of common spelling errors in the writer's work (such as mixing up commonly confused words, like “stationary” and “stationery”). Look at the writer’s punctuation. Proper punctuation is also essential for clarity of writing. Check the writer's work to make sure that they: Use appropriate punctuation when indicating the use of direct quotations. Use proper punctuation to mark the ends of sentences (e.g., periods, question marks, and exclamation points) and clauses (e.g., commas, colons, and semicolons). Indicate contractions and possessives with the correct use of apostrophes. Examine their capitalization. A skilled writer should know the conventions of capitalization. Look over their writing and make sure that they follow such conventions as: Capitalizing the first words of sentences. Capitalizing proper nouns and adjectives, including personal names, place names, and titles before proper nouns (e.g., Governor Johnson). Using correct capitalization when writing titles of works, such as books or articles. Evaluate their grammar. Using correct grammar is one of the most complex elements of writing. When looking over the writer's work, you might look select a handful of grammatical issues to focus on based on factors such as their age or experience level. For example, you might check that the writer is able to: Use correct verbal forms (e.g., proper tense, mood, voice, person, and number). Understand grammatical cases and use appropriate forms (e.g., distinguish between subjective, objective, and possessive forms of pronouns). Show agreement between grammatical forms (e.g., nouns and pronouns match in number and gender). Assess their use of syntax. Syntax refers to the ways sentences are put together. For a sentence to be syntactically correct, both individual words and entire clauses must be arranged in an order that makes sense. In English, word order is especially important for establishing clear meaning and correct syntax. Look for: Clear and correct word order. The use of conjunctions to link coordinating clauses within a sentence. Use of a variety of sentence structures (e.g., simple declarative sentences, interrogative sentences, and compound sentences). Look for a clear beginning, middle, and end. A well-organized piece of writing should have a clearly-defined structure. While the nature of that structure will vary depending on the type of writing, most written works should have: An introduction that briefly summarizes the topic or introduces the theme of the piece in some way. A body, in which the major points of the text are laid out. A conclusion, which wraps up the text and ties up any loose ends. Assess their use of paragraphing. Paragraphing refers to the arrangement of sentences into coherent groups. Each paragraph should focus on a single theme or idea, and should be visually separated from the previous paragraph with an indentation or an extra line space. A strong paragraph should include: A topic sentence, clearly expressing the main idea of the paragraph. A few sentences supporting, explaining, or elaborating on the main theme. Some type of transition that links the current paragraph to the theme of the next paragraph. Make sure their ideas are ordered in a logical way. A good piece of writing should present its points in an order that makes sense. While there is no single right way to order a piece of writing, the writer should at least have some kind of clear organizational scheme in place. For example: In a narrative, the writer might present events in chronological order from earliest to latest. For an argumentative essay, the writer might start by presenting their strongest evidence and end with their weakest. Check for clear transitions between ideas or sections. In order for a piece of writing to be coherent, there must be a logical flow of ideas from one clause, sentence, paragraph, or section to the next. Transitions are used to clarify variety of links between ideas, such as causative relationships, temporal relationships, or similarities and differences. Transitions can also be used to link a topic to supporting examples or evidence. Look for the effective use of transitional words and phrases, such as: “Therefore” “On the other hand” “However” “Furthermore” “Likewise” “For example” “In conclusion” Evaluate word choice and vocabulary. The words that a writer chooses can have a major impact on the tone, clarity, and quality of their writing. When looking at the writer's work, consider factors such as: Whether the words they use clearly express the desired meaning. Whether the words they use are appropriate for the tone of the article (e.g., do then need to be more formal or casual?). Whether the vocabulary is varied enough to keep the reader's interest. Whether words are being used correctly and at a level appropriate to the writer's age, developmental level, or experience level. Whether the word choice is appropriate for the intended audience of the piece. Look for originality and a clear voice. A writer's “voice” is what makes their work distinctive and interesting. Try to get a sense of whether the writer's work conveys a tone that reflects their personal style or unique viewpoint. This might include factors such as: The use of distinctive words, phrases, and metaphors instead of clichés and stock phrases. A unifying and consistent mood or tone. Confident “ownership” of opinions and viewpoints. Determine if the style is appropriate for the type of writing. The tone and style of a written work should fit the format and context of the piece. When you are evaluating a writer's work, keep the purpose of the piece in mind. For example: If the work is intended for a general audience, a chatty and informal tone might be appropriate. For an academic essay , the tone and word choice should be formal and technical. The passive voice is also more appropriate in academic writing than in other types of writing. While good advertising copy might appeal to the reader's emotions, an informative essay on a technical topic should be written in a more objective and impartial tone. Watch for concise, straightforward language. Asses the writer's ability to express ideas clearly without excessive padding or wordiness. In addition to individual sentences, look at the overall structure of the piece. Are there unnecessary tangents and redundant sentences or paragraphs? Does the piece contain unnecessary background information (i.e., information that is already obvious to the reader)? Assess the format and presentation of the writing. If the writer needs to be able to use a particular house style or citation format, take this into account when evaluating their writing. Make sure that they follow any guidelines regarding things like: Page length or word count. Fonts and special characters. Formatting for sources and citations. Line spacing, margin sizes, and headers. Be specific in your feedback. Your evaluation will benefit the writer the most if you provide clear and specific notes on what works and what needs improvement. Take time to talk to them in detail or write thoughtful comments about their strengths and weaknesses. Make sure that your comments are easy to understand and clear. If they aren't, you should explain them clearly to the student. For example, instead of “Grammar needs improvement,” you might say something like “Your understanding of tense is strong, but I'm noticing you have a tendency to mismatch your subjects and modifiers.” Offer suggestions on how to improve. Instead of just telling the writer what they need to fix, give them some specific ideas about approaches they might take to making their writing stronger. This might mean telling them to be more mindful of a particular issue in their writing (e.g., lack of strong transitions between ideas) or giving them a specific idea about how they might improve a particular passage. For example, instead of just saying, “I'm having a hard time understanding the main point of this paragraph,” you could add, “It might be clearer if you started with a topic sentence.” Keep your comments relevant to the skills you’re evaluating. If you give the writer too much feedback on too many different aspects of their writing, they will feel frustrated and overwhelmed. Avoid getting hung up on issues that aren't necessarily critical to the writing task at hand. For example, if you're mainly interested in spelling, grammar, and punctuation, don't spend a lot of time making comments on vocabulary choice. Keep your commentary appropriate to the writer's experience level, as well. For example, if you're evaluating an 8-year-old's writing, it might be best to focus on their basic technical skills rather than correcting stylistic issues. Provide feedback as an audience rather than a critic. Good feedback should help the writer understand their work from a reader's perspective. This will get them into the mindset of evaluating their own writing objectively. Instead of simply making qualitative statements (e.g., “This doesn't make sense”), explain your reactions and thought processes as a reader. For example, “As a reader, I'm not sure where this idea is coming from in paragraph 2. I think it might make more sense to me if you introduced some evidence for your statement in the previous paragraph.”

Assess the writer’s background. Target your evaluation to the writer’s experience level. Keep your assignments relevant to the writer’s needs or the skills you're improving. Determine your assessment criteria. Create a scoring rubric. Set clear parameters for your assignment. Keep re-evaluating throughout the writing process. Check the writer’s spelling. Look at the writer’s punctuation. Examine their capitalization. Evaluate their grammar. Assess their use of syntax. Look for a clear beginning, middle, and end. Assess their use of paragraphing. Make sure their ideas are ordered in a logical way. Check for clear transitions between ideas or sections. Evaluate word choice and vocabulary. Look for originality and a clear voice. Determine if the style is appropriate for the type of writing. Watch for concise, straightforward language. Assess the format and presentation of the writing. Be specific in your feedback. Offer suggestions on how to improve. Keep your comments relevant to the skills you’re evaluating. Provide feedback as an audience rather than a critic.

https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-a-Cat-Is-a-Stray

How to Know if a Cat Is a Stray

To know if a cat is a stray, start by watching the cat's behavior toward people since strays tend to be socialized and are often not as skittish as feral cats. If the cat is too afraid to approach you but doesn't run away, try moving toward the cat while speaking in a soothing voice. Then, listen to see if the cat answers back, since a stray cat will often "meow" or purr in response to your voice. Continue to watch the cat to see if its tail is in the air and if it walks tall, which are all indicators that the cat had a home and was socialized at some point.

See if the cat approaches you. A cat's behavior towards people can be a big indicator of whether or not a cat is a stray. Since stray cats have once been socialized, meaning they've been around people and most likely lived in a home, they are often not as skittish as feral cats. Stand or sit near the cat and see if it approaches you on its own. If it does, it is probably a stray that is lost. Crouch down to its level. This may be less intimidating for the cat. Also pay attention to whether or not the cat approaches houses or cars on its own. Stray cats are more likely to do this. Approach the cat. If the cat does not come up to you on its own, try approaching it. It could be the cat is socialized, but is too frightened to come up to you. Try moving toward the cat slowly, all the while talking to it in a soothing voice. If the cat lets you get close or pet it after some coaxing, it is probably a stray. Determine if the cat is alone. Stray cats will generally be traveling alone, while feral cats often travel as part of a group. Watch to see if the cat is travelling with any other cats. If it is not, it is most likely a stray. Watch its body language. A cat's body language can also give you clues as to whether or not it is a stray. Stray cats will still exhibit similar body language to a domesticated house cat. Look for the following: Pay attention to how the cat walks. If it walks with its tail in the air, which is a friendly sign, it is probably a stray who has been a housecat at one time or another. However, if it often crawls or stays crouched to the ground, and keeps its tail low as a form of protection, it is probably a feral cat that has never had a home. Also, a stray cat will probably make eye contact with you while a feral cat will not. Listen to the cat. The type of vocalizations a cat makes is another way to tell if it is a stray. Stray cats will meow or “answer” you when you speak to them. Depending how long they have been gone from home or on their own, they may even purr when you come near them. Feral cats, on the other hand, don't usually make any sounds. Look for a collar. Cats that have a home will most likely also have a collar. Most pet owners keep a collar on their cat that has their name and a phone number to call in case the cat is lost. If you think a cat might be a stray, check to see if it is wearing a collar. Just because a cat is not wearing a collar, does not mean it is a stray. It's possible the cat lost its collar or was never given one. Check to see if the cat seems healthy. Another clue to whether or not a cat is a stray is its general health. Is the cat skinny and malnourished? Is it injured? Does it seem to be in distress? These can all be indications that the cat is a stray and is unable to find the food or help it needs. These factors can be tough to analyze, however. For example, maybe the cat appears to be well-nourished—you cannot see its ribs and it appears to be at a healthy weight—but it also seems very hungry. It's possible this is a stray cat that has not been lost very long, but is hungry because it is not used to hunting its own food in the wild. On the other hand, perhaps you found a cat that seems skinny, but does not act hungry. It's possible this cat is feral and has always lived outdoors. It does not act hungry because it knows how to find its own food, but it is not as well-nourished as a pet cat would be. Do your best to make a judgment that takes both its appearance and behavior into consideration. Look at the condition of its coat. Stray cats are most likely going to look dirty and disheveled. Since they probably came from a home where they were kept inside and groomed on a regular basis, they probably won't know how to keep this appearance up on their own. Feral cats' coats are usually clean and well-kept, despite the fact that they live in the wild. Look for a missing ear tip. When a cat is spayed or neutered, the doctor sometimes surgically removes the tip of one ear to signify this surgery has already been performed. This is done so that, if the cat becomes lost, it hopefully will not have to go through the trauma of an unnecessary surgery. If the cat you've found is missing the tip of one ear, it is possible it is a cat that has a family and is cared for. Ask around your neighborhood. The only sure way to know whether or not a cat is a stray is to find its owner. A stray cat may not be far from its home. Attempt to locate its owner by asking your neighbors if they have lost a cat or know anyone who has. It may help to take a picture of the cat along with you. Posting a photo of the cat and a location where it was found on social media can also help you find the owner. This method will allow you to reach a bigger audience in much less time than going door-to-door. In addition, you can create a “found” poster with the cat's picture and contact number to call if anyone recognizes the cat. Check for a microchip. If you are able to safely catch the cat, take it to a veterinarian to have them scan the cat for a microchip. If the cat is implanted with a microchip, it will have information about the owner and how to contact them. Attach a paper collar. It is also possible that the owner of the stray cat doesn't know it has been wandering. In this situation, it can be helpful to attach a paper collar to the cat, if possible, that includes a message like, “This cat has been visiting me lately. Please contact me if it belongs to you.” Be sure to include your phone number or email address so the person can reach you. If the cat wanders around during the day but returns home at night, this will let the owner know what it is doing. Don't leave the paper collar on for an extended period of time because it could be irritating to the cat. If you haven't received any calls within a few days of placing it on the cat, remove it if the cat will allow you. Contact local animal shelters. Check with the animal shelters in your area to see if anyone has called about a missing cat recently. If someone has, they may be able to give you the person's contact information or contact them on their own to try and reunite the owner and cat. It is also a good idea to leave a description of the cat, where it was found, and your contact information with each shelter so they can get in touch with you if someone calls looking for a cat that matches your description. Report the missing cat online. There are also online resources, like PetsLocated.com, that help reunite owners with their lost pets. This site has a “lost” database and a “found” database and it continually cross references the two to try and match up any pets that have been reported lost and also found. Enter the information you have about the cat on this database to help find the owner.

See if the cat approaches you. Approach the cat. Determine if the cat is alone. Watch its body language. Listen to the cat. Look for a collar. Check to see if the cat seems healthy. Look at the condition of its coat. Look for a missing ear tip. Ask around your neighborhood. Check for a microchip. Attach a paper collar. Contact local animal shelters. Report the missing cat online.

https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Garbage-Disposal

How to Fix a Garbage Disposal

To fix a clogged garbage disposal, turn off the disposal using the circuit breaker, and shine a flashlight down into the disposal to see the clog. Remove the rubber catch or cover if needed, and slide a hex wrench or wooden spoon into the disposal. Then, rock the wrench or spoon back and forth to move the blades and dislodge any stuck food. If there's a hard piece of food, like a bone, use a pair of tongs to pull it up out of the disposal. Finally, restore power to the disposal and run the water before you turn the disposal on.

Locate your garbage disposal's operating manual, if you can. It can instruct you on recommended garbage disposal repairs and give you a diagram of the disposal before you take anything apart. Find the hex wrench that came with the disposal. This tool is usually kept near the disposal for small repairs. A hex wrench is a small, thin metal tool. It has 6 sides and it tightens the mounting bolts on the disposal. It is often referred to as a hex key and is used for bike repairs and furniture construction. Turn off the garbage disposal using the circuit breaker. Occasionally, wall switches are not properly connected, so there should be no chance that power can get to the impellers. Hold a flashlight above the garbage disposal. Attempt to see down the disposal and find the cause of the clog. Remove the drain cover, or rubber catch, if possible. Stick a hex wrench or wooden spoon handle into the disposal. Rock it from side to side between the impellers to try to loosen any caught food. If you find some hard object, such as a bone, try to grasp it with tongs and pull it up. It is preferable to forcing it down the hoses. Turn on the power once you believe the disposal is unclogged. If you believe it is still clogged, leave the power off. You will need to go underneath the sink and remove the hoses that attach to the disposal. You can clear the impellers with the hex wrench from below. Turn on the water. Turn on the disposal. See if the disposal appears to be running better. Look in the area underneath your sink. If it is wet, you have a problem with the hoses and/or seals. Try to catch the liquid. The color and contents will tell you where the leak is coming from. If the liquid is brown and discolored, then the leak is probably coming from a dishwasher intake or drain pipe. If the liquid is clear, it is most likely a leak from the sink. Run your hand across the garbage disposal seal on the sink, drain pipe and/or dishwasher intake. You may be able to feel where water is dripping. Try to tighten the mounting bolts around the seal. This may solve your problem without requiring further repair. Turn on the water to see if the leak continues. Purchase a new seal, when you have determined the area it is leaking from. You may need to shut off the water source, take apart the hose and remove the seal. Take the seal to a hardware store to make sure you get the right item. Replace the seal. Tighten the mounting bolts and try the disposal again. Determine if the impellers in your garbage disposal aren't turning. If this is the case, and you have checked for garbage disposal clogs, the cause may be the flywheel. Leaking from the bottom of the disposal may also be a problem with the flywheel. In this case the flywheel seal needs to be replaced. Follow the instructions in the method above to replace it. Do not test your garbage disposal for longer than 10 seconds, if the wheels aren't turning. A caught flywheel can burn out the motor in the disposal. Go underneath the sink to access the disposal. Make sure power is completely off. Find the hex holes. Use your hex wrench to loosen the flywheel at the bottom of the disposal. Remove any debris that is stuck in the disposal's flywheel. Loosen the lock nut on the flywheel and remove it, if you believe the problem is caused by the impeller blades. Remove all the hose fittings that are connected to the disposal flywheel and impellers. Remove debris in the impellers, if that is the cause of the problem. Sharpen impellers in place or by removing them. This can help to avoid future clogs, if food debris was the cause of your problem. Read the instruction manual. If it says that blades cannot be sharpened, or if you cannot find the cause of the problem, you may need to send for a new flywheel assembly.

Locate your garbage disposal's operating manual, if you can. Find the hex wrench that came with the disposal. Turn off the garbage disposal using the circuit breaker. Hold a flashlight above the garbage disposal. Remove the drain cover, or rubber catch, if possible. Stick a hex wrench or wooden spoon handle into the disposal. Turn on the power once you believe the disposal is unclogged. Turn on the water. Look in the area underneath your sink. Try to catch the liquid. Run your hand across the garbage disposal seal on the sink, drain pipe and/or dishwasher intake. Try to tighten the mounting bolts around the seal. Purchase a new seal, when you have determined the area it is leaking from. Replace the seal. Determine if the impellers in your garbage disposal aren't turning. Go underneath the sink to access the disposal. Find the hex holes. Remove any debris that is stuck in the disposal's flywheel. Loosen the lock nut on the flywheel and remove it, if you believe the problem is caused by the impeller blades. Remove all the hose fittings that are connected to the disposal flywheel and impellers. Remove debris in the impellers, if that is the cause of the problem. Sharpen impellers in place or by removing them. Read the instruction manual.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-Good-at-Knife-Fighting

How to Become Good at Knife Fighting

Before you learn how to defend yourself with a knife, look up weapon laws to find out what knives are legal to carry in your area. Then, pick a knife that's appropriate for self-defense, like a fixed blade that's 5 to 7 inches long. When drawing a fixed-blade knife, make sure the blade points away from your body at all times. Maintain a firm grip on the handle, and extend the knife firmly up, out, and away from you. Keep your body behind your knife at all times to avoid harming yourself or being disarmed by your attacker. If your attacker moves in to hit or harm you, move with them, taking a big step back and to the side, then bring your knife to their forearm or wrist to either disarm them or harm them enough to escape.

Learn the laws regarding carrying knives in your area. In most places, it's legal to carry most kinds of knives, both in the open and concealed, but if you want to start carrying a knife for self-defense it's important that you make sure to know the law of the land to protect yourself, legally and physically. In the United States, you can read about the laws from state to state by clicking here. In most places, Bowie knives, foldable knives, and other hunting-style knives are almost universally legal to own and to carry. Switchblades, dirks, stilettos, balisongs, cane knives, and other "misleading" styles of knife are treated variously. In some areas, it's legal to own these types of knife, but not legal to carry them. Choose an appropriate knife for self-defense. Generally, knife fighting and knife defense is performed with fixed blade knives, typically with blades 5-7 inches (12.7-17.78 cm) long, but it's important to size your defense knife to your hand and your fighting style. The techniques, however, will apply to almost any variety of knife, whether it be a fixed blade tactical knife, a foldable hunting knife, or other styles of knife. Grip a ruler to measure your grip from the second knuckle of your pointer finger to the second knuckle of your pinkie finger. You want the grip of a good defense knife to match that size grip as closely as possible. Crocodile Dundee's words of wisdom do ring somewhat true in knife defense. A bigger, more intimidating knife can do more to keep you safe than the Swiss Army variety. Still, you can learn to defend yourself, regardless of what blade you carry. Keep your knife clean and well maintained. A dull knife is a more dangerous knife, and it's important to keep all your knives–tactical, hunting, or kitchen–sharp, clean, and well-maintained. Learn to hone and sharpen your knives yourself , to keep them in good working order. Folding knives need to be oiled regularly to keep the action as smooth as possible. Get trained in self defense. If you introduce a knife into an altercation and don't know how to defend yourself, it's more likely that you're going to end up the one getting stuck. If you don't know how to defend yourself, you should not carry a knife for defense purposes. Take a general personal self defense class to learn to control your environment and stay calm in physical altercations. Knife and stick fighting courses are widely available in metro areas. Check out what's available and get detailed, one-on-one training to learn how to wield a knife properly and safely. Generally, you should look on a knife as an everyday tool that can be used for self defense, should someone provoke an altercation, and not as a weapon that solely for fighting. You should only draw your knife if your opponent also brandishes a knife. Furthermore, draw your knife only if you intend to use it. To use a weapon for intimidation will likely put the opponent into a fight or flight type response, and the momentum can change quickly in their favor. Draw and take action, or choose another course. Intimidation attempts (while potentially successful) give the opponent the opportunity to react and control the altercation. In most places, brandishing or drawing your knife in a threatening manner is a crime, punishable by fines and possibly jail time. Practice with markers. When you're first getting started learning about knife fighting, try a little experiment. Have someone much weaker than you: a smaller sparring partner, little brother, or even your daughter, and give them a permanent marker with the cap off. Take off your shirt and tell them to try to mark you as many times as possible while you try to stop them. Then count up the marker lines at the end. Now imagine that marker was a knife. Even if you're experienced in self-defense, or even MMA, or karate, you're going to quickly come up against a hard truth: it's pretty easy for someone to get a blade on you in close quarters, and a knife makes for a deadly attacker, if you don't know what you're doing. This is an excellent way of practicing your knife fighting skills in perfect safety. Never attempt to practice knife fighting with a sharpened blade. Use markers or practice knives. Evaluate your attacker. If you're going to carry a knife, you have to be sure you don't introduce it into the fight. Knives should only be drawn if you fear for your life in a physical altercation, because your opponent has also drawn a knife, gun, or another weapon in a threatening manner. Always use your knife first to attempt to avoid the altercation, then to defend yourself if necessary. Never draw knives on unarmed attackers. Learn to defend yourself without the use of a weapon, and avoid physical fights at all costs. If someone comes up to you in a threatening manner, look at their hands and at their pockets. If you see a weapon, draw your knife. Learn to draw your knife safely. When drawing a fixed-blade knife, make sure the blade points away from your body at all times. Maintain a firm grip on the handle, and extend the knife firmly up, out, and away from you to assume a defensive posture. Usually, most people carry the knife on the opposite side of the body as the dominant hand, for this purpose. Foldable knives can also be carried in on your pocket, though this can make drawing somewhat slow and cumbersome. Try getting a foldable knife with a quick-flip thumb stud to open it as quickly as possible, after drawing. There's no one way to carry and draw. A lot of this depends on personal preference. Experiment with different knives to get a feel for what's most comfortable for you. Grip your knife properly. There are a variety of different grips used for self-defense knife fighting, depending on preference. Practice drawing and holding your knife in the most comfortable and secure ways of possible, given your fighting style, strength, and the weight of your blade. The most basic and the easiest way to learn is probably the forward hammer grip. Forward grips involve holding the knife by the grip, your fingers wrapped completely around, and the blade facing out from you, pointing straight up at the sky. Variations on this grip mostly depend on where you put your thumb to reinforce, but the most basic is the hammer grip, in which you wrap your thumb around the grip, to secure the knife in your hand. Reverse grips are typically held in the exact same way, but with the blade pointing down toward the ground. It is possible to do a reverse grip with the blade edge pointing back at you, but this isn't recommended for beginners. Keep your body behind your knife. It's of the utmost importance that you use your knife as a defensive tool, protecting your face, neck, and torso against an attacker, at all costs. Make your body as small as possible, by bringing your shoulders in and ducking your head, extending your knife-holding arm in front of you, flexed at a 45-degree angle. Don't extend your knife arm all the way, which will leave it vulnerable to attack. Use your other arm to guard your chest, neck, and stomach as you hide behind your knife. You don't want to offer your unarmed hand as some kind of shield or guard. Put your knife forward, always. Move constantly. If you both draw knives, take a big step backward, but remain facing your opponent at all times, your knife between your body and your opponent. Imagine there was a magnet pointing your knife at your opponent's knife. In general, you can move one of four directions: forward, backward, and circling right or left. You should always be moving in some direction to protect yourself and make it more difficult to be struck. Never stand flat-footed. Use your knife as a distraction. Most attackers won't be interested in actually attacking you, especially if you just pulled a knife that you look like you know how to use. Nobody wants to actually get into a knife fight. If someone has pulled a knife on you and you've pulled a knife in return, that should hopefully be the end of it. Ideally, pulling your knife and distracting your opponent should be the end of the fight. Draw your knife and issue a warning, something like: "This is a buck knife given to me by my tactical knife instructor, who works for Blackwater. I sharpen it every night. Trust me, you don't want to come anywhere closer. Let's just call it a night." Keith Richards, a famous knife enthusiast, liked to say that the only purpose of pulling a knife was to get someone to look at the knife as a distraction, before you ended the fighting by kicking them between the legs. Not the worst idea. Parry by dodging and controlling your opponent's striking arm. Knife-fighting doesn't much resemble sword fighting. You won't bang blades or do much parrying in a knife fight, but it's still important to deflect what could be a devastating blow by sidestepping blows, turning 90 degrees to the outside of your opponent's striking arm, then using your other hand to grip your opponent's elbow and attempt to disarm them. It's always preferable to use your knife to strike or block at your opponent's arm, rather than attempting to grab at them. If there's no other option, you do need to block with your other arm to protect your vital organs. A cut, even a severe one, on your arm is preferable to a stab wound in your solar plexus. Read the next section for more information about defensive striking to disarm your opponent. Always avoid fights if possible. Pulling and using your knife should be an absolute last resort, only taken if your life is being threatened. If you can avoid the confrontation entirely, or run, do this instead and avoid a potentially lethal situation. If you receive a bad cut or stab wound, put pressure on the wound immediately to attempt to stop the bleeding and seek medical attention. Maintain consistent pressure on the wound until you can get professional care. Back out of striking range. A knife fight isn't about getting in close, it's about staying out of the way. Most of the fight will be you ducking and dodging, waiting for your moments to strike with quick little disarming strikes that will end the fight for good. If it looks like you're going to actually be attacked by someone with a knife, take a full step backward. Take a minute to evaluate your surroundings and move to open space. You need to be able to move backward with ease. If you're in cramped surroundings, it's going to be difficult to defend yourself. Attempt to disarm your attacker. Most inexperienced goons will take a wild slash somewhere close to your face, which should give you the first opportunity to stop the fight quickly when they make this mistake. When your opponent strikes, your counter-strike should be swift, accurate, and should end the fight immediately. If they slash low, toward your stomach, move with them, taking a big step back and to the side. As their arm is extended, bring your knife over their forearm, point down, and slash down with your blade at the wrist, attempting to get them to drop the knife. If they slash high, move with them, taking a big step back and to the side, then slash with your blade pointing up at the underside of their forearm. Aim for the forearm and wrist area, attempting to get them to drop the knife. Never use your other arm as a "shield. " It's a common misconception that you want to block with your other arm, getting your opponent's knife out of the way, and then move in close for a strike. It seems to make sense, but one or two slashes at your "blocking" arm with an attacker's knife will have you losing blood and close to being incapacitated very quickly, making your "moving in" an unlikely proposition. Instead, you need to learn to use your knife to block and strike in single maneuvers. If you see an opportunity to grab your opponent's wrist with your opposite hand, that's another story, and you may want to take it. Obviously, if there's a situation that's extremely dire, you may need to offer up a sacrifice arm to protect your head and throat, but as your marker exercises suggest, it's going to get ugly really quickly. You need to be fast with your disarming strikes, and not get into something with more contact. Never throw your knife. The absolute last thing you want to do in a one-on-one knife fight is lose your knife. Defending yourself against an attacker with a knife when you don't have one is extremely difficult, as your marker exercise should have suggested. Actually striking someone with a thrown knife is extremely unlikely, and you're most likely to just lose your knife and end up in trouble. Keep your knife in your hand at all times.

Learn the laws regarding carrying knives in your area. Choose an appropriate knife for self-defense. Keep your knife clean and well maintained. Get trained in self defense. Practice with markers. Evaluate your attacker. Learn to draw your knife safely. Grip your knife properly. Keep your body behind your knife. Move constantly. Use your knife as a distraction. Parry by dodging and controlling your opponent's striking arm. Always avoid fights if possible. Back out of striking range. Attempt to disarm your attacker. Never use your other arm as a "shield. Never throw your knife.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Plastic-Lattice

How to Cut Plastic Lattice

Plastic lattice is a great landscaping material that you can cut to shape with a circular saw. Use a ruler and pencil to mark the cut line on your lattice. If there are any staples or nails along the cut line, remove them with a flathead screwdriver so your saw blade doesn't hit them. Place your lattice on a flat surface with the cut line overhanging by 4 inches, and clamp it in place. Set your saw blade ½ inch deeper than the lattice thickness to make sure it cuts through cleanly, then make a slow, steady cut along the line. Don't forget to wear gloves and goggles to protect you from splinters or flying plastic chips.

Use a measuring tape to measure your project’s dimensions. Once you've decided where the lattice will go, measure and record the dimensions of the product area. Purchase panels of lattice that either fit the space perfectly or are sized slightly bigger, so you can trim them down. For example, if the project space is 3 ft (0.91 m) wide and 4 ft (1.2 m) high, you'll need to purchase panels that are at least 3 by 4 ft (0.91 by 1.22 m). Allow for an additional 0.25 in (0.64 cm) on each side. Weather can sometimes affect plastic lattice, causing it to contract or expand up to 3 times as much as wood or solid core vinyl lattice. To counteract this effect and prevent permanent warping, add a small 0.25 in (0.64 cm) buffer to the measurements. For example, if your project space is 3 by 4 ft (0.91 by 1.22 m), you should purchase lattice panels that measure 3.02 by 4.02 ft (0.92 by 1.23 m) Adjust your measurements based on any frames you’ll be using. When you're planning the space for the lattice, make sure it includes the size of the panel as well as the framing material. Measure the thickness of any caps, dividers, or frames that will surround the lattice and subtract that number from your lattice width. For example, if the project space is 3 ft (0.91 m) wide, add your 0.25 in (0.64 cm) buffer, then subtract the thickness of your frame. If your frame is 3 in (7.6 cm) thick, your lattice should be cut at 2.77 ft (0.84 m). Add an extra 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) to panels that go below a house. For this project, the lattice will need to be pushed into the dirt a few inches to stay in place. Depending on the hardness and compactness of your soil, allow for about 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of extra length for staking and securing. For example, if your project space is 3 by 4 ft (0.91 by 1.22 m) and your soil is soft, your panel should measure 3.02 by 4.27 ft (0.92 by 1.30 m) If your soil is harder and more compact, use less than 2 inches (5.1 cm) of lattice for staking. If the soil is soft, add on the full 3 in (7.6 cm) length to keep the lattice in place. Put on protective gear before you start sawing. Make sure to wear plastic safety glasses to protect your eyes. You should also wear work gloves while you handle and cut the lattice, just in case any splinters or chips go flying. Use a straightedge and a pencil to draw a straight cut line on the lattice. Once you've found your measurements, mark the lines where it needs to be cut. Use a carpenter's pencil to carefully draw a light line down the back of the lattice where it requires trimming. Use a flat screwdriver to remove any staples or nails along the pencil line. Manufacturers often place staples and nails in the lattice to help it hold its shape, but these can be a safety hazard when you're sawing. This will help the cutting process go much more smoothly and prevents the risk of staples flying up and hitting you. Place the lattice face-down on a flat surface for cutting. A worktable or a sturdy plank will do the trick. Set the lattice on the surface with the front, or the side with the faux wood grain, facing down. Any flat 8 ft (2.4 m), 2 by 4 in (5.1 by 10.2 cm), or 2 by 6 in (5.1 by 15.2 cm) board can function as a work surface. Adjust until the drawn line is 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 cm) past the edge of the table. The space below the line will need to be open while you cut, so move the lattice until you have enough overhang. Keep the pencil line parallel to the side of the surface to help you make the straightest cut possible. Secure the lattice with several clamps. Place the clamps at either end of the lattice, out of the way of the cut line. Make sure the clamps are tight and firmly in place to keep the lattice stabilized and help you cut in a straight line. It will also help prevent splintering, splitting, and chipping. Set the blade depth 0.5 in (1.3 cm) wider than the lattice’s thickness. Adjust the blade depth on a circular saw by releasing the blade lever on the back. Hold the saw against the lattice as if you were about to cut it, then let the blade dip roughly 0.5 in (1.3 cm) below the level of the lattice. Press the blade lever back into place to secure the depth. Generally, plastic lattice will be about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) thick, but check the thickness with a ruler if you need to. For plastic or solid core vinyl lattice, you may want to use a vinyl-cutting blade. Squeeze the saw's trigger and make a slow, steady cut down the line. Position the saw so it's right along the pencil line, then start making a careful, straight cut down the lattice. Go at a slow pace, following the pencil line as closely as possible. Turn off the saw the once you reach the end and cut cleanly through. Now your lattice is ready to be installed!

Use a measuring tape to measure your project’s dimensions. Allow for an additional 0.25 in (0.64 cm) on each side. Adjust your measurements based on any frames you’ll be using. Add an extra 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) to panels that go below a house. Put on protective gear before you start sawing. Use a straightedge and a pencil to draw a straight cut line on the lattice. Use a flat screwdriver to remove any staples or nails along the pencil line. Place the lattice face-down on a flat surface for cutting. Adjust until the drawn line is 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 cm) past the edge of the table. Secure the lattice with several clamps. Set the blade depth 0.5 in (1.3 cm) wider than the lattice’s thickness. Squeeze the saw's trigger and make a slow, steady cut down the line.

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

How to Plan Your Life

To plan your life, first decide what's important to you and what you want to achieve. For instance, do you want to land your dream job, run your own business, or get in shape? When you sit down to write your life plan, try breaking it down into different areas, such as where you want to live, how you want to spend your free time, and what kind of job you want, to make things easier. Once you have your overall plan for the future, you can break it down into specific, actionable goals. For example, if you want to lose weight, set yourself the goal of losing 5 pounds a month. Then, try to identify resources you need to move forward, such as setting a budget, buying books, or learning a new skill.

Define your core values in life. Living your life according to your values can help you feel fulfilled and full of purpose. To figure out your values, examine how you spend your time and what makes you happiest. Alternatively, think about 3 people you admire and figure out why you hold them in high esteem. You could also review a list of values and check off which ones matter most to you. Core values include things like honesty, loyalty, family, freedom, compassion, creativity, nature, accomplishment, and success. For instance, you might value helping people, expressing your creativity, being honest, and working hard. You can find a core values checklist here: https://www.cmu.edu/career/documents/my-career-path-activities/values-exercise.pdf Track how you’re currently spending your time. You only have so much time every day, and how you spend it will shape your life. Write down your daily routine, what activities you do each day, and how much time you spend doing each activity. Consider how much time you're spending doing activities that don't fit your values. For instance, you might use your phone to take notes about what you do and how long you spend doing it for an entire week. Go over the notes at the end of the week to see where you might make changes. You might write down things like, “Got ready for work,” “Worked,” “Watched TV,” “Made/Ate dinner,” “Cleaned the kitchen,” “Watched a Movie,” and Went to bed.” Identify what’s not working in your life so you know what to change. You likely have areas in your life where you feel unfulfilled. Ask yourself if you're using your talents fully and if you're making an impact. Additionally, figure out the things that trigger envy, sadness and regret in your life. Chances are, you feel like you're lacking in these areas. For example, maybe you feel like your current job doesn't really challenge you or your personal life feels empty. If you find yourself envying your friends' vacation pictures, maybe it's time you start planning a trip. Similarly, if you regret not finishing your degree, it could be time to go back to school. Imagine how you want your life to be in the future. Picture your future self spending a day in your ideal life. Consider where you want to be, what you want to be doing, and who you want around you. Identify where you want to be in 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years. Use this vision to give you direction for where you want to go in life. For instance, you might imagine yourself in 5 years living in a new home, working in a job where you help people, coming home to a cat and a loving partner, and pursuing a creative hobby, such as knitting or painting. Picturing your ideal life can help you set goals for your future. Ask your friends and family for support. You don't have to go after your dreams by yourself. You might even be more successful if you have support. Try working along-side a partner so you can hold each other accountable. As an alternative, tell your friends or family about your goals and ask them to support you. You might tell your friends and family, “I want to change my eating habits for the better. When we go out, can we go to a restaurant with healthy options?” or “I'm starting a business to sell my paintings. Would you mind sharing my business page to help get the word out?” Consider asking someone you admire to be your mentor. They can provide you guidance and support. Set SMARTER goals to help you create the life you want. SMARTER is an acronym for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound, evaluated, and re-adjusted. These goals are typically easier to accomplish because they provide you more direction and accountability. Identify goals based on your ideal life and core values. Then, revise them to make them SMARTER. Let's say you want to buy a house. A SMARTER goal might be, “I will put $200 of each paycheck into a savings account for a downpayment for a house.” It's specific because it gives a clear action. It's measurable because you can track the money. It's achievable because it's a reasonable amount. It's relevant because your goal is to buy a home. And it's time-bound because it happens each paycheck. You can make sure it's evaluated and re-adjusted by revisiting your goal periodically, such as once every 6 months. If you want a new job, a SMARTER goal could be, "I will apply to 5 jobs every week until I get hired." It's specific because it focuses on an action you can control. It's measurable because you can count out how many applications you send. It's achievable because it only includes behaviors you control. It's relevant because you can't get a job unless you apply for one. It's time-bound because you're doing it every week. You can also review your goal monthly to evaluate and re-adjust it. Make a visual representation of your goals. Writing or illustrating your goals will help activate more parts of your brain, which helps you commit the goals to memory. Additionally, you can display your visual representation to remind you what you're working toward. Try one of these ideas: Make a vision board with photos from the Internet or magazines. Write down your goals using colorful pens or markers. Draw symbols of your goals, like a typewriter for writing every day, athletic shoes for working out, or a house for moving to a new home. Break down your goals into smaller steps. A big goal can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do everything at once. Instead, break up your goal into smaller steps that are easier to accomplish. Create steps that are manageable so you can easily check them off your to-do list. Let's say your goal is to run a marathon. You might create steps like, “walk/run a mile,” “run a mile,” “run a 5K,” “walk/run a half-marathon,” “run a half-marathon,” “walk/run 20 miles,” “run 20 miles,” “walk/run a marathon,” “run a marathon.” You might also have a job-related goal, such as becoming a chef. Your steps might include, “get a degree/certification,” “get an entry-level job at a restaurant,” “get a mentor,” “develop my own style/techniques,” and “apply for promotions at work.” The sooner you take the first step toward a goal, the easier it will be to motivate yourself to keep going. Develop strategies to overcome obstacles. Everyone encounters setbacks in life, so don't worry if you hit a roadblock. To help you stay on track, anticipate the things that might get in your way. Then, brainstorm ideas for dealing with them. For instance, let's say you want to start your own business. You might worry that lack of time and distractions like your favorite TV shows will hold you back. As a solution, you could try getting up early to work on your business. This way you'll get the work done right away in the morning, and you won't have to change your evening TV habits. Revise goals over time so they stay relevant for you. Sometimes you start pursuing a goal but realize it's not for you. It's okay to change your mind and switch directions when this happens. Evaluate your goals at set intervals, such as monthly, quarterly, every 6 months, or once a year. If your current goals aren't working for you, go ahead and revise them or replace them with a new goal. Let's say you wanted to work for yourself, but you hate having to run a business. You might decide to start applying for different jobs instead. Similarly, maybe you always dreamed of running a marathon, but you find that you get bored after 30 minutes of running. It's okay to change your goal to running a 5k instead. Let go of things that interfere with your goals. Chances are, you have time-wasters and clutter that aren't in line with your goals. There's nothing wrong with doing things that make you happy, but you might decide to cut out activities, possessions, or even people who are holding you back in life. Consider eliminating anything that's interfering with your goals. You might clear out clutter that makes it hard for you to do things like cooking healthy meals, exercising at home, or engaging in a favorite hobby. If you have a friend who always bashes your dreams, you might spend less time with them. If you waste time watching too much TV, scrolling on your phone, or window-shopping online, consider repurposing this time for something productive. Make small changes at first so they’re easy to do. You might be tempted to make big sweeping changes, but these usually won't stick. Instead, challenge yourself to spend a little time every day working on your goal. In time, these changes will become habits. Once your new habits feel second nature, take another small step toward your goal. Let's say your goal is to start working out 5 times a week. You might start by taking a 15-minute walk after work every day. Once this becomes a habit, you could expand to a 30-minute walk. Next, you might try other exercises. Similarly, you might want to write a novel. Start by writing for 15 minutes every day. Once you form this habit, try expanding to 30 minutes a day. Set new goals as your new habits feel easy. Arrange your environment to support the life you want. Your environment shapes your actions and may help determine who you become. Where and how you spend your time will either help you reach your goals or can hold you back. Additionally, environmental triggers can make you fall back on bad habits, even though you're working so hard to live your best life. Create a home and workspace that inspires you to stick to your life goals. Remove items that distract you or tempt you to engage in habits you don't want. For instance, you might get rid of junk food or the extra TV in your bedroom. Place items that help you live your best life in easy to access spots. You might put healthy foods at eye-level in your fridge and could set up a home workspace that makes it easy to work on your passion project. Track your progress to help you stay motivated. The only way to ensure you're being successful is to track how you're doing. Set up a system for tracking your progress on the major goals in your life. Update your tracker daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on what works for you. For example, you might put a mark in your calendar when you work on your goals. You could also create a chart with each step you need to accomplish so you can check off each one. You could also try checking off the items on your vision board or goal list that you created as a visual reminder. You could also use an app like Way of Life, Habitica, or ATracker to monitor your progress. Reward yourself when you make progress. Celebrating small achievements keeps you motivated and increases your chance of success. Create a list of small rewards you can give yourself, like a small treat, an item you've been wanting, or time to work on a favorite hobby. Use your progress tracker to decide when it's time to celebrate. Give yourself a reward for any progress you make, whether it's great or small. For example, you might buy yourself new running shoes after completing a 5K. If you get a new job, you might invite friends over to celebrate. If you stick to your new changes for an entire week, you might set aside an hour over the weekend to watch your favorite shows or play video games. Learn from failures so you can do better next time. Failing can leave you with feelings like sadness and embarrassment, but it helps to remember that everyone fails at one point or another. You can't be successful unless you're open to failure! Figure out what you can learn from these experiences so you're more likely to succeed when you try again. For instance, let's say you applied for a graduate program so you could go back to school, but your application wasn't accepted. Instead of giving up on your goal, consider asking why you were rejected. Focus on building a better application for next year, and look into other schools that could be a better fit.

Define your core values in life. Track how you’re currently spending your time. Identify what’s not working in your life so you know what to change. Imagine how you want your life to be in the future. Ask your friends and family for support. Set SMARTER goals to help you create the life you want. Make a visual representation of your goals. Break down your goals into smaller steps. Develop strategies to overcome obstacles. Revise goals over time so they stay relevant for you. Let go of things that interfere with your goals. Make small changes at first so they’re easy to do. Arrange your environment to support the life you want. Track your progress to help you stay motivated. Reward yourself when you make progress. Learn from failures so you can do better next time.

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

How to Make Apple Cider

To make non-alcoholic apple cider, choose about a third of a bushel full of your favorite apples, which will make a gallon of cider. You can mix tart and sweet apples to customize the taste of your cider, if you like. Wash the apples thoroughly, then cut them into quarters. Puree the apples in a food processor or blender until they have the consistency of applesauce. Squeeze the puree through a cheesecloth to extract as much liquid as possible, then serve your cider! Refrigerate whatever is left for up to 2 weeks.

Obtain the right apples. The best cider has a balance between sweetness and tartness. Often times, apple producers (who will often make their own brand of cider) will blend different apples together to get the right combination. Finding "your" blend is just a matter of experimentation, and experimenting will be a delicious endeavor! Here are some basic characteristics of common apple varieties: Red Delicious : Large, firm red apple with a sweet flavor. Yellow Delicious : Large, firm yellow apple with a sweet flavor. Jonathon : Medium, crisp semi-tart apple, with red near the top, descending to green lower down the fruit. Granny Smith : Medium/small, crisp, tart apple with green color. Gala : Medium, crisp semi-tart apple with yellow skin blushed with orange to red tinge. Choose apples from the above list. Shop the local produce stands, fruit markets or grocery store shelves. If you lean toward a sweet juice, use a ratio of three sweet to one tart, or for medium sweetness, use a "two sweet to one tart" ratio. If you intend to make hard cider, use all sweet apples. It takes about one third of a bushel to make one gallon of cider. Clean the apples thoroughly. Cutting out any bruises or damaged parts, and remove stems. As a rule, it is not recommended to use any fruit for cider that you would not eat as it is. Quarter the apples. Leave the skins on them for the color, flavor, and nutrients that processing will release. Puree the apple quarters. Use a food processor or blender, and process till your apples have the consistency of applesauce. Strain the pulp. Squeeze the pureed apple through a cheesecloth, extracting all of the juice possible. If you have a fine-mesh sieve or chinois, you can use the back of a spoon to press even more juice out. Always keep your cider refrigerated. After enjoying a tall glass of fresh apple cider, store the rest in a sealed container below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5°C) for up to two weeks, or freeze for extended storage. Make cider. See above, and prepare enough sweet cider for five gallons. Get yeast. Visit your local brewing supply store, or look online for cider yeast. Dry wine yeasts are also a good choice, and are more common—and therefore, less expensive. Make a starter. A day or two before you plan on brewing your hard cider, make a yeast starter. This will ensure that your yeast is alive and ready to go, and will let you control the final flavor of your brew. In a sealable jar, add one yeast packet to a half cup of your fresh apple cider. Seal the jar, give it a good shaking for five to ten seconds, then set it aside for five or six hours, or overnight. When you see it bubbling, release the pressure by partially twisting off the lid, then resealing the jar. Put the start in the refrigerator until a couple hours before you're ready to use it. Prepare your cider. Fill a stock pot or brew pot with fresh cider, and bring it to a very low simmer over medium heat. Continue simmering for about 45 minutes to an hour, to kill off any bacteria or wild yeasts that could alter the flavor of your cider. Do not boil the cider Add up to two pounds of brown sugar or honey to boost the sugar content, and make a harder hard cider! Prepare the fermentation bucket. To ensure that your bucket is clean and ready for hard cider making, sterilize it. Pour a capful of bleach into the bucket, fill with water, and let it sit while you finish simmering your cider. Empty the water, then rinse the bucket thoroughly with cold water. Pour the cider into the fermentation bucket. Let it cool until it's just warmer than room temperature, then add your starter. Stir with a sterilized spoon, then seal the lid and set the airlock. Let it ferment. Place the bucket in a cool, dark place—around 60° to 70°F (15° to 20°C). After a couple days, you should see the airlock start to bubble, as the yeast releases carbon dioxide. It should continue to bubble for a couple weeks. When it stops, let the cider rest for another week so that the yeast settles. Bottle your cider. Using a clean, food-grade siphon, gently transfer the cider to sterilized bottles, seal them, and then let them sit for as long as you can stand it—at least a couple weeks. Like wine, hard cider will improve with age.

Obtain the right apples. Choose apples from the above list. Clean the apples thoroughly. Quarter the apples. Puree the apple quarters. Strain the pulp. Always keep your cider refrigerated. Make cider. Get yeast. Make a starter. Prepare your cider. Prepare the fermentation bucket. Pour the cider into the fermentation bucket. Let it ferment. Bottle your cider.

https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Between-%22I%22-and-%22Me%22-Correctly

How to Choose Between "I" and "Me" Correctly

To choose between “I” and “me” correctly, start by simplifying the sentence by removing any other subjects or clauses until only the “I” or “me” remains with the verb. For example, if the sentence is “Hector and I went to the store,” remove “Hector and.” You can then see that “I went to the store.” makes more sense than “Me went to the store.”

Remember the difference in case between the pronouns. Both I and me are pronouns that we use to refer to ourselves, but I is nominative, suitable for use as the subject of a sentence or clause, and me is accusative, suitable for use as the object of a verb. Nominative – The nominative case is used when the pronoun is the subject (e.g. "I rode in the car") or, when speaking very formally, after a form of "to be" (e.g. "It is I," would be formal, "It's me" would be informal). Accusative – The accusative case is used when the pronoun is the object (e.g. "He drove me to work") or with prepositions (e.g. "between you and me," not "between you and I"). Think like a native. Most native speakers rarely make case errors with these pronouns, except when they are paired with other nouns as part of a compound subject or object. (Unfortunately, problems with pronoun case are more common today than twenty years ago.) Although almost no one would say, "Harry took I in his car," one often hears sentences such as "Harry took Jordan and I in his car." If you're trying to determine which pronoun to use in a sentence with a compound subject, try the sentence using only the pronoun part of the subject. Whichever pronoun, I or me , sounds right alone is the one to use in the compound subject Reduce or simplify the sentence. It can be hard to tell whether to use "I" or "me" in a long, complicated sentence with more than one subject or object. For example, "Me, Hector, and Sam went to the store" doesn't sound to most people all that much better or worse than "Hector, Sam, and I went to the store." Mentally delete all other subjects or objects so that the sentence is reduced to its simplest form, with just "I" or "me" remaining. In this example, you would be left with "Me went to the store" and "I went to the store." Now, it's much easier to see that "I" is correct. Avoid "Bizarro-speak. " In Superman comics, there's an imperfect version of Superman called Bizarro , and he does everything in a backward sort of way. He says, "Goodbye" when he means, "Hello," and he says things such as "Me am so sad to see you" (meaning "I'm glad to see you"). Bizarro, and a little bit of conceit, can help you learn proper pronoun use: If you change the subject around to a different spot in the sentence, and make it about you and only you, you can easily spot the places where the wrong usage of "I" and "me" will make you sound like Bizarro. Examples: "Harry and me went to the store." (Change it around so that Harry's out of the picture and it's just about you - you would never say, "Me went to the store.") "Who's at the door?" You answer, "It's me." (No, no, no! You would really properly say, "It is I." Consider a related sentence: “That writer is me.” Try reversing the word order, and you end up with “Me am that writer.” You use nominative pronouns such as "I" after forms of “to be” (i.e. am , are , is , was , were , be , being , and been ). The “to be” functions as an equal sign, so the nouns and pronouns on both sides of the “equal sign” are nominative. "The cake was made by Justin and I." (Would you ever say, "The cake was made by I"?) Use pronouns correctly in comparisons to prevent ambiguity. Write out the full comparison to decide which pronoun to use. In the following sentence, "I" or "me" may both be correct, but the word you select changes the meaning of the sentence: "She likes Winifred more than I/me." "She likes Winifred more than I" means that "She likes Winifred more than I like Winifred." "She likes Winifred more than me" extends to "She likes Winifred more than she likes me." Writing out the implied words can help you avoid ambiguity and use the correct word in context.

Remember the difference in case between the pronouns. Think like a native. Reduce or simplify the sentence. Avoid "Bizarro-speak. Use pronouns correctly in comparisons to prevent ambiguity.

https://www.wikihow.com/Win-an-Unemployment-Hearing

How to Win an Unemployment Hearing

If you lost your job and your initial unemployment claim was denied, you can appeal your case at an unemployment hearing. To win the hearing, you'll need to convince the judge that you're entitled to unemployment benefits according to the law in your state. When you get your denial, immediately write a letter to request a hearing. You'll then get written confirmation and a date and time for your hearing. Prepare for your hearing by looking at your state's unemployment laws so you can prove your case. You can also gather supporting evidence, like performance reviews or emails from your boss. At the hearing, present your side of the case and answer any of the judge's questions.

Read your determination notice. If your unemployment benefits claim is denied, you will receive written notice of the denial. The notice will include the reason or reasons your claim was denied, as well as information on how long you have to appeal that determination and the process for doing so. Take note of the deadline for filing an appeal, and don't delay in requesting one. Depending on the state in which you filed your claim, you may have anywhere from 10 to 30 days from the date on your determination notice. Request a hearing. An appeal request form may have been included with your notice, or you can simply write a letter to the address listed on the notice. If your notice doesn't include a form, type or write legibly a letter indicating that you want to appeal the determination. It doesn't need to be lengthy – you can simply write "I want a hearing to appeal the denial of my claim for unemployment benefits." Include your name, address, and phone number, as well as your Social Security number or any other account or file number listed on your determination notice. Sign and date your letter, and make at least one copy of it for your records before you mail it. Your determination notice may list a specific address to use to request an appeal; otherwise, you typically can use the address from which the determination notice was sent. Receive confirmation of your appeals hearing. After your appeal request is processed, you typically will receive written confirmation and a scheduled date and time for your hearing. If you know you won't be able to attend the hearing on the date scheduled, send a written request for the hearing to be postponed. You should make this request as soon as possible – there typically is a deadline after which you cannot request the hearing be rescheduled unless there is an emergency. Consider hiring an attorney. An experienced employment lawyer can help guide you through the appeals process. The laws and administrative regulations that govern unemployment benefits can be extremely complex and confusing. An attorney who specializes in this area of law may be your greatest asset, particularly if the circumstances surrounding your termination are in dispute. Keep in mind that your former employer most likely has a lawyer – if not a whole team of lawyers – working on its side to prove you're not eligible for benefits. Attorneys who represent workers at unemployment hearings understand that their clients have just lost their jobs and may be under tremendous financial stress. Many of these attorneys have sliding-fee scales based on your ability to pay. You also may be eligible for free or reduced-fee services from your local legal aid office, or from law school clinics. A nationwide directory of free legal aid services is available at http://www.lawhelp.org/find-help. Continue filing a claim for benefits. Don't stop filing a claim each week just because you were denied, even though you probably will continue to receive denials. If you win your appeal, your back benefits will only cover the weeks in which you were otherwise eligible and filed a claim for benefits. Learn how the law applies to your case. You must find legal justification for your argument that the state was incorrect in denying you unemployment benefits. Keep in mind that whether you quit or were fired typically determines who has the burden of proving your eligibility (or ineligibility) for benefits. This hinges on who has control of the primary information – if you quit, you're the one who best knows your reasons for quitting; similarly, if your boss fired you, he or she is the one with the information. Generally, you are eligible for unemployment benefits if you lost your job through no fault of your own. In some cases this means you may be eligible for unemployment benefits even if you quit your job. However, if you quit you must show that you would have suffered some sort of harm or injury if you had stayed. The judge will look at the reasons you quit using what the law calls a "reasonable person" standard. Essentially, you're entitled to unemployment benefits if any reasonable person standing in your shoes would have made the same decision. Reasonable causes for quitting may include harassment or discrimination, a substantial reduction in hours, or working conditions that are so unsafe or unsanitary that they present an immediate risk to your health. Your state's statute or regulations may include specific reasons that are recognized as reasonable causes. If you were fired, you're not entitled to unemployment benefits if your employer fired you for good cause. Typically, this means you were fired because of some misconduct on your part. However, even if you violated a written policy of your employer, you may still be able to convince the judge you're entitled to benefits if you can prove that you violated the policy for a good reason. Written policies are key for your former employer – he or she must be able to show the judge that you knew about the rule and broke it anyway. If the rules weren't presented to you in writing before the events took place that led to your termination, your former employer can't prove to the judge that you had any knowledge of the rule or that what you were doing was wrong and could lead to termination. You also may be eligible for unemployment benefits even if you were terminated for good cause, if the judge decides that your conduct was so minor it didn't rise to the level of termination, or if it was an unintentional mistake on your part. Gather supporting documents. You can use any documents you have, such as performance reviews or emails from your boss, to back up your argument. Your employee handbook also may support the fact that you are eligible for benefits. For example, suppose you were fired for not showing up to work on time. If the employee handbook states all employees must receive two warning notices before they are terminated for tardiness, and you only received one notice, both the warning notice you received and the employee handbook would be evidence supporting your eligibility, because they would show that your employer didn't follow its own policy in terminating your employment. Submit your evidence. In some states, you must send whatever documents you plan to introduce in the hearing to the judge and your former employer before the hearing date. If you aren't required to submit your evidence, make sure you have at least two copies of any documents you plan to reference in the hearing – one for your former employer and one for the judge. Typically if your hearing will be conducted over the telephone, you must send in any documents you plan to reference so everyone will have the documents to look at while you talk about them. Your former employer must submit any documents it plans to use as well. Outline your argument. Write detailed notes to reference at the hearing so you can keep your statements organized. Creating an outline will allow you to stay focused during the hearing and make sure you tell the judge everything he or she needs to know. Keep in mind that although you can appeal the judge's decision if he denies your claim, you probably won't be allowed to introduce new facts or evidence in that second appeal. If you quit, think about all your reasons for doing so, and how they fit into the law. If your reasons for quitting fall within one of the exceptions to the general rule that employees who quit work voluntarily are not eligible for unemployment reasons, think about how you can prove those reasons. Generally you need more than just your word. Organize your evidence according to the points of your argument that it supports. You also might consider practicing your speech to the judge in front of friends or family members. They can tell you if something doesn't make sense or if one of your points is confusing. Talk to your former co-workers. Former co-workers with first-hand knowledge of the circumstances of your termination may be able to testify on your behalf. Since often the evidence at the hearing amounts to little more than your word against your boss's, a former co-worker who can corroborate your side of the story can be the difference between winning and losing your case. If your former co-workers are still employed by the company that let you go, they may be unwilling to take your side against the company. Some states allow you to subpoena witnesses, which requires them to appear. Check with the unemployment office to find out if you have the ability to do this, and what your deadline is for requesting subpoenas be issued. Continue looking for a new job. While you're preparing for your hearing, conduct yourself as if you were already getting benefits. Read the requirements for maintaining benefits. Typically you're required to apply for a certain number of jobs per week, and to be able and available to start work. Keep a detailed record of the places where you've applied to work, the position to which you applied, and any other relevant details such as the date you applied, the date you followed up, and whether an interview was scheduled. Treat your search for work as though it's your job. Arrive at the hearing location. Your hearing may be held in a physical location, or it may take place over the telephone. You must show up at your hearing if you want to win your case. If you appealed and you don't show up, the appeal will be dismissed and you may not have another opportunity to file an appeal. On the other hand, if your former employer doesn't show up, the judge typically will still hold the hearing, but the odds are in your favor. If you were fired, your former employer must prove that you were fired for just cause – and it can't meet that burden if it's not there. However, if you quit, you still have the burden of proving to the judge that you quit for work-related reasons recognized by your state's law, regardless of whether your employer is there. If your hearing is in a physical location, such as the unemployment office, try to arrive a few minutes before the time your hearing is scheduled so you have an opportunity to organize your documents and prepare for the hearing. Dress in clean, professional clothing and treat the staff in the office with respect and courtesy. If your hearing is over the phone, prepare the documents you'll need before the time you're scheduled to call in, and make sure your phone is adequately charged. Set yourself up in a quiet room where you won't be interrupted and there won't be a lot of background noise. Once the call starts, stay in one place rather than pacing around – you want to avoid the possibility that your phone will lose signal. The judge typically will begin the hearing by explaining the process of the hearing and the rules of conduct that will be observed during the hearing. Pay close attention and make sure you understand the rules. If the judge says anything that you don't understand, you can ask for clarification, but wait until the judge asks if there are any questions – don't interrupt. After the judge's introduction, both you and your former employer will be sworn in. Anything you say during the hearing is said under oath, and must be the truth to the best of your knowledge. If you're asked a question and you don't know the answer, you can ask for the question to be clarified or restated, or you can simply say you don't know – but don't simply make something up for the sake of having an answer. Present your case. Whether you present your case before or after your former employer may depend on whether you quit your job or were fired. At the hearing, you will have an opportunity to tell the judge your side of the story. Speak clearly, and stick to the facts as you make your presentation. You can use your notes to stay on track. Try to remain calm and avoid emotional outbursts or personal attacks on your supervisors or other company representatives. If you have witnesses, you may call them and ask them questions. Keep in mind that your former employer also will have the opportunity to question them once you've finished. After you've made your statement and presented your evidence to the judge, your former employer will have an opportunity to ask you questions based on anything you said or introduced. Answer the judge's questions. The judge will ask questions to determine your eligibility for benefits. You can ask the judge for clarification if you don't understand what he or she asked, or if you want to understand more about why a certain question was asked. However, don't try to argue with the judge, and remember that you are under oath – avoid making untrue statements or inventing excuses for your behavior, as this can only hurt your case. The judge may ask you questions about your job search. Have your records handy so you can describe the efforts you've made in detail. You also should be prepared to answer questions about your work history, your education, your employment with the company, and the events leading up to your termination. To the extent possible, try to present yourself as an honest, hard-working employee. Listen to the testimony of your former employer. Your former employer will have an opportunity to discuss the reasons you should be denied benefits. Don't argue or interrupt during this testimony. Remain calm, and make a note of anything your former employer says if you disagree with it or want to ask them further questions about it. If your former employer calls any witnesses, you also can ask them questions. Pay attention to both the questions asked and the way the witness answers them. Take notes regarding anything you wish to bring up in your cross-examination. When your former employer finishes giving his or her statement and presenting evidence, you will have the opportunity to cross-examine him or her. This means you can ask questions related to anything your former employer brought up. Try to avoid taking an argumentative or accusatory tone. Keep in mind that you don't have to cross-examine your former employer, or any of his or her witnesses, if you don't want to do so. If you feel uncomfortable or are worried you'll lose your cool, it's okay to pass. If you do decide to cross-examine your former employer or other witnesses, avoid asking questions to which you don't know the answer. If your former employer said something you know is a lie, try to find documentary evidence to confront him or her. For example, if your former employer states you were fired for violating a company policy, and the company policy was never included in your employee handbook, you can present your employee handbook to your former employer and ask her to point to the policy in that handbook. She will be forced to admit the policy was never written down, at which point she'll have difficulty proving that you knew about the policy. Receive notice of the judge's decision. The judge makes his ruling soon after the hearing and written notice will be sent to you. If the judge rules against you, the notice typically will tell you what you must do to appeal that ruling. As with your initial appeal, you only have a brief period of time to appeal the decision – usually a week or so. Keep in mind that if the judge rules in your favor, your employer also has the right to appeal the decision.

Read your determination notice. Request a hearing. Receive confirmation of your appeals hearing. Consider hiring an attorney. Continue filing a claim for benefits. Learn how the law applies to your case. Gather supporting documents. Submit your evidence. Outline your argument. Talk to your former co-workers. Continue looking for a new job. Arrive at the hearing location. Present your case. Answer the judge's questions. Listen to the testimony of your former employer. Receive notice of the judge's decision.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Endnote

How to Use Endnote

To use EndNote, sign up for EndNote Basic online if you're looking for a free version. If you're a professional researcher or academic who needs more features than the free version offers, download the most recent version of EndNote Desktop on your computer, which is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. If you're a student, you may be able to get a discount through your campus bookstore.

Use the online search tab or button to import citations. This will allow to search through the databases that are directly linked to your EndNote program. This is the easiest way to find and retrieve citations. In the Desktop version, online search is the button represented by a small globe. For EndNote Basic, look for a tab labeled “Collect.” Under this tab, the leftmost option is “Online Search.” Select a database and start your search. Use the drop-down menu to pick your desired database. Then, fill in your search terms. You can look for a specific citation using the title of the piece and its author. You might also want to find a series of references by doing a general keyword search. EndNote Basic only gives you 4 database search options: the British Library, the Library of Congress, the National Library of Medicine, or PubMed. EndNote Desktop has thousands of database search options. Add citations to a group. Once your search generates results, glance through and check the boxes of the ones you want to save to your library. For EndNote Desktop, click the “Copy to Local Library” button. For EndNote Basic, select which group you want to save the citations to from the drop-down menu. For EndNote Desktop, you can then navigate to your local library, view the references you just added in the “Copied References” list, and either make a new group or add them to a current group. Note that “Copied References” is just a temporary list. If you don't save your references to a group, they'll automatically go to a folder labeled “Unfiled.” Direct export references from databases during your searches. Many databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, give you the option of exporting citations from their websites to EndNote. When you've searched and found the citations you want to save, check the boxes and look for an “Export” or “Send To” button. Then click on “Citation Manager,” “EndNote” or “Direct Export.” This option is available for both Basic and Desktop. This is a useful option if you're doing research in just one database. Each database will have its own links for exporting citations. Generally, look for something that mentions exporting or sending. Once you've clicked that link, choose the export option that mentions citations or EndNote. It's best to use Mozilla Firefox for these searches. This browser supports direct export to both Mac and Windows versions of EndNote. Import references as files once they've been exported. The direct export option will create a file that's downloaded to your computer. Import that file into EndNote by clicking on “Collect” and “Import References.” Select the file and specify which database it came from in the drop-down menu. You might also need to choose the file type if your reference isn't from one of EndNote's commonly used databases. Finally, pick which group you want the citation to go to. If you have EndNote Desktop, the citations will automatically transfer to your library. You just need to select “Open with EndNote” when the file is downloaded. Manually enter references if the formatting doesn't translate. There may be times when you'd prefer to type out and add your own citation to your EndNote library. You can do that, too! For Basic users, just choose the “New Reference” option under “Collect.” For Desktop-ers, click the “New Reference” button on your toolbar. Then enter in all the information you need for a complete citation in the blank boxes. Link PDFs to citations by attaching files or searching for them. If you already have PDF copies of articles on your computer, link them to the EndNote citation by clicking on the little paper clip under the reference. If you have the Desktop version of EndNote, you can also click on a button labeled “Find Full Text” in your toolbar. If EndNote can find the files, it'll automatically link them to your citations. Add the Cite While You Write plugin to Word if you have Basic. Go to the “Downloads” tab. Then click on whichever version of Cite While You Write (CWYW) is compatible with your operating system. This will add an EndNote toolbar to the top of your Word documents. This plugin will be automatically added to Word when you download EndNote Desktop to your computer. To use this feature with Basic, you must have Microsoft Word. If you have the latest version of EndNote Desktop, you can also use CWYW on Apple Pages or Wolfram Mathematica 8. These programs also have plug-ins for EndNote. Place your cursor where you want to add the citation. Make sure your cursor is blinking in the spot you'd like the citation to go. Then, click on “Go to EndNote” in the EndNote menu tab in the Word toolbar. This will allow you to access your EndNote library. For Wolfram Mathematica 8, just press “Insert.” There's no tab dedicated solely to EndNote. For Apple Pages, click on the pilcrow symbol (also known as the paragraph mark), which looks like a backwards “P.” Then choose “EndNote Citation.” Choose the citation you want to add and insert it. Select the reference(s) you want to add by clicking the empty boxes next to them. This will send the references to your Word document. EndNote will automatically generate both a citation in the spot you've selected and a bibliography at the end of your document. For Wolfram Mathematica 8, once you've pressed “Insert,” choose “Citation,” then “Bibliographical Reference.” Next, click on the reference you want to add. Hold down the control button to select and insert more than one reference at a time. For Apple Pages, select the reference you'd like to add from the list that'll come up once you've chosen “EndNote Citation.” Change the style of the citations if you need to. Your citations might be appearing in MLA, for example, and you need them to be in Chicago. In Word, click the small box at the bottom of the toolbar under the bibliography group. This will bring up a drop-down menu with style options. Choose your desired style, then click “OK.” This will re-format your citations and bibliography. For Wolfram Mathematica 8, you can select the citation style you want from the drop-down menu that'll come up when you click “Set/Change Citation Style” in the Citation menu. For Apple Pages, click “Edit,” then “EndNote Citations.” Next, click 'Bibliography Format,” and choose which citation style you prefer to use. Add page numbers using the “Edit and Manage Citations” button. Highlight the citation you want to modify. Then, add the pages you'd like to cite to the pages field in the box that pops up on your screen. These will then be automatically generated in your citation. For Mathematica 8 and Apple Pages, add page numbers (if necessary) when you're inserting the citation. Create independent bibliographies if you need to. In Basic, choose “Format,” then “Bibliography” and pick which style of bibliography you want. You can also hit “Format” and “Export References” to make a list that can be emailed or printed. For Desktop users, you can copy and paste selected citations. Select multiple references by holding down the control button, then choose “Copy Formatted” in the “Edit” menu. Open a new document and paste them in! EndNote Basic will generate an HTML, text, or rich text file. To make the bibliography compatible with Word, Pages, or Wolfram Mathematica, select “rich text” and save the list to your computer. While EndNote will automatically create and update your bibliography each time it adds a citation to your paper, you might also want a separate bibliography document, or even an annotated bibliography. Proofread citations and bibliographies for formatting errors. While EndNote will definitely cut down on your citation and bibliography-writing workload, it's not foolproof! It can make mistakes. To avoid looking sloppy or lazy, read through each citation and reference in your bibliography. If you notice strange symbols or formatting problems, clean those up before finalizing your paper. Click the sync button in the toolbar if you're using Desktop. In order to share references, you need access to your EndNote online library. Basic users will always be online and don't need to worry about syncing anything. However, if you've got Desktop and haven't yet set up an EndNote online account, you'll need to do it now. The sync button will bring up a pop-up window that will allow you to click “Sign Up.” You can then create an online EndNote account using the email address of your choice. Click the “Organize” tab, then “Manage My Groups. ” Once you've navigated to your online account, go to your groups. References can only be shared if they're in groups. Click the empty box under “Share. ” Each group has a sharing option represented by a tiny box. Once you've clicked it, hit “manage sharing,” then “start sharing this group.” You can then enter the email address of the person you'd like to share with. It must be the email address that someone uses to log into their EndNote online account. If your colleague doesn't have an EndNote account, you can't share your group with them! You can type in multiple email addresses if you'd like to share the group with more than one user. If you have emails saved to a file on your computer, you can also use this to share the group. Allow your group to be edited by others. When you share your group, you can select either “Read Only” or “Read and Write.” Selecting “Read and Write” lets the people you've shared the group with add and delete references, and use the list to generate citations and bibliographies. The “Read Only” option will allow your fellow EndNote users to just view the list. Groups that have been shared with you that you can edit will have a little book-and-pencil icon next to them. Hit apply to finish sharing. Once you've selected which users you'd like to share the group with and decided whether you want them to edit or just read what you're sending, click the “Apply” button. Your group is now shared! Groups that you've shared will have a little “people” icon next to them in your list of groups. Be aware that any file attachments you've got linked to your citations will not be shared. Look for groups shared to you under “Groups Shared by Others. ” Groups that are sent to you are kept separate from groups that you've created. Look for the new list underneath your current list of self-generated references. Choose EndNote Basic for a free but limited version. To get EndNote Basic, all you need to do is navigate to http://endnote.com/product-details/basic and click on “Create a Free Account.” It'll prompt you to make an online account using a valid email. You'll need to access that email account to verify the account, and then you'll be all set! Unless you're a professional researcher or academic, EndNote Basic should serve all your needs. It provides the ability to directly search within 4 popular databases, and it can format citations in 21 styles. You can also save up to 50,000 references in your online library. EndNote Basic has less storage, as well as fewer database search options and citation styles than the Desktop version. Use your Web of Science subscription to access EndNote Basic. If you're a student, academic, or government worker, this account is likely accessible through your library or institution's website. If you sign up for EndNote Basic through this account, you'll have access to more databases to search through for references. Go to Web of Science and click on the EndNote tab. Click on “Register” and follow the prompts to create your account. An integrated Web of Science account also gives you unlimited storage for references. Contact your institution if you're unsure whether you have access to Web of Science. Download the most recent version of EndNote Desktop. Navigate to http://endnote.com/buy. If you already own an older version of EndNote and want to upgrade to the newest version, it'll cost about $100 USD. If you're purchasing the newest version outright, you'll pay about $250 USD for the downloadable option or $300 USD for the disk copy. EndNote Desktop gives you unlimited storage, the ability to directly search over 6,000 databases for references, and access to over 6,000 citation styles. EndNote is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. Be sure to buy the right version! There are student pricing options available for EndNote Desktop. However, you can only make this purchase at your campus bookstore. Create one new EndNote library for EndNote Desktop. You only need one library for all of your references. Click “File” and then “New” to get started. You can sort references for different projects within this library by making new groups. Once you've created an EndNote library, you'll see two files in whichever folder you choose to save the library in on your computer. Do not merge or delete either of these files, as one stores your data, and the other is the actual library file. The data file will have a folder icon, and the other will be represented by an EndNote icon. It's recommended that you save your EndNote library to a folder in “My Documents” on your computer.

Use the online search tab or button to import citations. Select a database and start your search. Add citations to a group. Direct export references from databases during your searches. Import references as files once they've been exported. Manually enter references if the formatting doesn't translate. Link PDFs to citations by attaching files or searching for them. Add the Cite While You Write plugin to Word if you have Basic. Place your cursor where you want to add the citation. Choose the citation you want to add and insert it. Change the style of the citations if you need to. Add page numbers using the “Edit and Manage Citations” button. Create independent bibliographies if you need to. Proofread citations and bibliographies for formatting errors. Click the sync button in the toolbar if you're using Desktop. Click the “Organize” tab, then “Manage My Groups. Click the empty box under “Share. Allow your group to be edited by others. Hit apply to finish sharing. Look for groups shared to you under “Groups Shared by Others. Choose EndNote Basic for a free but limited version. Use your Web of Science subscription to access EndNote Basic. Download the most recent version of EndNote Desktop. Create one new EndNote library for EndNote Desktop.

https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Pike-Ups

How to Do Pike Ups

To do pike-ups, start in a basic plank position with your hands flat on the floor directly under your shoulders. Next, shift some of your weight into your leg muscles as you raise your hips into the pike, which resembles an inverted V shape. When your hips are as high as possible, lower your head to avoid any neck strain. Hold the pike position for 1 second to start, then slowly return to the initial plank position to complete 1 repetition. If you're a beginner, repeat until you feel fatigued, gradually building up to 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps.

Place your palms flat on the floor while kneeling. Ensure the palms are aligned directly under the shoulders. If hand placement is too wide or narrow, you'll be engaging other muscles too much and minimizing not only the stability, but also the effect on the muscles being worked by the pike up. Move into a plank position by straightening your body. The plank should look like the starting position for a pushup, where your palms are on the ground, arms are straight, and the body (i.e. legs, torso, neck) is aligned. This move will work your abdominal muscles, lower back, triceps, and all major leg muscles. Your body should be entirely straight, from head to toe. This may be difficult at first, and your muscles may fatigue enough to start quivering. Stabilize your body. By pushing your toes into the ground and squeezing the buttocks muscles, the strain is taken off the abs somewhat. Without locking out your knees, tighten your leg muscles. Finally, locate a spot approximately 1 foot in front your hands to ensure proper neck alignment. Raise your hips. The initial part of the movement out of the plank should be a matter of weight distribution. As you raise your hips into the pike, which will resemble an inverted-V shape when completed, the weight will shift some from your arms muscles to your leg muscles. Your hips should be as high as possible, with your hamstrings fully extended. It is similar in form to the downward facing dog position in yoga, but with less emphasis on stretching and breathing, and more focus on the muscular repetitions. Push your palms down flat into the floor to ensure you're not moving back too far. Do not bend your knees. You may need to walk your feet in a step or 2 to achieve the inverted-V shape. Make sure to keep your back straight for the entire exercise. Do not round it. Lower your head. While the weight is shifting backward, you should begin lowering your head. If you keep your neck in a static position, there will be a considerable amount of strain on the back of the neck muscles. Once you reach the top of the pike position, you should no longer be looking at the spot in front of your palms. Instead, you should be looking somewhere near the ground directly under your waist. Hold the pike up position. Depending on your strength and conditioning, even holding the position for a second could be challenging. However, with more practice, you'll be able to extend the length of time you can hold the pike up. Try holding the position for 1 second to start. Ensure the abdominal muscles are being kept tight while moving upward. Otherwise, there may be unnecessary strain on the back or other muscles. Return to the initial plank position. Slowly straighten your hips back out, keeping your core engaged. Correspond the movement of your neck so that your vision moves forward as you're straightening out your body. This return to plank is the completion of 1 repetition. Complete multiple reps. Depending on fitness level, it may be difficult to accomplish more than a few reps. For beginners, do minimal sets with minimal repetitions. Go until you feel some fatigue in the arms, abs, and back. Once you've built up endurance, strive for 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps. Start from your knees. Instead of keeping the full plank position, start on all-fours. Once you start your hip shift backward and upward, straighten your legs at the same time. This will delay the amount of time where pressure and tension are on your core. Walk your feet forward. If you find the top of the V to be difficult, particularly on the abs, try repositioning your feet. At the top of the V, when you are experiencing the most stress, shuffle your feet forward towards your hands just a few inches at a time. Continue moving forward until you feel like you can hold the V a little easier. Moving the feet forward adds extra load to the front of your body, and will increase the weight your shoulders and triceps have to hold steady. Add in a pushup. Once you're at the top of the V, make it a bit more difficult by adding a pushup to the process. Instead of a 2-count movement, it will now be a 4-count movement. Raise from the plank into the inverted-V, then bend your elbows and slowly lower your head towards the ground while maintaining the inverted-V angle. The top of the head will get close to the ground; so, be careful. Then engage your triceps and shoulders, pushing back into the inverted-V. Finally, return to the plank position. Get into a raised plank position with a Swiss ball under your feet. A Swiss ball (a.k.a. stability ball, yoga ball, gym ball, or Pilates ball) is an inflatable, rubbery ball that can be used to improve balance and stability. By adding it to the pike up, your upper and lower bodies are forced to work together to stabilize, and all the work comes from the core. This makes it an excellent variation if you're trying to strengthen your abdominals beyond the usual crunches. Your toes should be pointed so that the top, or laces, of your sneakers are resting on the ball. Keep your back flat and straight — not sagging or rounded. Your arms should be in push-up position, under your shoulders and straight (though not locked). Be careful when attempting this exercise. It's extremely challenging and requires balance, and you could harm yourself if your arms give out or you fall off the ball. Lift your hips into the inverted V-shape. As you raise your hips, the ball will roll forward. Do not roll the ball so far forward that you fall off — your toes should maintain contact with the ball while you are in the pike position. Keep your abs very tight, your hips square with the ground. Hold the position. You may only be able to hold this position for a moment. Start with 1 second and, as you improve, hold for longer. Again, make sure your abs are tight, which will help keep your balance. Lower your hips and return to the starting position. Using your core for stability, slowly lower your hips back down, rolling the ball backward, until you are in the raised plank position. This return to plank is the completion of 1 repetition. You may only be able to do a couple of reps at first. That's okay. Work your way up to doing 8 or 10 reps.

Place your palms flat on the floor while kneeling. Move into a plank position by straightening your body. Stabilize your body. Raise your hips. Lower your head. Hold the pike up position. Return to the initial plank position. Complete multiple reps. Start from your knees. Walk your feet forward. Add in a pushup. Get into a raised plank position with a Swiss ball under your feet. Lift your hips into the inverted V-shape. Hold the position. Lower your hips and return to the starting position.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Healthy-Scalp

How to Get a Healthy Scalp

For a healthier scalp, brush your hair every day to stimulate blood circulation and distribute natural oils throughout your head. Wash your hair once every 2 or 3 days, taking care to massage your scalp with shampoo to remove dead skin cells and encourage circulation. After you shampoo, be sure to rub conditioner deep into your scalp to moisturize it, as shampoo can dry out your skin. You can also stimulate hair growth and prevent dandruff by massaging essential oils like basil or lavender into your scalp once every 2 or 3 days before you go to bed. Once per month, use an exfoliating shampoo to scrub dead skin away and unblock your hair follicles.

Get some protein. Protein is important for maintaining a healthy scalp and hair. Try to eat proteins that have other important nutrients for scalp health, like, zinc, iron, and vitamin B. Good examples of these include beef, eggs, shrimp, bacon, pumpkin seeds, cottage cheese, and salmon. Eat your vitamins. Vitamin A and C help circulate oxygen to the scalp. To include these nutrients in your diet, eat blueberries, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, walnuts, and bell peppers All of these foods include several nutrients that are conducive to a healthy scalp. You can also supplement your diet with daily multivitamins. For vitamin C eat more bell peppers, blueberries, and dark leafy vegetables. For vitamin A eat sweet potatoes, dark leafy vegetables, and carrots. Incorporate iron, zinc, and folic acid into your diet. Zinc will help keep hair on your head and dandruff off it. Folic acid will encourage cell renewal in your scalp. Iron helps prevent thinning and discoloration of your hair. Good sources of these nutrients include oysters, peas, lentils, and prunes. For additional iron eat more beef, chicken liver, oysters, clams, mussels, and sardines. For additional zinc eat more oysters, crab, lobster, meat, legumes, nuts, dairy products, and fortified cereals. For additional folic acid eat more asparagus, broccoli, beans, lentils, avocado, okra, nuts, seeds, cauliflower, and carrots. Cut down on sugar. Sugar consumption can aggravate a case of dandruff. Cut down on sodas, baked goods, and candy. Many processed foods also include a lot of sugar. Brush your hair daily. Brushing your hair stimulates circulation and distributes oil throughout your head. If possible, brush with a natural bristle brush. Plastic bristles do not spread oils as effectively as those made from plant or boar fibers. Wash your hair once every 2 or 3 days. Washing your hair more often than this will strip your hair of its natural oils. Washing less often will cause buildup to collect on the scalp and slow hair growth. If you have particularly oily hair, you can wash once a day with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. When you shampoo, give yourself a scalp massage to remove dead skin cells and encourage circulation. Spend a couple of minutes rubbing the shampoo into your scalp. Everyone needs a different type of shampoo. Consult a hair stylist for recommendations about what might work for you. Condition your scalp to moisturize it. This is particularly important after you shampoo, because shampooing can dry your scalp out. Be sure to condition your scalp every time you wash and massage the conditioner deep into your scalp. Press your scalp gently using your fingertips and work them around your scalp with small, circular motions. Apply essential oils. Massage essential oils into your scalp before you go to bed and wash them out when you wake up. If you perform this ritual once every 2 or 3 days, it will help stimulate hair growth. Essential oils can be too powerful to apply directly into the scalp. Make sure that you purchase a mixture that is already diluted. Different oils are said to have their own distinctive effects. Basil is said to promote hair growth and treat oily skin. Lavender is a treatment for itchiness and dandruff. Use an exfoliating shampoo once a month. Dead skin cells will steadily build up on your scalp, blocking hair growth. Over time, this can cause your hair to thin out. For full, luxurious hair, purchase an exfoliating shampoo and take the time to scrub the dead skin away. Read the manufacturer's instructions for how to use the exfoliating shampoo. Massage your scalp. Vigorously rubbing and applying pressure to your scalp can increase circulation, preventing hair loss. Performing a scalp massage with essential oils can provide even more benefits. Try it yourself or seek the assistance of a professional for greater benefit. Press your fingertips into your scalp and apply gentle pressure. Then, move your fingers around your scalp using small, circular motions. You can do this while you are shampooing your hair or use a natural oil such as coconut, olive, or almond oil to massage your scalp. Protect your scalp from the sun by wearing a hat. Getting a sunburn on your scalp causes the skin on your scalp to thin out. Eventually, this damage will produce thinning of your hair as well. To protect your scalp from sun damage, wear a hat when you know that you will be at risk of sunburn. It is a myth that wearing a hat will cause you to lose your hair. If your scalp is damaged by the sun, your hair will thin out, exposing your scalp to more sun damage and leading to further hair loss. Remove buildup on your scalp once per month with a clarifying shampoo. Products that hold your hair in place, like hairspray and gel, can cause buildup on your hair and scalp. The chemicals in these products may irritate your skin and hinder hair growth. If you use these products, use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove buildup. Be cautious if you feel a tingling when you color your hair. It is not normal for your scalp to tingle like this when you are having it colored. If it does, that means your scalp is too dry. Talk to your hair stylist about what you feel. Wash your hair less frequently—or use more gentle shampoo--and apply hair oil to your scalp more frequently. Clean out dandruff. If you have white flakes accumulating on your shoulders, begin caring for your scalp with a special anti-dandruff shampoo. Look for shampoos that have anti-dandruff ingredients: coal tar, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, selenium, or ketoconazole. If the dandruff persists after several weeks of treatment, visit a doctor for a prescription shampoo. Keep stress under control to prevent hair loss. High stress levels can cause your hair to fall out, so it is important to manage your stress. Talk to your doctor if your hair starts to fall out and you suspect that it may be due to stress. Use a relaxation technique as part of your daily routine, and make sure to take time to do something you enjoy every day. Some good options for managing stress include: Deep breathing exercises Yoga Meditation

Get some protein. Eat your vitamins. Incorporate iron, zinc, and folic acid into your diet. Cut down on sugar. Brush your hair daily. Wash your hair once every 2 or 3 days. Condition your scalp to moisturize it. Apply essential oils. Use an exfoliating shampoo once a month. Massage your scalp. Protect your scalp from the sun by wearing a hat. Remove buildup on your scalp once per month with a clarifying shampoo. Be cautious if you feel a tingling when you color your hair. Clean out dandruff. Keep stress under control to prevent hair loss.

https://www.wikihow.com/Hide

How to Hide

To hide when you're playing hide-and-seek, try to find a spot that's above or below eye-level, like under a desk or up in a tree, since it will make it harder for the seeker to notice you. You should also try to hide behind or inside of something so you're completely concealed. For example, you could hide in a closet, behind a couch, or behind some curtains. Once you find a good hiding spot, try to make yourself as small as possible by crouching down and drawing your arms and legs in so the seeker doesn't see you poking out from your spot. Remember to stay quiet since even the slightest bit of noise could give you away!

Stay out of your pursuer's line of sight. People tend to look left to right when they're searching for something. For this reason, it's best to choose a spot that's either above or below eye-level. This will help you choose a less obvious hiding spot and also help make your movements less noticeable. When you enter an area, pay attention to where your eyes fall naturally and pick out a place away from that zone. Make yourself as small as you can. As soon as you decide on a hiding spot, crouch, stoop, or sit down and draw your arms and legs in. If you're tucked away in a narrow space, stand up straight and put your arms down at your sides. The less room you take up, the harder you'll be to see. It's still a good idea to get nice and compact even if your hiding spot offers complete concealment. If you're lurking behind a couch, for example, you're less likely to be spotted if you're curled up in a ball as opposed to stretched out. Be still. Once you get situated and you've shrunk down as much as possible, freeze yourself in place. Imagine that you're a statue or a piece of furniture. Do your best not to move until you know your pursuer is a safe distance away. Resist the urge to scratch an itch or adjust your hair or clothing, no matter how uncomfortable you are. The human eye detects movement before anything else, especially when it's dark. All it takes is one wrong move to accidentally signal where you are. Stay quiet. While you're in hiding, avoid making any unnecessary noise. Try not to cough, sneeze, clear your throat, or do anything else that might get you caught. Even rustling your clothes too loudly could give away your position. Stifle your breathing by opening your mouth and taking deep, slow breaths. This is far less audible than panting nervously or breathing through your nose. If you and another person are hiding in the same spot, don't talk. Not only will the sound carry, you may also be too distracted to notice if someone is approaching. Camouflage yourself with nearby objects. You won't always be able to sneak into a closet or stow yourself under a table. When you're caught in an open space with no large items to hide behind, lie down, reach for whatever's around, and pull it on top of you. Your cover will keep you out of sight until you can find a better spot. You might bury yourself under a pile of blankets or dirty laundry if you're hiding in your bedroom, or dive into a pile of leaves if you're hiding outside. Found objects can provide temporary cover, but they're not recommended for a long-term hiding. Be prepared to leave your spot if you're in danger of being found. No matter how good your hiding spot is, there's a chance someone may stumble across it sooner or later. If you suspect it's only a matter of time until the game is up at your current spot, wait for an opening and make a run for it or move to another secret location. Moving can create quite a commotion, so wait until your pursuer is far enough away not to hear you light out. Rather than rushing to your next hiding spot, slow down and move as fluidly as you can. It may sound counterintuitive, but you'll make less noise that way and prevent yourself from tripping or accidentally bumping into something. Crawl under the bed. If you're in a bedroom and need to vanish quickly, get down on all fours and shimmy beneath the frame of the bed. Then, lie flat on your belly or back and be as still as possible. When your pursuer peeks into the room, they won't see anything out of place. If the bed sits on a frame that's high up off the ground, the person looking for you may be able to see you or your shadow. Hiding under the bed is a pretty common tactic, so be ready to make a run for it if you happen to get spotted. Duck into a closet. Closets are tried-and-true hiding places. They're big enough for most people to fit into easily, and sometimes even contain coats and other items of clothing that can provide extra cover. And since most people don't open closets very often, it's possible that they won't think to look for you there. Be sure to open and close the closet door softly to cover your tracks. If you're involved in a heated game of hide-and-seek, don't go for the closet unless you have no other option. Closets are a somewhat obvious hiding spot. Get behind the couch. If your hear the person you're trying to avoid about to come into the room, dive behind the couch and kneel down to make yourself smaller. Chances are, they'll take a quick look around and leave thinking that you're not there. Make sure the couch you're hiding behind faces the entrance of the room so you won't be visible. You might also curl up behind a loveseat, easy chair, or futon if there's not a full-sized couch around. Since their backsides are completely exposed, couches don't make great long-term hiding spots. Slip behind the curtains. Insert yourself into the space between the curtains and the window and pull the curtain in front of you. Stand up straight and keep your arms pinned to your sides so the person looking for you won't catch a glimpse of any suspicious lumps behind the drapery. Your feet will likely be visible under the bottom of the curtains, so consider moving to another hiding spot after a short time. Jump in the shower. If the shower has a solid curtain, pull it closed in front of you. Otherwise, lie down so that the lip of the tub blocks you from sight. When you're trying to get away from someone who's casually looking around for you, getting in the shower or tub just may do the trick. Steer clear of shower stalls with glass doors, as these don't offer any kind of cover. Be careful not to knock over a bar of soap or a bottle of shampoo while you're in the shower, or you're as good as caught! Squeeze yourself into a tight space. If you're on the small side, see if there's a cabinet, alcove, or out-of-the-way shelf nearby that you can fit in. Most buildings have at least a few unseen nooks and crannies in them, so you should have quite a few options available to you if you're willing to get a little cramped. Other examples of clever hiding places are storage trunks, cardboard boxes, and laundry hampers. Never hide in a container if there is a lock or you have to de-latch something to open it. You could lock yourself inside and suffocate, especially if you are alone and no one can hear you. Never try to force yourself into a hiding space that's too small for you. If you get stuck, you'll have bigger problems on your hands than being discovered. Head for the attic or basement. These spaces tend to be crammed full of boxes, old furniture, and little nooks and crannies, which can make excellent hiding places of their own. Most people won't go to the trouble of inspecting behind, under, and around each and every object, so you're likely to get away unnoticed. Some people are too afraid to venture into attics and basements at all, meaning there's a chance they won't even be willing to go in after you. Basements and attics tend to be dusty, so breathe through your mouth to prevent a bout of noisy sneezing. Climb a tree. Look around for trees with thick canopies—these will provide the best cover. Since you'll be well above the average person's line of sight, the person hunting for you will likely be too busy checking all the usual ground-level spots to figure out where you've gone. If you're perched on one of the lower branches, don't let your feet dangle where they can be seen. The same basic rules of hiding apply when you're in a tree: remain quiet and still. Rustling leaves can be a dead-give away. Crouch in a bush. You don't actually have to get inside the bush. In most situations, simply getting low and staying behind it will be good enough. Just like with trees, though, avoid making any sudden movements that might cause the bush to shake, or you could end up blowing your cover. Watch out for bushes with thorns or spiky leaves. If you're not careful, you could get scraped up as you climb in or out. Retreat into a garage or shed. These places tend to be dark and a little scary, which means the person looking for you is less likely to venture into them after you. Best of all, there's often so many tools, vehicles, and pieces of equipment around that you'll have access to multiple hiding spots within your hiding spot. Don't hide in a shed or garage on someone else's property. You could get in trouble if you're caught trespassing. It's not a good idea to hide underneath a car or truck, either. Sneak under the porch. On many houses, the areas under the front and back steps have open spaces built into them for storage. Look for a way to get under the porch or deck of the house where you're laying low. There may be a small door or gate, or you may be able to squeeze into an opening around the edge of the house. Watch out for potentially dangerous creatures while you're down below. Dark, damp spaces are often home to snakes, spiders, mice, and other creepy-crawlies. Lie in wait in a pile of leaves. Fallen leaves make excellent natural camouflage. Dive into a freshly-raked mound and pull the loose leaves on top of yourself until you're completely concealed. Your friends will never suspect a thing—unless you decide to pop out and scare them senseless! Drop a rock or stick into the leaf pile before you climb in to make sure there are no wild animals already hiding in it. Leaf piles can be breeding grounds for mold and bacteria, especially when they're wet, so avoid completely covering your face and try not to spend too much time inside. Move under the cover of darkness. Darkness is the ultimate concealment. If you have nowhere else to post up, stick to the shadows, where you'll be practically invisible to your pursuers. Even if you're not completely blocked from view, you'll still be able to fade into the background and move stealthily from place to place. Wearing dark clothes will help you blend in with your surroundings even more. If the person looking for you is using a flashlight, try to find a large object to stand behind when they get close.

Stay out of your pursuer's line of sight. Make yourself as small as you can. Be still. Stay quiet. Camouflage yourself with nearby objects. Be prepared to leave your spot if you're in danger of being found. Crawl under the bed. Duck into a closet. Get behind the couch. Slip behind the curtains. Jump in the shower. Squeeze yourself into a tight space. Head for the attic or basement. Climb a tree. Crouch in a bush. Retreat into a garage or shed. Sneak under the porch. Lie in wait in a pile of leaves. Move under the cover of darkness.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Sex-Less-Painful

How to Make Sex Less Painful

Experiencing pain during sex may make you feel worried or embarrassed, but by trying to relax and taking your time during sex, you can feel much better. Before you spend time with someone, breathe deeply and repeat the word “Relax” to yourself, since being stressed or tense can cause pain during sex. Tell your partner before you start about your boundaries or preferences, which will help both of you enjoy sex more. For example, you might explain that you can relax more with the lights out, or that you want to start slowly. Spend at least 20 minutes on foreplay to give yourself the chance to become aroused, which will make sex more pleasurable. If you're worried about friction or dryness, use a water-based lubricant during sex.

Talk with your doctor. Make an appointment with your primary care physician or OBGYN. Come prepared with a list of topics that you'd like to discuss. Be prepared to talk about how you've experienced pain during sex. Ask them about possible treatments. Depending on the potential diagnosis, your doctor may also order tests or bloodwork. For example, endometriosis is a painful medical condition that can effect women and must be diagnosed by a physician. If left untreated, it can cause a woman a great deal of pain during intercourse. Other medical causes of painful sex include eczema in sensitive areas, vaginismus or spasms in the vagina, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, or scarring from surgery. Describe what type of pain you have. Different types of pain might signal certain issues. Tell your doctor when during intercourse you feel pain and what type of pain it is. Some questions you might want to answer include: Do you have pain during penetration or only during thrusting? Does the pain last after sex? Does the pain throb, burn, or ache? Is this a new pain or an old condition? Address any hormonal imbalances. If you are suffering from a lack (or excess) of testosterone, estrogen, or another hormone, this could impact your level of pleasure or pain during sex. Talk with your doctor about possible treatment options to correct any hormonal problems. They may suggest a cream, a medicated ring, oral medications, or a treatment patch. Some of these treatments can be highly successful with up to 75 percent of patients stating that their sexual pain lessened. Menopause, birth, breastfeeding, and polycystic ovary syndrome can all affect your hormones, leading to painful sex. Treat any infections. If you have any type of sexual transmitted disease (STD), make sure to talk with your doctor before engaging in sexual intercourse. Also, seek out treatment if you are suffering from any type of genital infection as it could likely cause dryness and pain during sex. For example, men and women can both suffer from cystitis, which is a bladder infection that can cause pain during intercourse. Another common cause is a urinary tract infection (UTI). Visit your doctor get a prescription for an antibiotic. Enroll in physical therapy. If you have a prior injury, then working with a physical therapist could help to increase your movement and flexibility. These changes may also lessen your pain during sex. Older persons may find physical therapy helpful as well, especially if they suffer from nerve conditions. Meet with a sex therapist. You can find a therapist in your area by going to the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) website. A sex therapist will talk with you alone, or with you and your partner, about any concerns regarding your sex life. They might be able to offer exercises or communication tactics to lessen pain during intercourse. If you've been sexually assaulted in the past, it is probably a good idea to talk with a counselor. This will help you to find pleasure, instead of pain, from sex. Relax. Take some deep breaths, concentrating on having the air go in your nose and out of your mouth. Do a few yoga stretches before going out or spending time with someone. Repeat, “Relax,” to yourself until you can feel the stress slipping away. If you are stressed, you will likely hold your tension in your body and make sex less pleasurable. Sometimes it also helps to give voice to your fears. You might tell your partner, “I'm nervous about this, so I may need to relax more.” Create a peaceful environment. Try to have sex in an environment where you can concentrate all of your focus and energy on your partner. Minimize outside noises and distractions. Turn off your cell phone. Make sure that you will not be interrupted. Fostering a calm environment will help you to fully relax and be yourself. You'll want to think about what type of environment is relaxing to you. Some people prefer candles and soft lighting, whereas others like music on in the background. Communicate with your partner. You may think that having a sex conversation with your partner is unromantic, but not talking can be much more detrimental. If you talk before you have sex about what you like, you'll be far more likely to express your likes/dislikes in bed as well. It also important to know each other's sexual boundaries. For example, you might say, “I'd really like to start off slow.” Or, “I will relax more if we turn off the lights.” If you have some sort of health problem, such as endometriosis, it is a good idea to make your partner aware of this as well. Be open and don't be afraid of rejection. Your partner may be able to brainstorm ways to make sex better for you. Take good care of your body. You will have better, less painful sex if you eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep. Sex can be similar to a workout in that it might push your body to its limits. If you are not healthy, then your body may respond to sex painfully. Try to eat a balanced diet. Work out at least three times a week. Get at least eight hours of undisturbed sleep a night. Getting healthy and losing weight has also be associated with a decrease in the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) for women. For men, losing weight can balance out testosterone levels, leading to better sexual performance. Go slowly. Take your time with your partner before, during, and after sex. Rushing things will likely cause your stress levels to rise, increasing the possibility of pain. When you are having sex, take your time finding out what gives your partner pleasure and don't be afraid to express your wishes, too. If sex is painful, there is nothing wrong with stopping and trying again at another point. It is best to avoid the “let's get this over with” mentality. Have more sex. This may sound odd, but engaging in sex more frequently can actually get your body more used to the process, making it less painful as a result. For certain men and women, the sexual organs can suffer from varying degrees of atrophy if not stimulated. Having intercourse prevents this and increases blood flow to the genital region. Being more sexually active, in a safe way, can also lessen some of the fear and stress associated with sex. If increased intercourse is not an option, many people see a lessening of pain if they try masturbation or other sexual practices aside from penetration. Engage in foreplay. Give yourself at least 20-30 minutes for foreplay, as this is the average amount of time that it takes most people to become aroused and prepared for sex. Use this time as an opportunity to make sure that your partner is mentally and physically ready. Experiment with various types of touch to discover what works best for you both. For example, try out different degrees of touch pressure. Intermix soft touches with more forceful caresses. Use lubrication. As part of foreplay, you may want to apply lubricant to yourself and perhaps your partner as well. Water-based vaginal lubricant can be placed directly on the vagina, vulva, or penis. A few drops is usually sufficient to reduce friction and pain. There are also vaginal moisturizers, which provide wetness and relief for multiple days. Many people find lubrication especially helpful if you are having sex with a condom. Try out different positions. Experiment with a variety of sexual positions to see which ones are the most pleasurable, and least painful, for both you and your partner. Side-by-side can be comfortable for some women as it provides more shallow penetration. Both men and women sometimes prefer to assume a top position as it gives more control. To reduce spine pain, medical experts often recommend the missionary position as it allows the person laying down to put a towel or some other soft item under the curvature of their spine for support. Stop if you need to. If at any point during sex you experience pain and wish to stop, then tell your partner and separate. Don't feel pressure to continue on just for your partner's benefit. Communicate how you are feeling and work together to try once more under better conditions. Avoid any irritants. If you notice that you are experiencing redness, itching, or irritation immediately during or after sex then it is possible you've been exposed to an irritant. Some people have a latex allergy, which makes them react badly to certain condoms. Some women even have a semen allergy. For both men and women, the use of spermicides or certain lubricants can also cause irritation. If you discover that a certain product causes irritation to your skin, you can always avoid it or find a product alternative. For example, people with a latex allergy often use natural lambskin condoms.

Talk with your doctor. Describe what type of pain you have. Address any hormonal imbalances. Treat any infections. Enroll in physical therapy. Meet with a sex therapist. Relax. Create a peaceful environment. Communicate with your partner. Take good care of your body. Go slowly. Have more sex. Engage in foreplay. Use lubrication. Try out different positions. Stop if you need to. Avoid any irritants.

https://www.wikihow.com/Warm-up-for-Running

How to Warm up for Running

To warm up for running, start by doing 10 minutes of light cardio like jogging or jumping rope to get your blood pumping and your heart rate up. Next, warm up your leg muscles by doing bodyweight squats and lunges, aiming for 10-20 reps for each exercise. After that, warm up your hip muscles by doing donkey kicks and stretch your torso muscles with mountain climbers!

Take a light jog. Jogging even for 10 minutes will activate your muscles, increase your resting pulse, and put you in a better condition to run. Even taking a brisk walk before you go for a run can be an effective way of warming up. You won't be able to run without getting your blood pumping and your muscles warmed up with light cardio exercises like the ones listed in this section. If you plan on doing a walking warmup, keep your pace faster than normal and swing your arms as you would if you were really running. Jog or walk until the motion becomes natural. Avoid jogging for too long during your warmup; many runners feel some fatigue set in after about 25 minutes of jogging. Exercise range of motion in your legs with butt-kickers and high-knees. While at a moderate pace, raise your knees as high in front of you as comfortable to perform the high-knee exercise. Butt-kickers are the exact opposite: extend your leg as far back as far as comfortable so that it nearly strikes your butt. Butt-kickers and high-knee exercises are a great way to get movement to the hip joint that increases blood flow around the cartilage and helps to lubricate the connective tissues. Jump rope instead of jogging. You could also do this in addition to a light jog for extra cardiovascular conditioning. Beyond being an excellent cardio warmup, jumping rope will also engage your upper body and arms, preparing it for the run to come. While jumping rope, keep your weight on the balls of your feet and the swinging motion of the rope in your wrists (as opposed to your shoulders/arms). Do some jumping jacks. Jumping jacks can be done pretty much anywhere, making this a versatile warmup for your exercise toolbox. But that doesn't mean this exercise should be taken lightly! Your shoulder blades should be back, your spine straight, and your arms fully extended throughout. Avoid stretching before your run. Doing a static stretch before you run risks straining your muscles. Because your muscles aren't warmed up, the lack of oxygen and blood in your system can cause pain and even damage your workout. Dynamic stretching, which uses an active motion (like a lunge) to fully engage a body part's range of motion, is preferred for warming up pre-run. Although there is some evidence that static stretching can have a negative impact on performance, dynamic stretching has no proven negative effects. Perform a few bodyweight squats. Squats will engage your quads and glutes. Watch your form carefully; poor form when squatting, especially when doing weighted squats, can be harmful. Don't get psyched out by exercise terms - "bodyweight" only means that you don't use any extra weights, all you need is your body's weight (like a standard push up). Generally, when squatting your feet should be about shoulder width apart and facing forward. Focus your eyes in front of you, keep your shoulders back, and maintain a straight spine. It might take some getting used to, but this motion should be initiated by a folding of your hips into as deep of a squat as is comfortable. Do some bodyweight lunges. A variety of lunges will warm up your lower body best. Do 10 to 20 forward lunges to start with, beginning with shorter steps and a smaller range of motion, and working up to your full range of motion by the 20th rep. Follow this up with 10 to 20 more lunges, but twist your torso to the left as you lunge with your left leg, and to the right on your right leg. Once you're comfortable with the forward lunge and the lunge-twist, try adding 10 to 20 backwards and side lunges to your warmup routine. Warm up with mountain climbers. Mountain climbers will work your legs and torso. Be cautious when doing mountain climbers for your warm up, as they can require more energy than running. Move slowly at first, and only do them for a minute or two before resting. Add some variety to this exercise by doing the “doubles out” style: instead of kicking legs out one at a time, kick both out on each repetition. Kick like a donkey while on all fours. Well-stretched hips are important if you want to have the best run. One of the best hip stretches can be performed while on all fours. Keep your back straight, your shoulders above your hands, and your eyes be facing down. Fully extend your legs one at a time behind you. As you reach a full extension with your leg, squeeze with the muscles in your glutes and hold the fully extended position for a few seconds before returning to the neutral position. Try A-skips and B-skips. To do an A-skip, bring 1 knee up above your hip and then quickly lower it as you move forward. Repeat on both sides. Once you have mastered that, move onto the B-skip. Bring your knee up above your hip but extend your leg forward before lowering your foot to the ground. This should make a circular motion. Try doing skips across a room, gym, or court. As you move forward, move your arms as though you were running. Build the intensity of your runs gradually. Pushing yourself too hard, especially when you're just starting out, can be a major contributor to shin splints. Maybe start with a half an hour walk-run, and increase this little by little until you reach the level you're aiming for. To keep yourself challenged, try to increase your distance and speed by about 10% every week. Maintain a short stride. It may feel like you're kicking it into high gear when you lengthen your stride, but this puts extra strain on your legs. Take extra care when getting back into the swing of running to reduce your stride length and decrease the likelihood of shin splints. It's especially common at the end of a race or workout to lengthen your stride when pushing through to the finish. Walk on your heels before and after running. When you run, your calf muscles get a work out. The same isn't true, however, for the muscles at the front of your shin. Promote balance between these muscle groups and lower your chances of shin splints by walking around on your heels before and after running. At first, this activity won't likely be easy. Try walking around for 15 to 30 seconds at a time for about 3 sets. Stretch your calves after running. Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you. Hold either end of an exercise band or a towel and loop it around the ball of your foot. Pull back lightly until you feel the stretch in your calf. If you don't have an exercise band or towel, stand in front of a wall with your feet placed 1 to 2½ steps away. Lean to the wall until you feel your calves stretch. Generally, this stretch should only be held for about 20 to 30 seconds and should be repeated about 2 or 3 times for each leg. Ice the painful area when shin splints occur. Even after taking every precaution, you might still end up with shin splints. It's a bummer, but a little ice can take the edge off the pain. Ice your shins for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time between 4 and 8 times a day. Over the counter pain killers, like Ibuprofen or Aspirin, can also help alleviate some of the pain. Consult your doctor if pain persists for more than two weeks.

Take a light jog. Exercise range of motion in your legs with butt-kickers and high-knees. Jump rope instead of jogging. Do some jumping jacks. Avoid stretching before your run. Perform a few bodyweight squats. Do some bodyweight lunges. Warm up with mountain climbers. Kick like a donkey while on all fours. Try A-skips and B-skips. Build the intensity of your runs gradually. Maintain a short stride. Walk on your heels before and after running. Stretch your calves after running. Ice the painful area when shin splints occur.

https://www.wikihow.com/Revive-a-Dying-Aloe-Vera-Plant

How to Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant

To revive a dying aloe vera plant, start by carefully removing it from the pot it's in. Then, use a sterilized knife or shears to cut off any roots that are black or mushy. Next, replant the aloe vera in a pot that's 3 times bigger than the roots are, using a well-draining soil with a high sand content to prevent the roots from dying again. Finally, wait a few days after replanting the aloe vera before you water it.

Check the soil. You can tell if your Aloe vera plant needs to be watered by pressing your index finger a few inches down into the soil. If the soil is dry, your plant needs water. Aloe vera plants are succulents and do not need to be watered often. Overwatering can kill your plant! If you keep your plant outside, watering every two weeks should be sufficient. If you keep your plant inside, water it every three to four weeks. Modify watering according to the season. Aloe vera plants need more water in the warmer months, but less in the cooler months. Water less often in Fall and Winter, especially if your plant lives in a cool space. Examine the leaves. As a succulent, Aloe vera plants store water in their leaves. If you notice the leaves are dropping or are becoming almost transparent, your plant likely needs water. However, the same qualities can be a sign of root rot, caused by overwatering. Ask yourself when you watered your plant last. If you watered it recently, you should remove the plant from the pot and check for root rot. Water until the soil is just moist. Water should never sit on top of the surface of the soil, so water with a light hand. Continue to check your plant weekly or bi-weekly by testing the soil to see if it needs to be watered. Remove the Aloe vera plant from its current pot. One of the typical reasons for Aloe vera plant death is root rot. In order to determine if this is the case, you need to first take the plant out of its pot. Loosely hold the base of the plant and the bottom of your pot. Tip the pot upside down, and continue holding the plant with your other hand. Hit the bottom of the pot with your hand or knock it against a table ledge (or other hard surface). Depending on the size of your plant, you may need another person to help you. One person should hold the plant base with both hands, while the other person tips the pot upside down and hits the bottom.. You might also find it helpful to jostle the pot back and forth until the plant comes loose. If you still have difficulties removing your plant with two sets of hands, you can run a trowel or knife around the interior of the pot and try releasing it again, or push some of the soil out through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. If your plant still does not come out of the pot, you may need to break your pot, but this is a last resort. While releasing the Aloe Vera plant from its pot, be sure that you are keeping the plant itself as steady as possible. All the movement should be centered on the pot, not the plant itself. In other words, hold, don't pull, the plant. Hitting the bottom of the pot will keep your roots intact, and gravity will push the plant downward. Tend the roots. Examine the roots and determine how many of the roots are still healthy. Mushy roots are characteristic of root rot and need to be removed. Any roots that aren't black or mushy are good and can be kept. If you see a lot of healthy roots and only a section of dead or mushy roots, you can likely save your plant without too much trouble, but you'll need to cut away the damaged roots. You can use a sharp, sterilized knife to cut away the dead roots, but make sure to get them all. If you notice that the majority of your plant has damaged roots, it will take a little more effort to save the plant, and it may be beyond saving. In this case, you can try to save the plant by removing the largest leaves (with a knife). Cut away about half of the plant. This method is risky. However, with fewer leaves to nourish, the small amount of undamaged roots can better direct nutrients throughout the plant. Choose a pot that is one-third larger than the root system. Any excess soil will hold water and could cause root rot in the future, so a smaller pot is better than a larger one. The roots of Aloe vera plants grow horizontally, rather than vertically. Aloe vera plants can also become quite heavy, and the weight of the plant can cause a narrow pot to tip over. Thus, select a wide pot, rather than a deep or narrow pot. The pot you choose should also have plenty of drainage holes on the bottom so that excess water does not sit in the soil. A plastic pot is best if you live in a dryer climate, while a pot made from terra cotta or clay is best for cooler or humid areas. Use potting soil suitable for cactus or succulents. This type of soil has a higher sand content and produces a well-draining environment for your plant. You can find this type of soil easily at your local garden center. You can also create your own soil mix for your Aloe vera plant by mixing equal parts of sand, gravel or pumice, and soil. Be sure to use a coarse sand (like builder's sand), rather than a fine sand. Fine sand can clump and hold water, rather than allowing it to drain down and through the pot. Although you can use potting soil for Aloe vera plants, they will thrive better in a mixed soil. Potting soil is more likely to hold moisture and could therefore cause root rot. Replant your Aloe vera. Prepare the pot by filling it with the potting soil mixture, and shake your Aloe vera plant gently to remove about a third of the soil that has attached itself to the root ball. Place your plant in the newly prepared pot and cover the top with more of the potting soil mixture. Be sure that the entire root ball is covered with the soil mixture , but don't bury the plant deeper than it was in the first pot. You can also layer small rocks or gravel on the top of the soil, which helps reduce the evaporation of water. Do not water immediately after repotting. Your Aloe vera plant needs a few days to readjust to its new pot and to repair any broken roots. Check the leaves. If the leaves of your Aloe vera plant are turning brown or red, your plant may be sunburned. Reposition your plant. Move your plant to a place where it receives indirect, rather than direct, sunlight. If your plant is typically in a position to receive artificial light rather than sunlight, reposition the plant so that there is a greater distance between it and the light source. You can also try moving it outside so that it is getting some indirect natural light, rather than artificial light. Water your plant. Check the soil and determine if your plant needs to be watered. The soil is likely dry if your plant has been getting too much sunlight, since the water would be evaporating more quickly. Remove dead leaves. With a sharp, sterilized knife, cut the leaf away from the plant at the base. Any leaves that are dead take nutrients from other parts of the plant, so be sure to remove them so that the rest of your plant doesn't suffer.

Check the soil. Modify watering according to the season. Examine the leaves. Water until the soil is just moist. Remove the Aloe vera plant from its current pot. Tend the roots. Choose a pot that is one-third larger than the root system. Use potting soil suitable for cactus or succulents. Replant your Aloe vera. Do not water immediately after repotting. Check the leaves. Reposition your plant. Water your plant. Remove dead leaves.

https://www.wikihow.com/Smooth-Glass-Edges

How to Smooth Glass Edges

If you want to smooth a glass edge, start by purchasing a multi-pack of emery cloth from your local hardware store. Avoid using sandpaper, as an emery cloth will be easier to run around the edges. Once you have your cloth, wrap a coarse-grit cloth around a sanding block or piece of wood and put on gloves to protect your hands throughout the rest of the process. Then, hold the glass in one hand and work the emery cloth around the sharp edge for about 10 to 20 seconds on each inch of glass. To make the edge even smoother, repeat the process with a medium-grit emery cloth.

Wet a piece of 80-grit sandpaper and lay it down on a work surface. Make sure the sandpaper is very wet and that your work surface is hard and durable. To wet your sandpaper, dip it into a container of clean water, then sprinkle some additional water on top of the paper after you lay it down. You can also use emery cloth if you don't have access to wet sandpaper. You can buy a multi-pack of emery cloth from most home improvement or hardware stores. Place the cut edge of the glass down onto the sandpaper. Hold the glass in your dominant hand and keep the sandpaper steady with your non-dominant hand. Be sure to wear safety gloves and goggles for maximum safety. You can typically buy safety gloves and goggles at any home improvement store that also sells sandpaper. If your glass has multiple sharp edges, hold it so that none of the edges can cut your palm. If it's impossible to hold your glass this way, consider smoothing the edges using a different method. Move the glass in a circular motion for 5 minutes to smooth the edge. Apply gentle downward pressure onto the top of the glass so that you drive it slightly into the sandpaper. Rotate the piece of glass every 2-3 circles in order to keep the sanding more uniform. If you refrain from rotating your piece of glass, you may end up sanding one side much more than the others, leaving a noticeably uneven finish. Aim to do this for at least around 5 minutes to ensure that the glass edge is adequately smoothed. Sand the inner and outer corners of the glass edge by hand. After you finish sanding the “front” of the glass edge, pick up the sandpaper and dip it into the water again to dampen it. Then, take the sandpaper in your dominant hand and place it over the glass edge so that your thumb and middle finger are over the corners of the edge. Finally, rub the sandpaper back and forth to sand down these sharp corners until they're smooth. Keep the sandpaper wet as you do this. You may need to continually dip it into the water to keep it adequately moist. Repeat this process with increasingly finer grits of sandpaper. Sand down the edges with 150-grit, 220-grit, 320-grit, then finally 400-grit sandpaper to make your glass even smoother. Then, use 1000-grit and 2000-grit sandpaper to polish the edge to perfection. Wipe the edge of the glass with a clean damp cloth once you've finished sanding to wipe away any leftover grit or dust. Attach a sanding bit to a Dremel tool or power drill. For best results, choose a medium-grit sandpaper finish (60- to 100-grit) and a relatively large sanding bit. The larger the bit, the more of the edge it will be able to smooth at once. Make sure the sanding bit is the right size for your glass piece. For example, if you're smoothing the edges of a wine bottle that you've cut in half, make sure the sanding bit can fit inside the hole so it can sand the inner corners of the glass edge. Hold the tool with your dominant hand and the glass with the other hand. You can try placing your piece of glass in a clamp to keep it secure, but this makes it much more likely that the edge of your glass will crack. However, you should only hold the glass by hand if you can safely grasp it without coming into contact with the sanding bit. Be sure to use heavy-duty work gloves to safely hold the glass. If your glass object is too small to safely hold it by hand, your best bet is to use a clamp to hold it or to use an alternative method to smooth out the edges. Run the sanding bit against the inner edge of the glass. Press the power button to start the power tool and hold the side edge of the bit against the inside corner of the edge of the glass. Don't apply any pressure to the sanding bit or else you may break the glass. Instead, simply hold it against the edge to allow the smoothing process to take place. Spend about 3-5 minutes doing this in order to adequately smooth the inner edge of the glass. Be sure to wear a ventilation mask during this step, since the sanding process will kick up a lot of glass powder into the air. Move the sanding bit to the top and outer corner of the glass edge. Work in toward the center and out toward the outside edge to get a rounded edge. Rotate the bit slowly until you have traveled around the entire outside edge. This step shouldn't take more than 3-5 minutes to perform. Repeat this process with fine-grit sandpaper to polish the edge. Replace the sandpaper on your sanding bit with a finer grit. Then, run the sanding bit over the edge of the glass again to make it even smoother. Repeat this step as necessary with increasingly finer grits of sandpaper until the glass edge is polished to your liking. You can also simply polish the glass edge by hand if you don't want to continue using the power tool. Once you've finished sanding, use a clean damp cloth to wipe away any leftover grit or dust. Place a piece of float glass over foam rubber on your work surface. You'll use the float glass as the “main” work surface on which you'll grind your glass edges. The foam rubber will serve to keep the float glass in place so it doesn't slide off during the grinding process. If you don't have a dedicated piece of float glass, you can also use a piece of scrap plate glass, such as a piece of window, mirror, or picture glass. Add water and a coarse grit of silicon carbide powder to the glass. Pour a small amount of water into the center of your float glass to create a small puddle. Then, pour in just enough silicon carbide to cover the surface of the puddle. Finally, use your fingers to gently stir the silicon carbide and water together. To make it easier to add the silicon carbide powder, place it in a small disposable cup first before you begin adding it to the glass. Place the sharp edge of the glass against the plate glass. Grasp the piece of glass with your dominant hand (or with both hands, if needed). Be sure to place the glass edge directly over the spot where you mixed the silicon carbide with the water. For maximum safety, wear safety gloves to avoid cutting your hands on the glass. Circle your hand and the bottle around the glass for 30-60 seconds. Move the glass over and through the silicon carbide in a figure eight motion, applying gentle downward pressure as you do so. Make sure to stay within the glass surface and avoid going beyond the silicon carbide puddle. Look at the edge of the glass after about a minute of this circling. If the glass is no longer glossy and it is smooth to the touch all around, you are done. Wipe off the glass with a towel and use sandpaper to smooth the inside. Use a wet paper towel or a dedicated cloth towel to remove the silicon carbide water from the glass piece. Then, use wet sandpaper as necessary to smooth out the inner corner of the edge of the glass if needed. For example, if you're smoothing the bottom of a cut glass bottle, you won't be able to smooth the inner corners of the glass edge with the silicon carbide puddle. You can also use sandpaper to sand down any rough spots you find that the silicon carbide didn't get.

Wet a piece of 80-grit sandpaper and lay it down on a work surface. Place the cut edge of the glass down onto the sandpaper. Move the glass in a circular motion for 5 minutes to smooth the edge. Sand the inner and outer corners of the glass edge by hand. Repeat this process with increasingly finer grits of sandpaper. Attach a sanding bit to a Dremel tool or power drill. Hold the tool with your dominant hand and the glass with the other hand. Run the sanding bit against the inner edge of the glass. Move the sanding bit to the top and outer corner of the glass edge. Repeat this process with fine-grit sandpaper to polish the edge. Place a piece of float glass over foam rubber on your work surface. Add water and a coarse grit of silicon carbide powder to the glass. Place the sharp edge of the glass against the plate glass. Circle your hand and the bottle around the glass for 30-60 seconds. Wipe off the glass with a towel and use sandpaper to smooth the inside.

https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Geraniums-in-Pots

How to Grow Geraniums in Pots

Growing geraniums in pots will give you colorful blooms that you can enjoy from spring until fall. Pick a pot with holes in the bottom for adequate drainage and that's between 6 and 10 inches, depending on the variety. The easiest way to start your flowers is to use cuttings from mother plants or buy seedlings at a garden store, but you can also use seeds. Use a good quality soil when you're ready to plant, making sure it drains well to avoid root rot. Give your plant full sunlight and allow the soil to get dry between watering. When the soil is dry all the way through the top inch, give the flower enough water to dampen the soil. Once a month, give your plant liquid fertilizer to help it grow strong. When you see flowers dying, remove the flower heads to encourage the plant to keep blooming.

Choose a pot with holes in the bottom. Geranium roots will rot if they sit in water for an extended period of time, so adequate drainage is essential. Select a pot that fits the size of the plant. Many varieties can fill a 10-inch (25.4-cm) pot, but some smaller varieties can thrive in a 6- to 8-inch (15- to 20-cm) pot. These flowers do well when the roots don't have the option of spreading too far, but they must still have adequate room to develop. Pick a pot made with a material that suits your needs. If you plan on moving the plant around, avoid heavier clay pots and stick to plastic. Clean the pot. Dirty pots may contain bacteria or insect eggs that are too small for the naked eye to see. These hidden dangers could prevent your flowers from reaching their full potential. Decide what method you want to use to start your flowers. Using cuttings from mother plants or purchasing seedlings at a garden store are the easiest methods of starting a potted geranium, but you can also use seed. Choose a good quality soil. A cheap soil may retain too much moisture, which will lead to root rot once you plant your geraniums. These flowers thrive best in soil that drains well, especially if it contains traces of organic material. Start geraniums from seed indoors. Early to mid-April is usually standard. Once the seeds start to sprout, you can move them outdoors. Just make sure that the last frost of the season has already passed. Fill the pot with soil. Allow the soil to remain fairly loose, as tightly packed soil can suffocate the plant. Spot the top of the soil with seeds. Space seeds a few inches apart from one another. This space is necessary to ensure that the flowers will have room to grow without suffocating another's roots. Cover the seeds with soil. Only apply a light layer of soil, as too much soil may prevent the seeds from germinating. Plant seedlings or cuttings after the last frost passes. They can be kept either indoors or outdoors. Fill your chosen pot with soil. Leave the soil loose so the plant's roots have room to breathe. Dig a shallow hole in the soil. It should be just large enough to rest the seedling's root system in. The general rule of thumb is that the seedling should be as deep in your soil as it was in the original container. Do not plant the seedling any deeper, since stems can actually begin to rot and decay if covered by soil. Pack the soil around the geranium to hold it in place. Do so carefully to avoid breaking or tearing the stem of the plant, since a damaged stem weakens the integrity of the plan and provides an opening for diseases to enter in. Place the pot in full sun. Geraniums require six to eight hours of direct sunlight to thrive, but some varieties prefer a bit of shade in the afternoon. Allow the soil get dry in between each watering. Test the soil by poking your finger into the top inch. If the soil is dry all the way through the top inch, provide the flowers with enough water to dampen the soil without soaking it. Fertilize your geraniums once a month using a liquid fertilizer. An abundance of fertilizer will cause your geraniums to produce many strong, healthy leaves, but it will also prevent blooms from developing and may lead to a plant with minimal flowering. You can also use a slow-release, granular fertilizer. Only apply this fertilizer once, during the spring. Remove dying flowers regularly. You can usually tell when a flower is dying because the color fades and the blossom begins to wilt. The removal of dead flower heads will encourage the plant to continue blooming. Remove brown leaves and faded stalks to minimize the risk of fungal disease. Decomposed leaves and stalks are likely to cause "Botrytis" or other fungi to form.

Choose a pot with holes in the bottom. Select a pot that fits the size of the plant. Pick a pot made with a material that suits your needs. Clean the pot. Decide what method you want to use to start your flowers. Choose a good quality soil. Start geraniums from seed indoors. Fill the pot with soil. Spot the top of the soil with seeds. Cover the seeds with soil. Plant seedlings or cuttings after the last frost passes. Fill your chosen pot with soil. Dig a shallow hole in the soil. Pack the soil around the geranium to hold it in place. Place the pot in full sun. Allow the soil get dry in between each watering. Fertilize your geraniums once a month using a liquid fertilizer. Remove dying flowers regularly. Remove brown leaves and faded stalks to minimize the risk of fungal disease.

https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Tulip-Bulbs

How to Plant Tulip Bulbs

Once the beginning of fall rolls around, look for a dry, sunny area to plant your tulip bulbs. When you're ready to start planting, dig holes for the bulbs that are 6 inches deep and spaced 4 inches apart. Place the bulbs in the holes so they're pointy-side up and then fill the holes in with soil. To finish planting your tulip bulbs, pack the soil down with your hands and lightly water it.

Prepare to plant the bulbs in the fall. After the summer weather has faded into fall, and the nights have gotten colder, it's time to plant your bulbs and start dreaming of spring again. You want to plant the bulbs before the first deep frost, which hardens the grounds and makes it much more difficult to dig holes for the bulbs. The bulbs should be planted when the soil is still at least 60 °F (16 °C). Plan to plant the bulbs within a week after buying them. They shouldn't stay above the ground for too long. Don't plant the bulbs too early, or they might come up before the weather gets cold and die as soon as the frosts come. They should lie dormant in the ground all winter and come up in the spring. If you forget to plant your bulbs in the fall, then you can also plant them in early spring. However, do not plant bulbs any sooner than mid-April since the weather will likely be too cold at this time. Choose tulip bulbs to plant. You can get them from a nursery, a home and garden store, or buy them online. Tulips are hardy flowers that will grow in most climates. Depending on what variety you buy, each bulb will produce one 1-4 stems and blossoms. Opt for perennial bulbs since these will bloom over several seasons. However, keep in mind that you will still need to replant your bulbs after a few years. Choose bulbs that are firm to the touch with a light brown papery skin, almost like an onion skin. Avoid choosing bulbs that feel dry, flaky, or relatively light. If that's the case, it's probably lost its moisture content, and it may not grow properly. Keep in mind that you can still try planting soft or shriveled bulbs. However, these bulbs may be rotten or dead, and may not sprout. Decide where to plant the bulbs. Many people plant tulips along fences, walkways, or buildings to add little bursts of color. They're often planted in rows, since it's easy to control where they come up. Figure out where you want to plant your tulips as you get ready to plant them. Tulips grow best in areas that are sunny or lightly shaded, and not excessively wet. Tulips come in many colors, so it's easy to plant them in interesting patterns and shapes. You could alternate colors or plant a whole bed of multicolored tulips, for example. Design a tulip pattern that makes sense for your yard. Assess the planting site. Tulips grow in most soils, and there's not much you need to do to get it ready for planting. However, if the soil where you live is very dry or hard, you can wait to plant the tulips until a day after it has rained. Remove any weeds or stones and use a trowel or garden fork to loosen and aerate the soil. Dig holes for the bulbs. Tulip bulbs should be buried about 6 inches (15.2 cm) to 8 inches (20.3 cm) deep to prevent squirrels and other creatures from finding them and eating them. Space the holes 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 cm) apart, and dig them about 8 inches (20.3 cm) from the base of the bulb. So if you have a 1-inch bulb, you'll need a 9-inch hole. The larger the bulb, the deeper the hole must be. As you dig, clear away roots, rocks and other debris that could impede the growth of your tulips. You can sprinkle kitty litter, gravel, holly leaves, or thorny bush branches into the hole to deter mice and other rodents from occupying the hole. If you are planting lots of tulip bulbs, then you can also use the trench method. To do this, dig a long trench to place the bulbs into instead of digging multiple small holes. Just make sure that you remember where you have already planted. Plant the tulip bulbs. Place them in the holes pointy-side up (otherwise they'll try to sprout downward). Sprinkle the soil back into the holes and pack it down with your hands, taking care not to tilt the bulbs in another direction. Keep in mind that the more tulips you plant, the more impressive your garden will be when they bloom in the spring. Plant at least 50 bulbs throughout your yard for a bright garden full of tulips. Tulip bulbs are naturally perennials, meaning they can come back more than once. In most climates, though, the soil isn't conducive to more than one year of growth, and the bulb only contains enough nutrients for it to bloom once. If you want the tulips to come back after the first year, place some plant food in the holes before closing them back up. Water the bulbs lightly. Right after planting, give the bulbs some water. This helps them begin the process of growing. Don't give them a soaking, though; bulbs will decay and die if they get too wet. Don't water the bulbs again unless it's extremely dry outside. Unless the ground is very dry, there is no need to water the bulbs. Newly planted bulbs may rot if the soil becomes sodden and waterlogged. There should be enough rain through the autumn and winter to provide your bulbs with enough moisture. Watch for the tulips to sprout in the spring. By March or April in the northern hemisphere and September or October in the southern hemisphere, your bulbs should have transformed into beautiful spring tulips.

Prepare to plant the bulbs in the fall. Choose tulip bulbs to plant. Decide where to plant the bulbs. Assess the planting site. Dig holes for the bulbs. Plant the tulip bulbs. Water the bulbs lightly. Watch for the tulips to sprout in the spring.

https://www.wikihow.com/Rawhide-a-Saddle-Tree

How to Rawhide a Saddle Tree

To rawhide a saddle tree, place a large piece of rawhide over the tree and press it, starting at the horn and working your way down. Next, use 3 or 4 tiny saddle tacks to secure the hide to the horn and nail it to the rest of the tree. Then, use a small flathead screwdriver to etch a guide line on the rawhide that traces the boundary between the fork and the bars. Finally, nail the rawhide to the tree along the guide line that you etched.

Place a large piece of rawhide over the tree. The saddle tree is the wood frame that provides the structure of a saddle. The piece of rawhide you use should be more than enough to completely cover the top of the tree. This is important, as the rawhide should be seamless so you don't need to add any unnecessary stitches. Allow 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) to hang over the sides of the top of the tree. Press the rawhide to the tree. Starting on the horn of the tree, gently press the rawhide to the tree so it begins to fit its form. Then, work your way down from the horn and gently press the rawhide to the rest of the tree. Be careful, as you don't want to damage or stretch the rawhide. Use 3 or 4 tiny saddle tacks to secure the hide to the horn. The horn is the part of the saddle you can hold when riding a horse. Take a hammer and gently hit the tacks. Without tacking the hide to the horn, the rawhide won't stay secured to the saddle tree when you work on it. Don't tap the tacks too deep. You'll need to remove them later. Use the smallest possible tacks, as large tacks or nails could split or otherwise damage the horn. Nail the rawhide to the rest of the tree. Use stainless steel ring shank nails to secure the rawhide to the more substantial portions of the tree. Use 4 to 6 on the top of the main part of the tree. Space these nails out over the body of the tree, as it is important to secure the entire hide. Etch thin lines where the fork meets the bars of the tree. The fork is where the horn branches off toward either side of the saddle. Using a small flathead screwdriver or another similar tool, etch a guide line on the rawhide that traces the boundary between the fork and the bars. Nail the rawhide to the tree along the line that you etched. Using stainless steel nails that are no more than an inch long (2.54 cm), nail the rawhide to the tree. Depending on your taste, you can choose to space the nails a quarter (.63 cm) or half inch (1.27 cm) apart. Secure the area around the cantle dish to the tree. The cantle dish is the indented area toward the middle front of the saddle tree. Use 3 to 4 one-inch (2.54 cm) stainless steel nails to secure the rawhide to the tree. Depending on the size of the tree, you may need to use more. Use nails to secure the rawhide to the tree where the bar meets the seat area. Etch a line where the bar meets the seat. Then, lightly hammer your nails along the line. The number of nails you use is up to you, since this is largely decorative. Consider spacing the nails between a quarter inch (.63 cm) and half an inch (1.27 cm) apart. Feel free to make any pattern you want on the front area around the cantle dish. Cut all rawhide that goes over the top edge of the saddle tree. Take your box cutter or other cutting tool and gently cut all rawhide just above the edge of the saddle tree. This way, your rawhide will only be covering the top of the tree. In the best case scenario, you'll have less than a quarter inch (.63 cm) of the tree showing above its edge and below the rawhide. Place tacks just above the bottom edge of rawhide. Use as many tacks as you need to secure the rawhide to the tree above where you just cut it. This will make sure the rawhide is secure as you continue to work on the tree. Position another piece of rawhide on the bottom of the tree. After you've cut and tacked the top piece of rawhide to the tree, you'll need to use another piece of rawhide to cover the bottom of the tree. To do this, flip the tree over and place it on a soft surface (like a pillow). Then, drape another piece of rawhide over the bottom. Tack the rawhide to the bottom of the tree. Pin your tacks around the perimeter of the bottom of the tree. These tacks will hold the rawhide in place while you work on it. Don't hammer them in all the way. Use stainless steel nails to create bars across the underside of the tree. Using nails that are no more than half an inch long (1.27 cm), create decorative bars across the underside of the tree. Ultimately, as with other decorative aspects of the saddle, the size of the bars and the spacing of the nails is up to you. Cut both the top and bottom pieces of rawhide that cover the cantle dish. After doing this you should be able to put your hand through the cantle dish. Cut the rawhide so both pieces line up with each other (and touch). This is important, as you'll be stitching them together. Use a leather palm protector. Before you start your serious stitch work, you should put on a leather palm protector. If possible, use one with a metal insert. The palm protector will protect you from the needle and from the sharp edges of the rawhide. Sew the edges of both pieces of rawhide in the cantle dish. Use your needle to stitch the upper piece of rawhide to the lower piece of rawhide. Use deer rawhide lace and make any type of stitch you like. However, the stitch should match the stitch work you've used elsewhere on your saddle. You may need to use needlenose pliers to help pull the needle through the rawhide. When you're done stitching the two pieces of rawhide together, tie the deer hide lace in a knot and trim its excess length. Cut excess material from the bottom piece of rawhide. The bottom piece of rawhide should be able to wrap up over the lip to the top of the saddle tree. When cutting, keep in mind that you're going to stitch the upper and lower pieces of rawhide together. As a result, it is better to leave a little extra (and cut it later) then to cut too much. Stitch the edges of both pieces of rawhide where they meet near the lip of the saddle tree. Just like you did on the area around the cantle dish, use deer rawhide lace to stitch the upper piece of rawhide to the lower piece of rawhide. By doing this, you'll bring the two pieces together. When you're done, the saddle tree should be completely covered with rawhide. When you're finished stitching, tie the deer hide lace in a knot and cut extra length. Remove all of the tacks you used to secure the rawhide. When you're done stitching the rawhide together, gently remove all the tacks you used to hold the rawhide together on the bottom and the top of the tree. Be careful removing them, as you don't want to damage the rawhide. When you think you're done, look over the saddle again to verify you've removed all of the tacks.

Place a large piece of rawhide over the tree. Press the rawhide to the tree. Use 3 or 4 tiny saddle tacks to secure the hide to the horn. Nail the rawhide to the rest of the tree. Etch thin lines where the fork meets the bars of the tree. Nail the rawhide to the tree along the line that you etched. Secure the area around the cantle dish to the tree. Use nails to secure the rawhide to the tree where the bar meets the seat area. Cut all rawhide that goes over the top edge of the saddle tree. Place tacks just above the bottom edge of rawhide. Position another piece of rawhide on the bottom of the tree. Tack the rawhide to the bottom of the tree. Use stainless steel nails to create bars across the underside of the tree. Cut both the top and bottom pieces of rawhide that cover the cantle dish. Use a leather palm protector. Sew the edges of both pieces of rawhide in the cantle dish. Cut excess material from the bottom piece of rawhide. Stitch the edges of both pieces of rawhide where they meet near the lip of the saddle tree. Remove all of the tacks you used to secure the rawhide.

https://www.wikihow.com/Develop-a-Marketing-Strategy

How to Develop a Marketing Strategy

To develop a marketing strategy, start by defining your target audience and ideal customer using your consumer knowledge and product research. Next, determine what your marketing goal is, like expanding brand awareness or increasing sales. Then, decide on the most effective marketing tactics for achieving that goal and create a budget based on the data you've collected. Finally, break your marketing plan down into tasks and assign each marketing task to a particular person!

Define your ideal customer. Think of the people who buy your product most often or those people who have a problem that your product or service can solve. Your ideal customers may be of a certain age, gender or income level. Determining who your ideal customer is will shape all of your marketing efforts for your product. In order to get the most out of your marketing budget, target your ideal customers. You can determine you ideal customer through the client data you keep on your product sales. You can also survey your clients or analyze research generated by competitors in your industry. For example, if you sell outdoor technology equipment, your ideal customer might be a male or female between the ages of 25 and 50 years old, as these people are both more active than older people and have more disposable income that younger people. In addition, you estimate that your ideal customer lives in the western US, as people there spend more time outdoors than those in other parts of the country, and has an upper level or high level of income, as your outdoor equipment is relatively expensive. Solve a problem for the customer. Consumers have problems that they want to solve. If you work with clients in a particular industry, use your customer knowledge to find a problem you can address. Research a product idea. Many businesses develop great products that relate to other successful products they sell. Think about why customers use your existing products. You may be able to solve another problem that is slightly different. Say, for example, that customers tell you that they need a durable cell phone charger that will hold up if dropped or exposed to extreme weather. To solve this problem, you create a charger that is weather-proof and shock-proof. Hikers and bikers try your phone charger and like the results. Apply the concepts of marketing to your product and your ideal customer. Once you've identified your ideal customer and solved his problem with your product, you can think about the components of your marketing. Think broadly about what you need to do to market your product. You'll need to plan a price for your product. Determining a price depends on customer demand for your product, and competitors in your industry. If you don't face much competition and see high demand for your product, you can charge a higher price. Customers may be very sensitive to the price you place on a product. Think about how you will package your product and how the packaging fits in with your brand image. You may, for example, create packaging using the same colors and company logo that you use for all of your other products. This consistent use of your brand image will help clients remember your brand. Consider how customers will contact your business, order your product and receive what they order. The entire process needs to work efficiently. You need to have a responsive customer service department that will fix any problems a customer may encounter. Be clear about your ultimate goal in marketing. Before you start working on your marketing strategy, consider what you want as an end result. Once you identify the end result, you can develop your plan. Your firm's goal may be to increase brand awareness, or simply to increase product sales. You may also want to expand into a new market segment. If you're in the hiking and biking gear market, for example, you may want to expand into mountain climbing gear. Any goal you set should be compared to a benchmark for your industry. Assume, for example, that there is a tremendous amount of competition in the hiking and biking gear market. No single firm controls more than 5% of the sales in that market. If your goal is to increase sales, you might set 5% as your end goal. The goal fits the conditions in your marketplace. You decide that your goal is to increase brand awareness. When someone realizes that they need a better cell phone charger when they go hiking or biking, you want that prospect to know about your company. Once you decide on a goal, you can consider which marketing tactics may be effective. A tactic is a specific task you perform to market your product. Direct email, email campaigns and cold calling are all marketing tactics. For example, you might decide that content marketing is a tactic you will use to build brand awareness. You can carry out this tactic by consistently posting useful blogs and articles to your website. Once people know about your brand, you want them to ask for more information about your product. They may click through on an ad they see, or visit your website. Those people become new leads for sales. You want to maintain contact with your leads until a portion of them become customers. They may receive an email or newsletter from you. Other leads may read blogs and articles about outdoor sports on your website. When they decide to purchase a phone charger, they may buy from you. Expand your marketing efforts. To increase your sales, you may need to add some new marketing activities. As you add new ways of marketing your product, your firm's brand awareness will increase. All companies should have a website, and many firms write and post blog content. To expand your presence in the market, consider hosting a podcast and speaking at events. If your competitors don't use these strategies, you'll have a chance to stand out. Implement a formal system to ask clients for referrals. If a customer does give you a referral, reward them in some way. You can offer the referring customer a free gift or a purchase discount. A referral has a high probability of being converted from a prospect to a client. To increase your image as an expert, consider providing seminars or webinars to your market. When people need to solve a problem, they seek out experts. Create a marketing plan and a budget to implement your plan. It's critical that you write a formal marketing plan. In order to make the plan a reality, you need to budget for each of your marketing activities. You plan should include the specific audience you are targeting. That audience is based on the traits of your ideal customer. To find out more about marketing plans, see Create a Marketing Plan. Your plan should indicate a timeline for each task to be completed. If you send a monthly e-newsletter, for example, your timeline might state that each newsletter must be sent by the 5th day of each month. Assign each marketing task to a particular person. If the task is assigned, you won't lose track of the progress of that task. Each person can update the entire group on the status of their particular task. Maybe your in-house copywriter is responsible for producing the newsletter.

Define your ideal customer. Solve a problem for the customer. Apply the concepts of marketing to your product and your ideal customer. Be clear about your ultimate goal in marketing. Expand your marketing efforts. Create a marketing plan and a budget to implement your plan.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Cheshire-Cat-Costume

How to Make a Cheshire Cat Costume

To make a Cheshire cat costume, try to find a matching striped top and leggings in the color scheme of your choice. You'll also want to get hold of a cat ear headband and tail from a costume store. For your face, start by painting it with a foundation layer of yellow face paint. Next, dab purple paint around the edges so it blends in with the yellow, and lighten your cheeks with some white paint. You can also add further details by using white eyeliner around your eyes and black face paint for whiskers.

Consider your color scheme. The Cheshire Cat from the 1951 cartoon movie is striped in purple and pink. In a later cinematic version, the cat is striped in teal and purple. Consider what color scheme is most accessible and which you prefer. When choosing a color scheme, attempt to use the most accessible colors available. Get a striped shirt. Search through thrift stores, clothing stores, or online for a stripped shirt of the desired colors. It's important to keep the color scheme in mind throughout the creation of the Cheshire Cat. Costume stores will probably have what you are looking for. Costume stores are also good at having multiple items in the same color scheme. Find striped leggings or tights. The goal is to find the exact color of stripes in pant form. This is not always realistic for some people's funds. If you do go to a costume store, they should offer a selection in matching tops and bottoms. You could also look online for something with similar colors. If you can't find anything, you can wear black pants (skinny) or leggings/tights. The bulk of the costume is from the waist up, so you can still have make an effective Cheshire Cat without a matching bottom. Use a onesuit. You can order a custom onesuit from certain online stores and retailers. There are also onesuit options available that are marketed as a Cheshire Cat costume. Do a quick google search if you were unable to find a matching top and pants. Create your own stripes. If you're having a hard time finding the right striped colors, you can make your own. You will need a shirt or pair of tights/leggings that is plain and one of your colors. You'll also need tape and fabric paint. Create stripes out of the tape. Once you have the tape setup the way you want it, you can paint onto the shirt. Follow the directions of the fabric paint for mixing with water or any other liquid. Use a brush to paint stripes between the taped stripes. Let the paint dry for about an hour before removing the tape. Acquire face makeup. There are several options you can take with face makeup. You can go for a simple design that can be effective if done right, or do a full paint job with multiple layers. Depending on what style you want to take, you can either go to a costume store for a multiple color face paint set, or find something similar in a general store. Consider the quality of the face makeup and strive for higher quality paint. It will look better and it will be better for your skin. Get a tail. There are several options for a cat tail. Any costume shop will have these pre-made and offer them at a reasonable price. You can alternatively gather the following supplies and create a tail on your own: A pair of old black tights or fluffy fabric Needle and thread Wire and wire cutters (coat hanger will work) Strip of fabric (to use as the belt) Use cat ears. Cat ears are very common to buy premade. A simple black cat is a very popular (last minute) costume. For this reason, you can get a cat ear headband for a decent price. If you'd rather do it yourself, you'll need the following supplies: 2 colors of fabric Fabric wire Pliers Scissors Headband Apply the base layer. You can either use face paint or makeup. Put a base paint of yellow all over your face. This is the iconic foundation for the Cheshire Cat from the 1951 cartoon. Apply a layer of purple. Sponge purple around the outside of your face so that the the yellow fades in. You can use a house sponge if you do not own any makeup accessories. Be sure to cover all the areas that are on the outside of your face like: the top of your forehead, neck, ears, etc. Lighten your cheeks. Dab your cheeks with white to lighten your cheeks. It might help you to look at a picture of the Cheshire Cat and apply the paint in relation to the image. Add additional details. Use yellow or white eyeliner along your waterline. Draw whiskers in black around your nose. Color in your nose with black face paint. You can use black eyeliner for the whiskers. Create the Cheshire’s smile. You don't have to create a mouth out of make up over your mouth, but instead could wear purple lipstick. There are a few ways you can create the smiling mouth out of makeup. Depending on your makeup skills, you can make the classic smiling face, or create a scarier face with sharper teeth. For the classic smile: use white makeup to create a wide smiling face around your mouth. Imagine a crescent moon when designing the smile. Once the white has dried, use a fine tipped brush or eyeliner to create teeth. The classic smile, from the cartoon, only has one row of teeth. The Tim Burton smile is much creepier because the teeth are rigged and fang like. To create this look, you'll need to create a crescent smile using black paint. Once the black has dried, create small teeth in the shape of triangles, or in the shape of shark's teeth. Create two rows of teeth: one row going down from the top and the other going up from the bottom of the mouth. Buy a headband. You can get these fairly cheap from a clothing outlet. Sort through their selection and try to find a black headband or a color from your color scheme. Use a cheaper headband because you'll be gluing or sewing onto the headband. Create the ears out of fabric. Select two types of fabric, the inside and outside of the ears. The inside fabric should be lighter than the outside fabric. Cut four bigger triangles from the darker fabric and two from the lighter one.You can either glue or sew the triangle together. Attach one inner triangle to one of the bigger triangles, and repeat for the other ear. Attach your spare triangles to the backside of each ear. Leave a small opening on the bottom to insert a wire frame into the ear. Reinforce the ears with wire. You can use an old coat hanger to create smaller wire frames to be used in the ears. Use pliers to cut two strips off a coat hanger. Fold the wire in the shape of an acute angle. Thread your wires into the ears. If the wire is too long, make adjustments. You can also purchase craft wire from a hobbyist store. Use glue to secure the wires to the ears. Attach the ears to the headband. Sew or glue the ears together and then onto the headband. Use a mirror to determine the best location for the ears. A hot glue gun will hold the ears to the headband the best. Create the tail. Use a coat hanger as the frame for the cat tail. Cut off a side of the coat hanger using wire cutters or pliers. Keep the hanger portion to use as the curly tip of the tail. Wrap the hanger in a fluffy fabric or old tights. To secure the fabric, use a hot glue gun while wrapping the tail. You can find furry fabric at craft and costume stores. Some fabrics are sold to be used for tails and are already the proper size. Cut off any excess fabric from the hanger. Attach the tail the body. Attaching the tail is one of the simpler steps to the costume. All you need is black string. First, wrap the string around your waist to figure out what length to use. Cut out the desired length of string. Use a hot glue gun, stapler, or tape to attach the tail to the middle point of the string. It's better to cut out a longer piece of string opposed to a shorter one. You can alternatively attach the tail to a belt using tape.

Consider your color scheme. Get a striped shirt. Find striped leggings or tights. Use a onesuit. Create your own stripes. Acquire face makeup. Get a tail. Use cat ears. Apply the base layer. Apply a layer of purple. Lighten your cheeks. Add additional details. Create the Cheshire’s smile. Buy a headband. Create the ears out of fabric. Reinforce the ears with wire. Attach the ears to the headband. Create the tail. Attach the tail the body.

https://www.wikihow.com/Soften-Polymer-Clay

How to Soften Polymer Clay

To soften polymer clay, hold it in your hands so your body heat can warm it up. If the clay is especially hard, lay a hot water bottle over the clay for about 20 minutes, or microwave it for 10 seconds at a time until it is warm. Once the clay has warmed, knead it with your hands for about a minute, then roll out the clay into a snake shape. The friction from rolling out the clay will help make it soft and pliable. If it's too hard to roll out with your hands, try smoothing it out with a rolling pin.

Warm the clay with body heat. If your clay is only slightly hard, you may be able to soften it just by warming and kneading it with your hands. Before you start kneading the clay, hold the clay in your hands to warm it. You can also warm it using the heat of your body by sitting on top of it. Warmth helps to revitalize the clay. If your clay is only a little bit hard, you may be able to restore its softness just using body heat. No matter what method you use to soften clay, always warm it first. Warm the clay using a heat source. If the clay is especially hard, you may need to use a heat source to soften the clay. Lay a hot water bottle over your clay for twenty minutes to help soften it. You can also use a heat lamp, but be sure to not heat the clay over body temperature. This can cause the clay to start to bake, which will make it unusable. Additionally, you can put the clay in the microwave for 10-second spurts until it is warm. Roll the clay in your hands. Once the clay has softened, roll it between your hands in a snake shape, then roll it into a ball. Rolling the clay creates friction, which helps to soften it. You can also cut the clay into small pieces, then roll it. Roll with a rolling pin. If the clay is still too hard to roll with your hands, you may need to use more force. Lay the piece of clay on a clean cutting board or on the counter, then press down on the clay to flatten it out as much as you can. Then roll the clay out with a rolling pin. After you roll it out, it should be warm enough to roll with your hands. Hit the clay with a mallet. If your clay is too hard to roll out with a rolling pin, you will need a large amount of force. Break the clay up into as small of pieces as you can, then place the clay pieces in a sealed plastic bag. Wrap the bag with a cloth and put it on the floor or on the cement or pavement outside. Use a rubber mallet to pound on the clay for several minutes. Using the mallet will break up the clay and add friction which will make it softer. After you have used the rubber mallet, take the clay out of the bag and roll it with your hands into a ball. Knead the clay. After you have rolled the clay, knead the clay with your hands on a counter just as you would with dough. Use as much force as you need to pull apart and reshape the clay. Kneading the clay ensures that you handle the entire surface area of the clay. You can also use a clay-kneading machine if you don't want to knead by hand. Add in a liquid diluent. A liquid diluent is one product on the market that softens unworkable clay. Many diluents are manufactured by the companies that make polymer clay, and they are made specifically for rejuvenating old clay. Use liquid diluents if warming and kneading the clay doesn't work to soften it. Add in liquid diluents a drop at a time as you knead the clay. Adding too much can make the clay mushy. Liquid diluents can be used as a glue, and therefore may add stickiness to your clay. If your clay is becoming too sticky, wrap it in a paper towel to absorb some of the stickiness. Use a bar of clay softener. There are also several clay softeners that come in bar form. Instead of being liquids that you add, the bars are made of a neutral mixing compound that helps your clay become more workable. Use one part of solid clay softener to five parts of clay. Warm the clay, then add the bar clay softener and knead until the clay and the clay softener are mixed. Bar clay softeners are whitish colored and therefore work best with highly saturated clay. Be aware that adding too high a ratio of bar clay softener can dilute the color of the clay. Add in liquid clay. Liquid polymer clay is another material that can be used to make hard clay more pliable. Use liquid polymer in a similar way as you would the diluent, adding it drop by drop and kneading the clay in between drops until the clay has reached the right consistency. Try to use uncolored liquid clay so that it doesn't affect the color of the clay. You can also use tinted liquid clay, but it will slightly change the original color. Add mineral oil. Even though mineral oil is not made specifically for helping to soften clay, it does work wonders to soften and improve the texture of polymer clay. Add in a drop of mineral oil at a time, kneading in between each drop until the clay is workable. Rub the clay with petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly is a common household product that you can use if you don't have access to commercial clay softeners. To use petroleum jelly, dab a small amount on your fingers and rub it into the clay. Then knead the clay to mix in the petroleum jelly. Keep adding more until you reach the optimal consistency. Combine hard clay with fresh clay. Another option that you have is to simply tack on fresh clay to the hardened clay, then knead the clays together. The more new clay that you add, the softer the combined clay becomes. Be sure to add clay of the same color unless you don't mind the colors mixing. Knead the clay with your hands until the clay feels consistent throughout. Chop the clay with a knife. If you are working with very hard clay, you may need to use a food processor to really break down the clay and warm it up. Before you put the clay pieces into the food processor, first use a sharp knife or cleaver to chop the clay into the smallest pieces that you can. Place the clay and a softening agent in a food processor. Once you have chopped the clay as much as you can, take the chopped pieces and put them in a food processor. If you wish, add a few drops of diluent or liquid polymer clay to the food processor as well to further help soften the clay. Then place the lid on the food processor. You can also use a coffee grinder, but you may have to grind in several batches. Try to get a separate bowl and blade for mixing clay because unless you clean them extremely thoroughly it is not advisable to use the same ones for food and clay. Grind in ten-second spurts. Use the highest setting on your food processor to grind the clay. Grinding the clay will separate it into smaller pieces and soften it, making the clay easier to work with. Grind for one to three minutes, until the clay is soft. Remove the clay and combine the pieces. After the clay is soft, take it out of the food processor. You may need to use a spoon to scrape the sides and get the clay out of the nooks and crannies of the food processor. Once you get all the clay out, press the pieces together to combine them. Knead the clay in your hands. After you have chopped the clay in the food processor, it should be soft and pliable. Knead the clay in your hands to completely blend the pieces together. It should now be soft and ready for use!

Warm the clay with body heat. Warm the clay using a heat source. Roll the clay in your hands. Roll with a rolling pin. Hit the clay with a mallet. Knead the clay. Add in a liquid diluent. Use a bar of clay softener. Add in liquid clay. Add mineral oil. Rub the clay with petroleum jelly. Combine hard clay with fresh clay. Chop the clay with a knife. Place the clay and a softening agent in a food processor. Grind in ten-second spurts. Remove the clay and combine the pieces. Knead the clay in your hands.

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

How to Draw a Castle

To draw a castle, start by drawing a horizontal line for the horizon, and adding a rectangular shape over the line. Next, draw guidelines for towers and curved lines at the top and bottom to give them a cylindrical shape. Then, add details like a main gate and windows. Once you've sketched out all the guidelines, go back and draw in darker lines to define the towers, windows, and the main part of the castle. Finally, add color and shading to add depth to your drawing.

Make two rectangles in perspective. Draw an inverted conical shape, and a cylinder for the castle's main tower. Create more details for the side towers. Also create guidelines for the main gate. Draw out guide lines for the main tower roof tiles and the window(s) . Draw out the details for the roof, create a flag and the window. Draw and darken out the side tower details. Draw out other details like the main gate. Also add some foliage. Color the picture and add the road, some rocks and clouds. Start by drawing a horizontal line for the horizon. Draw out two rectangles in perspective . Start drawing more guide lines to cut out towers and the main building. The rectangle in perspective is for the bridge over the moat. Add more guide lines for the towers to give them a cylindrical shape. Add more guides to define cuts in the towers for ridges . Keep adding guide lines for more details, like the main gate, windows etc. Start drawing darker lines to define the towers and the bridge. Add the main gate and the windows . Add in details for the wooden bridge. Start adding colour to the castle main building and towers. Add in some shadows and depth . Colour the windows and darker parts of the castle . Finish the coloring by adding more tones and shades to the picture. Draw two perspective lines. Based from the perspective lines, draw a rectangle for the main section of the castle. Draw a two perspective rectangles on top of the other for the main tower of the castle. Draw another set of rectangles based from the perspective lines for a set of towers. Draw three cylinders on the castle edges for the guard towers. Draw two rectangles for the gate towers and another longer tower for the prison tower. Add the hill by drawing curves below the castle and draw a road leading to the castle. Based on the outlines, draw the main sections of the castle, add rugged rectangles on top of each section. Add details to the castle such as windows, rock texture and the gate. Erase unnecessary outlines. Color your castle! Draw a rectangle for the main section of the castle. The castle guard towers are composed of a trapezoid, rectangle and a semi-diamond shape combined together. Draw four guard towers on the main section of the castle. Draw a rectangle with a curved shape for the roof. Draw three sets of curves each with a triangle on top. Draw a tower section using rectangles and a semi-diamond. Draw another smaller tower by using rectangles, an inverted trapezoid, and a triangle. Draw the final tower by using triangles and rectangles. Based on the outlines, draw the main sections of the castle. Draw details such as banner, flag, gate, windows, roof and wall textures. Erase unnecessary outlines. Add environment by adding trees and a bridge. Color your castle!

Make two rectangles in perspective. Draw an inverted conical shape, and a cylinder for the castle's main tower. Create more details for the side towers. Draw out guide lines for the main tower roof tiles and the window(s) . Draw out the details for the roof, create a flag and the window. Draw and darken out the side tower details. Draw out other details like the main gate. Color the picture and add the road, some rocks and clouds. Start by drawing a horizontal line for the horizon. Draw out two rectangles in perspective . Start drawing more guide lines to cut out towers and the main building. Add more guide lines for the towers to give them a cylindrical shape. Add more guides to define cuts in the towers for ridges . Keep adding guide lines for more details, like the main gate, windows etc. Start drawing darker lines to define the towers and the bridge. Add the main gate and the windows . Add in details for the wooden bridge. Start adding colour to the castle main building and towers. Add in some shadows and depth . Colour the windows and darker parts of the castle . Finish the coloring by adding more tones and shades to the picture. Draw two perspective lines. Based from the perspective lines, draw a rectangle for the main section of the castle. Draw a two perspective rectangles on top of the other for the main tower of the castle. Draw another set of rectangles based from the perspective lines for a set of towers. Draw three cylinders on the castle edges for the guard towers. Draw two rectangles for the gate towers and another longer tower for the prison tower. Add the hill by drawing curves below the castle and draw a road leading to the castle. Based on the outlines, draw the main sections of the castle, add rugged rectangles on top of each section. Add details to the castle such as windows, rock texture and the gate. Erase unnecessary outlines. Color your castle! Draw a rectangle for the main section of the castle. The castle guard towers are composed of a trapezoid, rectangle and a semi-diamond shape combined together. Draw a rectangle with a curved shape for the roof. Draw three sets of curves each with a triangle on top. Draw a tower section using rectangles and a semi-diamond. Draw another smaller tower by using rectangles, an inverted trapezoid, and a triangle. Draw the final tower by using triangles and rectangles. Based on the outlines, draw the main sections of the castle. Draw details such as banner, flag, gate, windows, roof and wall textures. Erase unnecessary outlines. Add environment by adding trees and a bridge. Color your castle!

https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-an-Injured-Wild-Bird-That-Cannot-Fly

How to Care for an Injured Wild Bird That Cannot Fly

If you find an injured wild bird that cannot fly, make sure it needs your help before you pick it up. Look for blood, broken bones, or open wounds on its wings. If the bird does not have a visible injury, it is best to leave it alone. If you do see an injury, put on gloves and grab a towel that you can use to wrap up the bird. Carefully pick it up with the towel and put it in a ventilated box or pet carrier. Then, call a wildlife rehabilitator or your Department of Wildlife for help because it is illegal to keep wild birds.

Check the age. You might think a baby bird needs help, but it may just be the bird is learning how to fly. Watch the bird for a while from a distance to establish it really is injured and has been abandoned by the mother. Look for feathers. If a baby bird has feathers, it is likely learning to fly. You can put featherless baby birds back in the nest if they're not injured. If a bird feels cold, warm it in your hands before setting it back in the nest. The scent of your hands will not bother the parents, who will feed it as they do the other babies. If you don't see a nest, put the bird somewhere where it is hidden from cats and dogs. For instance, you can set it in a bush or tree. Look for open wounds in adult birds. If you see a gaping wound, that is an indication an adult bird needs help, and you may need to rescue it. Sight-check for blood. Blood is another indication a bird is in trouble. If the bird is dripping blood or if you see dried blood, it may need help. Check for movement. If the bird is having trouble standing or flying, it is in serious trouble and needs help. Consider the options. It may be best to leave the bird where it is until you can get help from a professional. Big birds, such as hawks, can cause you serious harm if you don't know what you're doing. Have a box ready. Use a cardboard box, and cut holes in it for ventilation. Place something soft in the bottom, such as a towel. You can also use other types of pet carriers, such as cat carriers, if the bird is large. You should have something to cover the box or cage, such as a towel, as it is best to keep the animal in the dark and quiet. However, you shouldn't use a wire carrier, as that can cause harm to the bird. Prepare a heating source. You can use either a heating pad (set on low) or hot water in a zip-top bag. If you use the heating pad, place it on the outside of the box at one end. If you use the zip-top bag, wrap it in cloth, and set it inside the box with the bird. Put on gloves. Even small birds can cause damage to your hands. Put on a thick pair of gloves before attempting to help the bird. Cover the bird with a towel or blanket. Before trying to move the bird, cover it with cloth to help calm it. Pick the bird up gently. Though the bird is injured, it can still cause you and itself harm if you startle it. It likely will fight back. Put the bird in the box. Close the lid, and cover it with the towel. Keep the bird in a warm, quiet place while you work on your next steps. Make sure your pets do not have access to the area where you place the bird. Wash your hands. Even with gloves on, it's important to wash your hands and arms after handling wildlife, as they can spread bacteria and disease. Avoid trying to feed the bird. You will likely get the diet of the bird wrong. You can provide water so that the bird can drink on their own, but don't try to drip-feed the bird water. This way, the bird will be able to drink water even if it's dehydrated. Find a wildlife rehabilitator. This is important, as a wildlife rehabilitator will know how to care for a wild animal like the bird you found. You can usually find lists of local rehabilitators on local and statewide government wildlife websites. You can also call veterinarians for recommendations. In fact, it's illegal for a person without a license to attempt to rehabilitate a wild animal or bird without help from a licensed professional. Birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal for you to keep one in your possession without a license. Ask how to care for the bird. The rehabilitator may tell you how to care for the bird, or they may tell you it's best to bring it to someone who is licensed to care for it. Either way, you'll know how to move forward. Deliver the bird to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation professional. Birds have diverse requirements for diet and care, and wild birds do not adapt well to captivity. Understand what will happen next. Animals that are rehabilitated face one of four fates. The best option is the bird will recover and be released back into the wild. If it is not possible to release the bird back into the wild, the bird will be placed at an appropriate facility and used to educate people. The other two options are not as pleasant. The bird may die from the condition, or it may need to be put to sleep if the injury is too severe. Obtain a license. If you insist on keeping the bird, you will need to be licensed, as it is illegal to keep wildlife without a permit or license. You can apply for the proper paperwork through your local government. To obtain a license, you need to fill out the permit form from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the federal government, as well as a form for your state government. To be permitted to rehabilitate animals, you need to have the knowledge and expertise to care for wild animals. You will need to answer questions about your knowledge, as well as about how you were trained to care for animals.

Check the age. Look for open wounds in adult birds. Sight-check for blood. Check for movement. Consider the options. Have a box ready. Prepare a heating source. Put on gloves. Cover the bird with a towel or blanket. Pick the bird up gently. Put the bird in the box. Wash your hands. Avoid trying to feed the bird. Find a wildlife rehabilitator. Ask how to care for the bird. Deliver the bird to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation professional. Understand what will happen next. Obtain a license.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Rich-at-a-Young-Age

How to Be Rich at a Young Age

To be rich at a young age, try to find a job that offers a lot of room for growth and advancement so that your income is regularly growing, even if that means working for yourself. In addition to your main job, try to find other streams of income, like an investment, a part-time job, or a small side business. To keep yourself on track, set long-term and short-term financial goals for yourself. If you're interested in pursuing a job where you're guaranteed to have a high income, look into engineering, investment banking, or becoming an entrepreneur.

and discover your motivations. Set your goals Before you do anything else, realize that the road to riches is not easy. You're going to have to stay motivated through the tough times and keep yourself on track when everything tries to pull you off it. Part of this may be simply imagining your goals or, in other words, where you want to be in ten or twenty years or at age 40. While it's perfectly acceptable to get rich for yourself, you may also be motivated by what you could do for others. Imagine the better life you could give your future children or spouse. Don't be afraid to dream big. If you're working towards earning $1 million in net worth, for example, you may be limiting yourself. Don't be afraid to aim for $20 million, or $100 million. Consider, too, what wealth means to you. Do you want $1 million (or more) in annual earnings, $1 million in assets, or $1 million in net worth? Each of these are different and can be reached by different means. Split your goals into short-term goals. It's important to always keep your overarching motivation, but in order to actually get things done, you'll need to organize your life around actionable, short-term goals. You'll never get to $1 million if you don't get to $100,000 first. You'll never get there if you don't start earning more money and saving the money that you do earn. Always be checking off short-term goals and considering your next move to maintain a sense of accomplishment. A good way to make short-term goals more actionable is to attach a number to them. For example, imagine you have a job in sales. "Sell more products" is not a clear short-term goal. Instead, try "sell 20% more products this month than last month." This will allow you to track your progress and be confident that you are actually achieving your goals. Study the lives of successful people. People who have achieved great things have done so for a reason. Studying the lives of these people, or meeting them, can provide you with the inspiration you need to pursue your own goals. You'll want to research people like Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, or Mark Cuban, a very successful investor, to get an idea how these people achieved so much. Additionally, you should seek the advice of a successful person that you know personally. Maybe you have a family member or know a community member who has done well in business. Generally, those people who've made it are open about how they got there and willing to share their experiences and advice with others. Question them extensively and try to replicate their actions. Work towards getting a great job. If you don't have a job with a future , get one. The most essential part of getting rich is having a steady and increasing income stream. To do this, you'll have to get a job, even if that job is working for yourself. Obviously the right job will vary from person to person and depend on your individual talents and educational background. In any case, though, be sure that you're passionate about what you do, you'll never be successful otherwise. Try looking for a job with a large company that offers plenty of room for advancement. You don't want the sort of job that doesn't reward your hard work with increased pay and promotions. For more information about finding your dream job, see How to Find Your Dream Career. Use your talents. Tailor your search for your main job and any other income streams you plan to earn to your individual talents. People who are extraordinarily successful combine their natural and learned abilities to the highest advantage. That is, you don't want to stay in a job that doesn't challenge you or allow you to show off your abilities. For example, if what you're really good at is writing, you're better off quitting your sales job and focusing on writing full-time. One of the biggest advantages of being young is youth itself. Even though older people in the business will question you because of your lack of experience, you are able to work longer hours and can bring a fresh mindset or point of view to the problems of the world. Your adaptability and connection with the present is one of your biggest assets as a young entrepreneur. If you don't have any marketable skills, learn one. For example, one of the most desirable and useful skills in today's job market is knowing how to write computer code. This is a skill that anyone can learn that could dramatically increase your potential and also earn you a good income. Try searching for free coding classes available online. Network with anyone and everyone. Big ideas and successful companies usually don't just spring up from one person. Rather, they're the result of a group of like-minded people coming together and discussing the future. Take advantage of every opportunity to meet and establish relationships with both young people with similar goals and older, successful people. When great opportunities for jobs or entrepreneurial projects come along, you'll have the right support network to take action. Keep in mind that you should use both in-person and social networking interactions to support and nurture your professional relationships. Be sure to also stay in touch with classmates from high school or college that are successful or on their way to being successful. Increase your income streams. In addition to increasing your primary income stream (by moving up the ladder your current job or by finding a new one), you'll want to multiply your earnings by seeking additional sources of income. These can be investments, part-time jobs, or any sort of informal selling or consulting that you have time to do. Overall, see where and how you can increase your income and then repeat that process over and over again. For example, if you own an online store and have success, open another one, and then another one. The internet is a goldmine of earning potential. There is a multitude of work you can find or create online to earn a stream of income on the side. Everything from writing and selling an ebook to writing a blog can earn you additional income each month. For more information, see how to make money online. Work really hard. With all of your working, networking, and side-income projects, you'll be overwhelmed at times. In order to reach your goals though, you'll have to work harder and later than everyone else around you. You'll have to follow through with any potential opportunities to advance, even if they don't end up working out. Success comes from constantly working towards your goals and persevering through the hard times. Be an entrepreneur. This is the dream, the holy grail, for all young, aspiring millionaires and billionaires. Owning and then subsequently growing and selling a successful business is without a doubt the fastest way to earn spectacular wealth at a young age. This is how almost all the world's wealthiest young people made their money (excluding inherited wealth). However, actually becoming an entrepreneur requires balancing your massive earning potential with a huge amount of risk, lots of hard work, and the chance that even if you do it all right, you might still fail. Some of the pros of becoming an entrepreneur at a young age include unlimited earning potential, being your own boss, and, quite literally, the ability to change the world (think about how Zuckerberg's founding Facebook has changed your world). Also, as a young person, you bring new ways of thinking and tremendous energy that can give you an edge over older professionals. On the flip side, when becoming an entrepreneur you have to realize that 9 out of 10 businesses fail within five years. You're also likely too young to have any knowledge of the "little things" involved in running a business, like bookkeeping and taxation, leaving you to learn them quickly or sink trying. And, more than any other path, starting your own company will be incredibly hard work, combining a lack of direction with long hours and doubtful paychecks. For more, see how to become an entrepreneur. Become an investment banker. If you have a college degree in economics, finance, business, math, or a related field, or you will soon, and want to make as much money possible right now, work to become an investment banker. Investment banking salaries typically start at around $80,000 to $120,000 per year, with the average worker earning $112,000 right out of college. Investment banking jobs consistently top the rankings of highest-paying jobs for young people. One of the biggest pros of becoming an investment banker, in addition to the huge salary, is the massive amount of opportunities for advancement. Investment bankers can double or triple their salaries quickly by advancing within the company or outside to private equity and venture capital firms. Investment banking also comes with high competition among coworkers and very long hours. Don't jump into this career if you're not ready to work all night and weekends and fight for advancement every day. For more, see how to become an investment banker. Become a software developer. If working with computers is more your thing, software developer jobs also boast a high starting salary. Like with investment banking, you'll need a college degree to get into this career, specifically in computer science, engineering, or math. As an entry-level developer, though, you stand to make $84,000 per year, on average, designing anything from business software to video games. Being a software developer will require a knack for coding and math, and may also require long hours and high expectations. You'll also have to stay up to date on the newest computer systems and coding languages. However, if you're good enough, earning potential just goes up and up at higher-end companies like Google and Facebook. For more, see how to become a software engineer and how to get a software development job. Become an engineer. Engineering in this case is a blanket term that covers all sorts of engineering, from chemicals to aerospace. However, on average, an engineer with a relevant college degree can expect a salary of $72,000. Specifically, petroleum engineers can expect to make the most, with an average salary of $88,700. While engineering can be a great and well-paying career, it is very difficult to pass the rigorous training received in undergraduate and graduate school. This career is only for those with strong math and science abilities. For more, see how to become an engineer Don't spend all of your money. If you are not saving at least 25% of what you earn, start today. Take your income and expenses and find out where you can start to cut back, sell something, downsize or make a crack in your expenses. If you make at least $50,000 a year, you should be saving $12,500 a year. If you are spending a lot of money on an automobile, sell it. Some high-earning people end up essentially poor because they still manage to live beyond their means. The younger generations of today have been born into a very commercialized world that constantly pushes the newest gadgets and clothes on us. In order to save and build wealth, you'll have to ignore the urge to indulge in these trinkets, even when you start making good money. Keep this in mind: poor people buy things from rich people and rich people buy investments to make themselves richer. Which side do you want to be on? For more ways to cut expenses, see how to save money. Take your saved income and allocate it for investing. Set up an automatic draft (payment) from your household account to your investment account. One of the biggest parts of becoming rich is making your money work for you. Therefore, try to allocate as much money as possible to an account that you can use to invest in the stock market. You can either set up an account with a local money manager or through one of the online trading websites to get started. Read up on investing strategies and techniques. There are three books everyone should read before you put a dollar into any investment. Read "Become Your Own Banker," "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and "LEAP" - in that order. If you don't have the motivation to read and educate yourself then you are not motivated to be rich. These books are the cornerstone of becoming rich, wealthy and in control of your own destiny. Invest in the stock market. You can go about this one of two ways: either have an advisor do it for you or try to do it yourself. Because of the complicated nature of the financial markets, it is generally a good idea to leave investing, especially risky investing, to professionals. However, if you have the time and aptitude, you can avoid paying fees to an investment manager by doing it yourself. This will require a deep understanding of financial markets and the time required to follow them, however. A good place to start is with "small-cap" stocks (shares of small companies) and shares of companies in foreign markets. These markets come with a large amount of risk and therefore also carry the potential for large returns. Always remember that large potential returns also come with the chance of massive losses. Mutual Funds can help reduce the risk involved. For more information on investing in stocks, see how to invest in the stock market. Invest in more valuable assets. Once you've saved enough money in your stock-market account, you can invest in larger, income-producing assets like properties and small businesses. While risky, these investments may allow you earn a steady income that eventually will pay back your original investment and provide additional income streams. Eventually, these income streams may replace your primary income and allow you to either switch to a less-demanding job or retire young. Decide where you want to focus your energy. Rental property investing, for example, is a slow process but with safe returns on your money. Your principal is paid by the renters over a number of years and eventually becomes entirely profit. Learn from other people's mistakes and consider the risks extensively before you make any investments.

and discover your motivations. Split your goals into short-term goals. Study the lives of successful people. Work towards getting a great job. Use your talents. Network with anyone and everyone. Increase your income streams. Work really hard. Be an entrepreneur. Become an investment banker. Become a software developer. Become an engineer. Don't spend all of your money. Take your saved income and allocate it for investing. Read up on investing strategies and techniques. Invest in the stock market. Invest in more valuable assets.

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

How to Calculate CBM

To calculate cubic meters for a rectangular item, start by measuring its length, width, and height in meters together. Then, multiply all 3 measurements to get the total amount. If you're calculating for a cylindrical prism, measure the height and radius of the object in meters. Then, multiply height × r^2 × π, where r is the radius. However, if you're calculating for an irregular unit, multiply the greatest length, width, and height to get the total amount.

Measure the sides of the carton. Use a measuring tape to find the length, width, and height of the rectangular carton. Write down each measurement so you can refer back to them. Convert the measurements into meters, if necessary. For small packages, you may end up taking measurements in centimeters, inches, or feet. Before you can calculate CBM, convert each measurement into its equivalent value in meters. To convert centimeters to meters, divide by 100. For example, if the length is 15 centimeters, divide 15 by 100, which is equal to 0.15 meters. To convert inches to meters, divide by 39.37. For instance, if the width is 10 inches, divide 10 by 39.37, which is equal to 0.254 meters. To convert feet to meters, multiply by 0.305. For example, if the height is 5 feet, multiply 5 by 0.305, which is equal to 1.525 meters. Multiply the length, width, and height of the carton. To find the CBM, use the standard formula for volume and multiply the length, width, and height of the rectangular prism. For example, say the length is 5.5 meters, the width is 2.5 meters, and the height is 7.0 meters: 5.5 x 2.5 x 7.0 = 96.25, so the CBM is 96.25 cubic meters. Measure the height and radius of the carton. When dealing with tubes and other cylindrical packages, you'll need to know the height of the cylinder as well as the radius of its circular sides. Find these measurements using a measuring tape, then write both down separately. Convert the measurements into meters, if necessary. If you took your measurements in centimeters, inches, or feet, it will be easiest to convert these units to meters before you calculate CBM. To convert centimeters to meters, divide by 100. For instance, if the height is 90 centimeters, divide 90 by 100, which is equal to 0.90 meters. To convert inches to meters, divide by 39.37. For example, if the radius is 75 inches, divide 75 by 39.37, which is equal to 1.905 meters. To convert feet to meters, multiply by 0.305. For instance, if the height is 20 feet, multiply 20 by 0.305, which is equal to 6.1 meters. Use the formula V = πr2h to find the CBM. In this equation, V = volume, π = 3.14, r = radius, and h = height. Simply plug the measurements you found for the radius and height of the cylinder into the equation and solve it. For instance, say the radius of your package is 3 meters and the height is 12 meters. Start by squaring the radius: 3 = 9. Multiply 3.14 by 9 by 12, which is equal to 339.12, so the volume of the cylinder is 339.12 cubic meters. Measure the greatest distances. Treat an irregularly shaped package like a rectangular package when calculating CBM, but since there is no consistent length, width, and height, you must identify the longest, widest, and tallest portions of the package and measure those maximum distances with a measuring tape. Write down each measurement. Even though CBM is a measurement of volume, there is no standard formula to use when calculating the volume of an irregularly shaped three-dimensional object. Instead of finding an exact volume, you can only calculate an estimated one. Convert the measurements into meters, if necessary. If you took the length, height, and width in centimeters, inches, or feet, convert those measurements into meters before calculating the package's cubic meters. To convert centimeters to meters, divide by 100. For example, if the length is 605 centimeters, divide 605 by 100, which is equal to 6.05 meters. To convert inches to meters, divide by 39.37. For instance, if the width is 98 inches, divide 98 by 39.37, which is equal to 2.489 meters. To convert feet to meters, multiply by 0.305. For example, if the height is 17 feet, multiply 17 by 0.305, which is equal to 5.185 meters. Multiply the length, width, and height to find the CBM. Treat the package as though it were a rectangular unit and multiply the maximum length, width, and height of the unit. This is the formula to determine the volume of any rectangular prism. For instance, if the length is 13 meters, the width is 9 meters, and the height is 15 meters, multiply 13 by 9 by 15, which is 1,755. So, the volume of the unit is 1,755 cubic meters. Divide by 1 million to convert cubic centimeters to cubic meters. There are 1,000,000 cubic centimeters in 1 cubic meter. That means you must divide the number of cubic centimeters by 1,000,000 to convert to cubic meters. For example, say your carton has a volume of 488,913,600 cubic centimeters. Divide 488,913,600 by 1,000,000. The carton's volume is equal to 488.9136 cubic meters. Divide by 61,024 to convert cubic inches to cubic meters. Inches are an imperial unit while meters are a metric unit. Even still, it's easy to convert between the two. Take the volume measurement in cubic inches and divide it by 61,024 to convert to cubic meters. For instance, if your package is 71,959 cubic inches, divide 71,959 by 61,024, which is equal to 1.179 cubic meters. Divide by 35.315 to convert cubic feet to cubic meters. If you know the volume of the carton in cubic feet, you can easily convert the units to cubic meters. Just divide the number of cubic feet by 35.315 to find the number of cubic meters. For example, if your carton is 100 cubic feet, divide 100 by 35.315, which is equal to 2.83 cubic meters.

Measure the sides of the carton. Convert the measurements into meters, if necessary. Multiply the length, width, and height of the carton. Measure the height and radius of the carton. Convert the measurements into meters, if necessary. Use the formula V = πr2h to find the CBM. Measure the greatest distances. Convert the measurements into meters, if necessary. Multiply the length, width, and height to find the CBM. Divide by 1 million to convert cubic centimeters to cubic meters. Divide by 61,024 to convert cubic inches to cubic meters. Divide by 35.315 to convert cubic feet to cubic meters.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Puppy-To-Sleep-in-Its-Own-Bed

How to Get Your Puppy To Sleep in Its Own Bed

To get your puppy to sleep in its own bed, start by getting a crate that's just big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down in. Then, get your puppy used to the crate by giving it treats and playing games in it. Once your puppy is comfortable with the crate, place its bed in there and have it sleep in there at night. Keep the crate near your bed at first, and then gradually move it further away as your puppy gets used to sleeping without you.

Get a crate of an appropriate size. Your puppy should be able to stand up, lay down, and turn around in their crate. It's best not to give puppies extra space because they're liable to do their business in one corner of the crate instead of asking to go outside. Crates often range in size from 18" x 12" x 14" for small breeds all the way up to 48" x 30" x 33" for large or giant breeds. For maximum convenience, get a crate that's the right size for your full-grown dog and insert a temporary physical divider into it to create a smaller space for your puppy. Move the divider back as your puppy grows. Both crates and dividers are available at most pet stores. Get your puppy to go into the crate on their own. Before you train your puppy to sleep in their crate, it's important to familiarize them with it and establish it as a positive place. Introduce your young pet to their new crate by putting it in a social space, like your living room, with the door open. Drop treats and/or toys into the crate to encourage your dog to explore inside it. You want your puppy to think that going inside the crate is their idea, so don't force them in it. Let them explore it at their own pace while you praise them in a happy voice. Feed your puppy meals in their crate. The fastest way to get your dog used to their crate is to relocate their meals to inside of it. Feeding them in their crate helps establish it as a safe, happy place. If your puppy is wary of going into the crate at first, start by feeding them just outside the crate. Then, put their dish right by the door so that they're eating with their head inside the crate. Keep moving the food bowl further and further back with each mealtime until their entire body is inside. Once your dog is comfortable feeding in the crate, close the door while they eat and let them out immediately afterwards. Then, gradually extend the time they are in the crate with the door closed after eating from a few minutes to a quarter of an hour. This will help them become comfortable with being confined in their crate. Play crate games with them. Playing crate games teaches your puppy to stay in their crate while associating staying in it with positive rewards. Start by leading your pet inside their crate and closing the door without latching it. Have a handful of treats in one hand and hold the door with the other. Now, open the door with one hand while feeding your dog treats through the side of the crate with the other. If they stay in their crate, they get the treats. If they try to run out, quickly close the door before they can and start again. Once they have this routine down, it's a good thing to do each morning when you're letting them out of the crate since it rewards them for staying in the crate during the night and teaches them to wait for your command to leave the crate. Playing this crate game will give your dog positive associations with their crate. It will also teach your pup that they have choices. Their good behavior and decisions will result in a reward while their bad behavior and decisions will lead to restrictions. Never put your puppy in a crate as a punishment. If you want your puppy to sleep well in their own bed, you need them to associate their crate with rewards and relaxation. Confining them to their crate as a disciplinary measure will only reinforce their fear and suspicion of it. Since young puppies cannot control their bladder yet, you should not leave the puppy in the crate for more than three or four hours at a time. Position the crate near to you at first. Since your puppy is bound to feel a lot of separation anxiety at first, it's a good idea to put their latched crate inside your bedroom or just outside the door for the first few nights. It's tempting to put them far away from you where you won't hear their whining, but this will only make the transition harder for your puppy. They're far more likely to settle down if they're somewhere where they can see you. You can gradually move your puppy's crate further away if you prefer them to sleep elsewhere in the house. However, it's a good idea to keep your puppy within earshot until you know that they can make it through the night without having to go to the bathroom. Ignore their pre-sleep whining. It's very likely that your puppy will whine when you first close the door of their crate. They might continue for a long time while you try to go to sleep. Even though they're impossible to tune out, it's important that you do not respond to their cries. If you respond to their cries, you are teaching them that whining behavior will get them what they want. This can lead to serious issues down the road, not just with their sleeping. Do not punish your puppy for whining. If you scold your puppy, you are still teaching them that whining will get a response from you. You do not want to give them any response. Puppies learn from consistency. Resist any urges to “make exceptions” for one night. Wear ear plugs, close the door, or turn on white noise to help you ignore the puppy. Respond to cries to be let out. No dog likes to pee where they sleep, and puppies have very small bladders. If your puppy starts suddenly whining in the middle of the night, they likely have to be let out for a bathroom break. Take your puppy out for a 3-4 minute walk and then put them back in their crate and close the door. Puppies are generally not able to “hold it” through a full night until they reach four or more months of age. Wear your puppy out. Your pet is much more likely to fall asleep without complaint if they have had sufficient exercise during the day. Taking them out for a good evening walk will help them settle down later. Avoid, however, revving your puppy up with energetic play (like fetch or tug) immediately before bed. Give them a half hour to wind down before you bring them to their crate. Take your puppy out right before bed. Puppies need to go to the bathroom a lot, so it's important to be sure that they've urinated and defecated before you tuck them in at night. Keep in mind that puppies are easily distracted when you take them outdoors and may well forget to do their business. Accompany them to be sure that they have before you let them back in. Give them a cushy surface to sleep on. This could be a dog bed or a pad, a blanket or old comforter. Just be sure that it's comfortable and appropriate bedding for the weather. For instance, it's probably not a good idea to drown your puppy in wooly fleece if it's in the middle of the summer. Put a hot water bottle in their bed. Sometimes putting a hot water bottle in their crate can be a comfort to young pups. Besides keeping them warm, it approximates the feel of having another body to sleep next to. Be sure that the hot water bottle has a cloth covering so that it's not directly against their skin. Water bottles will need to be sturdy. The puppy should not be able to bite through the water bottle or tear it apart. Put their favorite toys and treats in their crate. Doing so will help your puppy feel secure and give them positive associations with their bed. It also gives them something to do besides whine if they can't get to sleep or are up earlier than you. If your puppy is teething, be sure to put a chew toy in their crate. Playing with a chew toy can be a wonderful calming activity if your puppy is feeling anxious about sleeping alone.

Get a crate of an appropriate size. Get your puppy to go into the crate on their own. Feed your puppy meals in their crate. Play crate games with them. Never put your puppy in a crate as a punishment. Position the crate near to you at first. Ignore their pre-sleep whining. Respond to cries to be let out. Wear your puppy out. Take your puppy out right before bed. Give them a cushy surface to sleep on. Put a hot water bottle in their bed. Put their favorite toys and treats in their crate.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Paid-for-Donating-Your-Eggs

How to Get Paid for Donating Your Eggs

Donating your eggs to a fertility clinic can be a long process, but you can make money from it if you're patient. Search for a fertility clinic near you, then fill out an egg donation application on their website. Once you've applied, you should be contacted by the clinic and invited for tests to make sure you're healthy. If you pass the tests, you'll be placed on a register, then the clinic will contact you when someone requests your eggs. You'll have to take birth control pills for 6 weeks and give yourself a shot 25 hours before your retrieval date to stimulate your ovaries. The payment for egg donations is usually $6-10,000.

Locate a licensed fertility clinic. Search online for a licensed fertility clinic in your area. You will need to go in person to the clinic during the process, so opt for one that is easy for you to get to. Check if the fertility clinic has a license to practice, usually noted on their website. You can also call them directly to confirm they are licensed. Ask friends who have donated their eggs before to recommend a clinic that you can apply to for egg donation. They may be able to suggest a good, reputable fertility clinic in your area. Apply online for egg donation. Many fertility clinics have an online application system for egg donation. You will complete a questionnaire that asks about your birth control usage and your medical history. You will need to disclose if you have had an STD and if you are on any medications. As part of the application, you will also need to disclose your family's medical history, including the medical history of your parents and grandparents. Wait three to five business days to be contacted. Depending on the fertility clinic, you will usually hear back about your online application within three to five business days. The clinic will contact you directly to let you know if you have been chosen as a candidate for egg donation. You will then need to agree to move forward in the application process. Take tests to confirm you are healthy. The clinic will require you to undergo physical tests and blood work to confirm you are in good health. You will be checked for any diseases and abnormalities. You will also need to meet with a genetic counselor and a psychologist. Once you pass all the required tests, you will be approved as a donor. Wait to be selected by a recipient. The fertility clinic will let you know when you have been chosen by a recipient to be their donor. Once this happens, you will need to start taking birth control to synchronize your menstrual cycle with the recipient's cycle. This will require an injection of a hormone stimulant into a fatty area on your body twice a day. You will need to take birth control for about six weeks. After six weeks, you will be able to go into the clinic to complete the egg donation. Discuss your egg donor fee with the fertility clinic. The standard fee for egg donation ranges from $6,000 to $10,000 USD per donation. The exact amount will depend on state guidelines and the discretion of the fertility clinic. In some cases, recipients bid a certain amount on donor eggs. The fertility clinic should detail the exact amount offered for your eggs by the recipient. Some fertility clinics offer more money if you donate your eggs more than once. Discuss this option with the clinic if you are planning to donate your eggs again in the future. Have your airfare and other expenses covered, as necessary. The fertility clinic will usually offer to cover your airfare, your accommodation, and other expenses if you need to travel to the clinic. They will also cover all medical expenses and medical insurance associated with the donation. You will need to plan to stay in bed for several days after the donation. The clinic will cover the cost of accommodations for you to rest before you fly home, if needed. Sign a contract for payment for your eggs. Once you agree to donate your eggs to the recipient, you will sign a contract that specifies payment for your eggs. You will not paid in full until after the donation has been completed. The contract may also specify if you are going to be an anonymous donor, which means you will not know who the recipient is or where your eggs will end up. The recipient will also not be given any personal information about you so you remain anonymous. Donate your eggs at the clinic. About 35 hours before the retrieval date for the eggs, you will need to give yourself a shot that stimulates your ovaries. Your ovaries will then produce extra eggs that will be removed from your uterus at the fertility clinic. The eggs are retrieved vaginally with a syringe. There is no surgical cut required for the donation. You will be under IV sedation during the donation and will not feel any pain. The procedure usually takes around 30 minutes. You will not be able to drive after the donation, so you should bring a friend with you or secure a ride for after the procedure. Rest for several days after the donation. Bed rest is required for 24 hours after the donation. Your abdominal area may feel sore and you may feel groggy due to the IV sedation during the procedure. Make sure you rest in bed and do very little physical activity for several days. You should menstruate within 10 days after the donation. After your next period, your cycle should return to normal. Watch for any adverse side effects. The fertility clinic will monitor you for possible issues like Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS). They will check if you have a sudden weight gain and extreme bloating in the days following the donation. If you notice these symptoms, you should go to the clinic immediately. You should also watch for issues like severe cramping, lower back pain, and a general feeling of unwellness. If you experience any of these issues, go see your doctor. Attend a follow up visit at the clinic. The fertility clinic will schedule a follow up exam within two to three weeks of the donation to ensure you have healed well. If you decide to donate your eggs again, the clinic will require you to wait three months to donate again. Most clinics allow you to donate your eggs up to six times, as long as your donations are three months apart.

Locate a licensed fertility clinic. Apply online for egg donation. Wait three to five business days to be contacted. Take tests to confirm you are healthy. Wait to be selected by a recipient. Discuss your egg donor fee with the fertility clinic. Have your airfare and other expenses covered, as necessary. Sign a contract for payment for your eggs. Donate your eggs at the clinic. Rest for several days after the donation. Watch for any adverse side effects. Attend a follow up visit at the clinic.

https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-You-Have-a-Healthy-Heart-Rate

How to Know if You Have a Healthy Heart Rate

To figure out if your heart rate is healthy, you can measure your resting heart rate to see if it's too high or low. The best time to measure your resting heart rate is right after waking up in the morning, since you're likely to be relaxed. If you're unable to measure it after waking up, sit down for a few minutes and then measure it. Using the tips of your middle and ring fingers, press down on the radial pulse on the inside of your wrist or on the side of your neck until you feel a strong pulsation. Don't worry if you can't find it at first, it can take a few moments or you may need to move your fingers around to find it. To find your heart rate, count the number of beats in 30 seconds and multiply by 2. Your heart rate should be between 60 to 100 beats per minute if you're an adult, and between 70 to 100 beats per minute if you're a child.

Sit down and remain calm for a few minutes. Your heart rate fluctuates based on your activity. Even standing can elevate heart rate. So before you measure your heart rate, you need to allow yourself to “relax.” A good way to find out your resting heart rate is to measure it immediately after waking up in the morning. Do not measure your heart rate after exercise as it can remain elevated and you won't be able to get an accurate reading. Also, being stressed, anxious or upset can elevate your heart rate. Do not measure your heart rate after drinking caffeine or in a hot, humid environment as these might temporarily increase your heart rate. Use your fingers to find your pulse. Use the tips of your middle and ring fingers to press down on (or palpate) the radial pulse on the inside of your wrist or on the side of your neck (your carotid artery). Push your fingers against the artery until you feel a strong pulsation. It might take you a moment to feel the pulsation and you might need to move your fingers around to find it. Count each beat or pulsation to find your rate per minute. Count the number of beats in 30 seconds and multiply by two or in 10 seconds and multiply by six to get your heart rate per minute. For example, if you counted 32 beats in 30 seconds, multiply that by two to get your resting heart rate of 64. Or, if you counted 10 beats in 10 seconds, multiply 10 by six to get a resting heart rate of 60. If your rhythm is irregular, count for a full minute. As you begin counting, start the first pulse felt as zero and the second pulse as one. Repeat the measure a few times to get a more accurate reading. Assess if your resting heart rate is between the normal range. The normal resting heart rate for an adult is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (and for a child 70 – 100 beats per minute). However, a recent study indicated that a heart rate above 80 is one risk factor for obesity and diabetes. If your resting heart rate is between 60 and 80 beats per minute, it is likely to be categorized as healthy or normal. Assess if your heart rate is higher than 80 beats per minute. If it is, you might have a higher risk of cardiac disease and you should consult your doctor immediately. A high resting heart rate means your heart needs to work harder to maintain a steady beat at rest. A high resting heart rate is considered a risk factor for ischemic cardiac disease, obesity and diabetes. A 10-year clinical study found that adults whose resting heart rate increased from 70 to 85 beats per minute were 90% more likely to have died during the study than those whose rate remained below 70. If your resting heart rate is high, take actions to lower it (see next section). A heart rate over 100 beats per minute is known as tachycardia. Some medications (such as thyroid medication and stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin) can raise your heart rate. Discuss with your doctor if you are concerned that the medications you are currently taking have increased your heart rate. Environmental temperature and humidity can also temporarily increase your heart rate because your heart needs to work a little harder in these conditions. This does not mean your heart rate is high in normal conditions. Other causes of tachycardia include fever, hypotension, anemia, smoking, drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, electrolyte imbalance, hypothyroidism, and more. Assess if your resting heart rate is lower than 60. Having your rate be below 60 beats per minute doesn't usually mean you have a medical problem. People who are very athletic or in good physical shape can have a resting heart rate as low as 40 beats per minute. Some people have low heart rate by nature and there is nothing abnormal or unhealthy about this. Low heart rate is medically known as bradycardia. Some medications (such as beta blockers, sedatives, opioids, and many more) can slow down your heart rate. Ask your doctor if any of your medications cause low heart rate. Consult your doctor and ask if you need to take action due to low resting heart rate. Exercise regularly. Regular exercise helps gradually slow down your resting heart rate. As your cardiovascular system strengthens so does your heart and in return it needs to work less to maintain circulation. You should get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity every week. Also, add regular strength training exercises to your weekly schedule to strengthen your muscles. Always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program. Lose weight. Obesity is another risk factor for heart disease — the larger your body size is the harder your heart must work to supply oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. Thus, losing weight can help slow down an elevated heart rate. In order to lose weight, you need to eat fewer calories than your body consumes, without entering starvation mode (you should consume no less than 1,050 – 1,200 calories). When this negative calories balance occurs, your body is forced to burn stored fat for energy. If you burn 500 calories (or are have a negative balance of 500 calories) a day, you will burn 3,500 calories a week, which equals to one pound of fat. Maintaining this balance for 10 weeks would equal to 10 pounds of fat. Add regular aerobic and strength training exercise to your weekly schedule to burn calories. The amount of calories you burn during an exercise depends on your age, gender and weight. Use an exercise calorie counter to assess how many calories you burn per exercise. Consume a healthy, low-fat diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, seafood, whole grains and low-fat milk products. Use a basal metabolic rate calculator and food calorie counter to analyze how many calories per day you need and to count the calories in your diet. Reduce your stress level. Stress stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and can increase your resting heart rate. Relaxation exercises, such as meditation , yoga and tai chi, and other stress-lowering techniques help lower your heart rate over time. Add these to your weekly schedule to promote healthy heart rate. Try different relaxation techniques, such as autogenic relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, and/or deep breathing, and pick one that fits your lifestyle and schedule the best. Sign up for yoga or tai chi classes at your local gym or do them at home using DVDs, books or free youtube videos. Hypnosis, meditation and massage can also help clear your mind and help your body relax. Avoid smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products. Smoking can increase your resting heart rate and is associated with other health risks, such as cancer. Talk with your doctor about quitting smoking. There are several options available, such as nicotine replacement therapy, so you don't have go "cold turkey." Make a plan and let your family and friends know about it. This will help you stay on track and give you the support you need. Consider joining an online or in-person support group.

Sit down and remain calm for a few minutes. Use your fingers to find your pulse. Push your fingers against the artery until you feel a strong pulsation. Count each beat or pulsation to find your rate per minute. Assess if your resting heart rate is between the normal range. Assess if your heart rate is higher than 80 beats per minute. Assess if your resting heart rate is lower than 60. Exercise regularly. Lose weight. Reduce your stress level. Avoid smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products.

https://www.wikihow.com/Chant-Om

How to Chant Om

“Om” is a sound commonly chanted in Eastern spiritual practices and represents the universal nature of existence. Chanting it can help to bring peace to your body, mind, and soul. It's best to chant at a time when you can relax without distraction. Set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes, close your eyes and breathe through your nose. Chant “Om” when you exhale. However, you don't need to say or think it every time you exhale. You can try every 2 or 3 exhales if it's more comfortable for you. Although chanting “Om” is a great method of formal meditation, you can also chant it in your head or aloud as you're going about your day to help you focus or relax.

Set a time of day for chanting. The ideal time to chant Om is first thing in the morning. However, you should choose a time when you believe you'll be the most relaxed and not in a hurry. Sunrise and sunset are great times for deep meditation. Avoid chanting right after a meal. Decide how long you will chant. How long you choose to chant is up to you. Set a timer so that you are not focusing on the clock. Be determined to continue chanting until the timer goes off. For example, you may choose to chant for five minutes, ten minutes, or half an hour. Find a calm place to sit in a comfortable position. Make sure the place will be free from distractions. A good position would be to sit on the ground cross-legged, or on your bed. Hold your back straight throughout. Close your eyes and keep them shut. Consider arranging an area specifically for meditating, such as a corner of your bedroom or a separate room. Think about what Om represents before chanting. Om is said to represent the whole universe. It's considered to be the source of all creation. Om encompasses all time periods, from the past through to the present and into the future. Om is eternal oneness of mind, body and spirit with the universe. Relax. Don't worry about chanting perfectly. Om is considered to be the vibration of the universe that no human voice can replicate exactly. The most important consideration is to chant in a relaxed way. Try to do this effortlessly; the more you focus on your effort and technique, the less effective it will be. You may need to exert effort at first to clear your mind of thoughts until you master effortless Om chanting. Om is about feeling rather than thinking. Feel like peace, bliss and happiness are enveloping your whole body. Breathe normally. Repeat Om in a slow, rhythmic way when you exhale. You don't have to chant with every exhale. Match the length of each chant to the duration of your natural exhale. For instance, you may chant Om, take a breath or two, and then chant again. Chanting and breathing during meditation has physiological benefits, and it can help you release negative energy and increase your awareness. Pronounce Om. The “O” sounds like the “a” sound in the word “saw,” combined with the “u” sound in the word “put.” Blend the “m” into the end. These sounds should all merge together into a single sound similar to the “ome” in “home.” Om is composed of four sounds: “a,” “u,” “m,” and the silence that follows. Give equal measure to each sound. For example, “Ooommm” rather than “ommm” or “ooom.” Draw the sound from your navel. Allow the vibration to rise upward gradually until it rings in your nostrils. Try to do this easily and naturally. Meditate anytime, anywhere. Safety permitting, you can chant Om silently in just about any situation. For example, outside or at work. Sit comfortably and keep your body still. Relax your mind before you begin. Chant as long as you feel like chanting. Whereas chanting aloud is usually a long and premeditated practice, chanting mentally is typically short. For instance, you may chant Om for just two minutes while sitting inside your car in a parking space. Silently chant Om whenever you feel like you need peace and centering. Chant with or without moving your lips. Consider the situation you are in. For instance, if you are in a movie theater, you can move your mouth with the silent chant. If you're in a board meeting, it's advisable not to indicate with your facial expressions that you're meditating. If you're going to move your lips, open your mouth wide for the first two syllables. Then purse your lips together for the rest. To chant without physically forming the word, repeat the mantra silently to yourself. Don't move your lips or tongue. Find a group to chant with. There are over 500 Om chanting groups around the world. Look for a group by searching online for “find an Om chanting group.” Or, enter your city or state and add the keywords “Om chanting group.” Facebook and Meetup are a couple of places you can find such groups locally. Look for Om chanting workshops where attendees sit in a circle and meditate together. Look for yoga classes near you. Some yoga classes chant Om before and/or after each yoga session and some don't, so call or email either the organization or the instructor, and ask if the group chants Om during class. Join your voice with the others. Try to feel relaxed but confident so your voice doesn't waver. Blend your voice with the chant of everyone so that it is one collective chant. Have an open mind about pronunciation. If the group pronounces “Om” in a different way than you're used to, go with it. There is no incorrect way to pronounce “Om,” as it differs based on factors like dialect and location. The aim is for everyone to match in tone for a group chant. Approach the chant with a sense of reverence and surrender. This will help you to merge into the vibration of the group chant. Lead a chant. Tell the participants that if they aren't comfortable chanting, they can meditate silently during the chant, or simply listen. View chanting as a connection to the meaning of the chant, rather than a performance. Take a few breaths before chanting and summon the positive feeling of the chant. Try practicing alone before leading group chants. Add instrumental background music for the group chant if desired. Alternately, you can bring a recorded group chant to play in the background.

Set a time of day for chanting. Decide how long you will chant. Find a calm place to sit in a comfortable position. Think about what Om represents before chanting. Relax. Breathe normally. Pronounce Om. Draw the sound from your navel. Meditate anytime, anywhere. Chant as long as you feel like chanting. Chant with or without moving your lips. Find a group to chant with. Join your voice with the others. Lead a chant.

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

How to Become a Locksmith

To become a locksmith, make sure you're willing to work long, oftentimes random hours since locksmiths are usually on call for after-hour emergencies. You should also work on developing good hand-eye coordination and spatial reasoning skills by taking classes in things like math, mechanical drawing, physics, and carpentry. Also, while you don't need a degree to become a locksmith, you'll probably want to complete formal training through a vocational school or community college.

Become a locksmith if you enjoy working with your hands and solving puzzles. Locksmiths are contractors that make, install, or repair locks. It is a reliable career path and is quite fun if you enjoy working with your hands to solve complex problems. Many locksmiths compare the job to solving puzzles, since it is an intellectually-stimulating job that requires a lot of critical thinking. You must be at least 18 years old and have a clean criminal history if you're going to become a locksmith. The process of becoming a locksmith can take anywhere from 3 months to 2 years depending on how much training you pursue and what the requirements are where you live. Earn a high school diploma or get your GED. To become a qualified locksmith, you must have a high school diploma. Sign up for a GED class in your area and complete the coursework if you never finished high school. Then, take the final exam to pass the class and earn your certificate. It may be easier to find a job if you have a college degree, but you'll still need to become certified. GED stands for General Education Development. In most trades, it fulfills the requirement of a high school degree. Attend vocational school if you want formal training in the field. A vocational school is a post-secondary educational program that trains students how to perform a trade. After getting your GED or high school diploma, look online to find a vocational school near you with a locksmith program. Sign up, pay the tuition, and enroll in your classes. Spend the next 1-2 years learning about the construction, repair, and installation of locks. Locksmithing programs typically cover other security issues as well, such as surveillance, theft deterrence, and electronic locks. Vocational school usually costs somewhere between $10,000 and $30,000. This is the most time-consuming way to become qualified, but you'll get an extremely thorough understanding of the field. Most vocational schools help you get certified and find work after you graduate as well. If you live in a state that doesn't require certification, vocational schools will typically award you with an accreditation that will make it easier for you to find work. Sign up for a locksmith class for a faster way to learn the craft. Locksmithing classes are typically hosted by private companies or locksmithing businesses. Look online to find a class near you if you want to learn the craft and become qualified without spending a ton of time and money on a vocational degree. These classes are typically very intensive, and will focus specifically on doors and home locks. These classes typically take 5-20 weeks to complete and may have a test at the end. If you complete a certified lockpicking course, you will be awarded a letter of recommendation demonstrating that you've completed their coursework. This will help you get certified in most states. Locksmithing requires hands-on experience, and there are a lot of disreputable online programs. Sign up for an in-person class if you can. Look online to find the requirements for certification where you live. The certification requirements for locksmiths differ depending on the state and country that you're in. Go online and look for the requirements where you live. Search on your state government's official website to ensure that you're looking at the legal requirements and not a private business's advice on how to get certified. The certification process can take 1-6 weeks depending on where you live. In some states, the Department of Consumer Affairs is in charge of locksmithing licensure. In other states, the business bureau regulates locksmith certification. In many states, vocational schools are allowed to certify students that graduate. The shorter 5-20 week classes are rarely allowed to give certifications, though. Some states and countries have no certification requirements for locksmiths. In these states, anyone can work for a locksmith. Submit an individual license application to begin the process. Almost all locksmith applications are completed online. Once you find the government page where you can apply for a locksmithing certification, click the link on the page to begin an individual license application. Enter your name, address, and other personal information to begin your application. You can also call your local government's consumer affairs line to find out where you can apply for a locksmith certification. You will typically upload each of your required documents to an online portal. In some states, you may need to mail these documents in. Send a copy of your identification and any additional paperwork. Scan a copy of your passport and state ID to prove that you are who you say you are. Then, provide copies of your employment history and any other required documents that you need to submit. This usually includes other work permits, certifications, and child support documents. Most states list the documents that they require on their website. Complete a background check online or at a testing facility. Since locksmiths have the ability to disassemble complex security systems, complete a background check as mandated by your state. In some states, this can be completed online by uploading your state ID and entering your personal information. In other states, go to a private testing facility and have your fingerprints taken to confirm that your background is clean. Depending on where you live, you may still be able to apply for a locksmith certification even if you do have a criminal history so long as you didn't commit a felony or violent crime. Prove that you are qualified by providing supporting documents. If you graduated from a vocational school, submit a copy of your degree and transcripts. If you attended a shorter class that took place over the course of a few weeks, submit the letters of recommendation that the class provided you upon completion. This demonstrates that you have a familiarity with the trade and will not require precursory training to begin working on locks. In the states where you do not need certification, you'll still have a pretty hard time finding a locksmith position without completing vocational school or a locksmithing class. Pay the required fees and wait for your certification. Once all of your documents have been submitted, press the “Complete” or “Submit” button to finish uploading your portfolio. You will be taken to a payment page to pay the fee associated with your application. Then, wait 1-6 weeks for the government to mail or email you your certification. The application for your locksmith certification typically costs $50-300. It may take a little longer for the government to process your application if they have a large backlog of applications. In some areas, a locksmith license must be paired with an independent contractor's license. If you don't already have a contractor's license, you'll need to submit a separate application and pay an additional fee. Renew your license every 1-5 years by paying the renewal fee. Search for job postings online to find work as a locksmith. To find work as a locksmith, start by looking at online job posts. Upload your resume and submit applications to locksmith companies in your area. Some positions will specialize in car locks, while other companies will emphasize home security systems. Look for positions that interest you before applying for positions. Your resume doesn't matter nearly as much as your certification and your interview. Don't worry if your job experience doesn't perfectly align with a career in locksmithing. You can also call locksmiths in your area to find out if they're hiring. If you live around smaller, older businesses, they may not list their available positions online. Install new locks on homes, cars, and doors. The main duty of a locksmith is to install new locks. Show up to service calls at new constructions, family homes, and parking lots to install locks for your clients. Follow the directions of the client to meet their needs in terms of the type of lock and the location of each installation. Repair broken locks and let in people who get locked out. Clients will often call a locksmith to fix broken locks or let them into a building that they've been locked out of. Show up to service calls for repairs or lock-outs as soon as you can. Explain the process to the client and check their ID to ensure that you're giving the right person access to the building. Complete the work and provide your clients with new keys as needed to finish the job. Most locksmiths stay competitive by answering emergency calls. These calls may come late at night or extremely early in the morning, so be prepared to lose some sleep every once in a while. If you're called to unlock a home door for someone that locked their keys inside, remember to always check their government ID to ensure that the person calling you lives at the address. It is usually illegal to let someone into a building if they cannot prove that they live there. Cut keys and provide security advice to consumers. Many locksmiths offer key-cutting services for clients. If you work for a company with a brick-and-mortar store and have no client calls, you may be required to work behind a desk at the shop and cut keys. Use the client's copy to create duplicate versions. This is typically done with a key-cutting computer program, but you may need to cut the key by hand using a cutting machine. Consumers may also have questions about upgrading their locks or improving their home security system. Some locksmiths advance in their field by learning about camera surveillance and alarm systems so that they can market these services to clients.

Become a locksmith if you enjoy working with your hands and solving puzzles. Earn a high school diploma or get your GED. Attend vocational school if you want formal training in the field. Sign up for a locksmith class for a faster way to learn the craft. Look online to find the requirements for certification where you live. Submit an individual license application to begin the process. Send a copy of your identification and any additional paperwork. Complete a background check online or at a testing facility. Prove that you are qualified by providing supporting documents. Pay the required fees and wait for your certification. Search for job postings online to find work as a locksmith. Install new locks on homes, cars, and doors. Repair broken locks and let in people who get locked out. Cut keys and provide security advice to consumers.

https://www.wikihow.com/Gain-More-Muscle-Mass-and-Strength

How to Gain More Muscle Mass and Strength

If you want to gain more muscle mass, train your legs by performing squats and strengthen your back muscles with deadlifts. To work on your arms, try doing pul-ups or chin-ups. For best results in building muscle, train 2-3 times a week so your muscles have time to recover in between. Rather than training your entire body in each session, focus on muscle groups to allow your muscles to rest. Finally, make sure you can perform each exercise with the right technique by reducing the weights you use if necessary.

Monitor your progress. As you start gaining strength and building muscle, keep track of how much weight you gain, how much weight you can lift, and what exercises you do from week to week. This will help you figure out what works for your body and what doesn't, and keep you from getting into a workout rut. If you find that a certain muscle group doesn't seem to be making significant gains, switch up your exercises to see if something else works better. Alter your diet as necessary to help you lose fat and gain muscle. Experiment with different ratios of protein, fats and carbohydrates to find a balance that helps you achieve your weight and fitness goals. Get plenty of rest. When you're in training mode, it can be hard to remember how important it is to rest between sessions. Your body needs time to repair itself after workouts. Don't push yourself too hard, or you may find yourself sitting on the couch with a pulled muscle instead of at the gym training to failure. Sleeping well is another essential aspect of gaining mass and strength in a healthy way. Try to get seven to nine hours per day. Work out your legs with squats. Squats are one of the best exercises for strengthening your lower body. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Either use a squat rack with a barbell or hold dumbbells in your hands over each shoulder. Lean forward slightly, keeping your head back, and bend your knees until your thighs are parallel with the floor. Do not let your knees go past your toes. Slowly rise to the starting position. Do six to eight reps and three to four sets. Rest for about 45 seconds in between sets. Strengthen your back with deadlifts. For this exercise, you may either use a Smith Machine, a barbell, or two dumbbells. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and, using an overhand grip, slowly lower the weight down and return it to the starting position, focusing the work on your hamstrings and lower back. Do six to eight reps and three to four sets. Rest for about 45 seconds in between sets. To increase the difficulty of this exercise, bend at the waist, grasp the weights, rise to a standing position, then pull the weights up to your chest and press them over your head. Lower them back to your chest, then lower them to your sides, bend at the waist and rest them back on the floor. Get bigger arms with pull-ups and chin-ups. Place your hands on a fixed bar. For pull-ups, have your palms facing away from you; for chin-ups, have your palms facing you. Lift your body with your legs crossed behind you until your chin is higher than the bar, then slowly lower your body back to the starting position. Do six to eight reps and three to four sets. Rest for about 45 seconds in between sets. To increase the difficulty of this exercise, wear a weighted belt around your waist. Increase the weight as you gain strength. Do bench presses to make your chest bigger. Lay on an exercise bench with your feet flat on the floor. Hold a barbell or two dumbbells in resting position at your chest. Press the weights over your head, extending your arms and straightening your elbows. Lower the weights back to your chest. Do six to eight reps and three to four sets. Rest for about 45 seconds in between sets. Weight train two or three times a week. When your goal is to increase muscle mass and strength, training every day is counterproductive. Your muscles need a chance to repair themselves in between training sessions. Without adequate rest periods, you won't achieve the body mass you want. On the days when you aren't weight training, you can still be physically active. Do cardio workouts such as jogging, swimming, biking, or even power walking to keep yourself moving. Make your training sessions short. There's no need to train for hours at a time — in fact, if you train for too long, you risk damaging your muscles, which can lead to a forced rest period. Your sessions should last from 1/2 hour to an hour. Train different muscle groups on different days. Rather than training your entire body during each session, it's a good idea to split up your muscle groups so that some parts of your body have time to rest while others are getting a workout. Create a training schedule and stick to it, so you don't accidentally overtrain a certain muscle group. Train to failure. Bodybuilders have found that training in short, intense sessions leads to greater mass and strength than easier, longer sessions. "Training to failure" means doing an exercise until you can't physically repeat it one more time. You'll need to find the appropriate train to failure weight for each of your muscle groups to do this effectively. To find your train to failure weight, choose a weight you can use for six to eight reps before your muscles give out. If you can do 10 reps without breaking a sweat or feeling too fatigued, you need to add weight. If you can't even do one or two reps correctly, reduce the weight. Attempting to lift too much weight before you've gotten strong enough to lift it can damage your muscles, and it's also counterproductive. Start with your appropriate train to failure weight and give your muscles time to build strength. Soon you'll find that the weight you've been using has become easy; when that happens, increase the weight by 5 or 10 pounds until you're back to the six to eight rep sweet spot. Use the right training form. Another essential aspect of gaining strength and muscle is using the right form. If you don't, you'll risk injuring your muscles, and you also won't be training as effectively as you could be. Consider working with a personal trainer to learn good technique and keep these pointers in mind during your training sessions: You should be able to complete each exercise using the right technique. If you can't press your dumbbells over your head with your arms fully extended, for example, then you should probably be using less weight. Another option for difficult exercises is to begin with a reduced range of motion. Gradually increase your range of motion until you are able to complete the exercise's full range of motion. Do not increase the amount of weight you use until you are able to do this. Don't use momentum to swing your weights into place. Lift with controlled, steady movements. Lower weights back to their starting position slowly rather than letting them drop. Slowing down the eccentric (downward) portion of an exercise can help build muscle. Eat a lot of protein. Muscles need protein to get big and strong, and when you're working on building them up every week, you'll have to fuel them with a lot of protein-heavy food. Be creative with your protein sources; not all of your fuel has to come from meat. Chicken, fish, lean beef, lean pork and other meat products are excellent sources of protein. Other animal products like chicken or duck eggs are also good choices. Almonds, walnuts, legumes, and other vegetables also contain protein. Soy products like tofu can also contribute to your protein intake. Get your calories from healthy sources. Eating food that causes your body to produce fat will help you look big, but not strong. You want to decrease the layer of fat between your muscles and skin so your hard work becomes more visible. Avoid eating fried foods, snack foods, fast food, and other high-calorie, low-nutrition food sources. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other sources of healthy calories. Supplement your diet. Many bodybuilders help the process along by supplementing with a variety of different muscle-building products. Creatine supplements are a popular choice that has been shown to build muscles without bad side effects. The supplements are available in powdered form and should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before workouts for the maximum benefits. Avoid supplements purporting to help you gain a certain amount of weight within a certain time period. Everyone's body is different, and products claiming to have magical muscle-building properties are probably a scam.

Monitor your progress. Get plenty of rest. Work out your legs with squats. Strengthen your back with deadlifts. Get bigger arms with pull-ups and chin-ups. Do bench presses to make your chest bigger. Weight train two or three times a week. Make your training sessions short. Train different muscle groups on different days. Train to failure. Use the right training form. Eat a lot of protein. Get your calories from healthy sources. Supplement your diet.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Bottle-Watering-Can

How to Make a Bottle Watering Can

If you've got a plastic jug or water bottle, you can use it to make your own watering can. To make a watering can with a bottle, start by taking off the label and screwing the lid on tightly. Poke a few holes on 1 side of the bottle with a nail or thumbtack. Then, cut a hole in the opposite side of the bottle with a knife or razor blade. Fill the bottle so the water level is about an inch or two below the row of holes and turn the bottle on its side over your plants to water them. To make a watering can with a jug, make sure it's clean and poke some holes in the lid with a nail. Fill the jug with water and tilt the cap down over your plants to water them.

Find a plastic bottle to use and remove the label. If the bottle is dirty on the inside, fill it with water, close the cap, and shake it, then pour the water out. Do this a few times until the bottle is clean inside. When you are done, peel off the label and remove any glue residue. Figure out the placement for the holes on the side of the bottle. Use a permanent marker to draw a square on the side of the bottle, just below where it starts to curve upward into a dome shape. You can also mask off the patch with masking tape. The square should be no longer than your finger. Use a nail or thumbtack to punch holes in the square. Space the holes as evenly as you can. You will need to make five rows of five holes each for a total of 25 holes. If the plastic is very thick, you can heat up the nail over a flame for about 10 seconds; hold the nail with a pair of pliers so that you don't burn yourself. Wiggle the nail to remove it from the bottle. Cut a pouring hole on the opposite side of the bottle. Rotate the bottle so that the holes are facing away from you. Draw a 1-inch (2.54-centimeter) U-shape on the side of the bottle. Have the top of the U touch the bottom of the bottle's dome. Cut the U shape out with a razor blade. Add designs, if desired. Your watering can is more or less finished, but you can make it look more interesting by decorating it. Draw some gardening-themed designs on it using permanent markers. You can also stick on some stickers instead, but be aware that they may fall off if they get too wet. Close the bottle tightly and fill it through the U-shaped hole. Fill the bottle until the water level reaches ½ to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 centimeters) below the bottom row of holes. If you want to, you can even add some water-soluble fertilizer to the water. Tilt the bottle over your plants to water them. Hold the bottle by the sides, then tilt it on its side. Keep the watering holes on the bottom and the pouring hole on the top. When you are done watering, tilt the bottle back upright. Refill the container as necessary. Choose a large bottle with a handle and a screw-on lid. Detergent jugs and milk jugs are great choices. Large water jugs and juice jugs may also work, as long as they have a handle. Most importantly, make sure that the lid screws on. A cap that you pop on and off will not work for this due to the water pressure. Clean out the bottle and remove any labels. This is especially important if you are recycling a detergent bottle. The easiest way to clean the bottle is to fill it partway with water, close the cap tightly, shake it, then pour the water out. When you are done, remove the label and any glue residue left behind. Punch holes into the cap with a nail. Keep the cap on the bottle. Use a nail to punch holes into the lid. You can also use a needle or thumbtack instead. Punch as many holes as you want. If the cap is too hard to pierce, heat the nail over a flame first. Hold the nail with a pair of pliers so that you don't scorch your fingers. If your bottle had a thick lid (ie: detergent bottle), use a drill and a ⅛-inch (0.32-centimeter) drill bit instead. Consider adding a hole above the handle. Do this with a drill and a ½-inch (1.27-centimeter) drill bit. This will help make the water flow smoother and help release pressure. Fill the bottle with water. Unscrew the cap, then fill the bottle with water from the sink or hose. Close the cap when you are done. How much you fill it depends on how much weight you are able to carry; the more you fill it, the heavier it will become. If you used a drill bit, you will need to rinse the bottle out first to get rid of any plastic dust. Use the watering can. Make sure that the cap is on tightly. Use the handle to carry the jug over to your plant. Use your other hand to hold the jug by the bottom and tilt the cap downward. Find a large, plastic bottle or jug. You can use just about any type of bottle for this. A large jug without a handle will work just as well as a milk jug with a handle. You can even use a regular water bottle! Clean out the bottle. Fill the bottle with water, then close the cap tightly. Shake the bottle, then pour the water out. Do this a few times until the water comes out clean. If there is a label, peel it away, then remove any residue. Drill a hole in the cap of your bottle. The size of the hole does not really matter, but it needs to be small enough so that you can cover it completely with your thumb. Something around 3/16-inch (0.48-centimeter) wide would be ideal, however. If you make the hole too big, you won't get a tight enough seal. Poke 6 to 15 small holes in the bottom of the bottle. If the bottle is made from soft plastic, you can do this with a nail or thumbtack. If the bottle is made from thicker plastic, you will need to use a drill and ⁄ 16 to ⁄ 8 inch (0.16 to 0.32 cm) drill bit. Fill the bottle in a bucket. Fill a large bucket with water. Place the cap on your bottle, then dunk the bottle into the water. Cover the cap hole tightly with your thumb then lift the bottle out. If your bucket is deeper than your bottle, dip the bottle only ¾ of the way. The bottle will only fill to the same water-level that's already in the bucket. Unplug the cap to water your plants. Carry the bottle to your plant, then lift your thumb away. This will release the pressure, and allow the water to flow out of the bottle. When you want to stop the water flow, simply cover the hole in the cap with your thumb.

Find a plastic bottle to use and remove the label. Figure out the placement for the holes on the side of the bottle. Use a nail or thumbtack to punch holes in the square. Cut a pouring hole on the opposite side of the bottle. Add designs, if desired. Close the bottle tightly and fill it through the U-shaped hole. Tilt the bottle over your plants to water them. Choose a large bottle with a handle and a screw-on lid. Clean out the bottle and remove any labels. Punch holes into the cap with a nail. Consider adding a hole above the handle. Fill the bottle with water. Use the watering can. Find a large, plastic bottle or jug. Clean out the bottle. Drill a hole in the cap of your bottle. Poke 6 to 15 small holes in the bottom of the bottle. Fill the bottle in a bucket. Unplug the cap to water your plants.

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

How to Be Free

If you want to be free, try to introduce a little spontaneity into your life so you're not tied into the same routine. For example, try a new cuisine or a new activity to step outside of your comfort zone. Consider travelling out of town or to a new country, since free spirits never stay in one place for too long. Unfortunately, travelling doesn't usually pay the bills, but if you find a job that you love, you won't have to work a day in your life. You should also aim for financial freedom by paying off your debts and living within your means so you're not tied into endless payments.

Decide what total freedom means for you. Can you be free if you live at home with your parents? Can you be free if you're incarcerated in a jail, or live under a totalitarian regime? Can you be free if you work 9-5? It all depends on you. Only you can actively improve yourself and your station in life, moving toward the freest possible version of you. For lots of people, moving to college seems like total freedom: no parents, unlimited Xbox, and co-ed bathrooms! But college is still a campus-shaped bubble where meals arrive with the swipe of a card that someone else probably paid for, where you've got to live by the rules of the syllabus if you want to pass. Identify what you want from life. Think forward to the end of your life. When you're looking back over it, what do you hope to see? A life of pleasure? Of accomplishment? Of family and success? Of endless parties? Do you want to be respected and feared, or do you want to live a quiet life of solitude and contemplation? Try to identify what will make you happy, in and of itself, and what kind of a life makes room for that happiness. Many people instinctively think large sums of money lead to limitless freedom and happiness. While that may be true, try to think instead about what it is you'd do with an unlimited supply of money. What would it make easier, specifically? What would you do if money were no object? How would you spend your time? There's your answer. If you struggle to decide, instead of focusing on an ideal day--which, let's face it, we'd probably all spend at the beach--Try to think of your ideal week. After a whole week on the beach, we'd all probably end up sunburned and bored. What kind of work would you do? When would you do it? Where? Identify what is keeping you from getting what you want. Are you living your ideal life right now? If not, what stands in your way? What would need to change to get what you want? If you are living your ideal life, what would be necessary to sustain your lifestyle? Why aren't you doing what you want right now, today, this moment, this second? What's stopping you? Again, it's easy to blame money for our problems: "If only I had the money, I could get that new guitar and my band would be great," we say, making excuses for why we're not signed to a lucrative record deal, forgetting that a new guitar has nothing to do with your ability to write a catchy melody, play well, and work hard on stage. If only you had the money, it's true, you could travel to Thailand, or write novels all day, or spend all your time gardening heirloom hot peppers. But it's probably not money that's really keeping you from doing those things--it's you giving up on the hand you've been dealt, and folding the cards. Identify the steps necessary in achieving what you want. It's hard to find total freedom and happiness overnight. It'll likely take some effort to get what you want and find your ideal environment in which to live your life. What efforts on your part will be necessary to getting what you want? Say you decided your ideal life involves having a small and loving family, who leads a quiet life in the country growing vegetables. If that would give you the type of freedom you desire, what can you do now that will actively move you toward that reality? In the long term, you might start studying permaculture, or wildlife management, or some other field that would involve work in the natural world. Where might you like to own a home? Would you build your own house or buy one? What do you need to save to make it a reality? In the short-term, you might check out rural co-ops or communes you could visit and exchange work for room and board. Or check out World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), a program that lets you volunteer on organic farms around the world, getting experience. Surround yourself with people you admire. Role models are essential in finding your true self. As much as we like to think of ourselves as perfectly individual snowflakes, it's important to surround yourself with people who live as you would like to live, not to mimic their behavior, but to learn from it and apply their lessons in your own life. Be careful of constantly comparing yourself to other people if it makes you get down on yourself. Remember, you never know what hardships others really face, only the outside view. Competition can be good for some people and terrible for others. Know yourself and focus on your own life. Worry about your own backyard. Do it yourself. If you can do something, do it. If you don't need help, don't ask for it. Taking more responsibility for your life and becoming accountable for yourself is the right and responsibility of a life lived freely. Volunteer for things that fall in your wheelhouse, and take on projects that might challenge your abilities, so you can improve yourself and your work. Try to actively expand the list of things you can do by yourself. While it's true you can take your car into the shop every time a light goes out, you'll save money and become more self-reliant if you learn to perform a basic tune-up. Alternatively, it's also good to accept help and learn to recognize when you need it. Being self-reliant doesn't mean being foolish and ignorant of your abilities. If you don't know how to change your car tire, learn how , so you can become more free and less reliant on others in the future. But in the moment, be honest with yourself. Prioritize your wants and needs. Identify the things you want and the things that you need to live your ideal life to help create perspective. "Needs" include anything necessary to sustain a comfortable life. This includes food, shelter, and basic health care. "Wants" might include travel funds, books and movies, or whatever it is that would improve your quality of life. Ideally, if you think about these things as a Venn diagram, they should look as close as possible like a single circle, overlapping almost entirely if you've structured your life in an ideal way. If what you need and what you want line-up, you'll be living the happy and free life you want to lead. What might you change to realign the diagram? Try to create a budget to account for all your needs and as much want as possible to live sustainably. The less you have to worry about money--the less you have to think about it at all--the better off and the more free you'll be. Pay off all your debts and live within your means. Student loans and credit card debt will keep you under a heavy curtain of debt that makes it very difficult to live by your own hand. If you're beholden to debtors, can you be truly free? It's a challenge that's unavoidable for some, but you can help yourself move toward freedom by paying down your debts as best you can and as quickly as you can, and by avoiding accruing new debt. Be the boss of your life. Find work that you love and the work that will allow you to live freely and do what you want. Even if you have to report to a real "boss," you're beholden to no one as long as you say so. You're in charge of your own life. If you work in an environment that doesn't afford you enough freedom, find a new job. How you choose to define work might be complicated. Plenty of people "work" during the day doing something that may or may not define their calling in life. Walt Whitman was an ambulance driver, but he also wrote some of the greatest American poems ever written. If your ideal life involves working only 15 or 20 hours a week, it might be difficult to sustain that life in Manhattan or Los Angeles. Prioritize the various aspects of your ideal life. If the desire to live in a cultural hub outweighs your desire to work less, get multiple jobs, 8 roommates, and move to the Big Apple. If your time is more precious to you, find somewhere the cost of living is cheap and you'll have your time. Write your own code and live by it. What are the criteria of a life lived well? What is necessary to move through the world with dignity and poise? One person's rules may not be applicable for everyone, but it's helpful to have them for yourself. If you want to be free and call the shots, write your own code like the Klingon or the Samurai, and live by it. Allow yourself to act impulsively, sometimes. Fried squid and bloody Marys for breakfast on a Wednesday--why not? Weekdays don't have to be plain oatmeal and black coffee. If it sounds good to you and there's no harm in doing it, do it. Breaking up monotony and listening to your own impulses can be a great way of keeping life fresh and exciting. As long as it's legal and not counterproductive to some necessary part of your life, act impulsively. Live in the moment. Sometimes, allowing yourself to break small rules of protocol or tact can be a good way of asserting your freedom in the world. Play what you want on the jukebox, even if the other bar patrons don't want all 11 minutes of "Heard it Through the Grapevine." Visit new places. Expanding your perspective of the world and learning to embrace freedom requires that you occasionally get outside your comfort zone and experience new things. Visit new places, try new activities, eat new foods. Explore the world and enjoy it. Traveling can be big or small. You don't have to hitchhike to South America to travel and experience something new. Visit new parts of town you've never visited, or explore the small town next to yours. Go somewhere you don't know anyone and learn everything you can. If it's new to you, Brooklyn might as well be Crawfordsville. Celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how small. Allow yourself to be proud of yourself. Allow yourself to celebrate successes, or even to celebrate a lack of failures. Each day you've successfully negotiated is cause for reasonable celebrations. Spend time with people you enjoy and give yourself good reasons to work hard. Start living freely right now. The older you get and the more of the world you experience, the more one thing becomes clear: the only circumstance that's keeping you from happiness and freedom is yourself. Let go of your preconceptions, your hang-ups, and your fears. Free your mind by letting yourself experience the world fully and make each day count. Live the life you want to lead. There's no reason not to. Be careful of becoming a slave to your ideal version of yourself. It's easy to say, "Everything will be better after I graduate" or "Everything will be better after I get this project done" or "Everything will be better when I move to Portland." Will it? How can you be free in spite of your challenges? How can you be free right now, where you live, right this second? How can you change your environment for the better?

Decide what total freedom means for you. Identify what you want from life. Identify what is keeping you from getting what you want. Identify the steps necessary in achieving what you want. Surround yourself with people you admire. Do it yourself. Prioritize your wants and needs. Pay off all your debts and live within your means. Be the boss of your life. Write your own code and live by it. Allow yourself to act impulsively, sometimes. Visit new places. Celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how small. Start living freely right now.

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

How to Make a Firecracker

To make a firecracker, you'll need a ping pong ball, thick string, a sharp nail, a razor, duct tape, and gunpowder. Once you're ready to start, set up a workspace in an open area, like your back yard, just in case anything goes wrong. Start by making a small hole in the top of the ping pong ball with the nail. Then, use the razor to slice a slightly bigger hole at the opposite end of the ball. After you've made the 2 holes, cut a length of string a few inches long and thread it into the small hole of the ping pong ball. Next, pour gunpowder into the big hole until the ball is full. When it's full of powder, patch the hole with duct tape to seal the ball. When you're ready to light your firecracker, make sure you're in an open space away from people, cars, and buildings. Then, light the tip of the fuse with a lighter or match and set it down on hard ground to avoid starting a fire. Make sure you walk at least 5 yards away after you've lit your firecracker.

Take safety precautions. Any time you're working with a flammable substance it is extremely important to make sure you don't put yourself, other people, your property, and the natural world at risk of getting burned or set on fire. Plan to make the firecrackers outdoors so that you don't put your house at risk, and make sure children and pets are kept away from the area. Set up a workspace well away from the house, work shed, and other structures on your property. Don't work on firecrackers near trees, telephone poles, and other outdoor features. It's best to set up on a concrete patio or bare dirt. Avoid working with explosives near dry grass or other plants that could catch fire. Wear goggles to protect your eyes while working with firecracker materials. Gather supplies. Firecrackers are made with a shell to contain the explosive materials and a small fuse that you light to set it off. The following materials can be purchased from large department stores that sell ammunition and sporting goods. One ping pong ball for each firecracker you plan to make. Thick string, which will be used as the fuse. A sharp nail and a razor to make holes in the ping pong ball. Duct tape or another sturdy tape to patch up the hole. Black powder, also known as gunpowder, which is available where ammunition is sold. It comes in small canisters. Before buying black powder, get familiar with measures you must take to handle and store black powder safely. Nail polish, which causes the firecracker to make a louder noise. Bore a hole in the ping pong ball. Use the nail to make a small hole in the top of the ping pong ball. If necessary, you can use a hammer to help the nail puncture the ball. Make a second hole at the base. Use the razor to cut a slightly larger hole opposite the hole you made with the nail. It should be large enough to allow you to pour the powder into the ping pong ball. Use a razor with a handle for greater precision. Be careful not to cut yourself as you wield it; the surface of the ping pong ball may be slippery. If you don't have a razor, use a nail or another item to bore a few holes close together to create a hole large enough to pour the powder through. Make a fuse. Cut a length of the string several inches long and thread it through the nail hole in the ping pong ball. Pull it through so that the base of the string hangs in the center of the ball, and the end of the string juts out from the ball by an inch or two. If you have trouble threading the string through the hole, dip it in a bit of melted wax to create a hardened tip, then push the tip through the hole. For a slower-burning fuse, dip the length of the string in candle wax or beeswax. When you light the fuse, it will burn more slowly before the firecracker explodes. Fill the ping pong ball with powder. Use a small spoon or funnel to fill the ball 3/4 full of the black powder. Don't overfill the ball. Never smoke or light a flame while handling black powder. Take care not to spill any black powder in your workspace. If you spill some, clean it up with a dustpan and broom and dispose of it safely. As soon as you're finished with the gunpowder, close the canister tightly and store it in a cool, dry place away from flammable or combustible substances. Patch the fill hole. Use a piece of duct tape to patch the hole, pressing down firmly to make sure it doesn't come loose. The fuse hole should not be covered. (Optional) Paint the firecracker. Use nail polish to paint the outside of the firecracker. Allow it to dry completely. Find a safe outdoor space. An open concrete lot away from buildings and cars is the ideal place to use a firecracker. Do not set off a firecracker near people, houses, or any other structures that might catch fire. Light the fuse. Use a match or a lighter to carefully light the tip of the fuse. Don't light the fuse at it's base, or the firecracker may explode prematurely. Set the firecracker down and walk away. Don't linger close to the firecracker after it has been lit. Set it on a cool, dry foundation - not grass or another flammable material - and quickly walk several yards away. DO NOT light the fuse until children, pets, and other people are at a safe distance from the firecracker. Never place a firecracker inside a glass bottle or drinking glass. The glass may break, and the aftereffects could be very dangerous. Watch the firecracker explode. It contains just enough black powder to create a satisfying crack and add an element of excitement to an outdoor party.

Take safety precautions. Gather supplies. Bore a hole in the ping pong ball. Make a second hole at the base. Make a fuse. Fill the ping pong ball with powder. Patch the fill hole. (Optional) Paint the firecracker. Find a safe outdoor space. Light the fuse. Set the firecracker down and walk away. Watch the firecracker explode.

https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-a-Speeding-Ticket

How to Avoid a Speeding Ticket

To avoid getting a speeding ticket, start by checking the speedometer regularly so you can be sure that you're not exceeding the speed limit. Additionally, be mindful of situations that make you accelerate, like being tailgated or passing other cars. You should also plan routes that steer clear of known speed traps, where police try to catch people going too fast in places with slower speed limits. If you do get stopped for speeding, be respectful and cooperative, since that may be enough to get you out of a ticket.

Commit to driving the speed limit. The simplest and most reliable way to avoid a speeding ticket is to drive within the speed limit. Driving cautiously and adhering to the law is both a sound way to avoid tickets and an exercise in public safety; speeding is recognized as a major contributing force in the quantity and severity of automobile crashes. Making the choice not to speed means being mindful and adjusting your driving habits accordingly. Check your speedometer regularly. It is difficult to accurately “feel” what speed you are going at in most modern cars; this is especially true when switching from a high speed road to a lower speed one. To get a real sense of how fast you're going and to keep yourself from speeding, check your speedometer regularly, especially when switching between speed zones. Doing this might also improve your ability to gauge your speed over time by providing an accurate representation. Recognize your speeding triggers. While it might be your intention to avoid speeding, there are certain triggers on the road that may cause you to accelerate. Isolating these triggers in advance and preparing for them can help you prevent an erratic reaction when they do come about. Some potential triggers are: being tailgated overtaking other cars keeping up with traffic Take a defensive driving course. Defensive driving means being prepared and driving safely to avoid accidents at the hand of other people's bad driving. Defensive driving classes are available online and in person, and are often sought after by employers with employees who drive a passenger size company car for their work; when company drivers are involved in a crash, company insurance rates skyrocket, so this precaution is worthwhile. Some lessons from the courses that may help you be a more cautious driver are: Prioritize safety when driving. Prepare for the worst with regard to other drivers. Be aware of your surroundings. Cut out distractions. Keep track of speed traps. To be as cautious as possible about avoiding a speeding ticket, steer clear speed traps- areas with lower speed limits where police set up with the sole purpose of catching speeding drivers. Ask around for places others have noted as police hot-spots, and keep your eyes peeled for police cars. Look into phone apps that give warnings about nearby speed traps and cameras. Be respectful and friendly. If you get pulled over, present all of the identification requested of you and resist any urges to be antagonistic to the officer involved; do not give them any more reason to want to give you a ticket. Ask for as much information as possible, including where they first saw you and how long they paced you.While this scenario is a stressful one, being agreeable and friendly may get you out of a speeding ticket.. If you're feeling bold, try asking the officer if they will consider giving you a warning instead of a ticket. Delay paying a ticket. Paying a speeding ticket right away is essentially an admission of guilt; you generally have 90 days to either enter a plea or pay the fine, so delay paying to explore your options. In many cases, fighting the ticket will not mean going to trial. Take the time to inspect your ticket for any errors in information (e.g. citation number, location of where you were stopped and the time of day you received the ticket). Always contest a ticket. In addition to being costly, speeding tickets can raise your insurance premiums for several years. Whether or not you're guilty, always contest your ticket; you have the chance of at least reducing the fine. Cases are often thrown out if the officer in question doesn't not show up to court, if they go to court at all.

Commit to driving the speed limit. Check your speedometer regularly. Recognize your speeding triggers. Take a defensive driving course. Keep track of speed traps. Be respectful and friendly. Delay paying a ticket. Always contest a ticket.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Home-Safer-for-a-Senior-Dog

How to Make Your Home Safer for a Senior Dog

To make your home safer for a senior dog, start by placing rugs over hard floors and replacing stairs with ramps to make it easier for it to walk around. If your senior dog has poor eyesight, you might also try removing obstacles like coffee tables so it doesn't bump into them. Additionally, make sure to put away any hazardous items, like cleaning supplies and medications, so your dog doesn't get into them out of curiosity or boredom.

Place area rugs over hard floors. Older dogs can sometimes struggle to get around on hard floors. To reduce your senior dog's risk of falling or struggling to walk around, place some area rugs around the house. This will improve the chances that your dog can navigate your home safely and comfortably. You can place a large area rug over a bare floor or just place a few small rugs around. Provide ramps wherever there are stairs. Older dogs sometimes struggle to get up and down stairs, which may lead to falls or place extra pressure on your dog's joints. One way to make it easier for your senior dog to get up and down stairs is to place ramps. For example, you might place a ramp going from your backdoor to your backyard if there are a few steps that he has to use to go into the yard. Ramps can also be useful for helping your senior dog get into your car or up on the sofa (if he is allowed). Remove obstacles. Some senior dogs struggle with poor eyesight, which can make it harder for them to navigate your home. If you notice that your senior dog frequently bumps into a table or other piece of furniture when he makes his way through your home, then you might consider moving this object aside. For example, if you have a coffee table in the middle of your living room and your senior dog tends to bump into it sometimes, then you might move the coffee table to the edge of the room when it is not in use. Ask your veterinarian about special modifications for a disability. Some senior dogs develop disabilities, such as hearing loss and blindness. If your senior dog has developed a disability, then talk with your dog's vet about the modifications you will need to make to ensure your dog's safety. Use baby gates. Baby gates can be extremely helpful for keeping senior dogs safe. You can put up baby gates to keep your senior dog confined to an area of your house, to prevent him from going into rooms that might be unsafe for him, or to keep him from going up and down stairs. Try placing a few gates around your home to keep your senior dog confined within a safe, comfortable area of your home. Maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Senior dogs have a harder time regulating their body temperature than younger dogs. This means that extreme hot and cold temperatures can be dangerous for senior dogs. To protect your senior dogs from temperature extremes, set your thermostat for a comfortable temperature or use other means to regulate the temperature in your home. During warmer months, you may need to use fans or even an air conditioning unit to ensure your senior dog's comfort. During colder months, you may need to use a space heater. Make sure that your senior dog's bed is located in an area that is not too hot or too cold. Place it somewhere that is free from drafts in cold weather and that is not in direct sunlight during warm weather. If your dog enjoys wearing clothes, then you might get a few sweater for your dog to wear in cold weather or even a jacket for going outside. Check your local pet store to find clothes for your dog. Put up hazardous items. Dogs may decide to investigate hazardous items like cleaning agents, medications, and toxic plants out of boredom or curiosity. To protect your senior dog from these items, make sure that they are secured in a cabinet or placed up out of their reach. For example, you can put your cleaning products in a cupboard or up on a high shelf. Keep any medications (prescription or otherwise) in a medicine cabinet or other secure place. If you have any houseplants, make sure they are up on a shelf or high windowsill so your dog can't get to them. Provide plenty of soft bedding. Older dogs may have less body fat than younger dogs, which can make laying on a hard surface uncomfortable for them. They are also prone to aches and pains, such as from arthritis. To ensure your senior dog's comfort when he is resting, provide him with plenty of soft, cushy bedding. Try placing a couple of extra blankets under your dog's bed to increase the padding or get an extra soft and fluffy dog bed for him. Provide senior food. As dogs age, their dietary needs change. Your senior dog may require food to help maintain his weight or to manage a health condition. Make sure that you are feeding your senior dog a veterinarian approved diet to meet your dog's needs. You can find many different types of senior dog food in stores, but they are all a little different. Ask your dog's veterinarian which brand and type will best meet your dog's needs. Regulate your dog’s activity. Senior dogs can remain active well into their golden years, and it is important to keep playing with your senior dog. However, you may need to cut off playtime sometimes. This is because some dogs will keep on running and playing even if they are exhausted. Pay attention to your dog's behavior to determine if you need to give him a break when you are playing. For example, if you notice that your dog is panting, then he is probably getting worn out. Take a break or cut off the game for the day. Give your dog stimulating toys. Keeping your senior dog entertained is also an important part of enhancing his health. Senior dogs are prone to senility, but regular stimulation can help to keep his mind active. Make sure that your senior dog always has something to play with, such as a squeaky toy or ball. You might also consider getting a few puzzle toys to help stimulate your senior dog's mind. Try rotating your dog's toys so that he won't become bored with his toys. Keep his toys in a box that is out of sight and give him a different toy to play with every day. Make sure that you talk to your dog and play with him as well to help keep his mind stimulated. Take your dog for regular veterinary checkups. Keeping your senior dog healthy also requires taking him for regular checkups with your dog's veterinarian. Regular checkups can detect problems before they become bigger issues, which is important since senior dogs are more prone to serious conditions like cancer and kidney problems. Take your senior dog to see the veterinarian at least once per year to check for potential health problems. If you suspect a problem, then call and make an appointment right away.

Place area rugs over hard floors. Provide ramps wherever there are stairs. Remove obstacles. Ask your veterinarian about special modifications for a disability. Use baby gates. Maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Put up hazardous items. Provide plenty of soft bedding. Provide senior food. Regulate your dog’s activity. Give your dog stimulating toys. Take your dog for regular veterinary checkups.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Fiberglass-Shower

How to Clean a Fiberglass Shower

To clean a fiberglass shower, start by rinsing away any loose dirt and debris to ensure that the cleaning solution will work directly on the stuck-on grime. Next, spray the shower and tub surfaces with a solution made from ⅓ cup of liquid dish soap and 1 cup of white vinegar that's been heated for 1 minute in the microwave. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub the surfaces with a sponge or soft-bristled brush. Finally, use a cup to splash cold water onto the surfaces to remove the cleaning solution and the grime.

Empty out your shower. Remove all bottles, soap, razors, and accessories from your shower. Wipe down the items to remove any grime that may be transferred back into the shower, especially mildew. Mildew on the bottom of the bottles can immediately rub back onto your freshly clean shower surfaces. If you have any empty or worn-out items, throw them away. If you have a shower curtain, it's best to take it down and clean it. Rinse away any loose dirt and debris. A pre-rinse will ensure that you do not accidentally grind dirt or debris into the surface of your tub. It also allows the cleaning product to work directly on the stuck-on grime. Ventilate the room. Open the bathroom door to prevent the fumes and moisture from building up. Then turn on your fan. If you have a window in your bathroom, open it as well. While you'll be using a natural cleaning solution, it's still strong and will release fumes that you'll want to air out. Pour ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) of liquid dish detergent into a spray bottle. The dish detergent will cut through the oils and grease that make up your soap scum, making it easier to wipe away the stuck on grime. You can use any dish detergent that is formulated to cut through grease. If you use too much detergent in your cleaning solution, it will not ruin your cleaner; however, the cleaning solution will be harder to wash away. Measure out 1 cup (237 milliliters) of white vinegar. In addition to attacking bacteria and mildew, white vinegar is great for clearing away soap scum and lime deposits. While the smell may be off-putting, it evaporates away once the vinegar dries. If the smell of the vinegar really bothers you, try adding a few drops of a pure essential oil, such as lemon or orange oil. Heat your vinegar in the microwave. Set the timer for 1 minute to warm the vinegar. Warm vinegar is easier to mix than cool vinegar, so it will help you create a better cleaning solution. You don't need to boil your vinegar. Depending on the strength of your microwave, you may want to warm your vinegar in 30 second intervals to make sure that it reaches a slightly warm temperature rather than getting too hot or not getting warm enough. Add the vinegar to the spray bottle and mix. Blend the two ingredients using a swirling motion. Continue moving the bottle until they are completely blended. Avoid shaking the bottle because it will cause excessive sudsing. Your end result should be a slightly foamy substance that is lightly tinted the color of your detergent. You can increase or decrease the quantity of cleaner that you prepare by adjusting the amount of the ingredients as long as you maintain the 3 to 1 ratio of white vinegar to detergent. If you'd prefer, there are several non-abrasive commercial options available that are safe for fiberglass. Check the label to make sure that the product does not contain abrasive cleaning agents or bleach. Apply the cleaning solution to your shower. Spray your vinegar-detergent mixture onto the shower and tub surfaces. Allow it to set for 10-15 minutes so that the ingredients have time to penetrate the dried on soap scum, mildew, and mineral deposits. If your shower doesn't have soap scum, mildew, and mineral deposits, then you don't need to let the product set. Use a sponge, cloth, or soft-bristle brush to work in the product. Scrub your shower surfaces with your non-abrasive applicator, paying special attention to areas with thicker grime. As you clean, apply additional cleaning solution as needed. For example, if your cleaner dries before you get to that section, you can apply additional cleaner. Do not scrub with hard-bristle brushes, scouring pads, or metal pads because they will scratch your fiberglass. Rinse with cold water. Use a cup to splash cold water onto all of the surfaces to remove the cleaning solution and the grime. You will likely need to rinse areas more than once to remove all of the product. If you have a handheld shower head, you can use it instead of a cup. Make a baking soda paste. Pour 1 cup (237 milliliters) of baking soda into a bowl. Add a few drops of water at a time, blending until you have a paste. Your paste should be spreadable but still sticky enough to stick to shower surfaces. Alternatively, you can sprinkle baking soda directly on the soiled area then spray it with vinegar in a spray bottle. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub the fiberglass with a cloth or sponge. Apply the paste to stubborn soap scum. Smoothe on a generous amount of the paste to any remaining soap scum, which includes tub rings or rings around the drain in your shower pan. Pretend you are icing a cake. Your paste should be spread on in a thin layer. Allow the paste to sit for 30 minutes. The baking soda needs time to break down the soap scum. While it dries, avoid spraying water or other cleaners in the shower. Scrub the shower with a sponge, cloth, or soft-bristle brush. Add a little water to the paste to re-moisten the baking soda. Make tight, circular movements with your scrubber as you work in the paste. Wash away any remaining paste. Use your cup to splash water onto the paste. With a clean cloth, wipe away the baking soda. Rinse the cloth frequently to remove the baking soda residue. When all of the baking soda is gone, do a final rinse with cold water. If you have a handheld shower head, you can use it instead of a cup.

Empty out your shower. Rinse away any loose dirt and debris. Ventilate the room. Pour ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) of liquid dish detergent into a spray bottle. Measure out 1 cup (237 milliliters) of white vinegar. Heat your vinegar in the microwave. Add the vinegar to the spray bottle and mix. Apply the cleaning solution to your shower. Use a sponge, cloth, or soft-bristle brush to work in the product. Rinse with cold water. Make a baking soda paste. Apply the paste to stubborn soap scum. Allow the paste to sit for 30 minutes. Scrub the shower with a sponge, cloth, or soft-bristle brush. Wash away any remaining paste.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Oven-Roasted-Potatoes

How to Make Oven Roasted Potatoes

To make oven roasted potatoes, start by cutting your potatoes into quarters or halves. Then, toss the pieces with oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl so they're evenly covered. You can also add some minced garlic or garlic powder for extra flavor. Once you've seasoned the potatoes, spread them out on a baking sheet and cook them in the oven for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After 10 minutes, flip the potatoes over and cook them for an additional 15-20 minutes, flipping them one more time.

Pre-heat your oven to 400℉. Depending on your taste, you can adjust this up or down 25 degrees. Cook softer potatoes at 375℉, or go for crispy potatoes at 425℉. Halve or quarter the potatoes and put them in a large mixing bowl. The smaller you chop up the potatoes the faster they will cook. However, larger chunks retain more moisture and have a texture similar to the inside of a baked potato with a crispy outside. Chop the garlic into small pieces and add to the potatoes. You want finely minced garlic that is only a few millimeters thick. You may substitute 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder if you don't have fresh garlic Add oil, salt, pepper, to the bowl and mix well. You want all of the potatoes to be well coated in the oil. As the oil heats up in the over it will fry the outside of the potato, getting it perfectly crispy. Evenly distribute the potatoes on a baking sheet. You don't want the potatoes to be stacked on one another or clumped together. Some overlap is fine, but use two sheets if you end up with 2-3 layers of potatoes overlapping. Cook the potatoes for 10 minutes before turning them. After 10-15 minutes, use a spatula to flip the potatoes, turning as many as you can onto a different side so that they cook evenly. Flip the potatoes after another 10 minutes. The timing doesn't have to be exact, but you should try to flip the potatoes at least twice as they cook. Remove the potatoes when you can cleanly stick a fork through them. The outside will be an inviting shade of golden brown. Using a fork, knife, or skewer, gently poke the side of a large potato. The fork should pass through the potato without much effort like it was a firm piece of butter. This is usually after 25-30 minutes. Garnish with parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or salt and pepper and serve. Because they are so dense the potatoes will hold heat for a 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven, so be sure to let them cool. Change the temperature of your oven for different textures. The hotter your oven (450℉), the faster the outsides of the potatoes will cook. Similarly, lower temperature ovens (375℉) will cook the outside slowly, allowing the inside of the potato to soften over a longer period of time without burning the edges. If you cut your potatoes very small you may have to take them out of the oven 5-10 minutes earlier. If you want large chunks of potato, turn down the temperature and cook them for an extra 10 minutes. Mix in rosemary, thyme, basil, and herbs for an Italian potato dish. When you add the salt and oil, throw in 1-2 teaspoons of fresh or dried herbs for potatoes that go fantastically with chicken or pork, Use paprika and cracked red pepper for spicy potatoes. Paprika will give your roasted potatoes a delicious smoky flavor with a little bit of spice, and crushed red pepper and cayenne will give them a kick. Roast potatoes directly with turkey or chicken. You can the pan of a roast chicken with small, whole potatoes to cook them together. Simply coat the potatoes in oil like normal and line the pan with potatoes after preparing your bird. Roast other root vegetables along with your potatoes. Using the same method, you can roast a variety of vegetables for a colorful, flavorful vegetable medley. Simply add an extra tablespoon or so of oil to coat the additional veggies and season to taste -- they can all cook on the same pan! Try oven-roasting: Carrots Turnips Parsnips Red or Yellow Onions Beets Brussel Sprouts

Pre-heat your oven to 400℉. Halve or quarter the potatoes and put them in a large mixing bowl. Chop the garlic into small pieces and add to the potatoes. Add oil, salt, pepper, to the bowl and mix well. Evenly distribute the potatoes on a baking sheet. Cook the potatoes for 10 minutes before turning them. Flip the potatoes after another 10 minutes. Remove the potatoes when you can cleanly stick a fork through them. Garnish with parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or salt and pepper and serve. Change the temperature of your oven for different textures. Mix in rosemary, thyme, basil, and herbs for an Italian potato dish. Use paprika and cracked red pepper for spicy potatoes. Roast potatoes directly with turkey or chicken. Roast other root vegetables along with your potatoes.

https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Seasonal-Allergies-in-Dogs-(Home-Remedies)

How to Treat Seasonal Allergies in Dogs (Home Remedies)

To treat seasonal allergies in dogs at home, try rubbing a thin layer of chickweed or aloe vera gel on itchy, inflamed areas twice a day. Applying coconut oil can also help alleviate itchiness and reduce inflammation caused by allergies. Another option is giving the dog an oat bath. Boil a pound of oat straw in 2 quarts of water and mix it in with your dog's bathwater. You can bathe your dog in this solution every 3 days to soothe its itchy skin.

Give your dog an oat bath every 3 days to soothe itchy skin. Boil about 1 pound (0.45 kg) of oat straw in 2 US quarts (1,900 mL) of water and mix it in with your dog's bathwater. In addition to reducing itching, an oat bath is also a great way to remove allergens from your dog after it's been outside. Note that an oat bath should never be used on a dog with a yeast infection, since the carbohydrates in the oat will only make the infection worse. Try rubbing chickweed or aloe vera gel on itchy, inflamed areas. These gels have terrific anti-inflammatory and, in the case of aloe vera, antibacterial properties that make them very effective topical treatments. Apply enough gel to cover the affected area with a thin layer twice a day to help relieve your dog's symptoms. Both of these gels also have a pleasant cooling effect, which your dog will appreciate during warm weather! If you use aloe vera, make sure you only use the gel and not the leaf. The leaf contains a laxative substance which can make your dog sick. Rub coconut oil on your dog if it also suffers from flea allergies. Coconut oil, when applied topically to the skin, can help alleviate itchiness and reduce the inflammatory responses that come with allergies. It's also particularly effective at reducing the allergic reaction to fleas, but it will also work to treat your dog's seasonal allergy symptoms. The recommended dose for coconut oil is 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) per every 10 pounds (4.5 kg) of dog weight. Before you apply the coconut oil, take your dog to the vet to make sure the skin isn't infected. If your dog has an infection on its skin, the coconut oil could possibly feed it. Clean your dog’s paws and stomach when they come in from outside. This is an easy and convenient way of removing allergens from your dog when they become exposed to them outside. Use a damp towel or cloth to wipe off any pollen, dust, or dirt from your dog's body. Pay particular attention to your dog's feet, since they are more likely to pick up allergens from outside. Make sure your dog's feet are completely dry after you finishing wiping it down. If you have them, use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic pet grooming wipes to give your dog the most thorough cleaning possible. Vacuum and clean the upholstery in your home as often as possible. This will help keep the amount of allergens in your home to a minimum. Aim to vacuum once a day and to clean your home's upholstery every 3 days for best results. To clean your upholstery, first vacuum all of the upholstered furniture in your home, then spot clean dirty upholstery with a steam cleaner. Be sure to check the tag on your upholstered furniture to determine how to clean. Some furniture will be marked as dry-clean only, whereas other furniture can be safely cleaned with water. Pay special attention to those areas of your home that your dog spends the most time in. If there's a dog bed or blanket in your home, clean that in hot water every 3 days. Avoid walking your dog in the early morning and late afternoon. These are the times of day when pollen levels in the air are highest. If you have to walk your dog during these times, take special care to clean off your dog's paws and underbelly when you go back inside. Refrain from walking your dog in parks and open fields, if possible. Add allergy-fighting supplements to your dog’s diet. Quercetin is a widely recommended bioflavonoid that helps reduce inflammation and itching in response to allergies. Bromelain and papain, meanwhile, help increase the absorption of quercetin, making it more effective. Pick these supplements up from a vitamin shop or your local vet and make them part of your dog's daily diet. The right dosage of each supplement will depend on the weight and breed of your dog. Follow the instructions on the side of the pill bottle to calculate what dosage is right for your dog. Combine multiple supplements for best results, unless the instructions that come with your supplements say otherwise. Omega-3 fatty acids are also effective at reducing inflammation caused by allergies. Good sources of omega-3 include krill oil, salmon oil, and tuna oil. Be on the lookout for increased itching during allergy season. If your dog is scratching all year round, it's less likely to be because of seasonal allergies than if it's scratching a lot in the spring and summer. Your dog may also bite or chew on itself more often during this time period if it has seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies can also affect your dog's ears, causing your dog to scratch its ears, shake its head, or lose more hair around its ears during allergy season. If your dog develops puffy red eyes or a red chin during the spring, these may also be signs of seasonal allergies. Look for red spots on your dog’s skin caused by excessive scratching. You may not always see your dog scratching itself, but inflamed red spots on the skin that are tender to the touch are telltale signs of scratching a lot. Look for these spots in commonly irritated areas, including your dog's neck, the top of its head, its jawline, and down to its hind legs. You may also see what are called “hot spots” on your dog's skin. These are areas of inflamed, infected skin that are caused by your dog's natural bacteria and occur very often as a result of allergies. Take note if your dog rubs itself against furniture or the carpet a lot. This is also a sign that your dog is experiencing more itching than normal and is trying to get relief. If your dog has seasonal allergies, this behavior will also be more common during the spring and summer. This sort of behavior shouldn't involve scratching or biting at the furniture itself. If your dog is ripping up your couch cushions with its teeth, for example, this is probably not a sign of seasonal allergies.

Give your dog an oat bath every 3 days to soothe itchy skin. Try rubbing chickweed or aloe vera gel on itchy, inflamed areas. Rub coconut oil on your dog if it also suffers from flea allergies. Clean your dog’s paws and stomach when they come in from outside. Vacuum and clean the upholstery in your home as often as possible. Avoid walking your dog in the early morning and late afternoon. Add allergy-fighting supplements to your dog’s diet. Be on the lookout for increased itching during allergy season. Look for red spots on your dog’s skin caused by excessive scratching. Take note if your dog rubs itself against furniture or the carpet a lot.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Jollof-Rice-the-Ghanaian-Way

How to Cook Jollof Rice the Ghanaian Way

If you love jollof rice, you should try it the Ghanaian way. Start by frying onion, green peppers, and chilis in vegetable oil. Then, add canned tomatoes and tomato puree and let the pot simmer. When the stew starts to thicken, add a few stock cubes and your favorite spices. Pour in rice and mix it into the stew. Stir the pot regularly and keep adding water as necessary until the rice is cooked. As the rice is cooking, fry meat, tofu, or extra vegetables in another pan with some more onion and chili. Then, submerge the meat or vegetables in water and leave it to simmer for 1 hour so the flavors all infuse with each other. Finally, mix the stew with your meat or vegetables and serve your delicious Ghanian jollof rice.

Blend chili pepper and fresh/canned chopped tomatoes. Chop the onion, green pepper and any other vegetables into small pieces. Pour the cooking oil of your choice in a saucepan and heat it. Add the chopped onions and green pepper pieces. Leave on the fire till you start smelling the green pepper. Pour in the blended chili pepper and allow to simmer till it just begins to fry. Pour in the blended fresh/canned chopped tomatoes. Add the tomato puree. Allow to simmer. When the stew thickens, add the stock cube and any other spice. Taste before adding salt to know if the salt already added is sufficient. Keep stirring to ensure that the stew does not burn. Pour in the rice and stir, ensuring the rice has properly mixed with the stew. Keep stirring till you feel the rice has soaked up the flavours of the stew. Add enough water to cook the rice. Taste to check the salt content again and cover the saucepan. Allow to boil. Keep checking the progress to ensure that the rice cooks properly. Once the water drains from the rice and its softness or hardness pleases you, it is ready to be served. Add 1 diced jumbo onion, 1 habanero pepper, 3 lbs smoked turkey, and ¾ tablespoons salt to a large pot. Add 7 cups water, or just enough water to cover the top of the meat in the pot. Cover and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes on medium-high heat. Or, cook until the broth in the pot is an inch (2.5cm) from the bottom. Be sure to watch the broth level! Make sure that the broth does not fall too low. Turn off the stove. Set aside the meat and broth. Add ¼ cup oil to another pot. Turn the heat on medium-high. When the oil gets hot, add ½ diced jumbo onion. Spoon onions onto the cooked turkey. Sauté the onions and turkey for 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Let simmer for 1 hour on medium heat. Stir every 10 to 15 minutes. After simmering for 1 hour, add the broth (from the meat preparation section), ¾ tablespoon salt, and ½ clove of garlic to the pot. Stir and let simmer for 1 more hour. Stir every 10 minutes. Watch the stew level. If the stew level gets below the halfway mark of the pot, add the water and salt as needed, to keep the levels high enough. Add 6 cups jasmine rice to a bowl and wash the rice. Add the rice to the stew by the spoonful, then add a quarter tablespoon of salt. Be sure that enough rice is added. Also, do not add too much rice, or the dish will not cook well. The rice level should stay 1- 1 ½ inches below the stew level, to avoid dryness. Cover and let cook for 20 minutes on low heat. If, after 20 minutes, the rice is still hard or grainy, then mix a ½ a teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of water together and sprinkle over the rice. Cook for 15 more minutes on low heat. Keep adding water on rice until rice is soft. Check the texture. The rice should now have a characteristic orange color. Add the ½ a clove of garlic to the rice. Let it cook for 10 more minutes.

Blend chili pepper and fresh/canned chopped tomatoes. Pour the cooking oil of your choice in a saucepan and heat it. Pour in the blended chili pepper and allow to simmer till it just begins to fry. When the stew thickens, add the stock cube and any other spice. Pour in the rice and stir, ensuring the rice has properly mixed with the stew. Add enough water to cook the rice. Keep checking the progress to ensure that the rice cooks properly. Add 1 diced jumbo onion, 1 habanero pepper, 3 lbs smoked turkey, and ¾ tablespoons salt to a large pot. Add 7 cups water, or just enough water to cover the top of the meat in the pot. Cover and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes on medium-high heat. Turn off the stove. Add ¼ cup oil to another pot. Spoon onions onto the cooked turkey. Sauté the onions and turkey for 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Let simmer for 1 hour on medium heat. After simmering for 1 hour, add the broth (from the meat preparation section), ¾ tablespoon salt, and ½ clove of garlic to the pot. Stir and let simmer for 1 more hour. Add 6 cups jasmine rice to a bowl and wash the rice. Cover and let cook for 20 minutes on low heat. Cook for 15 more minutes on low heat. Check the texture.

https://www.wikihow.com/Perform-Ishraq-Prayer

How to Perform Ishraq Prayer

Start your Ishraq prayer standing and facing the Qibla while you consider your intentions for the prayer. Once you are ready, begin the first rak'ah. After reciting Surah Fatiha, recite another surah. Then, complete the first rak'ah and move into the second rak'ah, repeating what you did in the first rak'ah. You can repeat as many rakats as you'd like before finishing your prayer.

Set an alarm to wake up at sunrise. The Ishraq prayer is an optional prayer, or salah, that is done about 15-20 minutes after the sun rises. Before you go to bed, research what time the sun will rise in your city for the next day, and set an alarm for that time. If you lose track of time, just look at the position of the sun over the horizon. If the sun is completely risen and no parts of it appear to be touching the horizon, you can begin your prayer. Get rid of anything in the room that might distract you. While you're praying, you should be extremely focused and not thinking about anything other than the task at hand. Remove your phone from your room, turn off the television, and take a moment of complete silence to center yourself. It's okay to have a fan running or noise in the background if you can't turn it off. Just be sure to work on blocking out the noise while you're praying. Perform wudu to prepare your body for salah. In Islam, you have to be pure before praying. Since you've just woken up to say Ishraq, you'll have to clean yourself before praying. Wudu includes washing your hands, mouth, face, arms, hair, and feet three times each. Wudu must be performed in the specific ritual order, starting with the hands, then moving to the mouth and face, then lower arms, then the hair, and then the feet. You only have to wash your hair once, from the forehead to the back of the head. Turn your body to face Qibla. In Islam, worshippers face the Holy Mosque in Mecca while they are praying. It's a very special place of worship for Muslims around the world, and is the location of the Kaaba, an important relic. If you're not sure what direction to face, try downloading a “Qibla compass” app on your phone. This is a modified compass that points in the direction of the Holy Mosque. In the United States, many people disagree on what direction they should face to say prayers, but most North American Muslims face North East when they pray. Consider your intentions for saying Ishraq. It's important to understand your reasons for praying. Think about how many rak'ahs you will perform and why you're doing them. You can say “I pray two rak'ah Ishraq for Allah while facing toward Kaaba.” Some people pray Ishraq because they have sinned, but others pray it because they feel it's a way to start the day on a positive note. Your intention could also be something like “Today is a holiday, and I am performing Ishraq prayer to encourage good deeds in the world in the name of Allah.” Alternatively, your intention might be something like “Yesterday, I had a bad day and committed a sin. I am performing Ishraq prayer to make up for the negative actions I took.” Start the prayer. Read Surah Fatiha and another surah. Bow down into ruku, and then prostrate into sujood. Be sure to say the surahs in Arabic because they come from the Quran. Personal prayers can be said in your native language. Do another rak'ah. When you start the second rak'ah and return to the standing position, recite the Surah Fatiha again. Recite another surah, and then, continue with the rak'ah. Say as many rakats as you feel are necessary. Ishraq only requires you to perform two rakats for your prayers, but you can say more if you want to. Many Muslims believe that Ishraq is a very powerful prayer, so doing more rak'ahs can help you to achieve your intention for the prayer. Most people say an even number of rakats for Ishraq, even if they perform more than the required amount.

Set an alarm to wake up at sunrise. Get rid of anything in the room that might distract you. Perform wudu to prepare your body for salah. Turn your body to face Qibla. Consider your intentions for saying Ishraq. Start the prayer. Do another rak'ah. Say as many rakats as you feel are necessary.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Your-Cat-from-Eating-Grass

How to Stop Your Cat from Eating Grass

If you want to stop your cat from eating grass, keep it on the sidewalk, driveway, or porch whenever you take it outside, or keep it indoors, instead. You could also train it by clapping your hands loudly whenever it eats grass. This will cause your cat to associate eating grass with an unpleasantly loud sound, and hopefully deter it from ever eating grass again. However, if your cat continues to eat grass and get sick, take it to the vet for a physical exam. Sometimes, cats will eat grass because they are missing certain nutrients in their diet, so ask your vet to run a blood test for nutritional deficits, if you think that could be the problem.

Keep your cat in a grass-free area outside. If you want to take your cat outdoors to get exercise or some sunshine, they may end up eating grass. To keep your cat away from grass, contain them to a sidewalk or driveway, a back deck, or a sun porch. You may also take your cat out on a leash. Keep your cat indoors. If your cat has become obsessed with eating grass, you may need to remove them from all sources of grass. If your cat is an outdoor cat or is allowed to go outside, you should bring them inside so they can't eat any grass. You may need to keep your cat away from grass for days or weeks to help break the habit. Try to modify the behavior. To help keep your cat from eating grass, you may need to modify their behavior. This means trying to use negative reinforcement to train the cat not to eat the grass. Go outside with your cat and try to deter them from eating grass. For example, if the cat starts to eat grass, clap your hands loudly to scare the cat. You may also try shaking something loud, like a can full of pennies, to distract the cat from eating grass. Eventually, the cat will connect the unpleasant, startling sound with eating grass and stop eating it. Do not hit, yell, or scold the cat to keep them from eating grass. Alter the cat’s diet. Sometimes your cat may eat grass to get missing nutrients. To help your cat with this problem, you can try changing their diet. Feed your pet a cat food that provides balanced nutrition to ensure they are getting the nutrition they need. The vet may may be able to run blood tests to check for any nutritional deficits. Take your cat to the vet. If your cat continues to eat grass and gets sick, then you may want to take them to the veterinarian. Grass may make your cat vomit often or have diarrhea. This can lead to health problems, so you want to get your cat checked out. Your cat may have a problem if they eat a lot of grass at once or eats it every day. Your vet will do a physical exam to check for any problems with your cat. If your vet suspects there is an underlying medical condition, they will perform tests to figure out if anything is causing the grass eating. For example, a cat with OCD may obsessively eat grass, which your vet can treat with medication. Provide grass indoors. If you have an indoor cat who wants to eat grass, you may want to buy indoor grass from a florist or flower shop. Pet shops also offer cat friendly grass, such as wheat, oat, or ryegrass. This can provide your cat with a safe way to eat grass. You may also grow your own grass in a small pot or window box for your cat. Wheat, oat, or ryegrass can be very nutritional for your cat's digestive tract. Grass you grow yourself will be safe from any pesticides or contaminated pet waste. Make sure to keep your grass pesticide free. If you have an outdoor cat or your indoor cat goes outside, they may eat grass from your lawn. This grass may have pesticides, bug sprays, or weed killers on it. This grass may also contain urine or feces from your pets, or from neighborhood or wild animals. Try to keep your grass pesticide free, and clean up after your pets when they go to the bathroom. Keep toxic-free houseplants. If your cat won't stop eating grass, you may try to keep them inside to prevent them from being around grass. However, if your cat really wants to eat grass, they may start eating houseplants or flowers inside your home. Many of these things can be toxic to cats. If your cat has been eating grass, figure out if any houseplants your cat can eat are toxic to cats. You can look the flower or plant up online or consult your vet. It won't take much of a toxic plant to harm your pet. Know that cats may eat grass to throw up. One theory of why a cat eat grass is that if a cat eats grass, they will throw it back up. This happens because the cat doesn't have digestive enzymes that are needed to break down the grass and digest it. A cat may eat grass to rid their stomach of any indigestible contents that is inside it. Your cat licks their fur to groom, and this causes hair to get in their digestive tract. They may need the grass to help throw it up or pass it through defecation. Cats often eat prey whole, which means matter that the cat is unable to digest is in their stomach, such as bones, fur, or feathers. Understand that your cat may be getting essential nutrients. Cats may eat grass because they need an essential nutrient, folic acid. Grass contains folic acid, which the cat needs for proper bodily functions. Folic acid also helps the cat produce hemoglobin. If your cat is eating a few blades of grass occasionally, they may be trying to get folic acid. Notice if your cat is constipated. Another reason your cat may be eating grass is because they are constipated. Grass may act as a laxative to help any indigestible material that has moved deeper in the digestive tract continue moving through so your cat can eliminate it through defecation. You cat may eat grass if they are having indigestion.

Keep your cat in a grass-free area outside. Keep your cat indoors. Try to modify the behavior. Alter the cat’s diet. Take your cat to the vet. Provide grass indoors. Make sure to keep your grass pesticide free. Keep toxic-free houseplants. Know that cats may eat grass to throw up. Understand that your cat may be getting essential nutrients. Notice if your cat is constipated.

https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Homophobic-Bullying

How to Deal With Homophobic Bullying

To deal with homophobic bullying, try to avoid reacting to the behavior, since the bully's goal is to upset you. Next, take a few slow, deep breaths to calm yourself down before attempting to deal with the situation. Then, look the bully in the eyes and tell them to stop in a calm, direct tone of voice. If the bullying doesn't stop right then, walk away to prevent the situation from escalating. Remember that bullying is never okay and it's not your fault. Talk to someone you trust, like a friend, parent, or counselor, so you don't have to deal with it alone.

Don't react to the bully. Most of the time, people bully because they want to get a reaction from you. Homophobic bullies try to use your sexual orientation as a way to upset you and make themselves feel better about something they don't understand. Deal with it by not giving them the satisfaction of a response. Responding to the bully when you are upset could cause you to say or do something that could make the situation worse, like getting into a physical altercation. Don't react even if you aren't homosexual and the bully is saying that you are. Denying it will give the bully a reason to continue bothering you. If you haven't come out yet, reacting to the bully might cause you to accidentally out yourself out of anger. Just walk past them and ignore their comments and taunts. If you can't walk away, then turn your attention to something else. If the bullying is happening online, you still shouldn't respond. Posting a response could make the situation worse. Block the bully or hide their posts on your feed. It may also help to stop using social media altogether for a while. Calm down. It's easy to get upset when someone is bullying you because of your sexual orientation. You may feel extremely angry, humiliated, anxious, or afraid. Deal with the situation by calming down first. Take a few deep, slow breaths to slow your heart rate and help you calm down. Take at least 3 deep breaths, but more if you need to. Relax your shoulders and release any tension you are holding in your body. You may need to think to yourself, “Relax your shoulders. Good. Relax your hands.” Show confidence. You can deal with the homophobic bully by showing them how confident you are. This will show the bully that what they are doing has no power over you. They may lose interest in bullying you when they realize they don't intimidate you. Even if you don't feel confident, act like you do. You are the only person that knows that you are nervous, so try not to let it show. Take a deep breath. Stand up straight, with your head up, and shoulders back. If and when you talk to the bully, use a confident tone by keeping your voice calm, clear, and steady. Look the bully in the eyes when you interact with them (and anyone else). This lets them know you aren't afraid. Tell them to stop once you are calm. You can deal with homophobic bullying by telling the person to stop doing it. Letting them know in a direct way that you don't like what they are doing and want them to quit may be enough to make them to stop. Try saying something like, “Stop bothering me. My sexuality has nothing to do with you, so leave me alone.” If it's online bullying, you can send the person a private message telling them that their posts bother you and that they need to stop. You could even say something as simple as, “Leave me alone.” If they don't stop bullying right then, don't get into a confrontation. Just walk away before the situation gets out of hand. Have a talk with them. Sometimes the bullying is because the person isn't informed about your sexuality or aware that what they are doing is hurtful. Explaining how their words and actions hurt you could help them to stop. Older people may have been raised to believe that homosexuality is wrong and may say things that are hurtful without meaning to. Your friends may not understand that saying things like “that's gay” all the time hurts your feelings and is bullying. Try saying, “What you said hurt my feelings. Being gay is a part of who I am, but not all that I am. Would you like to talk about it so you can understand more?” Talking to your bully can be difficult or frightening. Consider bringing a supportive friend, family member, or authority figure (like a teacher or boss) along for help and moral support. Involve an adult if you are a child or teenager. They can help you deal with the homophobic bullying by making the bully stop, protecting you, and giving you advice. If the bullying involves any type of physical contact or threats of harm or violence, you should immediately tell an adult like your parents, teachers, coach, or religious leader. You could say, “I need to talk to you about something that's been going on. Someone has been bullying me because I'm a lesbian.” Give them details like when it started, how long it's been going on, who is doing, and exactly what they are doing. You can still tell an adult, even if you haven't come out yet. You can tell them, “I'm a victim of bullying” without confirming or denying your sexual orientation. If the first adult you talk to refuses to help you, don't give up. Ask someone else, and don't stop asking around until you find someone willing to help. You should not have to face bullying alone. Tell someone you trust. You shouldn't have to go through this alone and you don't have to. Tell someone close to you what's going on. They can help you deal with the homophobic bullying and the effects it may be having on you. Talk to your friends about how you feel about the bullying. Don't be afraid to tell them when you are feeling depressed, anxious, or scared. That's what friends are for. Your friends can help figure out ways to deal with the bullying and even help stand up for you. Don't be embarrassed to tell your friends that you are being bullied because of your sexual orientation, even if you haven't come out to them. If they know don't know about your sexuality, you might just say, “Hey, guys, there's a group of kids that harass me after school.” You can tell your friend something like, “I want to talk to you about someone bothering me,” if you don't want to out yourself to your friend yet. Hang out with a group. This will help you deal with what's going on, because bullies usually wait until you're alone to bother you. Not only can hanging around people that care about you help you feel good about yourself, but they can also help keep you safe from the bully, if necessary. Avoid being around the bully by yourself. Ask a friend (or 3) to go with you when you're going places that the bully will be. Spend time with friends doing things that make you feel good about yourself, like volunteering or taking a class. Talk to a professional. Sometimes the effects of homophobic bullying can be extremely bad. You may experience depression, anxiety, or even suicidal thoughts. Talking to a professional like a therapist, counselor, doctor, psychologist, or religious leader can help you deal with the bullying and its effects on you. A therapist or counselor can teach you effective coping methods and relaxation techniques to help with the stress of being bullied. They can also help you deal with any negative feelings or lowered self-esteem you are experiencing. This is especially important if you haven't come out yet. They will not try to make you be straight (or gay), but they can help you with any feelings or difficulties you are having about your sexuality. You can ask your physician, school counselor, human resource department at work, or a trusted friend for a referral to a good counselor, therapist, etc. If you feel scared or believe that you are in danger from your bully, report the bullying to the police and/or to the administration at your school or workplace. Keep a journal about the bullying. Keeping your feelings about the bullying and how it makes you feel about yourself and your sexual orientation bottled up can cause you long-term problems. Deal with the homophobic bullying by writing about it in your journal. You can use your journal as a way to document the things that are happening in case you need it later. Write about what feelings you have when you are bullied and afterwards. Write about why you think the bullying makes you feel this way. Write an entry or 2 about how the bullying is affecting how you feel about your sexuality and your decision to come out (if you are homosexual and haven't come out yet). Take care of your health. Bullying of any kind can have a negative impact on your physical, mental and emotional health. You may find that you are anxious, moody, or that you have trouble concentrating, sleeping, or eating. Taking care of your health helps you deal with effects the homophobic bullying may have. Make sure you are getting regular physical activity. Walking, doing yoga, or playing sports can improve your health and help you deal with the stress of being bullied. Have a regular sleep routine and schedule. It can be easy to lose sleep over a bully, but doing so will cause you to be even more anxious, irritable, and stop you from thinking clearly. Try not to skip meals or eat just because you are emotional. Eat meals and snacks that are healthy on a regular schedule. Avoid using drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with the bullying. Doing this will cause you more long-term problems than the bullying will. Don’t blame yourself. You may feel that you have done something to deserve the bullying or even that because you are homosexual, it is something you just have to deal with. It's not. Understanding that being bullied is not your fault will help you deal with it happening to you. Remind yourself that the bully is the person with the problem and their words and actions prove it. Remember that whether you are homosexual or not, or out or not, you don't deserve to be bullied. Tell yourself, “This bullying is a reflection of them, not me. I didn't do anything to make this happen. I don't deserve it and I won't tolerate it.” Use stress-reduction methods. They can help you deal with bullying when it is happening, but they also are a way of being less stressed and more peaceful long-term. Making an effort to regularly reduce your overall level of stress will help you deal with homophobic bullying when it happens, too. Even just regular deep breathing and stretching (like right when you wake up) can have positive effects on your mood and health. Regular meditation can help you with anxiety when you experience bullying and help you handle everyday stress better. Physical activity on a regular basis can improve your health and allow you to blow off steam when you need to. Doing things like painting, sculpting, and gardening can calm you as well as give you a sense of purpose. Support victims of bullying. Don't ignore bullying of any kind. You can deal with someone else being bullied because of their sexual orientation if you take action. Just knowing that someone cares and is there for them can help someone that is experiencing homophobic bullying. Hang out with the bullying victim. This may help them feel better about themselves. It can also discourage the bully from bothering them anymore. Tell the bully to stop. You could say something like, “Bro, leave him alone. He hasn't done anything to you.” Immediately tell someone of authority like law enforcement, religious leaders, or teachers if the bully is threatening to physically hurt or does hurt the other person. Speak up. If you are comfortable doing so, then say something when your friends, family, or others are saying or doing things that are homophobic. This is a good way to deal with homophobic bullying because it lets the bully know that what they are doing isn't okay. You could look confused and say, “I'm sorry, but what does being gay have to do with anything? No one cares about that type of stuff anymore,” if you hear someone make a homophobic comment. You don't have to confront the bully, but you can do something like make a joke to break the tension of the moment. For example, you might say with a laugh, “That reminds me of my grandma – talking about sexuality and stuff like that. She can be so old-fashioned. She even calls DVDs silver movies.” This takes the pressure off of the bullying victim and expresses that homophobic bullying isn't cool without directly confronting the bully. Become active in your community. One great way that you can deal with homophobic bullying is to speak out against it and participate in your local LGBT community. Educating people about bullying and about homosexuality can go a long way toward ending homophobic bullying. Plan an event or participate in one for International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia on May 17th. Work with your school or work leaders to make sure anti-bullying policies are in-place and that people are trained to deal with issues such as homophobic bullying.

Don't react to the bully. Calm down. Show confidence. Tell them to stop once you are calm. Have a talk with them. Involve an adult if you are a child or teenager. Tell someone you trust. Hang out with a group. Talk to a professional. Keep a journal about the bullying. Take care of your health. Don’t blame yourself. Use stress-reduction methods. Support victims of bullying. Speak up. Become active in your community.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Puppy-Chow-Without-Peanut-Butter

How to Make Puppy Chow Without Peanut Butter

To make puppy chow without peanut butter, put 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave them for 1 minute, stirring until there are no lumps. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla and stir the mixture until it's combined. Then, pour 4.5 cups of Chex cereal into a large bowl, and pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal. Mix everything together with a spatula, and then pour the chocolate coated cereal and 3/4 cup of powdered sugar in a bag. Shake the bag until the powdered sugar sticks to the chocolate, and then pour the puppy chow into a bowl to serve!

Put chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute and stir until well blended. Add vanilla and stir. Put Chex cereal into a large bowl. Pour chocolate mix over the cereal and stir. Once cereal is coated and after it is cooled, pour cereal and powdered sugar in a bag, seal bag, and shake. Pour into a bowl and enjoy!

Put chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute and stir until well blended. Add vanilla and stir. Put Chex cereal into a large bowl. Pour chocolate mix over the cereal and stir. Once cereal is coated and after it is cooled, pour cereal and powdered sugar in a bag, seal bag, and shake. Pour into a bowl and enjoy!

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Wheat-Paste

How to Make Wheat Paste

To make wheat paste, start by bringing 3/4 cup of water to a boil in a saucepan. Then, in a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of flour and some room temperature water until the mixture is runny enough to pour. Next, pour the runny flour mixture into the boiling water, stirring continuously so it doesn't burn or form lumps. Finally, once the mixture is thick and smooth, which can take between 2 and 10 minutes, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

Boil a pot of water. Pour 3/4 cup (200 mL) water into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Whisk the flour and cool water together. Take 3 Tbsp (50 mL) flour or starch and gradually add room temperature water while stirring or whisking. Stop when all the flour is wet and the mixture is runny enough to pour. Stir the runny mixture into the boiling water. Once the water is boiled, add the flour mixture while stirring constantly. The mixture will foam as it boils. Stirring or whisking prevents the mixture from boiling over, burning, or forming lumps. To reduce the chance of these mishaps, make a double boiler by placing the pot of wheat paste in a larger pot containing roughly 2 cups (500 mL) boiling water. If it thickens too much to stir, add more water. Remove from heat when thick and smooth. This can take anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes. If using starch, the mixture will be translucent when ready. Perfect the batch. In many cases the batch will be ready to use once it cools. However, it's easy to make adjustments while the goop is still hot: If the batch isn't sticky enough, stir in sugar or white glue. Begin with 3 Tbsp (50 mL) sugar or glue and add more if necessary. To preserve the mixture longer and deter bugs from eating it, mix in a small amount of copper sulphate. Let the mixture cool. Once at room temperature it should hold together as a gluey gelatinous paste. Each brand of flour and starch is a little different, so the exact consistency will vary. As long as there are no lumps it should work well. To remove lumps from the paste, strain it through a thin sieve or pair of tights. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Left at room temperature, the paste will begin to smell after 2 days and grow mold within a week. Even for pastes without copper sulphate, there are easy ways to extend this shelf life: Reheat unused paste in a covered container after each project to sterilize it. Pour a little water on top of the paste for storage. If the paste is cool the water will sit on top of the paste and prevent mold from reaching it. Pour out the water again before using. Apply paste to a surface. Using your preferred tool (such as a paintbrush or your gloved hands), apply a liberal coat of paste to a wall. It will adhere strongly to wood, stone, and most other surfaces. Remove any lumps from the paste to prevent bubbles and lumps from tearing the poster. Attaching posters to other people's property or in public places is illegal in some regions. Stick the poster or art onto the pasted surface. Do this slowly, rolling it up from one side to prevent wrinkles from forming. For very large posters or high surfaces, a push broom may be useful. Apply additional paste over the poster. A glossy, sticky layer over the whole poster will dry into a strong adherent. If you used whole wheat flour, the paste may have brown flecks or tinge. Apply such paste lightly to avoid obscuring the poster. If you don't have enough time or paste to cover the entire poster, prioritize the corners or furthest edges. Decorate an Object using Decoupage. Wheat paste is an excellent glue to use in paper-based crafts. . Create Sculptures from Waste Paper Wheat paste is strong enough to support three dimensional sculptures as well, although you should mix in glue or sugar if your batch comes out too weak. Repair a Book's Binding. Many bookbinders prefer homemade paste to store bought glue, or use a mix of paste and specialized "PVA glue". Some bookbinders recommend using starch powder rather than flour to create a more transparent paste.

Boil a pot of water. Whisk the flour and cool water together. Stir the runny mixture into the boiling water. Remove from heat when thick and smooth. Perfect the batch. Let the mixture cool. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Apply paste to a surface. Stick the poster or art onto the pasted surface. Apply additional paste over the poster. Decorate an Object using Decoupage. . Repair a Book's Binding.

https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Twist-Out

How to Do a Twist Out

To do a twist out, start by washing your hair and blotting it dry with a towel so it's damp but not soaked. Then, work some oil or leave-in conditioner into your hair, and detangle it using a wide-toothed comb. Next, divide your hair into 4 sections, and twist small chunks of your hair in each section into tight coils until all of your hair is coiled. Finally, let your hair dry completely before unraveling all of the coils.

Shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Go through your standard shower routine and wash your hair thoroughly with both shampoo and conditioner. Make sure to fully rinse out these products with water. Clean hair responds better to styling products and is more likely to hold a twist. Choose products that are sulfate-free to shampoo and condition your hair. Blot your hair with a microfiber towel or t-shirt. Twists will not stay put with soaking wet hair, but your hair should be damp for doing a twist out. Gently blot your hair with a microfiber towel or t-shirt to speed up the drying process. You can also carefully use a blow dryer on a low setting. If you accidentally fully dry your hair, just give it a few quick spritzes with a spray bottle before continuing on to styling. Overdrying your hair can also lead to frizziness, which can loosen the curl. Keep a spray bottle of water nearby, so that you can mist your hair if it starts to dry out while you are curling. Rub a curl crème or natural oil on to your hair. Place a few drops of crème or oil on your fingertips. Start applying the oil to the ends of your hair. Then, work your way upwards toward your scalp. Try to evenly apply it so that every strand is touched. A leave-in conditioner is another product that you can use for this stage. If you prefer a natural oil, many people find using a coconut product keeps their hair manageable and smelling nice. Detangle your damp hair using a wide-toothed comb. Start at the bottom tips of your hair and work your way upwards to your scalp. Use the comb and your fingertips to divide any knots. By the end of the process, your hair should feel smooth to the touch and easy to divide. Separate your hair into sections with a wide-toothed comb. Place your comb against your scalp and move downwards to create a separate section. Repeat this process until you have as many sections as you like, usually 4-6 is standard. If you do larger sections, then the waves will be loose. If you have smaller sections, then the waves will be tight. To keep your sections apart, you can secure each one with a clip or loose tie. Use a single-strand technique if you have more time. Grasp a section of your hair at the root and gently twist in a single direction either outward or inward. Keep going until you've created a tight coil. Repeat with the rest of your hair's sections. To keep them tight, you may need to massage some gel or oil on to the surface of the coils. This method generally works best when you've divided your hair into many small sections. A single-strand twist is also called a finger coil. Go with a 2-strand twist technique if you are a beginner. This is a great way to learn the basic twist-out method. Take a section of your hair and divide it into 2 strands. Pull the hair tight and twist the 2 strands around one another. Keep going until you reach the end of your hair for that section. Then, repeat the process with a new section. You'll also want to apply gel or oil with your fingertips when twisting, especially at the ends of the hair. This will help to moisturize your hair and secure the ends. Make a flat twist if you want more curl definition. Go to the top of a section of hair. Divide the section into 2 separate strands. Then, twist these strands over and under. Keep the twist flat against the scalp and pick up extra hair from the section as you go along. The final result for each section should look like a flat, 2-strand twist. Repeat with the other sections. Let your hair dry completely. Your twists will need to be totally dry from root to tip before you attempt unravelling them. You can actually let your twists set for 2-3 days if you like. They double as a separate hairstyle as long as they are neat, but you can cover them with a scarf if they look messy. Just make sure to lightly mist them with water each day to keep them from frizzing. If you decide to untwist your hair on the same day, use a hair dryer on them to ensure that they are completely dry. You may also let the twists dry overnight and then take them out the next day. Rub a natural oil or conditioning lotion on your hands. Re-apply as needed during the twist-out process. If your hair seems dry or becomes tangled, massage it with coconut oil to work the strands apart. Separate single-strand twists slowly. Grasp each single coil by its end. Then, twist in the opposite direction. When it is fully untwisted, divide the coil into 2 sections. Then, twist each of these new sections back into the direction of the starter coil. Repeat with all of your coils. This will create a series of small finger coils. Separate and fluff 2-strand twists with your fingertips. Grasp a single coil at the bottom with your oiled fingertips. Move your fingers through the coil and break it up gently. If you want a fluffier curl for extra volume, break up the coils more. For a tighter look, only slightly unravel each coil. You can also use a comb to pick at the roots and lift them a bit for extra volume. Unravel a flat-twist by simply pulling it apart. You can follow essentially the same method as you would with a 2-strand twist. Start at the bottom of each coil and work your fingertips upwards. Untwist the coil at the same time that you fluff it slightly. You can also pull a flat-twist a bit away from your scalp to give it some volume.

Shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Blot your hair with a microfiber towel or t-shirt. Rub a curl crème or natural oil on to your hair. Detangle your damp hair using a wide-toothed comb. Separate your hair into sections with a wide-toothed comb. Use a single-strand technique if you have more time. Go with a 2-strand twist technique if you are a beginner. Make a flat twist if you want more curl definition. Let your hair dry completely. Rub a natural oil or conditioning lotion on your hands. Separate single-strand twists slowly. Separate and fluff 2-strand twists with your fingertips. Unravel a flat-twist by simply pulling it apart.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-PVC-Fence

How to Clean a PVC Fence

To clean a PVC fence, start by hosing down a small section of the fence. Then, use a brush, sponge, or wet cloth to scrub down the sprayed section to remove any dirt and debris. Once you've scrubbed the area, rinse it off with water and then continue this process until the whole fence has been cleaned. If you notice any stains or buildup after you've rinsed the fence, scrub them with a mixture of water and either vinegar or dish detergent before hosing off the area.

Hose off a portion of the fence first. Attach a spray nozzle to your garden hose. Set it to its jet setting. Blast away as much debris as you can from a section of your fence. Start at the top and work your way down to the bottom of the fence so debris is forced downward. You're going to scrub it next while it's still wet, so only hose off a few feet at a time so it doesn't dry off. Scrub while it’s still wet. Use a brush, sponge, or wet cloth. Scrub the area that you just hosed down. Wash off as much dirt, debris, or staining as you can with water alone. If you have one, you could use a long-handled brush that attaches to the hose to scrub down the fence. Repeat until the whole fence is finished. Move on to the next section of your fence. Hose it down and scrub away. Continue until the whole length of your fence has been hosed and scrubbed. Washing your fence with plain water once or twice a year should prevent buildup and the need for stronger cleaners. Identify trouble areas. Take a step back and look at your handiwork. Assess which areas appear sufficiently clean and which require something tougher than plain water alone. Use other cleaners only where necessary. Expect most (if not all) cleaners to be harmful to any vegetation growing below and/or along the fence line. Protect your grass, flowers, or other plants by using something harsher than plain water only when and where you really have to. Decide on a cleaner. If water alone doesn't do the trick, don't worry about having to go out and buy something special for the job. Expect common household items to do the trick. Use either: Bleach Vinegar Mild dish detergent Double-check recommendations from the fence’s manufacturer. Keep in mind that different manufacturers use different components to make their own PVC fences. Be aware that what's safe to use on one may not be safe to use on another. Before you use any product other than water on your fence, refer to your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm what chemicals are safe to use. Start with a mild solution. Remember that many cleaning agents will kill vegetation along the fenceline. Play it safe and start by mixing a very small amount of bleach, vinegar, or dish detergent into a full bucket of water (like an ounce for every gallon of water). See how well this works before adding more. If the buildup in question is mold and mildew, opt for bleach. This will clean the present growth as well as prevent future buildup. However, remember that this may also harm underlying vegetation, and may not be recommended by particular manufacturers for your specific fence. Test it on a hidden portion of the fence. Before you start washing away with your cleaning solution, make sure it won't adversely affect its appearance, especially if it's painted a dark color. Pick an area hidden from view where a blemish won't stick out. Wet your brush, sponge, or cloth in the solution and dab the fence with it. Let it dry and judge its appearance before washing elsewhere. Scrub and rinse. Soak your brush, sponge, or cloth in your solution. Wring out the excess. Scrub the trouble areas. Use your hose to rinse them off afterward. Alternatively, you could use a pump sprayer to apply cleaning solution to the fence. Then scrub the fence down and rinse it off. Scrape off any crusted or dried spots. If any stubborn spots appear to have dried or crusted over your fence, grab a soft plastic scraper if your brush, sponge, or cloth didn't do the job. Wet the area again with your cleaning solution. Then pick away at them while being careful not to apply so much pressure that you scratch or otherwise damage the fence. Rinse again. Hose off each area of the fence where you used your cleaning solution. Wash away all traces of your cleaner. Get rid of any soapy film so new dirt doesn't have a helping hand in clinging to your fence.

Hose off a portion of the fence first. Scrub while it’s still wet. Repeat until the whole fence is finished. Identify trouble areas. Use other cleaners only where necessary. Decide on a cleaner. Double-check recommendations from the fence’s manufacturer. Start with a mild solution. Test it on a hidden portion of the fence. Scrub and rinse. Scrape off any crusted or dried spots. Rinse again.

https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Typing-Speed

How to Improve Typing Speed

To improve typing speed, take online typing tests that can be tailored to your level of experience and track your progress. Additionally, use online typing games that can provide helpful tips, exercises, and fun games to keep you motivated. You'll also want to work on looking at the screen instead of your fingers since this will make you a faster typist. Also, try to practice typing every day since regular practice will help you get faster in a shorter amount of time.

Find a keyboard that you're comfortable with. Keyboards come in different shapes, including ergonomic models that may be feel more comfortable while you're typing. If you aren't typing effectively with your current keyboard, you may want to test some ergonomic keyboards to find one that offers more comfort while you're working. Keep the size of the keys in mind. The larger they are, the easier it will be to type. That means you may want to look for a keyboard where the keys that you use most often, such as the letters and numbers, are larger than other keys. A keyboard with concave keys that fit the shape of your fingers is a good option if you're looking to eliminate errors in your typing as you try to increase your speed. It's best to choose a keyboard with keys that have strong tactile feedback, which means they offer enough resistance to alert you that the stroke has registered. The resistance also keeps you from accidentally hitting keys as you're typing, so you can type more quickly. Familiarize yourself with the keyboard. While most keyboards have a fairly standard set-up, some may have different features or different layouts. Make sure to read the instructions or manual that comes with your keyboard so you know what all of the keys do and what shortcuts may be useful to you. Once you understand what all of the keys do, try to create a visual layout of the keyboard in your mind that you can call upon when you're typing. Many keyboards are equipped with time-saving keys that provide shortcuts for common commands or keystrokes. Be sure to read up on your keyboard's shortcuts to help increase your speed. Arrange your fingers properly. The most important step to improving your typing speed is ensuring that you place your fingers correctly on the keyboard. Rest the index finger of your left hand on the “F” key and the index finger of your right hand on the “J” key. These two keys usually have slight bumps on their surface, so you can feel for them without actually looking at the keyboard. The other three fingers on your left hand should rest on the “A,” “S,” and “D” keys, while the the other three fingers on your right hand should rest on the “K,” “L,” and “;” keys. Place your thumbs on the space bar. The row with the “A,” “S,” “D,” “F,” “J,” “K,” “L,” and “;” keys is known as the home run because it's the row that your fingers always start at and return to while you're typing. When you arrange your fingers on the keyboard, curve them slightly, but keep your hands relaxed. Make sure that your keyboard is centered directly in front of your body. Use the proper fingers to strike the other keys. When you're typing, you will hit all of the keys on your keyboard from the home position. That means certain fingers are designated to strike certain keys for the most efficient typing. In most cases, you'll use the same fingers from the home row to hit the keys that line up in the rows above and below. Strike the “1,” “2,” “Q,” and “Z” keys, in addition to the “A” key, with your left pinky. Strike the “3,” “W”, and “X” keys, in addition to the “S” key, with your left ring finger. Strike the “4,” “E”, and “C” keys, in addition to the “D” key, with your left middle finger. Strike the “5,” “6,” “R,” “T,” “G,” “V,” and “B” keys, in addition to the “F” key, with your left index finger. Strike the “7,” “Y,” “U,” “H,” “N,” and “M” keys, in addition to the “J” key, with your right index finger. Strike the “8,” “I,” and “,” keys, in addition to the “K” with your right middle finger. Strike the “9,” “O,” and “.” keys, in addition to the “L” key, with your right ring finger. Strike the “0,” “-,” “=,” “P,” “[,” “],” “',” and “/” keys, in addition to the “;” key, with your right pinky. Hit the “Shift” key with the pinky on the opposite hand from the finger that you're using to strike the other key. Hit the spacebar with whichever thumb feels most comfortable to you. Practice regularly. As with most skills, the only way to truly improve your typing speed is to practice on a regular basis. The more that you type, the more comfortable you'll become with the layout of the keyboard and the proper positioning of your fingers. You'll also develop muscle memory when you're typing common letter combinations, so your typing will become faster and more accurate. One of the best ways to practice is to repeatedly type sample passages over and over again. You can find plenty of passages online that are geared toward improving your typing accuracy and speed. When you're practicing, focus on accuracy first. Make sure that you're typing each word correctly and achieving proper spacing and punctuation. Once you feel like your typing has become accurate, you can work on improving your speed. Practice doesn't just mean taking online typing tests. Writing emails to friends and family and posting on online forums can help sharpen your typing skills and increase your speed. Take regular breaks. While practicing is key to improving your typing speed, make sure to take breaks as needed. If you push yourself too hard, you run the risk of wearing yourself out, or even worse, suffering an injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. When you start to feel any discomfort in your hands or wrists, stop typing for a little while to give yourself time to rest. To keep yourself from working too hard, set up a practice schedule by designating a certain amount of time each day to practice your typing. However, build breaks into your schedule to keep yourself fresh. For example, you might decide to type for 30 minutes each day, taking breaks every ten minutes or so. Keep your eyes on the screen. Your natural instinct may be to look down at the keyboard as you're typing. However, looking at the keys actually slows down your typing and increases the chance of errors. As you type, keep your eyes on the screen instead to use the technique known as touch typing. You may see a slight increase in errors when your first start using this method, but you'll quickly learn the layout of the keyboard and position of the keys, which will improve your typing speed. When learning how to type without looking at the keyboard, consider covering your hands with a cloth, piece of paper, or cardboard, so you're unable to see the keys even if you peek. While you should try to keep your gaze on the computer screen as much as possible, it's okay to cheat occasionally and glance down at the keyboard to ensure that you know where the keys are. Take online typing tests. If you want to see how efficient your typing is, you can use a variety of online typing tests to see how you rate. In most cases, you'll be asked to type a certain passage of text, and the website will time you to determine how many words per minute (wpm) you type and how accurate your typing is. These programs are an effective way to track your progress as you work to improve your typing speed. Some online typing tests that are available for free include Typing.com, TypingMaster, and TypingWeb. Use touch typing software and games. You'll be able to type most quickly if you do it by feel instead of sight. That's why it helps to use touch typing software to help refine your typing skills so you can work more quickly. They usually include helpful exercises and even fun games that can make increasing your typing speed more enjoyable. While you can purchase touch typing software, there are also a variety of free programs, such as TypingClub, TypeRacer, Klavaro Touch Typing Tutor, and Rapid Typing. If you've already learned the touch typing basics, use free online typing games to help you improve your typing speed. Try some of the fun games at FreeTypingGame.net or WordGames.com. They're more enjoyable than practicing the same old passages, so you may find it easier to stay committed to improving your typing speed. Find a typing class. If you've tried to improve your typing speed on your own and haven't seen the results that you'd like, you may want to take a typing or keyboarding class. Instructors can make sure that you know the proper finger positioning and posture to type quickly and accurately. If you're in high school or college, check to see if your school offers a class. If you're out of school, your local community college or continuing education program may have a typing course that can help. If you don't have a typing course available to you in your area, there are online programs that may help. You won't have the opportunity for in-person assistance, but the instruction can still help you improve your typing speed. Make sure your back is supported. When you're typing, it's important to choose a chair that provides proper support for your back. The best type of chair is one that features a slightly curved backrest so it helps maintain your normal spine curvature. It also helps to use a chair that has a cushion built in near the bottom of the backrest to provide support for your lower back. You may prefer reclining slightly in your chair to help take pressure off your back. However, keep in mind that typing in a reclined position may cause shoulder and neck strain. Moving your chair closer to the desk can help alleviate some of that stress. If your chair doesn't have a built-in cushion for your lower back, you can place a small pillow between your back and the chair for additional support. Relax your neck and shoulders. As you sit in your chair to type, make sure to keep your shoulders and neck relaxed. In most cases, you can accomplish this by sitting back against your chair's backrest. It will help support your neck and shoulders, so you don't have to put stress on them to keep them straight. If you're not sure that your shoulders are relaxed, breathe in and out slowly. The position that your shoulders naturally fall in as your breathe out is usually relaxed. Keep your elbows close to your sides. As you get comfortable in your desk chair, check that you're keeping your elbows tucked into your sides. You may want to use a chair that has adjustable arm rests that make it easy to keep your elbows comfortably at your sides. You don't have to use your chair's arm rests if you don't want to. Just make sure that your elbows remain close to your sides even without the added support. Place your feet flat on the floor. Once you're settled in your chair, it helps to sit up straight with your feet planted flat on the floor so your lower body is supported. Crossing your legs or folding one underneath you make it more difficult to maintain proper posture. If you have a chair with adjustable seat, adjust the height until your feet comfortably reach the floor. If your chair doesn't have an adjustable seat, you may want to purchase an ergonomic footrest that makes it easier to keep your feet in a flat position. Keep your wrists and palms off the desk. When you're typing, you'll be able to work more quickly and accurately if you avoid resting your wrists or palms on the desk or other surface that your keyboard is on. Keep them elevated, but don't bend them up or down because that may cause discomfort. Instead, keep your wrists in a neutral position, with your thumb in line with your forearm and your wrist slightly bent back so they're level with the keyboard. Some keyboard and keyboard trays are equipped with wrist pads, but they're not there for you to rest your wrists on as you type. They're only for brief breaks when you're not typing. If you must rest your hand on the wrist pad, try to place your palm on it rather than your wrist. If your chair has adjustable arm rests, set them so that your forearms are parallel to the floor and your wrist is a neutral position. Ensure that your keyboard is at the right height. For the most effective typing, your keyboard should be just above lap level, which is lower than most people actually set theirs up. The benefit to placing your keyboard at this height is that it allows you to tilt your arms down so your elbows are in an open, 90 degree angle. You may want to invest in an adjustable keyboard and mouse tray that you can attach to your desk or work surface. That will allow you to position the keyboard at the most comfortable height. If you don't have a keyboard tray, try adjusting your chair's height to make your position more comfortable.

Find a keyboard that you're comfortable with. Familiarize yourself with the keyboard. Arrange your fingers properly. Use the proper fingers to strike the other keys. Practice regularly. Take regular breaks. Keep your eyes on the screen. Take online typing tests. Use touch typing software and games. Find a typing class. Make sure your back is supported. Relax your neck and shoulders. Keep your elbows close to your sides. Place your feet flat on the floor. Keep your wrists and palms off the desk. Ensure that your keyboard is at the right height.

https://www.wikihow.com/Socialize-Your-Kitten

How to Socialize Your Kitten

If you're trying to socialize your kitten, start by holding it close to your chest and talking to it for at least 15 minutes a day, so it starts to feel safe with you. You should also play with your kitten every day to keep it active and improve its social skills. For example, play chase or hide-and-seek, or give them squeaky toys they can bat around. Then, once your kitten is comfortable with you, begin introducing it to other experiences and interactions, like playing with other cats and going to the groomer.

Begin socializing your kitten as soon as its eyes open. Although kittens are blind and deaf for the first few weeks of life, they'll soon start paying attention to their surroundings. Once the kitten's eyes open, you can start to touch and interact with it. This usually happens when the kitten is around 2 weeks old. If the mother cat trusts you, you should be able to touch the kittens starting when they're 3 days old. However, if the mother cat growls, hisses, or seems uneasy about the interaction, it's best to leave the kittens alone. Offer the kitten food so it becomes comfortable with you. Choose a time of day when the kitten is usually hungry and place a small dish of wet cat food in front of it or its open cage. If you prefer, place a little of the wet food on the end of your clean finger and hold it out to the kitten. The kitten will begin develop positive associations between the wet food and you. As the kitten becomes more comfortable with you, it may want to sit in your lap to eat food off of your finger. Pet the kitten's head and shoulders to familiarize the cat with you. Use your index and middle fingers to stroke the kitten's head and shoulders. If the kitten is comfortable with you, place it in your lap or hold it securely in your hands. If the kitten runs away from you, offer it a little food on your finger. Talk with the kitten while you're touching it so it becomes used to the sound of your voice. You can say the kitten's name to build familiarity with it. Distract an anxious mother with some food. If the mother cat shows signs of unease, such as growling or snatching the kitten back when you try to handle it, distract her with some food and talk to her in a calm, reassuring voice. If she wants, let her touch noses with the kitten so she realizes that the kitten is safe. It will also help if you gently pet the kitten and mother so the more gets more comfortable with your scent. Hold the kitten securely to your chest for at least 15 minutes a day. Once the kitten is comfortable with having you touch it, set the kitten on a towel and wrap it around the kitten's body. Pick up the kitten and bring it to your chest. Talk to the kitten as you hold it so the kitten feels safe with you. The more you hold the young kitten, the better. The kitten will be more trusting and easier to socialize. Play with the kitten every day. Make time to play at least 15 minutes with your kitten every day. Playing will keep your kitten active and improve their social skills. If the kitten is very young, play can be as simple as chasing the kitten around and letting it catch you. You can also play hide-and-seek behind a cushion or around a corner. Introduce toys into your play when the kitten is 6 or 7 weeks old. Kittens love to play with squeaky toys, cardboard tubes, or small boxes with holes that they can bat. Avoid cat toys that have loose parts or things that could be eaten, such as string or feathers on a wand. Leave toys out for your kitten to play with when you're not at home. Playing is a great way for your kitten to associate people with fun. It will also build the kitten's confidence. Leave the TV or radio on when you'll be out of the house. If you have to be out of the house for a while, turn on the radio or TV so your cat can listen to common sounds such as music and talking. Try to spend as much time as possible together while your kitten is very young. Early interactions will teach your kitten a lot about acceptable social behaviors. Redirect misbehavior and reward good behavior. Never hit or yell at the kitten if it scratches or bites while you're playing. Instead, pull your hand away and do a mock "hiss" at the kitten. Then start playing a different game. When you see the kitten playing well, give it a reward such as a treat or praise. Remember to speak calmly and softly around the kitten so it feels secure around you. Vaccinate the kitten before it plays with other cats. Your kitten needs a series of vaccinations to protect it against common diseases before it begins socializing with cats. Your kitten needs at least 2 visits to the vet: At 6 to 8 weeks old for rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, panleukopenia and chlamydia vaccinations. At 12 weeks old for the first feline leukemia vaccine and second round of rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, panleukopenia and chlamydia vaccinations. Let your kitten play with other cats. Slowly introduce the kitten to other kittens or cats so none of them feel threatened. At first, the kitten and cats may sniff or groom each other. It's also fine if they stare or hiss at each other. If the cats growl, spit, or make a lot of noise, separate them and introduce them again later. Your kitten and the other cats may interact better if they all have their own places to escape to when they feel anxious. Enlist your friends to play with the kitten. The kitten needs to meet and interact with people of all ages and appearances. Ask friends to come and play with the kitten so it becomes comfortable with having guests in the house and being held by people other than you. If it's your kitten's first interaction with someone, let the kitten approach the person once it feels comfortable. The kitten may sniff or lick the person before they want to be petted. Expose the kitten to as many different experiences as possible. This might include things such as letting it play in the cat carrier, hearing the vacuum cleaner, and going for a car ride. Experiences will teach the kitten not to be frightened of new things in the future. Other experiences include going to the vet, being outside, going to the groomer, and hearing you use tools or appliances. Remember that all of these experiences should be positive ones that don't cause the kitten to feel unnecessary stress or anxiety. When you introduce new things to the kitten, go slowly and give the kitten plenty of space. Reward it for calm behavior, and over time introduce the kitten to the experience more frequently.

Begin socializing your kitten as soon as its eyes open. Offer the kitten food so it becomes comfortable with you. Pet the kitten's head and shoulders to familiarize the cat with you. Distract an anxious mother with some food. Hold the kitten securely to your chest for at least 15 minutes a day. Play with the kitten every day. Introduce toys into your play when the kitten is 6 or 7 weeks old. Leave the TV or radio on when you'll be out of the house. Redirect misbehavior and reward good behavior. Vaccinate the kitten before it plays with other cats. Let your kitten play with other cats. Enlist your friends to play with the kitten. Expose the kitten to as many different experiences as possible.

https://www.wikihow.com/Handle-a-Difficult-Boss

How to Handle a Difficult Boss

If you're stressing over how to handle a difficult boss, try talking to them directly about your issues, focusing on your working relationship and not their personality to avoid offending them. If possible, anticipate problems before they come up by avoiding your boss when you suspect they'll be angry or being available when you know they'll have work for you. When there's a problem, maintain a professional attitude and try not to become emotional, even if your boss does. If things don't improve and the relationship gets worse, bring the issue to a supervisor.

Talk to your boss about it. You may feel like the absolute last resort is to actually talk to your boss about the problems you're having, but that's where you're mistaken. If you really want to improve your relationship with your boss instead of waiting for things to get worse, then the best thing you can do is ask your boss if you can schedule a time to talk and be honest about your feelings while maintaining your professionalism. Once you have face time with your boss, make eye contact, speak clearly, and let him or her know what the problem is. Make sure you focus on how your problem is with working with your boss, not your actual boss or some aspect of his or her personality. Talk about how you're having trouble communicating, which is making it more difficult to meet objectives, or say something else about how you're struggling to meet deadlines because of changing expectations. Frame the conversation so it sounds like you want your company to succeed, which can only happen if you and your boss work better together. It's important to choose your words carefully. Avoid any personal attacks that may offend your boss, and focus on discussing your work. Picking a time to talk in advance will keep your boss from being caught off guard and will give the situation the seriousness that it deserves. Work with your boss instead of against him or her. If you really want to improve your relationship with your boss, then you should work with your boss to improve the state of your company, instead of against your boss. Though it may feel good to make your boss look stupid at a meeting or to send a passive-aggressive email to your boss, in the long run, this won't do any good for your relationship and it won't make you feel any better. Furthermore, making your relationship with your boss even worse will make it harder to get your work done, and at the end of the day, nothing is more counterproductive than that. Help your boss achieve his goals by being helpful, present, and supportive. Even if he's difficult to deal with, your life will be easier if you move with the grain instead of against it. Keep track of all of your conversations. Keeping track of all of your conversations, whether it's through emails or memos, will help you be on top of your situation with your boss. Doing so will be helpful for two reasons. First, having a record or everything your boss said will help you in the event that your boss gives you confusing instructions or claims he or she didn't say something that he or she really said; you can use the written communication as evidence. Second, having a record of everything your boss says to you can be helpful if your relationship is so problematic that you want to discuss the situation with a supervisor; in that case, you'll have written proof that something is off. If you're really struggling to communicate with your boss, then try to make sure that all of your communication happens in front of someone else, so that you have evidence of what happened if your boss tries to deny it. Document everything that you feel is relevant to your concerns with your boss. You may want to purchase a pocket planner so that you can enter the issues on the appropriate dates. Keep this private. You don't want to pull put the planner and scribble notes in front of him because that will cause more anger. You are keeping notes for your own sake, so that you have all your concerns backed up with facts. Anticipate problems before they come up. Another way to improve your relationship with your boss is to keep an eye out for problems that may arise, and to react to them with preparation and forethought. If you know that there was a bad traffic accident on the freeway and that your boss is going to come in late, try to delay the meeting until he gets there, or start it off for him. If you know your boss is going to be angry after meeting with a difficult client, give him or her some space instead of bringing up something upsetting, which may start an argument. If you know that your boss has difficulty accomplishing a certain task, try to keep yourself relatively free so you can be there to help out. Refrain from becoming emotional during any discussions with your boss. Even if your boss becomes emotional, you want to maintain your professional manner so that he cannot use anything against you. Note that your boss may become even more aggravated by your calm and professional demeanor, and if this is the case, explain to your boss that you would like to continue the conversation, but the last thing you want is to upset him, so suggest picking up the issue at a later time. If you lose your cool, your boss can blame you, even if you're upset over something completely legitimate. If you find yourself getting emotional in the middle of a conversation, excuse yourself and ask to resume the conversation at a later time. If you hear yourself raising your voice, stop, slow down, and take a few deep breaths. If you can't keep the conversation at a normal level, then you should resume it later. Be prepared to discuss criticism of yourself when approaching a difficult boss with concerns. Of course you have issues that you may want to discuss personally, but if he feels that you are criticizing him, he may turn the tables and place the focus on you. If this is the case, be professional. Listen to his concerns and tell him that you appreciate his feedback and that you will work on the issues, and then politely return to the problems you have. Don't get defensive or ignore anything he is telling you. In fact, it can be helpful to ask yourself if you're doing everything you can correctly before you start a conversation with your boss. You may be having problems with your boss because you have been doing something wrong without realizing it. It's best to anticipate anything your boss might say, such as the fact that you're always late or that your reports need to be proofread more, before you start the conversation. Otherwise, you may be taken aback. Don't interrupt your boss and wait for him to finish giving his feedback. You don't want him to think that you're above listening to him. A difficult boss will be at their worst when you've made a major mistake, but you may be able to partly salvage the situation by handling failure at work with honesty and integrity. Understand that you cannot change your boss. If your boss is characteristically difficult to handle, not just for you but for others, then the likelihood of him changing is minimal. If this is the case, use the opportunity to simply make him aware of your issues. At least he cannot say that he was never informed of your concerns. Though you can't change your boss or his personality, hopefully talking to your boss will send him on the path to improvement. Furthermore, you can work on improving your relationship without changing your boss. You and your boss may just not be compatible as people. If this is the case, then you'll have to find a new way to operate together unless you feel like you have exhausted all of your resources. Sometimes, you may have to accept your differences first before you move on. Remain professional when confronting your boss, even if you feel your blood boiling. Maintain a calm demeanor and be prepared to listen to any gripes or lectures that he or she may want to share with you. Don't use vulgar language or personal attacks, and don't be lewd or say anything you would say if you were fighting with a close friend. Remember that you have a professional relationship with this person, not a personal relationship. Even if your boss starts being unprofessional, don't use that as an excuse to follow suit. If you have something specific to say to your boss, you may even want to write it down or rehearse it first to make sure that it comes off as professional. You don't want to start saying something and then realize that you're stepping out of your bounds halfway through your conversation. Do not go over your boss’s head if you can avoid it. Not only will this cause hostility between you and your boss, but your boss's boss may refer you back to your boss, which may result in an even more unreceptive situation. You should go over your boss's head if you feel like you have tried everything with your boss but nothing has worked. Additionally, you can go over your boss's head if you feel that your boss is being sexually inappropriate, discriminating against you based on your age, gender, race, or another external factor, and that further action needs to be taken outside of your boss's power. If you go over your boss's head at the first sign of a conflict, then you will cause irreparable damage to your relationship. If you can try talking to your boss before talking to someone else, it can save your relationship, as well as your happiness at work. Talk to your supervisor if it’s necessary. If you feel like you have tried everything on your own and need to talk to someone higher up, then it's time to arrange a meeting with a supervisor to discuss the problems you're having with your boss. There's no point in delaying the inevitable if you feel like you really can't work together with your boss. If you've tried everything and know that your relationship has reached a dead end, then it's time to talk to your supervisor about the situation. Don't be nervous, and stick to discussing the facts instead of getting emotional. The more concrete examples you have, the more respect you'll get. Make sure you use professional language and avoid bad-mouthing your boss in front of your supervisor. You don't want to say something that makes your supervisor lose respect for you, too. Remember that you want to look like the calm, reasonable one, and that your boss is the one who has been causing all the problems. Take action if you feel you’ve been discriminated against. If you truly feel that you've been discriminated against because of your age, race, gender, or something else beyond your control, then it may be time to take action. You can consult the EEOC for free, or seek out an employee attorney for a fee if you think you've been discriminated against and are in a protected class. Don't be nervous about taking this measure if this is what's happening; though it won't be pleasant, this may be the best way to meet your needs. If you've witnessed fraud at your company and want to take action, remember that the False Claims Act requires you to first file your claim before you disclose it publicly. See if you can be transferred within your company. One option that isn't as extreme as leaving your company but which can make you a lot happier at your workplace is to see if you can be transferred to a different department, or even transferred to a different boss. If you're truly having trouble with your boss and your supervisors or other people at the company completely understand where you're coming from, then they may be willing to accommodate your needs. If you make it pretty clear that you won't be able to stay on if you're stuck with your current boss, in spite of how much you like the company, then they may be able to find an arrangement that makes you happy. Of course, all of this depends on your workplace culture and if such arrangements are typically — or even occasionally — made at your workplace. Do your research and see if such a thing has been done before, and look out for tips on how to proceed. Of course, you should try to find this out without letting everyone know about the particular situation you find yourself in. Decide whether it’s worth it to leave your workplace. Unfortunately, when it comes to today's job market, good jobs can be few and far between, depending on the industry you're working in. Before you decide to go on the job market again or to leave your current company, you should ask yourself if it's really worth it for you to make this change. If your job is causing you mental and physical pain and you really feel like you can't be there another day and keep your sanity, then it may really be time to leave. However, if you're just mildly annoyed or frustrated, you may want to hold off, or you may want to explore your options before you resign. Of course, if your boss is being inappropriate, discriminating against you, or doing other unreasonable things, then there's no question about it: you have to leave. Ideally, you should be able to look for new work while maintaining your current position. Being employed will make you a more appealing candidate for other companies. Do your research carefully before you take another job offer. Though you may be bursting at the seams to leave your current work situation, you have to diligently do your research before you take a new offer. If you're too desperate to leave, you may jump at the chance to work at a new company, even if it ends up not being a good fit. You could end up at a company with a boss who is even more difficult (though this may be hard to imagine now), and will only make your own working life even worse. It's important to take the time and to make sure that you're leaving a hostile environment for a comfortable one before you make the transition. As you interview for a new position, make sure you talk to other people at the company and get a strong sense of what your new boss will be like before you accept an offer. Though you won't know 100% what your new boss or job will be like until you start working there, you should follow your gut to see if something is off. Though you may be rushing to take on a new offer because it'll mean you will have to spend less time at your current job, resist the temptation to take something that doesn't feel quite right just because it means you'll get to leave your current difficult boss. Tell yourself that it's a worthy time investment to search for a place where you can truly be happy in the long run.

Talk to your boss about it. Work with your boss instead of against him or her. Keep track of all of your conversations. Anticipate problems before they come up. Refrain from becoming emotional during any discussions with your boss. Be prepared to discuss criticism of yourself when approaching a difficult boss with concerns. Understand that you cannot change your boss. Remain professional when confronting your boss, even if you feel your blood boiling. Do not go over your boss’s head if you can avoid it. Talk to your supervisor if it’s necessary. Take action if you feel you’ve been discriminated against. See if you can be transferred within your company. Decide whether it’s worth it to leave your workplace. Do your research carefully before you take another job offer.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Salmon-Cakes

How to Make Salmon Cakes

To make salmon cakes, first combine canned salmon, cracker meal, eggs, Old Bay seasoning, chopped red bell pepper, fresh chives, fresh dill, cayenne pepper sauce, and lemon zest in a mixing bowl. Then, use your hands to shape the mixture into patties that are about 3 inches in diameter and one inch thick. Next, heat oil in a skillet for 5 minutes before placing the patties into the pan. Fry the salmon cakes for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they're browned. Once they're done, remove them from the heat and let them drain on a paper towel.

Use a fork to break the salmon into pieces. Take three 6-ounce (170 g) cans of salmon that have been well drained, and dump them in a large bowl. With a fork, gently break the salmon apart into flakes. Red or pink salmon works best for the cakes. Make sure that the cans you're using contain skinless, boneless salmon. Add the cracker meal to the salmon. After you've flaked the salmon, mix 1 ½ cups (355 g) of cracker meal into the bowl. Stir until the ingredients are well combined. Instead of a fork or spoon, it may be easier to combine the salmon and cracker meal with clean hands. You can substitute seasoned or plain bread crumbs, panko, or crushed Saltine crackers for the cracker meal. Mix the rest of the ingredients in with the salmon and cracker meal. Once the salmon and cracker meal are well mixed, add 2 large eggs that have been beaten, 2 rounded teaspoons (10 g) of Old Bay seasoning, half a red bell pepper that's been finely chopped, a handful of fresh chives that have been chopped, 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 g) of chopped fresh dill, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of cayenne pepper sauce, and the zest from 1 lemon. Combine all of the ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed. If the mixture seems too wet as you're mixing, you can add a little more cracker meal. You can add other vegetables and seasonings, such as minced onions, chopped green bell pepper, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley, to the cake mixture to suit your tastes. Shape the mixture into patties. When the salmon mixture is well combined, use clean hands to shape it into patties that are approximately 3-inches (7.6 cm) in diameter and 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick. You should be able to make approximately 8 to 10 cakes. If possible, allow the cakes to chill in the refrigerator for about a half hour before cooking to help them firm up. Heat the frying oil in a skillet. Add 1-inch (2.5 cm) of vegetable or canola oil to a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, and turn the burner to medium. Allow the oil to heat for approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Fry the cakes in a single layer until browned. Carefully place the salmon cakes in the skillet, making sure that they're in a single layer. Allow them to cook until they're browned, which should take approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. Depending on the size of your skillet and the amount of cakes that you make, you may need to fry them in more than one batch. Use a wide spatula or fish turner to carefully flip the cakes when it's time to cook the other side. Drain the cakes on paper towel. Once the cakes are browned on both sides, use a spatula to remove them from the pan. Place them on a plate or tray lined with paper towel to drain the excess oil. Before serving the cakes, you may want to squeeze the juice from the lemon that you zested over them to help brighten their flavor. Preheat the oven and prepare a baking sheet. Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and allow it to fully preheat. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and grease it with oil or a nonstick cooking spray to prevent the cakes from sticking. Be sure that you know how your oven indicates that it's preheated. It may beep or flash an indicator light to alert you. Place the cakes on the baking sheet and oil lightly. Set the salmon cakes on the greased baking sheet in a single layer. Use a pastry brush to lightly dab each cake with canola, vegetable, or olive oil so they'll brown nicely as they bake. Instead of a baking sheet, you can use a small muffin tin to bake the salmon cakes. Make sure the tin is lightly greased, and scoop approximately ⅓ cup (78 g) of the salmon mixture into each. Bake the cakes until golden brown, turning halfway through. Place the salmon cakes in the preheated oven, and allow them to bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, flip the cakes over so they brown on both sides. You'll know the salmon cakes are done when both sides are golden brown. Finished.

Use a fork to break the salmon into pieces. Add the cracker meal to the salmon. Mix the rest of the ingredients in with the salmon and cracker meal. Shape the mixture into patties. Heat the frying oil in a skillet. Fry the cakes in a single layer until browned. Drain the cakes on paper towel. Preheat the oven and prepare a baking sheet. Place the cakes on the baking sheet and oil lightly. Bake the cakes until golden brown, turning halfway through. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.life/Remove-Wax-from-Clothing

How to Remove Wax from Clothing

Before you try to remove wax from your clothing, let the wax dry completely, either on its own or by rubbing ice cubes on the clothing. Once it's dry, scrape off any excess wax with a dull knife or a credit card. Turn your clothes iron to low heat, then cover the remaining wax with paper towels and run the low iron over the stained area. The wax should transfer to the paper towels. Once the wax is gone, spray the area with stain remover, then wash the clothing in the hottest water you can.

Let the wax dry. No matter which approach you use to remove wax from clothing, you will have better results if you try to remove the wax after it dries. This may go against your instinct to get rid of a stain right away, but you don't want to try to remove wax while it's hot. If you rub at the wax when it's hot, you could spread it to other areas of the clothing and make the situation worse. So, resist the temptation to run for the sink while the wax is still hot or to smear it with your fingers. You could let the wax dry naturally. Or you could put ice cubes on the clothing to make it dry faster or put it in the freezer. Scrape off as much of the wax as you can. Once the wax is dry, you want to scrap off the easily removable wax before applying heat. You can use a dull knife to do this. Scrape in a direction away from the body, so you don't hurt yourself. The reason you want to use a dull knife is that a sharper knife could easily put a hole in the clothing. If the clothing is very delicate, such as silk, you should use a spoon instead and skim it over the wax lightly. Avoid digging into the cloth, or you might damage it. You could also try using a credit card edge instead of a dull knife. Use an iron to melt the wax. You can remove wax – such as candle wax – from clothing if you use an iron. Keep it on low heat. You should apply the heat to the wax after you've scraped it with the dull knife or spoon. Then, put paper towels on top of the clothing. You could use brown paper bags instead of paper towels. You may need to replace the paper periodically as some wax comes off. You could put a thin cloth in between the iron and the paper towels, which should be pressed onto the waxy area of the clothing. Press the warm iron to the paper or cloth. This is going to move the wax from the clothing to the paper towels or bags. The iron should not be on steam setting, or it won't work. This procedure works well for larger wax stains. Be careful you don't burn the clothing. Use blotting paper instead of paper towels on fabric like fleece or wool. Otherwise, you might end up with small bits of the paper caught in the fabric. Apply laundry prewash stain remover. After you've tried the ironing approach, using laundry prewash stain remover on the clothing before washing it should remove any lingering hint of the wax or stain from it. You want to wash the clothing in the hottest water you can. Use bleach on the clothing if it's white. Otherwise, use color bleach. This step is even more important when colored wax has fallen on white or light colored clothing. Don't put the clothing in the dryer until you are sure the stain is gone. The heat could set the stain otherwise. Alternately, hand-wash if you're dealing with very delicate items of clothing or get them dry cleaned. Try a blow dryer. If you don't have or don't want to use an iron, you can find other ways to deliver enough heat to the wax that you should be able to melt and remove it. Put paper towels on both sides, use a hair dryer to blow heat on the spot for five seconds and blot it out with the paper towel. This method works well for clothing that you fear could be damaged by too hot an iron. You may need to use the stain remover and wash the clothes if a stain remains. Put the clothing in boiling water. Dipping the clothing into a large kettle of boiling water can remove wax. The trick is adding baking soda to the boiling water. Take a very large kettle. Boil water in it. Put 5-6 teaspoons of baking soda into the water. Dip the clothing with wax on it into the boiling water with a stick or rod. After about a minute, the wax should fall into the water. Dip the clothing into the water several times. It should only take a minute or so for the wax to soften and fall into the kettle. Keeping the fabric in the boiling water for too long can harm the clothing by removing its dye. For more delicate clothing like fleece, you can place a towel over the waxed area and iron the towel. The wax will be absorbed out of the clothing and into the towel. This will avoid damaging clothing with boiling water. Try vegetable oil or carpet cleaner. If the stains are small, you could use vegetable oil to get them off. Apply a dollop of vegetable oil to the wax. Alternatively, you should scrape away most of the wax, apply a carpet cleaner, brush it with a toothbrush, and clean your item of clothing in the washer. Use paper towels to wipe off the excess wax. Launder the clothing. Avoid stronger solutions like paint thinner or gasoline. However, you could try using a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the stain in addition to vegetable oil. Put the clothing in the freezer. You just need to wait until the cold makes the wax brittle. Then, you should be able to snap most of the wax off. You should only need to keep the clothing in the freezer for about an hour for this process to work. There might be some wax remaining. If there is, put the area of the clothing with wax on it over a large bowl and secure it to the bowl with rubber bands. Then, pour boiling water over the wax. This should melt it. Wash the clothing as usual. If you want to freeze your wax using a different method, try some wart removal spray to freeze it quickly and safely.

Let the wax dry. Scrape off as much of the wax as you can. Use an iron to melt the wax. Apply laundry prewash stain remover. Try a blow dryer. Put the clothing in boiling water. Try vegetable oil or carpet cleaner. Put the clothing in the freezer.

https://www.wikihow.com/String-Christmas-Tree-Lights

How to String Christmas Tree Lights

Before you string Christmas tree lights on a real tree, plug all the strands in to make sure they're working. Then, plug the first strand of lights into the nearest outlet or extension cord, and wrap the lights around your tree's branches. Start the at bottom of the tree, and work from the trunk out to the branch tips. Next, once you're finished wrapping the first strand, plug another strand into it and continue wrapping it around branches. Finally, repeat the process with the other strands until you reach the top of the tree.

Determine how many lights you’ll need. A good rule of thumb is that for every foot of tree, you should use 100 lights. So if you have a 5 foot tree, you will probably be using 500 lights. Of course you could use more or less depending on your budget and preference. The size of the bulb can also determine how many lights you use. The number of lights is really a personal preference. If you want a more subtle look, you may use a less lights or smaller bulbs. You may also use a combination of sizes for some variety. Check if all the bulbs are working. Before you start hanging your lights, plug them in to make sure that all of them are working. Keep your lights plugged in as you hang them to get a sense of how your finished tree will look. Do not use lights that you cannot get to active within five minutes. Avoid any frustration of tinkering with lights for extended periods of time. Remove all tags. Tags can be found on each string of lights and can be unsightly. Simply use scissors to remove all tags before hanging up your lights on your tree. Install a power strip to the closest receptacle. This will be a built-in circuit breaker as well as make it more convenient to turn your lights on and off. Simply turn the power strip on and off to activate your lights. Plug an extension cord into the power strip. Find brown or green cords at your local hardware store to blend with your tree. Make sure that you can plug more than one plug into your extension cord. Add a splitter to an extension cord that only allows one plug. Place two power cords in your tree. First place the extension cord halfway up your tree trunk. A second cord should be placed at the top of taller trees. Use small cable ties or wind excess cord around the trunk to keep it in place and hide it from view. Plug in a second extension cord into your main power strip if you are lighting a larger tree. Plug in your first set of lights. Hide the wires by plugging in your lights to the extension cord that you have placed halfway up your tree. You want to maximize your light strand by not having to plug it into the wall outlet. Extend your lights and pull them to the top of your tree along the trunk. Move from the trunk out to the branch tips. Hide wires and keep the emphasis on the lights by wrapping the lights around the branch, working outward to the tips. Avoid draping your lights on the front of your tree because this keeps the wires in plain view. Keep the lights loosely wrapped on each branch with about 12 lights to each branch, spreading them out in areas that they will be seen. You may reduce the number of lights at the back of your tree if it is obstructed by a wall. Avoid connecting together more than three strings of light because this may cause them to burn out. Use the extension cord that you placed at the middle of your tree to plug your fourth string lights into. Tie the plugs together to keep them secure. Start at the bottom of your tree. If you are going for a natural look, string your lights through and around your tree randomly. Avoid patterns or spirals. You may also place some lights into the deeper branches of your tree with others at the front to create some depth. Move from the top to the bottom of your tree if you have a limited number of lights or a taller tree. This makes it easier to spread the lights out at the bottom of your tree. Install your lights from the top down so that you are always working towards the plug. Avoid hanging half a strand of lights at the top of your tree. Green plugs that attach a string of lights to another create a dead zone. Push the green plugs deep into the tree branches to hide the green plugs. Use floral wire to keep your lights in place. If your lights fall off branches or if you're going for a specific design, use floral wire to keep them in place. Wrap the floral wire around the cord of your lights and bend the loose ends of the wire into the tree to prevent injury. Floral wire can be purchased at your local flower shop or arts and crafts store. Budget your lights. Artificial trees usually come in sections. You may use miniature tree lights to wrap around the branches if your light each section separately Use 50-light strands because they are less likely to burn out and are easy to handle. Use about 12 boxes of 50-light strings if your tree is around six feet and about 20 boxes for trees that are around eight feet high. For showcase lighting, use about 40 boxes of 50-light strings for a tree that is around six feet high and 80 boxes for a tree that's eight feet high. Check if all the bulbs are working. Before you start hanging your lights, plug them in to make sure that all of them are working. Keep your lights plugged in as you hang them to get a sense of how your finished tree will look. Do not use lights that you cannot get to active within five minutes. Avoid any frustration of tinkering with lights for extended periods of time. Remove all tags. Tags can be found on each string of lights and can be unsightly. Simply use scissors to remove all tags before hanging up your lights on your tree. Install a power strip to the closest receptacle. This will be a built-in circuit breaker as well as make it more convenient to turn your lights on and off. Simply turn the power strip on and off to activate your lights. Start at the bottom of the trunk. Keep some slack in the first string of lights and create a loop by separating the cord from the first bulb. Place the loop over one of the greens or small branchlets close to the trunk and secure the cord by wrapping it a few times around the green. Work from the tips to toward the trunk. Keep the string of lights taught as you place the lights from the tips of your branches moving towards the trunk. Make sure to wrap the cord over the branch and itself as you make your way towards the trunk. Secure the cord at the trunk. When you reach the trunk, separate the cord from the last light and secure it by slipping it over a branch. Place the cord over to the closest branch, find a green part close to the trunk and wrap the cord around it. Make sure to pull the cord over the tip of the branch and wrap it over itself and the branch. Repeat the process. Wrap branches in the same way until you reach the end of the light string. Plug in another set of lights and continue wrapping branches until you get to the end of the tree section, the section at which the tree comes apart. Position any excess lights along the branches instead of having them cross into another section of the tree. Evenly spread out your lights so that your tree will be evenly lit from the top of your tree to the bottom. Budget your lights. Plan on using at least three 100 light strings for every foot of height on your tree. So if your tree is six feet tall, you will be using about 18 light strings of 100 lights each. Divide your tree or trees into sections. Avoid wrapping the lights around your tree as if it were a maypole. Start from the top and mentally divide your tree into three triangular sections until you get to the bottom of your tree's cone. Clip or remove any unsightly branches. Use florist shears to clip any drooping branches or any branches that seem out of place. Plug in the first string of lights. Place the last bulb of the first string of lights at the top of your tree. Carefully weave your lights back and forth through the top triangle section. Do not cross your cord over itself. Plug in another set of lights once you've reached the end of the first and continue weaving until you reach the bottom of the top triangle section. Use a GFCI circuit for lights outside. These circuits are designed to prevent electrocution and shock. Repeat the weaving. Weave lights through each triangular section until you reach the bottom of the cone of your tree. Avoid connecting more than 300 lights to one another as they may burn out. Look for dead spots. Any dark holes need to be filled. Rearrange your lights to fill in any gaps or until you're satisfied. Use a painter’s pole to string lights without a ladder. Remove the roller from a painters pole and use the metal bracket to string lights on trees that are 10 feet or taller without having to use a ladder. Work your way to the bottom and use another extension cord if needed. Plug any additional extension cords to your main power strip. Wrap your plugs with electrical tape to help keep them together as well as protect them from water. Use floodlights to show off evergreens. Use blue, white, or green lamps. Using yellow, red, amber, or pink can make your tree look a muddy brown. Avoid hooks. A strong wind can easily dislodge your lights if you use hooks to hang them up. Use plastic gutter clips that you can purchase from your hardware store. You may also find them in your arts and craft store. Be sure there is a working outlet outdoors. Test any outdoors sockets to be sure that they are functioning properly before plugging in any lights. Keep cords organized and neat away from any walkways where they can be tripping hazards. Make sure all your lights are compatible. Christmas tree lights can be end to end or stacked. End to end is also known as string to string. Stacked plugs can join more light strands together relative to string to string plugs. Read the boxes to ensure that your lights are compatible before purchasing. Check the wattage of the bulbs. Don't plug more than two extension cords to one another and make sure that they can handle the wattage of the bulbs. Only buy the lengths of light string and extension cord that you will be using. Make sure that all the lights you are using have the same wattage to prevent power surges. This will also prolong the life of your lights. Plug in your lights before removing them from the box. Make sure all the lights work before placing them on your tree. You don't want any live wires or broken bulbs in your tree as they can be fire hazards. Use miniature clear lights as base lighting. Miniature white lights make great base lighting when coupled with strands of larger cool-burning bulbs that come in a variety of colour. You may also add novelty lights like flashing lights, flickering flames, bubble lights, or lights of various shapes along with miniature lights.

Determine how many lights you’ll need. Check if all the bulbs are working. Remove all tags. Install a power strip to the closest receptacle. Plug an extension cord into the power strip. Plug in your first set of lights. Move from the trunk out to the branch tips. Start at the bottom of your tree. Use floral wire to keep your lights in place. Budget your lights. Check if all the bulbs are working. Remove all tags. Install a power strip to the closest receptacle. Start at the bottom of the trunk. Work from the tips to toward the trunk. Secure the cord at the trunk. Repeat the process. Budget your lights. Divide your tree or trees into sections. Clip or remove any unsightly branches. Plug in the first string of lights. Repeat the weaving. Look for dead spots. Use a painter’s pole to string lights without a ladder. Use floodlights to show off evergreens. Avoid hooks. Be sure there is a working outlet outdoors. Make sure all your lights are compatible. Check the wattage of the bulbs. Plug in your lights before removing them from the box. Use miniature clear lights as base lighting.

https://www.wikihow.com/Have-Elegant-Handwriting

How to Have Elegant Handwriting

To have elegant handwriting, make sure you're holding your pen or pencil lightly near the writing end and over or just forward of the knuckle on your index finger. Write slowly at first and focus on making clear, well-formed letters over and over again. Next, try to set aside at least 20 minutes a day to practice and write out as many things as you can by hand, like grocery lists and personal notes.

Trace an elegant font. Find a font on Microsoft Word or another word processing program, print out the letters, and begin tracing them. Practice tracing these letters on a blank piece of paper. First trace the letters on a lined sheet of paper and then move to a blank sheet. Some pens work better than others. Try gel ink pens and calligraphy pens, however, if you cannot find those then a pencil will work just fine but will not have quite the same. A light box will be very useful for tracing the letters. Write in loopy cursive. Instead of printing, try writing your daily notes, homework and other handwriting in a distinctive cursive style. Emphasize the loops in letters and try not to jumble words together. Take your time and really concentrate on making your cursive look pretty. Copy sections from your favorite book. It might help your writing if you practice copying something that you enjoy reading. In your elegant cursive, write what you are reading into your journal or notebook. Take your time and emphasize your style. You can also use line paper if you are still trying to master your style. Practice writing letters of different widths. Elegant handwriting can be thicker or thinner depending on the type of writing utensil used. Markers are going to give you a larger font, while pens and pencils will be skinnier. Try out different writing tools and find one that works for you. Your art teacher or an employee at an art supply store should be able to recommend different writing tools for you to use. Emphasize elongated letters. Buy a lined paper that has an extra-large space for writing. Think of the kind of paper that you learned to write on when you were little. Slowly write your elegant letters, being sure to fill up the entire space. With practice, you will eventually be able to do this without the lines. Take your time and really concentrate on filling the space. Learn calligraphy, which is the art of creating decorative handwriting. By practicing this visual art, you will learn how to write multiple styles of elegant handwriting. Calligraphy teaches you how to write elegantly with different tools in different medium. You will also develop the skills produce your own unique styles and fonts. If you stick with it, you will eventually be able to print, paint or chisel beautiful words on almost anything. There are workbooks and classes that you can take online to learn calligraphy. Your local community center or YMCA may also offer classes in calligraphy. Write with your shoulder and back. The muscles in the arm, shoulder, chest and back should be conducting all of the action while you write. Your forearm, hand and fingers should be still. Writing from your shoulder results in movement that is more intricate and gives you greater stamina. It also creates smoother and cleaner looking writing. This movement will likely feel unnatural at first but it is crucial to developing your writing. Avoid writing with your fingers. The majority of people “draw” their letters by moving the pen across the paper with their hand. This method is more tiresome and gives you less control over your writing. Be conscious of writing with your shoulder, making it a part of your writing practice. Hold your arm out in front of you and practice writing big letters in the air. Concentrate on writing using your shoulder and not your hand. Practice this until it feels natural. As you become more comfortable with the movement, make the letters smaller. You can also practice this method on a marker or chalk board. Practice your movements with a pen in your notebook. Start with big letters and gradually move to smaller ones. Again, remember to avoid writing with your fingers and concentrate on your shoulder. Practice strokes and figures. Start making Xs and ///s and OOOs and overlapped OOOs and spirals and | | | |s. Work on making this figures smoothly, uniformly, and evenly spaced. Practice drawing these figures daily emphasizing your strokes and movement. Repetition is important so practice these movements daily. Slow down and write methodically. Focus on making clear, well-formed letters and words. Hurriedly writing results in messy or illegible writing. Remember that you want to write elegantly and that takes time. Remember to stretch and move around. If you begin to get sore or fatigued, your writing will suffer. Get out of your chair and walk around. Stretch the muscles in your shoulder and hand. Practice your handwriting every day. There is not magic bullet for developing elegant handwriting. Daily practice is the only way to hone your skill and, luckily, there are many strategies for doing this. Set aside at least 20 minutes a day to write. Begin with five minutes and work your way up. Follow the curriculum laid out in a handbook or online lesson. These tend to have daily exercises as part of their instruction. Write things out by hand more. Hand-write your notes and grocery lists. Start a journal and send written letters to friends and family. Keep a pocketbook. Place the pen over or just forward of the knuckle on your index finger. Hold it near the writing end. It is important to have the proper grip on your writing utensil. Think of your hand as the vice that holds the pen in place while you write. Try not to rest it between the thumb and index finger with the barrel on the middle finger. Avoid placing the pen between thumb and the index and middle fingers with the pen resting on you ring finger. Hold the pen lightly. Relax your hand while you hold the pen. Your grip needs to be firm but not so tight that your hand is tense. Having a loose grip helps relax your arm and give it greater dexterity. Imagine that the pen is made of soft rubber and that squeezing it too tightly will cause ink to blot everywhere. Keep your fingers straight and write slightly above and between your thumb and index finger. Do not curl your hand over and write to the left of your palm. That position can leading to hand cramping and discomfort. This is an important tip for lefties to remember since they are more likely to curl their hand. Use your non-writing hand to hold the paper and balance you while you write. This will help you steady yourself and provide better control to your dominant hand. It will also keep the paper from moving around. Be sure you are practicing on a surface that has space to balance yourself with your other arm. Think about your dominant hand and position yourself in a way that gives you room to both balance and write. Properly position the paper on the writing surface. The paper position ensures the correct slant of your letters. Your letters should ideally have a 35-degree slant. If you are right-handed, the bottom-left corner of the paper should be aligned with the top-right. If you are left-handed, the top-left corner should be aligned with the bottom-right corner. Sit up straight and avoid slouching, but not stiffly. Keep your spine straight and be sure to have enough space to move your shoulder freely. Try to stay loose and not be too tense while writing. Find a comfortable hard-backed chair to sit on. Avoid sitting on a couch or a recliner. Find the pen or pencil that works for you. It needs to feel comfortable to hold and move across the paper smoothly without requiring you to push it too hard on the paper. Depending on how elegant you want your handwriting to look, you may want to invest in different writing utensils. Fountain pens are believed to be the superior tool for handwriting. The expenses associated with a fountain pen are slightly higher due to the need to buy ink. Mechanical pens and pencils are also great choice. They allow you to try out different sized nibs and thicknesses, as well as colors. If you are left-handed, there are special pens designed just for you. For those looking for a more rustic look, a quill might be worth looking into. Get a notebook. For practicing, you will want grid-lined paper because it will help you write lower and upper case letters, as well as track your progress. There are colored and raised papers for the visual perceptual challenged. Find a large flat surface for writing on. If you have access to it, a drawing or drafting table is ideal for handwriting. Experts recommend writing at a 45-degree angle; however, a kitchen table or office desk will also work. Depending on the type of handwriting you are doing you might want to invest in a light box, which will help you write on paper without a grid. Buy a handwriting course book. These workbooks have daily exercises to help you refine your writing. Depending on your skill level, there are also advanced books teach specific styles and scripts. You can take handwriting courses online and some tablets have tools that will help you practice your writing.

Trace an elegant font. Write in loopy cursive. Copy sections from your favorite book. Practice writing letters of different widths. Emphasize elongated letters. Learn calligraphy, which is the art of creating decorative handwriting. Write with your shoulder and back. Hold your arm out in front of you and practice writing big letters in the air. Practice your movements with a pen in your notebook. Practice strokes and figures. Slow down and write methodically. Remember to stretch and move around. Practice your handwriting every day. Place the pen over or just forward of the knuckle on your index finger. Hold the pen lightly. Keep your fingers straight and write slightly above and between your thumb and index finger. Use your non-writing hand to hold the paper and balance you while you write. Properly position the paper on the writing surface. Sit up straight and avoid slouching, but not stiffly. Find the pen or pencil that works for you. Get a notebook. Find a large flat surface for writing on. Buy a handwriting course book.

https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Ceramic-Wall-Tile

How to Install Ceramic Wall Tile

To install ceramic wall tile, use a level and measuring tape to mark the tile locations on the wall with chalk. Use long, sweeping motions to apply mortar to the wall and start placing your tiles in the marked locations. Be sure to put spacers between each tile as you go! Next, mix your grout and spread it into the gaps between the tiles using diagonal swipes. Allow the grout to cure for three hours and finish by applying grout sealer!

Make sure your wall is ready to go. Once you've removed the current wall dressings and wall items, like light switch covers, you'll want to check the base layer that you will be building on to make sure that it is structurally sound. This is important, since a rotting or weak wall can cause your tiling job to warp, crack, or even break and fall down. Look for signs of mold or damage to the tiling surface. Cracks are often a sign that a wall may be weak and need to be replaced. Try pressing on the wall, especially at the studs. If it gives way or feels soft, it may require work. If you are going to be tiling a large area, remember to use tiling board as a backer and not just put the tiles directly onto drywall. Tiling board is installed just like drywall (nailed to the studs) but is made of more water resistant materials which will keep it from warping and cracking your tile work. Use a level and tape to measure for your tile locations. Now, using a level and measuring tape, measure and mark for the middle lines in the area you will be tiling. You want to find both the vertical and horizontal middle, since you will use these to keep your tiles straight and divide the area into sections for tiling. Never assume a fixture in the room like the tub or vanity (or even the ceiling) is perfectly level. They rarely are. It is very important to rely on the level. Mark the locations on the wall using a chalk line. Using a chalk snap line, mark the mid-line and vertical lines which you just measured. If you've never used a chalk snap line before, don't worry: it's easy. Simply place a nail at one end of the space you marked, attach the string, pull it taut and snap it down. This will leave a straight line on your wall. You'll still want to check it for level but it's much more accurate than drawing a line. You can use just regular string and manually chalk it to make a chalk line. Using a chalk box may be easier as these take less work - you can buy one for about $5. Dry fit and then cut tiles to size using a diamond wet saw. Dry fit your tiles to be sure that they will look the way you want them to look. Once you're comfortable with how it looks, figure out how the tiles will meet up with the corners and edges of your wall. You will probably need only a part of a tile when it comes to some of these areas, so it will be necessary to cut the tiles to size. Measure how much space you need for each row with the spaces and cut tiles to size using a diamond tipped wet saw. So, for example, let's say your wall to tile is five feet long. You're putting up subway tile and the tiles are 6", with spaces of 1/4" between each of them. You'll need 9.6 tiles for each row to cover that space, meaning nine full tiles and one cut to 3.6" If you don't own a diamond tipped wet saw, you can usually rent one from your local major hardware store. You can also use a tile cutter, but this is more likely to end in broken tiles so only take this option if using cheaper tiles. Dry fitting is especially important if your tiles make up a pattern, since you will need to be very comfortable creating that pattern. You don't want to make a mistake or have to spend a lot of time thinking about it once the mortar is up on your wall. You can test your dry fit pattern by making a layout stick, which can be made from any straight and level piece of spare wood. Lay the tiles on a floor and mark the layout stick with a pencil at the joints between tiles. Use the layout stick to see how the tiles fit on the wall. Install a batten to keep your first row straight. With everything else ready to go, you'll want to install a batten to help keep your tile rows straight. This is a piece of scrap wood, such as a piece of 1x4 lumber, that you use as a long straight-edge, placing the first row of tiles right against the batten. Align the top edge of the wood so that it follows exactly along the mid-level line that you marked, then screw it into the studs. Once the tiles have been placed, simply unscrew and remove the batten. Double check that everything is level before installing the tiles on the batten. You'll also want to check it all the way across, since there may be dips in the wood you use for your batten. Mix the mortar. You'll need thin set mortar to lay your tiles. While you should always go by the manufacturer's instructions, a general rule of thumb is to start with the powder in a bucket and just add water slowly and mix until the consistency of the mortar becomes like peanut butter. You should also allow it to "slake" after you first mix it up. This means you allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes and then stir it up again. Now it is ready to use. Spread the mortar. Working in a roughly 2x3' area, use a tiling trowel to apply the mortar. Hold the notched trowel at a shallow angle against the wall, so that the notches on one of its long sides dig grooves into the mortar. Use long, sweeping motions to apply the mortar. The direction of the grooves doesn't matter but the lines should all be roughly parallel. Your trowel size will depend on the size and type of tile you're using. For the average small wall tiles which are currently popular, you will want to use a 1x4" square notch trowel. Test a tile to make sure the mortar is mixed and spread correctly. Mortar a small spot and then place a tile. Pull the tile up and look at the pattern that is create on the back. If you see clear lines, then the mortar is too dry. If you see goopy mounds then the mortar is too wet. Place your tiles on the wall. With the mortar ready to go, you can start placing your tiles. Just twist them into place, sticking to the small area that you prepared for yourself. Place your spacers between each tile as you go. These are usually cross shaped and placed at the corners but if you have unusual tiles you may have to improvise, such as by placing only one arm between tiles and letting the rest of the spacer stick out. If the mortar rises up between the tiles as you place them, the bed is too thick and you will need a smaller trowel. Check the tiles for level as you go. This is when a laser level can really come in handy. Choose and mix your grout. You'll need to choose what grout is appropriate for your project, depending on how large the gaps are between your tiles. Once you've chosen, mix the grout according to the packaging directions, being sure to also mix any additives you want. Usually, you will start with the water in a bowl or bucket and add powder until the consistency is like toothpaste. Mix only what you can spread in about 20 minutes, since mixing any more risks the product drying out. Sanded grout is used for gaps larger than 3mm. Unsanded grout is used for gaps smaller than 3mm. You can find all sorts of additives at your local hardware store. These can do everything from making the grout more water resistant to changing the color to match your tiles. Spread the grout, using a grout float. Now, spread the grout (using a grout float) in a roughly 3x3' area, or whatever size you can grout in about 20 minutes. Hold the float at a 45° angle and push the grout into the gaps using diagonal swipes. You do not want to push the grout around parallel to the lines, since this can gouge the grout back out of the gaps. You can save yourself some time by using the grout float to remove as much of the excess grout off of the tiles as possible. Clean the grout. After allowing the grout to cure for 20 minutes wipe the tiles with a clean, damp sponge to remove any excess grout from the tiled surface. Wipe just a small area, clean out the sponge, and then wipe some more. It is best to do this for each small area as you complete it but you can wait until you have done two to four small areas as well. Keep in mind, however, that it will be much harder to get the grout off and the final look may not be as professional. Allow it to cure. Now, allow the grout to cure for three hours or whatever amount of time is recommended on your product directions. Make sure that the area remains dry and that it gets adequate ventilation. Some additives may cause the grout to cure more slowly. See the included packaging for any addendums to the curing process. You can clean off any remaining residue after the grout has cured. An old sock or dry rag work well for this. Seal the grout. Once you have installed all of your tile, you'll want to apply a grout sealer. This will help keep mold from growing in the gaps and will need to be reapplied usually every year (preferably every six months). Though every sealer is different, usually it is a wax which must be applied in a circular motion with a rag. You can also get brush-on or spray-on tile sealer. Do not put these sealers on non-glazed, unfinished tile. It will absorb into and possibly stain the tile.

Make sure your wall is ready to go. Use a level and tape to measure for your tile locations. Mark the locations on the wall using a chalk line. Dry fit and then cut tiles to size using a diamond wet saw. Install a batten to keep your first row straight. Mix the mortar. Spread the mortar. Place your tiles on the wall. Choose and mix your grout. Spread the grout, using a grout float. Clean the grout. Allow it to cure. Seal the grout.

https://www.wikihow.com/Rotate-Your-Dog%27s-Toys

How to Rotate Your Dog's Toys

To rotate your dog's toys, start by choosing 4 or 5 of them to put out for your dog to play with. Then, put the rest of the toys away where your dog can't get to them. After a week, replace all of the toys with 4 or 5 different toys that have been in storage. Repeat the process every week to help keep your dog interested in all of its toys. However, if your dog is particularly attached to a specific toy, you might want to leave that toy out at all times so your dog doesn't get stressed.

Have four or five toys out a time. Your dog can only be interested in a limited number of toys at a time. Four or five is a good number because it's enough to keep your dog interested without overwhelming it with a large number of toys. Change out the toys weekly. To keep your dog interested, change out the toys your dog plays with about once a week. Pick up this week's toys, and put them away. In exchange, get four to five more toys out for your dog to play with. That means you need at least eight to ten toys for your dog to play with. Clean as needed. As you change out the toys, clean the toys as needed. For rubber toys, you can scrub them hard with hot soap and water or stick them in the dishwasher (but skip the soap in the dishwasher). For rope toys, clean them off, then stick them in the microwave (while still wet). Microwave for one minute, and then (carefully!) remove it. Stuffed toys can be run through the washing machine. Throw out toys when they start falling apart. It can be hard to get rid of a beloved toy, but shredded, torn, or dangling pieces can become a choking hazard for your dog. Get rid of a toy if more than half of it is missing. Subscribe to a monthly toy subscription box. There are many services, such as Bully Box, Bark Box or Paw Pack, which will send you a box of new dog toys each month. This is a great option if your dog goes through toys quickly. To sign up, visit the website of a service and select a plan that works for you. These services will charge a fee each month for the box. Keep a variety out. Have different types of toys out for your dog to play with, rather than all the same variety. For instance, you could have hard rubber toys, food puzzle toys, tennis balls, rope toys (made for dogs), and stuffed squeaker toys. That way, your dog will have something to play with no matter what mood it's in. Hide some toys for your dog to find. When you bring toys out, consider hiding them around the house in places your dog is likely to find them. If your dog can hunt down its toy, it will get more joy out of playing with the toy. Just don't hide them in a place where your dog has to destroy something to get to the toy. Leave out your dog's favorite toy. While you do want to rotate out toys to keep your dog interested, you should leave your dog's favorite toy out most of the time. For instance, some dogs like soft stuffed toys to cuddle up with that may become their favorite toy. Supervise squeaker toys. When a toy makes a sound, your dog may feel like it has to get to the bottom of it, so to speak. In other words, your dog may destroy the toy, ingesting parts as it goes. Therefore, you should always keep an eye on your dog when playing with squeaker toys. Once the dog gets the squeaker out of the toy, throw away the toy. The dog may keep chewing it and possibly eat the cotton fluff inside if the toy stays out. Watch your dog with stuffed toys at first. Some dogs treat stuffed toys as their babies or children, carrying them around. Others prefer to "kill" the toy, and in the process, they destroy it. They may eat stuffing while killing it, which is be bad for your dog. Make sure to watch how your dog interacts with stuffed toys before leaving it alone with one. Buy size-appropriate toys. If you have a large dog, you need large toys. Toys meant for smaller dogs could easily be swallowed by a larger dog. Similarly, larger toys could pose a risk for smaller dogs if they can't get their mouth around it easily. Create dog-proof toys. If you find your dog loves to play with something that's not made for dogs, make sure the toy is safe for your dog. Basically, you need to remove anything that your dog could swallow, such as ribbons, threads, and buttons or eyes. Also, look for the label "child-safe." If a stuffed toy is safe for children under three, then it's likely safe for dogs, as well. Stuffed toys that are safe for this age don't have dangerous fillers. Plus, these types of toys generally don't have buttons or other items that can come off, since those are choking hazards. Throw out worn and broken toys. Worn toys can come apart, and then the pieces can be ingested by your dog. As you put toys away, make sure to check them over for wear and tear. Discard any toys that are coming apart to keep your dog safe.

Have four or five toys out a time. Change out the toys weekly. Clean as needed. Throw out toys when they start falling apart. Subscribe to a monthly toy subscription box. Keep a variety out. Hide some toys for your dog to find. Leave out your dog's favorite toy. Supervise squeaker toys. Watch your dog with stuffed toys at first. Buy size-appropriate toys. Create dog-proof toys. Throw out worn and broken toys.