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How to Grow Jalapenos in a Pot | Jalapeno plants thrive in warm, sunny climates, and many varieties tend to grow better in a pot than in the ground. If you purchased a small jalapeno plant from a nursery, transfer it to a larger pot full of rich soil before watering it frequently. You can also start jalapenos from seeds using seed trays. Jalapeno plants grow quickly, so you'll need to repot them about every 2 weeks or so.
1. **Choose a pot that’s twice as wide and deep as the nursery pot.** This will give the plant plenty of room to grow and spread its roots. Jalapenos need to be replanted several times, so be prepared to transfer the plant a few times.
Make sure the pot you use has proper drainage holes.
2. **Fill the pot with organic potting soil.** You can find organic potting soil at your local garden or home improvement store. Fill the pot at least halfway full of potting soil to start with, and then you can rearrange the soil once you add in the plant.
You can add a little bit of compost to the soil for nutrients, if desired.
3. **Remove the jalapeno plant from the nursery pot.** Gently pull the root ball out of the nursery container, making sure not to pull on the stem. Give the root ball a couple of squeezes with your hand to loosen up the soil and roots.
4. **Situate the plant in the new pot and add more soil.** Place the root ball down in the pot, making sure the top of the root ball is almost level with the top of the pot. Add in more potting soil around the root ball using your hands or a shovel until the pot is mostly full.
Be careful not to damage the roots when you’re arranging the soil in the pot, especially if you’re using a shovel.
5. **Water the plant after you've added soil.** The water will help compress the soil naturally so you can see how much more soil you need to add. You can use a cup or small watering can to dampen the soil.
6. **Set the pot in a place with access to at least 6 hours of full sun.** Jalapeno plants love being in full sunlight, so place them somewhere that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. This can be outside, or it can be on a windowsill that gets lots of indirect sunlight throughout the day.
7. **Keep the soil moist, especially during warmer weather.** It’s important to keep the soil damp without letting it get soggy. Water the plant whenever the soil feels dry—if it’s hot outside, the plant may need water every day.
Make sure the pot has proper air ventilation holes so that water can drain easily if needed.
To see if the plant is too dry, try tilting the pot to the side to see how much it weighs. If it feels super light, the plant is too dry and needs more water.
8. **Use liquid fertilizer to help the jalapeno plant grow.** If you want to use a fertilizer on your jalapeno plants, try out a water-soluble liquid plant food. Most organic fertilizers that you would use on tomatoes should work well with jalapeno plants.
A 5-10-10 fertilizer is good for jalapeno plants.
If the plant is underfed, it will have pale green leaves and won’t have very much new growth.
9. **Repot the plant roughly every 2 weeks as it gets bigger.** Jalapeno plants grow quickly, and you’ll need to switch out the pots when the plant outgrows each one. When you do repot the plant, make sure there’s at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) of space on each side of the plant so that it has plenty of room in the pot.
Repotting the plant each time it grows as opposed to just planting it in a large pot is important so that you prevent overwatering and/or adding too much fertilizer.
Try not to damage the roots each time you repot the jalapeno plant.
10. **Purchase jalapeno seeds or use seeds from your own jalapenos.** You can find jalapeno pepper seeds at a garden or home improvement store, as well as online. If you already have a jalapeno plant, you can cut open a mature pepper and use those seeds for planting.
11. **Fill a seed tray with seed-starting mix.** You can find a seed-starting mix at your local garden or home improvement store, as well as seed trays perfect for starting small seedlings. Fill each space in the seed tray about ¾ of the way full with the soil.
12. **Place 1-3 seeds in each seed tray.** Pour the jalapeno seeds into your palm and drop a few into each section of the seed tray. Try to space them evenly so that they’re not on top of each other, even if they don’t all grow.
You don’t need to push them down into the soil, just place each one in the soil gently.
13. **Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.** A fine sprinkling of soil will do—you just want the seeds covered with a light layer of soil so that water or wind doesn’t move them. Use the same soil that you used to fill the seed tray.
14. **Mist the soil with water when it becomes dry.** While you don’t want to drench the seeds in water, they’ll need to be properly hydrated in order to grow. Use a spray bottle to dampen the soil after the seeds are planted, and check the soil each day to make sure it isn’t dry.
Make sure the seed trays have proper air ventilation so that the soil doesn’t become soggy.
15. **Expose the seeds to light for up to 16 hours a day.** If you live in a climate that gets lots of warm sun, put the seed trays near a windowsill so that they can get sunlight. You can also use artificial light from lamps to heat up the seeds and help them grow, if necessary.
If you’re going to use artificial lighting, hang growing lights 2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm) above the plants.
If you notice the seedling starting to wilt, the lights may be too close.
16. **Wait 3-5 weeks for the seeds to germinate.** How long it takes for the seeds to germinate will depend on the growing conditions, such as the amount of sunlight, water, and soil temperature. By 5 weeks, your seeds should have started growing into small seedlings.
Some types of jalapeno seeds only take about 10 days to germinate, so keep an eye on your plant daily to check for progress.
17. **Transfer the plant to a larger pot when it’s at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) tall.** When it has reached this height, it’s strong enough to be moved to a larger pot for more growing space. Use nutrient-rich potting soil when you transfer the plant, and make sure to give it full sunlight and plenty of water.
Another way to tell if the plant is ready to be repotted is to look for at least 4 leaves. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Jalapenos-in-a-Pot", "language": "en"} |
11 Ways to Tell Your Boyfriend You Need More Attention | When your boyfriend gets wrapped up with other things going on in his life, it might seem like you’re fighting for his attention. If you want him to put in a little more effort, letting him know right away is so important to maintain communication and feel fulfilled as a couple. Luckily, there are some easy things you can do to bring up the issue. We’ll go over how to talk about how you’re feeling directly and some subtle ways to make him more attentive so you can strengthen your relationship.
1. **The goal is to better your relationship instead of arguing.** It’s perfectly fine to feel a bit frustrated when you’re not getting the attention you want, but try to talk about it calmly. Note that you’re not trying to start an argument or “be right” about the issue, but instead mention that you want to have a respectful discussion to improve your communication and be stronger as a couple.
For example, you might say, “I care more about feeling good in our relationship more than winning an argument,” or “I just want to talk about how I’ve felt lately without getting into a disagreement.”
If you already feel the tensions rising, try saying something like, “I need a minute to cool down, but I’d like to talk about how I’m feeling in a little while.”
2. **Clearly stating what’s bothering you helps prevent miscommunication.** Your boyfriend can’t read your mind, so the only way he’ll know there’s an issue is if you bring it up. Let him know exactly how you’re feeling as soon as you feel it so you can address it right away.
For example, you might say, “I feel like I haven’t gotten as much attention as I need,” or “I feel that I’ve put more effort into our relationship lately.”
If you feel like you’re not getting as much affection, you might say something like, “I wish we could have a little more intimacy,” or, “I miss when we would message cute things to each other all day.”
Stay away from using words like “always” or “never” when you’re talking about the issue since it can make you sound harsher. For example, instead of saying, “You always see your friends instead of me,” you could say, “I’ve noticed you seeing your friends more than me lately.”
3. **Focus on how you’re feeling rather than blaming your BF.** Criticizing your boyfriend for not paying attention to you might make him get more defensive. Instead, talk about how his actions affect you. You can still use the word “you” when you reference what he did, but always be sure to mention how you felt because of it so it doesn’t sound as accusatory.
For example, avoid saying something like, “You don’t listen to me when I’m talking.” Instead, say, “I don’t feel like I’m being heard when I talk about things that are important to me.”
As another example, instead of saying, “You never cuddle with me anymore,” you could say, “I’m sad that we aren’t as physically close as we used to be.”
If you’re not texting as often as you used to, you might try saying, “I wish we could text back and forth like when we first started dating.”
4. **Follow the format, “When you do X in situation Y, I feel Z.** When you phrase your sentences like this, it gives your boyfriend the details of what caused the issue and what he can do to make it better. Try to be as specific with your statements as you can when you’re explaining to him so there aren’t any miscommunications.
For example, you could say something like, “When you come home and take a few minutes before saying hi to me, I feel like I’m a second thought.”
As another example, you might say, “When you go out with your friends without asking if I want to come with you, I feel like I’m not as important as them.”
If he isn’t texting you back, you could say, “When I send you a message and it takes a few hours to respond, I feel like I’m being ignored.”
While this may seem like you’re blaming him at first, you’re just talking about how his actions made you feel.
5. **Work on gradual changes so your boyfriend isn’t overwhelmed.** Even if there are a lot of things your guy can do to improve, pick one thing that’s the most important to address right away. You can always bring up any other changes you want later once he follows through with your first request.
For example, you might say something like, “I think I’ll feel better if you ask me to hang out on the weekend before making plans with your friends.”
As another example, you might try, “I’d love it if you could take over planning a few more of our dates so we can balance it out.”
If you want to be more physically intimate, you could say, “I really want to make some time where we can cuddle and be affectionate every day.”
Some people have a harder time adjusting to changes than others, so be patient with your boyfriend. As long as you see him putting in the effort, he’s doing the best he can.
6. **Your boyfriend might not give you attention if he feels unfulfilled.** While you’re chatting, find out if there’s anything that your BF feels is missing from the relationship. Give him a chance to open up and explain what would make him the happiest with you.Actively listen to what he’s saying so you can see any areas where you can improve too.
For example, you might say, “Now that I’ve told you what I need, is there something more you need from me?”
As another example, you could say something like, “How can I help you feel better in our relationship too?”
7. **Work together to figure out what will work best to grow your connection.** It’s pretty rare that you’re going to get exactly what you ask for, so talk over the options with your BF. Try to find something that makes both of you feel happy and satisfied. Check in with each other regularly so you can stay updated on what’s working and what isn’t.
For example, you might compromise that your boyfriend can have a night or two each week to spend with friends without asking you.
As another example, if you want more physical affection, you might decide to schedule times every day where you can be close and cuddly without any other distractions.
8. **Changing how you communicate might impact him more.** If you aren’t able to resolve the topic when you’re talking in person, write down what you need from your BF. Tell him what’s bothering you just like you would say it in person, and add a suggestion of what he can do to help you feel better. Leave the note for him to read and address on his own time.
Your boyfriend may try talking to you in person again or write another letter back.
9. **Thanking your BF lets him know that you appreciate his attention.** Take a second to recognize all of the things that your boyfriend already does for you that may go unnoticed. The next time he puts effort towards giving you attention or affection, let him know how much you appreciate it. Since he’ll love to see that you’re happy, he may continue doing those things for you.
For example, you might say something like, “I really appreciate you spending time with me tonight,” or “Thanks so much for getting these flowers for me. It means the world to me!”
You could also say something like, “It meant a lot when you asked to spend time with me tonight,” or “Thank you for checking up on me even though you’re with your friends.
10. **Lead by example for what you want and expect from him.** You may make a point to say hi to him as soon as he gets home, talk about how his day was, or cuddle up close to him when you’re feeling affectionate. When he sees that you’re putting in the extra effort, he may get the hint that you want him to reciprocate.
For example, if you notice that your boyfriend has had a rough day, you could give him a massage and ask him what you can do to help him relax.
If he still doesn’t recognize that you want him to do the same thing for you, then you
11. **Find some one-on-one time so he can focus more on you.** Ask your guy when he has some free time in his schedule so you can make plans together. While planning a date night is always a good option, you could even just sit and talk to each other without any distractions so you can deepen your bond. Try to fit time to reconnect and give your undivided attention to each other into your regular routine so you don’t have to worry about it.
Ask your boyfriend to plan some dates or one-on-one times so you’re not the one always pulling it together. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-Your-Boyfriend-You-Need-More-Attention", "language": "en"} |
How to Steam an Egg | Like boiling water, boiling an egg is a no-brainer, or so they say. If you're like most people, you cook eggs this way in a pot of boiling water and let them cool when they're done. But when you try to peel away the eggshell, you usually lose chunks of egg white along the way. You might even end up peeling away most of the egg white, which makes for a messy presentation on a plate. Steaming an egg is a great way to ensure that the shell slips right off with ease, leaving you a perfect soft or hardboiled egg to enjoy every time.
1. **Add about ⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of water to a pot.** Placing your pot under the kitchen sink is the easiest way to get the amount of water you need. You can also put some water in a pitcher and pour it into your pot.
Remember, the water doesn't need to cover your eggs at all. You only need enough water to create steam inside your pot.
It's perfectly OK to eyeball ⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of water. Slightly more or slightly less won't hurt the steaming process.
A metal colander works the same as a steamer basket.
2. **Turn your stove to high heat and bring the water to a rapid boil.** To start, place a lid on the pot. Then, put the pot on the stove. You'll need the proper lid for the pot you're using to hold the steam inside of it. This is vital for success when it comes to steaming eggs.
You can remove the pot lid after a few minutes to make sure the water's boiling and creating lots of steam.
3. **Fill your metal steamer basket with eggs.** You can place one egg gently in the steamer basket or as many as will fit. You can steam one egg for breakfast or a quick snack, or steam a bunch of eggs to keep on hand for later.
A little bit of water visible in the bottom of your steamer basket won't interfere with steaming your eggs.
4. **Lower the steamer basket into your pot.** Then, place the lid back on the pot to hold in the steam. Reduce the heat to medium, which keeps your water from drying up.
If you're concerned that the steam might be too hot, consider putting on a pair of oven mitts to protect your hands and lower arms as you lower the steamer basket or colander into the pot.
5. **Set your timer for 6-12 minutes.** You should set the timer to 6 minutes for a soft boil and 12 minutes for a hard boil. You can keep track of your steaming time by monitoring your kitchen clock. Ideally, it's a good idea to use a timer with an alarm, in case you get distracted.
At this point, you want to rely on your timer and avoid opening the pot to check the eggs.
Letting out the steam while the eggs are in the pot can interfere with the steaming process.
6. **Remove the egg from the pot to cool.** Place the egg in a bowl of cold water. If you want your egg to be cold, you can prepare a bath of ice cubes and water. Cooling the egg stops the cooking process and keeps the egg yolk from getting harder than you want.
You should cool down the egg enough to peel without burning your fingers.
7. **Remove the eggshell.** Start by tapping the steamed egg on your countertop gently. Then, run your thumb under the crack and flick upwards. This loosens the shell and makes it easy to take off.
You can remove the shell of a properly steamed egg with one hand.
The egg white should be perfectly smooth and show no gouges.
Serve a cold steamed egg as a salad ingredient or a warm steamed egg alongside a piece of buttered toast.
Steamed eggs keep in your refrigerator for up to 5 days.
8. **Boil a small amount of water in a pot.** Using your pinkie finger as a guide, measure enough water to reach the bottom of your fingernail. Cover the pot with a lid. Then, turn the stove to high heat and place the pot on the stove. Bring the water to a rapid boil.
The good news is that you don't have to go out and buy a steamer basket to steam eggs if you don't have one.
Placing your eggs in steam rather than cold water allows for a bit more precision when it comes to setting your cooking time.
Remember to keep the pot on the stove over heat throughout the entire steaming process.
9. **Remove the lid and place your egg in the pot.** You can steam as many eggs as you like in a pot using this method. For example, you can steam one egg or even a dozen. The number of eggs you steam at a time depends on the size of your pot.
Don't worry—the boiling water touching one side of your egg doesn't change how the steam works.
10. **Place the lid back on the pot to steam the egg.** The properly closed lid ensures that the pot will fill with steam which is necessary for perfect cooking. A properly placed lid also makes for more precise cooking times.
At this point, you can reduce the heat under your pot to medium-high. This keeps the water from completely evaporating before you're done steaming your egg.
11. **Set the timer for around 6-12 minutes.** You can use the same amount of time as you would using a steamer basket—around 6 minutes for a soft boil and around 12 minutes for a hard boil. Turn off the stove when the timer goes off.
Use a timer that you'll be able to hear. For example, the timer on your cellphone might not be loud enough, especially if you turned the volume down.
12. **Run cold water in a mixing bowl to cool your eggs.** Place the steamed eggs in the bowl. You can add ice cubes to the water if you want your eggs to be cold rather than cool. Placing the eggs in cold water stops the cooking process.
Because steam is so hot, forgetting to stop the cooking process right away can result in hard, rubbery eggs.
Cooling the eggs after steaming also makes them easier to peel and serve immediately after cooking.
13. **Pour 1 cup (240 mL) of water in the bottom of your Instant Pot.** You need at least that much water to activate the pot's pressure function. An Instant Pot works like a pressure cooker. The precision with which it uses steam to cook food ensures properly steamed eggs in a short amount of time.
Confirm that your Instant Pot is plugged in before steaming your eggs.
14. **Place the metal basket in the bottom of your Instant Pot.** The metal basket—called a trivet—looks like a steamer basket. Then, fill the metal basket with eggs. As with other egg steaming methods, it doesn't matter if a bit of water touches the eggs.
You can pile in as many eggs as will fit in your Instant Pot.
15. **Close your Instant Pot and set it to seal to steam your egg.** Choose the steam function from the pot's front panel. Also, set the timer on the panel. Choose 3 minutes for soft-boiled eggs and 6 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
Consider experimenting within the recommended steaming time ranges to get an egg that suits your palate. For example, you might find that setting the timer to 4 minutes or even 7 minutes results in an egg that's just perfect for you.
While waiting for your eggs to steam, add water to a bowl to stop the cooking process. And, don't forget to add ice cubes if you want your eggs chilled.
16. **Remove your steamed egg from the Instant Pot.** When the timer goes off and pot switches to "Keep Warm" mode, release the pressure by setting the pot to Venting. You can open the pot once the steam finishes releasing. Place the egg in the cold or ice water to stop the cooking process.
You can leave the eggs in your Instant Pot on Keep Warm mode. Just keep in mind that they do continue cooking, which you might not want, depending on how soft or hard you like your egg. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Steam-an-Egg", "language": "en"} |
How to Shrink Jeans Without a Dryer | Nobody wants to walk around in falling-down, old jeans, and there are simple ways to shrink your jeans at home without a dryer. You can transform your slouchy old pair of jeans into form-fitting hip-huggers by bathing in your jeans, using a hot iron on them, or letting them boil on the stove.
1. **Fill up a bath with scalding water and put on your jeans.** You don’t want to burn yourself, but fill the bath with the hottest water you can handle. Once the bath is full, use your finger to test whether it’s ok to climb in. Once you can hold your finger in for 5 seconds without burning it, the bath should be ready.
2. **Sit in the bath in your jeans until the water cools.** It might feel a little odd to be bathing in a pair of jeans, but the heat will do its magic of shrinking the jeans to your exact figure while you wait. Once the water starts cooling, climb out of the bath onto a bath mat or towel to avoid making a mess. Stand there and drip dry for a moment before leaving the bathroom.
3. **Walk around in your wet jeans until they dry.** Though this seems like it might take forever, your body heat is actually a great drying agent, and the jeans should dry in around 20 minutes or less, faster than if they were simply hanging to dry. However, you don’t want to be freezing cold walking around in wet jeans, so try to do this in warm weather or with the heat on in your house.
As a way to make the time pass and speed up the drying, try listening to music and dancing around to generate body heat; your jeans will dry even faster.
4. **Wash your jeans in hot water.** You can hand wash jeans or put them in the washer to soak and clean them. If using a washing machine, you can turn the jeans inside out before loading them in to protect them from wear.
5. **Hang the jeans up to dry until they are damp.** Check on the jeans about an hour after hanging them up. You want the jeans to no longer be dripping water, but to still be damp to the touch. For reference, the jeans should be dry enough that you could put them on, if a bit uncomfortably. If they’re not dry enough, check back in 30 minutes.
6. **Turn the damp jeans inside out and iron them until dry.** Turn the iron on the highest setting, and move the iron up and down each pant leg slowly until they start to feel dry. Move on to the waist and hip area, next. Then, turn the jeans right-side out and repeat the ironing process until the pants are fully dry.
At this point, you can try the jeans on and see how they are feeling.
7. **Iron specific areas of the jeans that still need shrinking.** If there are any specific spots of the jeans that still feel too big, you can mist those spots with a spray bottle filled with hot water and target them with the iron directly. This can be helpful if you want to shrink specific areas, like the waist area or lower legs, for example.
8. **Boil a large pot of water.** Fill the pot halfway, so that it does not overflow when you are ready to put the jeans in. Make sure the pot is large enough for the pair of jeans you intend to shrink. Put the stove on high heat, cover the pot, and wait until the water is boiling.
9. **Submerge the jeans into the boiling water for 20-30 minutes.** Use a pair of tongs or another kitchen utensil to push the jeans down into the water. Then, bring the water to a simmer and cover the pot.
Boiling your jeans will shrink them faster than putting them in the washing machine, so adjust the time depending on how much shrinkage is required, and leave them in for a shorter amount of time if you are unsure.
10. **Hang the jeans out to dry in the sun.** You can simulate the heat and drying capacities of a high-heat dryer by placing your jeans in the sun. Put them up on a clothesline, or lay them out on a clean surface in the sun. Once the jeans are dry, try them on to see if they fit. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Shrink-Jeans-Without-a-Dryer", "language": "en"} |
How to Bequeath Property | You can bequeath property, or transfer it upon death, by writing a will. In the will, you’ll name the beneficiary for your property, which is the person who will receive it when you die. Drafting a will is easy, and you can do it yourself. If you change your mind at some point in the future, you can change the beneficiary by drafting a codicil, which is an amendment to your will. However, some property isn't passed through a will, so you should leave it to your beneficiaries in an appropriate manner.
1. **Identify your beneficiaries.** You can give specific pieces of property to specific people. For example, you might want to give your son your favorite antique car. You can bequeath the property by writing, “I leave to my brother, Karl, my 1966 Ford Mustang.”
2. **Name alternate beneficiaries.** Your first pick might die before you, so you can name someone to inherit the property in their place. For example, you can leave your car to your brother but, if he dies before you, then your nephew will get the car.
Write in your will, “I leave to my brother, Karl, my 1966 Ford Mustang. If he does not survive me, I leave my 1966 Ford Mustang to my nephew, Isaac Jones.”
3. **Bequeath property to groups.** You can give property to more than 1 person. For example, you might want to give property to all of your children or all of your grandchildren. You can write in your will, “I leave my 1966 Ford Mustang to my grandchildren who survive me, in equal shares.”
4. **Make bequests of money.** You can give a bequest from a specific account. For example, you might give $5,000 to your sister from your checking account. However, if there’s no money in the account when you die, the money will come from your estate’s general assets.
To make the bequest in your will, you can write, “I bequeath $5,000 to my sister, Ella, to be paid out of the proceeds from the sale of my stock in Amazon, Inc.”
5. **Make a general bequest of money.** With a general bequest, you don’t have to identify the specific account you pay from. For example, you can write in your will, “I leave $5,000 to my sister, Ella.” However, if the assets aren’t available or have been given away, this may not be an option. In certain cases, the personal representative might sell assets to come up with the money. Or, if there is a residual estate, general bequests can be fulfilled from the estate.
6. **Choose someone to receive the rest of your estate.** You don’t have to name a beneficiary for every single thing you own. Instead, you can name a beneficiary for your “residuary estate.” This is everything you own that you haven’t given to a specific beneficiary. Your beneficiary will get what is left after your debts have been paid.
You can write something like the following in your will: “My residuary estate consists of all property I own at my death that is subject to this will and does not pass under a general or specific bequest, including all failed or lapsed gifts.”
7. **Find will templates or request help from an attorney.** You can find sample wills in books or online. Look for a will drafted specifically for your country or state. You’ll need something to use as a guide when you draft your own. You might also use will writing software or online programs. These programs make writing a will easy.
You could also seek help from a wills and trust attorney. Some lawyers who practice general law, probate law, property law, and elder law will also be able to help you draft a will.
8. **Pick a personal representative.** This person will be responsible for guiding your estate through probate after you die. The personal representative (also called an executor) will need to collect all of your property, pay your debts, and distribute property to your beneficiaries. Choose someone you trust and who is responsible.
Laws sometimes restrict who can serve as a personal representative. For example, many states prohibit someone with a felony conviction from serving. Generally, your personal representative must be at least 18 and be of sound mind.
9. **Check if you can give the property away.** Not all property can be left in a will, so find this out ahead of time. For example, you might live in a community (or marital) property state: Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, or Wisconsin.
If you acquired the property during your marriage, you can only give away half. The other half belongs to your spouse. However, you can give away all of your separate property, which you acquired before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance.
10. **Sign your will in front of the required number of witnesses.** The laws in your jurisdiction will determine how many people need to witness you sign. In most U.S. states, you’ll need at least 2 witnesses, though some states require 3. Choose witnesses who don’t receive anything in your will.
Some states may also require your will to be notarized, meaning it must be signed in front of and stamped by a public notary.
11. **Add a self-proving affidavit.** You might not die for decades. At that point, your witnesses might no longer be around to testify that the will is yours. Get around this problem by drafting a “self-proving affidavit” and having your witnesses sign it in front of a notary public.
Do some research online to find a self-proving affidavit that works for your state. In Florida, for example, the legislature has created an affidavit you can add to your will.
12. **Ask a lawyer to review your will.** Every country or state law is a little different, so you want an attorney to review your will to make sure you have drafted it properly. Find a lawyer by contacting your nearest bar association and asking for a referral.
Talk to your lawyer about alternative ways to leave property to your heirs. For example, if you have a disabled heir, you don’t want to leave property through a will. Instead, you’ll want a special needs trust. Discuss your situation with the lawyer.
13. **Store your will safely.** Put it somewhere that is safe but easy to find. You should also give a copy to your personal representative, who will be responsible for filing the will in probate court after you die.
It’s up to you whether to tell your beneficiaries what they are receiving. You might not want any surprises, in which case you should tell them.
14. **Avoid writing on the will.** Don’t change your will by crossing out words, tearing out pages, or writing all over the will. Instead, change your will by writing a “codicil,” which, depending on the jurisdiction, is either an amendment or an alternative. Check your local legislature to find out if you can amend your will with a codicil, or if you will need to rewrite it.
Rewriting the entire will is a good option if you used will writing software or an online program. Just include a paragraph stating that you are revoking your prior will.
15. **Identify what you want to change.** You might want to change the beneficiary who receives a piece of property. Take out your will and find the provision you want to change. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may be able to write a codicil if you’ve acquired new property you want to leave to someone.
16. **Format your codicil.** You can easily change your will by attaching a codicil. Format the document in the same way you formatted your will. Include the following information:
Title. Mention the name and date of your will. For example, your title might read, “Codicil to Last Will and Testament of Jill R. Jones dated March 1, 1978.”
Opening paragraph. Write something like, “I, Jill R. Jones, of DuPage County, Illinois, being of sound mind, declare that this Codicil to the Last Will and Testament of Jill R. Jones is effective as of this date, and amends my Last Will and Testament dated March 1, 1978 as follows….”
17. **State what you are changing.** Find the paragraph you want to change. You’ll need to mention it in the codicil. For example, if you want to change the beneficiary of your stamp collection, find the paragraph in your will that includes that bequest.
Write something like the following: “Paragraph Seven of my Last Will and Testament is hereby amended to read as follows: Paragraph Seven. I leave my stamp collection to Evan Westlake.”
If you’re adding a paragraph, you can write in your codicil, “My Last Will and Testament is hereby amended to add the following as Paragraph Nine: Paragraph Nine. I hereby leave my diamond bracelet to my daughter, Karen Little.”
18. **Republish your will.** When you’ve made all of your changes, remember to state that you are republishing your will. Also state that your codicil will pre-empt your will if there’s any contradictions between the two documents.
For example, you can write in your codicil, “Should this Codicil contradict the terms of my Last Will and Testament dated March 1, 1978, the terms of this Codicil shall control. In all other respects, I reaffirm and republish my Last Will and Testament dated March 1, 1978.”
19. **Sign your codicil.** Remember to follow the same formalities you followed when drafting your original will. For example, have the same number of people sign as witnesses. Also make sure the witnesses don’t receive anything under the codicil or will.
You could also draft a self-proving affidavit for the codicil.
Attach the codicil to your will. Also give your personal representative a copy of the codicil.
20. **Designate a beneficiary on life insurance policies.** You don’t name a life insurance beneficiary in your will. Instead, you name the beneficiary on the policy. If you want to change the beneficiary, contact your life insurance company and ask how.
21. **Name a beneficiary to your retirement account.** As with life insurance, you name beneficiaries on your retirement account or pension, not through your will. Contact the companies you have your accounts with to change the beneficiary.
22. **Create a joint tenancy in your home.** You can leave your home to your spouse using a joint tenancy with right of survivorship. On the deed, you’ll need to use the language "as joint tenants with right of survivorship.”
Both spouses own equal shares in the home while alive. However, when one dies, the survivor will take the entire house.
Consult with your attorney for help with this complicated issue.
23. **Sign a revocable transfer on death deed.** Some states allow you to bypass probate if you sign this type of deed. The beneficiary has no rights in your property until you die, and you can change your mind at any time before you die.
If you use this type of deed, make sure your will doesn’t bequeath the property to someone else. A title insurance company might not issue title insurance if the deed and will disagree.
If you change your mind, you need to revoke the deed with an instrument of revocation. You can’t revoke the deed with your will.
It’s a good idea to speak to your lawyer about a revocable transfer deed. They can help make sure you file this type of paperwork correctly.
24. **Consider creating a life estate.** You can also give your home to someone while you are living. You'll create a life estate deed, which allows you to occupy and use the home during your lifetime. At your death, full ownership passes to the person you named as the remainderman on the deed.
A life estate deed can be revocable, which means you can change your mind during your life. Alternately, you can make it irrevocable, which means you'll need the remainderman's permission to sell the house.
Consult with an attorney if you are interested in creating a life estate. A qualified attorney can advise you and draft the appropriate documents. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Bequeath-Property", "language": "en"} |
How to Prevent Pads from Leaking While on Your Period | Dealing with cramps, mood swings, and other unpleasant side effects of your period can feel like more than enough to handle. If you have to worry about leaking when you’re wearing a pad, your time of the month can be even worse! However, there are many tricks you can use to make sure that you have a leak- and worry- free period.
1. **Make sure you’re putting on your pads correctly.** In order to put on your pads correctly, you have to take them out of their packaging, remove them from their wrappers, and then make sure to place them right in the middle of your underwear, so they don’t go too far up or too far down. If they have wings, then remove the wrapper from the wings and make sure you wrap them tightly around the bottom of the middle of your underwear to hold the pad in place. Once the pad is securely placed inside your underwear, you can put it on, smoothing it down to make sure everything is in place.
Make sure to wash your hands before you put on the pad on and that you dispose of it in a trash bin after wrapping it up in its wrapper or in toilet paper.
Some people prefer to use cloth pads over the more common pads. Though they are not said to be more absorbent, they are more environmentally conscious.
2. **Wear pads of correct length and thickness.** If you’re having trouble with leakage and have a heavy flow, then you should aim to get pads that have super absorbency and which are as long as possible. At night, you should make sure to wear overnight pads, which are even longer; though these are quite thick, you can even wear them during the day if your flow is very heavy and you tend to leak often.
You should try to get pads with wings to make sure that they don’t move around too much and that they are tightly stuck to your underwear.
3. **Consider using pantyliners for extra coverage.** Some people like to place pantyliners sideways above and below their pads. This can give you some extra coverage in places where you tend to leak. You can even place some lighter pads perpendicularly to your pad to really get some extra coverage. That said, this can get a bit uncomfortable, especially if the sideways pads or pantiliners get loose, so make sure you’re wearing tight underwear and that the pads are secure.
If you always tend to leak either in front or behind your pad, you can also move it up or down a bit, depending on where you tend to leak.
4. **Wear thicker underwear.** Another way to minimize your leaks is to wear thicker underwear that is less prone to leaks. Though this can’t protect you from leaking all together, it can help you minimize how much you leak and will absorb more of your blood if you do have a leak. Just knowing that you’re wearing thicker, more absorbent underwear can make you feel more comfortable.
Just make sure that the underwear isn’t too loose. Looser underwear will actually make your pad move around more and will make it more likely that you’ll have an accident.
5. **Consider wearing period panties.** If you really have a heavy flow and a problem with leaking, then you can consider getting special period panties. No, this doesn’t refer to those old ugly pairs of underwear that you only wear on your period because you don’t care about what happens to them; “period panties” are a special kind of underwear that are made of three distinct layers that protect your pads from leaking. The first layer is absorbent, the second is leak proof, and the third is made of cotton. These layers breathe and keep you cool and comfy while also ensuring that you have the strongest protection.
Though a pair of period panties can cost $20-30 dollars or more, if you get just a few pairs and always wear them on your period, they can be a worthwhile investment.
6. **The best way to prevent leaks is simple; just apply one pad as it is, and apply a second pad .i.e, apply one pad in the start of your underwear, and another one in the end.** Carry an extra bag of supplies just in case. If you want to be safe during your period, then you should make sure to be prepared with extra pads, pantyliners, underwear, or even a change of bottoms if you really need them. If you have room in your bag or locker, having a change of clothes can help you feel extra secure. Though you probably won’t ever have to use them, just knowing that they are there can help you feel more safe.
If you’ve run out of pads or pantyliners, don’t be afraid to ask a friend or even a teacher for some backup. Remember that every millions of people have a period, and even if your friends can’t help you, they will be sympathetic. If you’re one of the first of your friends to menstruate, then you can try to ask the people who you know may be able to help.
7. **Don’t move around quite as much as you normally would.** Though you should be able to do pretty much whatever it is you normally do when you’re wearing a pad, you should know that you will be a bit more likely to leak if you’re doing cartwheels, running around, jumping up and down, or just moving to and fro really fast. Be careful about how you move when you’re on your period, especially on really heavy days; you don’t want the movement to move your pad around or to get it to bunch the wrong way, leading you to leak.
That said, you shouldn’t feel like you have to skip gym class or spend all day sitting in a corner feeling miserable when you’re on your period. In fact, exercising can help reduce cramps.
8. **Wear darker, looser clothes.** You will worry less about leaking if you’re wearing clothes that are less likely to display your leaks. Darker clothes won’t show any potential stains you get, and you’ll also have to worry less about staining lighter clothes and not being able to get them clean. Looser clothes will also make you feel less self-conscious about the fact that you’re wearing a pad and you’ll be able to move around more freely.
Though you don’t need to wear frumpy clothes during your period and you should feel beautiful all the time, if you wear darker clothes, then you’ll be less worried about having an accident.
9. **Go to the bathroom more often.** Another way to make sure that your pads don’t leak is to go to the bathroom more often than you normally would. Take a trip to the bathroom every hour or two to change your pads or just to make sure that everything is running smoothly. This is a great way to prevent any leaks before they happen. You’ll know exactly when it’s time to change your pads and will feel safe and protected.
If you have to go during class, don’t worry about your teacher getting annoyed; if you ask nicely and don’t make a habit of it thirty days a month, everything will be just fine.
10. **Sleep on a darker blanket or old towel.** If you’re worried about leaking at night, especially if you’re having a sleepover at a friend’s house, then you can lie down on an old blanket or even an old towel that you don’t care about as much. This way, you don’t have to worry about staining the sheets and you can sleep soundly without checking the sheets too often. This can help you sleep soundly and feel less self-conscious about leaking.
Think about: the worst case scenario is that you’ve leaked on the sheets and someone else finds out about it. It’s likely that only another person will find out, and they will completely understand what happened, so you really have nothing to worry about.
If someone sees the bloody sheets, they will understand what happened, too. Don’t worry so much about what can happen and focus on having a sound, restful sleep.
11. **Be proud of your period.** Your period should not be something you’re embarrassed about, whether you have a little leak now and again or not. You should be proud of this aspect of your changing body and know that this is something that many people have. Talk to your friends or even your family members about your period and see that you have nothing at all to be ashamed about because it’s perfectly natural.
Sure, if you leak in public, it can be embarrassing for a minute or two, but you shouldn’t go out in public feeling scared when you have your period because you’re afraid you could leak at any minute. Don’t let your period prevent you from living your life.
If you really find that you can’t feel comfortable when wearing a pad, then you can see if using a tampon or menstrual cup is more comfortable for you. Though you have to change tampons every 8 hours at most, and menstrual cups every 10 or so hours, they can help prevent leakage and may feel more comfortable than pads. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Pads-from-Leaking-While-on-Your-Period", "language": "en"} |
How to Create a Flawless Filing System on Your Computer | This wikiHow teaches you how to organize your computer's files by creating a filing system out of folders.
1. **Understand your filing system's terminology.** There are three main terms with which you should be familiar before you create your filing system:
File — An individual item, such as a picture or a document.
Folder — A storage container used to hold files or other folders.
Subfolder — A folder inside of a folder.
2. **Determine which files you have to organize.** Your computer already has a built-in file manager (File Explorer on Windows, Finder on Mac) that organizes your files into various folders, so your filing system should be for things like commonly-used files, items you want to keep separate from the rest of your computer's files, and temporary project resources.
Attempting to move all of your computer's default folder contents into your filing system may cause your computer (or specific programs) to stop working correctly.
3. **Choose a location for your filing system.** The easiest place in which to create a filing system is the Desktop, as placing your filing system there will make accessing your files easier than if you place it inside of a different folder on your computer.
If you'd rather place your filing system inside of a pre-installed folder (e.g., the Documents folder), keep in mind that you'll have to navigate to that folder to open the filing system every time you want to use it.
4. **Don't use your filing system for programs.** On Windows, many programs give you an option of where you'd like to install them. Unless you're installing a portable program (e.g., a program that can run from anywhere on your computer or a flash drive), always use the program's default installation path during setup.
Failing to use the proper installation path can result in program errors down the line.
Mac computers don't give you an option to determine a different installation path.
5. **Understand how to create folders on your computer.** You can create a new, empty folder and name it whatever you like on both Windows and Mac computers:
Windows — Right-click a blank space, select , click , type in your folder's name, and press ↵ Enter.
Mac — Go to a location in which you want to create a folder, click , click , type in your folder's name, and press ↵ Enter.
6. **Remember to use intuitive labels for your folders.** Instead of abbreviating your folder names or using slang, make sure you type out a concise, descriptive name for each folder.
For example, your documents folder should be labeled "Documents" or something similar, not "Docs".
A good rule of thumb is to label your folders as though you were creating a filing system for another person to be able to navigate without help.
7. **Go to the folder in which you want to create your filing system.** If you're creating your filing system on the Desktop, make sure you're there before proceeding.
Windows users cannot create the filing system in the This PC (or My Computer) app.
8. **Create a base folder.** This is the folder into which your filing system's folders will go, so name it something like "Files" or "My Filing System".
9. **Open the base folder.** Double-click the base folder to do so.
10. **Create a "Temporary" folder.** This is the folder in which you'll store files that don't necessarily need to be saved for more than a few days (e.g., files for a project you're working on).
The "Temporary" folder should always be directly inside of the base folder for easy access.
11. **Create a folder for each category of document you want to organize.** Think of category folders as the "drawers" of the filing cabinet. This step will vary depending on your needs, but your necessary folder names may include some or all of the following:
Documents
Music
Pictures
Videos
Work
12. **Create subfolders for your category folders.** Open a category folder, then create a folder inside of it to serve as a subcategory folder. This will further separate your files.
For example, if your category folder is labeled "Documents", you might have three subfolders entitled "Word Documents", "PDFs", and "Spreadsheets".
You can repeat this process with subfolders as well: open a subfolder, then create a folder inside of it.
Think of subfolders as the filing envelopes used in a filing cabinet drawer (where the category folder is the drawer).
13. **Move files into your filing system.** Now that you have the framework for your files, you'll need to start moving things like documents, pictures, music, videos, and so on into the appropriate folders in the filing system. The easiest way to do this is by clicking and dragging the files into the necessary folders.
On a Windows computer, you can select the files you want to move, press Ctrl+X to copy and delete the files, and then go to the folder location and press Ctrl+V to paste in the files.
14. **Create hidden folders** If you have files you want to keep private, you can hide them inside of a hidden folder and then turn off hidden folder viewing on your computer. This will prevent the casual snooper from coming across your sensitive information.
Keep in mind that some indexing programs will still show the folder if it's hidden.
15. **Back up your filing system regularly.** This is very important, as doing so will both ensure that your files are always retrievable and keep your computer organized. The easiest way to back up your filing system is to copy it by selecting it and pressing Ctrl+C (Windows) or ⌘ Command+C (Mac), open an external hard drive or flash drive, and paste the filing system there by pressing Ctrl+V (Windows) or ⌘ Command+V (Mac). You can then rename the filing system's folder to the date of the backup.
You can also upload your filing system to a cloud storage service such as Google Drive, iCloud Drive, OneDrive, or DropBox.
Make sure you hold onto filing system backups for at least one year. This will ensure that, even if your computer is compromised or you delete a file you thought you didn't need, you'll be able to access the backup to restore the most recent version.
16. **Establish rules for yourself.** Your filing system will only keep you so organized; if you want to take full advantage of your system's organizational capacity, you'll need to follow your own rules for using it. Some good rules to keep include the following:
Never store loose files in a folder that also contains subfolders.
Empty the "Temporary" folder at least once per week.
Avoid deleting documents, receipts, or other potentially useful items even if you think their usefulness is up.
Don't hang onto expired or useless files.
Back up your filing system once per week.
17. **Delete your filing system's unnecessary files.** As time goes by, some of your filing system's contents will invariably become outdated, redundant, or otherwise unnecessary to keep. While you may feel like you should hold onto these files "just in case", it's better to delete them and free up clutter than it is to hold onto them.
If you're regularly backing up your filing system to a hard drive or a cloud storage service, do this after backing up the filing system.
Removing your filing system's unnecessary files while saving them in a backup will ensure that you still have access to them if the need arises while keeping your computer's filing system tight.
18. **Remember to save new files directly to your filing system.** When creating documents or downloading files, you'll usually have an option to pick the location to which you save them; while most programs will use a default folder somewhere on your computer if you don't select a specific location, you can choose to save the items to your filing system by clicking or and then going to the filing system folder you want to use.
You'll usually use the option when saving a document from a program (e.g., a Microsoft Word document), while files downloaded from your web browser will usually require you to select a folder or click .
19. **Rename files to cut down on visual clutter.** By default, most downloaded files will have proprietary names. You can rename these files to use your own wording in order to clean up your filing system's visual presentation:
Windows — Right-click a file, click in the drop-down menu, type in whatever you want to name the file, and press ↵ Enter.
Mac — Click once the file, press the ⏎ Return key, type in whatever you want to name the file, and press ⏎ Return.
20. **Form a habit of using and maintaining your filing system.** Like anything else, using your filing system to the extent of its capabilities will require practice and consistency. If you remember to use your filing system every day, get used to finding and using your files in it, and consistently clean up your filing system when you're done with it, your computer will be well-organized in no time. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Flawless-Filing-System-on-Your-Computer", "language": "en"} |
How to Get a Copy of Your Approved I‐140 Notice | When your Form I-140 petition is approved, you will receive a Form I-797 Notice of Action. You can get a copy of this notice by sending a request to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) department. However, you might want a copy of the Form I-140 petition itself. In this situation, you will need to make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to USCIS.
1. **Download Form I-824.** This is the form you need to fill out to get a copy of your Form I-797 Notice of Action. The form is available for download from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. You should download it in PDF format and also get a copy of the instructions.
You can also request a form by calling 1-800-375-5283.
You cannot use this form if your approval notice has expired or been revoked.
2. **Get a copy of the original petition or application.** If available, send a copy of the original I-140 petition. If you don’t have a copy, then ask your employer to provide you with one. However, if you don’t have it, then you don’t need to include it.
3. **Make a copy of your Form I-797.** If you have your Form I-797 (but want an additional copy), then send a copy along with your application. You need to submit both the front and the back.
If you don’t have the Form I-797, then you don’t need to send it.
4. **Complete Form I-824.** You can complete the form in PDF format. Type in the requested information. Answer all questions and type “N/A” or “not applicable” to anything that applies. The form will ask for the following information:
your reason for the request: check “A duplicate approval notice”
name
date of birth
country of birth
identifying information, such as Alien Registration Number, Social Security Number, IRS Tax Number, etc.
mailing address
physical address
5. **Pay a fee.** You have to pay a $405 filing fee. Make your check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Don’t use abbreviations like “DHS” or “USDHS.”
Fees are subject to change. You should call 1-800-375-5283 for updated fee information.
6. **Submit your application to the appropriate address.** Make a copy of your complete application for your records. Then put your application in a secure envelope and mail it to the appropriate address. You can get the appropriate address by calling the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.
USCIS might contact you for more information. Please provide requested information promptly.
7. **Ask your employer for a copy.** Your employer files a Form I-140 petition when they want to sponsor you as an immigrant worker. Filing the form is necessary so that you can become a legal permanent resident in the U.S. and work here. Because your employer submitted this petition, you should ask them for a copy.
Sometimes, however, your employer won’t give you a copy of the petition. In this situation, you will need to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
Only submit an FOIA request if the petition has been approved. You cannot request a copy of a petition that is under consideration. Instead, call 1-800-375-5283 for inquiries about the status of your application. You can also call the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office where the petition was filed.
8. **Download Form G-639.** This is the Freedom of Information Act request form. You should download the form and its instructions. You can also get a copy of the form by calling 1-800-375-5283.
You don’t have to use the form. However, all requests must be in writing, and using the form is probably easiest.
9. **Complete the form.** Provide requested information by using a typewriter or writing clearly in black ink. If you need extra space to answer a question, then you can attach a sheet of paper. Make sure to put your name and Alien Registration Number (if applicable) at the top of each sheet. Also clearly identify the page number, part, and item number your additional information refers to.
If a question doesn’t apply to you, then write “N/A” or “not applicable” in the space. Don’t just leave it blank.
Make a copy of the form for your records.
10. **Verify your identity.** You will need to sign the form under penalty of perjury or in front of a notary public. You can find notaries in courthouses, town offices, and most large banks. Take acceptable forms of identification (such as a valid state-issued ID or passport) with you to the notary.
If you are requesting a copy of someone else’s Form I-140, then you must get his or her permission. Typically, getting them to sign this form is sufficient.
11. **Explain why you need the request expedited.** Generally, it can take USCIS a month to process your request. However, you can request that USCIS speed up the process if you have a valid reason.
For example, you might be in removal proceedings. If you are, then you should make a copy of your Notice to Appear or Notice of Hearing. You will need to submit these documents with your FOIA request.
Also write a letter explaining in detail why you urgently need the information. You need to sign the letter under penalty of perjury. Include the following words above your signature: “The information contained in this letter is complete, true, and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.”
12. **Pay a fee, if required.** You typically won’t have to pay a fee. You get the first 100 pages (and 2 hours of search time) free. Because your Form I-140 is not 100 pages, you shouldn’t have to pay anything.
However, you might have to pay a fee if you order in bulk. For example, you might be an employer getting copies of your employees’ forms. In this situation, you have to pay ten cents per page.
You won’t be billed until you have accrued at least $14 in charges. By submitting the form, you agree to pay at least $25 in fees.
13. **Submit your request.** Gather all of your documents and make a copy for your own records. You can submit your request using one of these three different methods:
Fax: send it to (816) 350-5785.
Email: send the completed form and supporting documents as attachments to uscis.foia@uscis.dhs.gov.
Mail: send your request certified mail, return receipt requested to National Records Center (NRC), FOIA/PA Office, PO Box 648010, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-8010.
14. **Provide additional information.** USCIS might contact you and request additional information in order to process your request. You should provide all requested information promptly to USCIS. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Copy-of-Your-Approved-I%E2%80%90140-Notice", "language": "en"} |
How to Borrow From Your Life Insurance Policy | Whether it be for an emergency, some needed home repairs, or that can’t-miss investment opportunity, just about everyone needs a quick infusion of cash now and then. But if you don’t have the money readily available, maybe it’s time to consider a loan. With all the financial resources that seem to be floating around out there today, you might tend to overlook one that’s probably sitting in a desk drawer or a safe deposit box—your whole life insurance policy.
1. **Check to see which kind of life insurance policy you have.** Not all life insurance policies allow you to borrow against them, so you need to find out the type of policy you own. The most common types of life insurance policies are:
Permanent life policies. These policies have a savings element along with the mortality coverage, and that is why you can borrow from them. This category can be broken down into:
Whole Life Insurance. You pay the same amount of premium for a specific period to receive the death benefit.
Universal Life Insurance (also known as "adjustable life insurance"). You can reduce or increase your death benefit, and also pay your premiums at any time and in any amount (subject to certain limits) after you’ve made your first premium payment.
Variable Life Insurance. Most of your premium is invested in one or more separate investment accounts, such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds. The interest that your accounts earn increases your policy's cash value.
Variable Universal Life Insurance. Gives policyholders the option to invest, as well as easily change the insurance coverage amount.
Term Life Insurance. Pays the face amount of the policy at death, and only provides protection for a set term period (normally 30 years maximum). Does not build cash value.
2. **Find out if your particular policy permits you to take a loan.** Take a look at your policy to check if there’s a loan provision. You can also contact your agent for this information. For the most part, you can borrow against a permanent life insurance policy, since it has a cash surrender value. As for term life policies, these are not loan sources since they don’t have a cash value that can be borrowed.
Only the owner of the permanent life insurance policy can borrow from it, not the insured or beneficiaries, unless they are also the owner.
3. **Verify that your policy has enough cash value available for the loan.** Check on your insurance company’s website or with your agent to find out the cash value of your policy. You can typically borrow up to the cash value you've accumulated in the account, but guidelines may differ from one company to the next. Note that cash value grows slowly at first, so you may have to own the policy for a while (sometimes as long as ten years) before you can borrow against it.
4. **Weigh the benefits of a life insurance loan versus a conventional loan.** There are several reasons a loan against your insurance policy may prove to be a better deal than a standard bank loan. Some of these are:
There’s no approval process, credit check, or income verification, since technically you’re borrowing against your own asset.
Insurance policy loans usually have much lower interest rates than bank loans.
You’re not limited as to how you can use the money. A bank might restrict how you can apply the loan proceeds, but an insurance policy loan has no such limitations.
There’s no required monthly loan payment, and there’s no payback date. The balance of the loan will be deducted from the death benefit that goes to your beneficiaries.
5. **Take into account the downside to borrowing against your life insurance.** Few things in life are risk-free. And taking a loan against your insurance policy is no exception. For example:
If you don't pay the interest on your loan, the insurance company will add that unpaid interest to your loan amount. This interest is subject to compounding. What that basically means is that in addition to paying interest on the actual loan amount, you’re paying interest on all the accumulated interest as well.
Dividends generated by the insurance policy will likely decrease as long as the loan is outstanding. Insurance dividends are basically a periodic return of your premiums. The dividend is based on the amount of your money available to be invested by the insurer. Taking the loan means that less of your money is available for investment, thus—lower dividends.
In many cases, the cash value in your insurance policy is protected from creditors. However, once you withdraw money, the amount you take out is no longer sheltered.
If the increasing amount of unpaid interest causes your loan balance to exceed your policy’s cash value, the insurance policy could lapse.
To keep the policy from lapsing if your loan balance becomes greater than your policy’s cash value, you’d have to pay back the entire loan. You can’t pay it back in increments.
6. **Consider the tax consequences.** The proceeds of the insurance policy loan are usually not taxable to you, as long as the loan amount is equal to or less than the total premiums you’ve paid. However, if the policy lapses, the IRS then considers your loan balance plus interest as taxable income for which you’re liable. This only occurs when the loan proceeds exceed the cash surrender value and it only applies to the difference.
7. **Contact the insurance company to obtain the necessary forms.** Your insurer can forward you the appropriate form for taking out the loan. You may also be able to download the form from the company’s website. Depending on your insurance company, you might be permitted to arrange for the loan by phone. For example, one insurer instructs its clients to call if the loan is for $25,000 or less.
8. **Make sure you properly identify the owner of the policy.** The information needed to properly complete the loan application depends on whether the owner is an individual, a business, or a trust. If it’s a trust (see definition here), you’ll need to know the date the trust was executed (signed). You’ll also have to provide the owner’s contact information, as well as a social security number (for an individual) or a tax ID (for a business or trust).
You will need to be a trustee and have legal authority within the trust in order to make the transaction.
9. **Determine the payout method.** The loan application will most likely ask how you want the proceeds distributed. Obviously this will depend on your purpose for taking out the loan. Usually you’ll have the choice of:
Having the proceeds paid by check (usually received in five to ten business days), or
Applying the loan amount to payment of future premiums. Sometimes people will do this if they don't have the money available to pay the premiums out-of-pocket, but they don't want their policy to lapse.
10. **Keep track of the loan.** Since you don’t have to make monthly loan payments, or pay back the loan within a certain time, it could be very easy to simply forget about it. That would be a mistake. Remember, your life insurance policy and the loan are financial investments. Here are some guidelines you might want to follow:
Monitor the loan balance regularly, in comparison to the cash value of the policy. You don’t want the loan to exceed the policy’s cash value, which could result in the policy lapsing.
Devise a disciplined loan repayment plan and make regular scheduled payments. Don’t forget that any amount of the loan remaining when you die means that much less money for your beneficiaries.
Pay the interest on the loan every year to prevent the loan from increasing. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Borrow-From-Your-Life-Insurance-Policy", "language": "en"} |
How to Eat Pani Puri | Pani puri is a highly, and yet aptly, celebrated Indian delicacy. Even toddlers in India know how to devour the "Queen of Indian Street Foods". But if you are visiting India and would like to try out this mouth-watering dish, you'll want to know how to eat it like a desi.
1. **Know the food items involved in the dish:** Puri: the round, hollow, crispy bite-sized balls
Masala: filling of mashed or semi-mashed potato/chickpea, spiced
Pani: choice of sweet chutney, sour, salted or spicy water
2. **Prepare the puri.** Take the puri in your non-dominant hand and poke a hole in it using your thumb or a spoon.
3. **Add the filling.** Take some filling in a spoon or your dominant hand and put it inside the puri through the hole. You can adjust the spices and chillies of the masala, if required.
4. **Choose a pani.** Either dip the stuffed puri in a bowl of pani or pour some pani inside it using a spoon or a ladle. You can use more than one type of pani. The common choice is to use the sweet chutney along with another kind of pani.
5. **Eat it immediately.** Take it all in one bite. Don't let it get soggy, or the ball will break down. Repeat the same with more puris.
6. **End your meal.** Traditionally, a pani puri meal is ended with a sukha. To make a sukha, prepare the crispiest puri with a hole and stuff it with the masala. Now, instead of adding any pani, add more spices to it with a small squeeze of lime and garnish it with finely chopped cilantro and sprinkles of bhujiya (local snack item). Eat it immediately.
7. **Find a street vendor.** The more popular way of eating pani puri is when someone serves you, especially the small stall owners by the streets.
8. **Ask for the price and bargain a bit.** (It's traditional). Remember, the prices are different in different places and bargaining does not always yield results.
9. **Receive your bowl.** You will be given a small bowl made of plastic or paper or dried leaves.
10. **Choose a masala if there are variants.** You might get a choice between potato and chickpeas. You can opt for both if the stall-owner is open to it.
11. **Take one bite and ask the stall-keeper to adjust the masala to your taste.** Commonly, people ask to adjust the salt and the chili.
12. **Choose a pani.** You can generally choose between a tamarind water or a mint water or a cumin-lime water.
13. **Ask the vendor for the sweet chutney if you like your pani puri to be on the sweeter side.**
14. **Wait for your dish.** After assembling everything, s/he will serve you in your bowl.
Some stall-keepers offer you finely chopped or diced onions which you will be given in your bowl. You can add some onions to each puri before you eat it.
15. **Pick it up using your thumb and your index finger.** Support it with your middle finger and eat it in one bite. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Pani-Puri", "language": "en"} |
How to Take Photographs That Are the Correct Color | You see a pretty red rose in bloom, you get your camera out and you get ready to photograph it but instead on the viewfinder or resulting photograph it comes out pink! The sky in your beach pictures and the water came out green and not blue. The people in your portraits are either alien green or some crazy orange color. All these color mishaps in photography can be avoided if you learn how to adjust the camera settings or use the preset camera scenes to make those tricky colors come out correctly on your resulting photographs. Get the camera out and use this article to help you out.
1. **Learn the difference between additive and subtractive color situations.** Like in any form of visual arts photography requires some knowledge about how colors react to light. There are two color properties that can be helpful when trying to get photographed objects to turn out correctly. Once you learn how to correctly identify the color situation you're dealing with and how these situations affect different hues of color you can photograph colors more accurately.
are the result of adding white light to a color against a black background. In this situation, if you add equal parts of red, green and blue you'll get white. Whenever you use a lighted screen such as the computer screen you use this system. This color system is called RGB or Red, Green, Blue system.
Whenever you're using high exposure or a flash you are adding a white light thus this is an additive color situation.
are the results of what you if illuminate a colored filter from behind with the white light. If you mix all of these colors together in equal parts you get black. It's the opposite of the additive. This property is most commonly used in mixing colors with any art mediums not involving light. This system is also called the CYMK or Cyan, Yellow, Magenta, Black.
If your object is an art project on a sheet of white paper or is surrounded with a lot of white without flash you are in a subtractive setting.
2. **Some cameras are only additive (RGB) or subtractive(CYMK) in capturing images.** Others may have a way you can opt in or out between modes or systems. Check out the manual or ask questions on discussion forums on photography for more information on this feature.
3. **Learn how to identify white balance settings in different situations.** White balance refers to the cast, or glow, that white areas and subjects appear in photography. Unless you what to do a special color effect like Sepia (brownish cast) you need to set the White Balance on the camera settings to match the light temperature of the light source. You know this when you see the pure white, pure blacks or pure gray on the viewfinder(if there is any item in these colors).
The main white balance settings on most cameras are
(on a sunny day),
(spread out light softening colors,
(warm yellowish light )
( cool bluish white).
(pure white without any colors)
(warmest light that can appear orange)
If your camera doesn't have some of the settings listed on the options screen already it may be hidden in the "shooting mode" or "scene" options under different names like"romantic", "dusk or dawn", "snow". For some cameras, the color temperature setting chart is a series of colored squares or temperatures. Some cameras have smart portrait settings that let you adjust the color temps by skin, eye, make-up or foundation color. Check your product's manual.
4. **Take advantage of Manual White Balance Mode if available.** This lets the user be in total control by few points of degree. It uses a lever/slider format. Some cameras have this control and others don't. Apps can be downloaded on smartphones that make the device act like DSLR cameras which contain manual settings.
Use this to become familiar with how different degrees of color temperature affects the colors of subjects in photographs. Color temperature refers to how cool (blue) or how warm (red) in the light of the photograph's setting.
Under neutral color temperature, green grass is green as you see it with your own eyes.
Move the color temperature to the setting into the reds and the grass turns to brownish color (olive or lime).
Move it towards the blue and the green turns bluish (teal or aquamarine).
Be careful when selecting the color temperature to make sure the subjects stay their natural colors unless going for an off color effect.
5. **Use a neutral colored accessories and charts to help you find the correct white balance and color temperature.** The actual color accessories are available in many camera stores and websites but may get too expensive. You always make your own by finding non-reflective white, gray or black colored boards, papers in the stores or using paint swatch boards in the hardware store.
6. **Use the color temperature and white balance to create atmosphere.** Use the cool ones in waterfall setting to enhance the relaxing feeling of the sound of running water. Use the warm settings in romantic or Christmas settings.
7. **When confronted in a setting with a dominating warm or cool color hue or light use an opposite temperature color setting.** Adding more the dominating color will in most cases cause everything in the picture to be that specific hue or very similar to it. Choosing the opposite color temperature setting can help balance out that strong hue and give other colors some oomph.
8. **Reduce the glare or blur of very highly saturated colors by reducing how saturated or how vivid they are using the color settings.** Ever tune the color settings on your TV to maximum? The colors start flaring out and running together making details, highlights, and shadows hard to pick out. The same happens when too much saturation is in photographs and videos. Lower the saturation or vivid settings on your camera to correct this.
Lowering the saturation can also bring out other next door neighbor colors that the dominating color were canceling out. A red leaf shot under lower saturation will likely reveal nuances of brown, pink and purple.
Don't use high saturation in food pictures. This will result in an unappetizing neon or fluorescent food effect unless the food is brightly colored like candy or Rainbow Sorbet.
However there are times when high saturation can help a picture out. If you photograph a cloudy grey sky with peeks of blue increasing the saturation helps the blue stand out more.
Use different degrees of vividness to help enhance the atmosphere and feeling of a photograph. Fun, cheerful, festive photos can be enhanced with high saturation. The opposite can be achieved in lower saturation settings for scary, cold, or moody pictures.
9. **Beware how flash and exposure affects colors in the picture.** Too much brightness can wash out a picture as too much flash. Just like adding white paint to any color on a painting the same thing can happen to pictures when using flash and changing the exposure higher. At their worst, the whole picture will be a white square.
However lowering of the exposure can be used to reduce the washing out of colors in pictures when the flash is used. You can also experiment with different flash speeds on your camera depending on your model and type your using. Also, experiment with varying amounts of exposure and make a note of which ones work the best.
Too low exposure can be just as bad as too much. Many underexposed photographs are dull, grayed out, and lifeless.
When dealing with items with light, whether it's a firework video or a lit-up skyscraper, keep your exposure low to avoid the "light flare blur". Also when dealing with sunsets and sky photos lowering the exposure keeps the details of clouds and the landscape clear and pushes the sky nicely into the background. The same goes for any reflective or metallic surfaces. Adjust shooting scenes with the lowest exposure first and adjust the exposure higher to figure out.
Flash can also do amazingly strange things for some pictures. Try it in a dark landscape picture and the little minute details of the clouds in the sky become very clear as well as the gradients of brightness in the sky. Low exposure flash pictures with lots of adjusting or experimenting can lead to amazing pictures with sharp detail.
Flash can also cause the very common culprits in photography as well. In portraits using the wrong flash or using it incorrectly can cause the dreaded red-eye. Flash can also kill critical details in textural, macro photography as well.
10. **Try experimenting with viewing colors under different filters, colors of light, with and without the camera.** Search for art sites, camera stores and shops that sell these filters or you can make your one using any color plastic or glass transparent item like a plastic cap, sunglass lens, 3-D glasses lens and take any colored item and experiment with how the color of that filter affects that color being viewed. Many cameras with large millimeter lens have special filters and lens available for purchase but the smaller lens ones are hard to find. If they are too expensive or not available you can always make your own.
You can use these filters as well as other equipment in many different applications when using the camera. Place them over the flash to color or diffuse the light that comes out of the flash. Put clear filters over the lens itself to see how it affects the colors.
There are now new small camera accessory kits and zoom lens that are actually made to fit over the camera lens of an Android smartphone or iPhone. Consider experimenting with these, since they are inexpensive.
There are also professional filters that can screw onto the lens of a DSLR camera. If you have a camera without a lens that protrudes, such as a waterproof model, you can attach a 37mm (or any size that fits) lens ring adapter with mounting putty or Command Hook adhesive.
This will not work with a zoom lens that is mechanical, as it may break the device.
11. **Cover or surround the flash bulb on the camera with a material to modify the colors of the object or the light of the flash.** The flash can be at times too bright and overpowering for a photograph and can cause errors in the colors of the resulting photograph. There are several versions on the market mostly for specific camera models and can get pricey but affordable alternatives can be created with a sense of invention and experimentation.
Cover a portion of the flash bulb with an opaque item which will also affect the shutter speed and aperture (how much light the shutter lets in the camera). It gives the user more control of the degree of brightness of the flash. This creates great detail focus in many shoots and clearer colors. It also works well when shooting items that are shining lights or in front of shining lights.
Cover the flash bulb of the camera with any translucent or transparent material and any color. Like glass or plastic.
Surround the flash bulb with material that is white or reflective. There are many kinds of lights and tools photographers use to bounce light at an angle that can enhance colors and textures of the object.
12. **Obtain a light that allows the user to adjust the brightness and the color of the light being emitted from the light.** There are various models of these lights available for professional photographers with various names but again they can be rather expensive or/and too large and cumbersome. There are selfie lights that are compact and small enough for even the smallest cameras. Some have interchanging color snap on color filters as well.
13. **Watch out for colors that shift from one color to another.** To avoid this, it's best to use a lower saturation point because by lowering the saturation level one point off the center or two and even changing the white balance and color temperature settings can change the colour. Consider changing the outdoor sunny white balance setting to cloudy or indoor lighting like fluorescent.
Be careful with extremely bright and neon colors. Other terms for these kinds of colors is highly saturated and pure. These colors easily transform themselves into other colors different of which they are viewed with the human eye, in the viewfinder or on the actual photograph. Yellow lemons can turn to green. Bright red poppies turn out orange or pink.
Red produces very strong wavelengths that can easily take over a photograph and cause blobs, spots, or other strange phenomena in photography. Bright saturated reds are very tricky even for professionals to photograph accurately.
The color of the walls in a room indoors or the surrounding buildings or other things outside can be reflected onto your subject affecting the color.
Some darker colors can affect the colour as well. Dark burgundy can become bright reddish purple and not deep and rich.
Many items are not just one color. What appears to be bluish green to a naked eye under the magnification of a camera in macro zoom can have extra spots of yellowish green. Almost every leaf is or flower petal is not that pure color but has veins of many different tones, tints, shades, and even other colors. These colors blend with each other and cause different colors. Same goes for trying to photograph a child's art project. The different stokes of crayon even if it's the same color can appear more or less intense due to the color of the background paper.
14. **Get your object sharp and in focus and in detail before taking the shot.** It can be difficult to tell rather or not the subject is the correct color when it's out of focus and colors are blurred together.
15. **Don't be afraid to experiment in using different preset scenes on the camera other than their proposed purposes.** Also experiment with various different degrees of white balance, saturation, and color temperatures in different settings. Don't be intimidated and take risks to see what the results are. You'll be surprised. Have a notepad and pencil handy with you to be able to copy down the settings of the exposure, white balance, aperture, shutter speed, flash settings etc. in the mode so you use different parts of these settings in a custom or manual mode if one is available to create your own perfect mode or setting.
The snow setting can be useful when photographing a landscape loaded white flowers and rocks.
The snow setting, as well as the beach setting, is good for when you are in a situation where there is a lot of reflection like a portrait behind a glass building.
The sunny white balance setting used indoors can make colors appear natural and very pleasing instead of using the cloudy or indoor settings.
16. **Download photo editor software from sites and install the software.** There's always one problem color that'll never come out correctly despite your best efforts. There's some great software to help you out. Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom can be a bit costly. However, you can just download and install freeware and then find plugins from Adobe that can really help to bring your pictures to their best light.
is a freeware editor that has a lot of color correction features including color temperature and remove color cast. Very lightweight and fast. Also comes with a built-in .RAW to JPG converter.
the popular "Photoshop replacement" also has features that include color correction and enhancement features and can use most Photoshop Plugin "8bf" files. It, however, comes in a new updated version that may or may not work well on many Windows computers and uses lots of memory space on the hard drive. It's best to use the portable version. Do not use the clone GimpShop because of bugs and risk of viruses.
by Right Hemisphere has a freeware version called 2.0 downloadable from the site named Chip.eu now loadion.com can easily use many Adobe Plugins by just moving the files to the plugin folder.
Deep Paint also does many things Photoshop and other similar programs do without needing plugins, actions or scripts. It also uses layers and blending modes and offers easily controllable options. Unlike the others, there are adjustable lighting features. Add a blank layer, fill it with a color and adjust the opacity for endless effects.
17. **If using Photoshop make sure your pictures files are in .RAW not .JPG format.** Photoshop's Cast Removal Tool doesn't work on .JPG and this format doesn't store color information in precision like in .RAW. Updated versions might not have this problem but you can always convert JPG to RAW format using another software.
18. **Search for suitable plugins on the web for download.** Some are free and some are expensive. Some are good and others not so good. Some are the exact same features already on the main software only under a different name. Gimp and some other programs can use Photoshop plugins with some extra steps or just by moving the files to the plugin folder. Action files do not work in such applications. These additions also can use a lot of memory on the hard drive and a lot installed can get overwhelming.
AAA Filters site disappeared in 2015 but is still downloadable via other websites.
Smart Curves Gives you precise color correction with the use of curves you adjust by moving and adding points and sliding the line up and down.
19. **Use photo editing or photo enhancing software on your camera already installed.** Many digital cameras and smartphones come already equipped with photo editing tools on them. Many of these are simply finding the color fixing tool you want and moving the sliders.
20. **Double check the Color Correction Tool's location and its name on the software or camera being used.** Some software programs simply the curve tools for color correction. Others have specific steps and procedures for color correction; try searching "Color Correction" and the software name on a search engine to find a specific tutorial for that program. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Photographs-That-Are-the-Correct-Color", "language": "en"} |
How to Cook Kipper | Kippers are cold-smoked herring fish, and they are traditionally served as a protein at breakfast in the UK. You can buy them fresh or frozen from most supermarkets, though in the US, you're more likely to find them in a can. Canned kippers don't require cooking, but fresh or frozen kippers do. You can poach them in a pan or use the more traditional method of poaching them in a jug. You can also grill or broil them in the oven, and sautéing is also a good option.
1. **Heat the water in a pot on the stove.** Place the pot over high heat, and bring the water to a boil. You can also do this step in a large frying pan if you prefer, which will heat the water faster.
Poaching kippers creates the least amount of smell as opposed to other methods. Kippers can be fairly potent.
2. **Remove the pan from the heat to add the kippers.** The water doesn't need to stay boiling to cook the kippers. Take the pan off the heat and put the kippers in so you gently poach them instead of overcooking them.
You can gently drop the kippers in with your hands or use tongs to lower them into the water.
3. **Wait 5 minutes for the kippers to cook.** Kippers cook pretty fast, and they're typically done in this amount of time. You can leave them for a bit longer if the kippers don't look done. They should flake apart easily.
4. **Pour the water off after 5 minutes.** Use a sieve or colander to drain the water off, but be gentle, as the kippers may break apart. You can also use a slotted spoon or tongs to gently pull them out of the water.
Try serving them with scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast. You can add a bit of butter on top of each fish for flavor.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Eat them within a couple of days.
5. **Find a jug large enough to hold the kippers.** You can use any jug that can handle the heat of boiling water, such as a ceramic pitcher. You can even use a heat-proof glass measuring cup that holds 4 cups (950 mL) of water.
It's fine if the tails stick out of the water a little bit.
Poaching the kippers in a jug is a traditional cooking method.
6. **Put the kippers in the jug, head side down.** Line the kippers up lengthwise in the jar from top to bottom. They can go at angle if the jug is a bit short. You can also cut the heads and tails off before putting the fish in the jug if the jug is too short.
7. **Pour in enough boiling water to cover the kippers.** Cover the fish up to the tails at least, though you don't need to cover the tails with water. Place a plate, lid, or piece of aluminum foil on top of the jug to hold the heat in.
You can actually do this process at the table, as an impressive way to cook and serve kippers.
8. **Let the fish sit in the water for 5-8 minutes.** Kippers will cook fairly quickly. Check them after about 5 minutes to see if they're done. They should flake easily if they're done cooking.
9. **Drain off the water and serve the kippers.** Pour off most of the water in the sink, and then gently remove the kippers from the jug. Set them on a warm plate to drain off the rest of their water. You can also gently drain them in a sieve over the sink.
If you're serving the kippers at the table, use a slotted spoon or large tongs to pull the kippers out of the water and drain them.
Serve them with a bit of butter on top of each fillet and a squeeze of lemon. You can also use fresh parsley or a dash of apple cider vinegar.
10. **Pre-heat the oven and cover a sheet pan with foil.** The oven needs to be hot before you stick the pan in, so set it to "broil." Line a baking sheet with foil, so that it won't absorb the fishiness of the kippers.
In British cooking, "grilling" refers to cooking under the heating element in the oven, known as the grill. In the United States, this type of cooking is called "broiling."
11. **Melt butter in a saucepan until it turns brown and nutty.** Using 2-3 pats per kipper, heat the butter over medium heat until it's turning golden brown. Spread some on the baking tray to keep the kippers from sticking.
You can heat the butter in the microwave, though you won't get the browned butter flavor.
12. **Place the fish on the tray skin-side up and brush with butter.** If your fillets have skin, put the skin facing upwards. If they don't have skin still, that's fine, too. Brush melted butter on the skin or the top side of the fish using a basting brush.
13. **Cook the fish for 1 minute on the first side.** The skin should cook for about a minute while facing up, but then you need to flip the fish so the flesh is facing upward.
14. **Flip the fish and baste it again.** Take the pan out, and turn the fish over with a spatula. Brush the top of the fish with melted butter using a basting brush, then put the pan back in the oven.
15. **Baste the fish another 2-3 times.** About every 1-2 minutes, pull the pan out and add a little more butter to the top of the fish. This helps fully incorporate the butter flavor into the kippers. Cook the fish on this side for 4-6 minutes.
However, if you don't want to use that much butter, just stick to basting the kippers once on each side.
16. **Pull the kippers out and serve them.** Plate the fish on a warm platter. For seasoning, you can squeeze lemon over the fish or add a dash of fresh cayenne pepper or a sprinkling of fresh minced parsley.
You can also serve them with more browned butter. Have a grainy toasted bread on the side to accompany the fish.
17. **Heat a pan with butter over low heat.** Set the pan on the stove, and turn the heat to low. Add 2-3 pats of butter. Once it's melted, you should have enough butter to cover the bottom of the pan.
18. **Add the kippers to the pan.** Once the butter is melted, gently place the kippers in the pan. Cook them for about 3 minutes per side, or a little longer if they're not quite done after that time.
You can use skinless or kippers with the skin still on for this recipe, depending on your preference.
19. **Remove the kippers from the heat and serve.** Once the fish is flaky and opaque, take the pan off the heat. You can serve these with scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast.
Serve with lemon or lime wedges to squeeze over the top. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Kipper", "language": "en"} |
How to Dissolve Nodules: Can Natural Remedies Help? | Nodules are small, liquid-filled bumps that can grow throughout your body. They can grow anywhere, but they’re most common in your throat, thyroid, lungs, and adrenal glands. This might sound alarming, but don't worry! Nodules are very common and almost all cases are benign. In most cases, your doctor probably won’t even try to treat them. However, natural home remedies have mixed success in shrinking nodules. If you do notice any growths on your body, then see your doctor for an exam. They can confirm whether or not you need treatment and recommend the best course of action for your health.
1. **Observe the nodule to make sure it doesn’t grow.** The “watchful waiting” procedure is the most common approach for benign nodules, no matter where they are. Your doctor will observe the nodule for a 6-18-month period to see if it grows or changes. If not, then the doctor will probably leave the nodule alone with no further treatment.
Stay in contact with your doctor during the watching period. If you notice the nodule growing or changing in shape, schedule an exam.
2. **Try an herbal mixture to shrink benign thyroid nodules.** While home remedies don’t have much effect on nodules, one natural treatment might help for thyroid nodules. Try a mixture of 400 mg of spirulina, 50 mg of curcumin, and 50 mg of Boswellia twice a day. This treatment showed some success in shrinking thyroid nodules after 3 months.
Ask your doctor before trying any herbal treatments like this to make sure it’s safe for you.
3. **Avoid using Chinese herbal medicine as a treatment for nodules.** While some websites claim that mixtures from Chinese herbal medicine are an effective nodule treatment, studies don't prove this. There is no information confirming that these treatments work on nodules, so skip them unless your doctor recommends them.
4. **Don't try to treat nodules with dietary changes.** Some websites claim that eating more fruit, yogurt, and dietary supplements while cutting out fatty foods will shrink nodules. These are mostly good dietary tips, but they won't shrink your nodules, so don't rely on this as a treatment.
Following a good diet high in fruits and vegetables does lower your risk of cancer, particularly thyroid cancer. However, this still won't shrink your nodules.
5. **Have a biopsy to confirm that the nodule is benign.** While it's very rare, there's a small chance that a growth on your body could be cancerous. Whenever your doctor examines a nodule, they will probably want to do a biopsy to confirm that the growth isn’t cancerous. During a biopsy, the doctor will take a small sample from the nodule and test it for cancer cells. In most cases, this comes back negative and confirms that the nodule is benign.
The biopsy procedure might be different depending on where the nodule is. For a thyroid nodule, the doctor may insert a small needle into your neck. For a lung nodule, they may insert a small tube down your throat.
Biopsies are standard medical procedures, and having one done doesn’t mean that you have cancer. Over 90% of nodules are benign and non-cancerous, so the biopsy is just a precaution.
6. **Take hormone medications if the nodule is on your thyroid.** Both an over- and under-active thyroid could cause nodules on that gland. If you have either condition, then your doctor may want to try regulating your thyroid with hormone medications. This might shrink the nodules and correct any other complications.
If you have an underactive thyroid, the doctor will probably prescribe synthetic thyroid hormones to boost your thyroid function.
If you have an overactive thyroid, the doctor may prescribe an anti-thyroid medication like Tapazole to reduce thyroid function.
All of these medications are powerful, so take them exactly as your doctor directs you to.
7. **Correct adrenal nodules with hormone medications.** Nodules on your adrenal glands could interfere with your body's hormone levels. If your doctor discovers that your adrenal hormones are off balance, then they'll probably prescribe some hormone medication to regulate your adrenal function.
8. **Leave lung nodules alone if they aren't causing any problems.** Nodules in your lung, as long as they aren't cancerous, usually don't cause any problems. You probably won't even notice they're there, and doctors usually discover them during routine CT scans. It's best to leave these nodules alone and simply observe them to see if they grow.
If nodules cause any breathing trouble, then your doctor will probably suggest a surgical removal.
9. **Shrink cancerous nodules with alcohol injections.** This treatment, called alcohol ablation, is a potential treatment for small cancerous nodules. The doctor will inject a small amount of alcohol into the nodule to kill any cancer cells. This might help you avoid surgery for smaller nodules.
Alcohol ablation requires several treatment sessions, so make sure you stick with the recommended schedule for the best results.
10. **Remove large or cancerous nodule with surgery.** If the nodule is causing problems or is cancerous, then the doctor will probably want it surgically removed. This is often a simple, minimally-invasive surgery, depending on where the nodule is. By removing the nodule, you should avoid any risk of it spreading.
After the surgery, you may need further cancer treatment.
If you have a nodule on your thyroid removed, they surgeon may also take out part of the thyroid. In this case, you might have to take thyroid medication afterward.
11. **Drink plenty of water.** While drinking water is always important, it's especially important if you have throat nodules. This can keep your throat moist and prevent damage. It can also soothe your vocal cords if you’ve been talking a lot.
12. **Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake.** Both of these can irritate your throat and make nodules worse. Drink caffeine and alcohol in moderation so you don’t aggravate your symptoms.
13. **Quit smoking or don’t start at all.** Smoking irritates your throat and can cause nodules If you smoke, it’s best to quit as soon as possible. If you don’t, then don’t start in the first place.
Secondhand smoke can also cause throat problems. Don’t let anyone smoke in your home and excuse yourself from smoky areas.
14. **Treat any underlying health issues you have that could cause nodules.** You might not expect it, but some health issues can put you at a higher risk for developing nodules in your throat. Talk to your doctor and follow the treatment regimen that they prescribe for you.
Common conditions that could cause nodules include allergies, acid reflux, sinus infections, and hyperthyroidism.
Some of these conditions might have natural treatments, and some might require medication. For example, if you have acid reflux, then avoiding trigger foods could help, but antacids might be a better treatment. Always follow your doctor's suggestions for the best treatment. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Dissolve-Nodules-Naturally", "language": "en"} |
How to Rent an Apartment As a Student: Your Top Questions Answered | Moving out of student housing and finding a place of your own can be an exhilarating process. It’s easy to get swept away spending hours scrolling through listings looking for that perfect pad! But if you’ve never rented an apartment as a student or this is your first time renting a place, you may have questions about how this process works. The first step is to contact the landlord to take a look at the place, and this is where it helps to mention that you’re a student. If you like the apartment and it’s within your budget, your status as a student shouldn’t keep you from the getting the place—especially if you have a co-signer to cover your obligation to pay the rent.
1. **Go online and search through rental sites to find places you like.** As a student, the closer you can get to campus, the easier things will be. Look on a rental site like Zillow or Craigslist and scout out apartments that may work for you based on the price and the area. Keep in mind, you want to be comfortable where you live, so make sure you do a little research about an area’s crime rate if you aren’t familiar with the neighborhood.
If you drive or bike, you can expand the scope of your search. You don’t want to live super far away from campus if you aren’t mobile, though. Spending 2 hours catching multiple trains and buses to get to campus can be a tall order.
2. **This depends on where you live, but listings typically explain what you need.** When you’re looking at potential apartments, read the listing thoroughly to see what the landlord requires. Typically, you have to have a security deposit, income, and credit. If you don’t have any of these things, you will likely need a co-signer to sign the lease with you so that the landlord knows you’ll pay your rent.
A co-signer, or guarantor, is a third party who is on the hook for the rent if you can’t pay. This can be a parent or relative, but you can typically use anyone with a good income and solid credit. Basically, if you can’t pay your rent, the landlord can require the co-signer to pay for you.
If a listing mentions that a unit is “perfect for students” or something like that, it’s a good bet that the landlord will be open to renting to you.
3. **You can always reach out to a landlord and ask them if you’re qualified.** If you’re interested in a place but you aren’t sure if you qualify, just ask. Send the landlord a well-written email or call them and explain that you’re a student. Mention whether you’re going to have any help in terms of paying for the apartment, or if you don’t have any credit. Let them know if you’re open to a co-signer, or if you have student loans you’re going to use to pay for a place. They may be willing to meet you halfway if they know you’re a student.
For example, you may say, “Hello, my name is Edward Schultz and I’m interested in your unit on Grover Street. I’m a student, majoring in business, and I’m looking for a quiet place near campus. I’d like to set up a time to see the apartment and fill out an application if you’re open to it. I have a part-time job, but my parents would be helping me out with some of the rent as well. I can always have them cosign if necessary. Please let me know!”
Some landlords don’t want to rent to students because they assume they’re not going to take care of the place, or throw parties every week. Some landlords prefer students because they’re not as demanding or difficult to work with. It’s all about finding the right fit for you!
4. **Apply for rental units owned by individuals, not companies.** Apartment complexes and property management companies rarely bend on their requirements, but a private landlord has total control over who they rent to. This way, you can rely on your charm and negotiating skills to land yourself a sweet place.
You can typically tell if a property management company owns a building or not by reading the listing. These companies usually put their company name all over the description.
Giant apartment complexes are more likely to be owned by a company than smaller buildings.
If you’re emailing “lakefrontproperties@gmail.com,” or, “Sean@HousingPeopleNY.org,” it’s a company. If their email is “TastyCakes812” or something, it’s a private owner.
5. **Offer to get a co-signer and just explain you’re a student.** A co-signer should quell a lot of anxiety a landlord may have about renting to a student. Beyond that, you should just explain that you have no credit because you’re a student. Not having credit is a red flag if you’re 45 years old and you’ve been working full-time for several decades, but it doesn’t matter nearly as much when you’re an 18- to 25-year-old student.
Remember, you can always offer to pay a bigger security deposit as well. This can make a lot of landlords more inclined to accept your application.
6. **The cost of rent depends on where you live, the neighborhood, and the size of the unit.** The average 1-bedroom apartment in Newark, New Jersey will run you $850 a month, but that same unit in San Francisco will cost $3,600. To figure out if a unit is reasonably priced, go on Craigslist, Zillow, or another rental listing site and search for similar apartments in the area. If the listing you’re looking at is similarly-priced to the others, it’s probably a fair price.
For a basic studio or 1-bedroom apartment, expect to spend $500-1,000 a month depending on where you live. If you’re in a major city, this may be a lot higher. If you live in a small city or rural area, it may cost less than this.
Remember, nicer units usually cost more, while run-down apartments will cost less. Having a dishwasher, balcony, and in-unit laundry may bump the rent up a couple hundred bucks.
7. **You’ll need a security deposit, application fee, and at least 1 month’s rent to pay for an apartment.** The application fee typically costs $25-100, and this fee pays for your credit check. If you are approved for an apartment, you’ll need to pay the security deposit as well. This is a refundable payment you make to cover potential damage if you don’t take care of the apartment. You typically get this back at the end of the lease, although there may be deductions if you damage the place. You’ll also usually need to pay the first month’s rent, although some states and cities will allow landlords to collect the last month’s rent as well.
So, if a unit costs $600 a month, the security deposit is $1,200, and you need to pay the first and last month’s rent up front, you’ll need to pay the landlord $2,400 up front to get your keys.
Security deposit prices depend on where you live. Some cities allow landlords to collect 3-months’ rent for the deposit, while other regions only require 1 month.
Some landlords don’t require a deposit. However, you may need to pay a non-refundable fee to move into a place with no security deposit.
This can be a lot of upfront costs, but remember, you should get the deposit back if you take care of the place. If you pay the last month’s rent ahead of time, you won’t need to pay rent the month before you move out.
8. **Contact the landlord to take a tour and check the place out.** For each place you find that looks promising, send the landlord an email or give them a phone call to set up a showing. A showing is where the landlord walks you through the unit, talks to you about the lease, and explains what they’re looking for in a tenant. If you like the apartment and you meet the landlord’s criteria, tell them you’d like to apply!
Treat this kind of like a job interview. Dress nicely, show up on time, and be friendly. Feel free to ask questions about the unit, too!
If you don’t like the place, just tell the landlord it isn’t quite what you’re looking for and move on. You may need to view multiple units to find something you like!
If you plan on using a cosigner, bring them with you for this part of the process.
9. **Fill out an application, pay for the credit check, and wait to hear back.** The landlord will give you an application. You just enter your personal information to fill it out. This includes your name, previous addresses, occupation, and income. Give them a check or cash for the credit check and application fee. The landlord will contact you in a few days to let you know if you got the place!
The landlord will require a proof of income for either you or your cosigner. A bank statement or paystub will typically work for this.
You will also need a passport or driver’s license, and letters of reference if your landlord requests them.
If you don’t have a job, just write “student” under “occupation.” If you have a part-time job, write something like, “Student/cashier”
10. **Sign your lease once your application is approved.** The lease is a legal document that outlines your responsibilities, the landlord’s responsibilities, and the price for rent. Read this document thoroughly to ensure that you understand what you’re on the hook for. Hand over your first month’s rent, security deposit, and last month’s rent if it’s required and take your keys!
Leases typically last 1 year, with an option to renew it at the end of that year. All this means is that you’re on the hook for a full year of rent and you won’t be able to move out before that year is up (unless the landlord lets you break the lease).
Some leases are “month to month.” All this means is that you can move out (or be asked to move) every 30 days. This lease offers more flexibility than a 1-year lease, although you may have to move quickly if you do something particularly irresponsible and upset the landlord.
11. **Many students use a combination of work and help from their parents.** It’s extremely common for family members to help students pay their rent, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’re thinking about moving out of student housing. Still, a lot of students rely on part- or full-time work to help pay the rent, so it’s a good idea to start filling out some job applications if you aren’t already employed.
The general rule of thumb is that your rent shouldn’t be more than 30% of your monthly income, so sit down with your parents and do the math on what you can afford.
If your parents aren’t going to help you pay rent and you can’t cover a decent apartment with your part-time job, you may just have to wait and save up to get your own place.
12. **Don’t count exclusively on student loans if they haven’t been paid out.** Student loans are typically paid directly to the school you’re attending. If there is any money left over after tuition is paid, it will be refunded to you. You can definitely use this remaining money to pay for rent, but it may not be enough to pay for more than a few months, so it’s not a great plan to solely rely on loans for housing.
13. **Getting roommates is a great way to cut back on costs.** If budget is a concern, get a few roommates! It’s often cheaper (and more fun) to rent a 3-bedroom unit with 2 roommates than it is to rent a 1-bedroom apartment on your own. You can ask a few friends if they’re interested in splitting a place, or reach out online to find other students looking for roommates.
It’s probably not a good idea to move in with some random adults you meet online. Students and adults with full-time jobs often have different schedules and you may not be on the same page regarding guests, how to set up the apartment, and what the quiet hours in the unit will be.
When you have roommates, you can also split the costs of utilities. Even if you spend a little more on electricity with 3 people living in the apartment, the total cost for you will only be 1/3 depending on how you split it up.
14. **Look for apartments that are slightly further from campus.** In a lot of cases, apartments right next to campus are going to be in higher demand. Research safe neighborhoods that aren’t right next to campus and go apartment hunting there. If you aren’t sure where to look, follow the bus routes or train lines that lead to campus on a map and then pull up crime data for those areas to find a comfortable neighborhood with direct routes to campus.
Visit an area if you can before you start setting up appointments for showings.
If you’re going to drive to school or bike, you don’t really need to pay attention to the public transit options. Just find a safe neighborhood that looks fun to live in!
15. **In most cases, yes—especially if you aren’t behind on the payments.** Landlords run a credit check to see if you’re in the habit of paying your bills, but student loan debt won’t impact your credit score if you’re on time with payments or they aren’t due yet. For many landlords, a student having student loan debt isn’t going to be a big deal. If the debt has impacted your credit score, it may be a problem, though.
Keep your student loan payments in mind when you’re trying to figure your budget out. If you can afford an $800 apartment but you have to pay $200 a month for student loans, you may need to look for a place in the $600 range to account for the difference.
16. **Offer to get a co-signer or pay more up front if your debt is a problem.** Many landlords will work with you if your student loans are the only problem with the application. You can offer to get a co-signer, or offer to put an extra month’s rent down on an apartment. You may be able to mitigate your debt by getting a few roommates that don’t have a ton of student debt as well.
17. **No, you typically have to be a student to live in student housing.** However, you don’t always need to be a full-time student. Different dorms and housing complexes often have unique requirements, so you may be able to find a college apartment even if you aren’t taking a full class load.
The one exception is if you’re a family member of a student living in family housing. Many colleges have dedicated dorms for adult students with families. If you’re married or related to a full-time student at a school, check to see if the university has family housing. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Rent-an-Apartment-As-a-Student", "language": "en"} |
How to Get Rid of Bad Thoughts | Bad thoughts can haunt you for days, weeks, or months if you don’t deal with them. They often come up when you least expect it, as you over-analyze situations or believe that someone has slyly insulted you. Though painful, bad thoughts are natural, and your brain has ways of dealing with them. While you should always seek help if you suffer from serious depression or recurring bad thoughts, more often than not you can work through them on your own.
1. **Remember that occasional bad thoughts are normal.** This is possibly the single easiest way to start addressing your problems. Too often you believe that you are the only one with problems, or that no one understands what you are going through, but bad thoughts are a part of life and, most importantly, they will go away. Don’t beat yourself up for having bad thoughts, because they aren’t your fault.
Avoid language like “This is my fault,” “I shouldn’t be thinking this,” or “I hate this thought.”
You’ve had bad thoughts before, and you’ll have them again. But you are still here, alive, and healthy. Your bad thoughts won’t kill you if you don’t turn them into monsters.
2. **Think about what makes the thought “bad.”** Why are you upset about this thought? What is making it stick in your head? Oftentimes bad thoughts persist because you feel guilty, angry, or unsure about the future, so thinking about why you are caught on the same thought can help give it shape and find ways to address the problem. Common reasons for tough thoughts include:
Guilt
Hurt
Anxiety
Jealousy
Temptation
Trauma
Failure or fear of failure
3. **Slow down your thoughts with a few deep breaths.** It is natural to feel anxious or nervous when a bad thought suddenly crops up in your brain, but resist the urge to get upset or fixate on the thought. Take 30 seconds to stop what you are doing and take five deep, long breaths. Give yourself a moment to address the thought instead of jumping right to irrational or extreme conclusions.
Try counting to 15 if you still feel nervous.
You could also color, listen to calming music, or read for a short while.
Alternatively, head outside, remove yourself from the room, or take a short walk to clear your head.
4. **Ask yourself why you’re having negative or bad thoughts.** Once you’ve slowed down and thought about the reason you are upset, it’s time to question why the thought is so negative. Some good questions to ask include:
What hard evidence do I have for my anxiety or fears?
What are the positives of the situation I am forgetting?
Is there another way to look at this situation? How would someone else see me?
Will this matter in 5 years?
5. **Remain in the moment.** Even if a situation isn’t ideal or is difficult, you can still be okay. You don’t have to let bad thoughts overwhelm you. You cannot control the future and you cannot control the past. What you can do is deal with the present. Many bad thoughts stem from forgetting this fact and making predictions or guesses about what is to come.
For example, you may tell yourself that your test tomorrow is going to be super hard, and you will definitely fail, but your bad thought has no basis in reality. When the test does arrive on your desk you’ve already told yourself it will be terrible instead of finding ways to make it easier the night before. Don’t let your guesses about the future ruin the present.
6. **Put your thoughts in perspective.** Your initial reaction to a bad thought will be to blow it out of proportion: “I was tempted by another woman, I must not love my wife,” “My boss didn’t like the presentation, I’m going to be fired,” “Everyone else has a nice car, I must be a failure.” These thoughts are not only simplistic, they are often flat-out wrong. Remember that you are not the center of the universe and that most problems in your life will not ultimately mean much to your happiness.
Remember problems from years past, like getting grounded or dumped – while they might have felt like horrible thoughts at the time, chances are good you have long since moved on without any real damage.
7. **Distract yourself with something specific that you know gives you comfort.** Return to something that you know and love to help take your mind off your problems or give you some perspective. Experiencing something tied to good memories can put the bad thought in perspective – things haven’t always been bad, and they won’t always be bad in the future.
Re-read your favorite book.
Bake you mom’s chocolate cookie recipe.
Go to see your team’s next home game.
Put on an album you enjoy from your youth.
Look through pictures of a fun event or vacation.
8. **Don’t try and run away from your thoughts or “push” them out.** Telling yourself not to think about something is as good as thinking about it. You spend all of your time saying “stop thinking about my breakup” that you don’t realize you are still talking about your breakup! You need to either move your thoughts in another direction or try and tackle the bad thought head on. Trying to consciously push the thought out, however, will only prolong your problems.
In some situations it’s best to face the problem directly, while putting it aside for a while might be a better strategy for other situations.
9. **Work on “letting go” of problems.** Instead of fighting bad thoughts, take a deep breath, acknowledge them, and move on. This is difficult to learn, but mastering this skill is the best way to fight negative thoughts for the rest of your life. For example, you may be worried that you’re going to be fired because you made a mistake at work. Instead of fixating on what you did wrong, learn from your mistake and take steps not to repeat it in the future. Focus on improving, rather than expecting the worst.
Think things like, “I cannot control everything in the world,” “I can’t change the past,” and “it is time to move forward.”
10. **Literally “throw your problem away.”** This may sound odd, but an Ohio State study found that people who write down their bad thoughts and then throw the paper away had a better self-image than people who kept the paper. Writing is a way of expressing your problems, and physically getting rid of them tells your body that it is time to move on.
The same study found that even dragging a file to your computer’s Trash Bin has the same positive effects.
11. **Talk through your bad thoughts with someone you trust.** Getting your bad thoughts off your chest and into the open is a great way to work through what makes a thought so bad. It also, more often than not, helps you realize that the thought is not as bad as it seemed. Once you’ve put words to your anxiety, you can get valuable advice and perspective from someone who has likely had similar anxieties. Many psychiatrists have found that simply telling your thoughts in a comfortable setting may be enough to eliminate them.
Bad thoughts are basically talking to yourself, and everything you say sounds true. Having another perspective can help you find the flaws in your logic and end the thought.
You could talk to a trusted friend or family member as well as a therapist or psychiatrist.
12. **Practice positive affirmation to fight persistent, nasty thoughts.** Positive affirmation is taking the time to recognize that you are happy, healthy, and have a sense of self-worth. Negative thoughts (self-deprecating, unworthiness, etc.) can be helped with positive affirmations. Practice saying “I am...” and following it with something you love about yourself, such as “I am smart,” “I am good at my job,” or “I am a loving part of my family.”
Make a list of your positive attributes and put it somewhere you can see it daily, like on your desk or bathroom mirror.
Fight bad thoughts head on: If you keep saying “I am too dumb,” recognize the many things you do know with positive affirmations like “I know how to fix cars,” “I can cook,” or “I am intelligent.”
Once you're conscious of your negative beliefs, you have the power to change them. Instead of thinking "I am not good enough," you could think, "I am enough."
13. **Find ways to fill up your free time.** Most bad thoughts come during periods of free time when you brain is allowed to wander without distraction or when you’re exhausted. Find things to do that will eliminate too much time alone, like starting an exercise routine, beginning a writing or art project, or community service.
Being alone is not bad, but being alone with no idea what to do can create anxiety and apprehension.
14. **Recognize people that trigger bad thoughts.** Relationships are some of the most fraught, psychologically difficult landscapes to navigate. You may find yourself trying in vain to figure out what the other person is thinking, if your friend meant to insult you, or if someone is talking behind your back. If you have a friend or significant other who constantly triggers bad thoughts, however, this is not your fault. For whatever reason, this relationship may not be healthy.
Give yourself some space from negative people – do the bad thoughts disappear when you haven’t seen them for a while?
Avoid friends who constantly insult you or make jokes at your expense, skip meetings with you, or don’t respect your time or hobbies.
15. **Be proactive about solving bad thoughts.** Make a list of all the things you could do to address your bad thought. For example, if you are worrying incessantly about your relationship, ask yourself what you can do to make things more comfortable. Plan a date, purchase some flowers for your significant other, talk to your partner, and go out with some of your friends to have fun on your own.
You might not be able to accomplish everything on your list, but having a group of actions you could take helps you regain control of your thoughts.
16. **Find a creative outlet for your negativity.** Writing things down, losing yourself in an instrument, or painting out your feelings are all valuable ways to explore your negative thoughts and begin dealing with them. Remember to refrain from judgement—the point of art is to express your thoughts, not criticize them. Even if you never show your project to anyone, simply making it can be a great way to direct your bad thoughts through another outlet.
17. **Remember to smile.** Smiling has been proven to release chemicals inside your body that makes you happier. So show off your pearly whites and let the world know you are happy, and you’ll be surprised to see people smiling back. Between the social and chemical reinforcement, this can actually make the difference between a sunny, happy outlook and being trapped by bad thoughts.
The inverse is also true, so making frowny or sad faces can lead to more negative thoughts as well.
If you’re going through something difficult, make time to watch your favorite comedies to boost your mood.
18. **See a professional if you cannot shake your thoughts.** If you are depressed, suicidal, or chronically hurting, you should call a mental health professional immediately. They are trained to help you on the road to recovering your positive thoughts, and will be there to support you as you learn.
If you do not think life is worth living, call/text the suicide and crisis lifeline immediately. In the U.S., the number is 988.
19. **Take care of your body.** There is a direct correlation between mental and physical health, and one will suffer if you neglect the other. Make sure you prioritize your body so that your brain is well equipped to handle stress and difficult or bad thoughts.
Exercise 3-5 times a week for at least 30 minutes.
Eat a balanced diet and avoid junk foods.
Hydrate with 6-8 full glasses of water each day.
Get 6-8 hours of regular sleep each night.
20. **Begin a meditation practice.** Shown time and time again to promote positive thinking and mental health, meditation is the process of clearing your mind and coming to peace with your thoughts. Find 10-15 minutes a day to sit quietly with your thoughts. Focus on your breathing and let your thoughts drift freely. As you progress you’ll find yourself taking more and more time to meditate, and your bad thoughts will start to slowly fade into the background.
21. **Work towards long-term goals.** Most people feel bad thoughts creeping in when they imagine their future, creating stress and insecurity. Write down your goals, then break them up into small, manageable tasks you can tackle easily. Celebrate when you hit milestones, and always you’re your end goal in sight when things get tough.
For example, you might be worried about thoughts that you will never finish the novel you dream of writing. Instead of worrying, set aside 30 minutes a day to write. As you get more comfortable, make it 1 hour, then 2 hours until you have a few chapters to start editing.
If you find that you can’t stick to the amount of time that you set, don’t get down on yourself. Simply adjust the timetable to make it work for you.
22. **Have a sense of humor when faced with hardship.** Laughing away accidents and misfortune is one of the best ways to stay sharp and sane. Humor will “re-set” negative events in a positive manner, ending the stress and worry. Laughter will give you much needed perspective on your thoughts and make it easier to keep bad thoughts at bay.
Laugh at yourself too – you shouldn't take your life so seriously that you forget to enjoy it.
Laughter is contagious, so join people who laugh a lot or tell jokes. If you gravitate towards people who like to laugh, you’ll find yourself laughing more as well.
23. **Find a friend or family member that you can be honest with.** Just knowing that there is someone who you can be open and honest with can make bad thoughts seem much less daunting. Building trust with someone takes time, and you’ll need to be a little vulnerable sharing your concerns with another person, but having this bond will ultimately help you realize that you are not alone. You can deal with your bad thoughts when they appear, and there will be someone to help you.
If you feel like you can’t share your thoughts with someone for whatever reason, consider making an appointment with a professional therapist. They are trained to listen well and help you work through your problems. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Bad-Thoughts", "language": "en"} |
How to Build a Dog House | You love your pup but don't love when he sheds? Build an outdoor house for your dog that will keep him dry and warm and your house fur-free. Follow the steps below to create a customized dog house that fits your family's personality .
1. **Consider what you'll be using the base for.** Different dogs have different needs, but almost every dog will need the following: an insulated, dry space that he can call home whether it's hot or cold. Pay attention to these factors when building a dog house:
Think about insulation. Remember that the base builds the foundation for the whole house and creates a space of air between the ground and the floor that acts as insulation for the house. A house without a base is cooler during the cold months and warmer during the hot months.
Consider the specific elements that might affect the base in your outdoor environment. If it rains often in your area, make sure to use a non-toxic, water-resistant material and build the base high enough off of the ground to prevent flooding.
2. **Use a framing square and a pencil to begin reproducing the diagram you created on the wood itself.** Cut 2x4 wood boards into four pieces, with two at 22-1/2" long and two at 23" long for a medium-sized dog.
3. **Place the 23” side pieces inside the 22-1/2” front and back pieces to create a rectangle with the 2" side resting on the ground.** Use a countersink drill bit to pre-drill pilot holes. Then attach the base pieces together using two 3” galvanized wood screws in each end.
4. **Transfer the floor plans by using a pencil and a framing square to a single sheet of 3/4" plywood.** The dimensions are 26" by 22-1/2" for the above sized frame.
5. **Using 1-1/4” galvanized wood screws, attach the floor panel to the base by drilling one screw into each corner of the of the base.**
6. **Again, use real wood for added insulation and versatility.** Using wood for the dog house will help keep the house insulated, even if the wood is rather thin. For the front wall of the house, make the opening for your dog as small as possible (although still comfortable) in order to allow the house to retain heat.
7. **Transfer the plans for the sides of the house to the same piece of plywood used for the floor.** Each side should be 26" long and 16" wide, while the front and back should be a 24" by 16" rectangle with an attached 12" high and 24" wide triangle on top of the rectangle. Cut out this shape in one piece for both the front and the back of the house.
8. **Leave an opening on the front wall of the house about 10" wide and 13" high.** Leave a 3" tall space at the bottom of the opening to cover the base. To create the round arch at the top of the opening, use any round object you have handy, such as a mixing bowl.
9. **Cut out eight pieces of framing.** Using a piece of 2x2 fir or cedar wood, cut out eight pieces to use as framing to secure the walls and roof. You will need four corner framing pieces 15” long and four roof framing pieces 13” long.
10. **Fasten one 15” corner framing piece to each edge of the side frames using three 1-1/4” galvanized wood screws.** Then place the side panels on the base and screw galvanized wood screws every 4–5 inches (10.2–12.7 cm) around the perimeter.
11. **Attach the front and back panels.** Place the front and back panels on the floor base and attach to the framing with galvanized wood screws every 4–5 inches (10.2–12.7 cm) around the perimeter.
12. **Try building a triangular, sloping roof.** This not only allows rain and snow to slide off of the dog house, but also gives your dog more room to stretch out in his humble abode.
13. **Draw the plans for the roof panels on the 2x2 piece of wood, with the dimensions at 32" long and 20" wide.** These pieces will rest on top of the side panels to form a triangular sloping roof.
14. **Attach the 13” 2x2 roof framing piece to the inside edges of the front and back panels, halfway between the top and bottom of the angled side of each panel.** Screw three 1-1/4” galvanized wood screws into each panel.
15. **Place the roof panels on top of the sides, making sure that the peak is tight and panels hang over each side.** Secure the roof panels to the framing pieces using 1-1/4” galvanized wood screws at 3" intervals.
16. **Personalize your dog house with paint.** Using only non-toxic paints that won't harm your dog, you can paint the outside of the house to match your own, or pick a fun theme like an underwater scene. If you have small children, it can be fun to allow them to paint the dog house as an art project.
17. **Create a sturdier roof.** To keep the dog house extra dry, you can cover the entire roof with asphalt-impregnated roofing paper, or tar paper. Once you've covered the house, you can then add shingles for a traditional, sophisticated look.
18. **Furnishing the inside.** Keep your pup comfy by adding a blanket, dog bed, or piece of carpet inside. To add carpet, simply cut a piece of carpet to dimensions one inch smaller than the floor panel and secure it to the floor. Use wood glue if you want the carpet to be permanent, or duct tape if you want to be able to replace the carpet at a later time.
19. **Add fun accessories to make your pup's house a home.** Hang a name plate with your pooch's name over the front of the opening using a small nail and any type of material sturdy enough to withstand the elements. You can get personalized plates made of metal, make and paint a plate out of wood, or even hang spare dog tags. Make sure that the nail does not poke out to the inside of the house.
Attach small hooks to the outside of the dog house to serve as a place to keep your dog's leash or any other toys. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Dog-House", "language": "en"} |
How to Change a Rear Cassette | The rear cassette is a set of concentric gear rings attached to your back wheel. Each ring is a gear on your bike, and the chain, which connects to the pedals, turns the cassette to power the bike. Over time, the teeth on the gears start to wear down, making the connection to the chain weaker and costing you valuable power. At worst, this can lead to slipped chains, which prevent you from pedaling at all until fixed.
1. **Remove the wheel from the bike.** This is easily done by undoing the skewer or the nuts from the axle, undoing the quick release of the brake and removing the wheel from the bike. Take the wheel off and set the bike aside.
The chain is, more likely than not, around the cassette. If you're struggling to remove it, shift the front gear into the smallest ring. Find where the chain threads through two small wheels on the derailleur arm (the shifting mechanism on your back wheel), and push to put slack in the chain.
2. **Inspect the cassette for wear and damage and confirm a cassette replacement is necessary.** If the teeth are worn, they’ll be rounded rather than square. This is also a good time to give the to check for axle bearings for wear and proper lubrication. If the axle moves, the bearing cones need to be adjusted and you may need to replace the bearings in the axle. A bike shop can do this for you if you so desire. Signs you need a new cassette include:
Skipped or slipping chain while riding.
Issues shifting ( Check that your derailleurs are properly adjusted before changing the cassette)
Visibly worn teeth (points are lower are rounder on some gears than others).
Cracked, broken, or warped gears.
3. **Remove the skewer.** Put the wheel on a flat surface with easy access to the cassette and remove the skewer, which is the long rod running through the center of the wheel. More often than not, the skewer and mating bolt on the other end can be easily screwed off by hand.
4. **Place your lockring removal tool into the center of the cassette.** Replace the skewer with a lock ring removal tool. It will have a grooved ring on the end that locks it into the cassette. This will be your pressure point to unscrew the cassette.
Some older lock-rings don't have attached skewers. They are meant to replace the bolts on your own skewer, then used like normal. Unscrew the normal ends and put the lockring removal tool on your old skewer to use.
5. **Wrap the chain whip around the largest sprocket in a counter-clockwise direction.** Choose the largest sprocket you can get the chain around. The chain whip keeps the cassette from turning while you unscrew it. It is simply a long handle with about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) of bike chain at the end, which allows it to lock the cassette in place. Wrap as much of the chain as you can around one of the largest gears, going counter-clockwise.
To loosen the bolt later you will need to turn the lockring counter-clockwise, so the chain whip will pull the the cassette clockwise -- this is the opposing pressure to keep everything steady.
Alternatively, use a length of chain instead.
6. **Clamp a large adjustable wrench on your lockring removal tool.** Use the wrench to hold the chain whip in place. If you're just starting out, this might be easier with two people. Tighten the adjustable wrench around the lockring tool so that you can get a lot of power on it.
Make sure the tool is firmly jammed in the cassette. This is easily recognizable by the 12-tooth lock nut on the cassette.
7. **Holding the chain whip in place, turn the wrench counter-clockwise to release the lock-ring.** This nut has a regular thread that needs to be rotated in an counterclockwise direction. It will probably take some force, and may make a loud grinding noise, which sounds like popcorn, as it is removed. This is because of the locking teeth. While you don't want to break anything, know that this takes a fair amount of force, especially if never done before.
All this takes off is the lock ring, the small, usually silver piece that prevents the cassette from moving.
Set the lock ring aside in a careful place -- you definitely do not want to lose these!
8. **Slide the cassette off after removing the lock ring.** Usually, it consists of a few sprockets, spacers, and a large set of sprockets riveted together. Keep everything in the same order you took it out in as a guide for adding your new cassette. There may also be a plastic chain guard between your cassette and the spokes of the wheel -- it can be kept or discarded.
Some teeth may slide off alone, and some may be pinned together.
You may need to use a thin object to lightly pry a few gears off.
9. **Clean the hub of the bike with an old rag and some light cleaning fluid.** You rarely get to this area when cleaning, so take the time to get the gunk out now. Use an old rag and some rubbing alcohol, gentle dish soap and warm water, or Simple Green.
10. **Replace the cassette with the same gear ratio.** First, count the number of gears. Then, count the number of teeth on the smallest gear, then the largest one. Put these numbers together to get your ratio. For example, an 11-32 should be replaced with another 11-32. You can find the tooth counts stamped on the sprockets. A part number or name would be useful as well. You can easily bring your cassette into a bike shop as well to get a near identical cassette.
11. **Replace the cassette with a different ratio.** Most cassettes are interchangeable within brands for a certain number of gears. For example, Shimano sprockets (gears) can be mixed with other Shimano sprockets. Even older sprockets can be used with some adjustments. To get sprockets, buy them separately or as a whole unit. Cassettes can be disassembled by removing the pins holding them together, the pins have no other purpose than to make assembly easier. Then just stack together the cassette with the gear ratios you want. Some sprocket tooth counts are less common than others, keep that in mind when buying as you might end up with sprockets identical to what you've already got.
It's tricky to mix and match gears, so it's best not to try unless you're experienced. Additionally, compatibility between gears and cassettes can vary. For example, a SRAM cassette may be compatible with a Shimano freehub body, but the new SRAM XD driver series isn't compatible with any older model cassettes. Similarly, Campagnolo freehub bodies are only compatible with Campagnolo cassettes. If you're in doubt about which one to use, consult your local bike shop.
Note that changing gear ratios could require a longer or shorter chain to fit on new sized sprockets.
The replacement cassette should have the same number of gears. For example, replace a 10-speed cassette with a 10-speed cassette instead of a 9- or 11-speed cassette.
12. **Slide the cassette back onto the hub of the bike in the order you bought them.** Put your new cassette on just like you took off the old one. Note that there are a set of smaller teeth on the hub that the cassette slides into. One of them is bigger/smaller than the others. On the cassette, one of the openings is this same size, telling you how to line the new cassette up with the hub. Immediately slide the lock ring on to keep things from moving.
You may need to add some gears one at a time. If they are separated, note any spacers (small, plastic rings) in between them when you buy the cassette. These
13. **Tighten the locking nut of the cassette.** Use a wrench to gently tighten the lockring tool. Never over tighten this as the threads are very small and won't take much force. The cassette is fitted with locking teeth to stop it coming off, giving it the distinctive grinding or zipping sound as it is removed and replaced.
Hand tighten the bolt as much as possible, then use the wrench to just tighten it a hair more so it doesn't move. You'll likely hear a grinding sound while you do this, which will sound like popcorn. You'll know the bolt is tight enough when you only hear 1 or 2 pops.
The gears should all move together -- there should be no play or wobble in any of the sprockets.
14. **Refit the skewer and put the wheel back on the bike.** Once the cassette is back on, put the wheel on the bike and refit the chain. You're ready to ride again.
Always put the bike chain back near the gear the bike is in so that it doesn't clank violently when you start pedaling. If confused, shift the bike all the way to one side of the gears and put the chain on the furthest two rings on that side.
15. **Replace your chain whenever you replace your cassette.** As chains wear down, the cause more and more stress on the rear cassette. In fact, proper chain replacement (every six months or so for regular riders) is the best thing you can do to prevent replacing your cassette too often. If you put a new cassette on, even if it is identical to the old one, you should replace the chain as well for the best results. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Change-a-Rear-Cassette", "language": "en"} |
How to Write a Manual | Writing an instruction manual may seem like a daunting task, but it’s easier than you think! These steps apply to any written instruction, from the very simple (How to Clap) to the intensely complicated (How to Build a Semiconductor.)
1. **This is key.** It may seem self-evident, but knowledge is the key to writing a successful manual. For example, if you’re writing a camera manual, knowing that an f-stop and the shutter speed are not just 2 separate functions—they are—but knowing how they interact with each other will make it much easier for you to describe each function as it relates to the whole.
2. **Talk to experts.** If your role is simply the writer rather than the subject matter expert, involve knowledgeable people throughout the process and make sure they review your work. Their knowledge and advice is invaluable.
3. **Try a hands-on approach.** If possible, doing the thing you are writing about will, at the very least, give you a feel for what the user will want to learn.
4. **Read up on the subject.** Learn to talk the talk, and become conversant in the product you are writing about.
Manuals of similar products will show you how other writers have tackled the subject.
Look for similarities among the writers, which indicates both common functionality and common approaches to describing something.
Look for differences that stand out. Those are likely to be functions that are unique to a given product. Your product may or may not include those functions, or may have alternate ways of solving the problem that you can describe, enhancing the value of your product. While your job may be writing a how-to, showing the customers the value of their purchase is a great way to encourage them to continue reading.
Devour trade magazines. Find out how the people who use the products work with them day-to-day. They may wish there was a function that solved their particular problem, and if your product is the solution, that needs to be highlighted.
5. **Break it down.** Whether a simple step-by-step instruction sheet, or a manual for a 35mm digital camera, breaking it down into digestible chunks has several benefits:
It lets you focus on individual parts of the whole. Your goal is to familiarize the user with how to learn the process. How to perform the function can be left for a tutorial at the end, if desired, or left for the user to discover on their own.
6. **Follow a logical sequence.** It would do no good, for example, to describe how the flash on a camera works until you’ve shown how to attach the lens, load the film, turn on the camera, and adjust the focus. This is especially useful if you do not know the subject matter well.
7. **Use this as your template for your table of contents.**
8. **Review your steps.** Once you’ve defined the logical sections, review them to make sure everything is covered.
9. **Gather your supplies.** Have the items that you’re describing on hand and ready to use as described in the manual. If you’re making a paper box, have paper, scissors, tape, glue, and a ruler handy. If you’re writing about a camera, make sure your camera is disassembled. If possible, the product you’re writing about should be back in the box at this point.
10. **Write the introduction.** This will set the tone of the entire manual, and will give the user an idea about what sort of manual they are about to digest. Will it be light and amusing, or straightforward and no-nonsense? It depends on your readership. There’s much more room for verbal play teaching children to make a paper box than there is teaching a doctor how to proceed with open-heart surgery. Establish the tone early and keep that tone throughout the manual.
11. **Perform each step as you write.** Not only does this give your writing the air of honesty and authenticity, you also ensure nothing will get left out.
If, for some reason, it isn't feasible to do the steps, think them through thoroughly and consult somebody who is an expert.
12. **Number the steps.** This makes it easier for people to follow along, and to refer back to should they lose their place.
If you’re writing on paper, be sure to leave space for additions between each step. Remember to renumber your steps if you add more in.
13. **Include tips and warnings.** As you’re writing, you may realize that if the user performs a step carelessly, it could cause a problem.
Conversely, if there is some bit of knowledge that will make the user’s task easier or more interesting, add it in.
14. **Test it out.** Using only your written instructions, do the thing you are writing about. Should you find places where your instructions are lacking, add in the necessary information. Repeat this step until you have all the steps and can do what you are teaching without having to add notes.
Consider having a friend or two use the manual. Watch them closely when they learn how to use the product. See where they zip through it. See where they get lost, confused, or fail at the task. Listen to what they have to say, then adjust your manual accordingly.
15. **Proofread your manual.** You don’t want to send your final proofreader (be that your agency or your spouse) a manual full of glaring errors.
16. **Start at the top level.** Once you have all the necessary steps detailed, go through your manual to find the obvious category heads.
Title them, and note their locations.
17. **Write a Table of Contents, if applicable.** Look at the way wikiHow is laid out as an example. The main page offers many section heads. When you access a section, it lists many subcategories, and the subcategories list articles. The more detailed your manual is, the more categories and subcategories you will need. (How to Whistle needs none, How to Carve a Whistle needs a few, and How to Play the Flute needs many!)
18. **Proofread again.** Yes, you did it thoroughly once already. Doing it a second time will undoubtedly catch a few more minor errors or places where your manual just isn’t clear.
For a more comprehensive manual, you can also take this opportunity to note all the small topics, and use that information to create an index.
19. **Select a title.** | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Manual", "language": "en"} |
How to Design Vehicle Wraps | Wraps are extremely large vinyl decals that go around an entire vehicle. Though a paint job can make a car look good, wraps can make it look even better by giving the vehicle a colorful, complex, and entirely unique feel. Whether you’re creating a wrap for your own car or designing decals for a client, understanding the process will help you make the best product possible.
1. **Get a digital vehicle template for the specific model you’re working on.** Cars come in thousands of different styles, meaning that if you want to design an accurate vehicle wrap, you’ll need to acquire a template for the specific model you’re working with. Though some manufacturers provide good-quality templates on their website, you’ll most likely need to search for a free template on sites like http://mr-clipart.com or purchase professional templates from businesses like https://vehicle-templates-unleashed.com/.
To check that the template is accurate, photograph the side of the car you’re working with. Then, open an image manipulation program, import the picture and your vehicle template, and line them up.
If no template exists for the vehicle you’re working on, you can create your own by taking photos of the car’s left, right, front, back, and top sides, placing them in a program like Adobe Illustrator, and tracing them using a digital pen tool.
When taking the photos, do your best to make sure each side looks completely flat. Any distortion could lead to an inaccurate template and, by extension, an inaccurate wrap printout.
2. **Pick a computer program to use.** To create your wrap design, you’ll need to use image manipulation software. The decal industry standard is Adobe Photoshop, available on both Windows and Mac. If you cannot afford Photoshop, search online for free alternatives like GIMP and Paint.net. If you want to create a vector-heavy design, try using Adobe Illustrator instead.
3. **Learn how to use the software.** Programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are powerful, complex software suites that take time and practice to learn. However, tons of resources exist to help make the process as simple as possible. Not only does Adobe offer comprehensive tutorials on their official website, but YouTube, Dummies.com, and similar sites also host numerous guides for each program. Some skills you’ll need to know when designing vehicle wraps include:
How to create, manipulate, and lock layers.
How to import and adjust images.
How to install and use brushes.
How to add and manipulate text.
4. **Import your vehicle template file.** Open your image manipulation program and look for an option labeled import. Select it, then locate the vehicle template file on your computer. Click the file, then select ‘Import’ or ‘Open’ to bring it into the program. If your template does not open, check any Read Me or Instruction files included with the template to see if there are file-specific instructions you need to follow.
5. **Create files representing each side of the car.** After opening the template, you should be able to see either 1 side of the vehicle or all the vehicle sides layered on top of each other. If you see 1 side, save it as a new working file, then open the other sides and repeat the process. If you see every side, delete all but 1 of them and save it as a new working file. Then, close the file, reopen the vehicle template, and save another side. Repeat this process for each side.
Working files are uncompressed images designed specifically for use with an image manipulation program. In Photoshop, these are known as .psd files.
6. **Sketch your design out by hand before creating it on the computer.** Print out your vehicle template or make a rough sketch of it on paper. Then, draw your design. If you’re working with a client, ask them what they want and use their ideas as a guide for your sketch. Before moving to the computer, show them the design to make sure they approve of it.
7. **Make a design that is big and easy to see.** Just like with billboards and signs, it’s important that your design be clear and legible, even from afar. To accomplish this, make sure that the most important elements of your wrap are also the largest. Big graphics, like shapes, pictures and logos, will be eye-catching and easy to understand. Large words, like a company name or phone number, will take longer to comprehend but can provide more detailed information.
8. **Use strong colors that show up well outside.** Because people will encounter your design in non-optimal situations, ranging from blinding sunlight to high-speed traffic, it’s important to use colors that pop. If possible, stick with bold colors that show up well outside, such as red and green.
Avoid using light or pastel shades since they’ll be hard to see in bright sunlight.
Stay away from colors that blend together, like pink and purple or yellow and orange, since it will be difficult to distinguish between them quickly.
9. **Limit the amount of writing you use.** If you plan on incorporating writing into your design, try to use it as sparingly as possible. Utilizing a lot of words will make your design hard to comprehend quickly and, when the vehicle is in motion, will be nearly impossible to read. Make sure the most important words are at least 8 in (20 cm) tall that way they’ll be legible even if segments are cut off by things like door handles.
Stick with simple, bold fonts whenever possible since they are easier to read.
So that they remain legible, make sure all your letters are at least 2.5 in (6.4 cm) tall.
Important words are things like phone numbers and website urls. Non-important words are things like slogans and similar types of flavor text.
10. **Give important graphics at least 2 in (5.1 cm) of space.** In order to make the most important parts of your wrap stand out, it’s important to give them ample space. To do so, make sure that other design elements, including text, are at least 2 in (5.1 cm) away from any important graphics. If you’re using multiple major elements, make sure they are at least 6 in (15 cm) away from each other.
Important graphics are things like logos and product photos. Non-important graphics are things like generic stock imagery and background elements.
11. **Keep the vehicle’s body in mind.** When creating your design, it’s important to remember that it may look different when placed on the actual vehicle. Avoid putting important elements over areas of the car that move, like windows, and spots divided by lines or gaps. Save your design’s essential elements for flat, unbroken areas of the vehicle.
12. **Avoid making complex designs that wrap around to multiple sides.** Complicated designs, like patterns and continuous images, can make a car look absolutely stunning. However, they can also be difficult to get right, especially when wrapped from 1 side of the car to another. Unless you or your client are absolutely sold on the design, try to create wraps that relegate elements to a single portion of the car, making them simpler to put on, easier to comprehend, and less prone to alignment mistakes.
Instead of creating a wrap-around design, isolate graphic-heavy elements to the left and right sides of the vehicle and simpler, text-based information to the rear.
13. **Check your design for flaws.** Printing a vehicle wrap is expensive, so make sure you’re completely happy with the design before doing so. Look through the design carefully and search for any small blemishes you can fix. If you are working with a client, send them a copy of the completed design and make sure they approve it in writing.
14. **Save your design as separate, printable files.** In order to print properly, you’ll need to save each portion of your decal wrap, including the front, back, left side, right side, and top, as a separate file. To do this, disable the template layer on an image and save the working file. Then, click Save As, choose the TIFF option (or whatever file format your printer requests), and create a flat image with LZW Compression. Repeat this with each side.
If you worked on a scaled template, resize your files so they are the actual length and height of the car.
Make sure the resolution of each image is between 150 and 300 ppi; otherwise, it will print out pixelated.
15. **Create a folder with your printable files and any resources you used.** So the printer can create the best wrap decals possible, prepare a folder for them containing the working files, the TIFF files, and the source files for any external images included in the design. If you used a specialty font, make sure to include a copy of it. If you made use of original vector files, include the uncompressed versions.
Every printer is different. Some may only take your TIFF files, others may want everything, and a few may require different files altogether. However, having them all in one place will make the submission process far easier.
16. **Send your files to a printing company.** Because vehicle wraps are incredibly large and require special materials to print properly, you’ll most likely need to send your designs to a specialty printing company. Search online for printers in your area that specialize in large decals and car wraps. Then, contact them for pricing information and details on which of your files they will need and how to submit them.
If you plan on doing lots of decal work, try to meet with the printers in person. Creating a relationship with the company may lead to lower prices or better customer service in the future. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Design-Vehicle-Wraps", "language": "en"} |
How to Move a Grand Piano | Grand pianos are huge instruments, but they comprise many delicate and potentially breakable parts. You can move one over the course of an afternoon though. Ask a few friends to help you, since a grand piano is too heavy to move by yourself. Moving a grand piano begins with disassembling and safely packing all of the parts that can be removed from the body of the piano. Then, wrap every part safely in blankets or moving pads. Strap the wrapped piano firmly upright in the body of a moving truck, so that it won’t be damaged during the move.
1. **Remove the piano lid.** The large lid of the grand piano will be attached by small screws and hinges on its longest side. Remove the screws and the hinges using the type and size of screwdriver that matches the screw heads. Lift the lid off of the piano, and set it aside.
You may need to hold the points of 3 or 4 different sizes of screwdriver against the screw to see which size fits properly.
Save these screws—and all others that you remove while disassembling the piano—in a plastic bag for safekeeping. Place the lid hinges in the plastic bag, too.
Label the bag “lid screws” so you can correctly re-assemble the piano lid.
2. **Wrap the lid in 2 or 3 moving pads.** These pads will prevent the lid from being scratched or damaged during the move, so make sure the wood is fully covered by the pads. Then, use either packing tape or 2 buckle straps to hold the moving pads firmly in place.
You can buy thick moving pads at any moving-supply store, and at many hardware stores. If you don’t have the budget or inclination to use moving pads, you can also use spare blankets from around your house.
3. **Remove the piano’s lyre.** The lyre on a grand piano comprises the pieces of wood in the front of the piano (right beneath the keyboard) to which the pedals are attached. Kneel down and unscrew the lyre from the underside of the body of the piano. Set the lyre aside for now.
Keep all screws and any accompanying metal plates in a plastic bag.
Label the bag “lyre screws” to prevent confusion between these and the screws for the lid hinges.
4. **Set the piano onto its side on a piano board.** Place a piano board about 3 feet (0.91 m) to the left (when facing the keyboard) of the piano. Have another person (or 2) help you pick up the grand piano and tilt it towards its long, flat side. Set this side gently on top of the piano board. Never let the weight of the piano rest on the legs, as they can easily snap off.
Do this very carefully, so as not to drop or damage any part of the piano. The movement should be controlled and guided at all times.
A piano board is a large, flat wooden surface build to hold the side of a piano. Piano boards typically have handles to which you can strap the body of the piano. You can purchase a piano board at a local moving-supply store. They may also be available to purchase at larger music stores.
5. **Wrap the body of the piano with moving pads or blankets.** Set 3 or 4 moving pads over and around the body of the grand piano. At this point, you don’t need to secure the moving pads directly to the piano, since the buckle straps you’ll use to hold the piano to the piano board will hold the moving pads in place, too.
It’s better to use too many pads than too few, to make sure the piano isn’t damaged during the move.
6. **Strap the piano to the piano board.** Wrap at least 2 or 3 heavy-duty buckle straps around the body of the piano. Secure the straps to the handles or indentations of the piano board. The secured straps will keep the straps from shifting during the move and consequently keep the piano steady.
You can purchase buckle straps at any hardware or home-supply store.
7. **Remove all of the piano legs.** Most grand pianos have 4 legs, although some baby grands will only have 3. The legs will be attached to the bottom of the piano with screws or small bolts. Use either a screwdriver or an Allen wrench to remove the legs. Set them aside.
Only remove the legs once the piano is firmly strapped onto the piano board.
8. **Wrap each pedal separately with plastic or bubble wrap.** Once the lyre is off of the piano, you need to take precautions to keep the pedals from being damaged in the move. Wrap each with a section of protective plastic or, for added safety, a sheet of bubble wrap.
Secure the wrap in place with packaging tape.
9. **Wrap the piano legs and lyre in blankets.** Wrap each leg individually in its own blanket or moving pad, and wrap the lyre individual as well. Make sure that the wood of each is entirely covered up, and then secure the blanket in place using a generous amount of packing tape.
As with the piano lid, you want to keep the legs and lyre as safe as possible during the moving process.
10. **Set the wrapped body of the piano on a sturdy dolly.** Have 2 or 3 people help you lift the wrapped piano on the piano board onto the dolly. The flat shelf of the dolly will be about 3 inches (7.6 cm) high, so you’ll need to lift the body of the piano at least that high. Make sure to center the piano on the dolly so that it won’t tilt off on one side or the other.
A sturdy 4-wheeled dolly will be able to hold the weight of a large, heavy piano as it’s wheeled from stage to moving truck. Do not attempt to move a grand piano with a 2-wheeled dolly.
You could offer your friends pizza and beer after the move is completed to entice them to help you.
11. **Roll the piano to a moving truck.** Move slowly, and have 2 or 3 people help you roll the piano on the dolly. Keep the piano balanced and upright as you wheel it across sidewalks and the asphalt surface of the parking lot to the waiting moving truck.
If you need to move the piano down stairs, you could lay a piece of plywood on the stairs for the dolly to roll down.
Remember to put safety first, and keep the piano from tipping over or rolling on someone’s foot.
12. **Strap the piano firmly in place.** Wheel the piano and dolly up the loading ramp into the moving truck, and then lift the piano off of the dolly. (Or, if the dolly has wheel locks, keep the piano on the dolly and lock the wheels) Keep the piano in its vertical position. Then, use 3 or 4 buckle straps to secure the piano firmly to the wall of the moving truck.
You’ll need to set the wrapped legs and lyre in the moving truck too, but these can be placed just about anywhere. You could even set them on the passenger seat in the cab with you.
It’s best to rent a moving truck when moving a piano. Even if the piano would fit in a large pickup truck bed, you won’t be able to strap the piano vertically to the side of the truck.
13. **Hire a piano moving company.** If you don’t have time to properly disassemble, pack, and move the piano, you can contact a piano-moving company and have them do it for you. These companies are highly specialized and move only pianos, so they’re skilled at what they do. Look for a piano-moving company on the Piano Movers Network directory: https://www.pianomoversnetwork.com.
Piano moving companies will also have insurance in case they damage your piano. This means that, should the piano accidentally be dropped, the company will pay for the damage. It won’t come out of your pocket.
A local move will likely cost between $150 and $600 USD, depending on the size of the piano and the complexity of the move.
A long-distance move will average between $700 and $2,000 USD, depending on the distance moved.
Read reviews and get quotes from a few different companies before you settle on one. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Move-a-Grand-Piano", "language": "en"} |
How to Resolve Conflict Effectively | Conflict is more than a disagreement. It is a deep-rooted problem between two or more people that dictates their attitude toward one another. Whether you are trying to resolve a conflict you have with another, or trying to help two colleagues, there are many similarities in the resolution process. You have to make a point to meet and talk openly. Then you have to genuinely listen to each other and try to understand the other’s position. Finally, you have to try to come up with a compromise that leaves both of you satisfied in some way.
1. **Look for disproportionate responses.** A disagreement may not equate to a conflict. However, if someone acts way more upset or angry than the situation calls for, look closer at their behavior. This may indicate that they either have an internal conflict or source of stress. On the other hand, if their anger is directed at another, the two might have a conflict that needs resolving. Either way, you should exercise caution with this conflict so that it doesn't get out of hand or even violent.
For example, getting very angry that your friend broke a disposable plastic cup is a disproportionate response. Think about your relationship with them to figure out if a behavior or past action has upset you deeply.
2. **Think about tension that exists outside disputes.** If you have a conflict with someone, you will always harbor ill will toward them, whether or not you are currently disputing something. If you find yourself upset upon their entering the room, you may need to resolve a conflict. It is natural to try to hide your conflict with them to avoid uncomfortable exchanges. A simple rivalry may be hard to address, but you should feel comfortable approaching them for reconciliation.
3. **Think about how others color your perceptions.** It is human nature to view comments and actions relative to the person who said or did them. However, if you find yourself consistently diminishing the ideas or work of others without much thought, you may have a conflict with them. Before addressing the conflict, try to compartmentalize your relationship with them so you can view their comments and contributions impartially.
If you see that a coworker, for example, writes a report that another coworker sends back for edits, look closer. If they didn’t sit down and carefully read the report, you might help them address their conflict. Their relationship is coloring their perception of each other’s work.
4. **Remain calm.** Tempers will stand in the way of working through your differences. After all, the goal is making peace with one another, not getting revenge. Respectfully communicate to them, through a mediator if necessary, that you should both take some time to calm down. Then agree on a time and a place to discuss and resolve your conflict.
Try to stay calm by remembering that settling the conflict is the goal here, not proving your point.
Another tactic is asking them to help you come up with ways to solve the problem. This takes some of the pressure off you, which may help you relax.
Trying to settle a conflict with tempers flaring is counterproductive. If either party is upset, call a quick break so you can discuss the issue calmly.
5. **Make a list of your concerns.** Before you meet with the other person, sit down and write out exactly what you think led to the conflict. Try to take personal history and personality out of the equation as much as possible. Think about the root of the problem and what specifically you need to change.
6. **Allow the other person to talk.** You will still be able to make all of your points, but make sure to let the other person state his or her concerns as well. Let them talk, even if you disagree, because interrupting will only add to the conflict. It is most important for each of you to figure out the conflict you disagree on than the ‘correct’ solution. Working toward accepting each other’s differing views is at the center of this process.
7. **Ask questions.** If you don't understand the other person's points, then ask him or her a follow-up question. Make a point to wait until there's a pause in the conversation, so it doesn’t seem like you’re interrupting. Don’t ask sarcastic or hostile questions, as this may turn your discussion into an argument. If you find their answers or reasoning ridiculous, remember that they are entitled to their opinion as you are yours.
For example, a good follow-up question might be: “when did you first notice I wasn’t returning your phone calls?” This question simply seeks to establish a timeline for your conflict.
An example of a combative follow-up question is: “did you try one of the million other ways to get in touch with me?” This question is intended to make the other person feel stupid and wrong. This will only make them more defensive and offended, taking you farther from a resolution to your conflict.
8. **Be creative.** Try to think of as many different solutions to the problem as you can. Both of you should try to think through the conflict before you meet, and then again when you get together and begin your discussion. Allow your discussion to flow in as many different directions as you can, as long as emotions don't get too heated, in order to resolve the conflict effectively.
You may have to forgo getting your way. For example, the root of your conflict might be that your friend borrowed your car without asking, and nearly wrecked. They may not understand why you are so upset about it, and this lack of understanding has grown into anger. A solution might be that you don’t mind if they borrow your car, as long as they ask first and drive safely.
9. **Take breaks.** If you feel like one of you, or both of you, are getting too emotional, feel free to take as many breaks as you both need to. Take as much time as you need as soon as voices are raised, before anything too hurtful is said. You may also need time to think over their proposed solution or course of action.
10. **Stay away from negative talk.** Focus on the positive things instead of saying things like, "can't," "don't" or "no." The negative words will only make the conflict harder to resolve. They dwell on the conflict rather than the solution. At the end of the day, what you need the other person to accept is how you want to move forward.
For example, don’t tell the other person: “I don’t like the way you borrow my car without asking.” While this may be an important aspect of your conflict, in the solutions phase of the conflict resolution, it keeps you dwelling on the past.
Instead, tell them: “we need to establish some rules for using my car if you need to borrow it again in the future.” This sentence proposes a reasonable solution rather than simply restating what the issue is.
11. **Find something you can agree on.** There might be a conflict that is just not possible to resolve in one discussion. Think of something to do with the conflict that you both can agree on, and agree to come back to the topic later. It may take more than one discussion to resolve the conflict effectively.
For example, you may not agree about whether it is unreasonable for someone to borrow their roommate’s car without asking. However, start by agreeing that the traffic incident they had on your car was inconvenient for all parties.
12. **Look for compromise.** In many conflicts, no one person is completely wrong, so try to find a compromise that you can both be happy with. Always try to be the ‘bigger person’ by finding a resolution that satisfies both of you. Don’t let this turn into a competition to see who can be ‘more reasonable,’ however.
An example of a compromise might be giving one roommate laundry room privileges on weekend nights and weekdays, and the other on weekend days and week nights. By alternating who has time allotted to use the laundry machine, you avoid future conflicts surrounding both of you wanting to do the wash at the same time.
13. **Think about whether you are the ideal mediator.** You might see yourself as a talented counselor or friendly shoulder to cry on. However, you may not be the best mediator for every conflict resolution. Make sure you have a close, but impartial relationship with both parties.
Family members make the best mediators for sibling disputes. Parents, older siblings, or neighborhood friends are good people to turn to for conflict resolution.
Workplace disputes are a little more sensitive because there are laws and policies in place to control conflicts. Supervisors or human resource personnel are usually the appropriate parties to resolve conflicts. Check with your company handbook before acting as a formal or informal mediator.
14. **Get them together.** Tell the two parties you want to help them work through their differences. Find a time they can both get together to discuss their conflict. They won’t be able to openly discuss their feelings until they are in a room together with that intention. They may find a time themselves, or you may have to make suggestions.
This will be easy if it is, for example, a workplace dispute. A supervisor can tell them that their work is suffering and they are required to discuss their conflict.
Getting two fighting friends in the same room to settle a conflict may be more tricky. The most straightforward way is to tell each of them you want to help them talk through their problems with each other. If it is too sensitive an issue, you might need to invite them to the same get together without saying anything about the other person. This is a risky move, however.
15. **Take the lead.** You don’t need to control the entire conversation, as this may hinder organic conflict resolution. However, you might consider saying a few opening words to get them started. After all, they should know that their conflict is obvious to an impartial observer, and therefore potentially harmful. This implicit fact may bring home the reality of their conflict.
For example, you may need to explain more to children. Try telling each of them why their conflict is unhealthy and harmful. Remind them how much fun they used to have.
If you are handling a conflict between two close adult friends, you can be more brief and informal. Tell them their conflict is upsetting and uncomfortable for those around them. They need to start talking.
For workplace disputes, you may have a script or list of talking points you are legally required to cover. If not, a good route is to tell them that their conflict is affecting their work performance. Check with your company policies to see what is expected of you.
16. **Give both parties a chance to speak.** The most important part of this process is allowing both parties a chance to air their grievances. Try not to interrupt them, unless they are getting overly angry or hostile. It is natural for them to show some emotion, since they are releasing pent-up tension.
17. **Listen to both sides.** Keep an open mind. Even if you have an idea of who is in the right, alienating one person by giving them less time to speak won’t solve the problem. You won’t be able to come up with compromise solutions without listening to both sides’ grievances.
18. **Allow for discussion.** After you state the purpose of the discussion, you are there as an impartial bystander. Feel free to step in if conversation gets heated or no one is talking. However, remember that this is an opportunity for them to talk, not you.
19. **Take a side, if appropriate.** One side may clearly be in the wrong. It can alienate one of the parties if you refuse to acknowledge that they were clearly in the right. This doesn’t mean both parties aren’t both at fault for perpetuating the conflict. However, certain situations call for the open recognition that one side was more in the wrong at the root of the conflict.
For example, you may choose to point out that your friend was in the wrong for borrowing his friend’s car without asking.
20. **Offer a few compromises.** After having heard both sides of the conflict and having allowed them to speak for themselves, offer options. Giving them options makes them proactive in picking the best settlement. Offer the solutions as logical answers, not based on your opinion.
For example, you might offer your friends with the car dispute the following solutions.
You can quit loaning him your car altogether to avoid future problems.
You can continue to loan him your car, but make ground rules clear.
But recognize you may not be able to solve their problem. You don’t need to come up with a solution if there is no easy answer to their problem. For example, if one person’s partner left them for second person, you may not have an easy solution. However, getting their feelings out in the open may be therapeutic for both of them.
21. **Encourage them to make up.** You should try to get them to conclude their conflict resolution on a positive note. Encourage them to tell each other that they are no longer going to hold a grudge. Pay attention to their emotions, however. Don’t force them to shake hands or ‘kiss and make up’ when they are not ready to. This may take them from being on the path to acceptance back to anger.
Try to avoid telling them to say they’re sorry. Simply asking them to make up should provoke them to say they’re sorry naturally. Saying the words ‘I’m sorry’ is a point of contention for many people, and they will do that when they’re ready. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Resolve-Conflict-Effectively", "language": "en"} |
Aries and Libra Compatibility: Love, Sex, and More | Can a fiery Aries spark a meaningful connection with a gentle Libra? These two signs can actually have an electric romance with each other. Aries brings the spunk, outspokenness, and boldness, while Libra provides sweetness, compassion, and patience. Together, these two teach one another important lessons about intimacy and self-growth. Read on to learn more about how Aries and Libra can support one another and use their differences to their advantage.
1. **These signs experience strong passion together but have different values.** When Aries and Libra discover each other, they’re entranced. Their hearts race and they can hardly think about anything other than the exciting tension they share. Once they get a closer look at their partner, however, Aries and Libra notice some significant differences. While Aries is outspoken about their opinions, Libra wants to remain quiet and consider everyone’s perspective. The starkest contrast between Aries and Libra, however, is that the fire sign believes in competition while Libra praises cooperation.
In order to forge a strong relationship, Aries and Libra need to acknowledge that they each provide an outlook that enhances the other sign’s growth. Libra learns to advocate for themselves, while Aries strengthens their empathy and emotional intelligence.
2. **The attraction is intense and unquestionable between Aries and Libra.** The take-charge energy of Aries’ ruling planet, Mars, inspires the fire sign to shamelessly pursue the gentle air sign. Libra, influenced by Venus and a lover of fairy tales, finds Aries’ initiative charming. They both thoroughly enjoy the game of chase between the two of them.
Mars drives Aries to spark a connection right away.
Venus encourages Libra to play coy and hard to get.
Mars and Venus work together to create a fun first chapter for Aries and Libra.
3. **Sex is nourishing and passionate with this air sign and fire sign.** Aries notices Libra’s shyness and promotes talks about boundaries first. Since Aries knows they need to check in about limits before they let go, they’ll make sure Libra feels safe. Once Libra expresses their needs, they learn that Aries is committed to making every fantasy of theirs come true.
Saturn is “exalted” in Libra, which means that Libra fully activates this planet. Since Saturn influences people to fully think through their actions, Libra brings up when they feel ready for sex.
Aries “debilitates,” or weakens, Saturn—the fire sign will cancel out Saturn’s influence to take things slow and will encourage Libra to speak up right away. For example, Aries might ask, “Do you really want to do this?”
4. **Libra and Aries encourage each other to be emotionally honest.** Aries has positive polarity, which means that they’re extremely self-expressive and let everyone know what’s on their mind. Libra, who usually keeps their thoughts pent up, takes notes and learns how to be outspoken. To repay Aries for the favor, Libra teaches Aries how to dig deeper to find the real root of their frustration.
Even though Libra also has positive polarity, since they’re a “cardinal” sign—meaning they lead others—they feel a huge responsibility toward people and usually only talk about what matters to their community.
5. **These two signs challenge one another with their skepticism and trust issues.** Libra, who gives off an air of elegance and confidence, actually struggles with insecurities and self-doubt. Since Aries is always ready for action and involved in a lot of projects, Libra gets lonely and wonders what the fire sign is up to. Aries sometimes becomes impatient and argues that Libra needs to focus on their self-esteem.
Aries smooths matters over by talking about their day so Libra gets more context.
Libra helps Aries simmer down by developing more belief in themselves.
6. **Libra’s invested in helping Aries with their goals, leading to cooperation.** Aries seeks personal development at every opportunity. Since Libra wants to help others, this results in a happy union when these two discuss Aries’ future. The air sign uses patience and logic to break down all the steps Aries needs to take. Aries loves Libra’s clarity, while Libra adores supporting Aries.
Aries’ personal goal is in the Tenth House, the House of Social Status. However, since the Tenth House is influenced by Capricorn, a sign ruled by Saturn, Aries feels stuck. Aries doesn’t feel a strong connection with Saturn’s energy and doesn’t thrive on making plans.
Luckily, Saturn is exalted in Libra, so the air sign knows exactly what to do when Aries brings up a goal that Saturn presented to Aries. Libra’s so inspired by Saturn that Libra sees every action Aries needs to take to be successful.
7. **Aries and Libra may be too dependent on each other for motivation.** Since Aries struggles with long-term thinking, they’ll lean on Libra for practical advice. Libra usually doesn’t mind, but since they juggle expectations from so many people, the air sign will eventually get tired. Libra tries to balance out the dynamic by asking Aries for pep talks, but the fire sign can lose steam trying to boost Libra’s self-esteem.
Libra sometimes wishes Aries would recognize that so many people rely on the air sign.
Aries often gets restless because they wish Libra would simply have faith in themselves.
8. **Since Libra talks about the past while Aries celebrates the present, they learn a lot.** Libra likes to weigh all the data, and they’ll consider how their experiences have shaped who they’ve become. Libra teaches Aries greater self-awareness, while Aries guides Libra to quiet all the noise in their mind and fully savor the present.
Libra also points out how Aries can slow down and empathize with other people.
Aries invites Libra to tap into their instincts and stand up for themselves when they need to.
9. **Libra and Aries rarely share common interests, so they enjoy plenty of independence.** Aries prioritizes solo activities, such as mountain biking, or competitive sports, like races. None of these hobbies appeal to Libra, who adores cooperation and teamwork. Since these two signs already experience plenty of physical intimacy, they can use all the extra space.
They catch up with each other over date nights or cuddle sessions on the couch.
They can also recount any personal “wins.” In Aries’ case, that might mean winning a competition, while for Libra, that might look like raising money for an important cause.
10. **The fire sign and air sign find harmony including each other in daily routines.** They spend a lot of time apart from each other, so they make the most of whatever moments they do share. Whether it’s coffee in the morning, a lovely dinner together, or a late night chat about their days, they’ll cherish their opportunities to reconnect.
Aries looks forward to doting on Libra and getting in touch with their own softer side.
Libra loves giving Aries advice on how to get along with colleagues and connect with others.
11. **Aries-Libra experiences some challenges, but they also undergo plenty of growth together.** Their love story isn’t easy, yet Aries and Libra have what it takes to create a relationship based on respect and patience. They’ll have to invest a lot of time learning from each other and adapting to each other’s communication styles. Once they do, the pay-off is incredible because Aries and Libra have the potential to be lifelong teammates. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Are-Aries-Compatible-with-Libra", "language": "en"} |
How to Improve Your Eyesight | Eyesight is the sense that you rely upon the most. Since we live in a world that requires your eyes to routinely stare at small type and images on cell phones, computer screens, and televisions, it is important that you take steps to improve your eyesight. Poor eyesight diminishes the quality of life and could lead to expensive surgeries or partial blindness. There are, however, many solutions to keeping your eyesight healthy and sharp so that you can enjoy your vision for the rest of your life. Don’t ignore your eyes!
1. **"Feed" your eyes.** Eyes are just like any other part of the body – they need nutrition to function at an optimal level. Similar to other organs, a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in sugar and fatty foods will go a long way in maintaining healthy eyes.
Vitamin A, C, an E, along with minerals like copper and zinc should be in your daily diet. These vitamins and minerals are essential for good vision and protection against disease. Eat strawberries, oranges, eggs, salmon, mackerel, and almonds for your vitamins, and oysters, crab, or turkey for your minerals.
Antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin help protect your eyes from getting sun damage. You can find these antioxidants in dark leafy vegetables, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
Garlic, onions, and caper should be in your diet to get sulfur, cysteine, and lecithin, which protect the lens of your eyes from forming cataracts.
Blueberries, grapes, and goji contain anti-inflammatory properties, such as anthocyanin, that will help improve your vision.
About 1,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per day will help prevent macular degeneration (AMD) and dry eyes. Salmon, mackerel, herring, flaxseeds, and walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
2. **Exercise your eyes.** Exercising your eyes daily will help you maintain healthy eyes and optimal vision. Plan to exercise your eyes when you wake up, before going to bed, or when your eyes are fatigued. Make sure your hands are clean so that you do not irritate your eyes and your mind is relaxed before starting.
Start simple. Roll your eyes in a circular motion clockwise ten times and then reverse it counterclockwise for another ten rolls.
Place your thumb (or a pen) six inches away from your nose and stare at it for five seconds. Then, five seconds on an object immediately behind your thumb. Try to do this ten times for about a total of two minutes. This is something else you can do at your desk quickly at work.
Rub your palms together for heat and then placing them against your eyes for five to ten seconds. Repeat this procedure three times to keep your eyes warm.
Massage your temples, forehead, and just below your eyes by using your thumb knuckles in a small circular motion for about twenty times in each area.
3. **Rest and relax your eyes.** Since you use your eyes every waking moment give them lots of rest and relaxation by taking breaks throughout the day and getting enough sleep every night to fully rest, repair, and recover your vision. A lack of sleep will weaken your vision health.
Shut down for about three to five minutes. Close your eyes and lean your head back while trying to clear your mind of thoughts.
Focus on an object that is twenty feet away for twenty seconds. This is the same test you are administered to check for 20/20 vision.
Try resting your eyes for at least ten minutes for every fifty minutes you spend in front of a computer screen, television set, or reading a book. Take a quick nap if necessary.
4. **Get an eye exam.** Visit your optometrist regularly to check for visual impairments or diseases that may harm your overall eye health. If you have blurred vision, nearsightedness, or farsightedness, you might need either corrective eyewear or surgery.
See your doctor based on age, health, and risk of eye problems. These are factors that will determine how often you should see your eye optometrist. If you are experiencing any difficulties with eyes, visit an optometrist as soon as you can as earlier treatment leads to better results.
Check your visual acuity to determine if you will need prescription eyewear.
Get screened for glaucoma, which is damage to your optic nerve. If left untreated, it will get worse over time.
5. **Wear corrective lenses.** You might need glasses to improve your vision if you have either nearsightedness or farsightedness. In both cases, corrective lenses will either counteract the increased or decreased curvature of your cornea or the length of your eye.
Eyeglasses are the most accessible and safest route to correct problems caused by vision impairment. You can get a range of eyeglasses: bifocals, trifocals, progressive lenses, reading, and driving glasses.
Contact lenses are a popular choice as well. They are worn directly on your eyes and come as hard, soft, extended wear, disposable, and rigid gas permeable and bifocal.
The most important factors in choosing eyeglasses or contact lenses are safety and lifestyle choice.
6. **Choose refractive surgery.** There are several different types of surgery to choose from if you prefer not to get corrective lenses. These surgeries have become routine over the past two decades and are considered relatively safe for fully developed eyes. A doctor uses a laser to reshape the cornea.
A laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery removes layers from your cornea and is repositioned to help you attain your desired level of vision. It is painless, immediate, and does not require a long recovery period.
A laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) is a procedure that reshapes the cornea’s outer layers and changes its curvature to improve vision. Compared to LASIK surgery, LASEK surgery takes longer to recover from, may be more painful, and is more complicated in post-surgery recovery, but still a very successful procedure.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is similar to LASEK surgery, but instead of the cornea, it’s the epithelium that gets reshaped. Recovery includes wearing a bandage contact lens for a few days.
An intraocular lens (IOL) implant is surgically implanted into the front of the eye’s lens. Implants are not a popular treatment option at this time.
Conductive keratoplasty (CK) uses radiofrequency energy to apply heat to the cornea. The biggest drawback to this procedure is that the results are not permanent.
Side effects of refractive surgery include visual side effects, under or overcorrection, dry eye, infection, corneal scarring, and vision loss.
7. **Adjust the lighting.** Keep the room you are in softly lit. Fluorescent lighting is considered bad for eyes since they give off the wrong light frequencies of color and emit radiation that makes you drowsy all day long.
When reading, try to keep your light source located behind you and keep the light directed on the paper or the task you are working on.
At work, or at a desk, use a shaded light source positioned on the desk in front of you. Again, keep the light directed towards your work and the shade will protect your eyes from direct light from the source.
Avoid watching television or working on the computer in the dark.
8. **Improve air quality.** Dry eye is caused by a lack of lubrication and moisture on the surface of your eye. Problems can range from minor irritant to serious inflammation of the tissues of the eye.
Use a humidifier to moisturize your house or workspace.
Adjust your thermostat to reduce air flow and dust particles that might irritate your eyes.
Move your desk or office space if it is near a vent. Request moving to a different area of the office.
Quit smoking because it can inflame your eyes. Consider stopping if you develop a dry eye condition.
Use artificial tears if necessary to keep your eyes moist and lubricated.
9. **Choose the right glasses.** Invest in the correct glasses or contact lenses for your specific situation. Nowadays, eyewear is made for nearly every situation so make sure to get a proper eye exam and talk to your optometrist about getting the correct prescription for the most likely environment where you will be wearing your glasses.
Prescription and nonprescription lenses are made for nearly all types of lifestyles. There are different types of lenses for age, sports, and indoor and outdoor wear.
If you work outside or have to drive long distances make sure to buy polarizing sunglasses to protect your eyes again UV light and glare. This will help prevent squinting.
Make sure you wear glasses for as long as you need to and keep them clean.
10. **Limit computer usage.** Computers are a major source of eye strain for most people. Try to limit your screen time by routinely taking breaks, exercising your eyes, and keeping them hydrated.
If you tend to stare when you use a computer remind yourself to blink often in order to produce tears that moisten and refresh your eyes.
While you are on the computer practice the 20-20-20 rule: Every twenty minutes look at something twenty feet away for at least twenty seconds.
Reduce glare on the screen to avoid straining your eyes. This means you should adjust lighting in front and behind you.
Keep the monitor positioned directly in front of you at about arm’s length away. The screen should be approximately just below your eye level. Adjust your chair if necessary.
Use the convenience of a paper holder so you can keep your eyes relatively on the same level as the computer screen. Reducing the number of times your eyes have to readjust will lessen eye strain.
Enlarge the font size, contrast, and brightness for easier reading and browsing.
Keep your screen clear from dust. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Eyesight", "language": "en"} |
How to Wash a Cowhide Rug: Regular Maintenance & Stain Removal | Cowhide rugs are great additions to many rooms and spaces. These natural looking rugs are often quite durable and stain resistant. However, accidents happen. If your cowhide rug has a stain, don't worry. There are many methods that you can use to successfully remove a stain from your cowhide rug and keep it looking great.
1. **Vacuum the rug.** Include the rug in part of your regular cleaning routine. It's safe to vacuum your cowhide rug as you would any other rug in your home. Vacuuming the rug can help keep it clean and prevent dirt or stains from building up in the first place.
You may also use the hose attachments to vacuum your cowhide rug. However, if the suction is powerful on your vacuum, then you may want to use a dust buster instead.
Always vacuum in the direction of the hair.
Make sure the brushes are not spinning on your vacuum.
2. **Shake the rug off.** It can be a good idea to take the rug outside and shake it off once in a while. Although your vacuum may get a lot of dirt and dust out of the rug, shaking it off outside can knock loose anything that might have been stuck deeper in the rug. Shaking the rug off is a simple method that you can use to keep your cowhide rug clean and lasting longer.
Try to avoid beating the rug to break dirt loose.
Shake the rug with only enough force to remove dirt.
3. **Rotate the rug.** If your cowhide rug is on the floor, it will be subjected to gradual wear and tear over time. If you never change its position on the floor, it may wear unevenly. This can cause your rug to look off-balance or make it look more worn out than it should be. Always remember to reposition the rug to keep any wearing spread out and even.
4. **Brush the rug.** Your cowhide rug may benefit from regular brushing to keep it clean and looking great. Brushing can be a good method of removing dirt from all areas of the cowhide rug, cleaning places that a vacuum might miss. Try to include brushing your cowhide rug in your regular cleaning routine to help keep it looking its best.
You can use a brush or broom with hard plastic bristles.
Try to brush with the direction of the hair, instead of against it.
5. **Do not get your cowhide rug wet.** Although you may use a slight amount of water to steam clean the cowhide rug, you should never get it wet. If your cowhide rug is ever soaked in water, it may be severely damaged. Always keep exposure to water at a minimum when cleaning your cowhide rug to help keep it in great condition.
Sun or air dry your rug if it does get soaked in water.
Never put your cowhide rug into a drying machine.
6. **Clean up spills quickly.** If you have just spilled something on your cowhide rug, you should act quickly to clean it up. Leaving any liquid to soak into the rug will result in stains that are much more difficult to remove. Take these actions as soon as you notice a spill on your cowhide rug to help reduce the staining:
Soak the spill up with a towel or sponge. Don t wipe the spill away, as this will only spread it.
Try to use only a dabbing motion while absorbing the spill.
7. **Scrape away dried matter.** You may find that some areas of the spill have dried and left solid material behind. These can be scraped away with the blunt edge of a knife. Use the blunt edge of a knife to gently break up and remove any areas of dried material until only the stain is left.
Scrape with the direction of the hair.
Do not use the sharp edge of the knife.
You might also try using a hard-bristled brush or spoon.
Don't scrape or press too hard. Apply only enough pressure to remove the dried material.
8. **Use shampoo and water to remove liquid stains.** If there is a small stain on your cowhide rug from a spill, you can try using shampoo and water to remove it. The water and mild soapy solution will help to break up the stain and restore your cowhide.
Use a damp cloth or sponge to apply the soapy water to the cowhide rug. Make sure to use as little soap as possible and add more only if needed.
You can scrub and rub in any direction.
Make sure the sponge or towel isn't soaking wet.
Don't use any alkaline soaps or shampoos.
9. **Finish cleaning the cowhide rug.** After you've scrubbed the rug, you will want to remove any soapy residue from it. Take a new cloth and dampen it with only water. Use this damp cloth to gently wipe away any soap or remaining stain. Allow your rug time to dry before placing it back in your room.
If the stain is still there, you can try cleaning the rug again to remove what's left.
If you can't seem to remove the stain yourself, you may need to have it professionally cleaned.
10. **Do not use dry-cleaning or machine washing.** Although it may be tempting, using a washing machine or dry-cleaning chemicals will damage your cowhide rug. Remove all stains and spills with gentle hand washing only. Never use a washing machine or dry-cleaning kit on your cowhide rug to remove stains.
11. **Scrape away solid matter.** If food or grease has fallen on your cowhide rug, remove what you can immediately. However, there is likely to be something left behind that will have stained the rug. Wait for this material to dry before gently scraping it away with the blunt edge of a knife.
Don't use the sharp edge of the knife.
Remember to scrape with the direction of the hair.
You can also use a spoon or hard-bristled brush.
Don't scrape too forcefully. Use just enough pressure to break the solid material away from the rug.
12. **Dab the area in eucalyptus oil.** Eucalyptus oil is thought to break down food or grease stains, allowing you to fully clean the stained area. Gently apply a small amount of eucalyptus oil to the stained area using a cloth. It's important that you only apply a small amount of eucalyptus oil and only apply it to the stained area.
Try to gently push the eucalyptus oil into the stain.
Avoid scrubbing too forcefully.
You can purchase eucalyptus oil online and in some large department stores.
13. **Wipe with a damp sponge.** After you've dabbed the stained area with eucalyptus oil, you can finish cleaning the stain. Scrub the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove what's left of the stain and the eucalyptus oil. Allow the area to dry and check to see if the stain was removed successfully. If the stain is still visible, apply a small amount of dish soap to the sponge and wipe the area again.
Use a damp cloth only.
Let your cowhide rug air dry.
If the stain is still visible, you may need to have the rug professionally cleaned. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Cowhide-Rug", "language": "en"} |
Falling in Love as a Teen: How to Recognize Teen Love and Make It Last | Are those butterflies in your stomach love? Is your heart doing somersaults because you’re head over heels for someone? Teen love is definitely real, even though many adults are quick to dismiss it. You can totally make young love last if you build a healthy relationship and act maturely. We’re here to help you listen to your heart if it says you’ve fallen hard for someone.
1. **You can’t stop talking about them.** Are your friends tired of hearing you talk about this person? If you find yourself bringing them up in every conversation, you might be talking about them because you’re totally in love!
Keep track of how often you mention them. You might catch yourself talking about them over lunch or texting your friends about what they did in class or what they’re wearing.
2. **You’re afraid of getting hurt.** Feeling scared is completely normal for anyone who is falling in love. It’s scary to be vulnerable with someone because you don’t want to get hurt. You’re afraid of getting your heart broken, and that’s totally normal.
You shouldn’t be afraid of the person you love—just of getting hurt.
3. **You think about them a lot.** Do you keep picturing them when you’re doing your homework or trying to wash the dishes? Maybe everything you see reminds you of them. Thinking about someone when you’re apart could mean you’re in love.
On the flip side, this could be infatuation. Look for other signs of being in love before you label your feelings.
4. **You know them well and accept their flaws.** When you love someone, you learn to live with their faults. Their flaws might still annoy you sometimes, but you’re willing to deal with them because you care about this person so much. Being in love means knowing the person is imperfect, but being crazy about them anyway.
When you first fall for someone, you might see them as an idealized version of themselves. As you get to know them better, you’ll be able to see them as they truly are, flaws and all.
5. **You’re into their personality—not just their body.** You probably find lots of people attractive, and that’s totally normal. When it comes to love, you’ll also see their other amazing qualities, like their intelligence or sense of humor. Ask yourself if you have a mental or emotional connection with this person. If so, it might be true love.
If you’re mostly focused on their looks, you might be feeling lust or might just have a crush. There’s nothing wrong with that! But it’s helpful to know what you’re really feeling.
6. **You’re willing to work hard for the relationship.** All relationships go through rough patches, and you’ll likely argue sometimes. When you’re in love, you stick together through adversity. Ask yourself if you’d still love this person after a fight or if they disappoint you.
This stops being true if your partner is abusive or cheats. It’s not okay for them to mistreat you, and you should 100% break up with them.
If your parents or friends don’t like this person, ask them why so you can try to understand their viewpoint. Take their opinions into consideration, just in case they see a red flag that you don’t.
7. **You want the best for them.** When you love someone, you support their goals and cheer them on. You’re there to celebrate their successes and want them to be happy. Ask yourself if you’re their biggest cheerleader. If you are, you might be in love.
You go to all their games.
You’re the first to congratulate them on their accomplishments.
You send them encouraging memes or snaps.
You keep up with things they’re working on.
8. **Your intuition tells you you’re in love.** Trust your gut! If you think you might be in love, you probably are. Ignore any naysayers who claim you’re too young or that your love won’t last. Just enjoy the excitement of falling in love with someone amazing.
9. **Tell the person you love how you feel.** Is there anything more exciting and scary than telling someone you love them? It’s okay to feel nervous about talking about your feelings, but someone has to be the first one to bring up love. Wait until your relationship feels close and committed. Then, say how you feel and listen to your partner’s reaction.
“You’re such an amazing person, and I’m so happy we’re together. I love you.”
“I’m so lucky to have you. Lately, I’ve realized that I truly love you.”
10. **Communicate** Healthy relationships depend on good communication. Talk to each other every day, and be totally open about what you’re doing and how you feel. Be vulnerable with your partner by sharing your inner thoughts and secrets. Also, keep getting to know each other even after you say “I love you.”
You might send each other texts or snaps throughout the day. At the same time, try not to distract each other from important tasks, like studying or playing sports.
Try to have at least one long talk every week so you can keep growing your connection.
Ask each other questions to get to know each other.
11. **Make sure they treat you with respect.** You can’t help who you fall in love with, but you shouldn’t give your love to someone who doesn’t treat you kindly. A good partner will treat you well and never act abusively. Expect your partner to do the following:
Value your needs.
Listen to you.
Support you.
Let you be independent.
Compromise with you.
12. **Confirm that you trust each other.** Trust is an important part of any relationship. If you both love each other, you should be able to trust each other. To build trust, be honest with each other and follow through when you say you’ll do something.
While it’s normal to get jealous sometimes, don’t let that break your trust. When you feel jealous, talk about it with your partner or friends to help you work through your feelings.
Your partner should trust you to hang out with other people without getting jealous. If your partner tries to control who you see, they might not be right for you.
13. **Take things slowly.** Being in love is such an amazing feeling, but your relationship will be so much better if you take your time. Don’t feel rushed to explore sexuality or make a serious commitment to each other. Enjoy being teens in love without the pressure to make big decisions. Have fun together, and take your time to build your connection and learn more about each other.
Go on lots of dates and have long conversations.
Learn about each other’s interests, hobbies, and goals.
Make fun memories together.
14. **Decide on your boundaries** Figure out what you are and are not okay with in your relationship. For example, you may be okay with kissing, but maybe you aren’t okay with going any further than that. If you and your partner are in love, you should be able to talk openly with each other. Have a conversation with them about your limits so they will know what they can and can not do. Your boundaries might include:
Speaking kindly to each other.
No texting or calling during your study hours.
No contacting you when you’re hanging with friends.
Keeping each other’s secrets.
Being nice to each other’s friends.
15. **Encourage your partner to stay independent.** You and your partner still need your own space even after you fall in love. You want each other to be happy, and that means spending time apart sometimes. Keep pursuing your own dreams and hanging out with your friends, and cheer on your partner as they do the same.
You’re both learning and growing a lot at your age. It’s good to explore who you are and what you want in life.
Both of you should get to try new things right now and have different experiences.
You should both keep your friend groups and continue to hang out with them.
16. **Talk to your parents about your feelings.** You might feel awkward talking to your parents, but they can give you great advice. They’ve got a lot of life experience to draw upon, and they probably want the best for you. Be open with them about your relationship so they can be there for you.
You might not feel comfortable talking to your parents if they haven’t been there for you in the past. Find an adult that you do trust to confide in, like a relative or your school counselor.
Ask your parents if they can set aside time to talk to you. You can say something like “I feel like I’m in love. Do you have any advice?”
You can also say, “I think I’m falling in love, and I’d love to talk to you about it.” | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-You%27re-in-Love-as-a-Teenager", "language": "en"} |
How to Find Your WiFi Password when You Forgot It | This wikiHow teaches you how to find a forgotten Wi-Fi password on your Windows or Mac computer. You can do this by using your computer's settings, or by accessing your router's settings page. If all else fails, resetting your router will restore the factory default password. Unfortunately, there's no way to find a saved Wi-Fi password on a phone or tablet.
1. **Click the Wi-Fi icon .** You'll find it in the far-right side of the taskbar, which is usually at the bottom of the screen. The icon looks like several curved lines emanating from a dot. If you don't see it, click the upward-pointing arrow (^) left of the clock to expand more icons.
This method only works when you're already connected to the Wi-Fi network for which you've forgotten the password.
If you instead see an icon of a computer monitor next to a cable here, you are connected to your router via ethernet. You cannot use an ethernet connection to determine your Wi-Fi password.
2. **Click Network & Internet settings.** This link is at the bottom of the Wi-Fi menu.
3. **Click the Wi-Fi tab.** It's in the left panel.
4. **Scroll down and click Change adapter options.** It's under "Related settings" in the right panel.
5. **Right-click your Wi-Fi connection and select Status.** You'll see the option on the menu that expands.
6. **Click the Wireless Properties button.** This option is in the middle of the window.
7. **Click the Security tab.** You'll find this tab at the top of the window. This opens a page that has a "Network security key" field near the middle of the page; this is where your password is stored. Right now, it's obscured by black dots.
8. **Check the box next to "Show characters."** It's below the "Network security key" field. This replaces the black dots in the "Network security key" field with your Wi-Fi password.
9. **Open Finder.** Finder is the two-toned smiley face icon on the Dock, which is typically at the bottom of the screen.
You don't have to have an active connection to the Wi-Fi network to find its password on your Mac.
10. **Click the Go menu at the top of the screen.**
11. **Click Utilities on the menu.** You can also open this folder by pressing .
12. **Double-click Keychain Access.** It's the icon that looks like a set of keys. This opens the Keychain Access app, where you can find the passwords you've saved to Keychain.
13. **Locate your network's name and double-click it.** This is the name you see when your Mac connects to the Wi-Fi network.
You can sort the Keychain list alphabetically by clicking the category near the top of the Keychain window, and/or search for the network by typing its name into the search bar at the top-right corner of the window.
14. **Check the box next to "Show password."** It's near the bottom of the window. This displays the saved Wi-Fi password for this network in plain text.
You may have to enter your password to confirm this action.
15. **Check the sticker on the router.** If you're trying to connect to your home network, you may find the current Wi-Fi password on the actual router. The default password should appear after "Wi-Fi password," "WPA passphrase," "Wireless security key," "Default password," or some combination of any of those words. In most cases, the password is a long string of letters and numbers, both upper-case and lower-case.
Depending on your service, your modem (the thing that connects your home to the internet) and router may be a single, dual-function device. If your provider gave you two separate devices, the modem is the one connected to the wall jack—the Wi-Fi router will be the other device.
If you (or someone else with access to the router) changed the router's default password (and this is pretty common), the password on the router sticker won't work.
If the password doesn't work, continue to the next step.
16. **Press the "WPS" button on the router to connect (optional).** Most modern home routers will let you connect without having to enter a password by pressing a button labeled "WPS" on the router. After pressing the button, try to connect from your computer, phone, or tablet—as long as you attempt a connection within 30 seconds or so, you'll successfully connect to the Wi-Fi network without having to enter a password.
This step won't display the Wi-Fi password on the screen. However, once you're connected, you can easily find the password on Windows or macOS.
Not all routers have this feature, so check your model's included (or online) documentation for a WPS (or Wi-Fi Protected Setup) feature.
17. **Connect a computer to the router via Ethernet.** If you don't know your Wi-Fi password and the computer you're using isn't connected to the Internet, ethernet is the only way you'll be able to connect.
If your Mac doesn't have an ethernet port, try a USB-to-ethernet adapter, or a Thunderbolt-to-gigabit-ethernet adapter.
If ethernet isn't an option, you can reset the router to its default settings, which will allow you to use the default router password located on the router sticker.
18. **Find your router's IP address.** In order to access your router's admin page in your web browser (which will allow you to view and/or change the Wi-Fi password), you'll need to locate the router's IP address. This is the internal IP address that represents your router on your local network. Common router IP addresses include 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, and 10.0.0.1. Here's how to find yours:
Windows — Open the Windows Start menu, click the gear, click , click , and find the IP address next to "Default gateway".
Mac — Open the Apple menu, click , click , click , click the tab, and look for the set of numbers separated by periods to the right of "Router".
On some routers, the IP address is found on the sticker on the side of the router.
19. **Go to your router's IP address in a web browser.** The IP address will take you to a website that displays a login page for your router.
You can use any web browser to perform this step.
20. **Log into the router page.** After entering the correct address, you may be asked for the username and password; if so, log in with your router credentials. This is a different username and/or password that you use to connect to Wi-Fi, and will sometimes be printed on a sticker on the router. If not, don't worry—most routers have easy default admin passwords you can easily find online by searching for the model and "default admin password."
The default username is usually admin, and the default password is usually admin, password, or blank. Some people change these after configuring the router, however, so if you can't remember the username and password, you may need to reset the router.
21. **Find the "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" section.** The options are in the "Wireless" section. Once you are logged into the router, find the "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" section. This can usually be accessed by clicking a tab at the top of the page or finding it in the navigation menu.
Each router page interface will vary, so you may have to navigate through a couple of different menus.
Your router's password may also be at the top of the main router page.
22. **Find the password.** On the "Wireless" page, you will see your wireless network name (SSID) as well as the security or encryption type (e.g., WEP, WPA, WPA2, or WPA/WPA2). Near the security options, you should see the "Passphrase" or "Password" field. This is your wireless password.
23. **Understand when to use this method.** If you've been unable to obtain your router's password under any of the conditions outlined by the previous methods in this article, your Wi-Fi password is unrecoverable and you'll need to reset your router to its factory settings.
Restoring the router to factory settings won't tell you the current password, but it will change the router's password back to the factory password, which is printed on the bottom or back of the router.
Resetting your router will also disconnect every item you have connected to the router—this means all devices connected to it will need to reconnect. For this reason, resetting the router should be your last resort.
24. **Find your router's "Reset" button.** This button is usually on the back of the router and is very small—usually you won't be able to press it without inserting the end of a paperclip or pin.
25. **Press and hold the "Reset" button.** Do so for at least 30 seconds to ensure that the router completely resets.
The lights on the router should flash or briefly turn off when the router has officially reset.
26. **Look for your router's default login information.** This information is usually found on the bottom of the router, and includes the following:
Network name or SSID — Your network's factory name that you'll see in the Wi-Fi menu.
Password or Key — Your network's default password.
27. **Connect to your network** When entering the password, you'll use the factory password that's printed on the bottom of your router. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Your-WiFi-Password-when-You-Forgot-It", "language": "en"} |
How to Ask Out a Girl on Snapchat | You’ve been crushing on a girl, and you’ve decided it’s finally time to ask her out! If you can’t talk to her in-person, you can use Snapchat to ask her on a date while showing off your personality, sense of humor, and of course, that dynamite smile. From funny approaches to direct ways to tell her you’re interested in going out, we’ll walk you through some flirty ideas for asking a girl on a date through Snapchat!
1. **Add her to a private story or joke with her directly.** If you add her as the only viewer to a private story you can use sliders to ask for her responses. Don’t take the responses too literally. She might be teasing you!
“Who’s cuter? Be honest.” Post this question with a poll. Put a photo of you next to a cute animal or something totally random and funny, like food.
“How cute do you think I am?” Pair this question with a slider so you can gauge her interest.
“Scale of 1-10, how likely are you to date me?” Try this question for a flirty way to get the conversation about dating going.
2. **Pair a very literal photo with a silly caption.** You can create your pun masterpiece with a regular snap, or use a video to let your comedic timing and dramatic delivery shine. If you go for a longer pun, use a video so you don’t have to worry about character limits on captions.
Send a photo of grapes and say, “I think you and me would have a grape time if we went out.”
Turn on your stove and say, “Is it hot in here, or is it just you? Come hangout so we can check.”
Send a historically-themed photo or photo of a newspaper and say, “Learning about important dates in history. Do you want to go on one?”
3. **Choose a line that mentions a date or asks a question.** Normal pick-up lines are good conversation starters, but try these when you want to move from flirting to asking to go out. Since Snapchat limits characters for captions, you can spread out your joke over a few snaps or write it down on a piece of paper and snap a photo.
“I’ve heard staring at screens is bad for your eyes. How about we have this conversation over dinner tomorrow?”
“Knock-knock.” (Who's there?) “When where.” (When where who?) “Tomorrow night, my house, you?”
“My friends bet me I couldn’t Snapchat the most beautiful girl in the world. Where do you want to go spend their money?”
4. **Take advantage of Snapchat’s visual element.** Instead of typing, “Do you want to go out with me?” you can spell out a simpler question with random items for a clever, original approach.
Arrange pens, markers, or colored pencils to spell out the words “You + me?”
Spell out all or part of “Grab food with me?” in actual food. You can trace the letters in flour, write them with alphabet soup or alphabet crackers, and arrange candy or pasta.
Go for a classically romantic vibe by spelling out “Date me?” in rocks or beach sand.
5. **Use the pencil tool on Snapchat to get creative.** Take a photo of yourself with enough space to draw your best portrait of her beside you. If you can only draw stick figures, no worries, it’ll still be funny and great! Label the drawing with her name or just “you.”
“What’s missing from this pic?”
“Wish you were here! Want to hangout?”
“Doesn’t this pic look better with you in it?”
6. **Try this approach to keep things casual yet direct.** It’s a little less intimidating than trying to send her private snaps right away and you can use her photos to get ideas. Reply to her story by combining your date question with a comment on what you see in the photos.
If she posts a photo of food, you could say, “Please teach me how to cook!” Then send, “How about tomorrow night?”
If she’s out somewhere, try saying, “That restaurant/place looks great. Want to go again with me?”
If you see her doing fun activities, ask if you can do them together. Try something like, “Blown away by those tricks. Hit the skatepark with me?”
7. **When you see an event flyer or ad, snap a photo.** Send the photo to your crush and ask her if she’d like to join. Bonus points if you know the event is something she’s into!
For a party or social event, you can ask, “Do you want to be my +1?”
Grab a photo advertising a concert, game, or competition and ask, “You down to go to this?”
8. **Go for this approach if you think she might be free.** If she’s not free but seems interested, you can always plan to do the activity with her another time.
Go to a beautiful outdoor place, send her a photo and say, “Want to join?”
Send a photo of you trying something she’s good at and say, “I need an expert. Come help me?”
Send a photo of books or your computer and say, “Let’s skip work/class and go hang out.”
9. **Pick a casual, candid photo and stick to a direct question.** To keep it fun and cute, try a photo of a pet or a good-looking selfie. If you’re looking for a dinner date and more romance, you can pair it with a photo of a sunset or beautiful scenery.
“Hang out with me?”
“Dinner with me?” or replace “dinner” with whatever activity you want.
If you’re nervous about hanging out with her, send a photo of you with friends and ask her to go on a group date.
10. **If you feel confident or if cheesy lines aren’t your style, try this.** Plus, you can send more characters through messages than snap captions. Be specific about your request and make sure it’s clear you’re asking for a date!
“Do you want to meet up on Saturday for a coffee date?”
“I’ve got a very important question for you.” Wait until she responds and then ask, “Do you want to go out with me?”
“I was wondering if you’re down to hang out sometime?” | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-Out-a-Girl-on-Snapchat", "language": "en"} |
How to Treat a Yeast Infection While Pregnant | If you are pregnant and have symptoms of a yeast infection, don’t worry—what you’re going through is very common, and there are treatments available that are safe for you and your baby. The hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy can affect the natural pH balance of your vagina, increasing your risk of getting a vaginal yeast infection. See your doctor to verify that you actually have a yeast infection and to address any other concerns. Get your doctor’s approval before using any over-the-counter medications, and be aware of some simple ways to prevent future infections.
1. **See your OB/GYN if you have yeast infection symptoms.** Since yeast infections can mimic other conditions, it’s important to get a proper medical diagnosis before starting any treatment—especially if you’ve never had a yeast infection before. Make an appointment with your OB/GYN or primary care doctor if you experience symptoms such as:
White or tan vaginal discharge with a texture similar to cottage cheese. It may have a yeasty or bread-like odor. In some cases, the discharge may be greenish or yellowish.
A larger quantity of vaginal discharge than is normal for you.
Irritation, itching, redness, or swelling of the skin around the vagina and vulva.
Pain or burning when you urinate or have sex.
2. **Let your doctor examine you and take a discharge sample.** Your doctor or healthcare provider will want to examine your vagina and take a swab of your vaginal discharge. They will likely be able to diagnose a yeast infection on the basis of the exam and by looking at the discharge sample under a microscope.
If the results of the examination are unclear, your healthcare provider may send a sample of your vaginal secretions for lab testing to confirm or rule out a yeast infection diagnosis.
3. **Take medications according to your doctor’s instructions.** If the exam confirms that you have a yeast infection, your doctor may prescribe a medication or recommend an over-the-counter treatment. Take any medications as directed by your doctor. It may take a few days to a couple weeks for the treatment to completely eliminate the infection. Don’t stop taking the medication before the course of treatment is over unless your doctor tells you to.
Your doctor will likely prescribe or recommend a topical ointment or a vaginal suppository (a capsule or cream that is inserted directly into the vagina). Most oral treatments for yeast infections are not considered safe for use during pregnancy.
The most common medications for treating yeast infections during pregnancy are antifungals such as miconazole, clotrimazole, fluconazole, or nystatin. Topical nystatin is considered the safest option during early pregnancy.
Studies show that topical imidazole medications, such as miconazole and clotrimazole, are the safest treatments for both the mother and the developing fetus. Your doctor will likely instruct you to use the treatment for 7 to 14 days.
While miconazole and clotrimazole are both available over-the-counter, you should always consult your doctor before using any medication while you are pregnant.
Your doctor may also recommend a drying or medicated powder, such as nystatin powder, to prevent the infection from returning.
4. **Try a 7-day over-the-counter yeast infection medication.** Always consult your doctor and get their approval before using any medication while you are pregnant, including over-the-counter antifungal medications. Over-the-counter antifungal medications like miconazole (Monistat) or clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin) are safe and effective for treating yeast infections during pregnancy. Choose a 7-day formulation, such as Monistat 7, to ensure that the infection is completely eliminated.
These medications usually come in the form of creams that are inserted into the vagina with a plastic applicator.
If you’re not sure whether the medication you’ve chosen is safe to use while you’re pregnant, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
5. **Eat probiotic yogurt as a supplement to medicinal treatments.** Look for brands containing live cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus. Some studies suggest that this strain of bacteria may be helpful in treating or preventing yeast infections. Eating yogurt is also a great way to get the calcium you need during pregnancy.
Make sure to select a plain or unflavored variety, since the extra sugar from flavored yogurts can promote the growth of yeast.
Have 1 cup (240 mL) of yogurt daily as one of your recommended 3-4 daily servings of dairy during pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor before attempting to apply yogurt directly to your vulva or vagina to treat a yeast infection. While some women find that this natural treatment brings relief from yeast infections, it may not be as effective as antifungal medications.
While there have been a few promising studies, there’s not a lot of strong medical evidence for yogurt as an effective treatment for yeast infections. There’s no harm in trying this method, but you should still see your doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss your treatment options.
6. **Get plenty of sleep to help your body fight the infection.** Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. While you’re pregnant, you may also benefit from a few extra hours of sleep at night or a few short naps throughout the day. If you’re not sleeping enough, your body may not produce enough of the antibodies it needs to help you heal.
Practice good sleeping habits such as going to sleep at the same time each night, developing a relaxing bedtime routine, and making sure your room is comfortable and quiet.
Some women have trouble sleeping well while they are pregnant. If you’re having difficulty sleeping, ask your doctor for advice.
7. **Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and underwear.** Tight or unbreathable clothes can trap moisture and promote the growth of yeast in and around the vagina. Opt for breathable, comfortable pants or skirts and underwear made of pure cotton.
Avoid underwear made from synthetic fabrics, such as Lycra or Spandex.
8. **Change out of damp clothing as soon as possible.** Don’t spend a lot of time in a wet swimsuit or sweaty workout clothes. Yeast loves to grow in warm, damp environments. Shower right away after swimming or exercising, and change into something dry and breathable.
It’s especially important to rinse off and change after swimming in a pool, since chemicals from the pool can imbalance the natural bacteria in your vulva and vagina. This imbalance can make you more prone to yeast infections.
9. **Blow-dry your genitals on a low, cool setting after showering.** Blow-drying yourself can help reduce moisture and prevent the growth of yeast and bacteria on and around the vulva. Make sure to keep the airflow cool and gentle so you don’t burn or irritate the delicate skin in the area.
If you have the time, you can also simply wait until your genital area has a chance to completely air dry before putting on underwear.
10. **Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.** Wiping from front to back helps prevent the spread of yeast from the anal area into the vagina. Good bathroom hygiene can also help protect you from bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections.
Avoid using bidets frequently. Regular use of bidets has been shown to imbalance the natural bacterial population of the vagina, which can put you at greater risk of developing yeast infections.
11. **Eliminate sugar from your diet.** There is some evidence that eating too much sugar—especially glucose—can cause an overgrowth of yeast in your body. You may be able to reduce your risk of getting yeast infections by cutting back on foods that contain sugars and refined carbohydrates, such as:
Candy
Cookies, cakes, and pastries
Sugary beverages such as sodas, fruit drinks, and sports drinks
White bread, rice, and pasta
12. **Avoid harsh soaps and sanitary products that might irritate your vagina.** Perfumes and harsh cleansers can upset the pH balance of your vagina, making it easier for yeast to grow there. Stick to mild, hypoallergenic soaps and toilet papers free of perfumes and dyes. Avoid products such as:
Douches and feminine hygiene sprays
Sanitary pads and tampons containing perfumes or deodorants
Scented soaps and bubble baths
Perfumed or dyed toilet paper | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Yeast-Infection-While-Pregnant", "language": "en"} |
How to File for Child Support in Georgia | As the custodial parent living with a minor child, you may be entitled to financial assistance from the other parent. Whether you are divorced or never married, if you or the non-custodial parent lives in Georgia, the state government and courts can help you establish or enforce orders for child support.
1. **Decide if you will seek the assistance of the Georgia Division of Child Support Services (DCSS), or engage a private attorney.** Georgia has a robust and effective program that partners with the federal government to establish and enforce child support for custodial parents. If you choose to go with a private attorney, you will be guided through roughly the same steps in court.
You will need a private attorney if you need to file for divorce, establish custody, or enforce non-child-support related financial awards such as property settlements or debt payment. DCSS is for child support only.
The federal child support program started in 1975 to seek reimbursement of public benefits and to help prevent single parents from sliding further into poverty. It was revamped and expanded in 1996 to assist states in setting up and running effective programs.
Federal, state, and tribal child support enforcement programs, including Georgia's, have several goals. The first is to establish legal parentage for all children in the program. Next, the agency obtains court orders defining the right of the child to consistent financial support from both parents. These programs work together to ensure that current and overdue support will be collected to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Any child under the age of 18 or up to the age of 20 if still enrolled in high school is eligible to receive support.
2. **Meet the Georgia residency requirements.** In order to establish or enforce a child support order in Georgia, either you or the non-custodial parent must reside in Georgia. There is no minimum time you have to live in the state to qualify for DCSS services, but you have to have been there long enough to have established a legal presence such as a driver's license, state-issued ID, voter registration, or utility bills in your name.
3. **Gather your documents.** As the custodial parent or legal custodian of the child, you must provide either a valid state ID, passport, Social Security card or proof of legal immigration residency, commonly called a "green card." For child support calculations, DCSS will need income information. For the children you will need birth certificates, Social Security cards, proof of school enrollment, and copies of any court orders regarding the children. This includes divorce, adoption, guardianship, custody, and child support orders from other states.
4. **Prepare to pay the application fee.** If you hire a private attorney, you will pay the attorney as you agreed in the contract and may be required to pay fees to file a direct child support case. If you go through DCSS, the application fee is currently $25. That fee is non-refundable and can only be waived if you are receiving Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF).
5. **Apply for child support services.** You have three options to open a child support case through Georgia DCSS. You can call 1-844-694-2347 to make an appointment to file in person. Second, you can download and print the application to complete and submit by mail. To download the application package, you will need to be at a computer that can open files in Microsoft Word .doc format. You will also need to be able to print 15 to 30 pages. DCSS also has an interactive application that you can file and submit online.
The online application and downloadable package are both available in English only. If you have any difficulty reading and writing in English, contact DCSS by phone to set up an in-person appointment.
6. **Select the correct application.** Generally, there are three different applications. You need to select the one that most closely matches your situation. There is an application if there is no previous child support order, if there is an order and the other parent lives in Georgia, and if there is an order and the other parent does not live in Georgia.
If you download the application, you can either type directly into the form, or print it and complete it neatly in black ink. Once completed, you will need to sign it in front of a notary in blue ink to indicate that it is the original.
If you use the online system, you will be directed to the correct application via a series of questions about your situation.
7. **Complete the first part of the application.** The first section is a detailed list of your rights and responsibilities. It is critical that you understand this part of the application. Read it thoroughly before you sign.
Even though your case may be assigned to a DCSS attorney for review or enforcement, there is no attorney-client relationship. The agency attorney represents the state, not you. However, the attorney is bound by confidentiality as to matters contained in your file, including medical and legal information.
If you receive TANF, you will be assigning the rights to your child support to the state as reimbursement for your TANF benefits.
The state will be establishing legal parentage for your children by any means necessary, including genetic testing. If required, you will submit yourself and the children to saliva testing through cheek swabs or a blood sample.
If you change your mind during the establishment of the order and close your case, you may be liable for costs incurred by DCSS on your behalf.
8. **Complete the financial affidavit.** The second part of the application package is a detailed financial statement. You must detail your income and expenses. DCSS may require proof of your statements.
9. **Provide information about the child's parentage.** In this section you will give all the information you have about the biological or legal parents of the child. The more complete this section is, the quicker DCSS will be able to establish the payment obligation of the non-custodial parent.
In cases of in vitro fertilization with donated egg or sperm cells, or use of a pregnancy surrogate, you will need to have all of the documentation regarding the procedure. In these cases, you should apply for child support through an in-person appointment.
10. **Establish a payment method.** The final section sets up a payment method. The state does not issue checks or pay out cash. You can either opt for a direct deposit to your bank account or a pre-paid debit card through the "EPPIcard" program.
11. **Locate the non-custodial parent.** No child support orders can be entered or enforced until the other parent is served with notice of the court order. If you know the other parent's location, you must supply that information to DCSS. That state has other resources, but you are the best source of knowledge about the non-custodial parent.
Like all legal cases, the court cannot proceed until the other party is served with the documents. If you or the state cannot locate the child's other parent, the case will stay dormant. However, the state has access to government databases for employment, Social Security benefits, insurance pay-outs, and awards in lawsuits. If the other party shows up in one of these systems, then the case will be reactivated.
12. **Establish parentage for the children.** There are several ways to do this. The first is through the birth certificate. If you and the non-custodial parent are listed, then it will be assumed to be accurate. The second is through adoption records. If you are both shown as the legal adoptive parents via a signed and filed court order, then it will suffice for establishing legal parentage. If parentage is unclear or contested, then the state may require genetic testing. Your application will include a HIPAA Authorization and Privacy Notice that must be signed stating you understand this requirement.
13. **Prepare and file a child support order.** This step will be done by the state. Based on the information you supplied in your application, DCSS will calculate the estimated child support amount based on your income and information you can supply about the other parent. If no information is available, the calculator will assume the other party makes minimum wage.
DCSS will attempt to serve the orders on the other parent. This can be the most frustrating part of the procedure. If your ex-partner is evading service, keep in contact with DCSS and provide them with any information that comes to you personally or through friends and family.
Once the order is served, the case will be scheduled for a court hearing. Ask DCSS if you need to attend. Depending on whether the other party appears, the court will issue the child support order.
The other parent can appear in court and contest parentage, necessitating genetic testing, or the dollar amount, by providing documents that correct or contradict the information used to calculate the support order.
14. **Receive payment through an income withholding order.** If the other parent is employed, the court will order that the state issue an income-withholding order. This order will be sent to the employer who will begin to garnish child support from the paycheck and send it to the state.
In general, the amount taken out of the paycheck will be the lesser of the child support amount or 50 to 65 percent of the disposable income.
Disposable income is defined as gross pay minus deductions for taxes, FICA, and mandatory pension contributions.
If the maximum withholding does not cover the child support obligation, the balance will accrue as past due support.
15. **Receive support through direct payments.** All payments made by the non-custodial parent will go to the state and be disbursed either to your bank account or your debit card. You will not have to deal with the non-custodial parent regarding child support.
16. **Enforce your support order.** If the non-custodial parent falls behind in child support, DCSS will step in and file contempt charges. This is an advantage of working with DCSS. The agency has broad powers to summon the payor into court and can request arrest warrants for non-appearance and non-compliance.
17. **Request review your child support order.** Your child support orders can last for decades depending on the age of your children. DCSS offers a review service to see if the order should be modified to take new circumstances into consideration. The agency will look for a substantial change in circumstances such as, significant changes in the income of either party, disability, death of a child, child reaching age of majority, and unexpected windfalls such as lottery winnings or inheritance.
If you have an existing child support order from your divorce or custody action, you can apply to DCSS to have the order reviewed. You may be charged a $100 fee for this action.
18. **Terminate the child support order.** When the child turns 18 and has graduated high school, the non-custodial parent can apply to DCSS to terminate child support. If there is a past-due amount (called "arrears"), payments will continue until the balance is paid in full.
If a divorce or custody order states that child support will continue beyond the DCSS standards, then the agency will continue to collect unless the court order is fulfilled or modified.
19. **Contact DCSS customer service.** The state of Georgia has a telephone customer service hotline for both payers and payees. Information such as debit card balance, arrears balances, court dates, and case history. You can use the automated system or speak with an agent. There is also an online portal where you can manage your account online. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/File-for-Child-Support-in-Georgia", "language": "en"} |
How to Install Security Cameras | Security cameras are a great way of keeping an eye on things when you’re not physically around. However, you may think you wouldn’t know the first thing about installing security cameras if you’ve never done it before. Fortunately, once you know the basics of selecting the right equipment, choosing the best location, and actually mounting them, installing security cameras is a breeze!
1. **Go with wireless cameras for an easy installation process.** Battery-powered cameras that use WiFi to transmit their footage are the easiest to install, since there’s much less equipment and wiring to deal with. This is also the best option if you only need 1 or 2 cameras instead of a larger system.
The footage from these cameras is also wirelessly stored, usually in some kind of cloud. This means you don’t have to worry about setting up a DVR storage device.
The major downside of wireless cameras is that they require consistently strong WiFi in order to work properly. Because they’re battery-operated, their batteries also need to be replaced from time to time.
2. **Opt for wired cameras for reliable connections and power.** Although they’re a bit more complicated to install, cameras that use wiring to attach to a power source and to their storage device are more reliable than wireless cameras. These are best for creating a security camera system somewhere with good wiring infrastructure, such as a home or office building.
Note that wired cameras tend to be more expensive than wireless cameras, given the extra equipment. However, with DVR storage, you’re also able to avoid any subscription fees that may be required for storing footage wirelessly in a cloud.
Because they need to be installed near an outlet or other power source, wired cameras aren’t as versatile as wireless cameras when it comes to where they can be installed.
3. **Get a camera system with alerts so you can be notified of any issues.** If you don’t plan to have someone constantly monitoring the video feed from your cameras, receiving notifications when the camera detects motion is the only way to know about security events as they’re happening. These alerts can usually be sent to both you and to a professional monitoring service.
This service will contact you regarding the security event and will alert law enforcement if necessary.
Most camera systems that include notifications will also be accessible via a smartphone app that you can use to monitor the video feed from anywhere.
4. **Be sure to go with night-vision cameras if they’ll be used in the dark.** Otherwise, if the camera is pointed toward a location without any lighting, it won’t be able to pick up any activity that goes on there. This is especially important if you plan to install your security cameras outdoors.
Note that cameras with night vision may be rendered ineffective by bright lights, so be sure not to install them near a street lamp or other source of light.
5. **Choose cameras with wide fields of view for greater security.** The larger the field of view, the more your camera will be able to pick up. For best results, go with a camera with either a 180-degree lens or with pan and tilt functionality.
6. **Use online reviews and recommendations to judge camera quality.** There are plenty of websites dedicated to comparing and reviewing different security cameras that you can use to compare different available cameras and determine which is the best. Search “security camera review” to find these sites. If you have a specific camera model in mind, search for the name of that camera plus “review” in order to find more relevant results.
For best results, read 2-3 different review sites to see if a particular camera model is consistently rated well. If its ratings are the same across multiple sites, it’s probably a consistently high-quality camera.
If you personally know anybody who has bought a security camera, ask them for their recommendation as well.
7. **Avoiding opting for the cheapest camera just to save money.** Usually, the quality of a security camera is reflected in its price. If it’s a relatively inexpensive model, this most likely means that it’s not as high-quality or as effective as other security cameras.
That being said, don’t simply buy the most expensive camera you can find. Base your judgment on what features the camera has and on how others have reviewed it.
8. **Place cameras by doors to your house if your main concern is security.** Most burglars attempt to enter houses through either the front door or a side entrance, so these are the best spots to place cameras to catch or deter potential home invaders. Place the cameras so that they are high above the doors facing outwards in order to see would-be burglars’ faces.
Roughly 34% of burglars attempt to enter homes through the front door, so if you only have 1 camera, your best bet is to place it at the main entrance of your house.
9. **Position cameras above the garage or driveway to watch your car.** Have the camera face your car, whether you keep it in the garage or in the driveway. Placing a camera in your garage will also cover another potential entrance to the inside of your house, giving you even greater security.
If you keep a lot of valuable equipment or items in your garage, be sure to place a camera inside the garage even if you don’t keep your car in it.
10. **Put cameras in common gathering areas to monitor people in your home.** Place cameras over the living room, kitchen, dining room, and anywhere else that people tend to congregate when inside the house. This is especially useful for keeping an eye on children, babysitters, or guests in your home while you’re away.
Prioritize any rooms that have large windows that face outside, since these may also be used by potential burglars to break into your home.
11. **Install a camera near your pet’s sleeping area to keep an eye on them.** This is really only necessary if you have a pet that spends a lot of time somewhere other than the common gathering areas in your home. If you don’t have a pet, feel free to skip this step.
12. **Avoid putting cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms.** Although you may feel the best way to keep your children safe is to be able to watch them in their rooms, areas like bedrooms and bathrooms have a warranted expectation of privacy that security cameras would undermine. If you’re particularly concerned about your children’s safety, consider alternatives to security cameras such as baby monitors and glass break sensors.
If you’re worried about the health of a senior, consider investing in a personal medical alert system instead of a security camera. This will allow the senior to directly contact emergency services if they’re needed.
13. **Opt for a high vantage point wherever possible to protect the camera.** Place the camera about 9 to 10 feet (2.7 to 3.0 m) off the ground in order to prevent people from being able to tamper with it. However, don’t put the camera too high or else you may not be able to adequately see people with it.
Wherever you opt to mount the camera, be sure it’s in a location where you can access it to make repairs later on.
14. **Make sure your planned camera location is near an outlet if it’s wired.** You’ll need to be able to run the power cable from the camera to a nearby outlet or other source of power. Measure the power cable that comes with the camera to know how near to an outlet the camera needs to be placed.
For example, if the power cable measures about 6 feet (1.8 m), then the camera will need to be mounted somewhere within about 5.5 feet (1.7 m) of a power outlet.
Look around for outlets in locations you may not expect. For example, if you’re trying to install a camera in the garage, there may be an accessible power outlet on the ceiling.
15. **Use screws or an adhesive pad to mount your camera to the wall.** Use a screwdriver or drill to attach the camera mount to the wall with the screws that came with it. If the camera came with an adhesive pad instead of screws, simply remove the plastic covering from the adhesive pad and place it on the wall. Hold it there for at least 30 seconds before removing your hand.
If you’re using screws to attach the mount to the wall, screw them into the stud behind the drywall for best results.
If you’re installing a small hidden camera somewhere other than on the wall, feel free to skip this step.
16. **Attach your camera to an outlet or power source, if needed.** Run the power cable from the video camera to the outlet you identified earlier. If you plan to keep your camera hidden from view, be sure to hide the power cable as well.
For example, run the cable behind a tall bookshelf or long poster if your camera is install indoors. If it’s outdoors, consider drilling a hole into the wall and running your power cable through this hole to a power source.
17. **Run video cables from your camera to the storage device, if applicable.** If you bought a wired camera, it should have come with cables that are labeled “To Camera” and “To DVR” on either side. Plug these cables into your camera and DVR device by inserting the opposite ends of the cables into the devices indicated by their respective labels.
18. **Repeat this process for any other cameras you plan to install.** If you’re installing multiple cameras, be sure to angle them so that they all cover different areas of your home or business. This will minimize the amount of overlap between different camera feeds and make your home or business as safe as possible. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Security-Cameras", "language": "en"} |
How to Collect a Court Ordered Judgment | If you receive a judgment by a court ordering someone to pay you money, the court will not collect the judgment for you. You must collect it yourself. A judgment is not collectible until the time has expired for the debtor to appeal the ruling. This is typically 30 days but could vary by jurisdiction. After expiration, however, you can move to collect on the judgment. If the debtor does not pay the full amount immediately (or agree to a payment plan), then you can move to seize assets, or even suspend the debtor's driver's license, in order to satisfy the judgment. If the debt is not collected within 10 years of judgment, the judgment will expire and you will be unable to collect the debt unless you file to renew the judgment.
1. **Write to the debtor.** In your letter, encourage the debtor to pay their debt. Give them an address to send their payment, as well as your contact information in case they have to contact you.
Include what forms of payment you will accept. If you will accept credit cards, tell them. The more payment options you offer, the more likely it is the debtor will be able to pay.
Request that all communication be handled in writing. This will give you a record of everything that happens should you need it down the road.
2. **Ask for your money all at once.** If you request all of your money up front as a lump sum payment, consider giving the debtor a discount, which might include an interest waiver. Doing this will incentivize the debtor to pay it all at once and it will allow you to move on and not have to worry about collecting money in the future.
3. **Consider drafting a payment plan.** If the debtor cannot satisfy the debt all at once, put together an agreeable payment plan. Try to agree to a plan that is feasible for the debtor. If the debtor can afford the payments, they will be more likely to make them.
If you and the debtor agree to a payment plan, fill out a Stipulation for Time Payments and file it with the court once you and the debtor have signed it. This form makes the court aware of the payment plan, which will be helpful if the debtor fails to make their payments.
If you and the debtor cannot agree on a payment plan, a lot of states will allow you and the debtor to file requests to make payments, which are documents asking a judge to incorporate a certain payment plan. Each party will get to file their own request, and the judge will decide on an acceptable payment plan after analyzing both requests.
4. **File an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment.** Once you have been paid in full, you will need to obtain and fill out an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment form. This form can be accessed online at your local court's website, or by going to your local courthouse and talking with the clerk of courts.
Mail a copy to the debtor, file a copy with the court, and keep a copy for yourself.
If you fail to file an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment, or fail to notify the debtor by sending them a copy, you could be liable for any damages suffered by the debtor.
5. **Know when you can start the seizing process.** Once judgment is entered against the debtor, the debtor will have a 30 day period in which they can appeal the judgment or ask the court to vacate the judgment. After this 30 day period has passed, and if you have not been paid in full, you may move to seize the debtor's assets in order to satisfy your judgment.
6. **Find out the location of the debtor's assets.** Before you can seize a debtor's assets, you will need to be able to tell the sheriff (who is responsible for the actual seizing process) where the assets are located. To find a debtor's assets, (i.e., bank accounts, wages, and other personal property), you can take any of the following actions:
Look at the information contained in the Statement of Assets, which is a form the debtor may have filled out after judgment was entered. This form requires the debtor to reveal the location and identification of all of their assets.
If the debtor failed to fill out and return a Statement of Assets, you can get the court to order the debtor to return to court in order to reveal the location and identification of their assets. If the debtor shows up to court, the judge will ask them about the assets. If the debtor does not show up, a warrant may be issued for their arrest.
If all else fails, you can try and locate the debtor's assets on your own. You might try contacting the debtor and their family and friends, or you may try and locate them by hiring an investigator.
7. **Complete a Writ of Execution.** Once you know the location of the debtor's assets, you will fill out and file a Writ of Execution, which is a form issued by the clerk of courts that describes the details of a judgment and empowers a sheriff to seize assets.
A Writ of Execution can be found online at your local court's website, or you can go to the courthouse in person to obtain one.
There is usually a fee associated with having a Writ of Execution issued. Check with your local court to see what the fee is and if it can be waived.
8. **Garnish the debtor's wages or seize their personal property.** The two most common assets seized are wages and bank accounts.
If you are garnishing a debtor's wages, you will need to fill out an Application for an Earnings Withholding Order, which asks the court to issue the Order telling the debtor's employer to give the sheriff a portion of what they earn until the judgment is paid. This form can usually be found online or by going to your local courthouse in person.
If you are seizing the debtor's personal property (e.g., bank accounts and vehicles), there is usually no additional paperwork needed besides the Writ of Execution.
9. **Give the necessary information to the sheriff, along with their fee.** In addition to giving the sheriff a copy of the Writ of Execution and any other documents you have filled out (i.e., the Application for an Earnings Withholding Order), you will need to provide the sheriff with detailed instructions. These instructions tell the sheriff what you want them to do and where they can find the property.
The sheriff will also request a fee for their services. The sheriff's fee will vary depending on what you are asking them to do. In California, for example, the sheriff's fee may range from $35.00 for seizing a bank account to $1,800.00 for seizing and selling a vehicle.
10. **File an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment.** Once you have been paid in full, you will need to obtain and fill out an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment form. This form can be accessed online at your local court's website, or by going to your local courthouse and talking with the clerk of courts.
Mail a copy to the debtor, file a copy with the court, and keep a copy for yourself.
If you fail to file an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment, or fail to notify the debtor by sending them a copy, you could be liable for any damages suffered by the debtor.
11. **Know when you can start the recording process.** Before you can record a lien, which will give you an interest in property owned by the debtor, you must wait for a certain period after you receive a judgment against the debtor (usually 30 days).
12. **Complete an Abstract of Judgment.** After the waiting period is up, you will need to obtain, fill out, and file an Abstract of Judgment. This form puts a lien on any land or building owned by the debtor.
To find this form, go to your local court's website or visit your local courthouse in person.
There is usually a fee associated with filing an Abstract of Judgment. Check your jurisdiction's fee schedule to get an idea of what the fee might be.
13. **Record the original issued Abstract of Judgment.** Once the Abstract of Judgment has been issued by the court you filed it with, you will need to take the Abstract of Judgment to the Recorder's Office in order to have it recorded. As a rule of thumb, record the Abstract of Judgment with the County Recorder's Office in the county where the debtor lives or has their place of business. You can record the Abstract of Judgment in as many counties as you want.
Each time you record the Abstract you will have to pay a fee. Contact the County Recorder's Office you are going to record in and ask about the fees they charge.
14. **File an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment.** After your debt has been satisfied, you will need to obtain and fill out an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment form. This form can be accessed online at your local court's website, or by going to your local courthouse and talking with the clerk of courts.
In addition, you will need to name every county you recorded an Abstract of Judgment in and will need to have that information notarized. You will then need to take this acknowledgment and have it recorded in all of those counties (there will be a fee for recording each acknowledgment).
Mail a copy of these forms to the debtor, file a copy with the court, and keep a copy for yourself.
If you fail to file an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment, or fail to notify the debtor by sending them a copy, you could be liable for any damages suffered by the debtor.
15. **Know when you can suspend a debtor's driver's license.** If your judgment comes from a car accident in which the debtor was at fault, you can ask to have the debtor's driver's license suspended.
16. **Wait 30 or 90 days from the date of judgment.** Depending on the amount owed by the debtor, you will have to wait a certain period before filing the required form.
In California, if the judgment is over $750.00, you must wait for 30 days after judgment is entered.
In California, if the judgment is under $750.00, you must wait for 90 days after judgment is entered.
17. **Fill out the required form.** After you have waited for the required period, you should obtain and fill out the necessary form with the court that handed down the judgment. These forms can usually be found online at your local court's website, or in person by going to your local courthouse.
In California, if the judgment is over $750.00, you will need to fill out a Certificate of Facts Re Unsatisfied Judgment. This form will ask you to briefly explain your situation and state that you are eligible to request this service.
In California, if the judgment is under $750.00, you will need to fill out a Notice of Unsatisfied Judgment. This form will ask you to briefly explain your situation and state that you are eligible to request this service.
18. **File the form with the clerk of courts.** Once you have filled out the required form, file it with the clerk of courts where the trial was held that found the debtor responsible for the car accident.
19. **Pay the required fee.** When you file the form with the clerk of courts, you will be required to pay some sort of filing fee. Check with your local court in order to obtain information about the fee and if there is a potential fee waiver.
20. **File an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment.** After your debt has been satisfied, you will need to obtain and fill out an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment form. This form can be accessed online at your local court's website, or by going to your local courthouse and talking with the clerk of courts.
In addition, you will need to sign a form that will be sent to you by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and you will have to send this form to the debtor so they can have their driver's license reinstated.
Mail a copy of these forms to the debtor, file a copy with the court, and keep a copy for yourself.
If you fail to file an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment, or fail to notify the debtor by sending them a copy, you could be liable for any damages suffered by the debtor. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Collect-a-Court-Ordered-Judgment", "language": "en"} |
12+ Essential Exercises to Strengthen Hip Joints (Boost Hip Flexor Strength and Mobility) | Your hip joints do a lot of heavy lifting–from supporting your balance to letting you walk and move through your daily life. Strengthening your glutes and hip flexors (the muscles that support your hip) and improving your flexibility lets you reduce pain and prevent injury. Whether you’re looking to get a little more mobile, prevent injury and pain while walking or running, or whether you’re a senior seeking osteoarthritis relief, these at-home exercises will boost your hip joint strength and mobility. Aim to perform all these exercises 2-3 times per week, and aim to perform the stretches daily.
1. **Loosen up your hips with this easy stretch.** Stand on one leg and put your other leg on a step, bench, or sturdy chair. Lean forward gently towards the bent leg. Stop when you feel a stretch in the front of your hip. Hold that position for 30 seconds. Switch legs after you’ve done 3 holds on one side.
Do 3 reps of 30 second holds on each side.
Try this stretch daily to increase your mobility.
2. **Stretching your quads can help alleviate hip pain.** Stand in front of a bench or sturdy chair. Shift your weight onto your right leg. Bend your left knee and put the instep of your left foot onto the bench or sturdy chair behind you. You should feel a stretch through the front of your left thigh and hip. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, and switch legs after you’ve done 3 holds on one leg.
Do 3 reps of 30 second holds on each side.
If you don’t feel a stretch through the front of your thigh and hip, try raising or lowering the surface behind you.
Do this stretch in front of a counter if you need help balancing.
Incorporate this stretch into your daily routine for added flexibility.
3. **Stretch and strengthen your hip flexors in this simple standing pose.** Start with both feet on the ground together. Lift your knee to your chest. Grab below your knee with your hands and pull the knee into your chest. Squeeze your opposite glute for stability. Return to the starting position, and repeat on the other side.
Do 2 sets of 20 reps per side.
For example, if you squeeze your right knee into your chest, you’ll squeeze your left glute to stabilize your lower body.
For an advanced variation, add a calf raise. Extend onto your toes while you’re holding your knee to your chest.
You can do this stretch daily.
4. **Warm up your hips and start working on strength with this dynamic move.** Stand on one leg, and bring your other leg up to a 90° angle. Flex your foot, and keep your pelvis level. Let your hip muscles guide your bent leg to move in a circle. You’ll start your leg in front of your body and move it to the side, to the back, and around to the front again. Switch legs once you’ve completed the total reps for one leg.
Do 1 set of 8 reps of outward-moving circles, then 8 reps of circles in the opposite direction.
5. **A supine leg raise is one of the simplest exercises for building hip strength.** Lie on your back with one leg out straight and the other leg bent, with that foot flat on the ground. To perform the exercise, flex the foot on your straight leg. Slowly, lift your straight leg off the ground and then bring it back down. Switch legs once you’ve completed the total number of reps for one leg.
Do 3 sets of 10 reps on each side.
6. **This bridge exercise strengthens your glutes and hip flexors.** Lie on your back with your heels close to your glutes. Tighten your abdominal muscles and raise your hips up towards the ceiling. Try to keep your back in a straight line. Flex your glutes at the top of the bridge, then lower back down slowly.
Do 1 set of 8-10 reps.
7. **Take the double leg bridge to the next level with this exercise.** Lie on your back with your heels close to your glutes. Then, lift one leg off the ground so that it’s perpendicular to the floor. If you can’t lift your leg totally perpendicular, just go as high as you can. Flex the foot of your lifted leg and try to keep that leg straight. Keep your leg lifted as you lift your hips off the ground and flex your glutes. Then, lower back down.
Do 1 set of 8-10 reps on each side.
8. **Prone hip extensions work your glutes and hip flexors.** Start by lying on your stomach. Pick a firm, flat surface, and put a pillow under your hips. Bend one knee to 90°. Lift your leg and imagine trying to touch the ceiling with your heel. Lift as high as you can! Then, as you count to 5, lower your leg back down to the table.
Do 1 set of 8 reps on each side.
9. **The clamshell is the best exercise to activate your anterior hip flexors.** Lie on your side, with a slight bend at your hips. Then, bend your knees to 90°. Keep your feet together, and lift your top knee so that you resemble an open clamshell.
Do 1 set of 8-10 reps on each side.
Keep your hips “stacked” on top of each other. In other words, don’t let one hip shift forward or backward out of place.
10. **Your hip abductors are the outer crucial “stabilizing” muscles for your hips.** To get into the starting position, lie on your side. Start with your weaker leg or hip on top. Bend your lower leg for easier balance and support. Straighten your top leg, then lift it up to a 45° angle above your body. Hold it at the top for 5 seconds. Then, slowly lower your leg back down to complete the rep.
Do 1 set of 8 reps on each side.
You’ll feel this exercise in your outer hip and glutes.
11. **Adductors are the inner “balancing” muscles for your hips and lower body.** Lie on your side with both legs straight. Put your hand on the floor by your belly for extra stability. If you have an injured leg or weak side, start with that leg on the bottom. Bend your top leg and cross it over the bottom leg. Then, raise the lower leg off the floor about 6–8 inches (15–20 cm). Hold at the top of the lift for 5 seconds. Slowly lower your leg back down to complete the rep.
Do 1 set of 8 reps on each side.
You’ll feel this exercise in your inner thigh.
12. **This stabilizing exercise is great for walkers and runners.** Use a resistance band to tie a tight loop around your ankles. Then, take a series of small baby steps to the left and right. You should feel tension in your outer hips.
Do 3 sets of 10 steps to the left and 10 steps to the right.
Don’t lock your knees. Keep them gently bent.
13. **You can easily do this exercise easily without equipment or add a resistance band.** We’ll walk you through the no-equipment version first. Stand with your feet together. Then, slowly raise one of your legs off the ground and out to the side, as high as you can without moving your upper body. Slowly lower back down to complete 1 rep.
Do 1 set of 12-15 reps.
To add resistance, loop a band around the leg you’re raising. The band should be anchored on table leg or chair leg so that it resists your outward motion.
14. **Single leg mini squats improve your balance and stability through your hips.** Stand with your hand against a wall if you need extra support. Shift your weight onto one leg, and hold the other leg slightly bent behind you. Bend the knee of your standing leg to perform a “mini squat.” Envision yourself sitting down in a chair to make sure your weight stays in your heel. Straighten the leg to complete the rep.
Do 3 sets of 20 reps on each leg.
As you get more comfortable with this, you can move into more challenging squats, like the squat sit, Cossack squat, and spider lunge.
15. **Improve your hip flexibility by trying to touch your toes with your elbows.** Bend down like you're going for a normal toe touch, but when you get to the bottom, fold your arms in front of you like a genie. Keep bending down like you're trying to touch your elbows to your toes, but each time you repeat the move, slide your feet a little further apart. Eventually, you'll be in about a 3/4 split, and you'll be able to touch the ground with your arms.
16. **Use step ups to improve your knee and hip strength simultaneously.** Put your right foot onto a step in front of you. Raise your left foot up slowly until it’s at the level of your right foot, but don’t let it rest on the step. Press down through your right heel and tighten your glutes to activate your lower body muscles. Lower your left foot back down slowly over a count of 4. Complete the total reps for one leg, then switch.
Do 1 set of 10 reps for each leg.
Hold onto a railing if you need extra support.
You can even add weight to this exercise by holding a dumbbell or kettlebell in each hand, and letting your hands hang by your sides. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Strengthen-Hip-Joints", "language": "en"} |
How to Apply Wax Strips | Waxing at home may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy and there are many ways to make it less painful and more comfortable. At-home waxing kits come with wax strips already covered in the proper amount of wax, so you don’t have to worry about heating any wax and applying the right amount to your skin. Plus, waxing at home is much less expensive than having it professionally done at a salon or spa and you’ll get the same results with practice.
1. **Purchase an at-home waxing kit designed for what you want to wax.** At-home waxing kits, in general, are made to wax specific parts of your body. To ensure the best results, less pain, and no irritation, make sure you purchase a kit designed for what you want to wax. For example, don’t use the same waxing kit on your face that you’d use on your underarms. Also, if you have sensitive skin, look for a kit that’s gentle or designed for sensitive skin.
If you have any kind of skin condition or disease, you should see a professional rather than attempt to do it yourself.
2. **Check that the hair you want to wax is ⁄4–⁄4 in (0.64–1.91 cm) long.** In order to safely wax, no matter where it’s located on your body, that hair needs to be at least ⁄4 in (0.64 cm) long, but no longer than ⁄4 in (1.9 cm). If your hair is longer than ⁄4 in (1.9 cm), use electric clippers or scissors to shorten your hair down to at least ⁄4 in (1.9 cm). If your hair is shorter than ⁄4 in (0.64 cm), wait for it to grow longer before waxing it.
Electric clippers are the type of clippers normally used to cut hair. They typically have different guards that go on the blade so you can cut your hair to a specific length.
3. **Stop using products with retinol 2-5 days before waxing.** If you’re taking any type of prescription medication that contains retinol, or if you’re using any skin products that contain retinol, stop using them at least 2 days before you wax. Do not wax while taking or using these products.
In general, retinol products can dry and irritate your skin; make it peel, crust or blister; and make it sensitive to sunlight.
Waxing your skin while taking retinol products can make these side effects worse and damage your skin.
4. **Exfoliate the area you plan to wax 1-2 days in advance.** To get the best waxing results, remove dry or dead skin and other imperfections ahead of time. A couple of days before you plan to wax, wash and exfoliate the area you’re going to wax. Do not exfoliate within 24 hours of waxing, as it may irritate your skin.
Exfoliation includes using a brush, face cloth, loofa, etc., to scrub your skin.
You can also use specific exfoliation products, such as body/face scrubs, that contain small, rough pieces of things like seeds to help exfoliate your skin.
5. **Drink lots of water before you start to wax.** Make sure you’re completely hydrated before you wax. Drink as much water as you can in the hours before you’re going to wax. Hydration plumps up your skin which can reduce the amount of pain. Plus, plump, hydrated skin is less likely to get ingrown hairs.
Try to avoid foods and drinks that can dehydrate you before you wax, such as coffee, soda, alcohol, fried foods, and anything with a lot of sodium/salt.
6. **Take pain medications or apply ice to reduce pain.** You will never be able to eliminate the pain from waxing completely, but there are things you can do to reduce that pain. Take an over-the-counter pain medication an hour or 2 before you wax. Or, hold an ice pack against the skin you’re going to wax immediately beforehand to numb the area.
If you use an ice pack, hold a towel between that ice pack and your skin. Also, make sure the area is completely dry before applying the wax.
You can also apply an ice pack to the area after you wax to reduce the pain.
7. **Wash and dry the area you’re waxing immediately beforehand.** Right before you wax, completely wash the area with soap and water and dry your skin with a towel. If possible, have a shower immediately before you wax. You want to remove natural oils that may be on your skin and/or the residue of lotions or creams you may have recently applied. Wax adheres better to clean, dry skin.
Some at-home wax kits come with a pre-wax cleanser that you can use to wipe down the area you’re going to wax.
If you aren’t able to wash the area before you wax, sprinkle baby powder (or another powder like cornstarch) onto your skin to absorb the oils.
8. **Conduct a test run of the wax to make sure it’s safe.** Follow the regular instructions to try small amount of wax on a 1 by 1 in (2.5 by 2.5 cm) piece of your skin. If the waxing kit doesn’t come with a test strip, cut a small piece off one of the larger strips. Use a spot on your body that isn’t visible in case the wax irritates your skin (e.g., upper arm or upper leg).
If the test area becomes really red, swollen, painful, or irritated, don’t use the wax anywhere else on your body.
9. **Read the manufacturer’s instructions before using the wax strips.** Do not attempt to wax until you’ve read all the instructions and warnings that come with the kit (unless you’ve used the product before). Make sure you know exactly which items you’ll need to have ready when waxing and gather those items before you start.
In general, you’ll likely need the following items to wax: a brightly lit room, a mirror (depending on where you’re waxing), a towel, moisturizer or aloe vera, and tweezers (if you’re waxing your face).
10. **Remove the protective backing from the prepared wax strip.** You can approach this step two ways.You can remove the entire backing off the strip before applying the strip to your skin. Or, you can peel off a portion of the backing, apply that part of the strip to your skin, and then pull off the rest of the backing as you push the strip against your skin.
Some at-home waxing kits may instruct you to rub the strips between your hands for a few seconds before removing the back. This is to heat the wax slightly before you apply it to your skin.
11. **Apply the wax strip to your skin and rub it 2-3 times.** Lay the wax strip down on the area you’re waxing, in a direction that will allow you to easily pull the strip off in the opposite direction of your hair’s growth. For example, when waxing your legs, you’ll want to lay the strips lengthwise on your legs. When waxing your eyebrows, you’ll want to lay the strips horizontally above your eyes. Rub your hand along the wax strip in the direction of the hair growth 2-3 times to firmly secure it to your hair.
Keep in mind that the wax doesn’t go to the edge of the strips. Therefore, the unwaxed edges of the strips will need to be located where there’s no hair or where you’ve already waxed.
12. **Use one hand to hold the skin taut to pull off the strip.** You’ll always need 2 hands to pull off a wax strip: one hand to hold your skin tight while the other hand rips off the strip. You’ll find it easier to use your dominant hand to rip off the strip, unless you’re waxing an area that’s difficult to reach. Practice makes perfect when it comes to waxing. You may need to reposition yourself several times before you find your favourite method.
This is one of the reasons it’s best to wax larger areas that are easier to see (e.g., your legs) if this is your first time waxing at home.
13. **Rip the wax strip off quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth.** Grasp the edge of the wax strip at the end your hair is growing towards. For example, if you’re waxing your legs, you’ll want to grab the bottom of the wax strip as you’ll be pulling upwards. Hold the strip firmly and pull in the opposite direction of the hair growth quickly and in one motion.
Try to remove the entire wax strip in one smooth movement.
Don’t stop and restart partway through pulling off a wax strip, this will just cause you more pain and won’t pull out as many hairs.
14. **Reapply the wax strip up to 2 more times to remove stray hairs.** Each wax strip can be applied to your skin up to 3 times if needed. That means, after the first pull, you can re-wax the same area 2 more times if you missed any hairs. It’s not a good idea to apply wax to the same area more than this, as it may cause too much irritation.
You can also use the wax strip to remove any wax residue on your skin. Apply the strip and remove it the same way you would if it were hair.
15. **Repeat the process for the remaining areas.** Once you’ve completed the waxing process using one strip, continue the same process with new strips until the area is fully waxed. If the section you need to wax doesn’t need a full strip, feel free to cut the strip into smaller pieces so you don’t waste any.
Larger areas, like legs and arms, will require multiple wax strips.
Smaller areas, like your upper lip or eyebrows, may only require 1 strip.
16. **Remove any remaining wax off your skin with water or oil.** Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the recommended method to remove residual wax from your skin (if there is any). Some at-home waxing kits are water-soluble, which means you can easily wipe the leftover wax off with a damp washcloth. Other kits are oil-soluble, which means you will need to use some sort of oil (e.g., mineral oil, coconut oil, etc.) to remove the wax residue. Dab a small amount of oil onto a makeup pad and wipe the wax off your skin.
Some at-home waxing kits will come with a product that’s specifically for removing residual wax from your skin.
17. **Moisturize the area just waxed with oil-free lotion or cream.** Once you’ve finished waxing and have cleaned up all the wax residue, make sure your skin is completely moisturized. Use a lotion or cream that is oil-free or non-comedogenic so it doesn’t clog your pores and potentially cause ingrown hairs. You can also use aloe vera gel to soothe the area and add moisture if you’d prefer.
It is also recommended that you wear loose-fitting clothing around the waxed area immediately afterward to prevent skin irritation.
Avoid having a hot shower or bath immediately after waxing, as it may make the area more painful. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Wax-Strips", "language": "en"} |
How to Fax Without Using a Fax Machine | This wikiHow teaches you how to send a document to a fax machine without having to hook up your computer to a fax machine, modem, or phone line. You can send faxes for free using FaxZero or using a 30-day trial of MyFax. FaxZero has a 3-page limit per fax and a 5-fax limit per day. The free trial of MyFax has a 100-page limit, requires a credit card to sign up, and costs $10 a month after the trial has ended. You must cancel your subscription with MyFax before the trial period is over if you don't want to continue to use MyFax.
1. **Go to the FaxZero page.** Go to https://faxzero.com/.
2. **Enter your sender information.** In the upper-left side of the page, fill out the following fields:
- Enter your name here.
- Type in a working email address here. You'll need to access this email address later, so make sure you can log into it.
- Enter your phone number here.
3. **Enter your recipient's information.** In the upper-right side of the page, fill out the following fields:
- The name of the person receiving the fax goes here.
- The number of the fax machine that will be receiving your fax.
4. **Click Choose Files.** This grey button is below the "Fax Information" section.
There are three options in case you want to upload multiple documents.
5. **Select a Word or PDF to send.** Click on a document that you want to send.
You may first have to navigate to the document's location by clicking one of the folder names on the left side of the File Explorer or Finder window.
Your document must be three or fewer pages in length.
6. **Click Open.** It's in the bottom-right corner of the window. Doing so will upload your file to the FaxZero window.
7. **Add cover page text.** Type a message into the text box in the middle of the page to display it on the front of your fax.
The cover page doesn't count toward the three-page limit.
8. **Enter the confirmation code.** In the "Confirmation Code" field that's below the cover page area, type in the five-character code displayed just below the field.
9. **Click Send Free Fax Now.** It's at the bottom of the page.
10. **Open your email account.** Go to the email address that you entered as part of your sender information. Your email inbox should open.
You may have to log into your email account with your email address and password before you continue.
11. **Open the email from FaxZero.** Click on the email from "FaxZero.com" to open it.
Be sure to check your inbox's "Spam" folder (also check the folder on Gmail, or the folder in Outlook).
12. **Click the confirmation link.** There will be a link below text that says "Please click on the URL below..."; click this link to send your fax.
You can send up to five faxes every 24 hours with FaxZero.
13. **Go to the MyFax page.** Go to http://www.myfax.com/. This will open the MyFax home page.
14. **Click FREE 30 DAY TRIAL.** This green button is on the left side of the page.
A free trial with MyFax includes 100 free sent pages.
15. **Select a state.** Click the drop-down box, then click the state to which you'll be sending your fax.
16. **Select a city.** Click the drop-down box, then click the city and area code to which you want to send your fax.
17. **Click Next Step.** It's an orange button in the lower-right side of the page.
18. **Enter your name and an email address.** Do so in the text fields in the middle of the page.
Make sure you use a working email address since you'll need to use it to log in later if you keep your account.
19. **Click Next Step.**
20. **Enter your billing information.** This will include your card name, number, expiration date, security code, and billing address.
MyFax will bill (and then refund) a $0.99 deposit to ensure that your payment details are correct, but you won't have to pay for your account for as long as the free trial is active.
21. **Check the "I have read" box.** It's near the bottom of the page.
22. **Click Start Trial.** This orange button is at the bottom of the page. Doing so creates your MyFax account.
23. **Click LOGIN.** It's in the middle of the page.
24. **Click SEND FAXES.** You'll find this option on the left side of the page.
25. **Enter your fax recipient's information.** Fill out the following fields at the top of the fax form:
- Your recipient's name goes here.
- Your recipient's company's name should go here.
- The number of the fax machine to which you're sending the fax goes here.
You may see the country code listed here instead of .
26. **Add a subject and message.** Type the subject of the fax into the "Subject" field in the middle of the page, then enter a personal message (if needed) in the "Message" field below it.
27. **Add your fax's attachment.** Click , click the item that you want to fax (e.g., a document), and click .
The free trial of MyFax allows for 10 documents or 20 MB in one fax, whichever comes first.
28. **Click Send Fax.** It's in the lower-right side of the fax window. Doing so will deliver your fax to the specified machine.
You can call 1 (866) 563-9212 at any time during the free trial to cancel your membership free of charge. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Fax-Without-Using-a-Fax-Machine", "language": "en"} |
How to Care for Your Shocked Hamster | Your hamster’s body may go into shock if he has taken a serious fall or suffered a major injury. Even if you didn’t see what happened, you will be able to tell that something is wrong with him. Your hamster will probably need a combination of first aid that you can give at home and treatment by your veterinarian. Act quickly when you see him in shock to help him recover and get back to normal.
1. **Recognize the signs of shock in your hamster.** Shock occurs when the organs in the body are not getting enough blood or oxygen. When you hamster is in shock, he will appear limp and have a dazed look in his eyes.
Without good blood circulation, his body temperature will drop. Your hamster will feel cold to the touch, and may also start shivering.
Other clinical signs of shock include a rapid pulse and shallow breathing.
2. **Warm up your hamster.** Before you take your hamster to your veterinarian, try to give him some first aid at home. The best first aid you can give is to his increase his circulation, which will warm him up. Gently pick him up and rub his body slowly.
Be gentle when you rub him. Vigorous or forceful rubbing is not necessary to improve his blood circulation.
You should start to feel your hamster’s body warm up as you rub him.
3. **Move your hamster.** When your hamster starts warming up (even if he’s still out of it), place him back in his cage and move him to a warm, dark, and quiet area of your home to continue recovering. The quietness of the room will help him recover without being startled by loud noises and other distractions.
Check on him after about 30 to 60 minutes to see if he has improved. If not, take him to your veterinarian for further treatment.
4. **Take your hamster to your veterinarian.** Even if your hamster is showing signs of improvement, your veterinarian should still check him out. In addition, if your hamster is seriously injured, your veterinarian will need to treat that injury.
Your veterinarian may give your hamster some fluids to improve his circulation.
Depending on the extent of your hamster’s underlying injuries, you may need to give him pain medication to help him recover. Your veterinarian will let you know what type of treatment and medication your hamster will need.
5. **Make your hamster’s cage safer.** As much as your hamster likes to run and play, he may play a little too hard and injure himself in his cage. You will need to ‘injury-proof’ your hamster’s cage to prevent the risk of fall or injury. For example, if the cage is multi-level, make sure your hamster has a sturdy ladder or ramp so he can get from one level to the other without falling.
If the cage already has wire ramps or ladders, cover them with a solid material, such as cardboard, laminate flooring, or coroplast
6. **Keep a close eye on your hamster during playtime.** Playtime outside of the cage is important for your hamster. However, he could seriously injure himself when he is outside of his cage. If you have him in his hamster ball, keep him as far away from the stairs as possible! A tumble down the stairs could cause injury serious enough to lead to shock.
Rolling down the stairs in the hamster ball could also knock your hamster unconscious. If he is unconscious and in shock, he will need immediate veterinary care.
When your hamster is in the hamster ball, keep him in an enclosed room so there is no chance he could roll near or down the stairs. Another possible solution is to lay a hula-hoop on the ground, and have the hamster ball roll around in that.
If your hamster is allowed to run free in the room, make sure he does not climb on any furniture. He could suffer a serious injury if he jumps or falls from the furniture.
7. **Supervise children who are handling your hamster.** Often, children can be rough with small pets, such as hamsters, without knowing they are actually hurting the animal. If you have small children, watch them as they handle your hamster. That way, if they are handling him too roughly, you can intervene and place the hamster safely back in his cage.
You could also turn this time into a teaching moment on how to properly hold a hamster. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Your-Shocked-Hamster", "language": "en"} |
How to Understand Different Types of Bank Accounts | If you visit a bank to open an account, you will likely have several options. Different types of bank accounts vary in terms of benefits, drawbacks, and conveniences for the depositor, so it’s helpful to understand each option completely. Start with Step 1 below to learn more about checking, savings, money market, and certificate of deposit accounts.
1. **Know the basic function of a checking account.** Most adults need checking accounts in order to manage their money effectively. Checking accounts allow you to access your funds easily and use checks and debit cards instead of cash.
2. **Understand that checking accounts do not typically pay significant interest.** Regular checking accounts pay no interest at all; they are meant only to fund your checks and debit-card expenditures. Interest-bearing checking accounts do offer some interest on your deposits. There are two basic kinds of interest-bearing checking accounts:
Regular interest-bearing checking accounts pay a minimal interest rate. If you leave funds in such an account for very long, you are likely to lose considerable purchasing power – this money would usually yield more interest in a savings, money market, or certificate of deposit account.
High-interest checking accounts pay a little more. They provide an above-average interest income for your money. However, this increase in interest may be offset by fees, and you typically have to keep a much higher balance to qualify.
3. **Be aware that depositing funds into a checking account is simple.** You can add cash and checks to your account at any time without restriction. Simply fill out a deposit slip and deposit the funds into a designated ATM or in person at the bank.
Note that if you deposit checks into your account, your bank may hold the funds (or part of the funds) until the checks clear. Check with your bank to be sure.
4. **Learn how to write a check correctly.** Since the ability to write checks is a key component of having a checking account, it’s important to know how to fill them out correctly. All checks have designated spaces for the following information:
Date. This is self explanatory: fill in the current date.
Pay to the Order of. On this line, write the name of the check’s recipient – it can be a person or a company.
$ Amount. Use numerals here. Write the number on the left most part of the field, taking care not to leave any space – these minimizes the risk of people fraudulently writing additional numbers.
Dollars. Write the corresponding amount, this time using words. Start at the left side, and write any cents as a fraction – the number of cents over 100. If there is extra space, draw a line straight through to the end of the field.
Signature. Sign your name here.
Memo. This field is optional. If desired, write a note to indicate what the check is for. If you are paying a bill, this is a good place to include your account number.
5. **Know how to analyze your monthly statement.** Every month, you will receive a statement, noting in detail each check you wrote, all funds removed or deposited at an ATM or in the bank, all debit card transactions, and any other pertinent changes to your account. The statement will also have your current balance.
Get in the habit of looking over your monthly statements carefully and comparing them to your own records. Errors sometimes occur.
Checking account statements are often available by email instead of on paper. Check with your bank.
6. **Understand the basic function of a savings account.** Savings accounts are the most popular type of bank account. They pay basic interest on your money and allow you to withdraw it at any time. Therefore, a savings account is a good option for storing extra funds.
7. **Distinguish between the two main types of savings accounts.** There are two basic types of savings accounts: passbook savings and statement accounts.
Passbook accounts give you a bank book, where all deposit transactions are recorded. You can add and withdraw money only at the bank during regular business hours. With the prevalence of ATMs and electronic banking, some banks no longer offer this type of account.
Statement accounts are more common. You are issued an ATM card and provided with monthly or quarterly statements. You can withdraw money at any time from an ATM. In some cases, your ATM card functions like a debit card as well, and can therefore be used to pay bills and make purchases. Check with your bank.
8. **Be aware that interest rates can vary.** In general, savings accounts yield more interest than checking accounts, but different banks may have different requirements for savings accounts, and they may pay different interest rates. Shop around to find the best place to deposit your money.
Keep in mind the savings accounts typically pay less interest per year than money market or certificate of deposit accounts.
9. **Find out how interest rates are computed.** Check with your bank to see how your interest is calculated. This should enable you to project how much you will earn over a certain period.
10. **Understand the function of a money market account.** In many ways, money market accounts (MMAs) are identical to savings accounts; they are interest-bearing deposit accounts. They usually pay higher interest rates than savings accounts, but they also require higher balances.
With MMAs, your money will be invested by the bank, but you will receive your interest no matter what. This makes MMAs different from money market funds, which may lose money if the investment does not perform well.
11. **Recognize the different types of money market accounts.** There are two fundamental types of MMAs: basic MMAs and tiered MMAs.
A basic money market account simply requires a minimum deposit (at some banks, it might be as low as $100) and pays interest based on your balance.
A tiered MMA offers higher interest rates for higher balances.
12. **Compare interest rates with other types of accounts.** MMAs usually pay more interest than standard checking and savings accounts, but less than mutual funds or stock investments. On the other hand, they are risk free.
13. **Understand how certificates of deposit work.** Certificates of deposit (also called CDs or sometimes Certificate of Time Deposits) are risk-free investments. You deposit a certain amount of money into an account for a specified period of time (usually between 30 days and 5 years). In exchange for committing your money for that period of time, you receive a higher interest rate than a traditional savings account usually provides.
14. **Know what happens when a CD matures.** When the specified period of time ends, your CD “matures.” At this point, you can either withdraw the money or allow it to “roll over” for another equal period of time.
In general, unless you tell your bank that you want to withdraw the money, they will roll the CD over automatically. Check with your bank to see what you need to do to withdraw the funds.
15. **Recognize the different forms of CDs.** Certificates of deposit come in three basic forms: liquid CDs, “bump up CDs,” and brokered CDs.
Liquid (or “no penalty”) CDs can be withdrawn at any time with no early withdrawal penalty charges. You can therefore choose to move your money to a higher-paying CD if the opportunity arises.
Bump up CDs let you maintain an existing CD but move it to a higher rate if your bank has one to offer. This will not typically happen automatically; you have to request it from the bank.
Brokered CDs are CDs found by a broker or financial advisor, who scouts the marketplace for the best CD rates.
16. **Identify the factors that affect CD rates.** Certificate of deposit rates vary, and a few factors play crucial roles in determining how much interest you can make.
The length of time is key. The longer you agree to keep your money tied up, the higher the interest rate will be.
Economic rates play a role. When rates are generally high, so are CD rates.
Credit unions often offer slightly higher rates. Because credit unions are non-profit institutions, they typically offer slightly higher rates than banks do.
Short-term opportunities sometimes occur. Occasionally, banks will try to win business by offering higher rates on CDs for a short period of time. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Different-Types-of-Bank-Accounts", "language": "en"} |
How to Get Rid of Geckos | Geckos may look unassuming (or even kind of cute), but in large numbers they can be a real pest. If you've spotted more than 1 or 2 inside your home, it may be necessary to gecko-proof it from the inside out. Start by clearing out any lizards you find lingering indoors with a broom or a blast of cold water. Then, take steps to prevent them from coming back. Keep your doors and windows shut. Close up any gaps in your home’s exterior that are vulnerable to infiltration. Try posting a housecat as a guard to chase off invaders that manage to slip by. Once you've taken these steps, it will just be a matter of cleaning up the surrounding environment to reduce the number of hiding places where others may be making their home.
1. **Set out sticky traps.** Many pest control companies make special adhesive pads that trap larger invading species, like lizards, so you can get them out of your home without having to hunt for them. Place a few of these traps around the front and back doors, basement windows, ceiling light fixtures, and the perimeter of the garage. Check the traps a couple times a day to see whether they’ve caught anything.
Sticky traps use powerful glues that form a strong bond on contact. As a result, it won’t be possible to humanely release the gecko once it wanders onto the pad.
If you have small children or pets, be careful not to let them get near the traps you've set.
2. **Remove geckos by hand.** If you’re quick enough, try catching geckos that have found their way into your home. Run them into a corner, then position a jar or shoebox in front of them and wait for them to dart in before you close the lid. Once you’ve got them contained, take them outside and release them into the wild where they’ll no longer be a nuisance.
The occasional lizard sighting doesn’t constitute an infestation, and is usually nothing to worry about.
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after handling any type of reptile.
3. **Sweep them out with a broom.** When you find uninvited guests on your patio or near the front door, use your broom to push them toward the exit. The bristles can also barricade them and keep them from escaping. Sweep with gentle strokes to avoid harming the gecko.
Brooms are useful for shooing geckos out of cracks, crevices, and other tight spots where they tend to hide.
4. **Squirt them with cold water.** Fill up a spray bottle and leave it in the refrigerator until the next time you spot a gecko in your living space. Geckos and other lizards are cold-blooded animals, which means they seek out warm surroundings. A few quick spritzes will usually be enough to send them scurrying.
If you’re swarmed with geckos while gardening or working in your yard, a blast from the water hose will have the same effect.
It’s important that the water be room temperature or colder—any warmer and it might not be unpleasant enough to be an effective repellent.
5. **Call an exterminator.** If you have reason to believe that your home may be infested, you may have no choice but to have it treated professionally. An exterminator will lay sticky traps, set and bait manual traps, probe likely hiding places, or employ a combination of these methods. In extreme cases, they may be forced to fumigate the entire house, which will require you to find temporary lodging for a few days.
Keep an eye out for signs that there may be geckos living and reproducing around your home, like shed skins and small, leathery egg casings.
6. **Keep your doors closed.** Make sure all doors to the outside stay shut when they’re not being used. Geckos love to explore, and can sneak in in an instant when you’re not looking. The same goes for windows, as well—since geckos are adept at scaling walls, it’s easy for them to gain entry to places that are inaccessible to most pests.
If you often leave your door standing open on warm days, install a screen door to serve as a barricade.
7. **Close up gaps in your home’s exterior.** Go around and look for places where geckos and other critters might be getting in, like ventilation ducts, loose screens, and openings that have formed as a result of the house settling. Patch these areas with wire mesh or caulking. Use weather stripping to cover small cracks and crevices.
A qualified pest control specialist will be able to help you identify possible access points that you might have otherwise missed.
Exclusion is one of the best methods for dealing with a lizard problem, as it’s more or less permanent and doesn’t require you to disperse toxic chemicals around your home.
8. **Get a cat.** Cats are skilled predators that can snatch up lightning-quick lizards with ease. For this reason, they’re one of the best forms of pest control available to the average homeowner. Just bring your feline friend home and let it wander freely around your property. The presence of a cat alone may be enough to keep unwanted geckos from coming back.
Dispose of gecko remains as soon as you discover them. Otherwise, they’ll soon begin to smell and may become a health hazard.
If the idea of letting a cat catch and kill geckos doesn’t sit well with you, you may be better off going with a non-lethal option.
9. **Spray the outside of your home with a pepper dilution.** Mix 1 part hot pepper juice with 2 parts water in a spray bottle and thoroughly douse problem areas where you suspect geckos may be getting in. Most ordinary hot sauces will work just fine for this purpose. The capsaicin in the peppers is a mild irritant that will act as a natural repellent.
Avoid spraying areas that you and your family frequent too heavily. Hot pepper extracts can bother your airways if accidentally inhaled.
To help the solution stick to smooth vertical surfaces, add about half an ounce of cooking oil.
10. **Eliminate clutter around your property.** Do away with accumulated messes that may be harboring a horde of unseen geckos. Collect fallen brush and clear out piles of debris. Pick up any toys that are lying around and bring them inside or move them into the garage.
The occasional cleanup is good for your property, even if you’re not combating an infestation.
11. **Make common hiding places uninhabitable.** Now that the big stuff is out of the way, survey your property and identify natural formations where geckos may be lurking. Level out stretches of uneven dirt and mulch, cut tall grass and reeds, and pull stones. The less refuge the invading geckos have, the less likely you are to encounter them around your home.
Geckos can often be found basking in warm, open areas, but they’ve also been known to take cover in dark recesses where their natural predators are unable get to them.
12. **Use your sprinkler system as a deterrent.** Take the spray bottle solution to the next level by setting your sprinklers to run overnight, when geckos go on the hunt for food. Position the water stream to aim at small leafy trees, shrubs, rocky areas, and other possible places of concealment.
Be careful not to oversaturate low-lying ground. The standing water may attract insects, which will in turn draw geckos.
13. **Kill insects to take away their food supply.** Use an organic insecticide to cut down on the number of bugs in your yard, garden, and flower beds. With nothing to eat, the geckos will move on to another area in order to find food. Turn off your outdoor lights at night to avoid drawing more insects while geckos are out.
Burn citronella oil, incense, or sandalwood to repel swarms of insects in the summertime.
A bug zapper or set of sticky traps can also be useful for warding off insects near your porch or patio. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Geckos", "language": "en"} |
How to Freeze Cucumbers | Do you have too many cucumbers to eat all at once? If you just stick a whole cucumber in the freezer, when you defrost it the cucumber will be a soggy mess. Instead, slice, puree, or pickle your cucumbers before you freeze them. Your frozen cucumber will be great as a cold snack or a tasty addition to cold soups, smoothies, and juices.
1. **Cut your cucumbers into thin rounds and freeze them on a cookie sheet.** Put parchment paper on the cookie sheet so that you can remove the frozen rounds easily. Once they are frozen, you can eat them as a frozen snack, or place them over your eyes like a celebrity at a spa.
2. **Slice cucumbers in spears and freeze them in a single layer.** Frozen cucumber spears also take up less space in the freezer than rounds freezing on a cookie sheet, so if you have a packed freezer, this is a good method. Put the spears in a single layer in a plastic bag or sealing container and pop them in the freezer.
You can use the spears by blending them into cold soups or smoothies.
3. **Cut the cucumber into cubes and freeze it in ice cubes.** Cube the cucumber and put the cubes into ice trays. Then cover them with water and freeze them. Once the ice cubes have frozen, you can take them out of the tray and put them in a sealed plastic bag in the freezer.
You can also puree your cucumber in a blender and freeze it in ice cubes.
4. **Wash and thinly slice your cucumbers.** If the cucumbers have a wax coating, wash them with detergent and a vegetable brush to remove the wax. If you pulled these cucumbers from your garden or if they’re organic, they probably won’t have wax on them, and you can just rinse them. You can simply slice them with a knife and cutting board or use a food processor. Some people like to peel their cucumbers as well, but it’s optional.
It’s best to use cucumbers that are about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long for pickling.
5. **Cover the sliced cucumbers in salt and stick them in the fridge for 2 hours.** Layer the cucumbers with salt in a mixing bowl and stick in the fridge. Drain and rinse the cucumbers when they come out of the fridge so they aren’t too salty.
If you want, add 1 small sliced onion before you put them in the fridge for added flavor.
6. **Make the brine solution in a plastic mixing bowl.** Mix 2 cups of sugar, 1 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 Tbsp mustard seed, and 1 Tbsp of celery seed. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves.
If the sugar is struggling to dissolve, microwave the mixing bowl for 30 seconds.
7. **Put the cucumbers in airtight containers and pour the brine on top.** You can use sealing plastic containers or glass jars. Leave about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space at the top of the container because the water in the cucumbers will expand when it freezes. The brine should cover the cucumbers completely. Seal the containers and put them in the freezer.
Wait at least a week before defrosting.
8. **Defrost a container of pickles in the refrigerator.** Put the container in the refrigerator the night before you plan to eat the pickles, so they can thaw to a better temperature. Don’t just leave them on the counter to defrost, because then they’ll get mushy.
You can leave the pickled cucumbers in your freezer for up to 6 months.
Once you thaw them, eat your pickles within 2 weeks. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Cucumbers", "language": "en"} |
How to Paint a Car with a Spray Can | Spray painting is an inexpensive way to paint a car. Clean and sand the surface of the car to create a smooth base on which to apply the primer. Apply multiple primer coats and top coats in order to achieve a quality finish. Even though spray paint is a convenient and effective option for painting a car, it is important to use it safely. Always spray paint in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask and goggles.
1. **Sand the car using 600-grit sandpaper.** Rub down the metal surfaces of the area you are painting using 600-grit sandpaper. Rub the sandpaper back and forth over the entire area. You will slowly start to see the paint flaking away from the car. Once the majority of the paint has been removed, switch to 1500-grit sandpaper.
Make sure that any rust on the car is thoroughly sanded off.
This is a long process but will make your paint job look much better.
2. **Repair any holes in the metal with putty.** Removing rust can sometimes leave holes in the metal. Fill up the holes with a putty that is designed for cars or metal. Squeeze the putty directly out of the tube into the hole until it completely covered. Smooth the surface and remove any excess putty using a flat-edged putty knife.
Allow the putty to dry for 1 hour before rubbing it over with 1200-grit sand paper.
Car putty can be purchased online or from a hardware store.
3. **Clean the surface of the car using a dry cloth.** Remove any dust or dirt from the area using an old dry cloth. If there is any wax or stubborn dirt, try wiping it off using cellulose thinner. This will help to dissolve the wax and baked on dirt. Wipe the cellulose thinner over the area using an old cloth. You will only need a small amount as it is extremely potent.
Cellulose thinner can be purchased from a hardware store.
Always use cellulose thinner in a well-ventilated area as the fumes can be toxic.
You can also wipe down the metal with a quick-drying liquid, like paint thinner or denatured alcohol.
4. **Cover any areas not being painted using painters tape and paper.** Rip off pieces of painters tape and use them to cover any exposed surfaces that you don't want paint on. If you are trying to cover a large surface, such as a window, tape pieces of paper over the surface to protect it from the spray paint.
Don't forget to cover any areas that aren’t metal, such as car bumpers, wheel rims, side mirrors, and window frames.
Painters tape can be purchased from a hardware store.
Lay paper under your car if you don’t want paint on the ground surface.
5. **Choose a sheltered and well-ventilated location to use the spray cans.** Aerosols work best in warm, dry and sheltered conditions. Work inside a well-ventilated garage if it is cold and damp outside. Avoid humidity if possible as this makes it harder for the paint to dry.
Make sure that your car away from anything that you don’t want paint on.
Wear safety goggles and a dust mask to protect yourself from the paint fumes and dust.
6. **Apply 3 coats of primer, waiting 15 minutes between each coat.** Apply the primer to the car from 25 centimetres (9.8 in) away. Spray primer over the entire surface that you will be painting. Gently push down the spray button and move the can across the area using even, back and forth strokes. Move at a consistent pace to achieve an even coat. Wait 15 minutes before applying the next coat of primer. You will need at least 3 coats in order to get an even covering.
It is best to apply multiple light layers of primer instead of a few thick coats as applying thick coats can cause the paint to drip.
Allow the area to dry for at least 24 hours after the last primer coat.
7. **Sand the area with 1200-grit wet and dry paper until it is smooth.** Wet the sandpaper and rub it back and forth over the area until the primer coat is smooth and even. If you are sanding a large area you may need multiple pieces of sandpaper to achieve a smooth finish.
8. **Clean the area with warm, soapy water.** Remove the dust from the car using warm, soapy water on a cloth. Rinse the car to remove the soap suds and then dry the area with a towel (or wait for it to air dry).
9. **Shake the paint can for at least 3 minutes.** The pigments in the paint separate over time so you will need to shake the can vigorously to re-combine them. If you have already shaken and used the can within the last 12 hours you will only need to shake the can for 1 minute.
10. **Test the paint on a spare piece of cardboard.** Hold the can about 25 centimetres (9.8 in) away from the card and spray the paint. Check the card to make sure that the paint has sprayed evenly. If it is patchy, shake the can for a few more minutes.
A test spray will give you the chance to experiment with how much pressure you need to put on the spray button.
11. **Spray the paint onto the car, using horizontal strokes.** Hold the can so that is parallel to the car’s surface and about 25 centimetres (9.8 in) away from the car. Push down the spray button and spray the paint over the car using even, back and forth strokes. Take care to keep the can parallel to the car as you move your arm across the area. Continue spraying until the area has a light even coat.
Try to move the can at a consistent speed.
Move your arm across the area at a consistent speed to achieve an even coat.
Always keep your hand moving as you apply the spray paint so you aren't concentrating it in a specific location.
12. **Apply at least 2 coats of paint, with a 10-minute break between coats.** Applying multiple coats of paints will give an even surface to the car. Wait 10 minutes before applying the next coat. The paint should still be slightly sticky, this helps the next coat to stick and blend into the previous coat.
If the surface still looks patchy after 2 coats, apply another coat after 10 minutes.
Wait 30 minutes for the paint to dry before applying the clear paint.
13. **Spray a coat of clear paint over the area using a horizontal motion.** Push the spray button and move the can along the area in a smooth motion over the surface you have already painted. This will help to protect the paint from the UV rays in the sun. Leave this coat to dry for 24 hours before using the car. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-a-Car-with-a-Spray-Can", "language": "en"} |
How to Gain Weight Fast (for Women) | For some women, gaining weight can be just as difficult as losing weight might be for others. There are many ways, however, to safely and effectively gain 1–2 pounds (0.45–0.91 kg) a week. Larger portion sizes and more frequent meals are a quick way to add extra calories into your day. Aim for nutrient-dense, high-calorie foods to fill out your meals. Don’t forget to incorporate healthy exercise and other lifestyle changes into your routine to maintain the weight over time.
1. **Consume an additional 500 calories per day.** It is generally safe to gain 1–2 pounds (0.45–0.91 kg) per week. To reach this goal, add an extra 500 calories to your diet every day. The healthiest way to do this is to eat more nutrient-dense foods.
To keep track of what you’re eating, use a health app, such as MyFitnessPal. Write down everything you eat and how much exercise you do. Once a week, record your weight.
Talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine your ideal weight. You can also calculate your healthy weight with a Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator. For most people, a healthy BMI falls between 18.5-24.9.
2. **Increase your portion size.** Eat a second helping of food or add more food to your plate when you begin. If you’re finding it hard to eat a larger meal, skip snacks so that you have more of an appetite at mealtime.
If eating a double portion is too much, try increasing the portion over time. Start with an extra scoop of rice or add a sweet potato on the side. As time goes on, slowly add more food to your meal.
3. **Eat several small meals if you don’t like larger meals.** For some people, eating larger portion sizes may not be an appealing option. Instead of increasing portion sizes, try to eat 6 smaller meals throughout the day. These meals can include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 3 snacks.
As a general rule, eat once every 3-4 hours pass while awake.
4. **Avoid drinking 30 minutes before a meal.** Liquids can fill you up, making it harder for you to finish a full meal. Wait until after you have finished eating to get a drink.
5. **Indulge in a snack before bed.** If you eat a snack or small meal before bed, your body won't have a chance to burn it off before you sleep. Additionally, the body builds more muscle during sleep. Eating a snack before bed supplies your body with the nutrients it needs to build more lean muscle as you sleep.
If you enjoy dessert, save it for bedtime. You might eat a bowl of fruit, a serving of ice cream, or a few pieces of chocolate.
If you prefer savory foods, try eating a bowl of pasta or cheese and crackers.
6. **Stimulate your appetite before eating meals.** There are many things you can do to feel hungrier before eating. These tricks can help you eat more at a meal. Some easy ways to increase your appetite include:
Take a short walk before meals. Exercise can help you feel hungrier.
Prepare foods that you enjoy. Make your favorite comfort food to encourage yourself to eat it all.
Try new recipes. This can help you feel more excited about trying your meal.
Eat in a calm, comfortable atmosphere. If you’re tense or distracted, you may not want to eat as much.
7. **Consume high-calorie and nutrient-dense foods.** Fast food and processed meals may be high in calories, but they provide empty calories that don’t contain many nutrients. Nutrient-dense foods pack in more calories and more good fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
For grains, eat heavy breads like whole wheat and pumpernickel. Bran muffins, whole wheat bread, and wheat germ are also good choices.
When it comes to fruit, choose bananas, pineapples, raisins, dried fruit, and avocados. In general, starchy fruits are preferable to water-rich fruits, like watermelon or oranges, as they contain more calories and nutrients.
For vegetables, try peas, corn, potatoes, and winter squash. As with fruit, starchy vegetables are better than water-rich vegetables.
Within the dairy group, consider cheese, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and whole milk.
8. **Aim for 3 food groups in a meal.** When eating a snack or meal, don’t just eat 1 type of food. Incorporate a few different food groups into each meal. This will increase the calorie count while making it easier for you to eat more.
For example, don’t just eat toast. Try to top the toast with peanut butter and adding sliced bananas on top. Or place sliced avocado on top with a glass of kefir on the side.
If you enjoy eggs in the morning, try scrambling them with peppers and sausage.
Instead of just eating a cup of yogurt, sprinkle granola and berries on top.
9. **Drink more of your food if you struggle with solid meals.** Sometimes, it can be hard to motivate yourself to eat extra snacks. Try drinking high-calorie drinks in between meals if you can't stomach a snack.
Smoothies are great, especially those made with whole fruits and vegetables and yogurt.
Juice made from real fruit adds extra vitamins and fiber to your meal.
Milk, milkshakes, protein shakes are also good options.
10. **Add extra ingredients to meals.** You can stir high-calorie, nutritious foods or powders into your favorite meals to add extra calories without making you feel much fuller. Some great ways to do this include:
Stir powdered milk into beverages, soups, stews, and sauces.
Sprinkle nuts over your salad or cereal.
Stir ground flaxseed into salads, cereals, and smoothies.
Sprinkle cheese over your casseroles, soups, scrambled eggs, salads, and sandwiches.
Spread butter, nut butter, or cream cheese over toast, crackers, or rolls.
11. **Cook with oil and butter.** Cooking foods in oil and butter will increase a dish's total number of calories without adding more food to your plate. Good fats to cook with include:
Olive oil, which contains 119 calories per 1 Tbsp (15 ml).
Canola oil, which contains 120 calories per 1 Tbsp (15 ml).
Coconut oil, which contains 117 calories per 1 Tbsp (15 ml).
Butter, which contains 102 calories per 1 Tbsp (15 ml).
12. **Consume more protein if you want to build muscle.** Muscle weighs more than body fat, which means that building muscle is a great way to gain weight without gaining fat. Protein is essential to helping your body build muscle mass.
Lean meats and eggs are great sources of protein. Some good vegetarian options include peas, nuts, hummus, and beans.
Protein bars and shakes make for great snacks. They pack in extra protein and other nutrients.
13. **Treat any underlying medical conditions.** Certain medications and conditions can make it hard to gain weight. If this is the case, make sure you’re treating your medical condition. Talk to your doctor to find the right options for you.
If you have lost a significant amount of weight without explanation, see your doctor to make sure that you do not have an underlying condition, such as a thyroid or digestive disorder.
14. **Talk to a registered dietitian.** A registered dietitian can help you design meal plans to help you reach your weight goals in a healthy manner. They can also provide advice about exercising or stimulating your appetite.
Ask your doctor to refer you to a registered dietitian.
15. **Quit smoking.** Smoking suppresses your appetite and can affect your sense of taste and smell. Talk to your doctor to discuss strategies for quitting smoking. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a path or pill to help you quit.
If you cannot quit smoking, try to avoid smoking for an hour or 2 before you eat a meal.
16. **Start strength training to build muscle.** While not the fastest option, strength training is a good idea if you want to keep weight on long-term. Exercise is a good way to whet your appetite. Strength training, in particular, is especially good because it allows you to gain weight by building your muscles.
Weight training is a great place to start. You can also do body weight exercises like yoga or Pilates. Avoid too much cardio or aerobic exercise, as they may prevent you from gaining weight.
Eating extra protein is especially important if you plan to build muscle mass through exercise.
Good strength training exercises include squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, bench presses, barbell rows, dips, chin-ups, crunches, bicep curls, leg presses, and leg curls. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Gain-Weight-Fast-(for-Women)", "language": "en"} |
How to Study Horticulture at Home | Horticulture is the study and practice of cultivating a garden, both for appearance and as a food source. For casual studying, look into gardening books, magazines, and blogs. You’ll learn some basic scientific knowledge, as well as pick up many practical tips for working a garden. If you are interested in pursuing a paying career in the field, taking some online classes from home is a great place to start.
1. **Read some essential books for beginners.** From picking up basic science knowledge to acquiring practical horticulture skills, reading is a must. You’ll find more than you can possibly get through at your local library, but start with some basics like All New Square Foot Gardening and The Pruning Book.
For more suggestions, check out the Independent’s article titled “The Most Essential Books for Beginning Gardeners,” which provides titles that are essential garden reading.
If you don’t have the time or desire to look through the library, browse an online catalogue of garden books on a bookstore’s website. Order the books that sound the most interesting.
2. **Subscribe to a gardening magazine.** For consistent reading material in smaller chunks, magazines are the way to go. Skim through a list of dozens of great magazines to find the one that would be most helpful. You may not get in depth knowledge, but you’ll get practical tips to improve your methods.
Magazines are a great way to get some basic, casual knowledge. You’ll be able to pick things up quickly without pushing your mind too hard.
Magazines are also designed to be read in bits and pieces, so the time commitment in each sitting is smaller.
3. **Follow a high-quality gardening blog.** Books and magazines may require more time than you usually have to read. The plus side of blogs is they tend to be pretty short and to the point. You’ll also get tips that are more timely based on the season. Check out a handful of blogs for a week or so to figure out which ones you find the most useful.
Set up email notifications so you’ll automatically receive new content whenever the blog posts it.
4. **Research universities with online Horticulture classes.** Many tech schools, state universities, and even an Ivy League school or two, offer online or “distance learning” opportunities. Start by checking out the course catalogue for schools near you. Then expand outward to see what options you find.
For example, open a web browser and search for “online horticulture classes.” Also search specialized courses on permaculture, gardening, or botanical illustration.
If you find interesting classes at a school that’s out of your price range, look for the same classes at more affordable schools.
5. **Enroll in a few classes that seem most interesting to you.** If you want to casually start up an education in horticulture, choose two or three classes from one of the universities you found in your research. Look at the horticulture group of classes and pick ones that perk up your interest.
Taking a couple of classes is a good way to find out if you are really interested enough in the subject to work hard on studying it.
You’ll pick up some useful knowledge in these classes, even if you choose not to pursue horticulture any further afterward.
6. **Apply for a full degree program.** You may want to pursue horticulture as a career path. In many cases, to get a specialized job in a horticultural field you’ll need in-depth training, as well as a degree. Find a school that offers an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in horticulture.
Areas of focus include but aren’t limited to: floral design, nursery management, research, sustainability, and turf management.
Most of the time, an Associate’s degree takes 18 months to two years to complete. A Bachelor’s degree usually takes four years. A Master’s degree requires previous study, and takes about two years to complete.
7. **Join a community garden club.** Look through your local newspaper or community bulletin board for gardening groups or clubs. They may hold meetings or seminars where you’ll learn valuable garden knowledge. Clubs sometimes tend a community garden where you can get hands on experience with various plants.
If you can’t find an official club, ask around your friends and family to see if anyone works a garden that you could come and check out.
8. **Volunteer at a commercial plant farm.** Search the business directory for plant farms near you. Give them a call and ask if you could spend a few hours a week working with them. Just watching how they tend the plants will teach you a lot. Work the plants if they will let you.
9. **Apply for jobs at local nurseries or landscaping companies.** If you are interested in starting a new job path, or you have some free time to pick up part-time work, look for nursery jobs. Your job would consist of growing plants and transplanting them to their new homes.
This type of work requires you to be outside and do a lot of bending and heavy lifting. Make sure you are physically fit enough for this type of work.
10. ** Start your own garden** One of the best ways to learn is by doing. So find a garden spot in your yard, till up the soil, and plant some seeds. You may not succeed with all of the plants at first, but you’ll learn a lot along the way. Find a few food plants or flowers that you are interested in, and buy seeds to start up your garden. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Study-Horticulture-at-Home", "language": "en"} |
How to Free Dive | Freediving, diving underwater without the use of scuba gear, is an exhilarating experience that people have enjoyed for thousands of years. While freediving is an incredibly rewarding activity, it can also be dangerous. Knowing how to control your breathing, correctly use your equipment, and carefully prepare for the dive will allow you to safely enjoy this amazing and unique sport.
1. **Find a buddy.** Never dive alone; make sure you have a partner who will be with you the entire time you are in the water. The “buddy system” is essential to freediving safely. Your buddy is responsible only for you and you are responsible only for them. One partner is always on the surface monitoring the diver and ready to provide aid if necessary.
2. **Buy your air mask and snorkel.** These are crucial pieces of equipment for freediving, and it is important to choose masks and snorkels that are comfortable and securely fit your face.
An air mask should be low volume. When freediving, you will need to equalize which involves exhaling through your nose to balance the pressure. With a low volume mask, you don't not have to exhale very much to equalize; this means you use less oxygen.
Air masks should be made of tempered glass so they withstand the water pressure without breaking, and they should fit securely to your face. To test the fit, hold a mask to your face then breathe in gently through your nose. If the mask remains on your face after a few seconds, it is a good fit.
Snorkels should be easy to remove and comfortable to wear. For convenience sake, look for a snorkel that will attach to your mask.
3. **Purchase your fins.** Fins are another important part of freediving gear. They help you to move efficiently under the water. There are two types of freediving fins: bi-fins and monofins.
Most beginners should start with bi-fins. These resemble scuba diving fins but are longer. Most beginners choose soft or medium-soft blades. Make sure they fit securely and are comfortable, as you will wear them throughout the entire dive.
A monofin is a single fin that you place both feet in, like a mermaid tail. They are more effective than bi-fins, but much harder to master.
4. **Buy your weight belt and lanyard.** Weight belts are belts designed to have diving weights easily clipped to them. These weights prevent you from floating to the surface as you dive. Lanyards are used to attach you to the line. This helps guide your descent, and it is an important safety device. If you black out or need assistance, your partner can travel down the line and know precisely where you are located.
Not all freedivers use weights or lanyards, but they are useful pieces of equipment, especially for beginners.
If you are diving with a class or group, a line or buoy will most likely be provided. If you are diving in cooler temperatures, an exposure suit and gloves will be necessary.
5. **Find an instructor or class.** Scuba diving may appear to be simple, but there is a lot of information about technique and safety that you need to know before beginning. Making a mistake while freediving can be dangerous or even fatal.Taking a class from a qualified instructor will ensure you learn how to freedive correctly and safely.
Freediving incorrectly can lead to ear, sinus, and lung damage as well as decompression sickness, blacking out, and even drowning.
Major freediving organizations like AIDA International, CMAS, or SSI Freediving have lists of certified instructors that teach students all over the world. Use these sites to find a class in your area.
6. **Start in the pool.** Many courses offer introductory classes in a pool. The pool sessions will teach you how to properly control your breathing. These classes also instruct you in the static and dynamic apnea techniques to build up your body’s tolerance to carbon dioxide. These disciplines are essential to freediving.
7. **Swim using the fins.** Swimming with fins, or finning, is a crucial skill for freediving. scuba divers usually use three kicks: the flutter, frog, and dolphin. The specific stroke does not matter as much as becoming comfortable swimming and kicking while wearing the fins.
The flutter kick is the most basic kick. It is the kick used in the freestyle stroke; both legs are kept parallel, and they flutter up and down. Keep your legs straight and your toes pointed as you kick.
A frog kick is when the legs are bent at the knees and extended outward and then brought together.
The dolphin kick is perhaps the most difficult of the three. It is the kick used in the butterfly stroke. The legs are kept together and move up and down. As they move up, the knees bend,and then straighten as the legs move down. It is called a dolphin kick as it imitates the way dolphins move through the water.
8. **Practice the duck dive.** This is the most efficient way of diving down to depth without the use of weights or a rope.
Begin on your stomach, with the buoy by your hips. Put both arms in front of you and dive forward. Bend at your hips to create a right angle and keep your legs straight; imagine you are trying to touch the bottom of a pool.
Raise both legs out of the water, and make your body straight again. This creates the momentum to propel you under water.
As soon as you raise your legs, bring both arms to the side of your body in a scooping, breast-stroke movement. You should be completely under water at this point, and you can begin finning to continue your descent.
9. **Equalize the pressure.** Learning to equalize is absolutely essential for all freedivers. Water is much denser than air so it exerts greater pressure on your body. The deeper you go, the higher the pressure. There are air spaces in our bodies, and these spaces get smaller as the water pressure increases. Therefore, it is necessary to add air to these spaces; this is called equalization. To equalize, use your fingers to seal your nose and blow out.
Equalize often and don’t wait until your ears hurt to start. Failing to equalize can cause serious injuries.
10. **Take open water courses.** These sessions focus on teaching proper buddy procedures, and they are also where you will learn the free immersion and constant weight techniques. Each class varies, but generally the goal of an introductory open water course is to successfully complete a free dive of 10 meters (30 feet).
The instructor will oversee and troubleshoot your first dives. That way they can ensure you have the correct equipment and are using the correct techniques. Instructors are also trained to intervene and assist if a problem arises.
11. **Practice “breathing up.”** Breathing up is the process of focused breathing to prepare for a dive. The goal is to decrease the heart rate, slow the breathing rate, and relax the body. These things will make the dive easier and allow you to hold your breath underwater for longer.
Often when breathing up, divers lay on their backs in the water. The process is simple: inhale through the mouth, pause, and then slowly exhale through the mouth. The exhalation should be longer than the inhalation-this will decrease the heart rate.
You should breathe up in the last two minutes before you begin the dive.
The purpose of breathing up is to relax your body. Relaxation is key to successful freediving. If you do begin to panic, focus on slowly returning to the surface and then start your recovery breathing to prevent hyperventilation.
12. **Make your last breath count.** Exhale completely and then slowly inhale as deeply as possibly, expanding your rib cage. Wait one moment, remove your snorkel (if you want), and then begin your dive while holding your breath.
You can, and should, practice taking this final breath on land. The more you practice, the more natural it will seem when you are actually diving. Start by holding your breath for a relatively short period of time, say 20 seconds. Then gradually increase the duration. Most people will not be able to hold their breath for a minute or more without a great deal of practice and conditioning.
You should only take 1-2 deep breaths before you dive. If you take more than 2 deep breaths, you may begin to hyperventilate.
13. **Know your recovery breathing.** Recovery breathing should be performed as soon as you surface from every dive. This method helps to prevent blackouts, and it is the quickest method to restore breathing to normal.
Hold on to something (your buddy, the pool wall, the buoy etc.). Breathe in deeply, hold your breath for a moment, then slowly relax and let the air exhale. Repeat this process at least three times until you feel completely recovered. Do not attempt another dive for at least three minutes.
14. **Begin with static apnea (STA).** This is a fancy term for holding your breath for as long as possible while lying facedown on the surface of the water. Static apnea is often practiced in a pool. Since holding your breath is a key component of freediving, many beginners begin with static apnea.
Static apnea is useful to increase your breath holding ability as well as your overall stamina.
The simplicity of static apnea makes it appealing for beginners. However, holding your breath for an extended period of time can be dangerous so make sure you have a buddy as you practice.
15. **Practice using dynamic apnea if you only have access to a pool.** Dynamic apnea is similar to static apnea. However, instead of laying still, you are swimming while holding your breath. The goal is to increase the distance you swim on one single breath. It is a great way to practice freediving when open-water diving is not possible.
Dynamic apnea is also great for freedivers who have trouble equalizing. Since you stay at a constant, shallow depth, the pressure is not an issue. Instead of focusing on how deep you dive, your intent is on the horizontal distance you swim.
16. **Try free immersion freediving (FIM) if you are having trouble equalizing.** In FIM, you use a rope to descend and ascend in the water. This is an ideal way to practice equalizing, as you travel downwards slowly. You also can stop, hold on to the rope, equalize, and then continue downwards. Many introductory classes in pools use FIM to teach equalization.
FIM also allows beginners to experience the sensation of freediving in a more controlled manner.
However, FIM is not just for beginners. It can be used in the open-water, and divers can descend fairly deep while using the rope.
Since you are pulling yourself along a rope, you use more energy in FIM that other disciplines. You may not be able to go as deep with FIM as you would with other techniques.
17. **Use variable weight freediving (VWT) to practice diving at depth.** In this discipline, you use weights to aid your descent. You return to the surface by swimming or using your arms to pull on the rope.
For divers who have trouble descending, this is an ideal way to practice.
Make sure you have a quick-release weight belt so that you can easily remove it if you need to drop the weights and surface quickly.
18. **Try constant weight diving (CWT).** This is the classic form of freediving. You descend and ascend under your own power, without the use of additional weights or rope. If you do wear weights to counteract your suit’s buoyancy, the weight stays the same throughout the entire dive.
Recently, constant weight diving without the use of fins has become more popular. Do not try this until you have experience freediving with fins. The fins help you move through the water and diving without them makes both the descent and ascent more difficult.
19. **Don't attempt no limits freediving (NLT) unless you are an experienced freediver.** This is the deepest of the freediving disciplines and therefore, it is the most dangerous. In NLT, weights are used to go as deep as possible. A buoyancy device (such as a float) is then used to return to the surface. The buoyancy device is either placed at the bottom before the dive or held by another diver, usually in scuba gear.
NLT should never be attempted by novice divers. In fact, many advanced divers choose not to practice NLT. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Free-Dive", "language": "en"} |
How to Write a Thriller Novel | Thriller novels are written to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Unlike mystery novels, thriller novels are about preventing a crime before it is committed. They should shock, intrigue, and keep the reader in suspense from beginning to end.
1. **Choose a thriller type.** There are several different types of thrillers. Choosing a type can help you determine the plot of the novel. The most common types of thrillers are:
Psychological thriller: This type of thriller focuses on the psychological motives of the characters in your novel. Psychological thrillers usually include a main character who is mentally disturbed. (Ex. Family problems, the death of relatives, etc.
Mystery thriller: This type of thriller focuses on the solving of a mystery, but in a fast-paced, intense environment.(Theft, murder, suicide)
Science Fiction thriller: This type of thriller uses a lot of the themes and ideas in the science fiction genre. (Ex. Mutation, zombies, monsters, etc.)
Spy thriller: This type of thriller focuses on spies and espionage.(Ex: Assassination, elimination, kidnapping, etc.
Military thriller: This type of thriller is based on wars, whether real or fictional.(Ex: Wars, nuclear projectiles, hacking, etc.
2. **Brainstorm story ideas.** A good thriller comes from a strong story idea. Most thrillers are built around a protagonist who falls victim to another character or has to fight against another character. Sit down and brainstorm story ideas for your novel that are specific to you and your perspective.
For example, you may have a story idea about death and rebirth, where a character comes close to death and then reaffirms themselves. Or you may have a story with a hero who prevents a crime.
Another option is a story idea where a character prevents a disaster and improves society by solving a problem or dilemma.
3. **Develop engaging characters.** Good thrillers will also have interesting, engaging characters to carry the story forward. Your protagonist or main character should be complex and have a detailed backstory, which is the history of a character or their past. Avoid using stock characters in your novel, as this can take all the energy out of the story and make it feel predictable for the reader.
Avoid stock characters often found in thriller novels, like the hard-boiled detective, the cold, button-downed FBI agent, or the eager young reporter. Make your characters more complex and specific.
For example, you may have a detective that is blind and travels everywhere with a service dog, or an FBI agent who has a shady past and is eager to solve a difficult case. Think about different traits and qualities you can give your characters to make them unique and not a stereotype.
4. **Read examples of thriller novels.** To get a better sense of the genre, read examples of thriller novels. Try to read a variety of different thrillers and different types of thrillers so you get a sense of what is being published. You may read:
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
5. **Plot out the novel** To make writing the novel much easier, plot out your novel. Use a plot diagram to plot out the novel, making sure you keep the stakes high and the conflict going in the plot. A plot diagram will have exposition, the inciting incident, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
You can also use the snowflake method to plot out the novel. The snowflake method consists of a one-sentence summary, a one paragraph summary, character synopses, and a spreadsheet of scenes.
6. **Begin with a bang.** Start the thriller novel with a scene right in the action. Starting with action will throw the reader into the scene right away and assure them they are in for some major thrills. Introduce the crime or describe the protagonist in a the middle of a dilemma or major issue.
Avoid including backstory or exposition in the opening pages of the novel. You can do this later. Start with the most interesting or engaging moments first.
For example, you may start a thriller with a description of a killer hunting down a victim. This will immerse the reader in the world of the story right away.
7. **Maintain high stakes.** As the novel goes on, make sure the stakes are always high for the main character and for the reader. This means putting your main character in situations that are difficult or risky. Keep conflict going between characters. Create obstacles that get in the way of the character solving a crime or achieving what they want. Make the main character’s life full of complications or issues.
For example, maybe you have a thriller where a young, eager FBI agent wants to solve a difficult case. You may make it difficult for the agent to achieve their goal by causing evidence to be lost in a fire or by having a witness go missing.
8. **Keep the action moving.** Do not include any unnecessary information or information that does not further the plot. Make sure the action moves forward continually in the novel and that the pace is always fast. Thriller are at their best when they are action packed and focus more on plot than anything else.
For example, rather than include long sections of backstory for your main character, focus instead on getting the main character from scene to scene. Weave in backstory into a scene when necessary and keep the plot moving at all times.
9. **Build to an exciting climax.** Most good thrillers will have an exciting climax, often three-quarters of the way into the novel. The climax is the moment when the stakes are the highest and the story is at its highest point of suspense and tension. Your main character may confront the antagonist of the novel in the climax. They may solve the main problem or issue in the story. Or they may come to a realization that shifts or changes their world view.
For example, the climax of the novel may be the moment your main character unmasks the killer. Or it may be when the main character realizes the solution to a major issue or problem in the story.
10. **End on a high note.** Wrap up the novel on a high, suspenseful note. Rather than try to wrap up all the loose ends in the book, focus on ending on a scene that will keep the reader guessing. Show the main character making a decisive act in the last scene. Or have the main character come to a realization in the last scene that shows they have changed or shifted in the course of the novel.
For example, you may have a long, elaborate foot chase at the end of the novel, with one last scene between the FBI agent and the killer.
11. **Read over the first draft.** Once you have completed the novel, read over the first draft. Read it out loud to yourself. Notice if the draft moves quickly and efficiently. Check if there are any plot holes. Look for any moments where you can sharpen or deepen your characters.
12. **Show the draft to others.** You can also get feedback from others on the draft to make it stronger. Show the draft to a writing group or to a writing mentor. Enroll in a thriller writing class and have the draft workshopped there.
You can also show the draft to friends and family for their perspective and advice. Be open to constructive criticism, as it will often make the novel stronger.
13. **Revise the draft for action, suspense, and plot.** Once you have received feedback on the draft, revise it for action, suspense, and plot. Ask yourself, is this scene as suspenseful as it could be? Is there enough action in the novel as a whole? Does the plot make sense and keep readers on the edge of their seat? | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Thriller-Novel", "language": "en"} |
How to Choose Olive Oil | Olive oil is revered the world over for its delightful taste and its health benefits. There are many types of olive oils on the market, so choosing can sometimes feel confusing. However, choosing olive oil is easy if you pay attention to the label, your personal needs, and other factors. With a little attention to detail, you can choose the perfect olive oil for you.
1. **Do not be deceived by location.** Not all olive oil is created equal. Usually, the bottom of a bottle of olive oil says where the oil is from. Labeling can sometimes be intentionally deceitful. The company may boast their olive oil is from Italy, but the oil may only have been packaged in Italy. While an oil boasting of being straight from Italy is not necessarily bad, make sure to check other aspects of the oil carefully. The company may be trying to make easy sales by impressing costumers based on the oil's origin.
2. **Take note of the harvest date.** Olive oil does not have a lengthy shelf life, so look for the harvest date on the label. Ideally, you want to purchase an olive oil that has a more recent harvest date. Olive oil only lasts for two years, and that's assuming it's stored in perfect conditions. Even when stored properly, the flavor diminishes with time. The older the harvest date, the less taste the olive oil will have.
If a bottle does not have a harvest date listed, put it back. Never purchase olive oil without knowing the harvest date.
3. **Make sure there's a seal of approval.** A seal of approval from at least some kind of olive oil organization should appear somewhere on the label. California-based olive oils, for example, should have a seal of approval from the California Olive Oil Council. This increases the chances the oil is quality. Olive oil that comes with a seal of approval also tends to be more upfront and honest about factors like harvest date.
The seal of approval is usually found on the back of a bottle of olive oil.
4. **Avoid oils with high levels of free fatty acids.** Free fatty acids (FFA) are often an indication of the quality of the fruit used in your olive oil. Low levels of FFAs do not necessarily mean olive oil is high quality, but high levels indicate a poor quality oil. Look for oils with free fatty acids less than 10 meq/kg.
Free fatty acid levels should be listed on an oil's ingredients label. Avoid purchasing oils that do not list fatty acid levels.
5. **Look for an oil with a high polyphenol content.** Polyphenol contributes to the amount of heart-healthy antioxidants in olive oil. In general, a higher polyphenol content indicates a healthier olive oil. A polyphenol content below 300 is considered low and one above 500 is considered high.
One downside to a higher polyphenol content, however, is the taste. Some polyphenol contents are over 800, which can make olive oil a little more bitter.
6. **Pick extra virgin olive oil if you're using it as a condiment.** If you're looking for an oil to drizzle over breads, cheeses, or meats, go for extra virgin varieties. Extra virgin olive oil is best served unheated and will therefore be very flavorful when used as a condiment.
When using olive oil as a salad dressing or for mild foods like mozzarella, go for a mild or medium strength oil.
Heartier foods or more flavorful vegetables like tomatoes pair well with a more robust oil.
7. **Opt for cheaper olive oil if you're using it for cooking.** If you're using olive oil for a cooking oil, the oil loses a lot of its flavor during the cooking process. Therefore, there is little point splurging on an expensive, flavorful cooking oil. Go for a slightly lower priced oil. It will probably not taste as good as pricier brands, but taste is less important with cooking oils.
Extra virgin olive oil tolerates heat best, so opt for cheat brands of extra virgin olive oil for cooking.
8. **Decide between filtered and unfiltered.** Many people assume filtered oil is higher quality, but this is not necessarily always the case. It depends more on how quickly you intend to use the oil. Unfiltered oils sometimes have a stronger taste, but you need to use them quickly as they spoil much faster than filtered varieties. In general, go for filtered oil if you need olive oil with a long shelf life and opt for unfiltered varieties if you plan to use the oil right away.
9. **Choose the taste you want.** Different brands and types of oils have different tastes. Make sure to account for taste when selecting your oil and pick an oil that corresponds to your desired taste.
Extra virgin brands of Colavita tend to have a very complex taste. For a more neutral taste, go for Bertolli extra virgin.
Think about other factors, such as the oils spiciness, grassiness, fruitiness, and so on. It may be difficult to assess this at a grocery store. If you need a very specific flavor, shop at a farmer's market. Those selling olive oil will generally be able to give you a good overview of their product's flavor.
10. **Shop at a mill, if possible.** If you live near a mill that produces olive oil, see if they have a shop on sight. The fresher the oil, the better. Also, mill workers may be able to give you a better overview of the varying flavors of their oils. If you can buy directly from a mill, do so.
11. **Shop at places that allow a taste test.** Most people do not have the privilege of living near a mill, however. As a second resort, it's always a good idea to shop at places that allow taste testing. Gourmet food stores, farmer's markets, and stores that specialize in olive oil often allow a taste test. Tasting the oil ahead of time is a great way to ensure it has the flavor you desire.
12. **Check the return policy.** Ideally, you should be able to return olive oil if you don't like it. As olive oil is expensive, you don't want to be stuck with a bottle of oil that does not suit your needs. Make sure you're able to return olive oil you purchase and get at least some of your money back.
13. **Check the bottles.** Olive oil should be stored in dark bottles. This will increase the shelf life. A store that sells olive oil in dark bottles will likely provide higher quality, fresher oil that is better to use. Avoid stores where olive oil is stored improperly. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Olive-Oil", "language": "en"} |
How to Do Pull Ups for Beginners | Pull ups can be an excellent way to build upper body strength and work your core. However, it takes time to build up to pull ups. If you want to learn pull ups, start with basic beginner's moves. Eventually, transition into regular pull ups. Make sure to pay attention to your body and not push yourself too hard.
1. **Do flexed arm hangs.** To build muscles in your shoulders and arms, start with flexed arm hangs. To do flexed arm hangs, place a box near the pull up bar that puts your chin just over the bar. Place your hands on the bar with your palms facing you. Lift yourself upward and hold yourself slightly over the bar. Keep your elbows flexed, and your chin over the bar. Hang over the bar in this position as long as is comfortable. Gradually increase how long you hang over the bar as you build up to doing pull ups.
2. **Try some dead hangs.** Dead hangs help build your arm strength and allow you to eventually work your way up to pull ups. To do a dead hang, place a chair near the pull up bar so your arms can just reach the bar. Grab the bar with your palms facing away from you. Pull yourself up about an inch, moving your elbows to the side as you pull your body up. Bend your knees to lift your feet off the stool and hold this position for as long as is comfortable.
Your shoulders should not raise up at all while doing this move. If you find your shoulders raising upward, you need to build more strength before moving on to actual pull ups.
3. **Lower your body slowly.** Lowering your body takes practice as well. To get into the hang of lowering your body, place a chair under the pull up bar and grab the bar with your hands shoulder-width apart and your palms facing you. Step off the chair as you tense up your muscles. Very slowly lower your body. Then, step back on to the chair and repeat the process.
You should keep doing this exercise each day until you can lower your body slowly. You should be able to control the speed of your body as you lower it. If you find yourself plummeting downward quickly, you're not ready to do pull ups.
4. **Find a schedule for these exercises.** You should focus on practicing one aspect of pull ups each day as you work your way up to doing regular pull ups. Make a schedule for yourself where you alternate practicing different aspects of the pull up, with rest days in between.
Start with hanging exercises. Do sets lasting about 20 to 30 seconds with one to two minute breaks in between. Do this every other day to build your muscles.
Then, transition into body lowering exercises. Go for eight repetitions of lowering your body. Do two or three sets, and rest for a minute between sets. Do your sets every other day.
As you feel comfortable, begin combining hanging and lowering exercises, remembering to take breaks in between. Eventually, you'll find yourself feeling comfortable lifting your body and transitioning into a pull up.
5. **Start with hanging and chin pulls.** Before jumping into full on pull ups, work on what are called hanging and chin pulls. Start with three to five 20 to 30 second reps of simply holding the pull up bar as your body hangs down. After doing this, stand on a chair with your chin above the pull up bar. Then, bend your knees so you are holding your body above the bar. Do three to five reps of this exercise, holding the pose for five to 10 seconds for each rep.
Keep practicing this exercise every other day until you no longer struggle with it.
6. **Do negative pull ups.** Negative pull ups help you learn the body lowering aspects of pull up exercises. To do negative pull ups, repeat the chair exercise where you lower your body. Then, lift yourself up just slightly. Lift your body as far as you can without your movements becoming jerky. Do four to six repetitions of this movement.
You can move on once negative pull ups become comfortable for you.
7. **Transition into rows.** To do rows, place the pull up bar on a squat rack until it's waist-high. Position yourself beneath the bar. With your hands slightly farther than shoulder-width apart, grip the bar. You should be in either an inverted push-up or plank pose. Straighten your arms and let your body hang beneath the bar, holding your feet out in front of you. Then, pull your chest near the bar. Hold this for three seconds.
Once you can comfortable do three sets of 15 rows, you can move on to full on pull ups.
8. **Start doing pull ups.** After gradually building your skills, you should be able to start doing pull ups. Get into the hanging position and grab the pull up bar. Keep your palms facing away from you and pull your body upward. Keep pulling until your chin is close to the bar, pause for a second, and then lower your body.
9. **Add pull ups gradually.** At first, you may only be able to do a few pull ups each day. Do not add pull ups too quickly. If you go too fast, you can strain yourself. Strive to only add one to two pull ups to your sets each day.
10. **Consult a doctor before beginning a new workout plan.** You should never jump into a workout plan before talking to a medical professional first. This is especially important if you have any underlying health conditions. Before attempting to do pull ups, talk to your doctor to make sure pull ups are safe for you.
Talk to the doctor about any existing problems or concerns with your back, neck, shoulders, elbows or wrists.
11. **Avoid jumping.** If you're new to pull ups, you may be inclined to jump to help propel your body upward. This prevents you from using the right muscles to do pull ups. Try to lift your body only with your arms and upper muscles. Do not jump as you do pull ups.
12. **Limit doing pull ups to two to three times a week.** You should only do pull ups, or any other weight training work out, two to three times a week. Doing pull ups any more often than this can cause strain. Always take a rest day in between days you do pull ups. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Pull-Ups-for-Beginners", "language": "en"} |
How to Make Maple Syrup | Sugaring, the art of making maple syrup, has been practiced for thousands of years. Many report that once you've done it once, you'll want to do it again and again. Read on to learn how to turn maple tree sap into sweet, delicious syrup.
1. **Make sure your trees are ready to be tapped.** Maple season occurs during the spring when nights are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and days are starting to get warm. This causes the sap to start flowing in trees.
The maple season is over when this temperature pattern ends. At this time the color of the sap will become darker. If sap is collected after the season is over it will be low in sugar content and have an undesirable taste.
2. **Select trees.** There are many different types of Maple trees. Various types have different sugar content; the higher the better. The Sugar Maple has the highest sugar content. The maple tree has a distinct five point leaf. Typically, a tree should be at least 10 inches in diameter before it is tapped.
3. **Purchase taps.** These are also known as spiles. Online is the easiest place to buy taps. Most taps are the same, but the collection containers differ quite a bit. Determine what style of collection container you will use: a bag, an attached bucket, a ground bucket, or a tube network (usually used by advanced syrup-makers). If you don't feel like buying a bucket, a clean milk jug will work fine. Avoid buying and installing a tube network if you haven't tapped before.
4. **Tap the tree.** Drill a hole on the side of the tree that receives the most light, above a large root or under a large branch. The hole should be the size of your tap. It should also be around 1 to 4 feet (30 to 120 cm) above the ground and a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) longer than your tap. The hole should be at a slight downward angle.
An electric hand drill works well for this task.
You could also drill a hole using a hammer and a long nail; hammer it in, then remove it.
5. **Attach a collection container.** It is best to cover containers to keep out rainwater and bugs.
6. **Tap more trees.** 40 gallons of sap makes just one gallon of syrup, which is why store-bought maple syrup is so expensive. A good number of trees to tap for a beginner is 7 to 10; you'll get about 10 gallons from each tree per season, so you'll end up with a few gallons of maple syrup.
7. **Collect the sap.** Over the course of a few weeks, check the collecting containers every few days. Transfer the sap to sealed buckets or other large containers for storage. Keep collecting sap until the season has ended. Now you're ready to turn the sap into syrup.
8. **Filter the sap.** If you have a smaller amount of sap, this is easiest done with a coffee filter. This is only to remove any sediment, bugs, or twigs from the sap. You could also reach in and remove large pieces of debris with a slotted spoon. The sap will be filtered again later, after it's boiled.
9. **Build a fire to boil the sap.** Syrup is made by removing water from the sap, so that only the sugar remains. Sap contains only about 2 % sugar. You can use an evaporator, which is a machine made specifically for boiling sap into syrup, or a less expensive alternative like a good, hot fire (you can also boil it in a pan on the stove, but you're evaporating so much moisture that your whole house will fill with steam). To build an outdoor fire for sap boiling, follow these steps:
Get one or more 5 gallon pots.
Dig a shallow hole in the ground where you want to build the fire.
Build a box out of cinder blocks around the hole. It need only be large enough to accommodate all of your pots. Set a fire grate in the box to hold the pots, leaving enough space below the grate to build a fire.
Build a fire under the grate so it will heat the pots.
10. **Add sap to the pots.** Fill them about 3/4 full of sap. The flames should lick the bottom of the pans and bring the sap to a boil. As the water evaporates, slowly add more sap. Continue stoking the fire and adding sap to the pots until the pots are half full with the remaining sap.
The process of boiling sap down to syrup takes many hours, and you can't take any breaks or you'll end up with burned maple syrup. The fire needs to be hot enough to keep the sap boiling constantly, and you need to keep adding more sap when the liquid gets low - even if it means staying up all night.
You can hang a coffee can with a handle over the sap pot. Cut a hole in the bottom so the sap trickles out gradually. This way you won't have to be there to monitor its progress at all times.
11. **Check the temperature.** When you're finished adding sap and the remaining liquid starts to get low, use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. It will have rested at 212 degrees Fahrenheit or so during the boiling process, but once most of the water has evaporated, the temperature will rise. Remove the liquid from heat when it reaches 219 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you remove the syrup too late, it will thicken or burn, so make sure you monitor it closely.
You can finish the syrup inside if you want to be able to control the heat and temperature more closely.
12. **Filter the finished syrup.** When the sap is boiled it produces niter, or "sugar sand." The niter will settle to the bottom if not filtered. Filtering will remove niter and other substrate that might have gotten into the syrup, like ash from the fire or bugs that flew in. Place a few pieces of cheesecloth over a large bowl and pour the syrup in; you may have to do this a few times to get all the niter out.
Filter the syrup while it's still quite hot, or else it will stick to the cheesecloth.
Special cotton filters made to absorb less syrup are available for sale online.
13. **Pour the syrup into sterilized containers.** Glass mason jars work well, or you could reuse old maple syrup containers that have been boiled. Put the lids on the syrup jars immediately.
14. **Remove taps from trees at the end of the season.** Do not plug the holes; they will close by themselves. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Maple-Syrup", "language": "en"} |
How to Make Garden Lanterns from Old Tin Cans | Light up the night repurposing old tin cans. That summertime, rustic appeal will add warmth and a glow to any balmy summer evening. All you will need are tin cans (of any size), leaves to use as a pattern and a hammer and nails.
1. **Clean up the tin can.** Open each tin can and remove the top (along with any contents). Remove labels and wash with warm soapy water. Dry completely.
Discard any cans that are damaged or rusted.
2. **Fill the tin can up to 3/4 of its length with sand.** This will prevent bulging of the tin can when frozen. (Water expands when it freezes.)
3. **Add water.**
4. **Place the tin can inside the freezer.**
5. **Wait until the water freezes.** Then remove the tin from the freezer.
6. **Choose a suitable leaf to place on tin can.** Tape the leaf in place on the can. Check that you like the placement and size before you begin to hammer.
7. **Tap the first nail into the leaf, being careful not to rip or break the leaf.** Consider hammering the first nail toward the top of the leaf to stabilize your design.
8. **Hammer the remaining nails around the perimeter of the leaf in order to create a pattern.** Space the nail holes evenly so your design appears symmetrical.
9. **Remove the nails and pull or tear off the leaf to expose the design.** You should be able to see the same leaf pattern now outlined in nail holes on the tin can.
10. **Place the tin can in an open, covered area.** Spray paint it the desired color.
11. **Allow the tin can to dry for up to 24 hours.** However, most spray paints will dry within 3 hours if left in a cool, dry area.
12. **Fill the bottom of the can with sand.** Fill it with about a ½ cup of sand, depending upon the can size.
13. **Place the votive in the middle of the can, resting on the sand.**
14. **Light the votive.** (Or, turn on battery operated votive.) This will light up the night.
15. **Finished.** | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Garden-Lanterns-from-Old-Tin-Cans", "language": "en"} |
How to Clean Cheese Cloth | Cheesecloth was once only used to separate curds from whey in cheesemaking. Today, you can use it to make nut milk, prepare greek yogurt, or extract ginger juice, too. With all its various applications, it can be nice to save and reuse cheesecloth instead of buying new sheets every time. If the label on your cheesecloth says one-time use only, you may be able to wash it by hand once or twice, but it will start to break down very soon. If you invest in high-quality cheesecloth, however, you can hand wash it or launder it in the washing machine with your kitchen towels and reuse it nearly indefinitely.
1. **Rinse your cheesecloth in hot water immediately after use.** Try to remove as many bits of food as you can. The faster you get to rinsing the cheesecloth, the easier it will be to get food and stains out of it. If you don't have time to rinse it thoroughly right away, put it in a bowl of hot water to soak until you can wash it.
2. **Soak the cheesecloth in a baking soda solution to remove tough debris.** If your cheesecloth has bits of food or stains that are difficult to get out with just hot water, add baking soda to a hot water soak. Use ½ cup (90 g) baking soda per 1 gallon (3.75 L) of water. Leave the cheesecloth in the solution for 10-30 minutes, depending on how severe the stains are. Rinse the cheesecloth thoroughly after you soak it.
3. **Add white vinegar or lemon juice to the soak water to fade stains and debris.** If you have extra stubborn debris or stains on the cheesecloth, add a stain-fighting ingredient to your baking soda soak solution. Simply add ⁄4 cup (59 ml) of white vinegar or lemon juice per 1 gallon (3.75 L) of hot water along with the baking soda before you soak the cheesecloth.
You can also spot-treat a stain by dipping a toothbrush into the vinegar or lemon juice and rubbing it against the stain before you soak it.
Be sure to rinse the cheesecloth very thoroughly after to wash out all the vinegar and lemon juice. They can attract fruit flies if not completely rinsed out of the cheesecloth.
4. **Boil the cheesecloth for 5 minutes for extra sterilization.** Bring a large pot of water to boil. Place your cheesecloth inside and let it boil for at least 5 minutes. This will kill any lingering bacteria that may be left in the cheesecloth.
It's a good idea to boil the cheesecloth every time after you use it, whether you've just rinsed it or if you've soaked it to get rid of stubborn debris.
5. **Rinse the cheesecloth before you launder it to get rid of food debris.** Run the cheesecloth under hot water immediately after you use it so the food stains don't set into the cloth. Hang it to dry until you are ready to put it in the washing machine.
It's best not to put wet cheesecloth pieces in the laundry basket because it can encourage mold growth.
6. **Wash high-quality cheesecloth in the washing machine.** If you have a cheesecloth that's designed for reuse and made from a high-quality knit material (like cotton), you can wash it with other kitchen cloths. Use a detergent meant for delicate fabrics. It should be free of dyes or perfumes, which could damage the cheesecloth or leach out into your food. Use warm or hot water in the wash and cold water rinse with bleach.
Avoid using a fabric softener when cleaning your cheesecloth. The extra fragrance and softening agents will leave a coating on your cheesecloth and can leach into your food the next time you use it.
Cheesecloth that's labeled single-use cannot be washed in the washing machine. You may be able to hand wash it and reuse once or twice, but it's better to buy cheesecloth meant for reuse.
7. **Launder muslin with other towels in the washing machine.** If you use muslin as an extra-sturdy cheesecloth alternative, you can easily wash it in your washing machine. Add it in the same load with your kitchen or bath towels. Check the label on your detergent to make sure it doesn't contain dyes or fragrances that could contaminate your food the next time you use the muslin.
Avoid using fabric softener for your muslin, as it could cause buildup on the cloth that can leach into your food.
The muslin will shrink after you wash it the first time.
Pick a lightweight unbleached muslin as an easy to clean cheesecloth alternative. Unbleached muslin will have a natural cream color.
Find muslin at your local fabric store. Tell them you are looking for muslin to use as cheesecloth for straining or squeezing.
8. **Dry the cheesecloth in the dryer or outside in the sun.** After you've washed your cheesecloth by hand or in the washing machine, put it through a hot cycle in the dryer. You can also dry it outside in the sun if it's hot outside and it can dry quickly. Hang it on a clothesline or drape it over a clean chair in direct sunlight.
9. **Fold and store the cheesecloth in a plastic bag.** When the cheesecloth is completely dry, fold it 2 or 3 times until it forms a small square or rectangle. Store it in a cool, dry place in an airtight plastic bag until you are ready to use it again.
10. **Reuse sterilized cheesecloth even if it's stained.** Naturally, cheesecloth will get stained sooner or later. If the stain doesn't wash out in the laundry, it won't leach out into your food, either. Be sure to sterilize the cheesecloth by boiling it after you hand wash it or launder it in the washing machine. Dry the cheesecloth before you store it.
If the stains really bother you, add bleach to your soak water the next time you wash the cheesecloth. Use ⁄4 cup (59 ml) bleach per 1 gallon (1.75 L) water. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Cheese-Cloth", "language": "en"} |
How to Intervene in a Legal Case | Intervention in legal cases is most common in child custody litigation. If you want to intervene in a legal case – whether with the plaintiff, with the defendant, or on your own with independent claims against either party – you must first file a motion and ask the judge's permission. Judges have broad discretion over whether to allow additional parties to join the case, particularly if the litigation process is far advanced. Due to the complexities of third-party litigation, you typically want to hire an attorney to represent you.
1. **Get copies of the pleadings.** Before you can correctly format or draft your motion, you must have an understanding of the parties in the existing case so you can evaluate how your claims relate and how you would fit into the litigation.
Since all court cases are a matter of public record, you can get copies of the pleadings by visiting the clerk of the court in which the lawsuit was filed.
Keep in mind that while you may be able to look at the documents in the clerk's office, you typically must pay a fee to have the clerk make a copy of those documents for you.
The pleadings are a source of valuable information concerning the identity of the parties and the addresses at which they can be served. You'll need this so you can have your motion delivered to them.
Your motion typically must provide a background of the case and your claim, as well as explaining why you are intervening and how your claims are relevant. You can't make these arguments without an understanding of the existing case.
Generally, you may assert an intervention "as of right" or request a permissive intervention. If you claim intervention as of right, you must show that you have a direct interest in the dispute from which the case arises, and the only way to protect your interest is to become involved in the lawsuit.
If you can't meet these requirements, you're claiming permissive intervention, which may include a common legal question raised in your claim and in the existing litigation, or a state law that allows you to intervene in the lawsuit if specific conditions are met.
2. **Search for templates or samples.** Depending on the reasons you want to intervene, the court may have a form or template you can fill out if you want to file a motion to intervene on your own without hiring an attorney.
For example, most courts have forms you can fill out if you are a grandparent or other relative who wants to intervene in a child custody or child welfare proceeding.
In other civil cases such as breach of contract cases, there may not be a form that fits your situation. However, you may be able to look at motions filed in other cases to get an idea of how to draft your own.
You can always ask the clerk of court what resources are available. Although the clerk can't offer legal advice on your particular situation, they can point you to forms or suggest samples for you to review, and tell you about various court procedural rules related to intervention.
If you have serious questions or if the reasons you want to intervene are fairly complex, you probably should consider hiring an attorney to represent your interests. Keep in mind that if you make a mistake and your motion to intervene is denied, you may not have another opportunity to enter the litigation.
3. **Format your motion.** Since your motion relates to a case already being litigated, it carries the same caption as the original case, including the names of the party and the original case number. This information typically will not change even if your motion is granted.
If you're using a court-approved form, there typically will be blanks at the top of the first page for you to enter the title of the case (the plaintiff and the defendant) and the case number is was assigned.
If you're drafting your motion from scratch, format your caption in the same way you see it formatted in the other pleadings.
Title your motion below the caption. Your title can be as simple as "Motion to Intervene." If you want to join the case on a particular side, you can add that information to the title as well. Generally, keep your title brief and descriptive of your motion.
The body of a motion typically is written in paragraph form, with an introductory paragraph identifying who you are and what you're asking of the court.
Depending on the complexity of your reasons for intervening, you may include a discussion of those in the body of your motion, or create a separate memorandum with your factual reasons and legal arguments.
4. **Create a memorandum of support.** In some courts, a memorandum is not required if you are not represented by counsel. If you have hired an attorney, they typically will draft a memorandum of support that sets forth the reasons you want to intervene in the case.
Because memoranda typically include extensive and detailed legal arguments, including citations to rules and higher court opinions, courts typically neither require or expect them from litigants who are representing themselves.
You can look at samples of these memoranda filed in other cases if you want to get an idea of the kinds of information they include, even if you don't plan to file one to accompany your motion.
A well-crafted memorandum of support forms the basis of the argument you will make in front of the judge at the hearing, and outlines the reasons the law supports your ability to intervene in the case.
Generally, your claims and the issues you raise must be fairly closely related to the claims asserted in the original case, and the court must have jurisdiction over them.
For example, if you're attempting to intervene in a family court case regarding child custody, that court may not have jurisdiction over a breach of contract claim you have against one of the parties.
5. **Sign your documents.** Once you've completed all of the documents required by the court, you must sign the originals and then make copies of the signed documents. Generally, you should have one copy for each existing party and at least one copy for your own records.
Contact the clerk before you sign, especially if you're representing yourself. Some courts require litigants to sign their documents at the clerk's office before the clerk, or to sign them in the presence of a notary public.
You also can find out from the clerk what other forms you need to have completed to file with your motion. These documents vary depending on the court in which you're filing your motion, but may include a certificate of service or a notice of hearing.
Additional documents typically follow the same format regardless of the case or the specifics of your motion, and you can find forms either at the clerk's office or on the court's website.
6. **Take your documents to the clerk.** To have the judge decide on your motion you must file it with the clerk for the court where the case is being litigated. The clerk will file-stamp your originals and copies, and keep the originals for the court's files.
Keep one file-stamped copy for your own records. Make sure you have at least one copy for each of the parties in the existing case. They must be served with your motion so they have notice that you are asking to intervene so they have fair opportunity to oppose your motion.
Expect to pay a filing fee when you give your motion to the clerk. This fee varies greatly among courts, but typically is around $100.
If you cannot afford filing fees, you can ask the clerk for an application for a waiver. You must provide information about your income and assets, and if they fall below the court's threshold you won't have to pay fees.
7. **Have the other parties served.** All other parties in the case must have notice of your motion so they have the opportunity to respond and present their arguments to the judge, whether for or against your intervention.
You typically have the choice of personal service or mail service. Mail service usually will be the cheapest and most convenient option for you.
With mail service, you send the documents to each of the parties using certified mail with returned receipt requested. The party must sign when they receive the documents.
You will get a green card in the mail after the documents are successfully delivered, and this card serves as your proof of service.
You also may opt for personal service, in which you hire a sheriff's deputy or a private process server to hand-deliver the documents to the parties.
8. **Complete your notice and service forms.** Once the other parties have been successfully served, you typically are responsible for completing a certificate or affidavit of service and filing it with the clerk.
If you chose personal service, typically the individual who completes the service fills out the affidavit of service, although you may be responsible for filing it with the court.
With mail service, you must file the affidavit or proof of service yourself. Attach the green card, or a photocopy of it, to your proof of service form.
9. **Receive any responses.** All parties have the option of filing a written response – either in support or in opposition – to your motion. You will be served with a copy of these responses, and may have the option of filing an additional reply.
Regardless of whether you plan a written response, make sure you understand the arguments made by the other parties in their response memoranda. These are the arguments they will make at the hearing, and you need to understand how to react to them.
If one of the parties has filed a written response in support of your motion, they have in a sense done your homework for you. Although their response provides reasons your intervention is in their best interests, you can use these reasons to enhance and solidify your own arguments.
If one or both of the existing parties in the case have filed responses in opposition to your motion, you must carefully dissect these arguments so you understand how to overcome them.
Assuming you do not have an attorney at this point, you may be able to pay someone a flat fee to go over the documents and explain the arguments for you, give you advice on your ability to intervene in the case, or even assist you at the hearing on your motion.
Especially this late in the game, if you decide you want an attorney you should act as quickly as possible. The date for your hearing has likely already been set, and you may have difficulty finding someone who is available at that time on short notice.
10. **Appear in court on your scheduled date.** The judge to whom the original case was assigned likely will hear the motion on a regular "motion day," during which motions in many different cases are heard one after the other.
If you're going to court by yourself, make a detailed outline of the reasons you are intervening in the case. Provide two or three facts or points that support each of your reasons.
Take your outline to court with you along with all of your documents, including your motion, any responses, and the pleadings from the original case.
Take a seat in the gallery of the courtroom and wait until your motion is called. Expect to spend most of the day in court, as your motion may not be the first one called.
If you're not familiar with the setting, call the clerk's office or visit the court's website before the date of your hearing to find out what items are specifically prohibited in the courtroom and read the court's general rules on how to behave.
11. **Present your arguments.** When your motion is called, you will have the opportunity to explain to the judge why you believe you should be added as a party to the case. Be ready to explain whether you believe you have the right to intervene, and why the court has subject matter jurisdiction over your claim.
Speak slowly in a loud, clear voice so the judge can hear and understand you. If the judge asks you a question, stop speaking and respond to the judge before you continue your statements.
When you're presenting your argument, you should address your statements to the judge alone – don't talk to either party or engage in any conversations with them.
Follow the outline you prepared of your reasons. Stick to the facts of the case, your claim, and why you want to intervene.
Once you've finished your statements, the other parties typically will be given a chance to explain to the judge why they either support or oppose your intervention.
If one or both parties opposes your intervention, the judge may give you an opportunity to respond further to any additional points or reasons they raised.
12. **Receive the judge's decision.** After all sides have been heard, the judge will make his or her decision as to whether you should be allowed to intervene in the case. The judge has broad discretion to deny your motion, even if you asserted intervention as of right.
The judge may let his or her decision be known right then, or take the matter under advisement and issue a written order later.
If the judge indicates he or she will take the matter under advisement, you may want to ask the clerk when you can expect a decision and whether you'll be notified when the order is issued.
If the judge denies your motion, you may want to talk to the existing parties in the case about other potential methods that can be used to bring you into the action – especially if one or both of the parties supported your intervention. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Intervene-in-a-Legal-Case", "language": "en"} |
How to Kayak | Kayaking is a popular water sport. It’s a great way to exercise while enjoying your time out in nature. Before you start kayaking, you'll need the proper guidance, or else you'll end up flipping upside down! Keep in mind, the water can be unpredictable and you should always wear a lifejacket when kayaking.
1. **Put on a lifejacket and secure it before kayaking to stay safe.** You should never go kayaking without a lifejacket. Either buy a lifejacket or get one from a rental company. Slide the lifejacket on over your head and clip the straps together on your chest. Pull the loose ends on the straps to tighten the lifejacket and fit it tight on your chest.
You should also wear a hard-shell helmet if you’re going white-water kayaking or kayaking in a river. It’s not a good idea to do this your first time out, though.
2. **Find a calm, rock-free area to enter the water from the shore.** If you’re taking the kayak out from a beach or shoreline, look for a smooth area where there’s a gradual slope into the water. Avoid areas where you see rocks or debris sticking out of the water.
If you’re getting into a kayak from a dock, you don’t need to worry about finding a calm spot to take the boat out.
3. **Drag the kayak on to the shore by holding the strap in the front.** To move the kayak, look at the front of the boat for a fabric strap. Grab this strap and drag the kayak slowly to take it closer to the water. If you’re with someone else, feel free to carry the kayak together to keep it off of the ground by holding it from each end.
You don’t need to do this if the kayak is tied to a dock.
4. **Let the kayak down so the cockpit rests over the edge of the water.** Drag the kayak directly to the edge of the water. Hold the paddle behind you while you drag the kayak with your free hand. Continue dragging the kayak and let it down so that the cockpit is resting on the spot where the water meets the shore.
If the paddle is in front of you and you drop it in the water, it may float away.
5. **Scoot your way into the cockpit and extend your feet out.** Set the paddle flat against the back of the cockpit and sit on the edge of the kayak. Then, slowly scoot your butt into the cockpit and bring your feet in one at a time. Slide back in the seat so you’re sitting up straight and extend your feet out in front of you to sit in the kayak.
If you’re getting in from a dock, use the edge of the dock to balance yourself. Set your feet inside the cockpit and stay low to balance your weight. Balance the paddle on the edge of the dock while you get in and sit in the seat.
If there are footrests inside of your kayak, put your feet on them.
Most people do not wear shoes when they’re kayaking. If you do want to wear shoes, throw on some water shoes.
6. **Push yourself out into the water using your paddle and body weight.** When you’re ready to embark on the water, grab the paddle and raise it vertically on your side. Dig the blade into the shore and scoot your weight forward repeatedly to push off into the water.
If you’re with any other people, ask someone to just push you into the water. This is a lot easier than scooting yourself in.
If you’re embarking from a dock, either wait for the tie rope to be untied by the dockmaster or untie it from the boat yourself and leave it tied to the cleat on the dock.
7. **Hold the paddle horizontally with both hands.** In your kayak, hold the paddle horizontally in front of you. Hold your paddle with both hands in case you drop it. Grip the bar with a fist by wrapping your thumbs under your 4 fingers.
If you aren’t comfortable while you’re holding the paddle, you’re doing it wrong. The paddle should feel comfortable in your palms.
You don’t need to squeeze the handle hard to hold it. However, don’t relax your grip to the point that your hands slide around the bar.
8. **Hold the paddle so your hands are stretched out a little past your shoulders.** Grip the paddle in the middle so there’s an equal amount of space in between each hand and the blades on each side. Make minor adjustments with your grip to stay comfortable.
9. **Turn the paddle in your hand so the smooth and concave side faces you.** The fins on the end of the kayak paddle are called blades. These blades are not identical on both sides, so inspect them to see which side is smooth and concave. Turn the paddle in your had so that the smooth and concave sides face you.
When you paddle, orient the blades so that they’re perpendicular to the surface of the water.
10. **Orient the blades so that the flat horizontal edge is on top.** Inspect the long sides of each blade. The straightest horizontal edge always goes on top. If there is an angle at the end of each blade, the angle always points up and away from you. Flip the paddle around so the left and right side swap if your blades are upside down.
11. **Stay upright and maintain a firm grip when paddling the kayak.** Sit up straight in your kayak and keep your core engaged. You can lean forward a little if you have to, but you may lose control of the kayak as your center of gravity shifts if you start moving your torso back or to a side.
Keep your feet on the footrests while you’re paddling. If you don’t have footrests, keep your feet stretched out in front of you. You can bend your knees a little bit if it’s more comfortable for you.
12. **Raise the paddle up and twist your torso.** Lift your paddle up a little but keep your elbows under your shoulders. To propel yourself forward, twist your chest a little in whichever direction it feels comfortable to start. If you turn to the left, shift your paddle a little to the left and vice versa.
Most of your power comes from your chest, not your arms. This is why coiling your upper body back is important when you start paddling.
13. **Angle the paddle while bringing the raised blade forward.** As you start the stroke, tilt the blade you pulled back down 15- to 25-degrees. Push the raised blade forward while lowering it towards the water. Do this in a kind of semi-circle so that the raised blade goes up and lowers down almost perpendicular to the water.
If it helps, imagine that you’re turning two gears with each arm moving in opposite directions. The arm moving forward turns at the same time as your other arm lowers back behind you.
14. **Dig the blade into the water and untwist your torso to push forward.** Push the front blade down into the water so that it’s just under the surface of the water. Then, pull the blade back towards you. At the same time, pull your back shoulder forward to untwist your torso. Push the blade you have raised out of the water forward while doing this.
If you’re paddling correctly, you should eventually feel your core, chest, and shoulders getting sore at roughly the same time.
15. **Repeat this action on the opposite side to propel yourself forward.** As you drag the paddle underwater, curl your torso towards it so your shoulder is always pointing at the blade that’s underwater. Then, start lifting the blade out of the water while lowering the blade on the opposite side. Push the raised blade into the water and pull it back while uncoiling yourself to keep paddling forward.
16. **Find a rhythm as you paddle to continue going forward.** As you paddle, you will feel how the kayak shifts slightly with each individual stroke. Find a pattern where that shifting is even on both sides to keep your kayak moving straight. Use an equal amount of strength with each stroke to move consistently and smoothly.
17. **Use sweep strokes to pivot the angle of the kayak and turn.** To turn left, extend the right side of your paddle out in front of you and lower it into the water. Twist your torso to the left and drag the paddle backwards in a semi-circular motion while uncoiling your upper body. Repeat this stroke if you need to keep turning and reverse the direction to go to the right.
Your chest turns in the opposite direction that you’re moving the paddle to compensate for the shift in your center of gravity.
Maintain your center of balance while doing this. It can be kind of tempting to lean towards the paddle while you do this, but you may fall into the water if you lean too far.
18. **Paddle in the opposite direction to brake or slow down.** If you want to slow down or go backwards, paddle the same way you go forward, but in reverse. Stick your right blade underwater, slide it forward, then lower your left blade underwater as you raise the right blade out. Slide the left blade forward and repeat this process to either slow yourself down while travelling forward or paddle in reverse.
To slow down while turning at the same time, just stick one of your blades into the water and hold it still. To turn right, put your right blade underwater. To turn left, stick your left blade underwater.
19. **Hold the paddle vertically to use draw strokes to move sideways.** If you’re trying to line up with the dock when you’re coming back or if you’re kayaking with other people and you’re close to bumping into someone, hold your paddle vertically with both hands. Then, stick one blade underwater with the flat side facing away from you. Slowly push the blade away from you to push yourself sideways without changing the angle of the boat.
If it’s more comfortable, point the blade towards your kayak and pull it towards you on the opposite side to move the same direction.
20. **Paddle towards a dock and use draw strokes to get parallel.** If you’re returning to a dock, paddle straight towards the side and slow down gradually as you get close. When you’re within 10 feet (3.0 m) of the side of the dock, brake entirely and use draw strokes to line up with the side of the dock.
21. **Use forward strokes to paddle on the shore for a beach landing.** If you’re landing on the beach or shore, paddle forward. Find a calm part of the shore with an even, flat surface to land and angle the kayak towards that. Continue paddling forward until the front of your kayak slides forward on to the ground.
22. **Step out of the water or use the dock to lift yourself out.** For a shore landing, once your kayak slides on to the ground, use the sides of the cockpit to push yourself up. Step into the water and hold the paddle in one hand. Grab the strap on the front of the boat with your other hand and pull the kayak on the shore. For a dock landing, hold the side of the dock and carefully lift yourself up on to it.
23. **Secure the kayak with a tie line or by pulling it out with the strap.** For a beach landing, grab the front of the kayak by the strap and slide it all the way on to the shore so that the water isn’t within 10 feet (3.0 m) of the boat. Otherwise, the kayak may get pulled out into the water. For a dock landing, use the rope on the dock to tie the boat to the cleat.
If you’re taking the kayak out of the dock, grab the strap on the front of the kayak and pull it up on to the dock. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Kayak", "language": "en"} |
How to Take Better Photographs | Some people think that great photography requires an expensive camera, but don't worry—good technique is much more important than costly equipment. Brushing up on your basic photography skills is beneficial no matter what camera you’re working with, and you don’t even need to memorize all the fancy lingo to get started. As you practice, try to take as many photos as possible so you have a few options to choose from when you’re done. And above all, try to have fun as you mess around with your camera to take fun, fresh pictures!
1. **Choose a focus for your photo.** It is important to have a central focus for your photo so your audience knows what to look at. This item or person should be at the center of the photograph or highlighted in some other way so that they stand out. You can take this literally and use an actual framing object, or you can manipulate your shot in some way instead.
For example, you might use an archway or window as a frame for your subject. Taking the photo so that the subject is within the archway or window, either in the foreground or background, will help emphasize the photo.
You can also use people as a frame. Once you’ve picked your central focus, frame your shot so that the subject is surrounded by people from all sides.
You can also emphasize your focus by using the rule of thirds. This is when you divide your shot into 3 vertical sections and 3 horizontal sections and then take the shot with your focal point in the center of this grid. It’s both pleasing to the eye and easy to incorporate into your technique.
2. **Change up your lighting.** Identifying where your light is coming from is an important part of ensuring the best lighting for your subject because the light needs to be on your subject to illuminate it properly. Before you take a photo, take a moment to look around you and determine which direction the light is coming from, then adjust your shot if you need to.
For example, if you are outdoors, figure out where the sun is and observe how it is casting light on your subject. Consider what angle might be the most flattering or interesting for photographing your subject. If possible, shoot an hour after sunrise or before sunset to get some really dynamic light.
Avoid taking pictures with the light source directly behind you. This can make your photos look somewhat boring and flat. Instead, always try to position yourself so that you are shooting your subject at an angle relative to the light. Side-light is typically ideal.
3. **Eradicate red-eye by turning off your flash.** The red eye is caused by the camera’s flash reflecting off of the subject’s retinas, and it usually happens when you are taking photos in low light. To avoid getting a red-eye effect, you can try:
Turning on more lights.
Telling your subjects to look away from the camera.
Turning on the red-eye function. Most digital cameras and newer smartphones have this feature and it can help to prevent red-eye shots using editing software after the fact.
4. **Make your shot multi-dimensional with foreground and background items.** If you want your subject to seem small, then you might place something in the foreground of the shot. If you want your subject to look large, then you might place something in the background. If there isn’t any dimension in your photos, they could look a little flat.
For example, you might take a picture of someone standing on a beach, but photograph the person from far away with a seashell in the foreground. Or, you might photograph the person from a closer vantage point, but capture a seemingly endless white beach in the background.
If you want to blur out the background a little bit and make your shot more interesting, lower the aperture (or f-stop). This will concentrate the depth of field on your subject.
5. **Get up close and personal to zoom in on your subject.** Sometimes photos do not look as good as they could because you are too far away from your subject. If you notice that the details of your subject are hard to make out, then try moving a little closer until you like how the photo looks.
For example, if you took your first shot while standing 10 feet (3.0 m) away, then take the next one from 5 feet (1.5 m) away. Keep checking your shots and adjusting your distance until you have captured the desired amount of detail in your shot.
Toy around with the angle you’re shooting at to find something dynamic and interesting that suits the subject.
6. **Look natural by keeping the flash off.** Although a flash can be helpful in super dark photos, most of the time it will make your photography subject look washed out. If you can avoid it, try to keep the flash off when you take your pictures to make them look better when you upload them to social media.
The flash can also bounce off of certain types of makeup, making a strange shimmer effect that doesn’t look very natural.
Natural light is the best light source, especially for phone cameras, to make you or your subject look flattering.
Look for locations on your subject where the light creates unique contrasts or highlights. This is often where the best photos can be taken.
7. **Avoid cluttered photos by removing unnecessary objects.** Since most people look at social media on their phones, uploading a cluttered photo can be hard to take in on such a tiny screen. Try to keep the focus of the shot to one subject so that your followers can easily make out what you’re trying to draw attention to.
For example, if you’re taking a nature shot, choose one mountain or plant to be the focal point.
Or, if you’re taking a selfie, stand in front of a solid-colored background.
When you take photos of other people, try to blur the background so the person in the foreground stands out. If you’re using a smartphone, try switching to “Portrait Mode” to do this automatically.
8. **Lengthen your legs in full-body shots to look taller.** If you’re taking a picture of your outfit, shift your weight onto one leg and extend your other leg out in front of you. Point your toe slightly to elongate your body and make yourself look taller in your photos.
Shifting your weight to your back foot will bring the majority of your body back and away from the camera while extending your front leg towards the foreground. This gives the illusion of height and length in your body, while still looking natural.
This can feel funny at first, so try practicing it in the mirror a few times before you use it in a photo.
9. **Use natural lighting to get an effortless, glowing selfie.** When you’re searching for a place to take the perfect selfie, try standing in front of a window or going outside for the best lighting. If it’s nighttime or gloomy out, try pointing a yellow-toned light (not fluorescent!) at the ceiling and standing near it. This natural light will bring out your best features and make your skin glow.
If you can, try taking pictures during “golden hour,” or when the sun starts to set.
Try taking a couple of selfies in a row so you have a few to choose from when it comes time to upload them.
10. **Crop your photos to upload them on Instagram.** When you upload a picture to Instagram, use the “crop” feature on the Instagram tools to make your photo smaller so it doesn’t take up the whole frame. Doing this can create a more interesting picture and it will provide some variation in your feed.
Instagram is one of the most popular social media sites for photos. Thinking about how your pictures look on this particular social media platform can be helpful in gaining followers, website clicks, and sales.
Watch your compositions when you’re shooting so that you don’t need to crop too much in editing.
11. **Keep the filters and photo editing to a minimum.** Too many filters can degrade the quality of your photo, and it can make your pictures look a little less natural. Try to use the least amount of filters possible, especially when you take photos of yourself or other people.
It’s always better to take a quality photo in the beginning so you don’t have to do as much editing later on.
If you would like to add a filter, try using FaceTune, AfterLight, or the filtering effects on Instagram.
12. **Set your camera to a high resolution.** The resolution of your camera affects the detail and the quality of the image. The higher the resolution, the better the photo will look on screens both big and small. Go into your camera settings and set the resolution to “high” so your photos come out looking great.
You can always lower the resolution after you take the photo if you need the file to be smaller, but you can’t increase the resolution later.
13. **Pick a simple background that isn’t too distracting.** A background that’s too wild can detract from your product and be distracting. Try to choose a background that’s one solid color and doesn’t have a lot of details so your product stands out.
You could use poster paper, a wooden table, a solid-colored rug, a solid-colored sweater, or even a solid-colored wall.
14. **Make your product the star of the show.** Although it’s fine to add props and background pieces, too much clutter in the frame can be confusing. If you’re going to add props, keep them small or simple so they don’t overpower your product. When in doubt, use a clean, simple background with good lighting.
White poster paper can make a good background in a pinch.
Too many props can make the customer uncertain as to what item you’re selling.
15. **Photograph the product from all angles.** No matter what you’re selling, giving your consumers the full picture is an important part of happy, returning customers. Make sure you get the front, back, and sides of your product so there aren’t any surprises when your customer opens up their package.
Even if you’re selling an item with a back that will be hidden, you should give your customers an idea of what it will look like.
16. **Focus the frame on your product to emphasize it.** If your item is too small or too far away, it can be hard to make out the details and it won’t be as striking. Try to fill up your camera’s frame with your product so that it’s visible and there isn’t any room for question about what you’re selling.
If you need to, you can crop your photos after you take them so your item fills the frame.
17. **Use another object for a size comparison.** It doesn’t ha to be an obvious placement, but try to take at least 1 photo of your product next to something else so that customers can get a sense of how large it is. You can use flowers, a book, a piece of furniture, or even a doorway to show, without words, how large the item is.
For example, if you’re photographing jewelry, try sprinkling some rose petals in the shot.
Or, if you're selling a blanket, drape it over the back of a couch.
For wall art, try hanging it on the wall next to framed photographs or posters.
18. **Use your camera’s automatic modes to easily get the settings you want.** Most digital cameras and smartphones have an easy automatic mode that will change your camera’s settings based on the type of subject you are photographing. For example, the camera may detect that you are taking a portrait of someone in low light and adjust the settings to get the best image. Try using your camera’s automatic setting to make it easier to take better photos.
If your photos come out poorly focused or poorly exposed, then start operating certain functions manually.
On smartphones, you can leave the HDR, or high dynamic range, on auto as well. This will adjust your photos in real time for the best exposure real-timeing.
19. **Tap and hold to lock your smartphone camera’s focus.** If you’re taking a picture of a subject and the focus keeps switching to the background, hold your finger on the camera screen and press down on what you’re trying to photograph. This will “lock” the focus in place so that you can move your camera around while still keeping your subject in focus.
Some older smartphone models may not have this option, so you can play around with your camera and figure out what options you do have.
20. **Switch to a telephoto lens if your smartphone has one.** Some newer smartphone models have 2 cameras: a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens. If you’d like to zoom in on a subject or tighten up your frame without moving your camera, tap on the “1x” button and switch it to “2x.” This will switch your camera into the telephoto lens mode, and you’ll look like you’re only a few steps away from whatever you’re photographing. To switch back to a wide lens, just click on “2x” again and switch it to “1x.”
This lens is perfect for photographing wildlife, since you can get up close without having to be physically near your subject.
21. **Steady your camera with a tripod to create sharper images.** If you have a hard time keeping your camera steady enough to photograph your subjects, then you might find it helpful to get a tripod. A tripod will keep your camera steady while still allowing you to adjust it to different angles.
You might consider getting a low-cost tripod to start out with. You can also get mini-tripods that adjust so that you can place them on table tops and photograph from lower angles.
If you take a lot of selfies, consider getting a selfie stick. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Better-Photographs", "language": "en"} |
How to Clean a Loofah or Natural Sponge | A loofah, also known as a sponge, is used for exfoliating dead skin and as a general-purpose sponge for personal hygiene. There are natural loofahs, which come from the fibrous skeleton of the loofah fruit, and loofahs made from plastic and synthetic material. Over time, a loofah's tiny nooks and crannies fill with nasty bacteria and fungi. That’s why it’s important to keep your loofah sanitary so it remains safe to use.
1. **Rinse it well.** Rinse your loofah well after each use and squeeze and shake out excess water.
2. **Keep it dry.** Bacteria loves growing in wet places, so keep your loofah dry to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for nasty germs that cause folliculitis, yeast, and fungal infections. Once you've rinsed your loofah, store it in a cool, dry place.
3. **Disinfect it.** Loofahs start out hygienic, but the accumulation of dead skin cells and storage in humid environments turns it into a bacteria haven. Soak your loofah in diluted bleach for five minutes each week to kill bacteria and germs.
4. **Use essential natural oils.** Essential oils have antimicrobial properties that help deter bacterial growth. They also contain no irritants or harsh chemicals, which is good for both your skin and the environment.
On a weekly basis, soak your loofah in a solution made up of warm water and a few drops of pure essential oils. You can purchase essential oils from most health food stores.
5. **Microwave it to kill the germs.** Your microwave is a powerful weapon in killing germs and infection causing bacteria. You can periodically microwave a synthetic loofah for two minutes to decontaminate it.
Before placing the loofah in microwave, make sure it is completely wet and does not contain any metal parts to avoid the risk of fire.
6. **Wash your loofah in the washing machine.** Go ahead and give your loofah a spin in your washing machine! You should wash it every week in cold water using a mild or gentle cycle. Do not put the sponge in the dryer as the natural fibers will melt.
7. **Know when it’s time to throw it away.** Avoid becoming so attached to your loofah that you keep it around when it’s no longer safe to use. Discard your loofah if you notice mold growth or if it smells mildewy or musty. Doing so will help prevent you from catching a nasty skin infection.
Replace a natural loofah every three to four weeks. Synthetic loofahs can be used for up to two months.
8. **Decide on whether to purchase a natural or synthetic loofah.** There are many different natural and synthetic loofah products on the market. Be aware that loofahs made from natural substances do not last as long as those used in synthetic sponges. Synthetic sponges will last longer on average and require less maintenance.
9. **Consider an alternative to a loofah.** Loofahs are a favorite bath and shower accessory for many people; however, because of all the nooks and crannies in a loofah, it is very susceptible in breeding bacteria. You might want to consider ditching the use of loofahs for a more sanitary alternative instead.
Washcloths tend to be used more frequently and easier to wash and dry. In addition they accumulate less bacteria due to their physical structure.If you can't bare to part with your loofah, then alternate days between using a washcloth and a loofah. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Loofah-or-Natural-Sponge", "language": "en"} |
How to Care for a Chick | Chicks are fluffy, adorable, and often hard to resist. You may get a baby chick as an Easter gift or to raise as a pet. But baby chicks are very sensitive to their environments and require proper care in order to grow into chickens. By creating the proper habitat and promoting the health of your chick, you can take care of it and watch it grow.
1. **Get a dwelling.** Finding the right habitat for your chick is relatively simple. You can use a variety of different types of housing, ranging from one you purchase to one you have around the house. If you have more than one chick, make sure the habitat can comfortably accommodate all of them. Consider some of the following options for your chick’s home:
A simple cardboard box
An aquarium
A cat carrier
A guinea pig cage
2. **Place the habitat in a protected space.** Because it is so young and small, your chick is especially vulnerable to falling from its habitat or becoming prey for other animals. Keep the habitat in a space where your chick can’t fall or escape and where pets can’t gain access to her.
Consider putting a ventilated lid on the habitat for times when you are not home or unable to watch your chick. This can keep other animals out while protecting your chick from falling out of the cage.
Avoid putting the habitat in any spaces that are very high off the ground. This can protect your chicks from falling too far, which can be fatal
3. **Line the habitat.** Chicks and chickens are very sensitive to temperature. It’s important to line your chick’s habitat with materials to help keep it warm, which can prevent disease or death.
Line the housing with old towels or blankets for the chick’s first few weeks of life. Make sure the lining has no loose strings, which your chick can swallow or might strangle her.
Switch to a lining of straw and newspaper after a few weeks. Make sure to cover the bottom of the habitat with enough straw because the slippery surface of the newspaper can cause your chick’s legs to grow malformed.
4. **Control the temperature.** Chicks generally need to be kept warm but should also have a habitat that has a range of temperatures. Use a lamp to heat one side of the habitat while keeping the other side cooler. This allows your chick to freely decide at which temperature she feels more comfortable throughout the day.
Construct a heat source using a 100watt light bulb in a reflective clamp style lamp or an infrared reptile heat bulb. Install either option on one side of the habitat. You can get both lamps at most pet and home stores.
Make sure the temperature is a constant 90-100 degrees for the first few weeks of the chick’s life. Your chick is the best thermometer for her habitat: if she is hiding on the opposite corner of the habitat from the lamp, then it is too hot. If she is smothering herself in the blankets or along with other chicks, then you need to increase the heat.
Consider keeping your chick’s habitat away from radiators or non-lamp heating devices to help maintain a warm and consistent temperature. You may also want to keep it away from drafty areas.
5. **Introduce your chick to her habitat.** Once you get your chick, it’s time to introduce her to her new home. You can do this by gently holding her and releasing her into the habitat. Talk to her and assure her with by patting her that she can enter and be comfortable.
Consider staying with your chick for an hour or so to help her get used to her habitat.
6. **Commit to your chick.** While it’s tempting to pick up a cute colored chick at Easter or have one in a classroom, remember that baby chicks are animals and not toys. Many people think it’s acceptable to release a chick into their backyards or an animal shelter when it grows beyond the cute, fuzzy stage. Before you get your chick, make sure you are fully committed to caring for it over the course of its life.
7. **Maintain habitat cleanliness.** A clean habitat is key to your chick’s health. Help keep it clean with daily spot cleaning and a thorough cleaning once a week.
Remove any soiled lining and replace it as necessary. Replace all of the lining at least once a week.
Wash your chick’s water and food dish at least once a week with a mild soap and hot water. Make sure to thoroughly dry the dishes to prevent the development of bacteria that can harm your chick.
Wipe down any soiled walls or bases. If you are using a cardboard box, consider giving your chick a new one if it is soiled or smells bad.
8. **Feed your chick.** Your chick will eat special food for the first few months of her life. Make sure she has plenty of food and allow her to graze throughout the day on it.
Provide your chick food specially formulated for chicks for the first two months of her life. You may get either a medicated or non-medicated food depending on your chick’s needs or your personal preference. You can get chick food at either your vet’s office or a pet store.
Switch to grower feed, which is about 17% protein, when your chick turns two months old. After another two months, you’ll switch the feed again to a slightly lower protein choice or a layer feed.
Make sure your chick has a constant supply of food and water because she will grow quickly. Refill food as necessary and make sure you clean her food dish at least once a week.
Throw away any feed that is old, moldy, or stale.
9. **Provide your chick fresh water.** Just as your chick needs a constant supply of food, she also needs a steady amount of fresh water. Place a small dish of fresh water in your chick’s cage every day and refresh it as necessary. Check the dish a couple of times a day to make sure your chick has enough water and that it’s clean.
10. **Place a dirt bath in the habitat.** Most birds “bathe” themselves and clean their feathers by flapping around in dirt or sand. Put a small dish of either material in the habitat for your chick to keep herself clean.
Be aware that not all chicks will take baths. Your chick may wait until she is older and this is entirely normal.
11. **Play with your chick.** It’s also important to the health of your chick that she receives plenty of attention from you. Chicks are friendly and curious and can form a bond with you. In addition, it can be fun to watch your chick’s interactions with you and other chicks.
Give your chick a name and make sure to talk to her using this name during your play. Hold and stroke her for at least a few minutes multiple times a day.
Consider allowing her time to roam outside of her habitat during the day. However, make sure you watch her during this time so she doesn’t injure herself or doesn’t fall prey to another animal.
12. **Schedule a babysitter.** If you have to leave or go on vacation, it’s vital to your chick’s health to have someone check in on her every day while you are gone. Ask a trusted friend or family member to either stay at your home to care for your chick or check in on her and refill food and water every day.
13. **Watch for illness.** Maintaining the habitat and feeding your chick properly will go far in keeping her healthy. However, it’s good to check your chick and her waste every day to ensure that she is healthy and not showing potential signs of illness.
Check or listen for signs of wheezing or limping, which can signal a problem with your chick’s lungs or leg development.
Examine your chick’s poop, too. Diarrhea can cause matted feathers or clogged cloaca, which are the openings to the digestive and urinary tracts.
Avoid introducing chicks from different flocks to your chick, as these can also introduce disease.
Schedule an appointment with your vet if you see any signs of illness or are concerned about your chick.
14. **Watch for feathers.** One of the first signs of your chick developing into an adult chicken is her sprouting feathers. In most cases, you will see feathers developing a few days after your chick has hatched.
Continue to monitor your chick over the next few weeks to make sure she’s properly growing feathers. The rate of feather development should increase over the following weeks and your fluffy chick will appear more like a grown chicken.
Be aware that it’s common for your chick to go through a phase of looking awkward while she is transitioning. Don’t be surprised if she has long, gangly legs and scraggly feathers. This phase is comparatively short.
15. **Promote growth with diet.** You may notice that once your chick starts sprouting feathers that her appetite also increases. Make sure to give your chick the proper food to her age and always provide a source of water.
Feed your chick her starter rations until she is about 18 weeks old. At about 18-20 weeks, switch her food to a layer feed, which has extra calcium to help her grow. Consider getting a well-balanced layer feed at your local pet store or vet’s office. These feeds have the right protein, vitamins, and nutrients to help your chick grow into a chicken.
Avoid feeding your chick scratch if you can afford it. Although your chick might love the taste, it doesn’t necessarily have all of the nutrients needed for proper growth. Consider giving her scratch as a treat.
Make sure your chick has a consistent source of clean food and water. Spread it in her habitat and keep a dish of water readily available. As your chick grows, you may want to check the habitat a few times a day to ensure that your chick has enough food and water.
16. **Move your chick into a coop.** Your chick will eventually outgrow her cozy habitat that you created. Even if you plan on allowing your chick to range freely on your property, she will still need a coop to protect her from predators and bad weather.
You can either purchase a commercially constructed coop or build one yourself. Your chick will need 2-3 square feet of space to live comfortably. You can buy coops at many pet stores or consider getting one secondhand. If you decide to build the coop yourself, you will need to incorporate some of the following elements: four walls, a roosting bar, a nest box, windows for ventilation, and a door with a secure latch.
Take safety precautions when setting up the coop. Raise it 6–8 inches (15.2–20.3 cm) off of the ground to prevent rodent infestation and cover or replace any ventilation holes with cloth wire instead of chicken wire to prevent injury. Make sure to check the latch because raccoons are very good at opening latches.
Move your growing chick when it is at least 55 degrees at night inside the coop. Remember that your chick will still be sensitive to temperatures as she grows and may need to stay inside longer to promote healthy development.
Be aware that although there is usually no problem introducing your chick into a coop with other chickens, she may be hesitant at first. Introduce her gradually and gently to the flock through playtime outdoors or putting her in the coop for a few minutes a day until she is ready to move more permanently.
17. **Keep the coop clean.** Your growing chick will continue to need a clean habitat to promote her health and well-being. Sweep out the coop at least once a week and check the food and water dishes daily to ensure there isn’t any moldy or old food or algae growing on the water. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Chick", "language": "en"} |
How to Fight a Photo Red Light Ticket: Contesting Your Ticket & More | If you've received a red-light camera ticket and would like to challenge the citation for any reason, here is a guide that will help you better understand the court processes and procedures that will be required for your defense. Even if it is clear from the photograph that you are not the individual driving the vehicle, you will unfortunately still need to appear in court several times in order to have your name cleared. This guide will help you navigate the traffic-court system.
1. **Examine the ticket and all of the associated paperwork.** Unfortunately, fraud and identity theft are becoming more-and-more popular. In some cases, con artists will mail-out falsified tickets in order to obtain an individual's private information.
Make sure all of the information provided on the ticket is accurate and complete.
Is your name spelled correctly? Address correct? If any of this information is incorrect or missing it may be an indicator of fraud.
2. **Contact the agency that issued the ticket (i.e.** , the highway patrol or the local police department). Only the agency that issued the traffic violation can verify whether-or-not your ticket is indeed authentic.
Have your citation number ready.
3. **Check your court date.** The time and day of your arraignment should be listed on your citation. This is also the last day to pay any fees or penalties if you choose to do so.
The ticket will also have the address and contact information for the courthouse you will be required to appear.
In some states, this is the latest date that you can pay or appear in court. In these states you may appear in court anytime before this date to be arraigned.
4. **Understand that an arraignment is not a court hearing.** On this day, you will not be presenting your case or your evidence to the judge, but will instead, be entering a plea of guilty, guilty with explanation, or not-guilty.
Those who enter a guilty with explanation plea, are admitting guilt but asking the court to consider the circumstances and conditions of their violation.
This can lead to reduced penalties.
5. **Appear in court for your arraignment.** When the judge announces your name and case you will be asked to identify yourself, at which time you will be able to enter a plea. Once you plead not-guilty, a date for your court-hearing will be set.
Be sure to be on time.
6. **Visit the traffic court clerk.** The court clerk will help you with all of the appropriate paperwork, and will be able to provide you with further information regarding your personal defense.
This will include a time and date for your hearing, as well as a specific courtroom address and room number.
7. **Ask the clerk how to properly "serve" the prosecutor with a "request for production" (more on this later).** Properly filing a "request for production" is very important. It establishes a legal date of receipt.
Depending on your state, the prosecutor will then have a pre-determined amount of time to respond.
If they fail to respond, you can ask to have your case dismissed.
This paperwork will be needed when you return to court.
8. **Know how the red light camera works.** Red light cameras take two pictures – one of the driver and one of the car's license plate.
If someone else is driving, and this is clear in the photograph, you can ask to have your case dismissed.
You can also ask to have your case dismissed if the photograph of the driver is blurred or unclear, to the point that the driver's identity remains in question.
Check the license plate. If it doesn't match the car you own, raise this as evidence for dismissal of the ticket.
9. **Compose a "request for production" or a "discovery request."** This written request requires the prosecutor to provide you with a list of the evidence that is going to be used against you in court. If this request is not met within a set number of days--which is determined by your local state laws--it may be grounds to have your ticket dismissed.
Consult your traffic court clerk for more details regarding the number of days your state allows the prosecutor to respond.
Evidence can include photographs, lists of witnesses, etc.
10. **Serve the request.** If you have already visited the court clerk, you will have all of the information needed to properly serve the prosecutor. When a prosecutor is served, he or she is legally acknowledging that they have indeed received your request. This establishes a legal date of receipt.
If the prosecutor does not provide you with this; or does so beyond the legally allotted amount of time determined by your state, you can ask to have your case dismissed.
11. **Save all your paperwork.** This includes copies of your written request, copies of the paperwork you filed to serve the prosecutor, and anything that you have received in return.
All of this is evidence.
You will need this in case you request to have your case dismissed for any reason.
12. **Examine the details being presented against you.** Again, if the prosecutor has failed to present you with a "request for production;" or if it was not provided in the legally-allotted time, you can ask the judge to dismiss your case.
13. **Prepare explanations for each piece of evidence or note listed on the "request for production."** Specifically, review the photograph.
Is it clearly you in the photograph? If not, it can be grounds for dismissal.
If you were not the individual driving the car, then the photographs should support that claim and you can have your case dismissed.
14. **Bolster your claim by finding as much evidence as you can.** Visit the scene and take detailed notes. Time the traffic light as it transitions from yellow-to-red. If the timing is minimal, you might be able to stage an argument in court that there is not enough time to safely bring your vehicle to a stop at the particular intersection.
A copy of the photograph should be included with your "request for production."
15. **Justify your claims and argument.** You should have a clear line of defense and be able to explain exactly why it is your case should be dismissed. Is the timing of the light too short? Is it not you in the photograph? Are you hoping to have your case thrown out due to some other 'loop-hole'?
Know exactly what you are going to argue before you enter the courtroom.
Have a clear reason for your case to be dismissed.
16. **Prepare all of your evidence.** Arrange each piece of paperwork or evidence neatly in a folder and in the order that you wish to present it to the judge.
It might be helpful to have a checklist of points that you wish to make.
17. **Check your paperwork for the details regarding your hearing.** Specifically, the court address, hearing time, and court-room number. The courthouse that you will have your case heard may not be the same courthouse where you were first arraigned. Be sure you know where you are going and when you need to be there.
18. **Appear in court on time.** Your case will not be the only one that the judge will be hearing that day; rather, he or she will be hearing several cases. The order in which the cases are heard will be determined by the court.
Be prepared to spend an entire day at the courthouse.
You may want to pack a lunch or bring snacks.
You might have to pay for parking, so be prepared.
19. **Identify yourself to the court when your case is ready to be heard.** The judge will then briefly review the details of your case before allowing the prosecutor to present the evidence against you.
Do not interrupt.
20. **Listen to the prosecuting attorney present the case.** There may be bits of information that are new to you, or that perhaps you were unprepared to address.
21. **Take notes.** Specifically, pay attention to any discrepancies between the prosecutor's verbal argument and the hard-evidence being presented.
22. **Ask for the case to be dismissed.** If any of these conditions have not been met than you may have grounds to have your case dismissed by the judge.
A "request for production" was not received, or was not received in the proper amount of time.
Your hearing has been delayed by the court beyond a responsible expectation to a "fair and speedy trial." Your court clerk can will have more information regarding the number of days your state has determined as "fair and speedy."
23. **Describe the event in your own words.** When it is your time to present your case, begin by providing a detailed account of the event from your own perspective. Include relevant information such as exact time, day, intersection, weather conditions, etc.
Point out any discrepancies between your account and the prosecutor's.
Does the prosecutor's account match the hard evidence?
24. **Assert your claim.** After you have described the conditions of the event, and after you have addressed any discrepancies, you should go ahead and re-assert to the judge why it is you wish to have your case dismissed.
Were there any extenuating circumstances that you believe should be considered?
Is the timing of the light flawed?
Was it unsafe to stop?
25. **After you have made your case, present your evidence to the judge.** Only provide evidence that fully-supports your claim, or that directly challenges the case as it was presented by the prosecutor.
After you have presented your evidence, the judge will then move on to the closing statements.
The prosecutor will go first.
26. **Listen to the prosecuting attorney's closing argument.** You do not necessarily need to respond to his or her closing statements as you have already made your case.
27. **Provide your own closing statement.** Reiterate and summarize your argument or the reason you are seeking dismissal. Be as clear and concise as possible. Speak as if answering the question, "why should your case be dismissed?"
Be factual, not emotional.
28. **Wait for the verdict.** If all went well, then you may have just successfully defended yourself against a red-light camera violation. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Fight-a-Red-Light-Camera-Ticket", "language": "en"} |
How to Handle Valentine's Day in a New Relationship | Valentine’s Day for new couples may feel as awkward as a 10-ton gorilla doing ballet, given that your feelings for one another are very new and you're not sure where your relationship is headed. Whether you’ve been on only one date or have been seeing each other for a few weeks, the dreaded red-hearted holiday can make even the most confident dater feel insecure about how to approach the holiday. However, having a simple conversation about the holiday or picking a low-key gift or event can take the stress out of the day and turn it into something you enjoy.
1. **Ignore it if it's too soon.** If you've only been on a date or two, it's probably best to ignore Valentine's Day altogether. Jumping on a romantic holiday may push your potential date away, so it's probably a good idea to skip it for this year.
2. **Ask yourself what you really want.** Think about how long you've been in the relationship, and how much you realistically expect the other person to contribute. If you think dinner and a card is reasonable, get the other person a card and ask him or her out to dinner on or near the day.
3. **Talk to your new crush.** One way to alleviate the stress is to simply talk to your crush about it. You can suggest keeping it low-key since you're new to the relationship, as well as make a plan for a nice dinner or an outing if you'd like.
For instance, you could say, "Our relationship is still pretty new. Why don't we keep Valentine's Day low-key? We could say no gifts, though cards are fine. Do you want to have a nice dinner together?"
Ask the other person what they think of Valentine’s Day. Some folks actually despise the holiday, referring to it as a “Hallmark” holiday. It might be a good idea to even take the other person’s temperature about how they even feel about it before pursuing a date on the day. For example, you could say, "I know our relationship is still in the early stages, so I thought maybe we could talk about what we want to do for Valentine's Day. Are you a fan of the holiday, or do you prefer to ignore it?"
Discuss the fact that you’ve only been dating a short time and that you're both now confronted with a highly romantic holiday. Be honest about how bizarre it is to begin a new relationship as other couples are declaring their love from the rooftops. Let the other person know that you get the fact that both of you may not be ready just yet for poems and love songs. As an example, you could say, "So, Valentine's Day is coming up. I don't really know how to treat it since we haven't been dating very long. What do you think we should do? I know we're probably not ready for poems or love songs, haha, but I thought I would bring it up."
One option is agreeing to ignore Valentine's Day altogether if you're both happy with that option.
4. **Make a compromise.** If you both want different things, try to make a compromise. For instance, if your new crush prefers something fancy, but you'd prefer to keep it low-key, maybe you could settle for a fancy home-cooked dinner. If you like to do it up big, but your crush seems uncomfortable with that, try to tone it down a bit. If your new crush is a someone who gets you, you should be able to find a reasonable compromise.
5. **Keep it simple.** At this point in the game, you don't want to be too extravagant, as you can scare the other person off. A diamond necklace is over-the-top and too much if the relationship is still new. However, flowers or a nice box of candy may go over well.
Definitely keep it under $50 if you've only been dating a month or two.
Also, it's a good idea to skip any type of sexy or sexual gift (such as lingerie) this early in the relationship. You don't want to scare the person off.
6. **Try a cute card.** You may not want to get too mushy at this point, but a little mushiness mixed with some humor is fine. For instance, you may not want to pick a card that says "I'll love you forever!" but a whimsical card that says "I think you're cute!" or "You make my heart go pitter-patter!" would work better.
7. **Bake something.** Another option is to bake your new crush a sweet treat. A batch of brownies or cookies is thoughtful, but you're not throwing a huge amount of money at the person.
8. **Gift your favorite book or movie.** This gift is personal, as you're giving a bit of yourself to the other person. However, it's not so personal that you'll drive the other person away. It's sweet and thoughtful, but not over-the-top. Just be sure you know your crush's preferred method of reading books (digital or book form) or watching movies. As an added bonus, you could watch the movie together on Valentine's Day.
Don't forget to add a note in the cover if you give a book, including why you enjoy it. It can act as card and gift.
9. **Go with a classic.** Flowers, candy, and wine are always good gifts, but try to do it with a bit of a twist. For instance, if you get flowers, consider getting a pretty potted plant that will continue to bloom or a small pot of succulents. If you know his or her favorite candy or wine, wrap it up in a pretty package.
10. **Consider just getting drinks.** A nice, no-pressure event for Valentine's Day could be going to have drinks. If alcohol isn't your thing, you could get coffee instead. That way, you don't have the pressure of creating a monumentally romantic evening.
11. **Try cooking a nice meal.** If you're far enough along in your relationship that you want more than just drinks, try cooking a meal for your lover. It's not as big an expenditure as a fancy restaurant, but it still shows you're thinking about the person.
12. **Enjoy a nice lunch or daytime event.** You don't have to go out at night! A lunch or daytime event is less romantic than dinner. Doing a fun daytime event could take the pressure off the holiday while still letting you have fun. Keep your day-date casual and low-key.
13. **Go out around the holiday.** If the relationship is still new, maybe you want to acknowledge the holiday somehow. However, with restaurants so busy on the day and lots of pressure about being in love, maybe it's best not to go out on the actual day. Instead, try going out the day before or after. That way, you still have a good time, but there's not as much pressure.
14. **Take a stroll through a park or have a picnic.** Another low-key event is to go on a picnic in the park. That way, you don't have the pressure of going to a fancy restaurant, and you can just enjoy each other's company. Plus, you have the added bonus of swing sets if you are the playful type.
15. **Remember it's just one day.** Valentine's Day is only special because the culture acknowledges it to be, but it's really just one day out of the year. Don't worry about it too much if your relationship is new. If it's meant to last, you'll have many Valentine's Days ahead to celebrate your love, though you can also celebrate it every day you spend together. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Handle-Valentine%27s-Day-in-a-New-Relationship", "language": "en"} |
How to Wrap Luggage in Plastic at Home | Wrapping luggage in plastic is a technique used by many travelers to protect their checked luggage. It can help deter theft, keep your bag clean and dry, and keep your items intact if your zipper happens to fail. Most people with bags wrapped in plastic have it done by a company at the airport but it is possible to do it at home. Be aware that while you can do it yourself, there is a chance it will be removed by security before your bag gets loaded onto your plane.
1. **Use plastic wrap made for wrapping luggage.** There are commercial stretch wraps that are made specifically for wrapping luggage. These rolls of stretch wrap are designed with big handles to make wrapping your luggage easy. Many are also brightly colored, so identifying your bag after your flight is very easy.
These products are available from online retailers and at select some big box stores.
2. **Purchase large commercial stretch wrap.** When wrapping your own luggage, you can also use industrial stretch wrap that is used for wrapping pallets and commercial goods. This cling wrap is stronger than that sold to wrap foods in homes and restaurants and comes in longer rolls.
Commercial cling wrap is typically available from packaging supply and moving supply companies, as well as from online retailers.
3. **Bring the wrap with you for your return trip.** When planning out what to take on your trip, remember to bring your plastic wrap with you if you want to wrap your luggage on your return flight as well. However, the wrap will have to be transported in another piece of luggage, as you can't get it into a piece of luggage after it has been wrapped.
4. **Recycle the plastic after use.** Some people are hesitant to wrap their bags in stretch wrap because it wastes a lot of plastic. If you are concerned about the waste but still want to wrap your bag, you can recycle the stretch wrap at a recycling center that deals with that specific type of plastic.
5. **Start wrapping the bag at the center.** Place the end of the wrap in the middle of one of the larger sides and wrap the plastic around the bag while you hold the end. When the wrap comes around and touches the end, it will hold the end in place.
Once the center is wrapped several times you can begin wrapping repeatedly without having to hold the end any longer.
6. **Pull the wrap tight as you can.** In order to get a tight seal on your bag, you need to put some tension on the wrap as you move it around your bag. This will ensure that the layers of plastic stick tightly to each other.
7. **Wrap around the sides of the bag.** In order to wrap the sides completely, you will need to move the plastic wrap box up and down while you wrap the side of the luggage. Ensure that the entire surface is covered in the plastic.
8. **Wrap the top and bottom of the luggage.** Once you have wrapped the bag completely up and down the sides, you should wrap it top to bottom as well. Turn the bag onto its side and wrap around the bag, covering its top and bottom completely.
When this is done, every surface of the bag should be covered in plastic.
9. **Secure the end of the wrap with tape.** Once you have wrapped your whole bag in plastic, you will need to attach the end so the whole thing doesn't unravel. Use a piece of packing tape or duct tape to attach the end to the rest of the plastic wrap.
10. **Cut out holes for the handle and wheels, if your suitcase has them.** In order to allow you to move your suitcase easily, cut small slits in the plastic wrap that will allow you to pull up your retractable handle and to roll your wheels. As long as you make the cuts small and only in the areas of the handle and the wheels, the rest of the stretch wrap will stay in place.
If you have a nice piece of luggage you want to be careful when cutting the wrap. Be sure not to cut or nick the luggage while your are cutting the plastic.
11. **Be prepared to have your wrapping cut off by security.** One of the downsides of wrapping your bag at home is that it might be cut off during security screening. If this happens, you will not be able to rewrap it before it is loaded onto your plane the same way that commercial wrapping businesses are allowed to.
However, there is a good chance that your bag will go through security without being opened. Most bags are simply x-rayed and then allowed to go on because they do not have any detected anomalies.
12. **Use a wrapping service.** Many airports around the world have wrapping services in them where you can get your bag wrapped in plastic. Once you get to the airport, locate the bag wrapping service, tell an employee that you would like your bag wrapped and pay them for their service.
If you plan on using one of these services, be sure to give yourself some extra time to find the kiosk and to have your bag wrapped. In a large airport the bag wrapping area can be far away from your airline's check-in desk or security.
In general, the fee for having your bag wrapped can vary anywhere from a few dollars to $20 (US).
One of the biggest perks of having your bag wrapped by a company at the airport is that most of them guarantee that your bag will be wrapped again if the plastic needs to be cut off to be inspected.
13. **Put locks on your bag.** Instead of plastic wrap, some people choose to put locks on their bags to secure them. This will deter theft by making the bag harder to open. While locks don't make the whole bag harder to take, they do make the bag harder to get into quickly.
There are TSA-approved locks for luggage that allow security agents to open them but are otherwise locked. These are typically available at travel stores or from online retailers.
14. **Keep an eye on your bags whenever you can.** One of the best ways to keep thieves from getting into your bag is to not let it out of your sight. Don't leave it unattended or have a stranger watch it, as this is the perfect time for a thief to get to it.
Most airports have large bathroom stalls and large aisles in stores to accommodate you bringing your luggage with you wherever you go.
15. **Use a carry-on bag.** If you are fearful that your checked bag will get rifled through, consider using a carry-on bag instead. With a carry on you can keep an eye on your bag better and it is less likely to get damaged as well.
When you put your carry-on bag in the overhead bin, put the zipper opening toward the back side of the bin. This measure with ensure that a thief cannot get into your bag without pulling it out.
Be sure to board your plane in plenty of time to get the overhead spot right above your seat. Having to place your bag far away from you on a full flight can create an opening for thieves to get into your bag. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Wrap-Luggage-in-Plastic-at-Home", "language": "en"} |
How to Make Apple Juice | If you have an abundance of apples and are looking for ways to use them up, make apple juice. Cut ripe apples and cook them with water on the stove until they're soft. Then strain this mixture through a sieve to remove the juice. To make a smaller batch, blend raw apples with a little water and then strain the puree to get fresh apple juice.
1. **Rinse 18 apples.** Since you'll be leaving the peels on the apples, choose organic apples or apples that haven't been sprayed with pesticide. Select your favorite type of apple or use a mix of:
Gala
Rome
Fuji
Honeycrisp
Pink Lady
2. **Cut the apples into slices** Use a knife and cutting board to slice each apple into about 8 pieces. If you prefer, cut the apples with an apple segmenter that will remove the core at the same time.
There's no need to remove the cores, seeds, or peels since you'll be straining it all out.
3. **Put the apples in a pot and cover them with 2 inches (5.1 cm) of water.** Place the apple slices along with any cores into a large pot and put it on the stove. Pour in enough water to come 2 in (5 cm) up the side of the pot.
If you pour in too much water, you'll dilute the juice.
4. **Cover and simmer the apples for 20 to 25 minutes.** Turn the burner to medium-high so the water begins to boil. Reduce the heat to medium and put the lid on the pot. Let the apples simmer until they become very soft.
Remove the lid and stir the apples occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
5. **Place a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl or pitcher.** If you'd like to filter the juice, lay a coffee filter or piece of cheesecloth in the strainer. Ensure the bowl is large enough to hold all of the apple juice.
6. **Drain the apple juice through the strainer.** Turn off the burner and spoon or ladle the apple mixture with juice into the strainer. Use a spoon to gently push down on the cooked apples so more juice drips into the bowl.
7. **Cool and taste the apple juice.** Leave the juice in the bowl to cool to room temperature and then taste it. If you'd like the juice to be sweeter, stir in a little sugar or honey. If the juice tastes too strong, pour in a little water to dilute it to your liking.
8. **Refrigerate the apple juice for up to 1 week.** Pour the apple juice into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the apple juice for up to 6 months.
You can also can the apple juice and store it for 6 to 9 months in your pantry.
9. **Rinse and cut 4 apples into quarters.** Set the clean apples on a cutting board and remove the cores and seeds. You can leave the peels on the apples. Then cut each apple into 4 equal-sized pieces.
Use your favorite apples or try a mix of Gala, Fuji, Ambrosia, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
10. **Put the apples and ⁄4 cup (59 ml) of cold water into a blender.** If you don't have a high-speed blender, put the apples and water into a food processor. Put the lid on the blender or food processor.
11. **Blend the apples for 45 seconds on high speed.** If your blender has a tamper, use it to push the apples down towards the blades at the bottom. If it doesn't, turn off your blender once or twice and use a long spoon to push the apples down.
The apples should be completely pureed.
12. **Drain the apple juice through a fine-mesh strainer.** Set a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and spoon the pureed apple with juice into it. Let the juice drain through the strainer for about 10 minutes.
You may need to stir the puree a little to release pockets of the juice.
If you'd like to filter the juice, line the strainer with cheesecloth before you strain the apples. Then you can lift up and squeeze the cheesecloth to release the juice.
13. **Serve the apple juice immediately.** Pour the juice into a glass and taste it. If the juice isn't as sweet as you'd like, stir in a little honey or sugar. Enjoy the juice right away or cover and refrigerate it for up to 1 week.
If you'd like to double or triple the batch so you can preserve it, can the juice and store it for 6 to 9 months. You can also freeze the juice in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
14. **Turn the blender to low speed before increasing to high.** Give the blender blades a chance to grab the chopped apples before you slowly turn the speed to high. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Apple-Juice", "language": "en"} |
How to Eat Loquats | Loquats, also sometimes known as “Japanese plums,” “Chinese plums,” or “pipa,” are a type of tangy yellow fruit that grows on the flowering plant of the same name. With a flavor similar to peaches, apricots, and mangoes, loquats are versatile enough to be put to many different culinary uses. To open a loquat, simply cut it down the middle, pry it open, and remove the seeds. Once that's done, you can enjoy the fruit on its own or use it in any number of tasty recipes.
1. **Wash the loquat under a stream of cool water.** While rinsing the fruit, use your fingertips to gently brush off any dirt or debris clinging to the skin. Once it's nice and clean, shake off the excess water or pat it dry with a paper towel.
Since loquats are typically eaten with the skin on like an apple, it's important to make sure they've been properly cleaned.
A colander or wire strainer can make it easier to rinse a whole batch of loquats at once.
2. **Twist off the stem.** Pinch the long, woody stem at the top of the fruit between your point finger and thumb. Give the stem a sharp twist while holding the loquat steady with your other hand. It should come away with little effort.
If the stem is giving you trouble, just cut off the entire top portion of the fruit down to about ⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) rather than continuing to tug on it.
3. **Slice the loquat down the center.** Guide the edge of a sharp knife down through the middle of the fruit until you feel it make contact with the seeds inside. Then, rotate the loquat in your hand and continue cutting along the opposite side until you've scored the entire outer edge of the fruit.
Loquats tend to be quite small, which can make them tough to grip. Be careful not to lose control of your knife while trying to hold onto the fruit.
4. **Pry the fruit open gently.** Angle the blade of your knife to one side to coax the sliced loquat open. If you encounter resistance, use your fingers to finish separating the fruit. Inside, you'll find juicy, yellow-orange flesh surrounding a core of large seeds.
Loquats bruise easily, so try not to squeeze it too hard.
5. **Dig out the seeds with the tip of your knife.** Remove the seeds delicately to avoid damaging the surrounding fruit. Most loquats contain 3-5 seeds, but you may encounter more or less depending on the species. Once you've worked the seeds out, discard them.
The seeds of a loquat are mildly poisonous, so they shouldn't be eaten with the rest of the fruit. If you happen to swallow one or two by accident, don't worry—the worst that's likely to happen is a little headache, dizziness, or upset stomach.
If the membrane around the seeds is tough, you can remove it as well by simply peeling it away.
6. **Store unused fruit in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.** Ripe loquats should stay good for at least 7-10 days, though they may grow a little softer as they sit. For optimum flavor and texture, try to consume them as soon as possible.
To maximize the shelf life of your loquats, wrap them loosely in a plastic bag or paper towel.
If you're already cut your loquats, their shelf life may be reduced to 2-3 days.
7. **Eat loquats on their own.** Before you dress the fruit up too much, try it plain and see what you think. A perfectly ripe loquat should have a sweet, perfumed flavor similar to a peach or apricot, with just a hint of citrusy tartness.
Even if you don't care for the taste of loquats on their own, you can still use them in different recipes to take advantage the host of health benefits they offer.
8. **Jazz up a fresh fruit salad by adding some loquats.** Dice 1-2 cups (150-300 g) of loquats into ⁄2 in (1.3 cm) chunks and place them in a large serving bowl with a variety of other seasonal fruits. Mix the fruit thoroughly and add a splash of orange or lemon juice to prevent it from browning. The loquats lend a unique flavor and a splash of vibrant color to the ensemble.
Use sugary fruits like strawberries, blueberries, banana, and kiwi to offset the sharp notes of the loquats.
Loquats are fairly acidic, which means they may not pair well with other sour selections like pineapple.
9. **Blend ripe loquats into a smoothie for a unique and irresistible treat.** After halving and de-seeding 4-5 loquats, toss them into a blender along with 1 banana, 1 cup (240 mL) of Greek yogurt, and 8-10 ice cubes. Feel free to incorporate any of your other favorite fruits and veggies, as well. Blend the mixture until it's smooth and free of lumps, then serve and enjoy.
Loquats also work well in green smoothies made with leafy greens like spinach and kale.#Juice your loquats to take advantage of their many health benefits. Put some peeled, diced loquats through your juicer to extract as much of their sweet nectar as possible. Loquats are very succulent fruits, which makes them ideal for juicing.
Drink your loquat juice straight, or mix in juice from other nutritious offerings like apples, celery, berries, grapefruit, and tomatoes for a concoction that's as tasty as it is good for you.
In many parts of the world, loquats are eaten to cure colds, treat asthma, and increase vitality, and are even believed to lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer!
10. **Bake underripe loquats into a pie.** Peel the skin from your loquats, then remove the stems and seeds like usual. Cut the fruit into halves or quarters and add the pieces to the other ingredients you'll be using to make your pie filling. Once they're baked, they'll soften up and lose some of their acidity, giving them the perfect mouth-puckering sweetness.
You can also try baking your loquats into a decadent crumble if you're short on time or looking for a simple single-serving dessert.
11. **Use bruised or overripe fruits to make jam, jelly, or preserves.** If you have some leftover loquats that are a little past their prime, peel and de-seed them and boil them with water, sugar, and pectin. You can use more or less fruit, depending on your preferences. Don't forget to stock up on mason jars for storing your jam or jelly when you're done!
After the mixture has thickened and cooled, try spreading it on toast or biscuits, or use it to put together a loquat-inspired parfait, galette, or cake-filling.
It's easy to whip up a batch of homemade jelly or jam at home using simple ingredients and only a few pieces of cookware. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Loquats", "language": "en"} |
How to Care for Miniature Schnauzers | Miniature Schnauzers are consistently intelligent, friendly little dogs that are known for their distinctive eyebrows and beards. Miniature Schnauzers were originally bred to hunt rodents on German farms, but now they make great companion dogs. If you have a Miniature Schnauzer, then you will need to see to your dog’s nutritional needs, grooming, entertainment, training, and health.
1. **Choose a high-quality dry dog food for little dogs.** Your Miniature Schnauzer will need a high-quality food meant for small breed dogs to help him thrive. High-quality foods often list meat (not meat by-products) as the first two ingredients on the label, so read the ingredients before you buy.
Miniature Schnauzers do well with a dry food that has about a 10 to 15% fat content, so you should also check the label’s nutritional information to see if the food is within this range.
2. **Feed your Miniature Schnauzer two meals per day.** Feeding your miniature Schnauzer two meals per day on a regular schedule will help to encourage good eating habits and it may also help with potty training.
You can use the recommended feeding amount listed on your Miniature Schnauzer’s dog food packaging to help you determine how much to feed him at each meal. Take this amount and divide it in half to determine how much food to offer your Miniature Schnauzer at each meal.
Try feeding your Miniature Schnauzer one meal in the morning and one in the evening.
If you have a puppy, then you will need to feed him three or even four times per day. Check with your veterinarian or a breed expert to be sure.
3. **Provide lots of clean, fresh water.** Your miniature Schnauzer must always have access to plenty of clean, fresh water. Make sure that you keep a bowl of water somewhere that is easy for him to access. For example, you might place his water dish in your kitchen or a few feet away from his bed.
Change his water daily and check it often. Make sure that the water is always fresh and clean.
Clean your Miniature Schnauzer’s water dish once per day to keep it hygienic. Try using a stainless steel bowl since they are durable and less likely to harbor bacteria.
4. **Give your Miniature Schnauzer some healthy treats.** All dogs are prone to obesity as well as humans, so it is important to limit your Miniature Schnauzer’s treat foods. Instead of giving your pet table scraps that might make him sick, offer a small portion of something healthy as an occasional treat. Some good examples include:
cooked sweet potato
cooked green beans
cooked peas
fresh blueberries
broccoli
baby carrots
watermelon chunks
banana
5. **Steer clear of toxic human foods.** Some foods can make your Miniature Schnauzer ill and may even kill your dog if he eats them. These foods include:
alcohol
grapes and raisins
walnuts, almonds, pecans, and macadamia nuts
onions, garlic, and chives
foods that contain caffeine and chocolate
avocados
foods that contain yeast
foods that contain xylitol
6. **Brush your Miniature Schnauzer’s coat every day.** This breed has a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to maintain a good look and your pet's health. You will need to brush your Miniature Schnauzer at least once per week to keep his fur free of tangles and to remove dead hair.
Use a slicker brush to brush your mini Schnauzer’s body and use a stainless steel greyhound comb for his eyebrows and beard.
7. **Groom your miniature schnauzer with clippers** Grooming a miniature Schnauzer is a lot of work. If you plan to maintain your Miniature Schnauzer’s fur on your own, then you may want to ask for a demonstration by a groomer or by your dog’s breeder. Otherwise, you will need to take your Miniature Schnauzer to a groomer for regular trims.
8. **Bathe your Miniature Schnauzer as needed** Miniature Schnauzers require regular baths to keep their wiry coats soft and smooth. You may need to bathe your dog as often as once per week or just once per month.
Make sure that you pay close attention to your Miniature Schnauzer’s beard. Comb the beard daily and keep it clean by wiping away any food or dirt that gets into your miniature schnauzer’s beard.
9. **Clean your miniature schnauzer’s ears** Keeping your Miniature Schnauzer’s ears clean will help to prevent infections and wax buildup. Check your dog’s ears a few times per week and clean the outer ear with a damp (not wet) soft cloth.
If you notice any debris or wax buildup in your his ears, make an appointment for him to see your veterinarian.
10. **Clip your miniature schnauzer’s nails** Miniature Schnauzers have strong, fast-growing nails that require regular trims. Plan to trim your nails about once every couple of weeks.
You can use a special guillotine style nail trimmer or a nail grinder.
Do not cut the quick when you trim your Miniature Schnauzer’s nails. The quick is a sensitive blood vessel within your dog’s nails and it will be painful for him if you hit it.
Trim only a little of the nail at a time to avoid hitting the quick. Check the trimmed area after each trim to see if you can detect a circle just beneath the surface. If you can see a circle, then the quick is near. Stop trimming if you notice the quick.
Your dog’s veterinarian or groomer can trim your dog’s nails if you are worried about hurting him. Try asking for a demonstration the next time you visit your dog’s veterinarian or groomer to learn how to give your dog a safe nail trim.
11. **Brush your miniature schnauzer’s teeth** Miniature Schnauzers may end up with dental problems from poor oral hygiene. That is why it is important to brush your dog’s teeth. Make sure that you use a special toothpaste that is meant for dogs. Do not use human toothpaste because it can make your dog sick.
12. **Play with your miniature schnauzer daily** Miniature Schnauzers have a moderate amount of energy, so they will need to get some exercise every day. Make sure that you take time to play with your Miniature Schnauzer for a little while each day, even when it is elderly.
For example, you could take him out for a game of fetch in the back yard or play tug-o-war with him.
Provide your Mini Schnauzer with some fun toys to make sure that he is always entertained. For example, you can give him some toys that squeak, rope toys, and puzzle toys.
Taking your Miniature Schnauzer for a walk around your neighborhood every day can also be a good way to have fun with him.
13. **Socialize your miniature schnauzer as a puppy** Miniature Schnauzers are good with kids and they like to be around people, but not socializing your dog when she is young may cause her to be fearful of different people and situations later on. You can try to expose her to these things yourself while she is a puppy or enroll your Miniature Schnauzer in a puppy socialization class after she has had her first round of vaccinations. Make sure that you expose your Miniature Schnauzer to:
kids and babies
Prams, strollers and pushchairs
people of different ages, genders, races, and sizes
other dogs and cats
people wearing hats, coats, boots, etc.
loud noises and crowded places
vehicles such as cars, bikes, skateboards, etc.
14. **Train your miniature schnauzer to go to the bathroom outside** Potty or toilet training a Miniature-Schnauzers dog takes lots of time, persistence, and patience. To teach your Miniature Schnauzer to go to the bathroom outside. Stick to a regular toileting schedule, praise him for going to the bathroom outside, and react appropriately if an accident occurs. Some other things to keep in mind while potty training your Miniature Schnauzer include:
Make sure that you take your Miniature Schnauzer out to the same potty spot every time as far as is practically possible.
Remember to praise your Miniature Schnauzer when she goes potty where she is supposed to go. Give her a treat or pet her and tell her she is a “Good puppy!”
Never use physical punishment or yelling to correct your Miniature Schnauzer if she goes potty in the house. If your dog has an accident in the house, just clean it up right away. If you do not clean it up right away, then she may try to use the same spot in the future.
If you notice your Miniature Schnauzer is getting ready to go to the bathroom in the house, then clap your hands once to get her attention. Then, gently pick her up and take her out to the yard.
15. **Consider crate training your miniature schnauzer** Crate training is helpful for house training. It also helps to keep your dog off of the furniture when you have to leave the house. Crate training can even give your Miniature Schnauzer a calm place to retreat to when she is feeling stressed.
Never use a crate to punish your Miniature Schnauzer. It should be a place that she wants to go to.
Make sure that the crate that is large enough for your Miniature Schnauzer to lay down, stand up, and turn around. It does not need to be any larger than this.
16. **Teach your miniature schnauzer some basic commands** Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent and easy to train. Training should be a fun activity for both of you. You can try teaching your Miniature Schnauzer some basic commands on your own or take an obedience class with your dog to get help from a professional dog trainer.
Basic commands include stay, sit, heel, lay down, and shake. Once your mini Schnauzer has mastered these commands, you can move on to more advanced commands. Remember a dog may need training to keep its behaviour desirable. Puppies need to be trained what to do and what not to do from scratch. Your dog ought to only need reminding, or, can be trained to do tricks, rather than receive behavioural training.
Motivate your Miniature Schnauzer with praise and rewards. Never punish your Miniature Schnauzer for not obeying a command.
17. **Spay or neuter your Miniature Schnauzer if you don't want to raise Miniature Schnauzers.** If you do not plan on breeding your mini Schnauzer, then you should have your dog spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering will prevent your dog from getting another dog pregnant or from becoming pregnant herself. Spaying and neutering your dog also offers some health and behavioral benefits for your dog.
Spayed female dogs are less likely to get certain kinds of cancer and infections.
Entire (not spayed or neutered) male and female dogs are more likely to roam and engage in hormonal behaviors, such as aggression. By spaying or neutering your dog, you can prevent these behaviors.
18. **Get an ID tag and collar for your Miniature Schnauzer.** Your mini Schnauzer should always wear an ID tag and collar. This will make it easier for people to get her home to you if she ever gets out of your yard and gets lost.
You may also want to have your Miniature Schnauzer implanted with a microchip. A microchip will ensure that your dog can be identified if she loses her collar. This is a requirement in some cases, such as for international travel.
19. **Take your Miniature Schnauzer for regular veterinary exams.** You will be responsible for your miniature Schnauzer’s veterinary care as soon as you take her home. This breed needs regular veterinary visits to ensure good health. Keep your dog up to date on her vaccines. At veterinary visits, your miniature schnauzer may need:
Lyme disease vaccination
Kennel Cough vaccination
Rabies vaccination
Heartworm prevention medicine
Spay or neuter operation
Vaccine boosters...depending on where you and your dog live.
20. **Watch for vision problems.** Miniature Schnauzers are more prone to eye diseases and vision problems than some other dog breeds. If you notice that your miniature Schnauzer seems to be having trouble seeing (bumping into things, walking more slowly than usual, etc.) or that her eyes look cloudy, runny, or otherwise unhealthy, then take her to see the veterinarian right away. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Miniature-Schnauzers", "language": "en"} |
How to Wash a Goat | Goats do not need to be washed often, but when they get really dirty, they may be due for a good clean. You may wash a goat to show or sell it. Washing a goat can also make grooming them easier. Start by getting the necessary supplies and tying up the goat. Then, wash the goat using shampoo and warm water. Finish by drying the goat properly so they look nice and clean.
1. **Get goat specific shampoo.** Look for shampoo made for goat hair at your local pet store or online. Goat specific shampoo will be gentle on the goat's coat and ensure it retains its natural oils.
In a pinch, you can use mild soap like Dawn dishwashing detergent or Soft Soap. Make sure the soap is gentle and does not contain any harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia.
2. **Tie up the goat in an open area with a drain.** Make sure the goat doesn't slip away during washing by tying it up to a secure spot, such as a post next to a drain. Put a collar on the goat and tie it up so it is secure.
Tying the goat up in an open area with a drain will ensure the water can drain properly off the goat when you wash it.
Lay down a rubber mat so you and the goat don't slip and hurt yourselves in the soapy water, especially if the goat becomes skittish.
3. **Ask someone to help you wash the goat.** It can be tricky to wash the goat on your own, especially if the goat is large or skittish. Ask a friend or partner to help you hold the goat and soothe it while you wash it.
If you are practiced at washing the goat and have secured it by tying it up, you may not need a second pair of hands.
4. **Mix the shampoo and water together in a bucket.** Place the bucket of water close to the goat and within your reach. Pour a few drops of the shampoo into the water and mix it together.
5. **Pour the soapy mixture over the goat.** Carefully lift the bucket of water and pour the soapy mixture over the goat. Avoid getting any of the mixture in the goat's face or eyes. Let the soapy mixture fall over the goat's coat. Make sure you get the goat's hind legs as well.
You can also use a sponge dipped in the soapy mixture to drip the mixture over the goat. Do this until the entire goat is covered with the mixture.
Let the water run down the goat's coat to clean it. Do not scrub or rub the goat's hair as this can strip it up of its natural oils.
6. **Rinse off the goat with clean water.** Use a bucket of clean water to wash off the soapy mixture on the goat. Lift the bucket and pour the mixture over the goat to rinse it off. Make sure all the soapy mixture is removed from the coat, because leftover soap can be very itchy and irritating for the goat.
You can gently run your hand through the goat's coat to help distribute the clean water in the goat's coat and remove the soap.
7. **Let the goat air dry if it's hot out.** If you are washing the goat on a warm day, let the goat air dry in direct sunlight. Make sure the goat is tied up and under constant supervision so it does not wander off and get dirty before it dries.
It may take some time for the goat to dry in the sun, but this method will result in a beautiful, clean, fluffy coat.
8. **Blow dry the goat.** Another option is to use a blow dryer to dry the goat quickly and efficiently. Use a blow dryer on the gentle heat setting. Tie up the goat when you blow dry it to make the job easier.
Move the blow dryer all over the goat in a side to side motion to dry their coat. Use the low heat setting so their hair is not damaged by the heat.
If you want a more powerful dryer, try a blow dryer designed for horses, goats and sheep, which will be more industrial and heavy-duty.
9. **Use a clean towel to dry the goat.** Gently wipe the water off the goat's coat. Try not to rub the goat's hair, as this can damage it and remove the natural oils. You may need to wipe the goat down several times with the towel to get it dry. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-a-Goat", "language": "en"} |
How to Make a Model Water Tower | Water towers are large, elevated tanks of water that are essential for the distribution of clean water to many communities across the globe. Not only do they come in many different shapes and sizes, but it’s intriguing to learn about the way water towers work. Whether you need a model water tower for a train set or school project, or you simply want to learn about the way they work, you can easily build your own model with the right materials and know-how.
1. **Locate a small plastic bottle and a large plastic bottle.** The small water bottle can be a standard-sized Coke, juice, or water bottle, as long as it has a screw-on cap. The large bottle should be a 2-liter soda bottle, jug, or a large juice bottle.
2. **Remove the cap from the small bottle and cut a hole in the middle of it.** Use scissors to punch a hole into the center of the cap, then widen the hole until it’s slightly smaller than the circumference of the holes at both ends of the tubing. Water will leak out of the hole if it’s too big, but it will still need to be big enough to push the tubing into it.
It’s better to have a hole that’s too small than a hole that’s too big, as you can always use your scissors to widen it if necessary.
3. **Punch a pin-sized hole in the bottom of the small water bottle.** Use a pin, needle, earring, or any other device that will create an almost invisible hole. This will allow the bottle to vent when the water starts flowing.
4. **Cut a medium-sized hole in the side of the large bottle.** Make the hole big enough that the cap and tubing can both fit through it. You can put the hole anywhere on the bottle that you choose, but roughly halfway down the bottle is a good option.
Unlike the small bottle, you don’t have to worry about leaks if this hole isn’t the right size. This hole can be large or small just as long as the cap and tubing will fit through it comfortably.
5. **Feed 1 end of the tubing through the hole in the large bottle.** Push the tubing through the large hole and out through the top of the large bottle. Lay the large bottle on its side with the hole you cut facing upward for easier access.
6. **Squeeze the same end of the tubing into the hole you cut in the cap.** Feed roughly 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) of tubing in through the cap. Clamp the binder clip roughly 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the end of the other side of the tubing. Put the side of the tubing with the binder clip into a bowl that will catch the water.
If your hole on the cap is the right size, you will have to forcefully push the tubing into the hole. It should fit snugly in the hole without slipping.
7. **Fill the small bottle with water.** Once the bottle is full, place the cap with the tubing through it on top of the bottle. Feed the tubing into the water, then screw the cap on tightly.
Hold your finger over the pin-sized hole on the bottom of the bottle to keep water from leaking out.
8. **Place the small bottle upside-down in the top opening on the large bottle.** The neck of the small bottle should fit all the way into the opening on the large bottle. You now have a functioning model water tower!
The water should flow into the tubing once you flip it upside down, but the binder clip will stop the flow. Experiment by releasing the clip at different heights to see where the water stops flowing.
9. **Cut the rounded ends off of roughly 70 Popsicle sticks.** Barely snip both ends of each Popsicle stick to make the ends straight on both sides. Make them all as close to the same size as possible.
10. **Snip 2 of the cut Popsicle sticks in half.** You don’t have to measure them, but cut them as close to the center as possible. You will now have 4 smaller pieces of Popsicle stick that are roughly half the length of the other Popsicle sticks.
11. **Apply glue to 1 end of 1 of the small stick sections.** Connect the edge of a second small stick to the area where you just applied glue. Then, apply glue to the end of the second piece that is not connected. Glue the edge of a third small section to the open second section. Repeat this process for the fourth section, then apply glue to connect the edge of the fourth section to the open edge of the first section you glued.
You will now have a square frame made out of the 4 smaller Popsicle pieces.
Your frame doesn’t have to be perfectly square. In fact, if you’re going for a rustic look, an imperfect square may even be ideal.
If you’re using super glue, you can apply glue to all 4 edges before connecting them all together.
If you’re using hot glue, make sure to glue each edge separately. This will keep the glue from drying before you can connect all 4 sections together.
12. **Line up 2 larger Popsicle sticks to create 1 long, straight stick.** Place the sticks on a flat surface with their ends touching. Take another Popsicle stick of the same size and apply glue to the entire surface on 1 side, lengthwise. Place the glued side directly in the middle of the 2 sticks that are lined up.
The third stick does not have to be exactly in the middle of the other 2 sticks, but it should be close enough that it holds the other 2 sticks together evenly.
13. **Repeat this process 3 more times.** Follow the same process as before by lining up 2 of the larger Popsicle sticks and gluing a third stick on top of them. Do this 3 more times until you have 4 identical long sections that are each made out of 3 glued Popsicle sticks.
14. **Connect the end of 1 of the long sticks to the inside corner of the square frame.** Apply glue to the inside edge of the long stick and place it at a slight outward angle, with the third stick that is holding the other 2 sticks together facing inward. Glue the long stick so that it does not poke out above the frame once connected. Do the same thing with the other 3 long sections you created in the other 3 corners of the frame.
This will form the legs of the water tower, so make the angle as identical as possible for each of the long sticks.
Keep the angle of the legs around 10-15 degrees. If the angle is too steep, the water tower will be too short. If it is too steep, it will probably topple over.
15. **Use another Popsicle stick to connect 2 of the legs together.** Apply glue to each inside edge of the stick. Place the edges of the Popsicle stick on top of the lines where the 2 Popsicle sticks used to create the legs meet. Do the same thing with 3 other sticks until you have a stick connecting the legs on all 4 sides.
You will need to spread the legs apart so that the sticks do not hang outside the edge of the leg.
Keep the connecting sticks as level as possible. You want it to appear as if there is a single, continuous stick wrapping around the legs of the tower, not 4 separate small sticks.
16. **Lay 9 Popsicle sticks side-by-side on a flat surface.** Line them up along their long edges so the sticks make a square when lined up. Apply a line of glue on the edge of the square down the length of all 9 Popsicle sticks. Place another Popsicle stick along the same direction as the glue line so that it holds all 9 sticks together. Do the same thing with another line of glue and another Popsicle stick on the other end of the square.
The Popsicle sticks used to hold the other 9 sticks together should be the same length as the square, so that they match up perfectly with both corners and do not hang over the edge. You may need to trim the sticks down or remove one of the 9 sticks to match up the lengths.
Use your hand to hold the Popsicle stick square together as you glue it. Place your hand flat on top of all 9 sticks, and do your best to keep them all together with no gaps between them.
17. **Apply glue to the top edge of the square frame you made earlier.** Place the square platform you just created on top of the frame, connecting it to the base structure you already made. Glue the platform so that the Popsicle sticks used to connect the other sticks together are facing downward.
You can also glue each individual Popsicle stick directly onto the square frame you made earlier. It will take longer, but you may be able to line the sticks up better this way.
18. **Cut the rim off of a small paper Dixie cup.** Cut around the top of the open side to remove the outer rim. Try to keep the line as straight as possible, since this will form the foundation for the water container part of your water tower.
19. **Glue the remaining Popsicle sticks to the outside of the Dixie cup.** Place glue along one of the wide edges of a Popsicle stick. Line up the top edge of the stick with the bottom edge of the cup and glue it down. Repeat this process around the entire circumference of the cup until it is completely covered.
When gluing the sticks onto the cup, fan them out from one another to create a more realistic look. When you place the second stick on the cup, keep the edge of the stick as close to the edge of the cup as possible, but fan out the end that is jutting over the edge of the cup by about 5 degrees so that a small sliver of the cup can be seen underneath.
Roughly half of the length of each Popsicle stick will be glued to the Dixie cup, while the other half will be jutting out over the rim of the cup.
20. **Cover the gaps in the Popsicle sticks by gluing another layer on top.** If you fanned out the sticks to create a more realistic look, go back over the cup with additional Popsicle sticks. Glue the sticks directly in the middle of two sticks on the bottom layer so that the second layer covers up any slivers of cup that may be showing.
Keep the edges lined up with the bottom edge of the cup as best you can.
21. **Place the Dixie cup in the middle of the platform with the open side up.** Apply glue around the entire circumference of the bottom of the cup. Then, stick it down as close to the middle of the platform as possible.
Use a lot of glue to attach the Dixie cup so that it doesn’t fall off if it’s bumped.
Optionally, you can wrap a string around the bottom and middle of the Dixie cup to give it a Western look. Wrap the string several times for better results.
22. **Use 2 wooden dowels to create a ladder.** Place 2 wooden dowels roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart on a flat surface. Line them up so they are parallel with the pointy side on top. Use small sections of Popsicle sticks roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) long to create the steps. Apply glue to both ends of 1 side of the stick, then place it horizontally between the dowels so that it connects them together.
Do this all the way up the 2 dowels, roughly 7 times, until about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the pointy side of the dowels is left sticking out.
23. **Lean the ladder against the water tower at an angle and secure it with glue.** Glue another small section of Popsicle stick horizontally across the very tips of the dowels, above and on the opposite side of the steps. Lean it up against the side of your water tower with the tips facing up. Place glue on the backside of the tips of the dowel and press down to attach it. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Model-Water-Tower", "language": "en"} |
27 Ways to Describe a Forest Fire: Words and Tips | Forest fires are among nature’s greatest spectacles, which means that describing them can pose some challenges. How do you capture their color, heat, and intensity on the page? What words should you use? We’ll give you 27 strong words and synonyms to use when describing a blaze, as well as tips and samples to help you tame that fire and put it into writing.
1. **Inferno** Few words capture the chaos and destruction of a forest fire like the word “inferno.” This term encapsulates the heat and size of a fire nicely, and connotes a certain otherworldly quality.
You can also compare the forest fire to a place like Hades, a mythical setting that really establishes a vibe for a reader.
2. **Blaze** This is a great, general term for a forest fire. It’s vivid and snappy, and describes specifically the brightness and heat. Plus, the word itself just sounds like a crackling flame!
Other good words are “conflagration” and “combustion.”
3. **Scorching** When describing a fire, it’s a good idea to describe the heat emanating off of it. This word does just that, and describes a fire as so hot as to be violent or scathing.
“Searing” is a similar word that conveys the heat and damage a forest fire can do.
4. **Sea of flames** If you want to be more artful about your description, this phrase fits the bill. The metaphor here compares the fire to a sea, which lends a good sense of scale and motion to the burning. It evokes roiling waves of fire in your reader’s mind.
Other effective figurative phrases like “ocean of fire” or “wall of flame.”
5. **Devouring** One way to add some character to a fire is to personify it by describing it in ways that might not typically apply to an object.
Try something like “The forest fire devoured everything in its path” brings it to life and makes it more animated, like it has a mind of its own.
Also try describing the fire as “hungry” or “greedy,” to give it a sense of personification and action.
6. **Cataclysmic** This is a good term to use if you want to establish a darker, more destructive picture of a forest fire. It describes a violent, sudden change to the landscape. It perfectly captures the damage a fire can do.
A similar term is “apocalyptic,” which is a strong adjective that offers a sense of doom.
7. **Cleansing** Forest fires aren’t all bad. In many instances, they clear the way for new growth, which can be healthy for a forest and its ecosystem. A word like “cleansing” can paint a fire in a more generous and purifying light, and is a good word to use if you want to focus on the positives of this natural phenomena.
Words like “renewing” or “natural” help to convey a forest fire’s beneficial aspects.
8. **Burst** To say something “burst into flames” can capture the sudden and dramatic start to a fire. But “burst” can also describe a sudden and violent breakage or rupture. This second definition can be useful when depicting the way trees might destruct during a forest fire.
Another idea is to describe the trees or embers as “exploding,” to lend a more violent tone to the scene.
9. **Glare** A forest fire gives off quite a bit of light, especially after dark. You can describe this glow as a “glare,” which is a harsh or dazzling light.
Forest fires also “gleam” or are “blinding.”
10. **Smoggy** You might not think immediately of smog when you think of forest fires, but these fires give off quite a bit of smoke, which can fill the air with haze and pollutants. When near a forest fire, it’s hard not to notice all the smoke, so it’s a good aspect to include in your writing.
For example: “The forest fire’s smoke emitted a smoggy haze over the city that sat downwind of the blaze.”
11. **Stifling** Similar to “smoggy,” the smoke from a wildfire can be stifling, especially if the fire is large and intense enough. This smog can affect people’s well-being and health. Using this word to describe a forest fire is a good way to communicate how oppressive and claustrophobic a forest fire can be to humans and wildlife.
“The smoke from the fire stifled the fleeing animals and caused them to choke.”
12. **Smolder** A forest fire isn’t always a violent blaze. Sometimes, especially toward the end of its burning, a fire is less intense and is more ember than flame. This is where the word “smolder” can be useful. Use this word to describe how a forest fire might continue to burn low and slow after the leaping flames have already died out.
You might also say a fire “glowed” or “churned.”
13. **Incorporate the 5 senses into your description.** Effective descriptive writing often makes use of all or many of the 5 senses in order to help a reader place themself in a scene and bring the writing to life. Ask yourself, how does the forest fire look? How does it smell? Does the air taste like anything? Can you feel the heat? What do you hear?
Make a list of adjectives for each of the senses and try to incorporate some of these into your writing to really bring the scene to life.
A fire might look bright or intense.
A forest fire might smell like charred wood, or even just like a campfire.
The area around a forest fire can taste like ash or smoke.
Forest fires roar and crackle, which are great words to describe the sound.
Finally, a forest fire is hot, of course–so hot it can scorch or sear whatever it touches.
14. **Tailor the tone and mood of your writing to match the scene.** “Mood” in writing describes the piece’s overall atmosphere and emotion, and “tone” refers to the attitude of the piece. Decide what you want the overall vibe of the piece to be, and then choose words that fit that vibe.
If you want the fire to come across as scary, try using words like “devouring” or “apocalyptic.”
If you’re trying for a lighter or more optimistic mood, try words like “cleansing” or “renewing.”
15. **Write about the effects the fire has on the people and places around it.** Ask yourself how the fire itself fits into your narrative or piece. If you’re writing fiction, how does the setting of a forest fire impact your characters? If you’re writing non-fiction or describing a real fire, what effect did that fire have on the world and the people around it? This context can be useful to help a reader establish context and emotion.
16. **Read other people’s writing about fire.** Reading prose and poems can help you write better, too! Of course, it’s important not to plagiarize, but you can take inspiration from others’ writing and try to see how they’re making something work. Consider their word choice and sentence structure to see what you can learn.
Readers make the best writers, because you're learning vocabulary that you may not have known before.
17. **** “Soon the greenish leaves, big as human hands, began to shine here and there with the reflection of an intermittent, leaping light, brighter than any that had penetrated that forest twilight. The heat increased until no living thing–not a lizard, not a fly–remained in the glade about the rock…A single flame darted through the curtain of creepers, disappeared, returned and flickered in and out like a snake’s tongue.” –Richard Adams
18. **** “The blazes quickly ripped through hundreds of thousands of acres, forcing thousands to evacuate, filling the skies with smoke, and raining down ash across much of the region.” –James Temple
19. **** “She got up and stood in front of the fire, having her hand on the chimney-piece and looking down at the blaze.” –Henry James
20. **** “The box immediately melts into flames, leaving the body defenseless against the inferno.” –Maria Konnikova
21. **** “Pa's fire grows and stretches away from the house. The prairie fire roars and rushes. Then the two of them meet and the sky is filled with smoke, wind, and noise. All Laura can see is fire all around her.” –Laura Ingalls Wilder | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Describe-a-Forest-Fire-in-Writing", "language": "en"} |
How to Recognize HPV in Women (Human Papillomavirus) | Human papillomavirus (HPV) represents more than 100 distinct viruses, many of which are sexually transmitted infections (STI) that pass through direct contact with mucous membranes in the genital area. It is the most common of sexually transmitted infections, with around 80% of women estimated to be infected at some point in their lifetime. Some types of HPV may cause genital warts in both men and women. Other types may cause cervical cancer and other lesser known cancers in women, such as cancer of the vagina, anus, and vulva. HPV can also cause throat cancer in men and women. Recognizing HPV can be key in proper treatment or management. Some forms of HPV can be recognized on their own, while many require testing from a medical professional.
1. **Look for warts as a symptom of low-risk HPV.** The most evident symptom of a low-risk HPV infection is genital warts. These warts may appear as small raised bumps, flat lesions, or small protrusions from the skin. These warts tend to be grouped, and can show within days or weeks of infection.
In women, genital warts are most often seen on the vulva and labia, but may also occur around the anus, in the vagina, or on the cervix.
Low-risk HPV strains may also lead to some lesions around the cervix, but generally speaking will not lead to cancerous cell development.
2. **Learn about high-risk HPV detection.** High-risk HPV rarely has any associated symptoms unless it has progressed to an advanced stage of cancer. This is why it is important to get an annual pelvic exam from your OB-GYN, who may be able to detect problems before they advance to a cancerous or pre-cancerous level. Symptoms of advanced-stage HPV that may be causing cervical cancer include:
Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods or after sexual intercourse.
Irregular menstrual cycles.
Fatigue.
Weight loss or loss of appetite.
Back, leg, or pelvic pain.
A single swollen leg.
Vaginal discomfort.
Odorous discharge from the vagina.
3. **Screen for other cancers.** High-risk HPV most commonly causes cervical cancer, but it has also been linked to cancer of the vulva, anus, and throat. These cancers can be detected early if you get regular medical examinations, which is why it is important to get regular screenings.
On exposed areas, such as the vulva or around the anus, swipe a flat palm over the area to check for lumps that may indicate genital warts.
If you believe you have been exposed to HPV at any point, alert both your OB-GYN and your general practitioner, and ask them to screen you for any potential cancers associated with HPV.
4. **Get tested to determine the type of HPV.** There are upwards of 100 different viruses that are considered a form of HPV. Of those 100+ strains, around 40 of them are sexually transmitted, while around 60 of them cause warts on areas such as the hands and feet.
Non-sexually transmitted HPV usually enters your body through skin-to-skin contact, entering through cuts or abrasions on the skin, and will manifest as warts around the area of infection
Sexually transmitted HPV enters the body through direct genital contact, or from skin-to-genital contact. HPV infections around the mouth or in the upper respiratory system may also occur from oral sex. These may manifest as warts, or may have no symptoms. Only a test from your doctor can properly diagnose sexually-transmitted HPV.
5. **Consider whether you have sexually transmitted HPV.** Sexually transmitted strains of HPV are generally broken down into two broad categories: high risk and low risk HPV.
About 40 types of HPV are transmitted by direct contact with a mucus membrane, such as those around the genital area. These types are the most likely to be spread through sexual contact.
High-risk HPV viruses are those that are sexually transmitted and are at a higher risk for developing into a serious health risk, such as cancer. High-risk HPV strains include HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58, and a couple other strains. The strains responsible for most cervical cancer development are 16 and 18, which are screened for most commonly since they cause about 70% of cervical cancers. Medical testing is necessary to see if you have high-risk HPV.
Low-risk HPV strains include HPV 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 53, 54, 61, 72, 73, and 81. HPV 6 and 11 are the most common forms of low-risk HPV, and are the HPV strains most commonly associated with genital warts. Rarely do low-risk strains lead to cancer, so they are not part of routine screening.
6. **Evaluate your risks.** Certain factor can increase a woman’s chance of contracting HPV. Those who have had multiple sexual partners, a weakened immune system from HIV, immune disorders, or cancer treatment, and those who engage in unprotected sex may all be at a higher risk for sexually-transmitted HPV.
Aligning with a risk factor does not mean that a woman has or does not have HPV. It is simply an indicator that she is more likely to be exposed.
7. **Get a Pap test.** Pap tests are the primary method for a doctor to check for cervical cancer or precancerous changes to the cervix. If a Pap test comes back irregular, the doctor may opt to perform an HPV DNA test to see if the Pap sample tests positive for HPV. However, some doctors also perform both tests together.
Pap tests are recommended every three years for women under the age of 65 whose previous Paps have come back normal. If you receive an irregular Pap result, your doctor will advise you on a good testing schedule.
8. **Ask for an HPV test along with your pap test.** HPV tests are may not be given as part of a routine exam for women, but many doctors perform both tests together. You can request an HPV test along with your pap test if you believe you have reason to worry. Samples for an HPV test are collected the same way as those for a Pap test, by swabbing the cervix.
HPV tests are generally only recommended for women age 30 or over, and thus a doctor may not recommend one for younger patients.
HPV is common in young women, and most strains are cleared up by a healthy immune system before any symptoms or complications can occur. Subsequently, your doctor may recommend another screening method, such as a Pap test, to see if there is any need for concern or further testing.
At this point, HPV tests have only been effectively developed for women. Thus, a woman cannot ask a male partner to get screened for HPV in order to assess their risk.
9. **Get any warts screened.** If you notice any warts, lesions, or lumps around your genital area, contact your doctor immediately. Set up an appointment to have the doctor look at any warts or suspicious symptoms as soon as possible.
Genital warts often go away on their own, and depending upon your specific symptoms your doctor may recommend careful monitoring and no further treatment.
If your doctor does recommend treatment, they may opt for topical treatments or freezing the warts. Ask your doctor if your treatment can be applied at home, or if it must be done by a medical professional.
If you receive treatment for genital warts, ask your doctor, “What should I do to prevent infection in this area and minimize risk of future warts?”
10. **Talk to your doctor at your annual checkup.** Be sure to talk with your doctor about any concerns you have about HPV. Part of a well woman exam is also an examination of the vulva, vagina, and anal area. If you are concerned that you are at risk for HPV infections, then let your doctor know so that these areas can be examined too.
11. **Use a condom.** When used correctly, condoms are 97% effective against most sexually transmitted infections. Use a condom any time you have vaginal or anal intercourse, and opt for protection such as a dental dam during oral sex. To properly put on a condom:
Inspect the wrapper for any cuts, holes, or punctures, and look for the expiration date. Do not use an expired condom or one that appears to be damaged.
Carefully open the wrapper to ensure that the latex of the condom does not tear.
Remove the condom and pinch the tip before rolling down the shaft of the penis.
While still pinching the tip of the condom with one hand, line the condom up with the head of the penis and use your other other hand to roll the condom down the shaft of the penis to its base.
Dispose of a used condom by tying off the open end and placing in a waste receptacle.
12. **Get vaccinated.** Vaccines that guard against certain high-risk strains of HPV are now readily available to women and boys. It is recommended that girls get the vaccine between ages 11 and 12, but it may be administered at any point between ages 9 and 26. Boys can get the vaccine at ages 11 or 12, or up to age 21.
The vaccine is ideally administered before a girl or woman becomes sexually active, but may still benefit sexually active young women.
HPV vaccines are generally given as a course of three shots over six months.
13. **Discuss sexual history.** Whenever you begin having sex with a new partner, have an open and honest discussion about your sexual history with your partner. Talk about what types of testing and screening you’ve had recently, and how many sexual encounters you have had since your last test or examination.
Take the time to discuss your sexual history before you begin having sex with a new partner.
Do not be afraid to ask them specific questions such as, “Have you noticed any symptoms that may be related to HPV such as warts?” and, “How many sexual partners have you had?”
Do respect a person’s decision to not share information with you if they do not want to, but also understand that you are under no obligation to have sex with anyone and may choose to not engage in intercourse if you cannot get the information you need to feel comfortable consenting. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-HPV-in-Women-(Human-Papillomavirus)", "language": "en"} |
How to Store Collard Greens | Collard greens are a nutritious green, leafy vegetable that are related to cabbage, broccoli, and kale. Although most popular in the American South, collard greens can be found in many grocery stores across North America and beyond. Once you bring your collard greens home, you will need to store them properly, in order to guarantee that they remain fresh and delicious. This can be done in several ways, depending on when you plan on using them.
1. **Do not wash the collard greens.** If you plan on using your collard greens within the next week, don't wash them before refrigeration. Introducing water to the greens can promote decay, cutting the length of their freshness down dramatically.
If you are concerned that your greens are too dirty to store in your refrigerator, know that they will be stored in an air-tight bag. Any dirt and grit will not get onto the surfaces in your fridge.
2. **Place the collard greens in an air-tight plastic bag.** Most greens should be stored in plastic bags and collard greens are no exception. Put the greens in a big plastic bag, as the greens themselves are very large. Be sure to push out as much air as you can before sealing.
Collard greens that are not put into a plastic bag, but are put into the refrigerator, will become wilted very quickly. Like other vegetables, uncovered collard greens get dehydrated. This causes them to go limp.
If you don't have a plastic bag that seals closed, wrap the greens in a damp paper towel. Then place the greens in an unsealed plastic bag. This should keep the greens crisp for several days.
3. **Refrigerate the collard greens.** Put the bag of collard greens in the crisper of your refrigerator. Keep them there until you are ready to use them. They should be used within 5 to 7 days of storage.
The amount of time your collard greens stay fresh will vary. It depends on the freshness of the collard greens to begin with and the quality of your refrigerator's chilling. Check on the collard greens daily to make sure that they are still suitable for eating.
Spoiled collard greens will get soft, wilt, become slimy, or get discolored. They may also start to smell bad.
4. **Wash before preparing.** Once you have decided to use your greens, take them out of the fridge and wash them thoroughly. Collard greens are known to be relatively dirty and gritty. Take the time to soak the greens in fresh water and make sure that each leaf is clean.
If you don't have a bowl or kitchen sink that can be used for cleaning the greens, wash each leaf under running water.
5. **Wash the collard greens.** If you are going to store your collard greens in the freezer, you should wash them thoroughly before storage. Soak the leaves in a bowl or sink full of water or wash in running water. Make sure all grit and dirt is removed from the leaves before proceeding.
Collard greens that are stored in the freezer are cooked slightly and will have a softer consistency when defrosted. This would make washing once defrosted impossible.
6. **Cut up the collard greens** Separate the stems from the leaves. This will allow you to cut the stems into smaller pieces that will cook faster. Cut the leaf portion into whatever shape you want. Many people like to cut them into strips.
You could keep the collard green leaves whole but that would make them hard to handle when blanching and packaging them for the freezer.
7. **Blanch the collard greens.** Put the greens, stems and leaves, into boiling water for three minutes. The goal is to cook the greens slightly, while keeping their bright green color and not cooking them completely.
After the two minutes of cooking, put the greens straight into an ice water bath for a minute or two. This will stop the cooking immediately.
Blanching the vegetables will stop enzyme action that can cause decay. This causes loss of color and flavor. Blanching also cleans the surface of the greens really well, assuring that all dirt and organisms are removed.
8. **Put the collard greens in an air-tight container in the freezer.** Dry off any excess moisture and then put the blanched leaves into an air-tight container. This could be a plastic container or a freezer bag, whatever you have on hand. Write the date on the package so you can track how long you have it. Then place the container into your freezer
The more air you can get out of the packaging, the better.
9. **Use within 10 to 12 months.** Collard greens that are stored in the freezer can be used for a long time. They usually stay good for between 10 and 12 months, after which they should be thrown out.
Collard greens that have been defrosted and then refrozen several times will stay fresh for less time. This usually happens due to a faulty freezer. One sign that your collard greens may have undergone this freezing and defrosting is excessive freezer burn. However, all foods that are frozen for long enough will develop freezer burn eventually. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Collard-Greens", "language": "en"} |
10 Fulfilling Ways to Pray for Your Enemies | In Matthew 5:44, Jesus says to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” That’s way easier said than done, though. How are you supposed to pray for someone who has hurt you badly and done awful things? Praying for your enemies may seem a little daunting at first, but it’s easy to get started if you know exactly what to petition for. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Read on for spiritual, Bible-backed prayer ideas that will help bring you closer to God.
1. **The Holy Spirit allows us—and our enemies—to be closer to God.** As a part of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit helps everyone (including nonbelievers) to understand the truth of Jesus Christ and His word. When you pray for the Holy Spirit to reach your enemies, you’re also praying for them to know and understand the freedom and salvation that God offers.
“God, please let my enemies be filled with the Holy Spirit so they can know You and Your Grace.”
Second Corinthians 3:17 says it best: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
2. **Wishing blessings for your enemies helps you follow God’s will.** In Romans 12:14, the apostle Paul instructs readers to “bless those who persecute you” and “not curse them.” This definitely isn’t an easy task—and it’s okay to let God know that as you pray!
“Please fill my enemy’s life with all of Your blessings and love. Let them understand how much they need Your Presence in their life, so they can be truly fulfilled.”
Remember what the Bible says in 1 Peter 3:9: “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”
3. **Everyone is worthy of forgiveness in God’s eyes—even our enemies.** Take Luke 23:34, for instance. Despite being betrayed, tortured, and crucified, Jesus asks forgiveness for those who wronged him by saying “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Try to adopt the same attitude as you meditate in prayer for your enemies.
“God, please forgive my enemies for what they have done. I can’t deny that I’m feeling hurt and betrayed, but I also know that everyone is worthy and deserving of Your forgiveness.”
4. **Forgiving others is an important part of following Jesus.** Keep Ephesians 4:32 in mind: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Think about how Jesus has and continues to forgive us for our sins, and focus on embodying that same sense of grace and mercy toward your enemies.
“Lord, I’m really struggling to forgive this person. Please fill me with your grace and show me how to forgive as you do.”
Think about Matthew 6:14-15 as you pray, too: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
5. **God’s grace extends to our friends and our enemies.** It can be really hard to imagine that the people who hurt us deserve God’s grace. In these moments, it helps to think of Romans 3:23-24: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
“God, please fill my enemies with your grace and love. Help them to know who you are and to accept your gift of salvation.”
Feel free to use Philippians 4:23 as a model for your prayer: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”
6. **God’s love is a powerful force that is capable of anything.** From Moses and David to Peter and Saul/Paul, God has used plenty of flawed people to achieve a greater purpose. Petition God to do the same thing with the enemies in your life—and yourself, too!
“God, please use this person’s cruel actions and words for something positive. All things are possible with You, and I trust that something good and righteous can come out of this situation.”
As you pray, think about Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”
7. **God always wants us to turn the other cheek, even if it’s tough.** In Matthew 5:44, Jesus teaches His followers to love their enemies. The apostle Paul expands on this important lesson in Romans 12:20, saying “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.” As you pray, ask God to give you the strength to treat your enemies with this type of courtesy, even if they don’t deserve it.
“Lord, please give me the strength to treat this person with kindness and courtesy. I’m really struggling with my feelings toward them, and I need Your strength to help me face them with respect and dignity.”
According to the Bible, treating your enemies with kindness is the best way to get “back” at them.
8. **Every person deserves a chance to heal from the past and know God’s love.** Sometimes, people do really cruel things because of things that happened to them in the past. While past experiences never excuse cruel or abusive behavior, you can still be the bigger person by praying for your enemy’s mental and emotional healing and wellbeing.
“God, please be with this person as they come to terms with their past. As much I don’t like them, they deserve to be at peace with themselves.”
Meditate on what the Bible says in James 5:16: “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
9. **Through God, it’s possible for anyone to grow and change.** Think of Paul’s conversion story, as detailed in Acts 9. Paul (formerly known as Saul) was one of the biggest persecutors of the early Christian Church but was converted to Christianity after Jesus appeared to him in the middle of the road. Ask God to make an undeniable appearance in the life of your enemy, so they can grow and change in a radical way, too.
“God, I pray that you will make Yourself known to this person. Let them accept You into their life, so they can grow in faith and spirit.”
10. **Let God handle their punishment instead of handling it yourself.** When someone really hurts you, it can be tempting to take matters into your own hands. Instead of giving in to this temptation, ask God to take control of your situation and handle it as He sees fit. The apostle Paul says it best in Romans 12:19: “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
“Lord, I’m feeling really angry and upset about this situation, but I’m trusting you to handle it. I trust that you can deal with this person in whatever way you see fit.”
It may also help to meditate on Proverbs 20:22: “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.” | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Pray-for-Your-Enemies", "language": "en"} |
How to Get Rid of Mold on Drywall | Drywall is a revolutionary (and cost-effective) building material, but its also prone to things like water damage and, worse, mold. A mold problem is never a fun time, but luckily there are a couple handy ways to banish those pesky spores from your drywall before they become too out of control. We'll show you how to handle mold problems on coated, painted, and unpainted drywall to keep your home safe and clean.
1. **Choose a cleaning agent.** Cleaning agents range from mild to potent and include both natural and chemical alternatives. If you have small children or pets in your home, you may want to consider a milder, natural solution over a powerful chemical one. If you have a more advanced mold problem, a stronger chemical may be necessary.
Combine one part with five parts water. Baking soda is the mildest, safest cleanser available that is commonly used against mold.
Use straight or vinegar mixed in equal parts with water. Vinegar is a little stronger than baking soda but it is still natural and safe to use around children and pets.
Try an . Since one of the easiest ways to identify the presence of mold is by smell, using an unscented detergent guarantees that no other smells will interfere with your ability to detect the smell of mold. Detergents are still relatively safe to use around kids and pets even though they are a chemical product. Combine the detergent with a small amount of water.
Use . Some sources recommend the use of bleach while others do not. Objections to bleach are primarily due to how harsh it is and how potentially harmful it can be to breathe in. Some also believe that its effectiveness is not reliably consistent. Nonetheless, it still remains one of the strongest cleaners effective against mold and safe for painted drywall. Mix one part bleach with three parts water.
2. **Keep the room well ventilated.** To remove mold, you may need to work with chemical cleaners. Many of these cleaners can be harmful if inhaled and, as a result, you should keep the doors and windows open as you work. Never direct a fan of any kind into the room or you will spread the spores everywhere! A fan may be placed in windows facing outward to push bad air outdoors. You should seal off doors with plastic to avoid spreading the mold spores in other areas of the house.
3. **Protect the surrounding area.** To prevent potential damage that could result if you accidentally spill chemicals or cleaners, protect anything that you do not plan on working with directly. Remove furniture and decorations to the other side of the room or out of the room completely. Cover the floor with newsprint or plastic drop cloth and tape the coverings taped in place. Keep an old rag on hand to catch any spills as you notice them.
4. **Add the cleaning solution to a spray bottle.** Pour the cleansing agent and water into a spray bottle and shake to combine. Make sure that the solution is thoroughly combined to ensure effectiveness.
5. **Spray a small amount of the solution onto the mold.** Do not drench the area, since additional moisture can actually increase the mold problem rather than getting rid of it. Spray to mold once or twice over, making sure that each area has been covered with the solution but without using so much solution that it begins dripping off.
6. **Scrub the area with an old toothbrush.** A dish sponge with an abrasive side can also work. Scrub the area until you no longer see any discoloration or visible mold.
7. **Dry the area out.** Since mold can start developing if you leave the area moist, point an electric fan on the spot to help it dry out faster.
8. **Apply a stain-blocking paint.** If some mild staining still exists even after you have removed the mold, use a stain-blocking primer and paint to mask it.
9. **Cover the area with plastic sheeting.** As you work, mold spores could break free from the drywall. To prevent them from finding their way into the flooring, cover the flooring and anything in the surrounding area with plastic sheeting. Tape the sheeting in place.
10. **Mark the areas of the wall that have mold.** Use a pencil to lightly draw a box around every area with visible mold. The area should be 5-6 inches larger than the stain itself and should span an area that extends over at least two wooden wall beams behind the drywall. Removing more wall than necessary will increase your odds of removing unseen mold spores and will also make it possible to replace the section of drywall.
11. **Cut the area out with a utility knife.** Saw along the line with your knife, pointing it out and away from you as you work. When the patch of drywall comes free, carefully remove it and set it down, mold-side up, on the plastic.
12. **Clean the inside of the room with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuum.** Mold spores may have been stirred up during the process, but using a HEPA vacuum should remove them.
13. **If your mold spot has appeared by a door or window, while the inner wall is open have someone spray water on the door or window with a hose and monitor for any moisture coming in.** Sometimes it can take 5 minutes of spraying with water before any leak will show itself. Once located, seal from both the outside and inside to prevent moisture coming in (again mold is only caused where there is moisture).
14. **Before replacing the drywall, it is recommended to paint the interior wall cavity with an elastomeric paint like Kilz, and also paint the backside of the drywall you are replacing.** Cut a new section of drywall. Use a tape measure to measure the hole and, using a utility knife, cut a piece of fresh drywall that fits the exact same measurements.
15. **Fit the new piece of drywall in the hole.** It should be a tight, snug fit.
16. **Secure the new section of drywall.** Use drywall screws and a screwdriver to attach the drywall to the wooden beams in the wall behind it.
17. **Apply joint compound.** Joint compound, also called drywall compound, should be applied to the perimeter of the new section of drywall to help join it with the rest of the wall and to seal any cracks in between the sections.
18. **Smooth the joint compound after it dries.** After 24 hours have passed, you can use sandpaper or a gentle sander to smooth the dried joint compound out.
19. **Vacuum the entire area with a HEPA vacuum.** Mold spores could have landed on surrounding wall or flooring, even with the plastic coverings in place. Remove as much as possible with a HEPA vacuum. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Mold-from-Drywall", "language": "en"} |
How to Use Curl Rods | If you’re looking for an easy way to create smooth, beautiful curls that last for days, and don’t want to stress over the damaging heat of a curling iron, then flexible curl rods are a great choice! While there are many options out there for curling your hair, flexible curl rods have a rubber hold that lets you easily create curls without kinks or breaks. When used correctly, flexi rods will curl your hair without damaging it, like some heat options can.
1. **Give yourself enough time to let your hair dry in curl rods.** Curling your hair can take a fair amount of time to do. If you have more time, you can let your curls dry naturally with the rods in your hair, but this can take hours. For a speedier option, use a hooded blow dryer.
Your hair must be completely dry by the time you take your rods out!
2. **Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner to remove excess oils.** Your curls will look healthier and last longer if your hair is clean before you curl it. Leave your hair a little damp, do not dry it completely. Flexi rods work best on wet or damp hair to create a stronger, lasting curl.
If you aren’t going to wash your hair, you can use a spray bottle to dampen it.
3. **Moisturize your hair with leave-in conditioner.** Apply leave-in conditioner or moisturizing cream to allow for better curls and to control frizziness. This will also make it easier for you to put on the curl rods.
If your hair is not naturally curly, apply setting lotion or gel to help the curl hold.
For thick hair, apply moisture as you section your hair, not before.
4. **Use hair clips to divide your hair into 4-6 sections so it’s easier to curl.** Divide your hair evenly using a hairbrush or wide-toothed comb, and then coil each section onto the top of your head with your finger. Remember, this is just to keep the rest of your hair out of the way while you’re working with one section!
If you have natural hair, detangle each section and apply moisturizer as you go.
Larger clips work well with longer or thicker hair.
5. **Use smaller rods for small, tight curls and bigger rods for larger curls.** The wider the rod, the looser the curl! The smallest flexi rod is typically ⁄8 inch (0.95 cm) and larger rods can go all the way up to ⁄8 inch (2.2 cm).
For shorter hair, smaller rods are best!
To maintain short, very tight coils, use cold-wave perm rods. They will allow you to clip in hair for a firmer hold.
6. **Separate a small lock from the back section and remove any tangles.** If you have thick hair or want tighter coils, separate smaller locks of hair for each flexi rod. Use larger chunks of hair if you have thin hair or want looser coils. Typically, a square inch of hair should work.
Apply a small amount of gel to each lock if you have naturally frizzy hair.
7. **Wrap the end of the lock around the flexi rod to secure it.** The end of the hair must be tightly secured so that the flexi rod doesn’t come out as your hair dries and becomes more slippery. Curl the end of the hair tightly around the rod.
Make sure to begin at the end of the flexi rod so that you can use the rest of the length to spiral your hair.
8. **Roll the flexi rod in a spiral up the lock of hair until you reach the root.** Make sure your hair stays smooth as you create a spiral of hair around the rod. Do not roll the rod straight up the hair or let the hair wrap over itself, as this will increase drying time and produce weaker curls.
Longer hair will require longer flexi rods!
9. **Bend the flexi rod at the root of your hair to secure the coil in place.** Bend the top of the flexi rod in the opposite direction of the spiral of hair for a more secure hold. Repeat this process for the rest of the section, and then begin on another section until all of your hair is securely in flexi rods.
10. **Let your hair completely dry in the flexi rods.** The key word is completely! You can sleep with flexi rods in overnight, or use a hooded dryer to speed up the process. Longer or thicker hair will take longer to dry.
If you plan to keep your flexi rods in overnight, wrap your hair in a satin wrap, bonnet, or other soft cloth to prevent frizz.
If you begin the process with dry hair and dampen it, the drying time will be shorter.
11. **Select a curl rod and straighten it.** Unfold one of the curl rods to begin removing it. Go one at a time, do not try to remove multiple rods at once.
12. **Uncoil the rod in the opposite direction that you twisted it in.** Use the same twisting movement as you did when putting the rods in. Gently unravel the hair from the rod completely before moving to another rod.
Do not pull the rods straight out of your hair or you’ll lose the curl!
13. **Use your fingers to gently separate the curls for a more natural appearance.** Once you have removed all the rods, run your fingers gently through your hair to break up the tight coils. Separate the curls gently and let them naturally come apart.
Do not completely straighten your hair when you do this!
14. **Apply hairspray for a lasting curl.** Lightly spray your hair with hairspray once you’ve achieved your desired look. This will help your curls last longer and reduce frizz, especially on humid days! | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Curl-Rods", "language": "en"} |
How to Prevent Emotional Abuse | Emotional abuse can take a variety of forms, from humiliating jokes to degrading comments, and it's not always easy to spot. If you believe you’re the target of emotional abuse, remove yourself from the situation and cut ties with your abuser. While serious on its own, emotional abuse can escalate to physical violence, which requires prompt intervention. Call emergency services immediately if you or someone you love is in danger of physical harm.
1. **Notice attempts to humiliate, invalidate, and criticize.** You might feel like you're constantly being judged, degraded, or dismissed, especially in front of other people. An abuser might not give you credit for your accomplishments, or say that your achievements are insignificant. When you bring up your concerns, an emotional abuser might tell you that you're being too sensitive or say you can’t take a joke.
Note that emotional abuse doesn’t just occur in romantic relationships. A friend, relative, peer, teacher, or someone else in your life could try to embarrass you or constantly dismiss your opinions.
2. **Look for behaviors related to domination and control.** Your romantic partner or friend might make you feel like you need permission to hang out with other people. They might try to isolate you by preventing you from seeing your loved ones. You might feel like you can’t even make the smallest decisions.
In a romantic relationship, an abusive partner might try to control your finances and make you ask permission before spending any money.
They might also want to know what you’re doing at all times, and demand the password to your phone, email, and social media accounts.
3. **Note signs of emotional distance and manipulation.** An emotional abuser might deny affection or attention as punishment. If you have a disagreement, they might give you the silent treatment instead of resolving your differences. Emotional distance is meant to make you feel like you’re always at fault, even if you did nothing wrong.
An abuser might also attempt to manipulate your emotions by threatening to harm themselves if you do something they don’t want you to do.
4. **Think of occasions when your partner has accepted blame.** An emotionally abusive person doesn’t accept blame or apologize. They might constantly deny or embellish facts to make themselves look like the victim.
In addition to never admitting to a fault, emotional abusers often can’t laugh at themselves and don’t tolerate being teased by others.
5. **Ask yourself if your partner disrespects your personal boundaries.** Someone who’s emotionally abusive might share your personal information without your permission. Instead of treating you like an individual with your own will, they expect you to do what they think is best for you at all times.
Additionally, they might not have many other connections with other people. They might demand your constant attention and discourage you from forming personal relationships with other people.
6. **Learn to recognize signs of gaslighting.** Gaslighting is when an emotionally abusive person leads you to question your own sanity or reality. It's subtle and develops in stages, and it can lead you to believe an emotionally abusive person isn’t doing anything wrong. Signs of gaslighting include:
Constantly second-guessing yourself.
The need to apologizing for everything, even for insignificant or non-existent errors.
Constantly finding excuses for the abusive person’s behavior.
Difficulty making simple choices.
Feeling that you're not good enough for the emotionally abusive person.
7. **Spot signs of child abuse and neglect.** Signs of emotional abuse in children are different than in romantic relationships and can be difficult to recognize. You might notice sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal, increased aggression, frequent absences from school, weight changes, or soiled clothes.
Forms of emotional abuse might include belittling or degrading a child (especially in public), name-calling, constantly ignoring a child, not allowing them to make friends, withholding positive emotions or encouragement, and failing to meet their dietary, hygienic, and other basic needs.
8. **Trust your instincts if you’re not sure whether a situation is abusive.** Even if you're concerned about a friend, relative, or child, you might not be sure if you should intervene. Alternatively, you might suspect that something is wrong with your relationship, but aren’t sure if it’s abusive. When in doubt, reach out to a trusted loved one, or get advice from a mental health professional or licensed social worker.
On its own, emotional abuse is a serious matter. It could also be sign of present physical abuse or escalate to physical violence in the future. If you think something’s wrong, don’t hesitate to act on your concerns.
9. **Acknowledge that your relationship is unhealthy.** It might be hard to admit or recognize, but the first step is to acknowledge that you’re the target of emotionally abusive behavior. If a friend or relative has brought their concerns to you, listen to them.
If you think that a romantic partner or friend might be mistreating you but are unsure, discuss your feelings with a trusted loved one or mental health professional.
Keep in mind an emotionally abusive person will try to excuse their behavior, make you think their actions are normal, or blame you.
10. **Remind yourself that you are not to blame.** You’re not responsible for someone else’s abusive behavior. You might ask yourself how you could have prevented the situation or scold yourself for letting it happen. While these are valid responses to abuse, an abuser chose to be abusive, and you are not responsible for those choices.
Don’t dwell on prior signs you think you should have recognized or decisions you could have made in the past. Remember that emotional abuse can be subtle and barely noticeable at first, or it can occur suddenly with no warning signs.
11. **Talk to a mental health professional.** Look online or ask your primary doctor for a referral to a therapist or counselor that specializes in emotional abuse. If money is a concern, look up state-administered mental health services available in your county. If you're a student, contact your school’s health center or counselor.
If you find that you are in a codependent relationship with your abuser, a counselor can help you refocus. Some signs of codependency include difficulty making decisions, difficulty communicating, valuing your partner's approval above your own, poor self-esteem, and making excuses for your partner's behavior.
If you're in a romantic relationship with the abuser, seeking couples counseling to save the relationship is a difficult, personal decision. For instance, it's normal to feel like you should try to save your relationship if you've spent 10 happy years with someone whose behavior has changed only recently.
A counselor can help you understand how serious the situation is, affirm that the abusive behavior is unacceptable, and help you both develop skills to improve your relationship. Involving a mental health professional might help your partner understand that they need to change their behavior or the relationship must end.
Couples counseling is unlikely to remedy cases of long-term emotional abuse. If your situation is long-term, has escalated, or you've been threatened with physical violence, focus on empowering yourself to end the relationship and move forward.
12. **End the relationship in the safest way possible.** Don’t make excuses for abusive actions or try to change the abuser’s behavior. Whether it’s a friendship or romantic relationship, cut ties with the person who’s mistreating you. Accentuate the positive, and remind yourself that you deserve to be treated better.
End the relationship as long as it’s safe to do so. If you live with an emotionally abusive partner and are concerned they might become violent, you might not be able to safely leave right away. If necessary, develop a safety plan and get help from your loved ones and legal authorities.
If you feel afraid or alone, you can always reach out to support organizations for help and guidance. In the U.S., for example, you could call the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
13. **Disengage from abusive interactions if leaving isn’t possible.** You might be able to leave an abusive situation immediately, especially if you live with the abuser. Do your best to ignore their behavior, as long as it’s safe to do so. If they become physically violent, call emergency services and put your safety plan into action.
For example, if they insult you or dismiss your opinions, try to stay calm and ignore them. Instead of engaging them by showing them you’re upset or explaining your opinion, try visualizing calm surroundings or singing a happy song to yourself.
Do what they say if you think you need to comply in order to prevent physical violence. For instance, you might need to let them look through your phone if they threaten violence.
Remember to get help and leave a physically abusive situation as soon as you can safely do so.
14. **Lean on your support system.** If you’re upset about ending a relationship, lean on your trusted loved ones for emotional support. If you’re leaving an unsafe situation, ask your loved ones if they can offer a place to live, accompany you to court appointments, provide childcare, and help you get back on your feet.
In addition to reaching out to friends and relatives, you can also get help from a local domestic abuse shelter or community organization, talk to a counselor, and look for legal resources from local criminal justice organizations.
15. **Get help immediately if you’re in danger.** Call emergency services if an emotionally abusive person is physically violent or threatens to hurt you or your loved ones. Take their threats seriously, even if an emotionally abusive partner or friend hasn’t been violent in the past.
Describe the person's abusive behavior and threatening language to the emergency services operator.
When authorities arrive, they'll question the person and, depending on your local laws and the nature of your complaint, take them into custody.
Ask officers for a copy of the police report. After the crisis, file a restraining order against the abusive person if you're concerned about your safety.
16. **Call emergency services if they threaten to harm themselves.** An emotionally abusive person might threaten to hurt themselves or commit suicide in order to control you. Get emergency help if you believe they will truly attempt to harm themselves, have a plan of doing so, or have immediate access to a weapon or other means of committing suicide.
Tell the emergency services operator if the abusive person has a history of mental illness, and ask for responders trained in diffusing emergencies related to mental illness.
If they regularly threaten suicide to control you, don't give in to their threats. Tell them that you are not responsible for their choices and that you will not give in to their demands.
Maintaining your boundaries and leaving someone who repeatedly threatens suicide aren't easy. Remind yourself that these patterns are unhealthy, that your partner's intention is to control and intimidate you, and that they are responsible for their own actions.
17. **Develop a safety plan if you’re concerned about physical violence.** Make sure it’s physically and financially safe to leave an abusive situation before you act. Make arrangements with a friend or relative so you (and your children, if you have any) will have somewhere safe to go.
If you live an emotional abusive romantic partner, try to pack essential documents, such your driver's license, passport, social security card, and birth certificate. Try to pack medications, valuables, and any other essential valuables.
If possible, open a new bank account that your abusive partner can’t access. Make a copy of your car keys and hide them in case your partner takes away your keys.
Memorize the phone numbers of trusted loved ones in case your partner takes away your phone. You could also get an emergency cell phone just in case. Many shelters offer free emergency prepaid phones.
18. **Get a restraining order if you’re concerned about your safety.** Head to your local courthouse to get a protective order. Call ahead to see if you need an appointment. Ask the court clerk for the required forms and ask for instructions about filing them.
It’s helpful to bring a picture of the abuser, their home and work addresses, a written description of their abusive actions, and any photographs, medical records, or police reports related to the abuse.
Ask a trusted friend or relative to go to the courthouse with you to provide moral support.
There are no fees for requesting a domestic violence protective order, and you do not need a lawyer to file one.
19. **Share your concerns in a private, distraction-free place.** Call emergency services if you’ve witnessed physical abuse, threats of violence, or if you believe your loved one is in immediate danger. If you don’t believe the situation is an emergency but are still concerned, choose a comfortable setting where you can speak privately with your loved one, such as your home or a quiet park.
Ask them to set aside some time to chat without any distractions. Clear your schedule, and choose a time when you won’t receive work calls or get called away by any other duties.
If you or your loved one have children, ask someone to look after the kids during your conversation.
20. **Listen to them and validate their emotions.** Start the conversation by saying, “I care about you, and I want to make sure you’re okay.” Mention the observations that concern you, provide information on what an abusive relationship looks like, and let them open up about them at their own pace.
For example, you could refer them to websites for domestic abuse support organizations to read up on the issue on their own terms.
If they resist or make excuses, let them know that you understand the situation is complicated. Tell them, “I understand this is difficult. I don’t want to pressure you or make you uncomfortable. I’ve just been worried about you and want you to know I’m here to help in any way I can.”
They might not want to leave the situation, or they may leave and go back several times. Continue to be supportive, and encourage them to talk to a counselor or social worker. Say, “If you’re not ready to leave, I’m still here for you, no matter what you decide to do.”
21. **Offer to help in specific ways.** Let them know that you’re available to help in any way you can. Give them specific examples, such as letting them stay with you, providing transportation, watching their kids, or taking them to the courthouse.
22. **Ask a professional if you’re unsure about your suspicions.** It can be difficult to know for sure if someone is in an abusive situation and requires your intervention. Instead of keeping your suspicions to yourself, seek advice from a mental health professional, social worker, or community organization.
You might be suspect that a loved one is the target of abuse, witness or hear troubling behavior next door, or see concerning signs in a child and not know what to do.
Look online for a local community organization dedicated to preventing domestic violence or child abuse. Tell them what you’ve observed and ask what actions they recommend.
You could ask a trusted loved one for advice.
23. **Report emotional abuse anonymously, if desired.** If you think a situation might be abusive but don’t want to be directly involved, there are several ways to report it anonymously. You could call emergency services or your local police department and ask that they perform a welfare check.
You could also contact a local community organization focused on domestic or child abuse. Provide details about your observations, and ask that you remain anonymous. They can then get in touch with the appropriate authorities. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Emotional-Abuse", "language": "en"} |
How to Get Rid of Moss in Your Lawn | Moss consists of tiny plants that form a habitat for small invertebrates. Most mosses are native and benign, part of a natural succession of vegetation. They cover bare ground and prevent soil erosion. Moss does not kill your grass, but it can creep into your lawn if your grass has already started dying. In order to get rid of it, you will need to use physical and, possibly, chemical methods of removal. In recent years home owners and gardeners have become more interested in encouraging moss because of its beauty and as part of an effort to minimize use of chemicals around the home. A perfect lawn could include some moss, and the world would not come to an end! But if you can't stand the sight of moss in the lawn, then read on.
1. **Remove loose moss with scarification.** Scarification, also referred to as dethatching, is the process of vigorously raking or agitating the lawn in order to remove loose moss and other compact organic material.
If you have a small lawn, you can do this by hand. Simply rake the yard thoroughly and with ample force to lift the moss away. Use a spring-tine rake.
If you have a larger lawn, you can get a dethatching blade for your lawn mower. Set the height adjustment so that the tines can touch the surface of the soil, but if you set it too low, you will also remove your grass. Dethatch your entire lawn using this method and dispose of the moss you remove.
Alternatively, if you have a larger lawn you can also rent a power rake. These have a rotating spindle with flat blades attached that loosen thatch for clean up. You can rent on from most home improvement stores.
It is especially important to dethatch your lawn if you apply a chemical herbicide to kill or weaken moss beforehand. Wait the recommended amount of time as indicated on the packaging before dethatching.
2. **Try a glyphosate herbicide.** Glyphosate-based herbicides are among the most popular currently on the market, but they tend to have mixed results when used to kill moss.
The WHO considers glyphosate to be a probable human carcinogen. Its use is prohibited in some states and countries. Please check with your local laws and use caution if handling this chemical.
This chemical works by being absorbed through leaves and transferred into the root zone.
The exact conditions needed to make glyphosate effective against moss are presently unknown, but for best results, apply the herbicide only if there are no competing plants that the herbicide might go after instead.
As with any herbicide, follow the label instructions carefully.
3. **Use iron sulfate or another sulfate-based herbicide.** While these herbicides are less common, they tend to have a higher rate of success when used to kill moss. Iron or ferrous sulfate is recommended most often, but ammonium sulfate and copper sulfate herbicides are also effective.
Iron weakens the moss, often killing it in the process or making it easier to kill and remove manually.
Spray a 5 gallon (20 L) mixture over a 1000 square feet (304.8 square meters) area. The mixture should be about 3 oz (90 ml) of iron sulfate to 5 gallons (20 L) of water.
If using copper sulfate, use 2 to 5 oz (60 to 150 ml) for every 4 gallons (16 L) of water, and spray this mixture over a 1000 square foot (304.8 square meter) area.
Always follow label instructions carefully.
4. **Consider using a moss-killing soap.** A cryptocidal soap product kills moss on contact. The chemical bleaches moss, turning it a white-yellow color, and should be applied sparsely.
These soaps do not pose any threat to sidewalks or other structures.
For best results, apply this treatment during a dry spell, when moss is at its weakest.
Carefully follow the instructions on the label when applying. Nitrogen fertilizer that has been properly applied and timed will boost the turf density. Fall and spring are both good times for a light application.
5. **Plant shade-loving perennials and shrubs.** Grass does not grow well in areas of heavy shade, but regrettably, moss does. If you cannot control the amount of shade your lawn receives, try planting flowers and other plants that thrive in shaded areas to prevent moss from growing instead.
Plants that love shade include astilbe, brunnera, heuchera, hostas, hellebore, ferns, hydrangea, pulmonaria, and tiarella. There are other shrubs and flowers that do well with shade, as well. Simply look for shade-loving plants the next time you visit a gardening store or plant nursery.
6. **Let the sun shine through.** Moss grows well in the shade, but most normal varieties of grass do not. If you want to make your lawn healthier, consider clearing away removable obstacles from your yard so that more natural sunlight can reach your grass.
Keep piles of firewood, bricks, or other debris inside storage areas like your garage or garden shed.
When building a new shed, think about how the position of the structure may cast shade over the lawn.
Trim large trees and heavy shrubs so that more light can peek through.
7. **Avoid watering your lawn excessively.** Moss thrives in areas of heavy moisture. If your lawn is doing poorly for other reasons and is already vulnerable to moss, excessive watering will only hasten the arrival of moss.
You should especially avoid watering your lawn at night in the early fall or spring, during which moss growth is most persistent.
If your lawn is naturally soggy, try improving its ability to drain by changing the grading of the lawn, aerating the lawn, dethatching the lawn, or installing subsurface drain lines.
8. **Give your lawn enough water to thrive.** While too much moisture will create the ideal conditions for moss, too little moisture can weaken your grass and make your lawn more vulnerable to moss, too.
When lawns are too dehydrated, the grass turns brown and weak. It may become too weak to respond to rain or other moisture when it does arrive. As a result, once it rains, the moss grows quickly while the grass continues to die.
9. **Prevent injuries to your lawn.** While most people want to be able to enjoy their lawn, if you treat it too roughly, the grass will become notably weak. As the grass begins dying on its own, you might see more moss creeping in.
Lawn injuries can occur when you play sports in the yard, ride a bike in your yard, or have a dog dig through your lawn.
Additionally, crane fly larvae can also cause physical injury to your lawn. If you have a lot of crane flies in your area, consider taking measures to exterminate or repel them.
Other insects like bill bugs, cutworms, and ants can also cause problems. If you are in the US, check the Department of Agriculture's website for literature regarding insect threats and management in your area.
10. **Aerate the area.** Over time, your lawn can become too compacted for air, water, and fertilizer to reach the roots of the grass. As a result, the grass can die off and moss can grow in its place. Regular aeration can help control and prevent this, especially when done while the soil is on the dry side.
Rent, borrow, or buy a core aerator machine to get the job done. This machine pushes a set of hollow tines into the lawn, digging out small batches of soil less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
By removing cores of soil, you free up just enough space in your yard for the soil to spread out and decompress.
Try to do this at least once before the start of the growing season and once before the end of the growing season.
11. **Dethatch your lawn regularly.** Dethatching disturbs the lawn more deeply than aeration does. If aeration is done on a regular basis, you will not need to dethatch quite as often. If you have a lot of problems with moss, however, it is still a good idea to go the extra length and dethatch, as well.
For best results, dethatch during the spring every other year.
A dethatching lawn mower blade digs down into the lawn and yanks up most of the plant material growing in the upper thatch layer of your lawn rather than in the soil. Since this is where moss grows, disturbing the thatch can help prevent moss from settling in.
12. **Seed thin areas.** If certain areas of your lawn are sparsely covered by grass, planting grass seed in those areas is a good way to prevent moss from covering those areas and improve the overall quality of your lawn.
Consider seeding your lawn with a shade-resistant variety of grass. These include ryegrass, fine fescues, roughstalk bluegrass, and bentgrass. Alternatively, you could also look for a pre-packaged mix labeled as "sun-shade" grass seed.
When adding new seed, topdress the seeds with 1/4 inch (0.625 cm) of loose soil or sand and keep the area moist until the seedlings establish themselves.
13. **Treat the lawn with fertilizer.** Moss can also squeeze its way in if the soil has poor fertility. Poor fertility means that the soil is unable to provide the nutrients needed for grass to thrive. Regular fertilizer is the best way to improve these conditions.
You can have a lawn care professional test a sample of your soil from the area where moss grows. In general, though, a good indication that low fertility is your lawn's problem will be if the moss appears in dry, sunny areas of the lawn.
Use a fertilizer with a high concentration of nitrogen and decent amounts of potassium and iron.
Fertilizer is most helpful when use four times per year: early spring, late spring, mid-summer, and early fall. Try to stay on a regular schedule each season to get the best results.
14. **Spread agricultural lime.** Lime should be used to control the acidity of your soil. Moss often grows once acidic soil begins limiting the nutrients supplied to your grass, providing room for moss to sneak in.
Use a calcium-based lime for best results.
Test the pH of you soil. Ideal conditions will be neutral, ranging from 6.5 to 7. If the pH is below 6, it is acidic, and if it is above 7, it is alkaline.
Only use lime to treat acidic soil, not alkaline soil.
Apply the lime to your lawn twice each growing season if your soil has tested acidic. Do so after dethatching and aerating your lawn. Leave the aeration core plugs on the turf and they will break down and help your soil retain moisture and nutrients. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Moss-in-Your-Lawn", "language": "en"} |
How to Practice Openness in a Relationship | There are a variety of different ways to be open in your relationship—you might want to communicate more openly, learn to be more vulnerable, or even practice an open relationship. No matter what type of openness you're looking for, our guide can help!
1. **Choose good times to talk.** If you want to foster open conversation, talk regularly. Be on the lookout for times to talk to your partner, especially if you're bringing up a potentially touchy or stressful subject.
Talk at a time free of outside distractions. For example, stop your partner to talk when they're lounging in the living room after dinner. You want a time free of outside time constraints where the conversation will not be easily disrupted.
This is especially important if you're striving for a serious conversation. You should make sure you do not approach your partner about a serious matter when they are already stressed or busy.
2. **Listen as much as you talk.** Communication goes both ways. If you want an open, honest relationship you want to make sure you understand your partner. Give them a chance to express themselves so you can be open with one another equally.
Do not think about what you plan to say next when your partner is talking. Instead, listen to their words. Try to understand what they're saying. Wait a few minutes after your partner finishes talking to respond. This makes sure they were done talking.
It may feel awkward, but it's often helpful to rephrase what your partner just said. For example, "I'm hearing that you feel a little stressed at work right now because your boss is away on vacation." This can help assure your partner you heard them, making them feel open communicating with you in the future.
3. **Watch non-verbal signals.** As you're opening up, pay attention to your partner. Watch for non-verbal signals so you can see how your partner feels about what you're expressing. This can help you deal with any potential conflicts.
If you notice your partner folding their arms, they may feel defensive about something you're saying.
If your partner does not make eye contact, they may not be listening, or they might be feeling uncomfortable or confused.
If they speak in an aggressive tone, they may be angry.
4. **Deal with conflict calmly.** If a conflict does arise, you need to discuss your feelings openly and honestly. Do so in a respectful fashion. Do not yell or become agitated. Instead, say something like, "It seems like we're clashing here. Can we take a step back, and talk about the issue openly and respectfully?"
Using "I"-statements can help here. These statements minimize blame, which can help with openness. They have three parts. They begin with, "I feel..." after which you immediately state your feeling. Then, you explain the actions that lead to that feeling. Lastly, you say why you feel the way you do.
For example, "I feel controlled when you discourage me from hanging out with Steffany because I think I should be allowed to have friends, even if you don't like them."
5. **Remain in the present.** During any conversation, remain in the present. You should never let your thoughts wander to other territories when your partner is talking. This can damage openness in a relationship. Your partner is unlikely to feel like they can be open with you if you're not 100% present.
If you feel your mind wandering, find a way to return it to the present. You can, for example, pay attention to a physical sensation, like the feeling in your toes, to help ground you in the moment. You can also focus on your breathing and try to take slow, deep breaths.
6. **Establish a relaxed mood.** You need to have a relaxed mood overall if you want your partner to open up. If someone feels constantly scrutinized or stressed, they're unlikely to feel comfortable being open. Try to keep the mood light most of the time so your partner feels safe opening up.
Plan activities you both enjoy throughout the day. You can, for example, see a movie together or play a board game. This will foster a sense of calm that can lead to open communication.
Make jokes. It's always great to make a joke now and again. Laughter can put people at ease.
7. **Let someone know you want to talk.** If you want your partner to open up, tell them. It's a good idea to let your partner know when you want to talk things over. Do so in a gentle manner so your partner feels comfortable and not threatened or pressured.
State your intentions clearly. If you're open, your partner will be more likely to be more open as well. For example, say something like, "I'd like to have a talk so we can both understand one another better." Avoid saying “We need to talk” because this can put your partner on the defensive.
Choose a time when your partner is not busy to bring something up. For example, you could wait until they're relaxing after work in front of the TV to try to have a meaningful conversation.
8. **Avoid explaining and justifying.** Communication is not always pleasant. Your partner may be open about something you did that hurt or upset them. In any relationship, there are two sides to a story. If your partner is open about something that hurt them, do not explain or justify.
For example, your partner says, "It hurt my feelings you didn't invite me out with your friends last week."
You may have had reasons for going out alone that are valid. However, you do not want to dismiss your partner's concerns as this will make them feel they can't be open.
Don't start with, "I just wanted some friend time alone. That's reasonable." Instead say, "I'm sorry that hurt your feelings. That was not my intention at all." After apologizing, you can have a longer conversation about alone time with your friends if necessary.
9. **Do not make assumptions.** Oftentimes, in a relationship, you assume you know everything about someone. You may assume you know all the information about your partner simply because you're close. Such assumptions can make your partner feel distant, preventing openness.
When your partner is talking, leave your assumptions behind. There may be something about them you don't know yet, or there may be new circumstances your partner has not yet told you. If you approach the situation with an open mind, you may end up learning something new.
Listen without judgment and allow your partner to talk. It can help to pretend you're interacting with a stranger who you know nothing about.
10. **Strengthen your relationship overall.** Making your relationship stronger overall can help make your partner feel comfortable being open with you. New experiences help strengthen existing relationships, leading to stronger, better bonds.
Take a class together. A cooking class or horseback riding class can allow you to experience new things together.
Go on a trip together. Shared experiences can be a great way to make your bond stronger.
Simply strive to spend more time together at home. Small things, like doing chores together or eating dinner together, can gradually strengthen a bond.
11. **Establish clear boundaries** From the beginning, there need to be clear boundaries in an open relationship. The term can mean different things for different people. You and your partner should be on the same page regarding expectations.
Decide what kind of outside relationships are appropriate. For some people, casual sexual encounters are okay but not romantic entanglements. For others, it's okay to date other people.
Think about anything you wouldn't want your partner to do with someone else. Maybe mutual friends are off limits. Maybe you wouldn't want your partner to engage in a certain sex act with someone else.
Have a long, serious discussion to establish boundaries that work for both of you before practicing openness.
12. **Make the transition slowly.** Do not jump from being strictly monogamous to an open relationship overnight. Being open is a big transition and you should take things slowly so you both have time to accept a new relationship.
Even if you're allowed to see other people, do not do so before you're ready. You don't have to jump into anything simply because you can. Instead, wait until an opportunity that you feel comfortable with presents itself.
13. **Discuss jealousy as it arises.** Jealousy may occur in an open relationship. It's important to address it as it arises so you and your partner can both feel safe and valued in the relationship.
If you are jealous, talk about it. Talk about why you're jealous and try to figure out where it comes from. If you're serious about a non-monogamous relationship, you should address the roots of jealousy so you best know how to handle it.
Begin the conversation in a non-confrontational way. Say something like, "Hey, I'm feeling a little jealous. Can we talk this over so our relationship stays strong?"
14. **Stay honest.** It's important to stay honest throughout the relationship. An open relationship requires constant communication. You should let your partner know how you're feeling about how things are progressing and whether anything is making you feel uncomfortable or uneasy.
15. **Revisit the situation often.** Open relationships change over time. Periodically, have a talk with your partner about how you're feeling regarding the relationship and any changes you would like to make.
Sometimes, you may think you are comfortable with something only to find you dislike it in practice. This is okay and should be discussed with your partner.
About once a month, try to have a sit down talk with your partner about your feelings on the open relationship.
Keep in mind that relationships change and grow. Your feelings may change over time, or as your relationship deepens. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Practice-Openness-in-a-Relationship", "language": "en"} |
How to Tell if an Avocado is Bad | Beloved by many, avocados are delicious, nutritious and versatile. However, knowing the right time to eat them can be tricky. As well as the adverse health effects of eating food that has gone bad, an avocado that is just overripe may be safe to eat, but very unpleasant. By knowing what to look out for and how to store avocados you can avoid disappointment.
1. **Using the stem of the avocado to check for ripeness.** Some people advocate checking for softness by pushing in or removing the stem. If the stem moves easily it means the avocado is ripe. Once the stem is removed the colour of the flesh is also revealed. This method may be effective when judging softness but not when judging colour. To get a good indication of the quality of the flesh more surface area needs to be seen.
If you are examining avocados to purchase, you should avoid tampering with the fruit in this way. Removing the stem can compromise the quality of the fruit for other prospective purchasers.
2. **Feel the avocado and examine the skin.** The firmness and color of an avocado are big indicators of its ripeness.
Hold the avocado in your hand and apply gentle pressure. A ripe avocado will yield slightly with light force. If slight pressure leaves an indent in the avocado, it is a sign it has gone bad.
Check the outer skin of the avocado. If there are wrinkles, marks, severe dents, visible mould, or a rancid odour, the avocado is not safe to eat and should be discarded.
Check the color. Different varieties of avocado have different skin colours. The most common variety of avocado, the Hass, will change colour to very dark green or purple colour when ripe. If a Hass avocado has reached a deep black colour, it may be past its prime.
3. **Cut** If you already own the avocado, this is the quickest way to determine if it has gone bad. The flesh should be a light green colour. If the flesh is black or brown, the avocado should not be eaten. If there is some minor bruising in the form of small, isolated areas of brown discolouration, the avocado is okay to eat.
4. **Taste the avocado.** If you have thoroughly inspected the flesh but are not sure whether the avocado has gone bad, it is safe to perform a taste test. Avoiding any brown spots, try a small amount of the green flesh. Avocado should be creamy, mild and subtly sweet. If it smells or tastes musky or off, it has gone bad.
5. **Avoid overripe avocados by storing them correctly.** If an avocado has achieved optimal ripeness but will not be eaten immediately, store it in the fridge. An uncut, ripe avocado can last approximately 3-4 days at room temperature, or 7-10 days if refrigerated.
6. **Store cut avocados to preserve freshness.** To store an avocado after it has been cut, cover tightly with plastic wrap and/or store it in an air tight container for up to 2 to 3 days. To retain a light green colour for as long as possible, sprinkle a light layer of lemon juice on the cut flesh. The slight acid content will help halt oxidation and prevent the flesh of the avocado from turning brown as quickly.
When avocado flesh has oxidised, it does not mean that the fruit is inedible. Take a spoon or other utensil and gently scrape away the brown surface area. The underlying avocado flesh should be light green.
7. **Freeze avocado** To prolong the life of an avocado puree the flesh with lemon juice and keep in a sealed container. The puree will keep for up to 4 months in the freezer. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-an-Avocado-is-Bad", "language": "en"} |
How to Convert to Christianity | So you've been thinking, beginning to believe in Jesus Christ as your savior, and you want to convert to Christianity. These are a few steps to help you learn how to convert to the religion.
1. **Start with exploration:** You might go to a large evangelical meeting in a stadium or a small group Bible study. The size does not matter for where the Spirit of God is presented/manifested: there you'll find the love, joy and peace of God that can satisfy the seeker's soul. Seek first the will of God and all His provisions can freely be yours on your life's path and at The Judgment. If one place does not have really receptive and welcoming followers of Jesus, you need to find a happier group of believers at another meeting place. Try different Christian meetings, churches in your area, and see how you feel.
2. **Do not depend or rely on what others decide, say or do, if you would receive Jesus Christ.** Conversion is a venture in which you may start out with one congregation or a home Bible study group, and then decide to go to another.
3. **Get a Bible and begin to read it.** A Bible is a universal book you can find in many places. A Bible contains both the "Old Testament," Jewish/Hebrew books or law, foretelling of Jesus, and of prophetic scriptures -- and the "New Testament," Christian scriptures together.
"The New Testament" is what you'll want to read to understand Jesus Christ and Christianity. Its first four books are a day-by-day report in the actual words and teachings of Jesus (the books of "Matthew", "Mark", "Luke" and "John", written by those four of his disciples) depicting the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ and presenting great teachings by Him and several other of his disciples, especially of St. Paul, who explained the essentials of Christianity in great detail.
You will learn about love, hope, salvation by grace through faith, and doing good works appointed to you, but realizing that works do not buy grace which is free (a gift of God), and forgiving the wrongs of others, helping the needy/least of God's children, and much more.
As you read, there may be times when you become unsure or confused. If so, you can ask believers about scriptures, including teachers, priests, pastors, and search the Bible online or in Christian books. Just keep in mind that some teachings differ among different denominations, so at times, you may receive differing "answers" to your questions. Keep in mind that Satan is the author of confusion, but God is the author of mercy, grace and peace (choose God's way of grace). God's grace is beyond understanding, but it is all sufficient.
The most popular English Bible for Protestants for over 400 years has been the King James Bible. Does that translation sound like Elizabethan/Shakespearean English, well that's simply that the early, modern English "thee, thou, thy, thine, hence, thence, whence, comets, ghost, etc." are from that time period. It is important to consider that English speaking Roman Catholics use the Douay-Rheims Bible (with Apocrypha), also from about 1600.
Whereas, Protestants use Bibles with only 66 books (omitting the Apocrypha by excluding several Jewish writings, of chapters and books of obscure origins such as Esdras and Maccabees, etc.).
4. **Watch TV broadcasts of large or small Christian worship services and hear TV sermons or listen on the radio.** Find sermons online on the Internet that are inspiring and lead to a deeper, daily walk with Jesus Christ. Scholarly preaching is not what the new believer can get much from. You need the simple, milk of the word of God, before you will need the meat of doctrine or religious opinion...
5. **Be willing to accept the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart.** Converting to Christianity is based on your belief that Jesus is God's only begotten Son, and that He does all manner of miracles including Salvation. Christianity starts with being saved, trusting Christ to save you, and then entails living a good and godly life that is pleasing to God. Both are important.
6. **"Be saved by believing the Christian gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).** This means that you believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again. Since he paid for your sins you can be forgiven, and because he rose again He has power to give you eternal life. Believing this message you respond, "Lord Jesus, I believe you died for my sins and rose again, so now please save me, a sinner." That saves you and begins your Christian life. Continue to believe.
A key passage describing salvation is Romans 10:9-10, "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart (core being) man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Such belief is called faith and leads to God freely giving you the gift of salvation by grace through faith not by work or great deeds.Romans 10:9-10"
7. **Become Baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.**
8. **Receive Baptism and Holy Communion, rites that some churches call Ordinances, and which other churches call part of the Sacraments.**
9. **Follow Jesus** you might not have a local church, pastor or be able to get baptized, because maybe you are in a country that does not contain any churches or not many priests, pastors, (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Libya,...). Be sure that your relationship with Jesus is not based on formalities, such as baptizing but is based on your personal belief in Him, following Him (and His teachings). Yes, be baptized by another believer, if you can, but the most important baptism for a Christian is his spiritual baptism into Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:27).
10. **When you receive the Holy Spirit (officially become a Christian), do anything you can to strengthen your faith and belief in Jesus.** Christianity is about God's love, so start showing His love that you received freely, to others such as being willing to forgive everyone and anyone who has wronged you. Jesus said, "You have heard, 'Love your neighbor', but I say to you, 'Love your enemy, and do good to those who hate you and spitefully use you.' ". We may try to fail miserably -- but God's supply of grace is sufficient, in His boundless mercy, as the grace of God is the power of God unto salvation, not by work, lest any boast. How can anyone afford to reject such great salvation, so rich, and yet so free.
Do good deeds because you believe in God and are a Christian. "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that you affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. " Titus 3:8; "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:17. Jesus Christ has said, "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:12.
Fulfill Jesus' commission (Matthew 10:7-8) by going out and preaching the Gospel and healing the sick.
11. **Become committed to praising God, giving thanks for all things, acknowledging Him in all areas of life.** Always pray, remaining in a spirit of prayer in every circumstance, even if to say only, "Thank you Lord." Also, in all things, glorify God by how you live your life.
12. **Take the time to learn the teachings and practices of the churches you choose to visit and feel free to ask questions.** A good way to examine beliefs of a church is to read the particular church's Statement of Faith, a list of basic beliefs and compare it to others.
There are many Christian denominations, including Anglican, Assembly of God (and other Pentecostal denominations), Baptist, Christian (denomination), Churches of Christ, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, Orthodox (Eastern, Greek, Russian), Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, and United Church of Christ. There are other Protestant groups, with some called "nondenominational", "not affiliated with (____)" or "independent (____)" churches of one kind or another.
Although all Christians share belief in Jesus Christ, each denomination has its own unique emphases on certain teachings, traditions, customs, and beliefs. Different groups form consensus on understandings of different doctrines about The Sacraments, The Triune God (versus Arian Belief concerning God), pastor, order of services, offices of bishop, presbyter, deacon, and such, marriage, healing, prophesies, praying to saints, speaking unknown tongues, formalities, rituals, written prayers, or informality, pray as the Spirit of God gives utterance, etc.
It is wise to research organizations very carefully and thoroughly before you get involved with them too deeply. Some people have had negative experiences because they rushed into a group too quickly before finding out all about it. Don't let yourself be rushed into a commitment to a group until you feel comfortable. Beware falling under the sway of religious cult leaders who won't respect your right to make your own decisions or who try to control your life in a manipulative manner.
13. **Find a pastor or priest, to help you.** They may help you find all the answers to the questions you need to know.
14. **Choose a Church to fellowship and to follow Christ.** Find a church near you, or one that you like. Go to that church and talk to the pastor or priest, attend church services or mass whenever you can, and visit this Church any day of the week that your soul calls you to.
15. **Learn about and believe that Jesus died for your sins, rose bodily from the dead as your Savior and then pray to God in Jesus name and turn from your own path to repent to the one, true God saying:** "I am sorry for my sin, all my wrong doing; I want to be new, and I truly thank you for everything and that I am now forgiven and saved from the penalty for my sins as a free gift of Your Holy Spirit, in Jesus' name."
16. **Tell others that "There is one Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is Lord and Savior for everyone who believes, repents ("turns 180 degrees" for example) and follows Him" which would include:** going to Christian meetings, being baptised as a sign of repentance, praying to God, reading the Bible, taking communion ("The Lord's Supper"), and showing God's love by kindness, forgiving others, making peace, to fellowship with believers -- and when thinking that you have un-confessed sin, confess and repent asking for, and accepting, forgiveness, expecting consequences for some wrongs and going on, all in Christ Jesus' name -- with God as the one, true Judge of all things good or bad.
17. **Learn the Christian creeds:** The Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed.
Many churches have somewhat different confessions of faith and/or catechisms that are based upon their own interpretation of the Christian creeds, Holy Ordinances, system of church organization, and other matters. See, for example, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Lutheran Formula of Concord, the Westminster Confession, the Anglican 39 Articles, the 1689 Baptist Confession, the 1919 Doctrinal Statement of the World Conference on Christian Fundamentals, and others. The Lutheran Service Book has the following text: | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Convert-to-Christianity", "language": "en"} |
How to Install WhatsApp on Android | This wikiHow teaches you how to download WhatsApp Messenger from the Play Store, and set up your account to start chatting with your contacts, using Android.
1. **Open the Google Play Store app on your Android.** Find and tap the icon on your Home screen or Apps tray to open the Play Store.
2. **Tap the search bar at the top.** The search bar reads "Google Play" at the top of the page.
3. **Search WhatsApp in Google Play.** Type the apps name, and tap the ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return button on your keyboard. This will list all the matching results.
On some keyboards, you may also find a or button.
4. **Tap the green INSTALL button next to WhatsApp Messenger.** This should be the top match in your search results. This will start your download, and install WhatsApp on your Android.
The WhatsApp icon looks like a white telephone in a green speech bubble.
5. **Open the WhatsApp Messenger app on your Android.** The WhatsApp icon looks like a white phone in a green speech bubble. You can find it on your home screen or Apps tray.
6. **Tap the green AGREE AND CONTINUE button at the bottom.** This will start your account set-up process.
7. **Tap CONTINUE when prompted.** This will allow WhatsApp to request permission for contacts, photos, media, and files.
8. **Tap ALLOW in the next few pop-ups.** This will allow WhatsApp to export your contacts from your phonebook, and access photos, media, and files to share with your contacts in your chats.
9. **Enter your valid phone number.** Make sure to include your country code at the beginning or select your country from the drop-down menu.
You will have to verify your number in the following steps.
10. **Tap NEXT.** This will prompt you to confirm your phone number.
11. **Tap OK in the confirmation window.** This will confirm your phone number, and send you an automated text message with a verification code.
12. **Enter your six-digit verification code.** Find your verification code in the automated text message from WhatsApp, and enter it here to verify your number.
If any backups are found for this number, you'll be asked to or .
13. **Enter a username for yourself.** Use your keyboard to enter a username for your account, and tap to confirm.
Optionally, you can enter the gray-and-white camera icon next to the username, and upload a profile picture.
14. **Select your auto-backup preferences.** You can select to back up your messages and media daily, weekly, monthly or never.
15. **Tap DONE on the bottom-right.** This will confirm your preferences, and take you to your CHATS list. You can now start using WhatsApp to chat with your contacts. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Install-WhatsApp-on-Android", "language": "en"} |
How to Socialize As an Introvert | Do you want to socialize more often but find it kind of difficult sometimes? If so, you’re in the right place. It might be scary at first, but there are a lot of little tips and tricks you can use to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. In fact, you can even do some prep work ahead of time to make starting conversations easier! In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about improving your conversational skills and making friends as an introvert.
1. **Define your reasons for socializing.** Are you trying to land a job? Do you want to go on more dates? Keeping your goal in mind will help you stay motivated to socialize regularly.
Having a goal will also help you know where to direct your efforts. For instance, if you’re networking for your career, you might decide to attend more conferences.
2. **Think of some conversation starters.** Before you even go out, think up a few topics that you’d be comfortable discussing with other people. Having some conversation topics at hand will boost your confidence, especially if you’re shy.
Talking about the weather is always a safe option, since everybody deals with the weather on a daily basis. Other good topics of conversation include work, family, and food.
Keep your conversation topics light, relatable, and neutral. Avoid talking about personal or touchy topics such as religion and health.
Stick with things like "How do you know the host?" or "I haven't seen your family in a while. How are they?"
3. **Practice putting yourself out there.** Your social skills get stronger the more you use them. Unfortunately, the reverse is also true: if you stay inside all day, your social skills will deteriorate. To stay on top of your social game, challenge yourself to interact with people regularly in your day-to-day life.
You can practice small talk with classmates, co-workers, or the person behind you in the checkout line. Set a goal to make conversation with one stranger each day. This can be with the cashier at the grocery store or the mail carrier.
Consider getting a job that helps you develop your social skills. Waiting tables, bartending, and working retail are a few options that give you plenty of opportunities to talk with people.
4. **Connect on social media.** A low-pressure way to break the ice with someone before you meet them in real life is to reach out to them on social media. Try following them on Twitter or adding them on LinkedIn. This way, you won’t be total strangers when you meet face-to-face.
This strategy works especially well for meeting new people at work.
5. **Avoid comparing yourself to extroverts.** If you hold extroversion up as the standard of “correct” behavior, you might end up feeling inferior for no good reason. Introversion is neither better nor worse than extroversion – just different. Instead of putting yourself down for being an introvert, focus on your own unique strengths and look for ways to work on your weaknesses.
6. **Know your limits.** You’re not obligated to go to every party or night out you get invited to. Be selective about which invitations you accept. By balancing social activities with solitary time, you’ll enjoy socializing more and avoid burning yourself out.
You can politely turn down an invitation by saying, “Thanks for asking me, but I’ve already got plans for that night.”
Don't be afraid to say no. Be assertive if someone invites you to an event you are not sure you can handle.
7. **Bring a friend.** If you’re nervous or just need some moral support, ask a friend to accompany you to an event. Your friend can help you break the ice with strangers and avoid that awkward feeling of not knowing anybody in the room.
8. **Relax your body** It’s hard to feel anxious when your muscles are relaxed. If social situations make you nervous, learn some techniques for letting go of tension. You’ll feel more at ease when you’re relaxed, and other people will subconsciously feel more at ease around you, too.
Deep breathing exercises are a simple and effective way to calm down when you’re feeling tense.
Another way to relieve tension in a social situation might be repeating a mantra in your head. Try something like "I am the picture of calm" or "I can successfully navigate social situations."
In addition, avoid closed-off body language that drives people away like crossing your arms or orienting your body away from the speaker. This sends the message that you want to leave. Instead leave your arms at your sides, make occasional eye contact, and turn towards the person you're speaking to.
9. **Ask people about themselves.** When you meet someone new, take some of the conversational pressure off yourself by shifting the focus to them. Ask questions about their work, family, or hobbies. Most people love to talk about themselves, and they’ll feel flattered that you want to know more about them.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer.
For example, you could ask a new acquaintance, “What was your favorite part of your trip to New Zealand?” or “Why did you decide to move here?”
10. **Know when to leave.** There’s no rule that says you have to stay until the end of an event. Know your limits and don’t wear yourself out. It’s fine to gracefully excuse yourself if you feel your batteries running low.
Make up an excuse ahead of time if you feel awkward about leaving early. For instance, you could tell people you have to feed your pet or get up early for work the next day.
11. **Avoid trying to be close friends with everybody.** As an introvert, you’re probably good at nurturing a few close friendships. Trying to be best friends with everybody will just tire you out. Choose your friends carefully, and don’t use up your social “juice” on people who don’t add value to your life.
Having a few good friends and a wide circle of casual acquaintances is a better strategy than trying to befriend everyone in your life.
12. **Check in regularly.** Sometimes a little bit of regular contact is all you need to keep a friendship going. Make it a priority to check in with your friends on a regular basis, even if that just means sending them a text or a funny video on Facebook. It’s much easier to maintain a friendship than it is to re-establish it after you haven’t talked for a while.
13. **Take on the role of host.** Hosting a get-together or party lets you decide when and where the event happens. It also takes some of the social pressure off your shoulders – instead of sitting and talking, you can stay busy making sure everyone is comfortable and having a good time. Plus, your friends will appreciate your hospitality.
14. **Make time for meaningful conversations.** One of the defining qualities of a close friendship is being able to share your personal thoughts and experiences with each other. Having quality conversations with your friends can keep your friendship going strong, even if you don’t spend time together frequently.
Don’t rush into personal conversations with a friend you’ve just met – this might scare them off. Instead, let it happen naturally as you get to know each other better. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Socialize-As-an-Introvert", "language": "en"} |
How to Hide Regrowth | New hair colors are great while they last, but it’s definitely frustrating when your roots start to peek out after a few weeks. There’s no need to worry! If you can’t pop by a salon, there are still plenty of stylish, clever hacks and tricks you can use to hide and disguise your regrowth.
1. **Root concealer offers long-lasting coverage for your regrowth.** Spritz the product all over your exposed roots, creating seamless coverage along the top of your head. High-quality root concealers will stay in place until you hop in the shower.
A root touch-up kit provides long-term coverage for your regrowth.
Some brands make root touch-up products for bright hair colors, like pink, purple, and teal.
2. **Dry shampoo is great at hiding darker roots.** The light powder of the shampoo helps your regrowth blend in with the rest of your hair, creating a more seamless look. Simply spritz the shampoo along your exposed roots for quick, seamless coverage!
Tinted dry shampoo can help hide and slightly recolor your regrowth, too.
3. **Makeup can hide your regrowth if you’re in a pinch.** Search your makeup collection for mascara, eyebrow pencil, eyeliner, or powder foundation that’s a close match to the rest of your hair. Dab or spread the makeup product over your exposed roots until they blend with the rest of your hair.
Wax-based cosmetics will last the longest in your hair. Powders and other makeups will still get the job done, but they might leak and streak if you run into rainy weather.
4. **Toning shampoo gets rid of some unpleasant brassiness in your hair.** As you hop in the shower, lather and rinse out your hair with your traditional shampoo first. Then, re-lather your hair with toning shampoo—this will get rid of some brassy tones in your hair, and help tone down the regrowth a bit.
Pair toning shampoo with a hair mask to completely refresh your hair.
5. **Headbands are a great way to hide regrowth when you’re in a rush.** Center the accessory over the most obvious sections of regrowth, hiding it completely from view.
Headbands can be a really stylish accent to your outfit, too! Pick out a fun color that matches your ensemble for the day.
6. **Hats offer quick coverage on the go.** If you don’t have enough time to touch-up your roots before heading outside, slip on your favorite hat. This accessory helps keep your roots hidden, while also adding a stylish accent to the rest of your outfit.
Any kind of hat will do—it can be a winter hat, baseball cap, bucket hat, or something else altogether!
7. **Flat hair makes your regrowth more obvious.** Instead, give your hair a boost with a quick, textured style. Grab a medium-sized curling iron, guiding the wand through the ends of your hair. Then, spray a few spritzes of sea salt spray into your locks.
8. **Gel makes your hair darker overall, which helps hide regrowth.** Pour a small, grape-sized amount of hair gel on your comb, guiding it backward along your hair. Continue raking your hair backward, creating a look that’s both iconic and practical.
You can also slick your hair back into a ponytail or bun.
9. **A top knot adds a classy touch to your regrowth.** To create this simple look, flip and pull your hair into a ponytail along the top of your head. Then, twist the ponytail in a circular motion, creating a donut shape as you go. Tie your hair in place along the top of your head to finish things off.
10. **Side parts are the best way to disguise any new regrowth.** After hopping out of the shower, blow dry your hair for several minutes to give it a lot of extra volume. Then, flip your part to the right or left for a quick, stylish cover-up!
Don’t worry about combing your new part into place. Messy parts help diffuse and blend your regrowth into the rest of your hair.
A zig-zag part is another great option! Grab 1 in (2.5 cm) sections of hair along the center of your head, alternating sections to the left and right. Your hair part will look like a “Z” instead of a straight line, and your regrowth won’t be as obvious. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Hide-Regrowth", "language": "en"} |
How to Stop Your Cat from Scratching the Carpet | Most cat owners will catch their kitty scratching at a patch of carpet sooner or later, but did you know that it’s a natural and healthy part of feline behavior? If you want to save your carpet and keep your cat happy, we’ve got you covered. There are many ways to easily lure a cat away from the carpet! In this article, we’ll show you how to redirect your cat’s behavior by giving them more appealing options to scratch, while also making the rug less tempting.This article is based on an interview with our certified feline training and behavior specialist and certified cat behavior consultant, Molly DeVoss, founder of Cat Behavior Solutions. Check out the full interview here.
1. **Cats need to scratch for their health, so give them a place to do it.** Accept that your cat will always instinctively scratch to groom their claws. However, they won't scratch the carpet if you give them an alternative, such as designated scratching posts in each room with carpeting. To reinforce good behavior, give your cat a treat when you see them using the scratcher correctly.
Pick a scratching post that is sturdy and tall enough for your cat to stretch out when using it, as they often enjoy a full back stretch.
Place the scratcher either next to the cat's bed or next to areas of the carpet that they normally scratch to redirect their attention and make sure it's accessible. Your cat may just be scratching the rug for convenience!
2. **Try differently shaped and sized scratchers to see what your cat likes.** Often, if a cat isn't interested in a post, horizontal scratchers are an appealing alternative. They can also double as beds, and some are designed for cats to rest on after scratching. You could also try a hanging cat scratcher, or an unusually-shaped post that looks more interesting than a regular scratcher.
Try different materials, too. Scratchers can be made using cardboard, carpet, sisal, upholstery, and more. You never know what your cat will prefer when given a choice.
3. **Catnip-scented scratchers attract cats so they don't scratch the rug.** If simply placing a scratcher in a convenient location isn't redirecting your cat's attention enough, consider sprinkling some catnip on the scratcher. This will make the scratcher more appealing and lure your cat into using that instead of the carpet.
Alternatively, you could try Feliscratch, a product that mimics cat pheromones to attract cats over to the scratching post.
Hanging toys on the scratcher can also draw cats over.
4. **Cats scratch to keep their claws short, so a trim is helpful for them.** Gently hold your cat's paw when you trim their nails and give them a treat after each successful clip. Take care not to cut the quick, which is the solid pink park of the claw where nerves and blood are; stick to the nail's white, partially clear area.
It's easiest to clip your cat's nails when they're relaxed and sleepy and get them used to the sound of the nail clippers beforehand.
If you don't feel confident clipping your cat's nails, a veterinarian or groomer can easily do it for a small fee.
Declawing your cat is ultimately painful and unnecessary, as it involves removing the tip of your cat's finger. Steer clear of this procedure and remember that there are better ways to stop a cat from scratching!
5. **Place obstacles or furniture over the spot your cat likes to scratch.** If they ignore the scratching posts you put up, deter your cat from scratching by simply making sure they can't. Often, cats will pick a particular spot on the rug and scratch there; cover it with a chair or couch, or even a horizontal scratcher, so your cat has no choice but to use it.
6. **Cats don't like citrus, so a spray can make them avoid the rug.** They have powerful noses that are very sensitive to odors—and luckily, cats dislike a few enjoyable scents for humans. Use a citrus spray or another scented spray that will smell bad to your cat, and spray it over the carpet. There are even some specifically-designed cat deterrent sprays you can invest in.
Other scents cats dislike include lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass.
You probably won't smell much (and it'll dissipate fast if you do), but your cat will smell it for days.
7. **Apply a product that mimics pheromones to problem areas of the rug.** Pheromones can also fool your cat into thinking another cat has already laid claim to the rug, causing them to retreat. You can also use plug in diffusers that imitate hormones to generally calm your cat down, making them less likely to scratch.
Don't worry about smells; humans' weaker noses can't smell the pheromone spray.
8. **A cat might return to scent-marked carpets, so wash them regularly.** This also applies to visible marks, which cats can spot and return when they want to scratch. You don't have to do anything too intense for this: just wash spots with clean, cool water and soap. If necessary, you can use a pet odor neutralizer when you're done to make sure it doesn't still smell like your cat.
Cleaning chemicals like ammonia and vinegar might motivate your cat to mark the area with their scent again, so avoid using them.
9. **Give your cat toys, affection, and stimulation to reduce their anxiety.** Make sure your cat is content by playing with them daily, ensuring that there's enough food and water to go around, and showering them with love and attention when they behave. This will stop them from being destructive out of boredom or anxiety, which can happen when your cat wants more time with you.
Get toys that encourage your cat's hunting drive, such as a toy on a string.
Aside from the basics, cats get stressed when introduced to a new feline member of the household. Introduce them slowly to help your cat acclimate with as little anxiety as possible.
10. **Provide a scratching post for each cat you have.** Position each cat’s scratch close to their favorite napping spot for easy access; this way, your cat can wake up and use the scratcher to stretch out. Cats like to be solitary and should each have a designated spot to go take care of their claws. If your cat has to compete, they may wander over to the carpet for a scratch instead.
11. **Kittens won’t learn to scratch the rug if you give them a place to do it.** Cats learn through experience, so a young kitten can be taught to use a scratching post before the carpets become an issue. Have scratchers available when you bring your kitten home for the first time, and use either treats or a little catnip to provide incentive right off the bat.
Even if your kitten seems relatively calm, remember: all cats need to scratch, so it's not a question of "if," but rather where you want them to do it.
12. **Nail caps are a harmless and painless way to blunt your cat’s claws.** Use nail cap glue to bind these soft vinyl caps to each claw and let your cat scratch away! Your cat won’t leave behind any marks with nail caps, and they can still extend and retract claws as usual. Replace the caps every 4 to 6 weeks when they start to lose effectiveness.
If you don’t feel confident applying the nail caps, a veterinarian or groomer can do this for you.
Keep in mind that nail caps aren’t ideal for cats that spend time outdoors, as they take away the cat’s main defense mechanism.
Though nail caps don’t harm cats at all, not every cat reacts the same. Some may fuss over them for the first couple of applications, while others adjust effortlessly. Be patient and give your cat a few days to warm up to them. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Your-Cat-from-Scratching-the-Carpet", "language": "en"} |
How to Tell a Friend You Don't Want To Make Plans with Them | Saying "no" sucks. It is difficult to let people down, especially friends, because relationships are maintained by implicit norms of reciprocity. When your friend extends an invitation to you, he is giving something to you (a chance to spend time together, to grow closer, etc.); if you turn him down it can feel like you are letting him down, or like you are not reciprocating.However, you can't always expect to say "yes" every time your friend wants to make plans. It is important, though, to say no in a certain way, and with certain things in mind, if maintaining the friendship is important to you.
1. **Remember, you have a right to say no.** Just because someone asks you to do something does not mean you are obligated to do it. If they want to do something with you but you don't want to do something with them, they shouldn't get their way over you; what you want matters, too.
2. **Don't fall for a guilt-trip.** Some friends can be pushy and will try to convince you to hang out even after you have said that you can't. Keep firm in your decision by re-iterating your reasons for why you cannot attend.
To keep it friendly you can (if applicable) try joking around about the last time you asked your friend to do something and he said no. This will remind him that he has turned down your plans before, too, so he especially shouldn't be trying to guilt you into doing something.
3. **Remind yourself you aren't responsible for your friend's reaction.** As long as you offer a sincere apology and do your part to maintain the friendship, you are not responsible for how your friend reacts to your turning down his plans.
Ultimately, it is up to him how he decides to respond to your refusal to hang out. Keep that in mind if you are feeling down about your decision to turn him down.
Try not to be afraid of how your friend will react. Again, as long as you are doing your part to be a good friend, you don't have to make plans with your friend every time he wants. If he reacts really negatively to your turning him down, perhaps he isn't the best friend to have around. Keeping that in mind should help alleviate your fear of his reaction.
4. **Remember your time is limited.** You can't do everything that everyone wants all the time, even for your friends. You have other commitments and responsibilities. Sometimes in life there are things that need to be done that are more important than socializing, such as working hard to become more financially stable, so you shouldn't feel too bad if you can't make plans.
5. **Think about compromising.** If you don't want to hang out with your friend because they suggested something that you do not want to do or that you don't have time to do (e.g., hanging out the entire weekend), try compromising. You could let your friend know that you want to make plans but can't do the particular plan he suggested.
For example, if he wants to spend the whole weekend together but you're only free on Saturday, try suggesting something you both like to do that could be done on a Saturday.
Is there a new movie out that you both want to see? That's one idea for a compromise; going to the movies can be fun and only takes a few hours.
6. **Apologize.** Tell your friend that you are sorry that you can't make plans this time. Be sure to offer a sincere apology if maintaining the friendship is important to you.
To offer a sincere apology, don't breeze past it; take your time saying sorry and give your friend your full attention when you are speaking.
Here is an example of how to sincerely apologize to your friend: "I'm really sorry, I'd love to make plans with you but I just really can't this time. Again, sorry about that but let's re-visit this soon so we can work something else out."
7. **Give a reason.** If the reason is something you feel comfortable sharing with your friend (i.e., it is not too personal), be sure to let him know why you can't make plans this time.
If you do not wish to share the reason, you can use something more vague such as "I'm just really swamped this weekend" or "my life is a bit crazy right now so I can't this weekend" or "thanks for the invite, and sorry, but I just really need some alone time to recuperate this weekend".
Whatever you do, if you are going to give a specific excuse, make sure it is legitimate to avoid looking like a liar or a flake.
Examples of legitimate excuses include you already having other plans, you being busy with something else in your life, and you being very tired from the week and needing some down time or alone time.
8. **Avoid giving too many excuses.** If you are letting your friend know why you can't make plans with him, keep it concise. Don't give a bunch of excuses; this will only make it seem like you are not being genuine. One sincere apology and genuine excuse should be enough. If you have tons of things going on you can just say that.
9. **Be polite.** Keep it cordial when saying no, even if you are busy and don't want to have a conversation about hanging out. No one likes to be rejected, even with something small like being turned down by a friend; it can sting a little sometimes.
To be polite, follow-up by telling your friend to have a good time if he goes ahead with the plans without you. Ask him to let you know how it goes.
You can also try offering a suggestion for another mutual friend he could bring along instead; this will make it clear that you want him to have a good time and care about the friendship, and that you just can't make it this particular time.
10. **Avoid being wishy-washy.** Say no firmly and definitely so that it is clear that you cannot do what your friend wants. If you give 'on the fence' answers like "I'll try to be there" or "I'll see; remind me later" when you know you don't want to do, you leave your friend on the hook.
Leaving a friend on the hook when you know that you don't want to hang out is selfish; what if he wanted to make other plans but couldn't until you gave your final answer?
11. **Buy yourself time, if you need it.** While you shouldn't be wishy-washy if you know you can't or don't want to hang out, if you genuinely aren't sure yet, buy yourself sometime by asking whether you can get back to your friend soon.
Be specific on when would be the latest that you would get back to him. Also, to be polite, since you are unsure whether you can hang out, tell your friend that you understand if he needs to make other plans if he doesn't hear back from you soon.
12. **Offer a follow-up plan.** If you don't want to make plans based on what he invited you to do, offer a follow-up plan. Get something penciled in for when you are less busy, otherwise your schedule may fill up again and you will have to say no again.
For example, if you are busy the weekend he wants to go hiking, ask if you can go hiking next weekend instead. If maintaining the friendship is important to you, be sure to make that clear to your friend.
13. **Try sandwiching your "no" between two "yeses".** If your friend does not take your turning his plans down well, you can try to preempt this by placing two "yeses" between your saying no to his plans.
For example, if he wants to go hiking with you on the weekend you might say "thanks for inviting me; I'm glad we're friends, we do a lot of fun stuff together, but I can't make it hiking this weekend. I'm definitely into the idea though; let's go a different weekend when I'm less busy, instead?"
14. **Try using empathic assertion.** Put yourself in your friend's shoes and think about your friendship and the conversation you are having from his perspective. Let him know that you understand that he wants to have a good time, but that you just can't hang out this time.
15. **Get yourself distance.** Some friends can be aggressive or pushy about making plans. Perhaps your friend gets angry when you don't do exactly what he says, or tries repeatedly to get you to change your mind. In cases like this it can be best to create some distance between making a decision.
For example, if your friend calls you to make plans and is pressuring you, try saying that you need to go but will get back to him later.
16. **Say no through a medium you are most comfortable with.** If you find yourself caving more into doing things you don't want to in person, try giving your final answer through a text message or other similar form of communication where your pushy friend can't so effectively be so pushy.
If he tries calling right away, you do not need to answer his call; it is acceptable to tell him that you cannot talk on the phone at the moment.
17. **Try writing a script.** If you find yourself giving into peer pressure when your friend gets pushy or angry, try writing out what you will say in advance. Write out the reasons why you can't or don't want to make plans, and look them over so that you remember them. This way, if your friend gets pushy, you will be less likely to forget that you really don't want to make plans.
When writing your script, think about past conversations with your friend where you gave in. Try to remember how he acted or what he said that made you make plans despite you not wanting to.
For example, if in the past he has said that you never say yes to his plans, you could write a script where you re-iterate the last few times that you did hang out together to show him that his claim is not true. By planning with a script, if he tries using the same tactics on you again, you will be ready to defend yourself.
18. **Say no firmly then change topics.** If your friend continues to pressure you, try saying that you can't make his plans with some firmness in your voice. After you say no firmly, change the topic of conversation so he gets the hint that you are done with the conversation.
For example, if your friend has repeatedly asked you to go out to dinner on the weekend you could say "I already said I really can't go, but thanks for the invite. By the way, did you see [insert some movie here]? What did you think?"
Try reminding your friend that people have different personalities and time constraints and that some people like to hang out more than others or do certain things that others don't enjoy. Try letting your friend know that you will make plans whenever you feel that you can, but that when you say no, you mean it, and it isn't OK for him to try to pressure you or to get angry when you say no.
19. **Tell your friend not to be pushy.** If nothing else works, you can try telling your friend directly that you feel pressured to do things that you do not want to do and it is putting a strain on your friendship.
For example, you might say, "look, I value our friendship but sometimes I feel like you try to force me into doing things I can't (or don't want to) do. This makes me feel like you don't value my perspective and my time constraints. I will absolutely make plans with you when I can, but sometimes I just can't, so it would be great for both of us, I think, if you didn't get angry when I say I can't hang out." | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-a-Friend-You-Don%27t-Want-To-Make-Plans-with-Them", "language": "en"} |
How to Live with Herpes | Herpes is a virus that has two strains, HSV-1 and HSV-2. These manifest themselves either through genital sores (or HSV-2) or oral blisters (HSV-1 or herpes simplex). Although there is no cure for herpes, you can manage the virus. By actively taking medications, dealing with outbreaks, and communicating with others, you may be able to reduce and minimize recurrences of herpes.
1. **Take prescription antiviral medications.** Since there is no cure for genital herpes, treating it with antiviral medications can help heal outbreaks sooner and lessen the severity of recurrences. It may also minimize the chance of transmitting the virus to other people.
It’s important to get a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as you have symptoms of genital herpes, which may lessen the severity of the virus in the long term.
Common medications for genital herpes are Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex).
Your doctor may advise taking medication only if you have symptoms or an actual outbreak, or she may recommend daily use even if no signs of an outbreak are present.
2. **Communicate with your partner or partners.** An important part of living with genital herpes is communicating with your partner or partners about the virus. It’s the kind and responsible thing to do and may help avoid problems later.
Do not blame your partner for anything. Remember that herpes can remain dormant in your body for years so it can be difficult to tell who infected you.
Talk to your partner about having the disease and the best ways you can minimize the chances of infecting him or having further outbreaks.
3. **Prevent transmission of genital herpes to your partner.** Whether the disease is dormant or you are having an outbreak of lesions, you need to take steps to prevent your partner from contracting genital herpes. There are several way to minimize the risk of transmitting the disease to you or your partner.
Avoid or limit sexual contact to one person who is infection-free if you can.
Abstain from sex if either you or your partner have an outbreak of genital herpes.
Use latex condoms every time you have sex or make genital contact.
If you’re pregnant and have genital herpes, make sure to let your doctor know so that you don’t transmit it to your unborn child.>
4. **Be aware of social stigmas.** Even though sexual politics have progressed, there are often still social stigmas attached to genital herpes. These stigmas can cause you shame, stress, anxiety, or depression. Addressing the negative connotations and your own feelings associated with genital herpes can help you move forward and lead a normal life.
Many people feel shame and embarrassment when they are first diagnosed with genital herpes and they may even wonder if anyone will want to have sex with them again. This is a completely normal initial reaction, but you should know that genital herpes is common and you don’t need to feel this way.
Seeing a counselor, doctor, or friend can help you deal with your feelings.
5. **Join a support group for genital herpes sufferers.** Joining a support group of others who suffer from genital herpes can offer you unconditional support from others who understand what you’re experiencing. It can also help you effectively deal with the various aspects of the virus.
6. **Watch for the symptoms of outbreaks and treat them promptly.** If you see the symptoms of a genital herpes recurrence, treat them promptly. This may help minimize the length of the outbreak and may make it less severe.
The symptoms of an outbreak may include: herpetic lesions, fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and headache.
Call your doctor and get a prescription to help minimize and heal the recurrence.
7. **Break and clean the blisters.** If you have external blisters during an outbreak, break and wash them immediately. This may help heal the outbreak and keep it from spreading.
Break the blisters in the shower by using clean washcloth soaked in warm, soapy water. Make sure to wash the cloth in a hot soapy cycle in your washing machine before using it again.
Clean the blisters with rubbing alcohol on the first and second days to kill any virus and sterilize the area. You can also use warm soapy water if the alcohol is too painful.
Cover the area with gauze or a sterile pad to keep any blister fluid from spreading.
Do not break internal lesions. Consult your doctor if you have an outbreak that is on the inside of your body.
8. **Lead a healthy lifestyle.** Getting regular exercise regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, and being hygienic will keep you and your immune system strong and healthy. Making sure that your maintain your overall healthy may reduce the likelihood of recurrences.
Some people report that alcohol, caffeine, rice, or even nuts can trigger their outbreaks. Keep a daily food journal to see if you can pinpoint any food triggers.
Limit the amount of stress in your life, which can help minimize the recurrence of outbreaks.
9. **Make hygiene a priority.** Sanitary conditions will promote cleanliness and reduce outbreaks. Showering, changing your clothing, and washing your hands can minimize recurrences or help heal ongoing outbreaks more quickly.
Shower at least once daily, and consider taking two showers a day if you are showing symptoms of an outbreak.
Wear clean, loose clothing and change your underwear daily.
Wash your hands regularly to keep from getting sick, but also every time you come into contact with an outbreak.
10. **Leave the cold sore or blisters alone.** If an outbreak of oral herpes, which consists of cold sores or blisters around the mouth, isn’t too severe, you can leave it alone and not treat it. Your symptoms may go away within one to two weeks without treatment.
Use this option only if you feel well and are not likely to come into contact with anyone.
11. **Take prescription antiviral medications.** There is no cure for oral herpes and treating it with antiviral medications can help heal outbreaks sooner and lessen the severity of recurrences. It may also minimize the chance of transmitting the virus to other people.
Common medications for oral herpes are Acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex).
Your doctor may also prescribe an antiviral skin cream like Penciclovir instead of a pill. These creams have basically the same effect as pills but are very expensive.
Your doctor may advise using the medication only if you have symptoms or an outbreak, or she may recommend daily use even if no signs of an outbreak are present.
12. **Communicate with your partner or partners.** An important part of living with oral herpes is communicating with your partner or partners that you have the virus. You can then decide the best ways to manage the virus as a couple. Oral herpes are very common and you shouldn’t worry about feeling any stigma with them.
Talk to your partner about the best ways you can minimize the chances of infecting him or having further outbreaks.
13. **Prevent transmission of oral herpes.** Whether your oral herpes are dormant or you are having an outbreak of cold sores, you need to take steps to prevent your partner from contracting the disease. There are several way to minimize the risk of transmitting oral herpes to you or your partner.
Avoid skin to skin contact when you have blisters or cold sores. The liquid secreted from the lesions spreads the disease.
Don’t share items if you have blisters or cold sores. This includes, eating and drinking utensils, towels, lip balm, or bedding.
Avoid oral sex if you have any cold sores or blisters.
Wash your hands frequently, especially if you touch your mouth or come in contact with others.
14. **Be aware of possible social stigmas.** Even though oral herpes are very common, some people may still experience social stigmas attached to them, which may cause feelings of shame, stress, anxiety, or depression. Addressing possible stigmas and your own feelings can help you deal with having oral herpes.
You may feel embarrassed when you are first diagnosed with oral herpes. This is a completely normal initial reaction.
Seeing a counselor, doctor, or friend can help you deal with your feelings.
15. **Watch for the symptoms of outbreaks and treat them promptly.** If you see the symptoms of an oral herpes outbreak, treat them promptly. This may help minimize the length of the outbreak and may make it less severe.
The symptoms of an oral herpes outbreak may include: itching, burning, or tingling near or on the mouth and lips; sore throat; fever; trouble swallowing; or swollen glands.
Call your doctor and get a prescription to help minimize and heal the recurrence if necessary.
16. **Gently wash the blisters.** Wash any cold sores as soon as you notice them. This may help heal the outbreak and keep it from spreading.
Use a washcloth soaked in warm, soapy water and gently wash the blisters. Make sure to wash the cloth in a hot soapy cycle before using it again.
You can put a topical cream such as tetracaine or lidocaine on blisters after you’ve washed them to relieve pain and itching.
17. **Relieve the pain of cold sores.** The blisters or cold sores associated with oral herpes are often very painful. There are several different ways to help minimize the pain and discomfort of cold sores.
If you have any pain, you can take an over the counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help minimize your discomfort.
Applying ice or warm washcloths can help ease the pain.
Gargling with cool water or salt water, or eating popsicles may ease the pain of blisters.
Don’t consume any hot beverages, spicy or salty foods, or any acidic foods like citrus fruits.
18. **Prevent blisters and outbreaks.** There are certain factors that may contribute to outbreaks of oral herpes. By taking proper precautions, you may help prevent or minimize recurrences.
Apply sunblock or lip balm with SPF and/ or zinc oxide to help prevent outbreaks of cold sores from sun exposure. This will also you’re your lips moisturized and less likely to have a flare up.
Don’t share any type of eating or drinking utensils if you or someone else has oral herpes.
Get regular exercise regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, and being relaxed will keep you and your immune system strong and healthy.
Limit the amount of stress in your life, which can help minimize the recurrence of outbreaks.
Wash your hands regularly to keep from getting sick, but also every time you come into contact with an outbreak. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Live-with-Herpes", "language": "en"} |
How to Apply Glitter to Wood | Glitter is a quick, cheap, and easy way to add sparkle, color, and texture to your craft projects. When applying glitter to wood, you want to seal in the glitter so it won’t fall off and you want an adhesive that is durable. You can use either paint, glue, or a spray on adhesive with your project and then add glitter before the adhesive dries. You can make your project as glittery as you like with these methods.
1. **Gather your materials.** There are a number of different adhesive products that you can use to apply glitter. You can either use glue, spray adhesive, paint, or decoupage. You can either use a foam wedge or an inexpensive paintbrush to apply the glitter.
You can purchase these materials at a craft store or a large retailer.
You can sprinkle the glitter on the wood using your hands or a shaker that has large holes.
2. **Make a glitter station.** Glitter has a reputation for making a mess so you’ll want to make a glitter station that is easy to clean. Ideally, you could work outside so you don’t have to worry about cleaning glitter from carpet or your furniture. For your glitter station, you’ll need to select the products that you want to use for your project. Use a cardboard box if you are working with larger pieces of wood. You can use a paper plate for smaller projects.
3. **Prepare the wood.** The wooden item that you want to add glitter to can be in a variety of shapes in sizes. Sanded and smooth wood will allow the glitter to adhere evenly, though you can use non-sanded wood to create a more rugged design.
You can sand the wood using a piece of fine-grained sand paper if you desire.
4. **Create your design area.** You can section off areas of the wooden object to create glitter designs. If you intend to add glitter to the entirety of the wooden object, there is no need to do this. You will use clear tape to section off areas of the object that you do not want to glitter.
You can use adhesive stencils to create designs with the glitter.
You could use stickers to leave certain shapes un-glittered, like a heart or a star.
5. **Purchase spray adhesive.** For this method, you will need to purchase a spray adhesive. Make sure to find a spray adhesive that dries clear. You will want to work with spray adhesive outdoors, since it can contain chemicals that are harmful to breathe.
You can find spray adhesive at any craft store or major retailer.
If you are unable to work outside, work in a well-ventilated area.
6. **Spray the surface of the wooden object.** Be sure to follow any special directions from the manufacturer, if applicable. Hold the spray adhesive can a few inches away from the wood and press down on the top of the can to spray the wood.
7. **Apply glitter to the wet adhesive.** While the adhesive spray is still wet on the wood, sprinkle your glitter over the area. The amount of glitter that you use will determine how sparkly the wood is.
You can either sprinkle the glitter onto the area with your hands, or use a foam wedge or paintbrush to apply the glitter.
8. **Wait for the adhesive to dry.** The drying time will depend upon the specific adhesive spray that you use, but it should only take a few minutes for the area to completely dry.
9. **Seal the glitter in.** If you’d like, you can apply a sealant, like decoupage, to the area. The sealant will add smoothness and will help to prevent the glitter from falling off. Choose a sealant that has a glossy finish, not matte, so your glitter doesn’t lose any of its sparkle.
Once the adhesive spray is dry, you can shake off any excess glitter into your cardboard box.
10. **Use white glue to attach glitter.** You can also use basic white glue to apply glitter. You can use either a glue stick or a glue bottle. White glue is typically washable, meaning that it is water-soluble. Do not use white glue if you think that the wooden object will get wet, like if you intend to leave it outdoors.
11. **Apply a thin layer of glue.** You can either use the squeeze bottle to directly apply the glue to the wood, or you can paint it on using a foam wedge or paintbrush. With a glue stick, you can apply the glue directly to the wood.
Thicker layers of glue will appear raised when they dry. This might look best for your project, or you might prefer a flatter glittered area.
12. **Dust glitter onto the glue.** You can dust the wet glue with glitter, covering as much or as little of the wood as you'd like.
13. **Let dry.** The glue will dry clear so only the glitter will remain. The actual time it takes for the glue to dry will depend upon how thick of a glue layer you’ve applied.
Apply a sealant, if desired. Like with the spray adhesive method, you can use a spray sealant to smooth your dried glitter. This will help to prevent glitter from falling off, and eliminates some of the rough texture.
14. **Use decoupage gloss sealer.** Decoupage gloss sealer is a crafting product that is used to seal small pieces, like glitter or a piece of fabric, under a clear and durable gloss. You can find decoupage gloss sealer, which you may find packaged as ‘gloss sealer’, at craft stores.
Choose a decoupage gloss sealer that is acrylic if you need a more heavy-duty seal.
Be sure to purchase a glossy finish sealer; matte sealers will dull your glitter’s shine on the finished product.
15. **Paint a layer of decoupage gloss sealer.** While working in your glitter station, use an inexpensive paintbrush to paint a layer of decoupage gloss sealer to the wood. Be sure to only paint the areas that you want glitter to adhere to.
Make sure that the paintbrush doesn’t leave streaks while you are painting. You want the layer of gloss sealer to be evenly applied on the wood.
16. **Sprinkle glitter over the wet gloss.** While the gloss is still wet, sprinkle glitter onto the wood. You can use as much, or as little, glitter as you’d like.
Feel free to add a second layer of gloss over the glitter. This acts as a sealant and helps to prevent prevents glitter from falling off.
17. **Let dry.** Let your newly glittered piece dry. Depending on how many layers of decoupage gloss sealer you’ve added, drying times will vary.
18. **Use Mod Podge.** Mod Podge is one of the most recognizable crafting supplies on the market. It is similar to glue, but it also seals and adds a finish. There are a number of different finishes that you can choose. For a glitter project, you should use either the Classic Gloss or the Hard Coat finish.
Hard Coat finish is best for objects that are going to be handled frequently and is the most durable.
19. **Paint on a thin layer of Mod Podge.** Using a cheap paintbrush or a foam wedge, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the area of the wood that you want to glitter.
20. **Add glitter.** While the Mod Podge is still wet, either sprinkle or use a foam wedge to add glitter. You can add as much or as little glitter as you’d like.
21. **Let dry.** Mod Podge has to ‘cure’ to dry. This means that while it might feel dry to the touch after an hour, it still needs several more hours before you should handle the wood. Hard Coat Mod Podge takes 72 hours to cure, so leave your newly glittered item in a safe place while it is curing.
22. **Use a craft paint.** Acrylic paint is a good choice but many paints will work, just as long as they have a thicker consistency. Thin paints like watercolors should not be used, since they are not thick enough to adhere glitter.
23. **Paint the wood.** Using a paintbrush, add a layer of paint to the area of wood you want to glitter.
If the wooden item is large, it's a good idea to paint it in sections and then apply glitter to each section. This helps to avoid the possibility that the paint dries before you have a chance to add glitter.
Sprinkle the glitter onto the wet paint.
24. **Let the paint dry.** The glitter will set in place with the paint. You can either leave the project as is or add another coat of paint and glitter.
This method can either add a subtle sparkle, or you can apply a thick layer of glitter for a more striking effect.
25. **Use spray-on glitter.** You can also use a can of spray-on glitter to add shine and sparkle to your wooden projects. Spray-on glitter cans can be found at craft stores and some major retailers.
Do not use spray-on glitter indoors, especially in an area that is not well ventilated. If possible, work outdoors.
26. **Spray the glitter onto wood.** This will directly apply the glitter to the wood and use a sealant to attach it. You can sprinkle additional glitter onto the wood while the spray is drying, or leave it as is.
27. **Spray on another layer of glitter.** Once the first layer of glitter has dried, you can spray on additional layers of glitter. You can add as many layers as you'd like, but let the adhesive dry in between applications. The more layers you apply, the thicker the application will be and your project will be more glittery. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Glitter-to-Wood", "language": "en"} |
How to Deal With a Drug Addicted Family Member or Loved One | When someone abuses drugs, it affects everyone he or she knows. These effects are often felt most by family members and loved ones. Addiction can have emotional, psychological, and financial effects on those closest to the person. If you are in this situation, there are things you can do to both support your loved one and take care of yourself. Although learning to deal with addiction is a long process, it will be worth it in the end.
1. **Search online for information about your loved one’s form of addiction.** The best plan for addiction management and rehabilitation may vary according to the substance on which your loved one is dependent.
Focus on information from sites with a medical or scientific orientation. Look for trustworthy sites such as government or university information. There is a lot of information on the web, but not everything you read about drug addiction is true or realistic.
Learning about the characteristics of your loved one’s drug addiction can help you understand what to expect. It can also provide guidance on how to best address the situation.
NIDA’s DrugPubs Research Dissemination Center provides resources on drugs, drug abuse, and treatment.
2. **Recognize the complexity of addiction.** Addiction is a complex and widespread problem. It can have both physical and mental dimensions. Understanding the complexity can help you cope with the situation.
It is tempting to think that drug users just have poor morals or lack of willpower. But, there are underlying biological processes that make drug addiction very difficult to overcome.
Drug abuse and addiction is a widespread problem. In 2009, about 23.5 million people over the age of 12 needed treatment for addiction. Only 11.6% of this number actually received the treatment they needed.
3. **Learn about treatments.** Mental health professionals use a variety of methods to help people overcome addictions. Some of these include:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of therapy identifies triggers, and thoughts or behaviors which contribute to use. Therapists can teach strategies to change behaviors. They can help increase self-control, stop drug use, and deal with other issues that may occur.
Contingency management. This is a behavioral approach that helps the client monitor their behavior. This helps them to slowly change the behavior with the use of positive rewards.
Motivational enhancement therapy. This approach helps clients identify why they want help. It helps them see why they might be ambivalent toward treatment and stopping drug use.
Family therapy. This approach involves the person's immediate family. It focuses on communication practices that can help or hinder someone's recovery.
4. **Find an organization that can provide support.** Groups like Al-Anon, Ala-Teen and Nar-Anon which offer 12 Step programs for the families and friends of people who struggle with alcoholism and addiction.
These groups offer support for dealing with the person struggling with addiction. Talking with people in similar situations can help you understand addiction and recovery. These programs also help you to recover from the emotional effects of a relationship with an addicted person.
They can also help you heal from guilt and past hardships with your loved one who is addicted. It is important to find support for yourself as you try to help your loved one. The Al-Anon webpage has search tool to help you find a meeting near you.
5. **Speak up.** Talk with your family member about your concerns regarding his or her substance use. Try to do this in a way that is non-confrontational, supportive, and non-judgmental.
Focus on your feelings rather than making accusations or judgements. For example, you might say: "I'm really worried that your drinking may be affecting your health," rather than "you drink too much. Don't you know it can destroy your liver?"
You can ask friends and family members to voice their concerns as well. Help your loved one see how his or her addiction has affected him or herself.
Tell your loved one how her or his behavior, goals, or attitudes have changed since she or he started using. Remind your loved one about goals he or she held before, or the person he or she wanted to be.
6. **Encourage your loved one to seek professional help.** Do not ignore the drug use of your loved one. Instead, acknowledge the addiction and the strain it is putting on the family or relationship. Respectfully discuss this with your loved one and encourage him or her to seek help
For example, you might say: "I'm really worried that if you keep using drugs, something terrible will happen to you. I know it might be hard to give it up, but there are services our there that can help." You might even offer to help find a group, doctor, or therapist to get the process started.
The earlier your loved one seeks treatment, the better the chances of overcoming addiction.
7. **Inform your loved one about treatment options.** Talking to your loved one about treatment options can help the experience seem less threatening. Let him or her know what you have found in your research. Help your loved one understand that many others struggle with addiction too.
Let your loved one know that you will be supportive as she or he goes through the process of treatment and recovery.
Expect his or her reaction to be negative at first. Hearing that your loved ones want you to change and disapprove of your behavior is a hard thing to hear. Understand that your loved one may not be receptive to your concerns. She or he may deny that there is a problem or offer excuses for the behavior. Prepare to hear these things and offer support, but maintain your position.
8. **Help when your loved one is ready.** It may take some time before your loved one is ready to accept that she or he has a problem with addiction. It is important to remain supportive and remember who this person is apart from the addiction.
Be ready to suggest places to get help, call and make an appointment, or attend appointments with them.
Your loved one may make several appointments then cancel them before attending. This is normal behavior for those struggling with addiction. Help remind him or her of why treatment is important.
9. **Look into local detox clinics and rehabilitation centers.** When your loved one is ready for help, you can make this easier by helping find treatment. Ask a health professional or search online for local facilities that treat people with addictions.
A detoxification program involves treating the physical effects of dependence on a substance. The body has been functioning for a long time with the drug in the system. So, it can cause serious harm if a person quits “cold-turkey.” The detox process usually takes place under the care of a physician. The medical team systematically and safely rids the body of the addictive substance.
Many people have other conditions that contribute to their addictions. Find a detox center or hospital that can address all aspects of health for your loved one. This can make the difference between temporary and permanent recovery.
Your family member can also receive treatment on an outpatient basis. This involves seeing a mental health professional who specializes in the treatment of addiction.
10. **Search for support groups.** Your loved one may need to attend group or independent therapy. Many organizations have regular meetings to promote drug-free living and provide a support network. These groups often offer anonymous support. There are also organizations that can help you find treatment and other resources for a loved one:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers information on drug treatment facilities. This includes residential, outpatient, and hospital inpatient treatments. You can call 1-800-662-HELP.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (which can be reached by calling or texting 988) can help with many issues, including suicide prevention and drug and alcohol abuse. They can help you find resources.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America offer self-help support for patients and families dealing with a variety of mental disorders.
The American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry can help you locate a near by physician you specializes in addiction.
Faces & Voices of Recovery helps people struggling with long-term addiction and recovery. They try to help on a community level by providing resources to care.
The Partnership at Drugfree.org helps teens, and can also offer parents information and support. Call the helpline for parents at (1-855-378-4373).
The American Society of Addiction Medicine can help you find treatment options and access addiction resources.
11. **Speak with a professional therapist or counselor.** Aside from learning about resources for your addicted loved one, it can be helpful for you and other family members to speak with a therapist or family counselor.
Living with a drug addicted loved one can put significant stress on others in the household. Family therapy can help confused or stressed parents, children, or romantic partners.
The purpose of family therapy is to identify behavior patterns that are unhelpful or reinforce the drug user's behavior. The therapist helps the family to overcome these obstacles and build a new way of interacting. The therapist can help the family learn to cope with relapses. He or she will also provide information about how to handle emergencies. This includes overdoses or addiction-related violence.
Many schools have counselors to help parents deal with children who have an addiction. There are also therapists who specialize in helping children and teenagers with addictions.
Don't ignore your own feelings and struggles. Dealing with a drug-addicted family member can be really hard and take an emotional toll.
12. **Offer emotional support without enabling the addiction.** “Rescuing” your loved one, financially or otherwise, is not helpful. It only enables him or her to continue their behavior. Be clear that you can offer support, but only if he or she is serious about treatment. Here are some examples of healthy boundaries you can set:
Do not give money to your loved one to allow him or her to continue to buy drugs or alcohol. But, do remind your loved one that you are ready and willing to help him or her find treatment.
Tell your loved one that you can offer emotional support, but that you will not allow her or him to use drugs in your home.
Let your loved one know that you are there for him or her, but also that you will not drop everything to deal with a drug related problem or emergency. Your loved one must learn to help him or herself.
Tell your loved one that you hope she or he can attend events with you. But, also emphasize that if she or he does not show up because of drug use, plans will continue without him or her.
13. **Develop effective communication skills.** Relationships can develop communication patterns that make it harder for everyone to express themselves. Learning to share your thoughts and feelings effectively can help a lot.
Effective communication lets you to focus on conversations that make progress toward seeking help. It helps you avoid spiraling into negativity, blaming, threats, or shouting matches.
Speak about yourself and your feelings rather than making accusations. For example, start sentences by saying: "I've noticed," "I'm worried," or "I feel." Don't focus on the other person.
Approach the person when he or she is sober. You will be more likely to get a calm and rationale response.
Try to keep your voice calm and even during conversations. Concern and compassion are helpful. Anger is not.
Emphasize your love and concern for the addicted person. This may help him or her feel less threatened and more cared for.
Be assertive with your loved one about your boundaries and needs.
If you have the opportunity to do so, speak with a counselor or therapist for more suggestions about effective communication.
14. **Avoid negative communication patterns.** Along with improving your communication skills generally, there are several behaviors you should avoid. Stay away from these unhelpful actions:
Preaching at your loved one or manipulating him or her to change.
Using guilt to try to get her or him to change or stop using.
Coming to the aid of your loved one with excuses to save her or him from consequences.
Taking on your loved one's responsibilities for him or her.
Hiding his or her drugs or drug paraphernalia, or throwing them away. It is a better idea to tell your loved one that he or she must throw them away, or at least get these items out of your home.
Fighting or arguing with your loved one if she or he is under the influence.
Using drugs with your loved one.
15. **Cut ties if necessary.** Prepare to maintain your personal safety by cutting ties if your loved one’s behavior warrants it. Behavior that may lead you to consider separating yourself from the situation include:
Violent or abusive behavior toward you or others.
Endangering the home or family with risky behavior. This could include using drugs near children or conducting drug deals on the property.
Putting the family’s economic stability in jeopardy. This could include draining the bank account or selling items from the home to pay for the habit.
Cutting ties can require harsh measures. You may need to consider reporting illegal behavior to civil authorities. You might consider admitting a minor to an in-patient substance abuse program. You may need to ask your loved one to leave the home and not return until sober. In extreme cases, you may need to move without announcing your new address. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-a-Drug-Addicted-Family-Member-or-Loved-One", "language": "en"} |
How to Calculate Mileage for Taxes | Prior to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, employees with unreimbursed mileage expenses could claim these expenses as part of their itemized deduction. The federal government allows a certain amount of money per mile to be deducted for the designated areas of business, medical, moving, and charitable travel.
1. **Learn the different rate for each type of mileage.** Visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website at www.irs.gov to learn about the types of mileage deductions and the rate per mile. The rate typically changes yearly, and if you're calculating for last year, it's important to double-check with the official IRS website against the figures described here below. The standard mileage rates for 2018 are as follows:
54.5 cents per mile for business-related mileage
18 cents per mile traveled for medical reasons or moving purposes
14 cents per mile traveled when donating to or working for charitable organizations
2. **Calculate your business mileage.** Mileage deducted for business purposes includes travel to clients or customers, going to a business meeting away from a regular workplace, going to a temporary workplace if you have a regular place of work or traveling among several offices within a region.
3. **Calculate your medical deductions.** Mileage deducted for medical purposes can be taken for traveling to and from a place of medical care. Tolls and other associated travel fees should be listed separately.
Note that you will only receive a federal tax benefit for medical deductions if you itemize your deductions and your total medical expenses, including medical mileage, are greater than the medical deduction threshold for that year.
4. **Calculate your donation-related mileage.** Mileage deducted for charitable purposes includes travel to and from donation locations as well as during volunteer work for an organization.
You will only receive a federal tax benefit for charitable mileage if you itemize your deductions.
5. **Keep a small notebook in your car to record mileage.** Keep it in your car at all times so that mileage can be recorded as it is incurred. It's important to differentiate the different types of mileage that you're recording, as well as the miles traveled. Alternatively, you can use a mileage app such as MileageIQ to track your mileage.
The easiest way to do this is to write down the starting mileage at the original destination, the ending mileage at the travel destination, and the addresses of the locations you were traveling to and from, as well as the purpose of the trip business, charity, medical, or move.
Clearly date each entry in your log book for quick access.
6. **Record applicable mileage only.** In general, no other type of mileage is deductible than that for the categories described in the previous section. Your trips from home to the store cannot be deducted, even if you did it during the work day, unless it was done for business purposes.
Some businesses will offer mileage allowances, and other types of agreements if you're given a company car. Talk to your HR representative or the financial advisor at your office for more specific information.
7. **Calculate your total at the end of the year.** Multiply the total number of miles traveled throughout the year by the mileage rate for each category. For instance, you may deduct 14 cents per mile when working for charitable organizations and 54.5 cents per mile traveled for business.
If you drove 1,000 miles (1,600 km) for charity and 1,000 miles (1,600 km) for business, then you would multiply 1,000 miles (1,600 km) by 14 cents and 1,000 miles (1,600 km) by 54.5 cents.
8. **Keep your records.** The IRS suggests that you keep your records for a period of 3 to 7 years. This is the typical window of audits, so you want to keep your records at least that long, to be on the safe side.
If you live in a state that imposes an income tax, refer to that state's statute of limitations to determine how long you need to keep your records for. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Mileage-for-Taxes", "language": "en"} |
How to Open in Chess | The opening plays in chess are critical to setting up your strategy for the rest of the game. If you advantageously position more pieces earlier than your opponent does, you’ll have better control of the endgame and are more likely to win. As long as you memorize a few openings and pay close attention to your opponent’s moves, you can gain the upper hand!
Note: This article presumes your opponent’s plays based on known chess strategies. Your opponent may play differently than the moves that are listed here.
1. **Use the Ruy Lopez opening to free up your bishop and knight.** Start by advancing your king’s pawn 2 spaces forward to the e4 square to take control of the center. In the mainline variant, your opponent will mirror your play and move to e5. Develop your king’s knight to the f3 space to put pressure on your opponent’s pawn. Your opponent will usually move their queen’s knight to c6 in response. Then, move your king’s bishop diagonally to b5 so you can attack the knight next turn.
Pawns can only advance 2 spaces the first time they move.
Development refers to moving your more powerful pieces out from the back row and toward the center of the board.
This opening allows you to easily maneuver across the board while freeing up the space between your rook and king so you can castle, which is when you move your king next to your rook and then put the rook on the opposite side. This helps protect your king.
2. **Open with the Fried Liver Attack line to draw out your opponent’s king.** Start by moving your pawn to e4 and allow your opponent to advance their pawn to e5. Position your knight on f3 so your opponent moves their knight to c6. Then, develop your bishop to c4 to put pressure on your opponent’s king’s side. Your opponent will usually bring their other knight to f6 so you can move your knight to g5. Your opponent will typically advance their queen’s pawn to d5 so you can capture it with your pawn. Next, your opponent will capture your pawn with their knight, but you can capture f7 with your knight.
After that, your opponent will need to move their king to f7 to capture your knight, which will prevent them from building a strong defense. However, you will lose 1 knight early in the game.
3. **Try the London System to force the black player into defensive positions.** If you don’t want to lose pieces right away, develop your queen’s pawn on your first turn to d4. Your opponent will typically mirror your movement and advance their pawn to d5. Bring your king’s knight to f3 to protect your pawn and control the e5 square. Your opponent will mirror your move and develop their knight to f6. Then, move your queen’s bishop to f4 so you have additional control over the board.
4. **Develop pawns on the queen’s side to attack with the Queen’s Gambit.** Start by advancing your queen’s pawn 2 spaces forward to the d4 square to control the center. Your opponent will usually move their queen’s pawn to d5 in response. Then, move your pawn to c4 to put pressure on the pawn. Your opponent will usually capture the pawn on c4, but that’s okay. Advance your king’s pawn forward to e3 to free up your bishop. Your opponent will typically develop their knight to f6 so you can capture their pawn with your bishop.
The Queen’s Gambit refers to sacrificing a pawn that’s on the queenside, which puts pressure on the black player to respond more defensively for the rest of the game.
5. **Play the King’s Gambit to free up your queen and the king’s bishop.** Start by advancing your king’s pawn forward 2 spaces to the e4 square so you have control over the center. If your opponent moves a pawn to e5, then develop another pawn to f4 to put pressure on your opponent. Typically, your opponent will capture the pawn on f4 to “accept” the gambit.
Even though you lost a pawn, there aren’t any pieces blocking the way for your queen or bishop to move across the board diagonally.
6. **Use the Sicilian Defense to take the offensive early in the game.** If the white player opens by moving their king’s pawn to the e4 square, move a pawn to c5 to control the d4 space. Your opponent will typically respond by developing their knight to f3. Move your queen’s pawn forward 1 space to d6 for control over the e5 space. If the white player advances their pawn to d4, capture it with the pawn from c5. Even though your opponent will probably capture your pawn with their knight, you still have good control over the board.
You're able to move your queen and bishop easily if you need to use them.
7. **Open with the Nimzo-Indian Defense to build a wall of pawns around your king.** White might open by moving their queen’s pawn to d4 so they can control the center. Rather than mirroring their play, develop your knight to f6 so you can potentially capture on d5 and e4. If your opponent follows up by moving a pawn to c4, advance your king’s pawn to e6 to free up your bishop. When your opponent develops their knight to c3, move your king’s bishop to b4 to put pressure on your opponent’s pieces.
Leave your king’s rook and king in their starting squares so you can castle.
If your opponent attacks your bishop on a3 with a pawn, capture their knight on c3 to put them in check, which means you can capture their king on your next turn. They will capture your bishop during their turn with a pawn, but the pawn will be stuck behind another one of their other pawns and won’t be able to move freely.
8. **Play the French Defense to put pressure on the queen’s side of the board.** If your opponent opens by moving their king’s pawn to e4, advance your king’s pawn 1 space to e6 to immediately free up your bishop. Your opponent will usually respond by advancing their queen’s pawn to d4 so they have more control of the center. Mirror their play and move your pawn to the d5 square. While your opponent may be tempted to capture your pawn, you’ll be able to retake it right away.
In the French Defense, it will seem like you’re giving more control of the center to the white player, but you’ll be able to build a strong wall of pawns that defend your pieces.
9. **Try the Caro-Kann Defense to set up a strong pawn structure for the late game.** Much like the Sicilian Defense, if your opponent opens by moving a pawn to e4, position one of your pawns in c6 to put some pressure on the d5 space. If your opponent follows up by moving a pawn to d4, respond by advancing a pawn to d5. The white player will typically move their knight to c3 for added defense. You can respond by capturing the pawn on e4 so you regain control of the center.
The diagonal wall of pawns on the queen’s side will help protect you later in the game and it frees up your bishop to attack the king’s side.
10. **Aim to control the center squares of the board.** If you have pieces in the center 4 squares (d4, d5, e4, and e5), then your opponent will have a difficult time maneuvering their pieces without putting them at risk. Try to move either your king or queen’s pawn into the center and set up your other pieces so they can capture on those squares. The longer that you can maintain control of the center, the more likely you are to win the entire game.
For example, if you’re the white player and you move your knight to f3, you can capture pieces on d4 and e5.
11. **Develop your knights and bishops forward to free them up.** Rather than trying to move all of your pawns right away, bring out at least 1 bishop and knight from the back row so they’re closer to the middle of the board. This helps you gain mobility around the board and puts more pressure on your opponent’s pieces.
Remember, knights can jump over other pieces so you can advance them without moving a pawn out of the way.
12. **Try to move different pieces with each turn.** While you’re moving the same piece, your opponent may develop more of their pieces to the center and take control of the board. As you start your game, switch between which pieces you move until you have a strong board presence. Get as many pieces off of their starting squares as you can so it’s easier for you to get around the board.
If you can capture an enemy piece other than a pawn, it’s okay to use a piece you already moved. Otherwise, you can continue developing other pieces.
13. **Save your queen for big plays later in the game.** It can be really tempting to move your queen early in the game since it’s so powerful but don’t risk losing it just yet. Keep your queen near the back row and protected by your other pieces so it doesn’t get attacked right away. That way, you can use it during the endgame to maneuver around the board quickly and put pressure on a lot of squares.
14. **Castle as soon as you can to protect your king.** Try to clear out all the pieces between one of your rooks and your king within the first few turns of the game. As long as you haven’t moved your king or rook, you can slide the king so it’s in the square next to your rook. Then lift up your rook and put it on the opposite side of the king so your king is protected in the corner. This will make it more difficult for your opponent to attack.
You can castle with either the king’s or queen’s rook.
Even though you’re moving 2 pieces, castling still only counts as 1 turn.
15. **Clear the spaces between your rooks so they can guard each other.** After you castle, work to move all of the pieces between your rooks out of the back row. That way, your rooks are connected and protect each other.
If you can, try to line up one of your rooks with your opponent’s queen across the board to put pressure on it. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Open-in-Chess", "language": "en"} |
How to Be Friends with Someone Who Attempted Suicide | If you're friends with someone who attempted suicide, then you must be worried for your friend and feel like you don't know what to say or do. The best thing you can do is offer your care and support, and be there as your friend moves forward from this difficult time. It's important to be thoughtful, caring, and kind toward your friend and to handle the situation with care.
1. **Be available.** The best thing you can do for a friend who attempted suicide is simply to be there to support them. Just offering hugs, a shoulder to cry on, and an ear to talk to can help your friend move on. Let your friend know that you are available for phone calls or spending time together. It's okay if your friend doesn't want to talk about the attempt. They may not be as expressive as they were in the past or may just feel numb. Don't let that stop you from spending time together. Your company might be all they need.
You don't have to bring up the suicide attempt, but you should be there for your friend if they want to talk about it.
If the attempt was recent, offer support by asking what you can do to help them, and let them know that you are glad they're still here.
2. **Be understanding.** It may be hard for you to understand why your friend would make an attempt on their life. You'll probably have many different feelings about the attempt such as anger, shame, or guilt. But, being considerate of your friend's circumstances will be the most helpful. Try to understand the immense pain that was behind the attempt, whether it be pain from depression, pain from trauma, feelings of hopelessness, a recent loss or stressful event, feeling overwhelmed, illness, addiction or feeling isolated. Realize your friend is in emotional pain, regardless of the exact cause.
You may never fully understand the things that were going through a person's brain before a suicide attempt. But, if you care about your friend and the attempt happened recently, you can do your best to try to understand the pain they must have been in.
3. **Listen.** Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your friend is just to sit back and listen. Give him or her space to express what they need to. Try to avoid interrupting or trying to "solve" problems. Don't compare your friend's situation to your own, or to another person's, and try to remember that what they're experiencing is unique to them. Give your friend your full attention by removing distractions. This will show your friend that you care because you are paying close attention.
Sometimes, listening is just as important as saying the right thing.
While listening, try to avoid judgment or an attempt to understand why. Instead, focus on how your friend is feeling and what they might be needing from you.
It may feel as though your friend wants to talk about the attempt all the time. That's natural as they process what happened. Be patient with your friend and let them talk as much as they need.
4. **Offer help.** You can offer to help your friend in their time of need in big and small ways. Let your friend be your guide and ask what your friend needs most. Volunteer to help. You may also want to ask what they don't find helpful, in order to avoid doing something they don't want or need.
For example, if your friend is nervous about seeking therapy, you can offer to take them to the doctor's office. Or, if your friend is just overwhelmed by everything, you can offer to make dinner, watch your friend's kids, help your friend with homework, or just to do something that will lighten the load.
Just helping with the smallest tasks can make a big difference. Don't think that any task is too small to offer help for.
Help may also be in the form of taking your friend's mind off things. They may feel tired of talking about the attempt. Offer to take them out to dinner or the movies.
5. **Learn about resources to help your friend.** If your friend has recently attempted suicide and you think they're at risk for attempting suicide again, do your best to keep your friend safe. Know who you can call or go to for help. You might go to a school counselor, parent, or even call 911 if your friend says they can't keep themselves safe. Several hotlines are available to offer help, including the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 (which you could call or text) or the National Hopeline Network at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) in the U.S.
For outside the U.S., visit suicide resource websites for telephone numbers or online chats.
Remember that you cannot do this on your own. Your friend's family and other friends have to contribute to helping that person stay away from the things that might add to their suicidal feelings.
6. **Ask your friend about how to keep them safe.** If your friend has been at the hospital after their attempt, or is seeing a therapist, they will likely have a safety plan. Ask your friend if you can know what the plan is, and how you can help. If your friend does not have a safety plan, you can find a guide online to help them create one. Find out from your friend how to tell if they're feeling depressed or overwhelmed and how you can help. Ask your friend how safe they feel and ask them to tell you what to look for in order to intervene.
For example, your friend may say that if they have not gotten out of bed all day and is avoiding phone calls, that is a sign that they are getting into a dark place. This would be your signal to call someone who can help.
7. **Help your friend take small steps forward.** Your friend should be seeing a therapist or mental health care professional, and should consider medication. Aside from making sure your friend is getting additional recovery support, you can help your friend make small changes to improve their life. Your friend shouldn't be making drastic changes, but you may suggest minor things to accomplish.
For example, if your friend was depressed because of a failed relationship, you can slowly help your friend take their mind off of it by planning fun activities and helping your friend start dating when the time comes.
Or, if your friend is deeply unhappy because they feel that their career is at a dead end, you can help update their resume or talk about going back to school.
8. **Make sure you're not alone.** Don't think you're being selfish by asking others (like friends, family, or mental health care professionals) to support you and your friend. This can keep you from feeling overwhelmed. If you do start feeling overwhelmed, tell your friend that you need a break, some alone time, or time with other friends or family to take care of yourself. Inform your friend that you want to take this time to refuel and that you'll return once you're refreshed. It may help to set boundaries by telling your friend what you're willing to do and not do.
For example, let your friend know you'd be happy to have a weekly dinner with them, but that you won't keep warning signs a secret and you'll get help to keep them safe.
Your friend shouldn't swear you to secrecy and it's important that other trusted people know about the attempt.
9. **Offer hope.** Try to make your friend feel hopeful about the future. This can help protect against a future attempt. Try to get your friend thinking and talking about hope. Ask your friend how hope influences them. You may try asking:
Who is the one person you would call to help you feel hopeful in this moment?
What do you associate with hope, such as sensations, pictures, music, colors, objects?
How do you strengthen and nurture your hope?
What kinds of things threaten your hope?
Try to imagine a picture of hope. What do you see?
Where do you turn for hope when you are feeling hopeless?
10. **Check in with your friend.** Make an effort to let your friend know that you're thinking of them even when you're not together. Ask your friend if you can check in on them, and how often they'd like you to do that. You can also ask your friend if they have a preferred way for you to check in such as a phone call, text, or a visit.
When you do check in, there is no need to ask your friend about suicide unless you think think they are a danger to themselves. Instead, just ask how they're doing or feeling, and if they need help with anything.
11. **Look out for warning signs.** Don't make the mistake of thinking that your friend won't ever try to take their life again because they tried once and failed. Unfortunately, about 10% of people who threaten or try to die by suicide end up killing themselves. This doesn't mean you should be watching your friend's each and every move, but you should be extra vigilant to make sure your friend does not exhibit warning signs that indicate suicide. If you think there's a chance it might happen again, talk to someone and get help, especially if you notice threatening or talking about harming or killing themselves, talking or writing about death in a way that's unusual for them, or talking about not wanting to "be here." Remember warning signs by memorizing the mnemonic IS PATH WARM:
I - Ideation (a desire to die)
S - Substance Abuse
P - Purposelessness
A - Anxiety
T - Trapped
H - Hopelessness
W - Withdrawal
A - Anger
R - Recklessness
M - Mood change
12. **Don't lecture at your friend for the attempt.** Your friend needs love and support, not a lesson on what is morally right or wrong. Your friend probably feels ashamed, guilty, and emotionally hurt. Lecturing your friend won't help you connect or maintain your relationship.
You may feel angry or guilty about your friend's attempt and want to ask about why they didn't ask for help. But questioning your friend won't be the most helpful for them or your relationship if the attempt was recent.
13. **Acknowledge the suicide attempt.** Don't pretend like the attempt never happened or ignore it and hope that things go back to normal. You should not completely ignore what happened, even if your friend doesn't mention it. Try to say something nice and supportive, even if it doesn't come out right. It's better to bring it up than say nothing at all.
For example, you could say that you are sorry for how terrible your friend has been feeling, and ask if there is anything they need or that you can do. Whatever you say, reassure your friend that you care about them.
Remember that you're in an uncomfortable situation, and that nobody knows exactly how to act when someone close to them has made an attempt on their life.
14. **Take the suicide attempt seriously.** Many people think that a suicide attempt was just a way to get attention and that the person wasn't really serious about taking their own life. A suicide attempt is a very serious situation and it shows that there are complex underlying factors and emotional pain for your friend. Avoid telling your friend that you think they did it just to get attention. In doing so, you are minimizing the seriousness of that life-changing decision and are making your friend feel terrible and unimportant in the process.
It's important to be as sensitive as possible. If you tell your friend that you think they did it just to get attention, then you're not really trying to understand the situation.
While it may be easier for you to minimize your friend's problems, this really won't help your friend move on from the attempt.
15. **Don't make your friend feel guilty.** Making your friend feel guilty is insensitive, even if you may honestly feel hurt or betrayed by your friend's attempt. Your friend probably already feels guilt or shame for worrying the people around them. Instead of saying something like,"Weren't you thinking of your family or friends?" try to empathize with your friend.
Remember that your friend may still be feeling depressed or fragile, and what they need most is your support and love.
16. **Give your friend some time.** There are no easily or quick solutions for dealing with a suicide attempt. You can't expect that medicating your friend will just make everything turn out okay. The thought process that leads to suicide is often complicated, and so is the process of recovering from a suicide attempt. Though it's important to make sure your friend gets the help they need, don't minimize your friend's problems by thinking that the solution is simple.
It's tempting to want to heal your friend and remove their pain so everything becomes normal. But remember that your friend has to work through the pain. The best thing you can do is support your friend and offer help. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Friends-with-Someone-Who-Attempted-Suicide", "language": "en"} |
How to Clean Chimneys | Burning fires in a chimney leads to the accumulation of soot and creosote, a flammable, sticky substance that can cause chimney fires if it's not removed. Hiring a professional chimney sweep can get expensive, so if you use your fireplace frequently, consider picking up a few tools from the hardware store and cleaning your chimney yourself. This article provides instructions on three different methods for cleaning a chimney, as well as tips on chimney cleaning safety.
1. **Determine whether the chimney needs to be cleaned.** Chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year, and more often if you use your fireplace frequently.
Take a flashlight and peer inside the chimney flute. Use a pencil or plastic knife to scrape off a bit of the creosote that has accumulated on the side of the chimney. If it's 1/8-inch thick or thicker, it's time for a cleaning.
If you only clean your chimney once a year, do it in the fall, before the burning season begins. Otherwise, you risk sparking a chimney fire the first time you light up your fireplace in the winter.
2. **Check the chimney for animals.** If it has been awhile since the last time you used your chimney, check for critters before you begin cleaning. Birds, squirrels and raccoons like to nest there, especially in the cooler months. Shine a flashlight up the chimney from the fireplace, and if you find an animal, take steps to have it removed.
3. **Measure your chimney flue.** To clean your chimney, you'll have to use properly-sized tools. Measure the sides of your chimney from the bottom, through the fireplace. You could also climb up a ladder and measure it from the top.
Determine the size and shape of the flue. It will be either square or round, 6" or 8."
Determine the height of the chimney. If you're guessing, it's better to overestimate, so you have more than enough extra rope or piping to make sure the chimney brush can reach the entire length of the chimney.
4. **Buy chimney cleaning supplies.** Go to the hardware store and buy the following items in preparation for cleaning the chimney:
A chimney brush, either wire or plastic. Use your chimney's measurements to buy the right size.
Chimney brush extension pipes, to help you clean the whole length of the chimney. Alternatively, you could buy a weighted rope designed to be used with the chimney brush, or a rope pulley system.
A smaller stiff wire brush.
A plastic tarp or drop cloth for use inside your house.
A ladder tall enough to reach your roof, if you plan to clean your chimney from the top down.
A broom and dustpan.
A dust mask and goggles.
5. **Dress in appropriate clothing.** Wear old clothes that you don't mind getting messy with soot. Cover your hair with a bandanna. You may want to wear work gloves to protect your hands. Use a dust mask and goggles to prevent soot from getting in your mouth and eyes.
6. **Prepare your house for the cleaning.** Drape the drop cloth or tarp around your fireplace, extending it out into your living room several feet. Use sheets or tarps to cover furniture with light fabric. Roll back your expensive rugs.
7. **Remove the damper from the chimney flue.** Locate the damper handle inside your chimney, and use the small wire brush to clean it off. Detach it from the chimney and set it aside on the drop cloth, so it won't obstruct the chimney brush as you proceed with cleaning the chimney.
8. **Set up the ladder and climb to the roof.** Assuming you've ascertained that your roof is safe to stand on, and that you're comfortable doing so, set up your ladder right next to the house. Fill a satchel with the chimney brush and extensions, sling it over your shoulder, and climb the ladder.
If you feel any trepidation at the thought of climbing a ladder or standing on your roof, clean your chimney from the bottom instead, using the method outlined below.
If you're unsure about the quality of your roof, or if your roof is slanted and you're not sure you'll be able to keep your balance, use the other method.
9. **Assemble the brush and one section of pipe.** Attach the first piece of pipe to the brush. Insert the brush into the chimney. Using up and down motions, begin to scrub the flue clean. Add another section of pipe to enable you to extend the brush further down the chimney. Continue in this fashion until you've cleaned the length of the flue.
If you are using the rope and weight method, attach the weighted rope to the brush. Hold the end of the rope and lower the brush into the chimney. Lift it up and down in a scrubbing motion along the entire length of the flue.
10. **Dissemble the brush and extensions, or detach the rope.** Place the supplies in your satchel and climb back down the ladder.
11. **Clean the bottom of the chimney.** Use the small wire brush to clean the bottom of the flue that you may have missed with the brush.
12. **Clean the chimney from the bottom up.** Assemble the brush and one section of pipe.
Attach the first piece of pipe to the brush.
Insert the brush into the chimney through the fireplace. Using up and down motions, begin to scrub the flue clean.
Add another section of pipe to enable you to extend the brush further up the chimney. #*Continue in this fashion until you've cleaned the length of the flue.
13. **Use a pulley system with a partner.** Buy a pulley rope system to be used with your chimney brush. Two ropes are attached to the brush, one on the top and one on the bottom, and the brush is operated from both the roof and the fireplace.
Assemble the pulley system with the brush. Have one person take it up a ladder to the roof.
The person on the roof should hold one side of the rope, and drop the other side, with the brush in the middle, through the flue to the other person waiting below.
Working together, use the ropes to pull the brush up and down, scrubbing the entire chimney flue.
14. **Clean the flue's entrance.** At the very bottom of the chimney, often located in the basement, you should find a small door going into the area under the flue. The creosote and soot will have collected there. Use a small spade to shovel it into a bucket. Reattach the damper handle.
15. **Use the brush and dustpan to clean up the debris from the fireplace.** Empty it into the waste bucket.
16. **Use the brush and dustpan to sweep up debris from the tarp or drop cloth.** Empty it into the waste bucket.
17. **Dispose of the soot and creosote in accordance with your local laws.** Since creosote is a flammable substance, it should not be thrown in the trash. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Chimneys", "language": "en"} |
How to Convince Police to Reopen a Case | Getting police to reopen a closed or “cold” case can be hard work. After all, the main objective of police officers is to pursue and solve current crimes. There is a far greater chance of solving crimes shortly after they occur, as opposed to months or even years after the fact. It may even seem that as far as the police are concerned, the matter is over. However, officers remain assigned to old cases and many do periodically review these cases as time permits. If you have a good reason to ask for an old case to be reopened, it's worth trying.
1. **Gather basic information about the crime.** In order to fully educate yourself about the crime, you first will need to identify basic facts that will allow you to look further into the matter. People with whom you want to discuss the case are more likely to remember it if you can accurately describe the facts of the case. For instance, you should know:
The full name of the victim or victims
Other identifying information about the victim, such as date of birth, approximate age, social security number, and physical description
The location of the crime
The date on which the crime occurred
How the crime was carried out
Contact information for all law enforcement agencies that worked on the case in the past
Name and contact information for any police officers or detectives who worked on the case in the past
Case numbers that originally were assigned to the case
The date of the last contact that you had with any law enforcement agency about the case, and the person with whom you spoke
2. **Go back through all the case notes and evidence to which you have access.** Look for things that might have been missed or appear to have been tampered with or doctored. If you want a case reopened because you believe that the police were corrupt or forced a confession, you'll need evidence of this. Also, talk to as many relevant witnesses as you're able to contact and who are willing to testify.
3. **Talk to the victim in the case.** Get good information from that person about why he or she believes that the case should be reopened. Speaking with the victim may enable you to obtain more information and evidence to support the victim’s wishes.
4. **Consider those who have committed more recent crimes.** It is no surprise that people who commit crimes and don’t get caught will continue to commit crimes. Additionally, people who never get caught often will eventually brag to other criminals about their crimes, especially when incarcerated. It may be worth taking a look at currently incarcerated individuals or suspects of other crimes to see if these more current crimes resemble your old case in any way.
5. **Assemble your new evidence.** One of the easiest ways to get a case reopened is to discover new evidence that wasn't available at the time the case was investigated or closed. It will be much harder to convince police that a case is worth reopening if you don't have this. DNA is an often-used element of new evidence these days that gets some cases reopened because genetic testing abilities are much more advanced than they used to be. National fingerprint databases also exist now that did not exist in the past. They may serve as a comparison point for fingerprints taken in an old case.
6. **Make an appointment with the police officer assigned to the case.** Preferably, try to arrange to speak with a senior or veteran police officer regarding the matter. Be careful that your inquiry doesn't fall between the cracks just because you're talking to a rookie who is too wet behind the ears to understand what is needed.
7. **Be polite.** It is not likely to help persuade police to reopen an old case if you are rude, demanding, or insulting about the work that was previously done on the case. While there is nothing wrong with being persuasive, and even a bit insistent, putting down the officer who handled the case is unlikely to win you any friends.
8. **Be organized.** Have your argument ready and completely outlined before your appointment. If you can present a rational and well-organized argument, you will have a better chance of getting the case reopened.
9. **Explain your relationship to the case.** Your argument to reopen the case may be more compelling if you have a personal interest in the case. If you are the victim, or a close relative to the victim, it will be easier to explain to police why you want the old case reopened. This also might be the case if you are a former roommate, friend, or co-worker of the victim. This relationship will give you more credibility in arguing to reopen the case.
10. **Ask how the agency handles cold cases.** Do they regularly publicize cold cases and request tips from the public? Do they have a blog or Facebook page that keeps the public aware about unsolved cases? Some cities and towns have made efforts to raise awareness about cold cases by regularly posting facts about them online and reminding the public that certain cases remain unsolved.
11. **Leave your contact information with police.** It is likely that the officer to whom you speak will ask you to leave detailed contact information with him or her after your appointment. Be prepared to give contact information at the end of your appointment where you easily can be reached.
12. **Keep a written record of your appointment.** You should take notes during your appointment with the police officer so that you have an accurate record of what you discussed. This will be helpful to you in the future if you want to make further contact with that law enforcement agency.
13. **Get a good lawyer or advocate.** If you don't feel that you can address an old case or ask to get it reopened alone, get some legal advice. Talk to someone who has a good understanding of the laws and policies surrounding the reopening of police cases to guide you. You might be able to get legal assistance in some circumstances, depending on where you reside and the reasons that you wish to reopen the case.
14. **Hire a private investigator.** If you feel that more evidence exists or that an investigation of a crime was not done properly, you may have success in getting a private investigator to look more closely into the matter. Some private investigators may be willing to put more time and effort into an investigation, even regarding an older case, simply because they have the resources to do so. All too often, police officers are stretched thin, and other crimes may take priority over the case in which you are interested.
15. **Speak with the police officers who worked on the original case.** Especially if a significant amount of time has passed since the crime occurred, officers or detectives may have retired. Contact those officers if possible and try to get their views on the case.
16. **Contact the media.** Getting a newspaper television reporter interested in the case is a good way to exert some pressure on local authorities. A well-written story in the newspaper or local television can renew public interest in a case and cause the authorities to take a second look at an old case or evidence that may pertain to it.
17. **Talk to your local senator, representative, or governor’s office.** Bringing political pressure to bear can have an important impact on the police decision to reopen a case. Taking this step may also result in you getting the attention of a police officer or detective who has more influence on the decision to reopen old cases. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Convince-Police-to-Reopen-a-Case", "language": "en"} |
How to Avoid Plagiarism | Plagiarism can range from copying someone else's words directly to referencing or paraphrasing someone's work, ideas, or analysis without giving them credit. Plagiarism can even be unintentional if you reference someone's work but forget to credit them. The best way to avoid plagiarism is to plan your writing carefully, make sure you understand your source materials, and acknowledge where your own ideas have come from. Follow citation-style rules throughout your text and be vigilant about citing all of your sources.
1. **Choose a citation system or find out which one you are required to use.** To properly cite references that you use in your writing, you will have to follow a specific citation style manual. Ask your instructor, publisher, or editor what style you should be using, or select one for your work based on the type of text you are producing. The most popular citation styles include:
MLA (Modern Language Association) style, which is mostly used in texts surrounding literature, languages, and art.
APA (American Psychological Association) style, which is mostly used in texts about social and behavioral sciences.
Chicago style, frequently used in historical writing.
CSE (Council of Science Editors) style, sometimes used in science-based texts.
2. **Refer to the latest edition of your citation style’s manual to cite sources accurately.** The specific rules of a citation style can be hard to follow at first. Purchase, borrow, or download a digital copy of the most recently-published edition of your chosen style’s manual to avoid errors. Use the manual to accurately cite all the types of sources you use in your work, including:
Books
Specific chapters of a book
Journal articles
Figures
Websites
Manuals
Instructor’s lectures
Online books
Historical documents
Films
3. **Compile a “works cited” list to include at the end of your writing.** After all of your in-text citations are made and your writing is complete, you should put together a full, detailed list of the sources you’ve used. The format, order, and punctuation of these citations will vary between citation styles. Each style, however, requires you to include crucial information about your references, such as:
The author’s first and last name, or the full names of all contributors to a work with multiple authors
The title of the material cited.
The date of publication, in full or just the year.
The physical or online place of publication.
4. **Identify a source and reiterate a part from it verbatim to make an accurate quotation.** Quotations borrow the exact words from an original source to support an idea or argument. When adding a quotation to your text, identify the author and publication clearly and state your intention to use it. Include the quote in quotation marks, without any changes to the text.
For instance, write: "As Smith said in his 1996 book, The Environment and Our Youth:'The habits of young people will dictate hope our planet fares in the future.'"
5. **Follow direct references and quotations immediately with a citation.** All of the main citation systems require you to attribute ideas to their original source as soon as you feature them in the text. The specific procedure to do this varies between styles but should always be done to avoid plagiarism. Follow the rules of your chosen style to make the in-text citation by including:
The author’s name and page number of the material quoted, in parentheses after you refer to it.
The author’s name and the date that the work was published.
Superscript numbers next to the idea that was paraphrased, summarized, or quoted.
6. **Change the sentence structure, language, and voice of a text when paraphrasing.** Be vigilant about rewriting ideas taken from a section of source material so that your attempt at paraphrasing isn't actually plagiarism. Paraphrasing should restate the author's message in your voice, putting it into the context of your own text. Be sure to alter:
The way the sentences are constructed in the source text.
The source's vocabulary, by swapping as many words as possible with synonyms.
The tone of the writing so that it is clear that you are writing in your own words.
7. **Condense source material into a brief explanation to summarize it properly.** To summarize a source text, identify the main ideas communicated in it and describe them efficiently. A summarization should be no more than 1/10 as long as the original text. Include the author, year, and title of the work.
Do not use quotation marks to summarize source material.
8. **Cite specific ideas in your writing that are based on material you’ve read.** To be safe, credit every source you’ve consulted for your writing, even if it is unclear how much your writing has borrowed from it. This will eliminate the risk of unknowingly plagiarizing someone’s work. It will also show that you are conscious of where you own ideas are coming from, which will strengthen your text.
For example, if you state something like, “environmental studies is arguably the most pressing subject for young students to learn about”, you should cite an article you read about that topic the week before which makes the same argument.
9. **Source your work as you write it instead of adding citations later.** An organized method of writing with help you avoid errors that might lead to plagiarizing. As you write the first draft of your text, add in-text citations right away so you don’t lose track of the works you’ve cited. Start compiling a “works cited” page right away that you can edit later.
Citing sources right away will remove the stress of having to organize your references at the end of your writing process, which may make it stressful to meet your deadline.
10. **Read a text carefully so you understand it before using it.** Citing a source does not simply involve re-wording their work but comprehending it thoroughly and explaining it. Take the time to read and re-read your sources if necessary, then to explain their ideas in your own words. Your reference to the text should be placing it in the context of your own writing, not reiterating it as it was originally stated.
11. **Don’t allow anyone to write your assignments for you.** It is plagiarism to have someone write a text for you and then pass the writing off as your own. This applies if you pay for writing services, have someone write a text based on your notes or ideas, or have someone write part of a text for you. Write your text completely on your own or cite a friend or colleague as a co-author.
In an academic setting, you will usually have to write your own work without collaborating with other students.
12. **Get permission to cite material you wrote for other classes or publications.** If you want to refer to a text you wrote in the past for a course or publication, you must first contact the person you submitted the work to. If the instructor or publisher agree that you can use this material in a new assignment, self-cite your work and get a copy of it to submit with your next text. Avoid borrowing too much from past work, which may take away from the integrity of your current text.
Never re-submit or re-purpose a full text for a new writing assignment.
13. **Do not copy another author’s citations and pass them off as your own.** If you use a reliable source as a reference for your work, you are not entitled to cite the sources they used as if you read them. Citing one author’s work does not mean you are automatically also citing their sources and influences. Comprise your “works cited” list of sources you have read firsthand only.
For example, if you quote a writer who refers to a Freudian concept, do not copy their in-text citation for the Freud publication or include Freud in your “works cited” list.
14. **Avoid relying on plagiarism-detecting software to write a suitable paper.** Some institutions use plagiarism-detecting software to scan texts when they are submitted, prompting many students and writers to use the same technology as a safeguard. Some software may falsely detect plagiarism or miss it completely, making it unreliable if used alone. Only use this kind of software to second check your work and be vigilant about avoiding plagiarism as you write.
Free and paid plagiarism-check software is available online.
Using this type of software may give writers a false sense of security, making them more prone to plagiarize inadvertently.
15. **Start your assignments early to give yourself ample time to do research.** Good research takes time, as do strong writing and effective sourcing. Avoid procrastinating on your writing assignments, which will add stress to your projects when the deadlines approach. Give yourself as much time as possible to consult a variety of sources, read them well enough to understand them, and feature them in your work responsibly. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Plagiarism", "language": "en"} |
How to Prevent Diastasis Recti | Diastasis recti occurs when there is a small gap measuring about 2.7 centimetres (1.1 in) between your left and right abdominal muscles. When you have diastasis recti, you'll likely see a bulge in your belly. When your abs separate from each other, there remains only a thin connective issue in front holding your bowels and organs in place. Although diastasis recti often causes no issues and usually resolves on its own, it can cause lower back pain, constipation, urinary incontinence, and, in extreme cases, hernias. People who are overweight, have poor posture, or who exercise incorrectly are at risk of having their abdominal muscles separate. It's especially common during and after pregnancy because of the strain placed on the abdomen by the growing baby. However, with a few simple techniques and exercises, you can prevent diastasis recti.
1. **Improve your posture and engage your core muscles while standing.** Stand up straight without slouching. Make sure your shoulders are in line with your hips so that your back isn’t overly arched. Tuck your chin in. Distribute your weight evenly on both feet.
Support your posture by rooting all 4 corners of your feet into the ground. Then, engage your quads, glutes, and core to stand up straight. It may take practice, but good posture becomes a habit if you're consistent.
Standing sway back, with your hips and stomach pushing forward and your shoulders slouched, can lead to diastasis recti. This posture leaves your core, inner abdominal muscles, gluteus, and trapezius muscles weak.
2. **Make sure you’re pushing a stroller correctly, especially uphill.** Don’t lean too far forward or place too much of your weight on the stroller. This creates too much pressure on your abdominal muscles. Tuck your hips under and use your glutes and leg muscles instead of your lower back muscles to support yourself and power up the hill.
Ask older children to get out and walk going uphill to reduce the amount of weight that you’re pushing.
Women who are pregnant and have already had children are prone to diastasis recti. Mothers of toddlers who are pregnant with their second or third (or fourth!) child often spend a lot of time pushing their older kid(s) around in strollers, as well as lifting their children. It’s important to use good form, because pushing a stroller incorrectly can increase abdominal separation.
3. **Roll onto your side before sitting up during pregnancy.** Sitting straight up from a prone position puts a lot of pressure on the abdominal muscles and can exacerbate diastasis recti. Instead, roll onto your side with your knees together and slightly bent. Push yourself up into a sitting position with your arms.
If you’re struggling to roll onto your side, use your arms and legs to help you turn over. If you’re in bed, prop a pillow behind your back to keep yourself on your side all night. As your pregnancy progresses, you should be trying to sleep on your side, especially your left side, anyway to improve the flow of blood and nutrients to the placenta.
4. **Avoid heavy lifting when you’re pregnant.** If you do have to lift a heavy object, practice safe techniques. Bend at your knees, not your waist, to pick up the object. Keep your back straight and push up with your legs. Avoid any sudden jerking movements.
5. **Wear a belly band for support during pregnancy.** Wrap the band around your belly under your bump. Attach it with clasps or Velcro, depending on the brand of the band. Adjust it until it feels comfortable. Attach another band across the top of your bump if it’s included in your package.
Belly bands can help physically bring the abdominal muscles closer together.
Wear the belly band while you exercise or go about your daily activities. You can continue wearing the belly band postpartum for additional support.
Don’t wear the belly band for more than 2 to 3 hours at a time. Always check with your doctor before wearing any compression garment. If you have compromised circulation or your blood pressure is too high or low you might not be a good candidate for wearing a belly band.
Wearing this support band while pregnant can also help if you have unhealed abdominal separation from a previous pregnancy.
6. **Do modified crunches to manually pull the abdominal muscles together.** Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent. Wrap your hands or a towel or belly band around your waist and pull your right and left abdominal muscles together. Breathe in deeply to expand your belly. Exhale slowly while contracting your abs. Suck them inward and raise your head off the floor. Go back to the starting position and repeat.
Try 2 sets of 12-15 reps, or as many as your body feels comfortable with.
Many fitness experts will caution you against doing any crunches when you’re pregnant, stating that the crunching motion can increase pressure on your abdominal muscles and worsen separation. However, recent research shows that crunches are safe and effective exercises for strengthening the core muscles when you perform them correctly. Be sure that you engage your transverse abdominal muscles before doing a crunch.
If you do crunches incorrectly, it can worsen diastasi recti. Only perform these exercises after you've consulted with a doctor and preferably a personal trainer to ensure that you are using correct form.
7. **Use an exercise ball for pelvic tilts with crunches.** Sit on a stability ball and slowly roll down until your lower back is resting comfortably on it. Keep your feet directly below your knees and place your hands gently behind your neck to support your head. Breathe out while lifting your shoulders slightly off the ball and pressing your hips up. Squeeze your lower abs, glutes, and pelvic floor. Breathe in while slowly lowering your shoulders and hips to the starting position.
Don’t relax your abs or arch your back over the ball when you return to the starting position. Keep your core engaged the whole time.
8. **Try modified push-ups.** Begin in a push-up position with your knees on the floor. Keep your hands in line with your chest, and place them slightly wider apart than your shoulders. Slowly bend your elbows and lower your chest toward the floor. Keep your core tight. Exhale while pressing back up to the starting position.
Don’t let your lower back or hips drop toward the floor. Don’t raise your hips too high either.
9. **Practice your planks.** Assume a plank position on your forearms. Keep your elbows under your shoulders. You can do the plank on your toes or with your knees on the floor. Draw your abdominal muscles in tightly toward your spine. Keep your glutes, pelvic floor and inner thighs tight.
Don’t let your hips sag toward the floor. Good form is more important than the length of time you hold the plank.
10. **Get on all fours for cat pose and limb extensions.** Begin by placing your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly below your hips. Draw your abs in toward your spine, while exhaling slowly and rounding your back toward the ceiling. Release the rounded spine and relax your abdominal muscles.
To do arm and leg extensions, keep your back straight, hips even, and core tight. Lift your left leg straight behind you and your right arm straight in front of you. Bring your knee toward your elbow while squeezing your abs, rounding your back, and breathing out. After about 10 reps switch sides.
11. **Perform a bridge on a stability ball.** Rest your head comfortably on the ball with your neck in a neutral position. Make a 90-degree angle with your hips, knees, and ankles. Lower your hips toward the floor and then lift them back up.
If lowering your hips hurts your lower back, just hold the 90-degree position.
Make sure your knees are over your ankles and not out in front of your toes.
Don’t let the ball roll while you do this exercise. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Diastasis-Recti", "language": "en"} |
How to Thicken Fruit Juice with Cornstarch | Thickening fruit juice is helpful if you're making delicious foods like pies or tarts, as well as canned fruit juices or fruit sauces. Cornstarch is a popular thickener because it creates a shiny filling without clouding the colors of the fruit juice. If your recipe calls for a dry ingredient like sugar, you can easily mix cornstarch with this dry ingredient before following the rest of the recipe. If your recipe doesn't have a dry ingredient, it's best to mix the cornstarch with water before adding it to the fruit juice. With just a few minutes of time, your fruit juice will be thick and ready to cook with.
1. **Mix 1 US tbsp (15 ml) of water and 1 tbsp (7.5 g) of cornstarch in a bowl.** Measure out equal amounts of cool water and cornstarch and pour them into a bowl. Stir the cornstarch and water together in the bowl with a spoon.
This recipe uses 1 cup (240 ml) of fruit juice, but you can alter the measurements so the ratio stays the same. For example, if your recipe called for 2 cups (470 ml) of fruit juice, you'd mix together {{convert|2|tbsp|ml|abbr=on} each of water and cornstarch.
If another liquid is used in the recipe you're using besides fruit juice, it’s okay to use this liquid instead of water.
2. **Add the cornstarch mixture to the fruit juice.** Once the water and cornstarch are thoroughly combined, pour them into another bowl that has 1 cup (240 ml) of fruit juice in it. Stir all 3 ingredients together so they’re mixed well.
Avoid adding cornstarch to hot fruit juice so it doesn't clump.
3. **Cook the fruit juice on the stove top over medium heat until it’s thick and bubbly.** Pour the fruit juice mixture into a pan or pot and bring the heat to medium. Stir the fruit juice as it heats up and watch for bubbles to start forming in the juice. These bubbles mean that the juice is thickening.
It shouldn't take longer than 5 minutes for the liquid to bubble.
4. **Cook the fruit juice for 2 more minutes to cook the cornstarch.** While you can remove the fruit juice from the heat once it starts bubbling, you might be left with a cornstarch flavor. To get rid of the cornstarch taste, let the fruit juice mixture keeping cooking for 2 more minutes before calling it done.
If your fruit juice is heated or stirred for too long, it can start to lose its thickness.
Use your thickened fruit juice in a pie or other yummy recipe.
5. **Follow your recipe's instructions to add the fruit juice to your dish.** Once the cornstarch is added to your fruit juice, follow the regular recipe and do whatever it says to do with the fruit juice. For example, if your recipe says to heat fruit juice and pour it into a pie crust, you can add your heated cornstarch and fruit juice mixture to the crust normally.
It's okay if the recipe doesn't mention anything about adding cornstarch to thicken the juice.
6. **Measure out 1 tsp (2.5 g) of cornstarch per 1 cup (240 ml) of juice.** Use a measuring spoon to measure out the cornstarch you'll need for your amount of fruit juice, but don't add the cornstarch to the fruit just yet. Cornstarch works best if it's mixed in with another dry ingredient first.
7. **Mix the cornstarch with another dry ingredient first, if possible.** If your recipe includes another dry ingredient like sugar, add the cornstarch to this ingredient before adding it to the fruit juice. Stir the cornstarch in with the sugar to help separate the cornstarch granules so they don’t clump together.
Sugar is the most common ingredient to mix in with cornstarch.
Adding the cornstarch in with another ingredient first will make it easier for the cornstarch to mix evenly with the fruit juice.
8. **Add the cornstarch mixture to the fruit juice and stir them together.** Once your cornstarch is mixed with another dry ingredient, pour it into your fruit juice. Stir the ingredients together with a spoon to help the fruit juice thicken.
It’s okay if you don’t add the cornstarch to another dry ingredient first, but it might not work as well.
9. **Follow your recipe normally to cook the fruit juice and cornstarch.** Once you've mixed the cornstarch into the fruit juice, there aren't any more special steps. Keep following your recipe to put the fruit juice into a pie or other type of mold before cooking it to create a delicious dish or treat.
When the fruit juice is cooked or baked, it will thicken correctly. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Thicken-Fruit-Juice-with-Cornstarch", "language": "en"} |
How to Make Your Legs Shiny | Have you been longing for beautiful, shiny legs? Well, getting those picture-perfect legs is easier than you might think! There are professionals who can help you get the legs you desire, but there are also some at-home methods that will do the trick. Between the right lotions, hair-removal techniques, and makeup, you'll be able to get your legs to shine in no time.
1. **Use moisturizing lotion daily.** Legs that are moisturized will automatically have a nice glow. When your skin is hydrated, it looks younger and much more vibrant. Put on a fresh layer of lotion to give your legs a gorgeous, subtle shine. There are tons of moisturizing lotions that can be purchased at beauty and convenience stores, and you can also use natural products like coconut oil or shea butter to moisturize your skin.
Always apply lotion after you take a shower. This will help lock moisture into your skin, and prevent it from looking dull.
Always apply lotion after you shave or wax your legs. Shaving and waxing can be harsh on your skin, so be sure to moisturize afterwards.
If you're wearing shorts or a dress, carry a small lotion with you to re-apply throughout the day. Give your legs a rub down with lotion every few hours to keep your legs looking bright.
2. **Exfoliate your legs.** Exfoliation is the key to smooth and shiny legs, as it removes all of your dead skin cells. Dead skin cells cause our skin to look dull and dry. Exfoliating will eliminate that top layer of dull skin, revealing a new layer of bright, moisturized skin. Use a body scrub to exfoliate your legs 2-3 times per week.
Body scrubs can be purchased at most convenience and beauty supply stores, or you can make your own at home.
To make your own body scrub, you'll need sugar or salt and some type of oil (olive oil, coconut oil, etc.). Your sugar or salt will be your exfoliant, and your oil will be the moisturizer. Mix your ingredients together, your scrub should be thick. You can keep your body scrub in a tupperware container in the shower.
Consider adding an essential oil (like rosemary or peppermint) to your body scrub to give it a relaxing scent.
3. **Apply oil to your legs.** If you want your legs to really shine, apply a small amount of oil to your legs. There are tons of oils that can turn any pair of legs into shiny show-stoppers, including coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil. With oil, a little bit goes a long way. Pour a nickel sized amount of oil into your palms, rub your palms together, and proceed to apply oil all over your legs. The oil will create a shine that will last for hours while simultaneously conditioning your skin.
Be careful when applying oil to your skin, because oil can easily stain clothing. Make sure to rub the oil into your skin very well before getting dressed, as this will prevent any clothing damage.
Applying oil to your legs right after shaving is a great way to lock in moisture.
4. **Shave your legs to remove your leg hair.** Shaving is the quickest and easiest way to remove your leg hair. Removing your leg hair will automatically make your legs appear to be shinier. Shave as often as necessary – some people shave every day, some shave once a week. Invest in a good razor, especially if you have sensitive skin. A good razor will often have multiple blades and a conditioning strip.
When you shave, use a good shaving cream. There are many shaving creams that can be purchased at beauty or convenience stores, but you can also use natural shaving creams. Shea butter and coconut oil make for great shaving creams, as these products deeply condition the skin.
Take your time when shaving your legs. Don't rush through the shaving process, as you could cut yourself or miss a section of hair.
Shave your legs while in a hot bath or shower. The hot water will open up your pores, allowing you to get a closer shave.
5. **Remove the hair on your legs by waxing.** Waxing is a great way to get smooth, shiny legs, and the results will last much longer than shaving. Waxing is a bit painful, but is worth it if you want better, longer lasting results. Many people choose to get waxed by a professional, but you can also wax your own legs at home.
Exfoliate before waxing for best results.
Purchase an at-home waxing kit. This kit should contain wax (that is typically heated in the microwave) and waxing sticks and sheets.
Wax your legs slowly and carefully. Apply the hot wax onto one small section of skin at a time using the waxing stick, place the waxing sheet on top of the hot wax, and press down. After about 15 seconds, quickly pull the strip upwards off your skin. Repeat this until you have waxed your legs completely.
For more details on waxing your legs at home, check out Waxing Your Legs With a Waxing Kit
6. **Get laser hair removal to permanently get rid of hair.** If you are sick and tired of shaving and waxing to get rid of your unwanted leg hair, consider getting it removed permanently. This process is a bit more painful and expensive than the typical hair removal methods, but many believe it to be worth it. You can get your hair removed professionally, or you can purchase an at home laser kit.
Laser hair removal typically takes 5 sessions (on average) to remove all of your hair.
Each at-home laser kit is slightly different, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.
7. **Consider tanning.** Some people think tanned or darker skin tends to look shinier than pale skin. If you have naturally dark or tanned skin, embrace it! All you'll need is a bit of lotion or oil to create shine. There's nothing wrong with paler skin, but if you want to go for the tanned look, you could try adding some color with natural sunlight, a tanning bed, a spray tan, or some tanning lotion.
For the quickest results, get a self-tanner at your local convenience stores. These self tanners come in spray or lotion formulas. Read the instructions on the tanner you purchase for specific instructions.
If you choose to tan via sunlight or a tanning bed, be careful. Too much sun can be harmful to your skin, so always wear a sunscreen.
8. **Use a body shimmer.** Body shimmer can be purchased at most beauty or convenience stores. It comes in spray and lotion forms, and is a great way to add a bit of sparkle to your skin. Stores like Bath & Body Works often carry body shimmers.
Create your own body shimmer instead of buying one. Mix some shiny gold or silver eyeshadow into your lotion for a homemade sheen. Start by adding a small amount of eyeshadow (just a sprinkling of eyeshadow), and add more until you reach your desired shine. Apply the lotion to your legs as you normally would.
9. **Use makeup to add shine to your legs.** Using makeup on your legs not only creates shine, but also evens out your skin tone. Natural, dew-like types of foundation are great for legs, as are shimmery powder foundations. Rub your foundation into your hands, and then apply it to your legs like a thin layer of lotion. To apply powder, use a large powder brush and use large circular motions to brush the powder onto your skin.
Search for foundations that don't rub off easily and are long lasting.
Some of the higher end foundations that fall into this category include Nars All-Day Luminous, Clinique Stay-Matte, and Mac Nourishing Waterproof.
Some of the lower end foundations that fall into this category include Revlon Colorstay 24 Hour Foundation, Maybelline SuperStay 24 Hr Foundation, and L'oreal Infallible Foundation. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Legs-Shiny", "language": "en"} |
How to Write a Precis | A précis is a summary of a written work, such as an article, book, or other text. You’ll objectively explain the original text’s main argument, support, and structure, without doing a critical analysis. Although it might seem challenging at first, don't get discouraged! It's simple once you understand the structure. Before you can write your précis, you’ll need to study the text. When writing your précis, use the correct structure and style guidelines.
1. **Read the text your précis will summarize.** Take your time to work your way through the text. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the author’s argument, their support for their argument, and how they made their argument.
You’ll likely need to read the text several times. You might read a novel twice, but you could read a shorter work 3-5 times.
Skim over the text before you read it, mentally dividing it into sections. If the text has headings and/or subheadings, use these as a guide. Otherwise, you can divide it by paragraph.
If you notice any unfamiliar words, look them up.
2. **Annotate** Annotating means marking your text to identify important information and make notes to yourself. It’s important to annotate when writing a précis because it shows you how you interact with a text, and how you've come to understand it over time. Additionally, it’ll help you decide what’s important enough to include in your précis.
If you learn well visually, use different colored highlighters to highlight the thesis, supporting arguments, and important details.
Write notes in the margins to explain important arguments in your own words.
3. **Restate the text’s thesis using your own words.** The author’s thesis contains their argument, which is essential for your précis. In some cases, it will also clearly point out the evidence they use to back up the argument. Look for the thesis in the beginning of the text.
In a longer text, you may need to do a close reading to find the thesis. You should consider the author's arguments and main ideas. Remember, the thesis is the author's controlling idea. For instance, a novel likely won't have a clear thesis, but you could identify what the author is trying to prove or show.
For examples of how to do this, look at book reviews in literary journals or in major newspapers. Remember not to simply copy the thesis, which is considered plagiarism.
4. **Summarize each section of the text using 1-2 sentences.** It’s up to you to determine how big your sections should be. You might divide the text into sections using headings, subheadings, or chapters, or you might consider each paragraph a section. Look back at the guide you came up with while you were reading, in which you mentally divided the text into main headings and subheadings. Remember that more sections will make it harder to condense your summaries into a précis, but sometimes it’s necessary to have more sections in order to fully understand the text.
Consider the length and difficulty of the text when dividing your sections. There’s no wrong way to section an article.
For example, when writing a précis for a novel, you could summarize each chapter. If it's a journal article that's already divided into sections, you could summarize these sections. For an essay or article without sections, you could summarize each paragraph.
Be sure to only include the key point and evidence in your summary.
Include enough information in your summaries so that you don’t need to refer to the main text to understand them.
5. **Determine the author’s purpose for writing the text.** What was the author trying to accomplish? What do they want the reader to do, think, feel, or believe after reading the text? These questions will help you find their purpose. You’ll explain this purpose in your précis.
The author likely won’t state their purpose, so you’ll need to determine it yourself. Consider your reaction to the text. For example, did it make you think? Do you feel differently about the subject? This can help you figure out the purpose.
If you're writing a précis about a short story or novel, the author may be entertaining the reader, but they will also have a message behind the story. This message can help you find the purpose.
If you're writing a précis about an article or essay, the purpose may be related to the thesis. What is the writer trying to prove? How does that connect to their purpose? For instance, the author's purpose might be to change the way you think about recycling paper. Their thesis could read, "Reusing paper before recycling it is better for the environment because it reduces new purchases of paper, produces less waste, and lowers energy expenditures by recycling programs."
You can also look at a few published reviews of the book, which can give you good contextual information and different perspectives to orient your understanding of the purpose.
6. **Create a brief outline of the argument, if you need it.** An outline can help you better understand the author’s argument and supports, but it isn’t necessary. Write the thesis at the top of your outline. Then, make each piece of evidence backing up the thesis a main point. Finally, include any other supports as subpoints, if necessary.
An outline lets you see how the argument is assembled.
This outline is just for you, so don’t worry if it’s messy.
7. **Compare your summaries to the original text.** Reread the original text with your summaries at hand. As you read, go back and forth between the texts to make sure what you have written corresponds to what the author actually meant. If necessary, make corrections to your work.
Remember to use your own words. However, you need to accurately portray the meaning of the original text.
8. **Introduce the author, genre, date, and topic in the first sentence.** Although this is a lot of information, you’ll present it concisely. It should only take you 1 sentence to introduce the work this way.
In rare cases, you may need to provide more information about the author, but this is only necessary if that information is necessary to understand the précis. For example, let's say an astronaut wrote a scholarly article about how being on the space station affected their research. It would be helpful to include that the author had been to space, as it adds to their credibility.
Put the date in parentheses after the title.
The genre refers to the type of text, such as article, short story, novel, play, etc.
Use a rhetorical verb, such as asserts, explains, argues, refutes, proves, or disproves, to introduce the author’s argument.
Here’s an example: Luz Ruiz’s article “The Moral Politician” (2018) asserts that policies based on morality can undermine the basis of governance.
9. **Explain how the author supports their argument in the second sentence.** Focus on the rhetorical method the author used, not specific details of their argument. Provide the type of evidence and supports used by the author. For example, “Ruiz makes this argument by comparing and contrasting policy case studies and citing research studies about the impact of morality policy on communities.” Here are some types of evidence you might see:
Comparing and contrasting of 2 or more things.
Providing several small arguments.
Offering 1 long chain of argument.
Illustrating a point.
Creating a narrative.
Citing research.
Defining and elaborating on the terms of the thesis.
10. **Provide the purpose of the text in the third sentence.** The purpose is what the author is trying to achieve with their text. To find the purpose, ask yourself what the author wants the reader to think, believe, feel, or do about the topic. Connect these ideas with the phrase "in order to.”
The purpose is the author’s motive, not the thesis.
For instance, “Ruiz’s purpose is to present case studies in order to create an awareness in the reader of counterproductive policy making.”
11. **Describe the intended audience in the fourth sentence.** When identifying the audience, you need to explain your rationale for your conclusions. You might consider the background information provided by the author, as well as the knowledge they presume the reader to have.
Since the author won’t directly tell you their intended audience, you’ll need to use cues from the article to determine it. Cues to watch for include the type of language used, the types of references, and the author’s background. You might compare and contrast the article to other similar articles to determine if it's more formal or informal. For example, academic or professional articles might use a lot of jargon, and they may expect the reader to understand references to other ideas in the field. However, articles written for the casual reader might use down-to-earth language and may thoroughly explain references to other ideas.
For instance, “Based on her use of jargon and the nature of the topic, Ruiz primarily writes for an audience who understands policy debate, such as policy students, academics, and politicians.”
12. **Expand on the supporting arguments, if you’re writing a long précis.** You will still include your 4-sentence explanation as above, but you’ll also include short paragraphs concisely explaining each of the supporting pieces of evidence. You'll include the author's argument and the type of evidence used. These short paragraphs should be similar to sentence 2 in a typical précis.
This type of précis is less common than the 4-sentence structure presented above.
You should only write a long précis if your instructor asks for it. Always check your assignment details.
13. **Include a 2-sentence conclusion in a long précis.** You only need to write a conclusion if you've been assigned a long précis. To conclude, you’ll restate the thesis and provide a 1-sentence summary of the type of evidence the author used.
Remember, you don't need to incorporate any outside ideas or conclusions you have made, as a précis is only about the work itself.
Keep your conclusion concise.
14. **Read your précis, noting areas that need work.** Highlight or underline parts that need revision or areas you think don’t quite make sense. Make sure you correctly followed the structure listed above.
It’s a good idea to look for typos, grammar errors, or spelling issues now, but you’ll still need to proofread your final draft.
15. **Compare your précis to the original text.** Make sure you accurately presented what the author is trying to say. If you aren’t sure it matches, it’s best to rework your précis. Since a précis is so short, every word counts!
For example, re-read the original text, then re-read your précis.
If you can, have someone read both the original text and your précis and tell you what they think.
16. **Make revisions as necessary to improve your work.** Use your notes and any feedback you receive from others to correct your précis, if necessary. Your final text should be as concise as possible.
For example, you might eliminate redundant text or extra words that aren't necessary.
If you make substantial changes, it’s best to compare it to the original text once again.
17. **Proofread your précis.** Check for grammar and spelling errors, as well as typos. Make any corrections necessary.
If you can, ask someone to proofread your work for you, as you might overlook some of your own errors.
18. **Check with your instructor for specific formatting requirements.** Although there are strict structural recommendations for writing a précis, your instructor may have their own purpose for assigning it. Additionally, longer texts may require more explanation than shorter texts. It’s important to check these specifications before you get started.
Although a précis is always concise, its length can vary depending of the length of the original work and your instructor’s preferred length. For an article, your précis will likely be 100-200 words long, but a longer work may require a few pages of text. Expect your précis to be about 1/5 to 1/6 the length of the original text.
Read over your assignment sheet carefully.
19. **Write in the present tense.** Treat the text as a living document, which is always in the present. Even if the author wrote the text decades ago, you’ll still write as though they’re making their arguments now.
For instance, you should write “Ruiz proves” not “Ruiz proved.”
Make sure your verbs apply to the author, not the text. For example, “Ruiz argues” not “the article argues.”
20. **Make sure you don’t include your own opinions.** Your précis should clearly explain the original author’s argument, support, and structure in your own words. However, you shouldn’t offer any of your own opinions, such as commentary or an added argument. This is not a critical piece.
Stay objective throughout the writing process.
21. **Avoid directly quoting the original text.** Your précis will be a concise summary, so it shouldn’t include any quotes. Using quotations would undermine the purpose of your thesis. You don’t want your text to be too wordy.
It’s okay to quote a special term coined by the author if it’s important to the précis. For example, "freakonomics" is a special term created by economist Steven Levitt and journalist Stephen J. Dubner. It's not a normal word, so you would put quotes around it when including it in a précis. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Precis", "language": "en"} |
How to Hole Card | Hole carding is the act of reading the dealer's hole card, or the card facing down, to get an advantage in casino card games. Having knowledge of the hole card will significantly improve your odds in the game. This strategy is used most widely in the game blackjack, where there is only a single hole card. While hole carding isn't illegal, it's typically frowned upon and can get you kicked out of the casino that you're in. If you survey the casino and dealers carefully and utilize some basic techniques, you can hit big money by reading the dealer's hole cards.
1. **Scan the room for sloppy dealers.** If you’re a regular at the casino, you will get to know the dealers. Look for new dealers or dealers that look unsure of themselves. This is a sign that they are new at dealing and may make mistakes. Sloppy dealers will deal cards high off the table or may even flash a portion of the card to the players. Walk around different tables and make a mental note of any tables that have sloppy dealers.
An experienced dealer will deal every hand deliberately and low to the table. If a dealer looks like a seasoned veteran, move to a different table.
2. **Watch the dealer before making a bet.** Once you locate a sloppy dealer, make sure to watch them for a couple of hands before you sit down and put bets on the table. Pick up on bad habits and repeated bad tendencies. Walk around the table and see if you can get a glimpse of the hole card at different angles.
When watching the dealer, make it look like you're concentrating on what the players are doing, not what the dealer is doing. You don't want to raise any suspicion by being too obvious.
3. **Look for a shuffling machine that is in view of first base.** A table that has a shuffling machine near first base, or the rightmost player, can be seen more easily than a shuffling machine that is out of view of the players. If you do see a shuffling machine that is in front of where a player sits, take that seat. There is a greater likelihood of you being able to see the hole card as they deal it because you'll be closer to the cards as they are dealt and may be able to get a good vantage point.
4. **Look for a shuffling machine that holds the cards high off the table.** Some older models of card shufflers will hold the card higher off the table, increasing the chances of you seeing the hole card while the dealer is dealing. Look for shufflers that hold the cards a couple of inches off the table. These shufflers will usually have a base that holds them up, which makes seeing the hole card easier.
Older model ACE shufflers hold the card 3 inches (7.6 cm) off the table. These are the most exploitable shuffling machines. Look for a black shuffling machine with the logo ACE on the side of it.
5. **Stand on the side of the dealer’s dominant hand.** Dealers are more likely to flash their cards on the side of the table that they are dealing from. So, if there is a left-handed dealer your best bet would be to sit on first base, or on their left-hand side. If they are a right-handed dealer, it’s best if you sit furthest to their right, or third base. This may give you the advantage of being able to see if the dealer flashes the occasional hole card.
6. **Look at the corners of the dealer’s hole card as it is being dealt.** It's easiest to see the dealer's hole card while it's being dealt. Look at the closest corner facing you and see if you can get a read on which card it is. If you can spot the corner of the card and it doesn't look like a number, you can assume it's a face card.
Don't lean in or change levels and make it obvious that you're trying to read their card. If a pit boss sees this, they may kick you out of the casino.
You can wear sunglasses to obscure your eyes if you're afraid of being caught.
7. **Get an angle on the card when they check for blackjack.** If you're in a blackjack game and the dealer is dealt an ace, face card, or a ten, they will peek at their hole card to see if they have blackjack. In these circumstances, you may be able to catch a peek of their hole card if they are lifting it up too much. Look at the corner of the card while they lift it up to look at it.
If the dealer doesn't cover the side of the card with their hand, it may be easier to see.
Don't lean in or turn your head or you'll make it obvious that you're trying to read their card.
8. **Play with a friend to increase your odds.** Two people sitting at one table increases the odds that one person can read the hole card. When you have the advantage, your friend can use a signal and you can bet a lot of money. You should also create a different signal when the dealer has a very strong hand, like a 19, 20, or 21. Being able to get different angles on the dealer will open up opportunities to read the hole card.
Act like you and your friend don’t know each other when you gamble at the casino or you'll get kicked out.
After you hit a couple of big hands, cash out so that no one catches on that you are working together.
9. **Conceal the fact that your hole-carding or you may get kicked out.** While getting information on the hole card due to sloppy dealing isn’t illegal, it will still anger the management and pit boss if you’re making a lot of money from the casino. Lose a bet here and there to conceal the fact that you can see the hole card. Try to keep your bets within a reasonable range, or the dealer or pit boss may realize that they are showing the hole card. If they realize this, they can ask you to leave, switch dealers, or change their shuffling and dealing techniques.
Do not try to read the hole-card in an obvious way when the pit boss is looking at you.
10. **Stick to the basic strategy if you are unsure of the hole card.** The basic strategy is a fundamental strategy that will improve your odds in blackjack. If you think you saw the hole card but aren’t confident, stick to the basic strategy. Guessing on the hole card based off limited information will decrease your overall odds to win and can actually cause you to make bad plays due to incorrect hole card reads.
11. **Double down and split pairs when the dealer is likely to bust.** Doubling down and splitting you pairs will increase the amount of money that you can win. If you know that the dealer is stuck on a hand that's 12-16 and there are a lot of high cards left in the deck, you can assume there's a higher likelihood of them busting.
12. **Hit if you know that the dealer must stand and is beating your hand.** One of the most obvious ways to take advantage of a hole card is to hit when you know that the dealer has a hard 17 and you have a worse hand. If the dealer has a hard 17, they have to stand and there's no chance that you can beat them if you have under a 17. Therefore, it's best to hit even if you think you'll bust.
For example, basic strategy says to stand when you have 17 and the dealer is showing an 8. However, if you know for a fact they have an ace as their hole card, you should hit anyway because there's no way for you to win or tie unless you increase your score.
A hard 17 is a blackjack score that's achieved without an ace. For example, a 10 and a 7 would be a hard 17.
A soft 17 is when the dealer has an ace and a 6. This means that they will continue to hit until they hit 17 or above.
Different casinos will have different policies on if the dealer should hit on a hard or soft 16 or 17. Make sure to read the rules before you bet at a table.
13. **Stand if the dealer is likely to bust.** If you see that the dealer has a 12-16 and it's more likely for a high card to come out, this is known as a “stiff” hand or a hand where the dealer must hit but will likely bust. If you believe that they will bust, stand on your hand, even if you have a bad hand, like a 12-15. If the dealer busts, you will still win the hand. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Hole-Card", "language": "en"} |
How to Become an Insurance Broker in Missouri | Unlike insurance agents, who sell insurance on behalf of a company, insurance brokers can sell insurance on behalf of customers, finding the best policy for the consumer from many different insurers. Most insurance brokers are looking to go into business for themselves. Depending on licensure, they can sell life, accident, and health insurance, or property and casualty insurance. Missouri requires its insurance agents and brokers to have a license to provide insurance services to the public or companies. The requirements for obtaining a license to act as a broker are the same as requirements to be an agent--you will need to pass an exam and complete an application.
1. **Make sure you meet the requirements.** Although the requirements to become an insurance broker in Missouri are not extensive, make sure you meet the requirements before you apply for the license. You must:
Be 18 years of age or older.
Have a record free of certain criminal convictions. Most convictions will not bar you from obtaining a license to sell insurance, but that isn’t an absolute rule. For more information, contact the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions, and Professional Licensing at 573-751-3518.
Pass the pre-licensing exam. This exam is called the Missouri Insurance Agent/Producer Exam.
2. **Choose your line.** You’ll need to choose what type of insurance, or “line” of insurance, you wish to sell. The insurance licensing exam isn’t a comprehensive exam. There are different exams for different types of insurance. For example:
Property and casualty. This protects your property and your liability to someone else’s property. Think of it as insurance for things. Some examples of property and casualty insurance are homeowners, auto, and flood insurance.
Life, accident, and health. As you might guess, this is insurance for people. It protects people from costs incurred as a result of sickness, injury, or death.
3. **Buy your study materials.** It costs money to register for the pre-licensing exam, so you might as well purchase study materials to make sure you score as highly as possible on the exam. There are several companies producing study materials for the exams, and several formats that you can use to study. These include:
Taking an online class—either with an instructor or by following along with videos. Prices range from $131-$249.
Taking a class in person. This is the priciest option, with rates for an eight hour course starting at $260 and increasing to $396.
Self-directed study. This is where you simply purchase textbooks and study. Prices range from $75-$150, depending on materials and company.
4. **Set aside time to study.** Learn about the format and content of the test in advance. It will save you time, worry, and money.
The test is multiple choice format, divided into general knowledge and state specific sections. Depending on what line you are testing for, the exam will be anywhere from 110-170 questions held over two to three hours.
Many of the study packages will include practice tests. If your study package included a practice test, use one of those. You can also purchase one separately though PearsonVue, the company that administers the official exam. PearsonVue sells the practice tests for less than $20.
On any exam, a passing grade is 70. However, you only get a numeric score if you fail.
5. **Schedule an exam date.** All exams are administered by PearsonVue. In order to register for the exam, you’ll need to go to http://www.pearsonvue.com/mo/insurance/, create an account, pay the fee and schedule a date.
Creating an account is easy. All it requires is an address, name, phone number, and Social Security number.
The fee to take the exam is $51.
Download the Missouri Insurance Producer Candidate Handbook, as well as any subject outlines you desire, from http://www.pearsonvue.com/mo/insurance/.
6. **Come to the testing center prepared.** Arrive at the testing center at least thirty minutes before the exam starts. Do not bring cell phones, wallets or handbags into the testing center. The testing center will provide you with any necessary materials, such as pencils and scratch paper, before the test begins.
You’re going to need two forms of current ID on the ID, like a driver's license or debit card.
7. **Apply for the license.** After you’ve passed the exam, you’ll need to submit your application on the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) website, at http://www.nipr.com.
There is a $100 application fee. The NIPR will actually have a record of your exam result on file, so all you’ll have to do is enter your name, Social Security number, and pay the fee. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Insurance-Broker-in-Missouri", "language": "en"} |
How to Store Cornbread | Cornbread is a fluffy, sweet bread made with cornmeal. You can store homemade cornbread at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer. The best method for you depends on how long you want your cornbread to stay fresh for.
1. **Wrap your cornbread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.** Wrapping your cornbread will keep it from drying out.
2. **Place your cornbread in a dry, dark place.** You don’t want your cornbread to be exposed to moisture or direct sunlight or it could go bad sooner. Put your cornbread on a shelf in your pantry, or put it inside of a bread box if you have one.
3. **Store your cornbread at room temperature for 1-2 days.** If your cornbread develops mold or a bad smell, it’s gone bad and you should throw it away.
4. **Let your cornbread fully cool off before you store it in the fridge.** Storing your cornbread in the fridge when it’s still warm can cause moisture to build upon the surface, which will make it spoil faster.
5. **Wrap your cornbread in plastic wrap.** Plastic wrap will keep air and moisture away from your cornbread so it lasts longer.
6. **Store your cornbread in the fridge for up to 1 week.** After 1 week, your cornbread will start to lose its flavor and go bad. If you see excessive moisture or mold, your cornbread has started to spoil and you should throw it out.
7. **Eat your cornbread cold or reheat it in the oven.** If you’re going to reheat it, take it out of the plastic wrap and place it on a baking sheet. Put your cornbread in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350 °F (177 °C).
8. **Wait for your cornbread to fully cool off before putting it in the freezer.** Putting warm cornbread in the freezer can cause moisture to build up, which will shorten the amount of time your cornbread stays fresh for.
9. **Place your cornbread in a sealable plastic freezer bag.** Use plastic bags specifically designed for the freezer so your cornbread doesn’t get freezer burn. Once your cornbread is in the bag, press out the excess air with your hands and seal the bag closed.
10. **Put your bagged cornbread in a hard container if your freezer is crowded.** That way your cornbread won’t get crushed. Make sure the container has a lid on it.
11. **Store your cornbread in the freezer for 2-3 months.** Write the date on the container so you know when your cornbread is expired.
12. **Thaw your frozen cornbread before eating or reheating it.** To thaw your cornbread, take the plastic freezer bag out of the freezer and put it in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a rush, thaw your cornbread at room temperature for several hours.
Once your cornbread is thawed, you can reheat it in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350 °F (177 °C).
Don’t eat your cornbread if you notice mold on it or if it has a bad smell. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Cornbread", "language": "en"} |
How to Untangle a Wig | Whether you cosplay on the weekends or you wear a wig in your daily life, you are bound to encounter some tangles. Don’t throw that tangled wig in the trash! With a few inexpensive products (and a lot of patience) you can bring your tangled wig back to life. By taking some time to prepare, combing out your wig, and giving it some time to dry you can have your wig looking like new.
1. **Gather materials.** The best part about this method is that the materials are easy to find and inexpensive. All you really need is a comb, a spray bottle with water, and some conditioner. Using a wig head can be helpful, but it’s not crucial. Gather the following materials:
A wig comb or wide-tooth comb
A fine-tooth comb (if your wig has bangs)
A spray bottle filled ¾ of the way with water
Conditioner
A wig head and a way to mount it (optional)
2. **Mount your wig.** Place your wig on your wig head. If possible, mount the wig head onto a camera tri-pod (or another tall object) to make it easy for you to work on it. This is especially helpful if the wig you are combing is very long.
If you don’t have a wig head (or a tri-pod) simply lay your wig on a table or counter.
3. **Prepare your conditioner.** Fill your spray bottle about ¾ of the way full with water. Then add conditioner to fill the bottle the rest of the way. You are aiming for roughly 3 parts water to 1 part conditioner. Shake the mixture well.
You may also choose to use a leave-in conditioner, or a product designed specifically for untangling wigs. These products do not need to be diluted in water.
On synthetic wigs, you can also try using fabric softener. Just like with conditioner, use 1 part fabric softener to 3 parts water.
4. **Soak your wig.** If your wig is really mangled, you may want to give it a warm water soak. To do this, fill a sink with warm water. Remove your wig from the wig head (if using), and leave it to soak in the water for 10-15 minutes. Carefully wring the excess water from your wig and return it to your wig head.
If the wig is very dirty, you can add a squirt of shampoo to the water. If you do this, be sure to rinse the wig with clean water before you begin combing.
5. **Saturate the tips of your wig.** Take out your spray bottle, and squirt conditioner-water onto the bottom tips of your wig, until the bottom 3-5 inches (7.62-12.7 cm) of the wig is fully saturated.
If the conditioner begins to separate from the water, give the bottle a shake.
6. **Comb out the tips.** Using your wig comb (or wide-tooth comb), begin combing out the bottom 3-5 inches (7.62-12.7 cm) of the wig. Hold the hair firmly with one hand (just above where you are combing) as you comb with the other hand. If the hair is quite tangled, you may need to do this in small sections, until the entire bottom of the wig is tangle-free.
7. **Continue spraying and combing, making your way up the wig.** Once the bottom 3-5 inches (7.62-12.7 cm) of the wig have been combed through, saturate the next 3-5 inches (7.62-12.7 cm) with conditioner-water, and resume combing. Continue this process until the entire wig has been combed through.
Depending on the length of your wig, this process can take a long time (up to an hour).
Be careful not to yank on the wig, as this only makes tangles worse. Instead, carefully comb out each tangle.
8. **Comb out the bangs and style the wig.** If your wig has bangs, use a fine-tooth comb to untangle these, and position them the way that you want them. With the wig wet, carefully position the hair into the overall style you desire.
9. **Give the entire wig a final spritz with water.** If you have used quite a bit of conditioner (and especially if your wig is not synthetic), you might want to give the whole wig a spritz with clean water. This helps to further dilute the conditioner and reduce greasiness.
10. **Let your wig dry for several hours, combing every 30 minutes.** Leave your wig on the wig head and give it some time to dry. Every 30 minutes, give the wig a gentle comb-through. In 2-3 hours, your wig should be completely dry.
If you’re in a hurry, you can use a blow dryer on low heat. Be careful, because it is very easy to damage your wig this way.
For best results, allow your wig to air dry. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Untangle-a-Wig", "language": "en"} |
How to Peel Plums | Peeled plums are perfect for pies, jam, cakes, and baby food. If you try to peel a plum by simply pulling back the skin, you'll end up with a sticky mess on your hands. Instead, blanch the plums and then place them in an ice bath or trim the skin off with a knife. This simple techniques are quick, easy, and will leave you with delicious plum flesh.
1. **Boil a pot of water on the stovetop.** Choose a pot large enough to hold all your plums and fill half of it with water. It'll probably take about 10 minutes to boil..
Place a lid on the pot to help the water to boil quicker.
2. **Fill a large bowl with ice and water.** Add water and ice to the bowl at a 50:50 ratio. This will act as an ice bath for the plums.
3. **Slice an "x" on the bottom of each plum.** Use a paring knife to cut a cross hatch at the bottom of the plum (the side opposite the stem). Make each cut to be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. This will make it nice and easy to peel back the skin.
Don’t worry about making the cut deep, simply cut through the skin of the plum.
4. **Blanch the plums for 45 seconds in boiling water.** Carefully place the plums into the pot of water. It is important not to leave the plums in the water for longer than 45 seconds, as the flesh will go mushy and the plums will start to disintegrate.
Always be careful when cooking with hot water to avoid burns.
5. **Submerge the plums in the ice water for 5 minutes.** Use a slotted spoon to transfer the plums from the boiling water into the ice bath. The icy water will help to pull the skin away from the flesh of the plums. Make sure that all the plums are fully submerged in the water.
If some of the plums aren’t submerged in the ice bath, make another ice bath for them.
6. **Peel the skin off the plums.** Place your finger under 1 of the little flaps formed by the "x" you sliced, and pull back the flap. The skin should easily come loose in 1 big strip. Keep pulling back the flaps on all four sides until you've completely peeled the plum.
If there is still a little skin on the plum, use a paring knife to slice off any remaining skin.
7. **Cut around the circumference of the plum.** Press the paring knife firmly into the flesh until it hits the stone. Follow the natural seam in the skin and cut right around the plum. Keeping cutting until you have split the plum in half.
If you don’t have a paring knife, use a sharp kitchen knife instead.
8. **Twist each half of the plum in opposite directions to pull it away from the stone.** Hold 1 half of the plum in each hand. Firmly grip the halves and slowly turn them away from each other until one half of the plum comes loose from the stone.
9. **Lever the stone out with a spoon.** Push a dessert spoon under the stone and then press the handle down to pop the stone out. If the stone won’t coming out, push the spoon under the opposite side of the stone and then lever it out.
10. **Cut the plum in half and pop the stone out.** Place the plum on a chopping board and cut around the circumference of the plum. Use a teaspoon to pop the stone out of the plum.
11. **Chop both pieces of plum in half.** Cut each plum half lengthways to create a wedge. This makes the plum easier to peel.
If your plum is particularly large, consider chopping each piece of plum into thirds.
12. **Trim the skin off each plum wedge.** Press the skin side of the plum firmly down against the chopping board. Carefully glide the knife as close to the skin as possible to remove the skin from the flesh.
Compost the plum skin or use it in smoothies. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Peel-Plums", "language": "en"} |