INSTRUCTION
stringlengths 12
106
| RESPONSE
stringlengths 784
35.1k
| SOURCE
stringclasses 1
value | METADATA
stringlengths 58
123
|
|---|---|---|---|
How to Decide Whether to Go Out or Stay In | Deciding if you want to go out can be stressful. It can sometimes be hard to tell if you could use alone time or if socializing will help you get out of your shell. To decide, you can use practical considerations. Think about whether you can afford to go out and how important the event is. You can also consider your mood. Do you have the emotional energy to go out right now? If you can't decide, look for a middle ground. Make a brief appearance or stay in and interact with people via social media.
1. **Think about what is at stake.** In some social events, it's a bad idea to skip out. An event for work or school, for example, could help you make connections. If your career or relationships with colleagues depend on an event, you should make an effort to attend.
For example, look at events like a boss's birthday party or a mixer with members of your graduate program. These events allow you to make connections and keep up good relationships at work and school. It's probably a bad idea to miss such events.
However, other events are low-key. If your friends are having a bowling night, for example, it won't hurt your career to skip out.
2. **Consider how important your presence is to others.** Consider the feelings of other people involved. Is anyone counting on you to go? Did you make a strong commitment to an event? How disappointed will people be if you don't show up?
For example, your friend may be hurt if you skip their birthday party. Friends may also be hurt if you made a strong commitment to something. If you and your friends have been planning a camping trip for months, for example, it may be a bad idea to skip it at the last minute.
Social events that are less important can usually be avoided without too much trouble. For example, if your friends have a movie night every week it's unlikely anyone will feel too bad if you stay at home one day.
3. **Reflect on the kind of interactions you have.** People tend to be happier when they have meaningful interactions with others over small talk. An event may be more worth your while if you're going to have interactions that matter there.
If you're very close to some of the people attending, you're more likely to have meaningful interactions that will help you feel refreshed upon leaving.
However, if it's mostly strangers and acquaintances, you may not have as much fun.
4. **Look at your financial situation.** Be honest about whether you can afford to go out. Think about how much money you'll be spending and consider other expenses you have for the month or week. If your budget is looking tight, stay in the for the night and save some money.
If you want to go out even though money is tight, try limiting how much you spend. Bring cash instead of relying on a debit card and only spend as much cash as you have on you.
Unless you’re making a ton of money, it’s unrealistic to go out every single night of the week. If you’re trying to be financially responsible, staying in might be the way to go.
5. **Think about how you feel about going.** Ask yourself honestly how you feel about the prospect of going out. Do you feel excited and invigorated about getting out of the house? Do you feel anxious and a little exhausted with the idea? Tune in to your feelings and try to listen to them. If going out does not sound appealing, stay in.
6. **Evaluate your feelings about spending time alone.** In some cases, alone time can increase productivity and boost mood. However, if you're spending time alone when you want to connect with others, being alone can have negative effects. You may end up feeling lonely, stressed, and unhappy. Think about whether you genuinely want to spend time alone.
Think about your interactions with people lately. Have you been craving human connection? Have interactions been sparse or negative? If you're craving interactions with others, spending time alone could make you unhappy. It may be best to go out and see others.
However, if you've been spending a lot of time with people lately, you may benefit from a night alone. If you're not strongly craving companionship, going out may just stress you out more. In this case, you may want to stay in and do something on your own, like reading a book or watching a movie.
7. **Note your energy level.** If you've had a long week, you may be feeling tired. If you're already exhausted, you may not last long at an outing. If you're just going to end up turning in early, going out may not be worth it. However, if you're relatively energetic, you may enjoy spending an evening outside of your home.
For example, if you've been working overtime you may not have the energy to get dressed and go out. If it's a been a normal week, however, it may not take too much motivation to throw on some clothes and head out the door.
8. **Contemplate whether you're in the mood to meet new people.** Going out can be a wonderful opportunity to make new friends. Meeting people is one of the major draws of leaving your apartment. Think about whether you're in the mood to mingle.
Have you been stuck in a rut lately in regards to your social circle? If you've been craving new friends and new experiences, try going out and chatting with new people.
However, you may not be looking to make new friends right now. You may also simply not be in a very social mood. If you're not feeling social, you're unlikely to interact with new people even if you want to. In this case, it may be best to stay in for the night.
9. **Think about whether you want to get dressed.** Going out requires getting dressed. Depending on the type of event, you may have to spend a lot of time getting ready. A formal event, for example, may require you to dress up. Think about what it will take to get ready and whether you feel like putting in that effort.
You may be inclined to stay in if an event is very formal and you're not in the mood to dress up. If you don't feel like doing your hair and makeup and putting on your best clothes, stay in. However, if you're feeling in a dressy mood, you may relish the excuse to dress up.
If an event is more casual, it may be easier to motivate yourself to throw on jeans and a t-shirt. However, if you prefer to stay in your pajamas for the night, it's okay to stay in even for a casual event.
10. **Try just making a brief appearance.** If you can't decide whether or not to go, try showing up for a brief amount of time. Show up for one drink or a single hour. This can work if you can't afford a full night, but want to go out. It can also work if you don't want to go out, but it's important you attend as people are expecting you.
11. **Have people come to you.** If you can't afford to go out, see if you can get people to change their plans. Instead of going to a bar, for example, invite people over to your place for drinks.
Be sure to be polite when proposing this. It may be considered impolite if plans have been set for awhile.
12. **Stay in while interacting via social media.** More and more people are plugged in to social media at all times. If you can't afford going out, or simply don't feel like putting in the effort, use social media to interact with others. You can video chat with a friend, make a phone call, talk to someone online, or text someone. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Decide-Whether-to-Go-Out-or-Stay-In", "language": "en"} |
How to Kill Grass Invading a Flower Bed | Unwanted grass invading your flower bed is a nuisance. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend the whole growing season on your hands and knees pulling out grass. By using newspaper to smother the grass, or applying selective herbicides to your flower bed, you can begin to take your flower bed back from invading weeds.
1. **Lay down sheets of newspaper over the invasive grass.** Make the newspaper barrier around four sheets thick for the best results. Leave room around the bases of the flowers in the flower bed.
If you don’t have a lot of newspaper lying around, try getting some at your local recycling plant.
2. **Wet the sheets of newspaper with a hose.** Get them wet enough that they won’t blow away in the wind. Getting the newspapers wet will also help them decompose faster, which will be good for your flower bed.
3. **Add a three-inch (7.6 cm) layer of mulch over the newspaper.** You can use any type of mulch, like shredded wood chips, leaves, or compost.
4. **Pull out any grass that manages to grow through the newspaper.** If you don’t want to pull out the grass by hand, try using an herbicide to kill the grass and stop it from spreading.
5. **Repeat the process every year to prevent new grass from growing.** Lay down more newspaper, smothering any existing grass in the flower bed, and add a fresh layer of mulch.
6. **Use a granular pre-emergent herbicide that’s compatible.** Some herbicides are toxic to use on certain flowers. Read the label on the herbicide to see if it’s safe to use on the flowers in your flower bed. You can find a pre-emergent herbicide at your local gardening center.
7. **Pull up any existing grass in the flower bed.** Pre-emergent herbicide won’t kill grass that’s already there; its main purpose is to prevent new grass from growing.
8. **Read the instructions that came with the pre-emergent herbicide carefully.** Check the label to see exactly how much you should be applying to the flower bed.
9. **Apply an even coat of the pre-emergent herbicide to the flower bed.** Make sure you cover the entire surface of the flower bed so there are no gaps for grass to come through. Don’t spread pre-emergent herbicide over the flower bed when it’s wet or the granules may cling to the flowers and cause them to die.
10. **Water the flower bed with a ½ inch (1.3 cm) of water.** Do this immediately after applying the pre-emergent herbicide to help the granules work their way into the soil. Not watering the flower bed will prevent the herbicide from fully working.
11. **Re-apply pre-emergent herbicide to the flower bed every 2-3 months.** After 2-3 months the effectiveness of the herbicide will wear, and you’ll want to put down more to prevent new grass from growing.
12. **Find a selective post-emergent herbicide that won’t kill the flowers.** Selective herbicides are designed to kill a specific kind of weed, so they won’t kill the other plants in your flower bed. Look at your local gardening center for a post-emergent herbicide that mentions the type of grass invading your flower bed on the label.
13. **Apply an even coat of the post-emergent herbicide to the flower bed.** If you’re using an herbicide with a spray applicator, spray all of the unwanted grass in the flower bed. If you’re using a granular herbicide, sprinkle an even layer of the granules over the flower bed.
Read the instructions that come with the post-emergent herbicide to know exactly how much to apply to the flower bed.
14. **Water the flower bed with a ½ inch (1.3 cm) of water if applying granular herbicide.** Water the flower bed immediately after laying down the granules. If you’re using a spray-on post-emergent herbicide, don’t water the flower bed or you’ll wash the herbicide off the grass.
15. **Re-apply the herbicide the next growing season if the grass returns.** Because post-emergent herbicide only kills grass that’s already grown, wait until the growing season is underway and you see some grass in your flower bed before you apply more.
16. **Pour boiling water onto the grass.** One natural way to kill your grass only requires water. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil on the stove. Then, carefully carry the pot to the flower bed and pour the water directly onto the grass.
Be extremely cautious when handling the water, as it can burn you if you spill it on yourself.
Do not pour any hot water onto your flowers, or you may accidentally kill them as well.
Refill the pot with water and boil it if you don’t cover all of the grass with the first pot of water.
17. **Spray a vinegar mixture onto the grass.** To create a natural vinegar mixture that should be able to kill your grass, mix together 1 gallon (3.8 l) of white vinegar and 1 cup (240 ml) of table or rock salt. Stir in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of dish soap, and pour the mixture into the body of a garden sprayer. Spray your unwanted grass directly with the sprayer.
18. **Cover the grass in lemon juice.** Lemon juice is another chemical-free option that may be able to kill your grass. Douse the grass in lemon juice and then check on the grass after 1-2 days. By this time, the grass should be mostly dead. If not, repeat the process until you’ve achieved your desired results. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Grass-Invading-a-Flower-Bed", "language": "en"} |
How to Clean Amber Jewelry | Amber jewelry is very beautiful, but it is also delicate and fragile. Overtime, it may get coated with oil and grime, making it lose its luster. The methods outlined here will enable you to safely restore the look of amber to new without spoiling the jewelry.
1. **Prepare a bowl of soapy water.** Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a few drops of liquid soap into it. Stir the solution enough so that the soap and water combine but not so much that it begins to foam.
Use a mild liquid soap, such as hand soap or dish soap. Avoid harsh detergents as they can damage the amber.
2. **Find a soft, clean cloth.** Microfiber or flannel work best. Dip the cloth into the bowl and wring it out so that there is no dripping water left. You want the cloth to be damp, not wet.
3. **Wipe the cloth over the amber jewelry to remove any dirt.** Wipe the jewelry again immediately afterward with a dry cloth to dry it.
If you are cleaning more than one piece of jewelry, clean and dry each piece separately. Do not leave the amber to dry by itself, or you risk it turning cloudy.
4. **Polish your amber with some olive oil.** This not only removes grease marks, but also helps polish the amber. Apply a small amount of oil to your hands, and then rub the oil over the amber. Wipe it away immediately afterwards with a soft, dry cloth.
If you do not have olive oil, you can use almond oil instead.
5. **Obtain a silver polishing cloth.** You can find one in the beading department of an arts and crafts store, or in a jewelry supply shop. You can also purchase one online. Choose a polishing cloth that has both light and dark panels. The light panel will be used to remove any surface dirt or tarnish, and the dark panel will be used to polish the amber.
6. **Buff your jewelry with the light side of the polishing cloth.** If your jewelry also contains silver, you may see dark smudges appear on the cloth. This is tarnish, and means that your jewelry is becoming clean. Keep rubbing your amber jewelry until you can no longer see any tarnish, or until it looks clean.
7. **Polish your amber with the dark panel of the polishing cloth.** Rub the cloth over the amber, using quick, circular movements. Do this until the amber looks clean and shiny, and its glow is restored.
8. **Use caution with this method.** There are many contradicting opinions regarding water and amber. While some jewelers recommend using soapy water to clean amber, others strongly advise against it.
If your piece is particularly dirty and you wish to try this method, you may consider performing a test on an inconspicuous area of the amber, or on a bead in the back of the necklace.
9. **Prepare two bowls of lukewarm water.** The bowls should be large enough to fit the piece you will be cleaning. One bowl will be used to wash the amber, and the other bowl will be used to rinse it.
10. **Put a few drops of mild, liquid soap into one of the bowls.** Stir the soap and water so that it is mixed, but not so much that the solution begins to froth.
If you do not have any liquid hand soap, you can use a liquid dish soap, but avoid any harsh detergents, such as dishwasher fluid. If you would not put your hand in it, do not use it.
11. **Dip the amber necklace into the bowl with the soapy water.** Gently run the necklace through your fingers to remove any dirt and grime.
If there is dirt between the beads, you can use a soft-bristle toothbrush to reach it. Simply run the toothbrush over any cracks and crevices until you cannot see any more dirt. Use gentle pressure and do not scrub too hard, or you may scratch your amber.
Avoid tugging on the beads, as this can cause the string to break.
Avoid soaking your amber for long periods of time. Prolonged exposure to water, especially hot water, can damage amber, making it appear cloudy.
12. **Rinse the amber in the clean water.** Dip your amber necklace into the bowl of clean water and move it around to remove excess soap.
13. **Dry your amber off immediately using a soft, cloth.** You can use any soft cloth, such as flannel or microfiber. Again, avoid tugging on the amber necklace, or scrunching the beads together, as this may damage the beads. Do not allow your amber to sit and dry off on its own, or you risk it becoming cloudy.
14. **Polish your amber with olive oil.** Do not put the olive oil on the jewelry directly. Instead, place a few drops of olive oil into the palm of your hand and rub your hands together. Then, run the amber necklace between your hands. This helps restore the amber's luster and shine. Wipe the olive oil off your amber using the soft cloth.
If you do not have any olive oil, another light oil may be used instead, such as an almond oil. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Amber-Jewelry", "language": "en"} |
How to Grow Purple Asparagus | Purple asparagus is a tender, very sweet variety of asparagus with large spears. You can grow purple asparagus from seeds or by transplanting year-old crowns. Growing from seeds isn’t recommended because it delays your harvest by an entire calendar year and it’s difficult to control for weeds during the germination period. Instead, start your plants with a year-old crown. With proper planting, sound harvesting techniques, and attentive care, you can enjoy this perennial vegetable that will produce for many years.
1. **Choose an area for establishing your purple asparagus bed.** Find an area in your garden where you can cultivate asparagus for many years. Choose an area with good drainage and preferably with light, sandy soil. Make sure that it is fully in the sun with at least 6 hours a day of sun exposure. Avoid areas with poor air flow or where asparagus has been planted before.
2. **Test the soil.** Have your soil tested for pH levels and acidity. Alternatively, purchase a soil testing kit to do this yourself. Purple asparagus needs soil with a pH level between 6.5 and 7.0. Repeat the tests every three years to see if you need to make any changes to your asparagus bed.
Amend the soil with lime if the pH level is too low. Till the lime deeply into the soil.
3. **Plant a cover crop to keep the weeds down.** A year before you plant your purple asparagus, grow buckwheat on the site in the summer. Grow rye or wheat on the site in the fall and winter. This will also increase the organic matter in the soil.
4. **Raise the organic matter in the soil.** Begin preparing the asparagus bed in late fall. Spread a three inch (7.62 cm) layer of mulch, manure, leaf mold, wood shavings, or compost into the bed. Dig or till it down to about 10-12 inches (25.4-30.48 cm) below the surface. Turn the soil so it covers all of your organic matter.
5. **Do companion planting.** Plant asparagus with basil, beets, lettuce, parsley, spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes. Maximize the nutrient levels in your garden by planting purple asparagus with strawberries, which root on different levels. Don’t rotate asparagus onion, leeks, chives or garlic, which can transmit diseases to your asparagus planting.
6. **Plant in trenches.** Dig your trenches about 8-10 inches (20.32-25.4 cm) deep in sandy soil. If you have more clay in your soil, dig the trenches about 6 inches (15.24 cm) deep. Lay down some phosphate fertilizer prior to planting.
Start planting when temperatures are between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (23.88 and 29.44 Celsius) during the day and around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.55 degrees Celsius) in the evenings.
7. **Put the crowns in the trench.** Plant the crowns between 8 and 12 inches (20.32 and 30.48 cm) apart in the center of the trench. Prior to planting, put 2 inch (5.08 cm) mounds of soil in the spots where you will place the crowns. Put the crowns above the roots. Be sure to remove any rotten roots before you plant the crowns.
8. **Fill in the trenches.** Don’t fill in the trenches completely unless you have very sandy soil. Cover the crowns with about 3 inches (7.62 cm) of soil. After six weeks, cover them with another 3 inches (7.62 cm) of soil. Fill in the trenches completely after the plants have gone dormant in the late fall or spring.
9. **Weed carefully.** Hand weed and hoe to remove weeds during the planting year. There aren’t really safe herbicides for purple asparagus in its first year. Pull out weeds early and often. Also mulch your asparagus bed to prevent weeds.
10. **Control for insects.** Check your plants regularly for insects. The most prevalent pest is the asparagus beetle. Look for its dark, slug-like larvae on the ferns. Other signs to look for include insect bites and brown stems. Hand pick the larvae off of the ferns. Spray with an approved pesticide to get rid of adult asparagus beetles or hand pick them off one-by-one.
Adult asparagus beetles are red with black spots or metallic-colored with yellow spots.
11. **Fight diseases.** Look for signs of diseases like wilting and yellowing mature ferns in hot summer weather or light green oval lesions on the shoots that eventually appear as dark blisters. Don’t over harvest the plants and make sure you plant in soil that has good drainage and high pH levels to prevent crown rot. Prevent asparagus rust by removing infested ferns. Remove the tips of the plants before winter so rust cannot overwinter in the foliage.
You can apply an approved fungicide on a seven to ten day cycle starting when the ferns are about 3 feet (0.9 m) (0.914 m) high. Stop using the fungicide in mid-September.
12. **Water the plants.** During the first year, water your purple asparagus during dry spells. Avoid overwatering because the plants can’t tolerate water-logged soil. Overwatering can also contribute to crown rot and rust. Mulch your asparagus beds well during the summer months to retain moisture in the soil. Use straw, hay, or grass clippings and be sure that your mulch doesn’t contain weeds or weed seeds.
13. **Plan your harvest.** Start harvesting your purple asparagus three years after planting the crowns. Only harvest for one month at first. This will let the plant establish its strong root system, which harvesting can weaken. After this, harvest the purple asparagus spears from early spring through May or June for about eight weeks each season.
14. **Harvest daily when the spears are about 6-8 inches (15.24-20.32 cm) high.** Don’t let the asparagus get much taller or the stalks will be very tough and difficult to harvest. Snap the stalks at the soil surface to harvest. Avoid cutting the stalks, which can injure the crown buds that will produce the next spears.
15. **Encourage fern growth.** This will help retain moisture in the asparagus bed and allow the plants to grow extensive storage root systems. Allow the asparagus to continue growing after your harvesting season is over. Fertilize after the last harvest with a balanced fertilizer to encourage fern growth. If necessary, stake your plants and tie them with strings for extra support. Plant the rows parallel to your garden’s prevailing wind patterns so the plants can support each other. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Purple-Asparagus", "language": "en"} |
How to Howl Like a Wolf | In the wild, wolves howl to communicate with other wolves. You can imitate a wolf howl for fun, or you can use the vocalization as a way to determine whether there are wolves nearby. Know that wolves howl most frequently around sunrise and sunset, when they are most active. If you howl in the wild, be prepared for any nearby wolves to come to you!
1. **Howl to find out if there are wolves nearby.** In the wild, wolves howl as a way of communicating with other wolves. However, wolves will often answer a sound that closely resembles an actual howl. Wildlife biologists use fake howling as a research tool to determine whether there are any wolves in a given area: they'll howl into the woods, then record the number of replies.
Wolves howl as a territorial defense, as a social activity, and as a means of locating other members of the pack. In groups, wolves howl to motivate and rally one another to move or to hunt.
Howl from a high place that is clear of trees. You want the noise to resonate!
If you have access to the Internet, research wolf ranges and populations in your area. Wolves are endangered, and their activity has been well-documented by wildlife biologists.
2. **Howl day or night.** It is a common misconception that wolves only howl at the moon – and, indeed, that they only howl at night. Wolves actually howl most frequently around sunrise and sunset, when they are generally more active than other times of the day. If you are trying to get wolves to howl back at you, it may help to howl when they are most active.
Wolves howl to each other year-round. However, most packs do tend to howl more often in the winter than in the summer.
3. **Decide whether you are howling alone or with a pack.** Packs of wolves use a particular howling structure: the alpha wolf begins the howl with one high, piercing note, and then the rest of the wolves gradually join in with various low, mournful pitches. Wolves that howl alone are often trying to locate other members of their pack.
4. **Be careful.** Wolves are highly social creatures, and they are very good at pinpointing the origin of a howl. If you howl in the wild and there are wolves nearby, there is a good chance that they will come to you. If you don't want to encounter any wolves, consider leaving the area quickly.
5. **Listen to audio recordings of wolf howls if you can.** It will be much easier to imitate the howl if you know what it sounds like!
6. **Take a deep breath.** Inhale slowly and consistently until your lungs are completely full of air. You'll need a large volume of air to imitate the volume and duration of an actual wolf howl.
7. **Start howling slowly.** Cup your hands around your mouth as if you are going to shout. Begin with a low, mournful note, and then quickly increase your pitch by one octave: "A-woooooooooo!" Build up the volume of the howl so that it grows louder and louder. Hold the howl for as long as you can – at least a few seconds. As you feel your breath waning, gradually low your pitch and "fade out" of the howl.
You can tell what a howl means by its pitch and strength. The longer the howl, the more powerful the emotion. Researchers also use pitch and volume to distinguish between individual wolves.
8. **Howl again.** Wolves rarely howl just once. If you want to imitate a wolf pack, then have several friends howl with you. Make sure that some of you howl in lower pitches, and some of you in higher pitches. Each wolf has a unique voice, and other wolves use these slight variations in pitch to identify who is howling. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Howl-Like-a-Wolf", "language": "en"} |
How to Build a Big Chest | Are you ready to impress people at the gym or at the beach, with a bigger, more muscular chest? By adding more intensity to your exercise regimen, eating plenty of calories to fuel your workouts, and doing exercises that target your pecs, you can build muscle there within a matter of weeks. Whether you seek to become a professional bodybuilder or simply improve your physique, a big, muscular chest is an impressive accomplishment.
1. **Take an explosive approach to weight training.** Studies show that lifting fast and hard causes muscles to grow more quickly than lifting slowly. "Explosive" weight training is the key to getting bigger chest muscles. Instead of counting your reps, you can try timing your workouts. Set a timer for a minute or two and do as many reps as fast as you can during the allotted time period.
This type of training requires perfect technique. "Fast on the concentric, slow on the eccentric" is the most effective way to build muscle. In bench press, the push up is the concentric, and lowering the bar to your chest is the eccentric. In pec flyes, bringing the arms together is the concentric, and lowering your arms to the sides is the eccentric.
2. **Try as hard as you can.** In addition to exercising more quickly, you should take a more intense approach to working out. Muscles need to be challenged in order to grow. That means you should be lifting as much weight as you can for ten reps or so. It doesn't matter how much weight you lift in relation to others; if you're lifting enough to challenge yourself, you'll see muscle growth.
Determine how much weight you should be lifting by experimenting with different weights until you find the one you can lift about 10 times before you have to stop. If you can only lift a weight 6 or so times, it's too heavy. If you can lift it 15 times, it's too light.
Working with a trainer is a good idea if you're a beginner. Make sure you don't push yourself too hard, or you'll risk injuring yourself.
3. **Check your weight target every couple weeks.** One method of weight training is to gradually move on to heavier weights. Every other week or so, see if you can handle a little more weight. It's not helpful to push yourself to exhaustion or to risk injury, but it's good to find that sweet spot where your workout is doable but challenging.
4. **Rest your muscles effectively.** You shouldn't work out your chest muscles every single day. They need time to recover and build up stronger and bigger in between workouts. On the days when you aren't exercising your pecs, work on your legs or back. Be sure to get a good night's sleep each night, too, so your muscles repair fully after workouts.
5. **Keep up moderate cardio.** Cardio exercises like running, biking, swimming, and team sports improve heart health and provide other benefits weight training cannot. Now's not the time to spend all your energy running marathons, but aim for cardio sessions that last at least 30 minutes, five days a week.
If cardio is getting in the way of your lifting, switch your priorities and do weight training first, then cardio second.
6. **Do bench presses.** The bench press is considered the single most effective exercise for those seeking to build a big chest. Lifting heavy weights with few repetitions is the best way to build muscle. You can use a bench press machine, barbell or even dumbbells to perform this exercise.
Have someone spot you. If you're lifting to failure (or the point where your muscles physically cannot support the lift), you absolutely need a spotter to catch the weight for you. Make sure that person is physically capable of catching whatever you might drop.
Select a weight that you can lift at 7 to 10 times.
Lie on a weight bench on your back. Grip the bar with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Lower the bar slowly until it touches your chest. Then return to the starting position.
Repeat until you have completed this movement 5 to 7 times, or reached failure.
Rest for a bit, then do 2 more sets.
If you can perform 10 repetitions easily, add more weight.
7. **Use dumbbells or a cable station to do flyes.** Lighter weights are recommended for this exercise. The weight limit is determined by your shoulder, which is the pivot of a long lever formed by your extended arm.
Lie on your back and grasp a dumbbell or cable handle in each hand.
Extend your arms straight up in front of you.
Keep your arms extended and slowly lower your hands to either side of your body.
Return to the starting position.
Repeat for a total of 3 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions.
Increase weight after you can perform 12 repetitions easily.
8. **Superset two or more exercises in order.** Supersets force your muscles to work harder, because you're doing one exercise right after another. They can be very effective in building up muscle.
For instance, after doing 10 reps of the flat bench press, go immediately to dumbbell flyes and perform as many reps as you can. Or, follow the bench press with as many push-ups as you can do.
9. **Try drop sets.** For a drop set, lessen the weight on each successive set and go to failure.
Perform at least 10 reps of the bench press or flyes. Immediately remove 10 pounds and perform the exercise to failure. Then, remove 10 pounds again and once more perform the exercise to failure.
10. **Do push-ups.** For maximum benefits, do a variety of push-ups. There's nothing more effective than the classic move:
Space your hands farther than shoulder-width apart, shoulder-width apart or close together.
Place your feet on a bench and do decline push-ups, or place feet on the floor and hands on a bench for incline push-ups.
Push yourself to failure for each set.
11. **Do dips.** These can be performed on a dip bar or even between two high-backed chairs.
Hold yourself upright between the bars or chairs, then bend your elbows and lower your body until you feel a stretch in your chest.
Return to the starting position and repeat.
For added benefit, tie a weight plate around your waist or grasp a dumbbell between your ankles or knees while performing this exercise.
12. **Do pull-ups or chin-ups.** Pull-ups will not increase the size of your chest, but they complement your efforts by strengthening the back and stomach. Chin-ups (with arms closer together in an underhand grip) do engage your pectoralis major, but still focus primarily on other muscles.
13. **Eat plenty of healthy food.** Your body will consume muscle if you do not intake enough calories to sustain your activity level. If you want to gain muscle, you need to create a calorie surplus, and most of that should be complex carbohydrates and protein. Avoid overloading on simple carbs and fats, which do not provide long-term energy and can encourage fat gain instead of muscle.
Eat a balanced diet of whole grains, protein (meat, fish, eggs, tofu, etc.), fruits and veggies and fiber.
Avoid sugary drinks and desserts, fast food, meat that is laden with nitrates and hormones, and salty snack foods.
14. **Eat more than three meals a day.** When you're focusing on muscle growth, your body needs a lot of fuel. Eating three regular-sized meals a day isn't going to cut it. Add two more meals, each with a protein source roughly the size of your palm. You may have to eat more than you actually feel hungry for, but you'll be happy with the results when you see your chest getting bulkier.
If you are lean and want to gain muscle weight, increase portion sizes. If you have excess fat you'd like to lose, keep portion sizes under control.
Eat a healthy meal an hour or so before working out. Go for healthy carbohydrates like quinoa, beans, or brown rice, paired with a light protein.
Eat another meal after you work out to help your muscles repair and build up stronger.
15. **Drink plenty of water.** You should be drinking 8-10 glasses a day, both to keep you hydrated and to help your muscles process the protein you're taking in. Drink water before and after each workout.
16. **Take supplements.** Big muscle growth is often helped along with supplements. Creatine replicates a natural enzyme the body produces to promote muscle growth and strength. Taking the recommended dosage has been shown to help muscles get bigger, faster. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Big-Chest", "language": "en"} |
How to Apply to Modeling Agencies | Freelance models can have solid careers, but signing with an agency gives you even more stability and access to castings. Get the attention of an established agency by sending in your full modeling portfolio. This “book” should include your best photos along with some general background information. After you've sent in your portfolio, make additional connections by attending open casting calls. Keep pushing until you've achieved your modeling dream.
1. **Use amateur photos.** It's really not worth the extra cost to get professional pics done. Get a friend or relative with a smart phone or standalone camera and let them take a number of photos of you. It's best to keep the setting fairly basic with a single-color backdrop, almost like a passport photo.
Pose for a large number of shots, at least twenty, so that you'll have plenty to choose from. Out of these photos, you'll need to select between six to twenty images to include in your final portfolio. You'll need a wide range of photos, including at least one head shot.
Avoid having anything distracting in the background of your photos, such as random household objects. For example, it's better to stand in front of a blank wall instead of one filled with framed portraits.
If you've done professional freelance modeling work in the past, you may need to get permission from the photographer or client to use these photos. Once you have this permission, go ahead and include those shots in your portfolio.
2. **Attach a video.** If you plan to send in your portfolio electronically, it's a good idea to include a sixty-second video. In the video, quickly introduce yourself and discuss your modeling background. Zoom the camera out, so that the scouts will be able to see your body. Try not to put on a show and just behave naturally.
3. **Keep all photos recent and accurate.** Your photos don't need to be from the past six months, but they should accurately reflect your current appearance. If you've lost or gained more than a few pounds, then get another set of photos done. Make sure to include photos that reflect the current length of your hair as well.
4. **Include only high-quality photos.** The pics should be clear and crisp without any blurriness. The shading and lighting should draw attention to your best attributes and minimize any flaws. Any colors should appear vibrant and bright.
Get your photos printed on good photo paper as well. It's probably best to take them to a photo shop to be printed, instead of doing it at home.
If your portfolio is digital, you can maximize photo quality by using a camera set to the highest pixel level with the least compression. You can also spend some time editing your images using professional software, such as Photoshop.
5. **Include some headshots.** Most agencies will want to see close photos of your face taken from a number of angles. This is especially important for print or fashion models. Keep any make-up very minimal for these shots, so that the recruiters can see the quality of your skin. Vary your expressions and smile in at least one shot.
A good general rule is to include more smiling shots if you are looking for commercial work.
Use the least amount of make-up that you are comfortable with. This could mean just applying a bit of concealer, light powder, mascara, or lipstick. The recruiters will want to see the condition of your skin.
Wear your hair down in your headshot.
6. **Put in at least one full-body shot.** For these images, choose clothes that show off your body's best attributes. If you are aiming for a high-fashion agency, then a shot in swimwear can also be useful. As you choose outfits, think about how your choices will let recruiters see how clothing fits you.
Again, don't feel as if you have to wear super fancy or high-fashion outfits in every shot. It's better to keep it basic, so recruiters can see your potential. Go with solid colors and simple prints. Only wear one 'statement' item at a time, such as a unique piece of jewelry.
For example, if you are apple-shaped, then draw attention upwards by wearing an interesting necklace or turtleneck. Or, if you have an hourglass figure, cinch in your waist with a fashionable belt.
Try to keep your pictures simple. For example, a simple photo could be a photo of you with no filters in good lighting.
7. **Target a market that fits your look.** Consider your body type, physical appearance, and interests as you choose what type of modeling to pursue. High-fashion models, for example, are often tall and lean. Athletic models are generally muscular.
8. **Find reputable agencies.** Go online to the websites of the various agencies and look at their current model rosters. See if you can envision yourself working alongside them. Check to see that the agency has been in business for at least ten years. Research their client lists to see if they cater to companies that interest you.
Agencies of all sizes are usually actively recruiting for new models throughout the year. If you work with a smaller agency, you may get more personal attention. But, a larger agency may be able to provide more consistent work.
9. **Look up agency submission details.** Go to the agency's website and read through their submission guidelines. Some agencies require that you mail all materials in, whereas others give you an electronic submission option. Follow all of their directions down to the last detail. If they ask for a certain size image, then make sure to send it along.
10. **Type up a stats page.** This is a page that includes all of your measurements, such as height, weight, bust, hips, waist, cup, dress, shoes, suit size, and inseam. Many models also list their hair and eye color as well. It's a good idea to place your name in bold at the very top. You could also include a small headshot image in an upper corner.
11. **Send all of your materials in one package.** In your portfolio, include a brief cover letter of introduction, your professional resume, your stats page, and all of your photos. Organize your photos so that the best one appears first. Place these items in a slim, secure binder.
Do not include all of your rejected or “extra” images within your binder.
Keep your cover letter short and to the point. Introduce yourself, explain your interest in modeling, and tell them what you've sent along. For example, you might write, “I started my freelance modeling career at the age of six, but would like the consistency of working with an agency.”
12. **Schedule an in-person interview.** If the agency looks through your portfolio and is interested, then they will likely call you with the offer of an in-person interview. That is why it's best to apply to agencies locally unless you are willing to travel. For most interviews, you'll simply talk to a representative for thirty minutes to an hour, but they may also want some test shots.
13. **Build up your online following.** Social media is a very important tool that you can use to show off your relevance and popularity. After you've applied to agencies, focus some of your energies on going to local modeling events, making friends, and then connecting with those friends online. Post interesting photos of yourself on Instagram and you might even draw additional agency interest.
Create additional connections by commenting on the posts of other models and responding to comments posted on your page.
Social media is a popular place to get scouted.
14. **Go to an open casting call.** Check agency websites for the details of open casting listings. This is where you'll bring your portfolio and wait with many other aspiring models to talk with casting agents. The agents will conduct a brief interview, snap a few photos, and get in touch if they are interested.
This is a great opportunity to give casting agents a taste of your unique personality and to make a memorable impression. For example, you might show them a (flattering) photo from one of your recent hiking adventures.
Aside from your full portfolio, it can be helpful to create a laminated composite card to hand out. This card will contain a small photo, your name and contact information, and your relevant stats.
15. **Join a modeling club.** Many large universities and cities have clubs that aspiring models can join, usually for a small fee. These clubs spread the word about opportunities and are a great way to learn more about particular agencies and the industry on the whole. If you are a younger model, you might also find a mentor within a club.
Some modeling clubs are simply informational, whereas others may hold public fashion shows and practice shoots.
16. **Beware of potential scams.** There are a number of dishonest people and companies preying on hopeful models. Watch out for modeling schools or agencies that request a payment in advance. An agency's fees should generally only occur when you are working. Also, steer clear of any persons or companies that request risqué or nude photos, as this is not the policy of established agencies. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-to-Modeling-Agencies", "language": "en"} |
How to Cook or Boil Whole Grains for Horses | Boiled grains are a great way to help your horse stay nourished and put on healthy weight. Not only do they contain natural vitamins and minerals, but they also provide a bulk that's greater than the equivalent dried weight of the same grain. However, if you don't boil them properly they can expand due to moisture absorption in the stomach. Over time, this can give your horse nasty health problems such as colic and founder. Make sure you choose the proper grains, carry out the right steps for heating, and feed your horse the proper amount per day.
1. **Use barley for a safe, low-fiber feed.** Head to a natural foods store or online supplier to purchase your raw grains. Barley is the safest grain to boil, as oats tend to heat horses up. It's also the more dense food option and is harder than oats.
Combine barley with oats if you'd like.
If your horse isn't eating barley, it might not prefer its "heavy" nature." Switch to oats and see if it prefers them.
2. **Choose oats for a high-fiber grain ideal for racehorses.** Oats have more bulk for each portion of nutrient content, which means horses have to eat more to get the right amount of nutrients. If you have a racehorse that needs to put on weight, opt to feed it boiled oats.
Always use oats that are clean, plump, heavy, and bright-colored with no odor.
Make sure there's a low ratio of husks to kernels.
3. **Never feed your horse wheat and avoid using linseed grains.** Feeding a horse wheat can cause laminitis and grain poisoning, so never offer this grain. Boiling linseed grains improperly can cause a build-up of acid and toxins, so it's best to avoid this unless you have specific instructions from an equine veterinarian.
4. **Start feeding your horse 1 cup (128 grams) of grains daily.** Always begin a new feed product slowly and gradually add them to your horse's standard diet of hay or grass. Start by feeding your horse 1 cup (128 grams) of food per day and take note of how it responds. If it's eating all of the grains every day, start adding more.
If your horse isn't eating all of the grains every day, switch to a different kind until you find something it likes.
5. **Fill a large 10.5 cup (2.5 L) pot halfway with water and put it on the stove.** Always use a large pot, as grains more than double in size when boiled. Fill it with cold water, place the pot on the stovetop, and let it sit.
Always use cold tap water as hot tap water has a tendency to pick up lead when it travels through water pipes.
Don't fill your pot all the way with water or it might splash you as it boils.
6. **Add 1 cup (128 grams) of raw grains to the pot of water.** Using a measuring cup, scale out the grains and pour them into the pot. Make sure the grains are completely covered with a ⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) or more of water above the grain.
Pour the grains gently into the pan to avoid splashing yourself with water.
Always cook 1 day worth of grains at a time.
7. **Turn the element to high until the water boils.** High heat is "8" on most stove dials. Wait until the water comes to a rolling boil, which is when there is steam, bubbles, and constant movement that doesn't stop even when stirring the water.
Water boils at 212 °F (100 °C).
8. **Reduce the heat to "2" or "3" and simmer your grains for 10 minutes to 1 hour.** After the water begins to bubble and boil, reduce the heat on your stove to a medium simmer. Usually, this is accomplished on about setting "2" or "3" from the lowest. Afterward, let your grains simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour—the exact time depends on the grain.
Simmer barley for 40 to 50 minutes, oats for 30 minutes, and corn for 10 minutes. The grains should be soft and tender when they're ready to eat.
To check for simmering, look for small- to medium-sized bubbles that break the surface of the water frequently. This typically happens at 195 to 212 °F (91 to 100 °C).
Make sure the lid is on the pot to prevent the evaporation of moisture.
9. **Add 1 tbsp (14.3 g) of herbs to the grains as they simmer for additional flavor.** Chamomile, which is best used as a tea, is a great addition. Once the grains have cooled, pour the excess juice into a bowl and feed it to your horse to give them the added benefits of both grain and chamomile tea.
Try adding garlic or any herbs that your horse likes.
10. **Turn the stove top off and let the grains expand for 3 to 4 hours.** As the grains gradually cool down, they will absorb the moisture in the pot. You may need to add more water after about 1 hour or so—enough that they stay submerged—to keep them moist so they don't dry out and become hard.
If you're boiling your grains in the morning, leave them for 3 to 4 hours. If you're boiling them at night, leave them overnight with the heat off. By the morning, the grains will be only slightly warm and you will notice they have expanded much more.
11. **Squeeze the grains after they have expanded to test their softness.** After the grains expand, squeeze each one gently and see if their flesh pops out. If it does, the grains are soft enough for your horse to eat. If the grains are still hard, leave them in the water for longer.
12. **Let the grains cool for 30 minutes and then feed them to your horse.** Turn off the heat and leave the grains to cool for about 30 minutes or until you can touch them grain with your fingers. Afterward, you can feed them to your horse using a feed bucket.
Try serving the grains when they are cooled but still warm to make them more appetizing. However, you can feed it cold if you'd like.
13. **Feed your horse boiled grains in 2 to 3 evenly-spaced servings daily.** Split your grains into 2 to 3 portions and add them to your horse's standard feed throughout the day. Remember that horses can have approximately ⁄2 pound (0.23 kg) of grain for every 100 pounds (45 kg) of body weight.
Always measure your portions after splitting up your grains.
During hot weather, feed your grains during the cooler temperatures, such as the morning and evening.
14. **Provide the grains in a horse feed bucket.** After boiling your grains, pour each portion into its feed bucket along with its hay and grass.
Mix your grains with any other treats and supplements that you feed your horse.
15. **Continue feeding your horse hay and grass.** These structural carbohydrates are crucial to your horse's diet. As a rule of thumb, feed your horse 1 to 2 percent of their body weight in hay or grass each day.
Keep your horse feed free of dust and mold. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-or-Boil-Whole-Grains-for-Horses", "language": "en"} |
How to Shear a Sheep | Shearing is necessary for the health and happiness of your sheep, and even though it's a dirty, sweaty, tiring job, it is also extremely rewarding. It's important to know what you're doing while shearing, otherwise you could stress or injure the sheep, or destroy the wool. Start with Step 1 below to find out the hows and whys behind shearing sheep.
1. **Understand why the sheep needs to be sheared.** Shearing is done for two main reasons: to collect sheep's wool for sale, but more importantly to relieve the sheep of heavy wool which may cause them to overheat in summer. In some parts of the world, sheep shearing is even considered a sport!
If the sheep are not sheared, they will become uncomfortable and possibly unhealthy, due to the dirt that can become matted up in their wool. Therefore, even if you do not plan on selling the wool for profit, your sheep will still need to be sheared at least once a year.
Due to its warmth and the ease with which it can be spun into yarn, the wool from certain breeds of sheep is a valuable commodity. These animals are often raised differently and fed a special mineral-rich diet to improve the quality of their wool. A single sheep can produce 8 to 10 pounds of wool.
2. **Choose the right time of year.** Most sheep only need to be sheared once a year, although some breeds with faster-growing wool will need to be sheared twice. The best time of the year to shear your sheep is in early spring, before the lambing season starts and the hot summer weather sets in.
Shearing ewes before lambing season is a good idea for many reasons. It will help to keep them cleaner while giving birth, and make it easier for the lambs to find their mother's teats for feeding. If the animals are kept in a barn during lambing season, the sheared sheep will also take up less space.
Another reason shearing before lambing season is a good idea is that sheared ewes will often eat more grass in order to produce more body heat. This provides them with the extra nutrition they need before giving birth.
Try to shear the sheep about a month before they give birth to the lambs. This will give them time to get over the stress of shearing. If you own a breed of sheep with fast-growing wool (such as Cotswolds, Icelandics and Lincolns) aim to do the shearing in late summer or early autumn. Sheep will need at least six weeks to grow their wool before the winter weather sets in.
3. **Consider calling an experienced sheep shearer.** Although it may not seem like it, shearing a sheep is very hard work. It requires confidence, skill and strength. Therefore, it might be a good idea to call in a professional shearer to perform (or at least help out with) the shearing.
An inexperienced shearer can cause injury to the sheep or to himself. It can also stress the animal, therefore affecting its health. In addition, an unskillfully sheared sheep can cause damage to the wool, thereby making it less valuable for selling.
In certain areas, professional sheep shearers can be booked out months in advance, so it's a good idea to call well ahead of shearing time. Other options include bringing the sheep from a number of smaller farms to a central location to be sheared. Here a hired shearing crew can shear all the sheep and process the wool simultaneously.
If you're adamant about shearing the sheep yourself, you can learn the proper skills by attending a sheep shearing school. Many sheep-farming states hold annual shearing classes that are open for any shepherds to attend.
4. **Gather the right equipment.** It's very important to have good quality shearing equipment. This will make the whole process much easier and is safer for both the shearer and the sheep. These days, electric cutters are used almost exclusively.
Electric shears have three main parts - the handpiece, the comb and the cutters. Look for shears with a higher number of teeth on the comb, as these tend to cut closer to the skin. You can expect to pay $250 to $500 for a good quality electric shears.
It's important to ensure that your cutters are still sharp before you begin shearing. Dull cutters will be more difficult to use and could be dangerous for both you and the sheep. Luckily, it is very easy to just replace the cutters on your shears. New cutters will cost between $10 and $15.
In years gone by (and in places with limited access to electricity) shearing was done using hand shears. This method of shearing is much more time-consuming and leaves more wool on the sheep.
5. **Herd the sheep into a pen.** Before shearing, the sheep should be rounded up and gathered into a pen. If possible, separate the sheep into groups, keeping any lambs, yearlings, ewes and rams separate from each other. You could also separate the sheep according to breed or grade.
Make sure that the sheep are not exposed to rain before shearing, as wet sheep cannot be sheared. This is because the shearer or the sheep could receive an electric shock (from the shears) and wet wool cannot be rolled up and sold.
Sheep should not be given any food for the day prior to shearing. This will reduce the amount of waste they produce and help to keep the shearing floor clean. It will also minimize their discomfort when rolled on their backs for shearing.
6. **Get the sheep in position.** The first step in shearing a sheep is to get it in the correct position. There are five main positions you will need to use throughout the shearing process.
The first involves gently tipping the sheep over onto her back, then propping her shoulders between your knees for support. Her belly should be exposed and her four legs should be in the air.
Keep in mind that the more comfortable your sheep is during shearing, the less she will struggle - making your job easier as a result.
7. **Start shearing the belly.** The wool on the sheep's belly is normally the dirtiest and is not valuable for selling. This is why it is a good place to start.
Using long, confident blows (this is the correct term for shearing strokes), shear the wool from the top of the brisket (breast bone) all the way down to the open flank area.
Make your first blow on the right hand side, your second on the left, then shear off the wool in between. Make sure the first and second belly are set wide enough apart. This will make the rest of your job easier down the line.
8. **Shear the inside of the hind legs and crotch.** The next step is to the wool from the inside of the hind legs and the crotch. To do this:
Lean further forward (still holding the sheep firmly between the knees) and bring the shears up along the inside of the right leg.
Then bring the shears across to remove the wool along the crotch. This blow may need to be repeated to ensure all the wool is removed. Now run the shears down the inside of the right leg.
The most important thing to be aware of here is the ewe's teats. It's advisable to cover the teats with your left (or non-dominant) hand to prevent yourself from accidentally shaving them off.
9. **Change position and shear the left hind leg and tail.** Turn approximately 90 degrees so that your right knee is in front of the brisket and the sheep's right foreleg is in between your legs and her left side is exposed.
First shear the wool from the sheep's left hind leg, starting at the toe and working your way up towards the hind quarters, finishing on the near side of the backbone.
Shift your right leg a few inches backwards to gain better access to the sheep's tail. Position the comb of the shears so it will enter the wool at the top of the tail. Make a blow from the top of the tail upwards along the backbone. Repeat once or twice to clear all the wool from the tail.
Since you have easy access to the sheep's head in this position, you can take this opportunity to shear the topknot of fleece from the sheep's head, if necessary.
10. **Shear the chest, neck and chin.** Before you continue, you will need to move into the third position. To get in position:
Place your right foot in between the sheep's hind legs and your left foot at the base of her spine, holding her body firmly between your knees. Use your left hand to grab the sheep below the chin and stretch her head backwards.
Bring your clippers from the brisket towards the neck, ending your blow just below her chin. This is one of the most satisfying parts of the process, as it feels like you are "unzipping" her fleece.
Continue to make long parallel blows along the left side of her neck, ending first beneath her eye and then beneath her ear. Use your left hand to hold her ear back so you don't nick it.
11. **Shear the left shoulder.** Shift your weight and maneuver the sheep slightly, so you have better access to her left shoulder.
As the skin on the shoulders can be quite wrinkled, use your left hand to pull the skin taut. This will make your blows a lot smoother and help you to avoid nicking or cutting the sheep.
Starting from her left knee, shear upwards towards her left shoulder, using one or two blows to clear the wool. You should also use this as an opportunity to clear the wool from the inside of her left foreleg.
12. **Change position and start shearing along the sheep's back.** Move into the fourth position by sliding the sheep down along your shin until she's lying on her right side. Keep your right foot between her hind legs and your left foot under her shoulder.
Now it's time for the long blows, which extend all the way along the sheep's back. Position the shears at her tail and make a long straight blow all the way to her head, staying parallel to her spine.
Continue making these blows along the back until you've gone one blow past the backbone and her entire left side is cleared of wool.
13. **Change position and shear along her right side.** Now it's time to move into the fifth and final position. Swing your right leg around so you're standing upright with the sheep's nose between your knees.
Shear along the right side of the sheep's head, neck and shoulders, using three or four separate blows. Remember to use your left hand to hold the wrinkly skin around the shoulder taut.
Once the neck and shoulder are cleared of wool, shear the wool from her right foreleg, from the shoulder to the toe.
Next, make a series of diagonal blows along the sheep's flank to clear the wool from this side. Use your left hand to put pressure on the sheep's right shoulder joint to keep her steady.
14. **Shear the right leg and hindquarter.** The last step is to shear the wool from the sheep's right leg and hindquarters.
Shift your right foot forward slightly so you can reach and place your left hand on the sheep's right flank, applying firm pressure. This forces the sheep to keep her leg straight (making it easier to shear) while also stretching the skin.
Shear in a curved motion from the sheep's flank to her right hind leg. When the leg is cleared, make the final few blows to clear the last of the wool from the sheep's hindquarters. Congratulations - you've sheared your first sheep!
15. **Skirt and roll the fleece.** Once the sheep has been sheared, you will need to skirt and roll the fleece (if you plan on selling the wool).
Skirting means removing any dirty or "incidental" wool which is not valuable and therefore not used for selling. To skirt the wool, place the fleece flesh-side down on a flat table or other surface. Spread it all out til it forms a single layer.
Remove any dirty or contaminated wool from the outside edges of the fleece - this includes any off-color wool, tags or matted wool. These bits are mostly found on the wool that was on the belly, legs and rear end of the sheep.
Once the contaminated wool has been removed, you can roll the fleece. The best way to do this is to fold the long sides of the fleece towards the center, then roll the fleece from one end to the other, so the flesh side is facing outwards.
This creates a neat package that can be easily transported for sale. Do not tie the rolled fleece, as this can lessen the value of the wool.
16. **Make long, confident blows.** One of the most important aspects of becoming a good shearer is to be confident with your blows.
Try not to second guess yourself or fumble with the shears, this will only increase your chances of making a mistake.
Try to develop a rhythm as you shear, this will help you to move easily from one section to another.
17. **Avoid making second cuts.** Sometimes when a blow is performed incorrectly, you will need to make a second pass with the shears to remove the remaining wool. The small bits of fleece that result from this second pass are known as second cuts.
Second cuts are undesirable as they cannot be included in the rolled fleece. This is because they make yarn weaker and cause it to pill more easily.
The more experience you have, the less likely you are to produce second cuts. Being confident with your blows will help you to avoid them.
18. **Use your left hand to keep the skin pulled taut.** The shears will move more easily and get a closer cut when the sheep's skin is pulled taut.
Therefore, it is important to constantly use your left (or non-dominant) hand to stretch the skin you are about to shear.
This is particularly important for sheep with finer wool, as their skin is more wrinkled and harder to see through the excess wool.
19. **Know your sheep.** Being familiar with your sheep will make a world of difference when it comes to shearing.
Knowing whether she's fat or skinny will help you to navigate her body shape and move the shears at the right angle over her hips, shoulder and spine.
Knowing how many teats she has (some sheep have two, others have four) will help you to avoid them while shearing, and prevent you from accidentally shaving any off.
Being familiar with the overall health of your sheep is also useful. Healthy sheep produce plenty of lanolin (a wax-like substance produced in the sebaceous glands) which melts and lubricates the clippers on the shears, helping the wool to come away more easily. The lanolin on unhealthy sheep tends to stay thick, clogging up the clippers. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Shear-a-Sheep", "language": "en"} |
How to Get Over a Bad Grade | It happens to everyone. The teacher hands back the test or assignment you thought you did okay on, and your heart sinks into your stomach. You got a bad grade, not even an average one. The questions start flooding in. How will this change your GPA? How will you tell your parents? What grade will you end up getting in this class? In order get back on track and avoid the mistake in the future, you'll want to be able react in the right way. Start with Step 1 in order to learn how to get over a bad grade.
1. **Remind yourself that one bad grade won't break your academic career.** Your academic career is made up of lots of different tests, not just the tests you take in class or the presentations that you give. Your academic career depends on the relationships you make with your teachers; the impact that you make on other friends; and most importantly, the stuff you learn. Judging the success of your academic career by only looking at a single grade is like judging the success of a party after only a single guest has arrived. It's not an accurate guess.
2. **Just to make sure, go over the test and recalculate your points.** Make sure the teacher didn't make a mistake in counting the points or arriving at a grade. Remember, even math teachers make counting mistakes!
If you do happen to find a mistake, double check that it's actually a mistake and then find a time when you can talk to your teacher. Instead of accusing them of making a mistake — "You made a mistake on my test, I want my grade changed immediately!" — try to be more understanding. Remember that you get more bees with honey than you do with vinegar. Try something like: "I noticed that the numbers don't add up here. Am I missing something?"
3. **Carefully figure out what grades other classmates received.** You probably won't feel bad about getting a C or a D if everyone else in the class got a C, because C was the benchmark. Still, be careful about finding out other people's grades — they may not want to share, or they may want to know yours in exchange.
If your teacher grades "on the curve", the grade that you get will take into account the grades everyone else got. So if the highest grade on a test was a C, then a C might become an A and a D might become a B-.
4. **Let your panic pass quickly.** When we get a bad grade and we're not used to it, we panic. We think we've lost our smarts, our focus, our mojo. But that's just not the case most of the time. Everyone can slip up from time to time. In fact, it's the mistakes we make in life that really teach us who we are and how to do even better the next time.
Don't panic because panicking will cause stress, and stress doesn't make for good grades. One recent study found that students who stressed over big exams actually did worse than those who stay calm.
5. **Reach out to your teacher and talk about the ways that you can improve.** Teachers love it when students who get a bad grade show a willingness to learn and get better. That makes the teacher feel successful, like they're doing a good job. So if you go up to a teacher after a bad grade and say something like "Hi Ms. Kowalski, I'm not happy with my performance on the test. Could we go over the problems that I missed or talk about preparing better in the future," they just might faint with satisfaction.
Even though it's really hard to do, a lot of good can come from meeting with your teacher:
The teacher will explain problems you missed or ideas you struggle with
The teacher will see that you want to learn and may factor this into your final grade
The teacher may give you extra credit work
6. **Ask for help from a student who did well on the test.** It feels good to help other people, which is why many students who ace tests offer to help out students who didn't. Just be sure to actually spend time studying and working on improving instead of goofing off. And remember to try to choose someone you're not attracted to or have a secret crush on — we all know how much "studying" gets done when you're in the same room as a total man-hunk or she-angel.
7. **Consider telling your parents that you got a bad grade.** Although you may not have to tell your parents, it may very well be a good idea. Your parents care about you succeeding. That's why they show concern over a bad grade — not because they want you to feel bad. Remembering this will help you open up and hopefully make getting help a lot easier.
Your parents may sit down and explain to you what you got wrong; they may hire a private instructor or tutor to help you out; they may schedule a meeting with your teacher (even though this is unusual after just one bad grade) in order to learn how you could improve.
8. **Study effectively** A lot of people think that studying the right way means studying for a long period of time. That's not always the case. Studying with purpose and enthusiasm usually wins out over putting in longer hours.
9. **Take good notes in class.** Having thorough notes from class will make it easier to study for tests. Write out your notes using a pen and paper instead of typing them on a computer or laptop. Studies have shown that writing with a pen and paper actually enhances your memory over simply typing the same out on a computer. That's because the act of writing out letters and numbers with a pen activates motor memory in your brain. Increased motor memory means increased overall memory of whatever it was that you put down in your notes.
10. **Take a study break every now and then to refresh your memory.** 10-minute study breaks every hour can be helpful in memorizing and learning your material. So take a walk, play with your dog, or call your best friend and commiserate for one-sixth of an hour before you get back to studying.
11. **Take practice tests before the actual test.** Practice test are great if you can find them. They give you a good idea of how well you're doing and what areas or problems you need to improve on. Practice makes perfect!
12. **Try not to cram.** You probably don't want to cram for a test if you can afford it. Cramming leaves you tired, with a weaker understanding of the material, and sometimes with an outsized confidence in how well you'll do.
13. **Grab a good night's sleep** Studies show that for each hour of sleep you lose during the night, your chance of psychological stress goes up 14%. That's not necessarily a problem until you realize that stress affects your academic performance. So be sure to grab a good night's sleep at least a couple night's before the big test in order to give your body the best shot at success.
14. **Have a good meal** Your brain and body need fuel in order to do well on the test. So getting prepared with an excellent breakfast is a huge priority not to be overlooked. Try not-so-sugary cereals, whole-grain bagels, yogurts and granola, as well as oatmeal and fresh fruits to give your body all the energy it needs to do great. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Over-a-Bad-Grade", "language": "en"} |
How to Talk to Girls Online | You want to impress a girl online and show her how awesome you are, but you're not sure how exactly to start the conversation or what things to talk about. You're not alone! Talking to girls online can feel perplexing, but it's surprisingly easy. If you're looking for chatting tips, tricks, and examples, you've come to the right place. We've answered some of your top questions about talking to girls online so that you can be ready the next time you want to strike up a conversation with a girl you like.
1. **Ask an open-ended question.** An open-ended question requires more than a "yes" or "no" answer, so it's a great way to get a conversation going. Any open-ended question that piques her interest will work. You could try an ice breaker question, something a little flirty, or a random question to learn more about her. For example:
What kind of stuff do you like to do on the weekends?
What’s a pretty girl like you doing on a site like this?
What good books have you read recently?
What’s your idea of the perfect day?
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
2. **Just say hi.** Sometimes simplicity is best! Striking up a conversation with a simple hello will let her know you’re interested in talking without putting too much pressure on her. Try something like:
Hi! How’s your day going so far?
Just wanted to say hi!
Hey, what have you been up to lately?
Hi, hope your week is going well.
Hey, what’s up?
3. **Start with a simple question about her interests.** People love talking about themselves, and the girl you’re interested in might appreciate that you know a little bit about her. Take a look at her profile and try to see what her job or hobbies are, then come up with a question about them. For example:
It’s so cool that you’re a firefighter. What’s the hardest part of your job?
I saw that you like the band MGMT. Have you seen them live yet?
You’re in school to be a veterinarian? How’s that going?
4. **Tell her about yourself.** A conversation isn’t just a one-way street. As you chat, try inserting a few facts about yourself into your convo to pique her interest. You could try:
I’m in school right now to be a vet tech. It’s fun, but my schedule’s pretty busy!
I grew up in Florida, but I moved to Mississippi when I was 18.
I have 2 dogs that I love to go on hikes with.
5. **Ask her goofy questions.** Questions are great because they need an answer, so they keep the conversation going. You can try asking her a few of these to make her giggle as you two chat. Try:
If you were a vegetable, what would you be and why?
If you worked at a circus, what job would you want?
Would you rather drink a cup of ketchup or a cup of mustard?
Would you do well in a zombie apocalypse?
6. **Send her memes or funny pictures.** They never get old! Scroll through a few you have saved on your phone, or find ones on Instagram or Twitter. Pick out a few that she’d like to make her giggle by finding ones that you like.
You could also try a few gifs if you want to send something a little more dynamic.
7. **Turn a compliment into a question.** Everyone likes to hear good things about themselves, and you can make your compliment into a question, too. Try one or two of these throughout the conversation:
You know you’re amazing, right?
Have I ever told you how much I like your laugh?
You drive me crazy, you know that?
Have you noticed me noticing you yet?
8. **Try a little flirting.** You don’t have to go over the top with your questions, but a little fun flirting never hurt anyone. Use these questions if you’d like to steer the conversation into relationship territory:
What would you say if I asked you out?
What’s your type?
What’s behind that smile of yours?
Want to go on an adventure?
9. **Go for dating apps to find girls interested in dating.** If you’re really looking for someone to have a relationship with, join a dating app. You can make a profile and match with other people who are also looking to date (or hook up). Common apps include:
Tinder
Bumble
Hinge
OkCupid
Coffee Meets Bagel
Happn
Clover
10. **Try social media if you’re feeling bold.** Most people on social media aren’t necessarily looking for people to date, but they might just be open to it. If you feel brave, slide into a girl’s DMs to see if she’s interested in chatting with you. You could try:
Instagram
Twitter
Snapchat
Facebook
TikTok | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-Girls-Online", "language": "en"} |
How to Become a Certified Translator | Professional translators and interpreters work with the written and spoken word in courts, hospitals, schools and universities and businesses. For some jobs, certification is not 100% necessary, but proving your professional competency can open doors to career advancement and higher compensation. The United States has no universal translation certification body and so each field of work has their own certifying organizations and eligibility requirements. Whether you choose to pursue a general certification or a specialist legal or medical one, you'll need to meet their education and experience prerequisites and pass an examination. For the best chance of success, choose the accrediting body which is the best fit for your situation, skills, and professional development goals.
1. **Check the languages on offer.** The American Translators Association offers generalized certification programs for translators and is widely recognized, both nationally and internationally. You can obtain a qualification for translating into English and for translating from English into your target language.
Certification is available for translating into English from Arabic, Croatian, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish.
Certification is also available in translating from English into Chinese, Croatian, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Ukrainian.
2. **Check that you meet their preliminary requirements.** The ATA has strict eligibility requirements which must be met. The ATA website explains the system and requirements in more detail but there are two core criteria which must be met prior to making your application.
You must be a member of the ATA to apply for certification but you can become a member at the same time as making your test application.
You must provide a reading proficiency test in both your source and target languages from the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.)
3. **Fulfill the conditions for accreditation.** Eligibility requirements for becoming certified by the ATA are a combination of education, experience, and assessed proficiency. To be eligible to apply you must meet one of the following criteria:
To be currently certified by the Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs.
To hold a bachelor's degree from an approved translation and interpretation institute which is on the approved list of the ATA Education and Pedagogy Committee.
To hold a bachelor's degree and two years proven work experience as a translator.
To have at least five years proven work experience as a translator.
4. **Take the Test.** This is a challenging three-hour exam that will cover: comprehension of the source-language, translation techniques, and writing in your target language. You will be graded on your grammar and choice of words as well as the overall quality and accuracy of your translation.
To give yourself the best chance of success on the ATA test, make sure you have hit the level of at least 'Advanced-Low' on the ACTFL scale before attempting the ATA certification examination.
Take advantage of the practice tests which are available from the ATA website. Candidates are provided with three passages. Passage A might be a newspaper editorial, an essay, a non-fiction book. Passage B may be technical, scientific or medical in content. Passage C may be a financial, business or legal document. Candidates must translate two written passages. A is compulsory and candidates can choose either B or C.
5. **Use your accredited status to progress your career.** Once you receive your certification you will also receive an ATA-certified translator seal, and a professional services listing in the ATA Directory of Translation and Interpreting Services. This will enable you to market yourself to employers as a professional who is approved to industry standards.
The ATA seal will document your certification number which you can use on your documents.
Once your name is listed on the ATA Directory of Translators and Interpreters any individual or company seeking a professional translator will be able to find you and see your contact details.
6. **Check your eligibility.** Court and legal translating are set apart from general translating duties due to the high ethical standards required to deal with defendants, litigants, victims, and witnesses in civil and criminal cases. You can become a certified Federal Interpreter in Spanish - or a State Interpreter in any of 20 languages.
Eligibility requirements for state interpreters vary from state to state so check with your own court interpreting program.
Eligibility requirements for federal interpreters are to have native-like mastery of English and Spanish as well as to be able to perform three modes of interpretation at speed: consecutive interpreting, simultaneous interpreting, and sight translation of documents. The sensitivity and complexity of interpretation in court settings means you must work rapidly and precisely.
7. **Sit the federal interpreter test.** To be a federally certified interpreter, you must pass a two-part (English and Spanish) written and oral exam. The FCICE handbook tells you how to prepare for the written and oral examinations with specific advice on error detection and the ability to use synonyms.
A good tip for success is to take the online FCICE self-assessment test. Be honest with yourself about your true skill levels. This will arm you with knowledge about the areas you need to work on to make sure you ace the test.
The FCICE website offers candidates full-length practice examinations. Take advantage of them to give you insight into the questions you will need to answer on the test.
8. **Sit the state interpreter test.** You must pass a two-part test which can be taken in your area. Test requirements and fees vary from state to state so it is vital to consult the specific requirements for your area.
Take advantage of the practice tests on the NCSC website to help you prepare, identify your specific skill gaps and take steps to remedy them.
A great tool are the self-study resources and toolkits on the NCSC website. These outline study materials, reference materials, consecutive and simultaneous dictionaries for your target language.
9. **Use your accredited status to progress your career.** Once you have qualified you will be nationally recognized as a professional interpreter in a legal setting. These skills are transferable to different geographic areas and areas of expertise. It will show your commitment and ethics and will ensure that anyone you deal with will be assured of your competence and ethical standards.
Federal court interpreter certification is recognized at the national level by both state and federal courts.
State court interpreter certification is subject to reciprocity requirements that vary by state.
10. **Check your eligibility.** If your interest is in working in the scientific or medical field, then the International Medical Interpreters Association offer certification through their Certified Medical Interpreter program (CMI. If you can meet their requirements you can sit a test which examines your written and oral translation and interpretation competency.
You must prove you have completed an approved medical interpreter educational program. A registry of approved training programs is posted on the IMIA website. .
You must prove your source and target language skills via a Bachelor, Masters, Ph.D., or any other degree from an institution of higher education or ACTFL qualification (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).
11. **Sit the test.** The knowledge areas that will be tested in the oral and written examinations will cover professional training, experience, and conduct. You will be tested on medical terminology, your role and responsibilities, ethics, competence, knowledge of legal issues and regulations.
You can take the exam in the method that best suits you. Either online via your home computer or at one of the many accredited test sites across the country.
Use the help and tools included in the CMI Candidate Handbook to focus on improving your weak spots to get you through the test – do you need to learn more about regulations, or legal issues?
12. **Use your accredited status.** Obtaining this certification provides you with a professional credential that crosses state lines and can be used to obtain work in specialist medical agencies. It demonstrates that you are professionally competent to provide both in-person and remote (virtual) translation and interpretation in medical settings.
You will receive your CMI credential in the specific languages for which the oral exam is passed (for example CMI-Spanish, or CMI-Korean).
Now you are certified you will not have to have your skills tested by each medical facility that you are contracted to. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Certified-Translator", "language": "en"} |
How to Field Dress a Rabbit | Field dressing is the process of the skinning game and removing the internal organs to preserve the meat for eating. Rabbits are some of the easiest and quickest small game to field dress, making it an excellent learning experience for beginners and experienced hunters alike. If you want to know where your meat comes from, it's a handy skill. See Step 1 to learn how to field dress a rabbit.
1. **Harvest the rabbit as humanely as possible.** Whether you're going to dress out a rabbit you shot while out hunting or are going to harvest a farm rabbit, you need to make sure it dies as quickly and painlessly as possible.
, hold the rabbit firmly by the two back feet, and use your hunting knife on the back of the neck at the base of the skull to sever the spinal cord with a quick incision. You can either remove the head completely at this point to facilitate blood draining out, or you can wait until you've started skinning.
, it's common to use a blunt object like a rolling pin, broomstick, or another device to strike the animal at the base of the skull, or to dislocate the animal's neck with your hand. Dislocating is easier because it eliminates the possibility of a missed strike, common for beginners. Holding the rabbit by the hind legs with one hand, grasp the animal with your other on either side of the head, pulling both hands away from each other firmly, twisting the head up and back to dislocate the neck. The animal will become unconscious immediately if done properly.
2. **Hang the rabbit to drain.** Before skinning the rabbit, it's common to remove the head with a heavy knife, laying the rabbit flat on a cutting surface and inserting the knife at the base of the skull where it meets the neck. Push through with a firm chop. Hang the rabbit from its hindquarter, just under the hock to drain into a bucket.
You can pierce the rabbit's hind leg into the Achilles tendon to hang it upside down, just under the hock (the big part of the hind leg, like the thigh).
There's some discussion about how necessary it is to bleed out a rabbit you're planning on eating. Because there's not a lot of blood to drain from a rabbit, some hunters skip this step and remove the head during the skinning process. Bleeding out will, however, result in "cleaner" looking and in some cases more tender meat if you bleed the rabbit immediately after killing it.
3. **Dress the rabbit as soon as it's convenient.** You can dress the rabbit more or less immediately after killing it, and since it's usually easier to remove the skin while the rabbit is still somewhat warm, it's recommended to dress rabbits as soon as you get the chance. If that doesn't happen until you get home, that's fine, though the rabbit will usually be more difficult to work if it's gone cold and stiff. The whole process shouldn't take more than a few minutes.
Since rabbit season is usually during cold weather, there's less of a need to hurry and worry about spoilage. Because it'll likely be chilly, your rabbit carcasses should be fine until you get home if you'd rather wait. You might consider doing it in the field, though, to leave the mess in the great outdoors.
4. **Prepare as clean a work surface as possible.** While it's always best to field dress your rabbit immediately after killing it to reduce the risk of contaminating the meat, it's also important to work clean. Even if you're in the middle of the woods, use a sharp, clean hunting knife free of rust and other contaminants, and rinse the carcass with clean water when you're finished.
It's a good idea to wear latex or thick rubber gloves while handling your rabbit, especially when you're handing the entrails. Keep your hands clean and your meat clean.
Some hunters like to keep a cutting board specifically for the purpose of field-dressing small game like rabbits and squirrels. Clean it thoroughly before and after use with soap and clean water, making especially sure there's no fur or other contaminants on the surface as you work.
5. **Remove the feet from the rabbit.** There's no meat in the feet, and it'll be easier to get the hide off if you remove the feet first at the ankle knuckle. They can be removed quickly and easily, and it's better to do it now than when you're haggling with the hide half-on and half-off.
To remove them, bend each foot forward, making a small cut across the back of the knuckle to loosen the joint.
Use your knife to cut through the rest of the way with a firm cut through with your knife. You shouldn't have to use much pressure to cut through.
6. **Make a small cut in the fur across the back of the rabbit.** Pinch the skin near the shoulder blades of the rabbit to lift the skin up and away from the muscle, and make a small incision from side to side, perpendicular to the backbone. It only needs to be long enough to get your fingers in.
Be very careful to pull the skin up before piercing it. You don't want your knife to cut through into the meat yet, because it's easy to carry bacteria or parasites off the fur and into the flesh, contaminating things and ruining all your work.
7. **Hook your fingers into the skin and pull in opposite directions.** Use your first two fingers from each hand to insert into the hole you've made in the hide, using one hand to pull toward the tail and one hand to pull toward the head. Keep working the skin off until it's just connected at the neck.
Rabbit skin comes off quite easily, slipping off the muscle like a jacket. It's quick work. You shouldn't have to work a knife in, as with a deer or other larger game, and you shouldn't have to pull very hard.
If you're interested in saving the pelt and keeping it in one piece, it's better to make a longer incision in the belly after removing the feet, near the pelvis of the rabbit, then slip it back off the legs and up the back. This isn't the most recommended method for beginners since it risks piercing the belly cavity and the entrails, and spoiling the meat, but it's not hard once you get the hang of it.
8. **Remove the head by twisting it off.** Now the skin should be draping off the carcass, connected at the neck. With one hand, grab the rabbit by the back legs, letting the head and the skin hang toward the floor. With your other hand, gather the skin around the head, and twist it off firmly, rotating the body and the head in opposite directions. It should come right off.
You can also remove the head with your knife by cutting firmly and quickly through the back of the neck, under the skin.
If the tail didn't come off when you removed the skin from the butt-side of the rabbit, you can also cut it off now, as close to the body as possible.
9. **Carefully make a small incision in the skin on the belly.** Pinch the skin to raise it up off the organs underneath, and make an incision with your knife so you can remove the organs very carefully. Pinch the skin up as high as you can, and make your incision, then insert two fingers to keep lifting the skin up and away as you keep slitting the belly open, up to the rib cage.
When you reach the rib cage, you'll also need to cut through the breast bone to open up the cavity and expose the organs on top. You should be able to run your knife up through the breakthrough the ribs easily.
Rabbit skin is quite transparent, so you should be able to see the organs underneath quite clearly at this point. What you want to be very careful to avoid specifically is the urine sac and the colon, either of which will ruin the meat, if pierced.
Be prepared for some odor. The body-cavity of a wild rabbit won't smell like petunias. It's not indicative, however, of anything wrong with the meat.
10. **Separate the membrane holding the organs.** Up toward the ribcage, you'll notice a small transparent membrane keeping the heart, liver, and other major organs intact. At the very top of the ribs, you might need to cut through the membrane to remove it slightly to make the organs come out more easily. This isn't always necessary, but it'll make it much easier to let gravity do the work of removing the organs for you.
11. **Hold the carcass up to coax the organs out.** With one hand, pick up the carcass of the rabbit, so the back feet are pointing at the ground. With your other hand, insert two fingers at the very top of the ribcage and scoop the organs out with a gentle but firm downward motion. They should fall right out with the help of gravity, preferably into a bucket for easy clean-up.
Some hunters like to pay special attention to removing the urine sac before the rest of the organs, especially if it appears to be quite full. The urine sac looks like a small pale yellow balloon, near the anus. To remove it, pinch it firmly where it connects to the carcass, and only where it connects, then pull it away, being very careful to avoid squeezing it and popping it.
12. **Save any organs you want.** The heart, liver, and kidneys are all common edibles. You can roast them up along with the carcass if you're interested, or they make great dog treats when cooked up, or raw.
It's good practice to examine the liver for any spots of discoloration after you remove it. Yellowish liver spots can be a sign of serious infectious disease, indicative of meat you don't want to eat. If you notice strange spots on the liver, discard the rabbit immediately.
13. **Rinse the carcass and clean up after yourself.** Immediately rinse the carcass in cold, clean water. This will help to bring the temperature down and prevent spoilage, as well as to remove any stray bits of fur, blood, or other bits from the inside and outside of the meat.
If you're in the field, pack the meat loosely in a cooler. Don't wrap it in plastic yet until it's cooled down fully, or it'll sweat and promote spoilage. The carcass should be maintained at a temperature not exceeding 39 degrees F (4 degrees C).
If you want to tan the hide, rinse the fur off immediately and soak it in cold water to keep it safe before beginning the tanning process.
You can bury the entrails and fur if you want, or pack them out and dispose of them quickly. In some municipalities, however, it is illegal to leave entrails in nature. Check your local laws to know for sure.
14. **Remove fat, sinew, and "silverskin" with a boning knife.** After you've let the carcass cool down sufficiently, you can start breaking it down further and preparing it for the stew pot, skillet, or oven. The first thing to do is to carefully go over the carcass and remove any undesirable bits of sinew and fat with your knife.
Rabbit fat doesn't taste particularly good. Lean meat, rabbit is generally best prepared as clean as possible.
The skin comes off quite easily during the dressing because of a fine layer of silverskin that coats the meat. This is ok to leave on if you want to fry up your rabbit and crisp it up, but it's usually better to take some time to remove it. Peel the silverskin off carefully with your knife and dispose of it.
15. **Remove the legs.** Rabbit legs, especially the back legs, can account for up to half of the meat in a rabbit. It's one of the most desired parts of the meat, tender, rich, and delicious.
, run your knife along the ribs of the rabbit, up from under the front legs. They're not attached by bone, which makes them quite easy to remove.
, splay the carcass on its back and bend the legs out to each side to expose the connecting joint. You might need to use your knife to scrape alongside the pelvic bone, between the leg and the pelvis to expose it. Use the point of your knife to separate the joint and pull each leg free.
16. **Consider separating the belly meat from the loin.** Because rabbits are small, this step is commonly skipped among people preparing rabbits. If you've got a big one, though, separating the meat from the torso beneath the ribs (this is the bacon of the rabbit) from the loin, the meat running on either side of the backbone, can yield delicious individual cuts.
, flip the carcass on its back and trim the thin meat from the back, near the pelvis, forward to the ribcage. The point at which the meat gets slightly thicker and darker along the backbone is the loin.
, it's usually common to leave intact, and separate from the ribcage by chopping through the backbone where it meets the ribcage. You can also just bend the loin backward from the ribcage with a firm twist to break it. The ribs can be saved for the stockpot, if you want, or discarded since it contains very little meat.
17. **Keep the rabbit whole for roasting.** There's nothing that shouts hunter more than a whole rabbit roasted over an open fire on a spit. Don't want to go to all the trouble of breaking the carcass down? Don't. If you've got an especially small rabbit, it can be much easier to leave it intact and cook it up as one piece, rather than breaking it down into extremely small pieces.
Alternatively, it's also common to do a super-quick half-breakdown by chopping through the backbone right where the ribs meet the abdomen, separating the rabbit into essentially two pieces. This is an excellent way to braise the rabbit or use it as a base for soup.
18. **Consider bringing the meat to remove the gaminess** If you're interested in trying rabbit, but aren't a huge fan of its particularly gamey flavor, bringing the rabbit in a salt-water overnight can do a lot to soften the flavor and make it much similar to chicken.
Use 1 tablespoon of salt for every cup of cold water you use to create the brine, then soak the rabbit in a covered bowl in the refrigerator overnight. However you choose to cook it, it'll be delicious.
Consider adding crushed red pepper, chopped basil or oregano, and crushed garlic to your brine to kick things up a notch.
19. **Cook the rabbit and enjoy** Rabbit is lean and gamey, a delicious alternative to more common grocery store meats, especially when cooked properly. It's perfect for stews and for frying up as an alternative to chicken, though there are lots of ways to cook rabbit:
Cook Italian-style rabbit. While we may not think of it as traditional "Italian food," rabbit is commonly enjoyed in Italy, stuffed with fragrant spices and simmered in tomatoes and red wine. It's delicious and unexpected.
Make roast rabbit. Marinade your rabbit in a mixture of mustard, olive oil, and black pepper and brown the pieces in butter to create a nice crust on the meat. Finish the rabbit by roasting at 425 F for about ten minutes. It'll be tender and delicious.
Slow-cook the rabbit in a crockpot for 6 hours for super-tender eating. Add vegetables like carrots, onions, water chestnuts, and whatever else you like with some water. Thicken the sauce with a slurry of sherry and cornstarch in the last 45 minutes. You've got to try it.
20. **Try the no-gut grip.** Some hunters who harvest a lot of rabbits have gotten field dressing down to a super-fast skill that only involves minimal use of the knife. You can remove the hind legs and the backstraps or loin of the rabbit quickly by skinning the hind parts first. Then, tuck the skin in and tear the hindquarters away from the rest of the animal. You'll be left with the most-desirable meat on the rabbit, and all the fur, guts, and forelegs in another pile, if you do it correctly.
Hold the rabbit upside down by the hind legs and start by making a small incision across each hind leg. Start pulling the skin of each leg down toward the rabbit's groin, as if hiking up its trousers. Hook your finger through the skin of the groin to tear through, separating it around the legs, and working the skin up to around the ribcage.
When the hind parts of the rabbit are bare, take the skin and tuck it into the skin remaining on the rabbit's upper chest. Grasping firmly around the mid-section, rip the top half of the rabbit down while pulling up on the hind legs. It'll take some elbow grease, but you can pull the back legs and the spine free of the rest of the carcass, leaving you with the best part, totally clean.
21. **Try the survival manual long-snap method.** One of the most, uh, colorful ways of dressing out a rabbit was introduced to the world in an old Air Force survival manual. You don't even need a knife.
After killing the rabbit, hold it upside down, with the belly facing you. Feel where the ribcage ends on the belly of the rabbit, and grasp it with both hands, firmly squeezing your thumbs in where the ribs end.
Stand with your legs spread, more than shoulder-width apart, and "toss" the rabbit back through your legs as if you were long-snapping a football to a punter, without letting it go. Throw hard. As you toss, squeeze hard on the abdomen of the rabbit.
If done properly, the entrails will exit the rabbit's anus in quick fashion, and you can peel the skin off with your fingers, to have a fully dressed-out rabbit in about 30 seconds. If done improperly, you'll have a disgusting and ruined mess. There's no reason to do this if you have a knife.
22. **Try to find your own ways to speed up the dressing-out process.** Many hunters are interested in getting the field dressing done as quickly as possible. If you hunt a lot of rabbits, field dressing can quickly become tedious. The more you hunt, the more quick-tips you'll be able to come up with for yourself to speed up the process. Just make sure you've got a sharp and clean hunting knife, and find what works best for you. Always take the time you need to do the job, properly, though. There's no sense in rushing and ruining your meat.
Domestic rabbits tend to be more difficult to work with because of their fat content, making it important to slow down and use care in the process. You don't want to ruin the meat by getting impatient. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Field-Dress-a-Rabbit", "language": "en"} |
How to Keep Algae from Growing in Bird Bath | The existence of algae in a birdbath is common, especially since algae spores can be transferred or deposited into your birdbath by the wind, bird feet, or even from nearby trees. To prevent algae from growing in your birdbath, remove algae when you see it. Clean your bird bath regularly. You should also keep the bird bath in the shade and change the water daily.
1. **Remove algae when you see it.** Algae will grow unchecked if you don't remove it promptly. Spot treat algae when you see it to prevent an infestation.
If you see green algae at the bottom of a bird bath, immediately empty the water, then scrub the bird bath with a stiff brush.
From there, wipe off the algae. Then, add fresh water.
2. **Try a biodegradable ball in large ponds.** If you have a large pond or bird bath, you can purchase a biodegradable ball online or at a local hardware or gardening store. These balls are designed to keep algae out of your pond. You simply need to place the ball in your large bird bath or pond after purchase. Then, you can throw the ball into your pond. It should keep algae in check for about 30 days.
3. **Dispense enzymes.** Enzymes can work better as a treatment for a smaller bird baths. If you notice algae in your pool, you can purchase a disposable container of enzymes which you can place in your bird bath. This should keep your bird bath algae free for about 30 days.
4. **Use a quality bird bath cleaner.** Specialized bird bath cleaners can come in the form of cleansers or powders. Cleaners can be a great way to clean out your bird bath and keep it algae free. When cleaning your bird bath, consider a specialty cleaner if algae is a major problem.
Keep in mind, you can clean your bird bath with a mild detergent if algae is not a major problem.
5. **Remove the existing water.** Regular cleaning can remove existing algae from your birdbath and prevent the build up of new algae. To clean your bird bath, start by removing all the water and discarding it. You will need to replace it with new water when you're done.
6. **Clean the birdbath with a small scrub brush.** You will need a small scrub brush to clean out your bird bath. In most cases, it is unnecessary to use cleaner. However, if your birdbath is very soiled or dirty, use a mild detergent.
Clean the bottom of the bird bath and the sides, scrubbing off any dirt, debris, or visible algae.
7. **Rinse your bird bath.** It's best to use a hose to rinse off your birdbath, especially if you used detergent. Hose down the inside of your bird bath until all soap residue is gone.
It is very important to be thorough about rinsing a bird bath. Birds are very vulnerable to detergents and it can be harmful for birds if there's detergent left in the bird bath.
8. **Refill the bird bath with fresh water.** Once you're done, you can refill your birdbath. Use fresh, clean water to refill the bath.
9. **Keep the bird bath in shade.** Algae spores transfer to your birdbath from objects that fall out of nearby trees and will grow at a faster rate when exposed to direct sunlight. To prevent the build up of algae, it's best to store your bird bath in a shaded area of your hard.
You should also keep the bird bath away from shrubs and bird feeders to prevent contamination.
10. **Change the water daily.** This will help keep the water fresh and prevent algae growth from spreading within the birdbath. If you have the time to do so, add fresh water every day. Remove any visible algae when changing water in your birdbath.
11. **Use running water, if possible.** Pumps, drippers, and heaters that run on solar power or electric batteries are a good idea for a birdbath. Running water is less likely to become contaminated with algae. If your birdbath is not already equipped with such a device, purchase one at a local hardware store and follow package instructions for set up. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Algae-from-Growing-in-Bird-Bath", "language": "en"} |
How to Clean Limescale Off Taps | Calcium carbonate, known as limescale, can quickly build up on faucets that run hard water. It tends to sneak up on showerheads and kitchen sink taps, leaving hard white deposits around the spray holes and a cloudy film over the rest of the faucet. You can find a variety of spray-on chemical cleaning products that are designed to eliminate limescale. However, with a few household items, you can easily get rid of unsightly limescale buildup naturally, even from hard-to-reach areas. Just be sure not to use acidic cleaners, like lemon juice or vinegar, on metal-plated taps.
1. **Slice a lemon in half with a kitchen knife.** Cut the lemon in half crosswise. This is a great way to use up an older lemon or one that you’ve already used for cooking. As long as it still contains some flesh and juice, it will do the trick.
If you’re cleaning a narrow fixture with a fresh lemon, twist a citrus reamer or spoon around the center of the lemon for a few seconds. This will loosen up the juices and create a cavity for the faucet head to sit inside.
2. **Place 1 lemon half over the calcified area on the faucet.** Position the lemon with the cut-side facing the end of the tap. Then push it onto the faucet so that the lemon “hugs” the fixture. Rotate the lemon back and forth until it really latches on and the faucet head is right in the center of all the lemon flesh. Cover all of the limescale with the lemon to allow the acidic juice to break down the buildup.
If you’re cleaning a larger fixture, such as a showerhead, place multiple lemon halves or thick slices over the entire area. You’ll just need enough to completely cover the buildup.
3. **Secure the lemon in place with a plastic baggie and rubber band.** Holding the lemon in place, cover it with a plastic baggie and keep it tight around the neck of the faucet. Then wrap a rubber band around the bag opening so that the lemon stays in place.
Use more than 1 rubber band if needed to totally secure the lemon.
This is a great way to reuse a plastic baggie if you can.
4. **Leave the lemon in place for 2 to 3 hours or overnight.** For best results, keep the lemon on the faucet overnight so the juices have plenty of time to loosen the buildup. After a few hours, though, you can check whether the limescale comes off when you wipe it with a cleaning rag.
5. **Remove the lemon and scrub away the remaining limescale.** Discard the old lemon and plastic baggie. Wipe around the affected area with a cleaning rag, sponge, scrub brush or toothbrush. The limescale buildup should come right off.
6. **Unclog spray holes with a safety pin or toothbrush.** Any remaining limescale deposits can be scrubbed off with the bristles of an old toothbrush. Scrub roughly around these areas and use the bristles to dislodge the buildup. Or, if the faucet’s spray holes are still plugged up with small pieces of limescale, use the sharp point of a safety pin to pick these bits out.
You can also use a toothbrush to scrub around the spray holes.
7. **Wash off the faucet with fresh hot water.** Use a clean sponge or rag to wash the remaining lemon juice and limescale from the faucet. The surface should now be clear of unsightly limescale buildup.
8. **Mix up a solution of 1 part water and 1 part plain white vinegar.** Into a small bowl, pour approximately ⁄2 c (120 mL) of water and ⁄2 c (120 mL) of plain white vinegar. This will yield 1 c (240 mL), but you can reduce the quantities if you only have a small area to clean. There should be just enough liquid to fully saturate a cleaning rag.
You can add 1 tablespoon (14 g) of baking soda to your solution to make it stronger.
9. **Soak a cleaning rag in the solution.** You can use a kitchen towel, old t-shirt, or any other rag you don’t mind using for cleaning purposes. Dunk all parts of the rag into the vinegar-water solution until its completely saturated.
10. **Scrub the limescale roughly with the rag for a minute or so.** This will help loosen up some of the limescale. If the rag starts to dry out after this process, just submerge it in the 1:1 water and vinegar solution again until it’s fully saturated.
11. **Wrap the rag around the calcified area on the faucet.** Typically this will be the head of the faucet, where the water comes out. If there’s a milky film covering the fixture you should make sure that area is covered as well. Tightly wind the vinegar-soaked rag around the faucet a few times until it sits flush against the area affected by buildup.
You can add a rubber band or ponytail holder around the outside to keep the rag secure. This may be useful if you plan to leave the rag in place overnight.
12. **Leave the rag there for 2 to 3 hours or overnight.** For the most effective results, let the vinegar solution work its magic overnight. Feel free to check after a couple of hours to see if the vinegar solution is working. The buildup should be dislodged immediately when wiped with a rag or scrub brush. If it’s still stuck, re-saturate the rag and leave it on longer.
13. **Remove the rag and wipe off the limescale buildup.** After a few hours, or on the next day, remove the rag and use it to buff away the calcium deposits. The limescale should simply slide off of the faucet, and any milky film should disappear with moderate scrubbing pressure.
14. **Use a toothbrush or safety pin to unclog spray holes.** After an overnight vinegar soak, stubborn deposits should come right off with a little encouragement. You can use an old toothbrush to scrub around these areas. Or, use the sharp end of a safety pin to pick out the remaining bits of limescale.
Particularly on showerheads, limescale can get stuck in and around the small spray holes and might not go away after an initial wipedown.
15. **Rinse off the faucet with fresh hot water.** Use a clean sponge or rag to cleanse the faucet of any remaining vinegar or limescale pieces. Your fixture should now be sparkling like new!
16. **Avoid using abrasive or acidic cleaning agents.** Fixtures that are plated with gold, brass, nickel, or any other metal possess very delicate layered finishes. These can be quickly eroded with corrosive chemicals as well as acidic household cleaners like lemon juice and vinegar. They can also be easily scratched with bristle brushes, steel wool, and other abrasive cleaning cloths. Keep these types of cleaning materials away from plated fixtures.
17. **Remove all moisture with a microfiber cloth on a daily basis.** With regular care, you can easily prevent limescale buildup. Keep a microfiber drying cloth or paper towel near the fixture. After each use, or once a day, wipe down the entire fixture to soak up any moisture. This will prevent the hard water from leaving cloudy spots and mineral deposits.
18. **Clean the fixture with hot soapy water and a microfiber cloth.** When you want to clean off the fixture, heat up some distilled water. Unlike the water coming out of your faucet, distilled water won’t leave any mineral deposits behind. Add a squirt of mild soap to the hot water and use a soft microfiber cleaning cloth or a soft sponge to gently wipe down the fixture. Then dry it completely with a microfiber cloth.
Avoid applying much pressure when washing and drying the fixture since you might accidentally scratch the finish.
19. **Use a mixture of baking soda and distilled water to remove hard water spots.** If you notice some cloudy water spots on the fixture, mix up a solution of 1 tsp (6 g) of baking soda and 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of hot distilled water in a small bowl. Moisten the corner of a sponge or microfiber cloth with this solution and gently dab each water spot. Rinse it off with fresh distilled water to remove the baking soda. Then completely dry the whole fixture.
Spot-test this method on an inconspicuous part of the fixture to make sure it doesn’t damage your fixture’s finish. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Limescale-Off-Taps", "language": "en"} |
How to Buy an iPad | This wikiHow teaches you how to decide on and purchase the iPad that best suits your needs.
1. **Consider your ideal iPad.** Most iPads' storage ranges from 16 gigabytes to 128 gigabytes (though some models, such as the iPad Pro, support up to 256 gigabytes). Similarly, most iPads on the market will support cellular data, meaning you can add the iPad to your cellphone plan and use the data from the pertinent account to access the internet in areas without wi-fi. Other aspects you'll want to consider include the following:
- iPad screens vary from 7.9 inches across to a whopping 12.9 inches across.
- Smaller iPads, such as the iPad Mini, won't be able to process large amounts of data the same way a heftier iPad Air or iPad Pro can.
- iPads aren't cheap. If you're on a budget, you'll probably want to opt for an older model (e.g., one of the original iPads). Alternatively, you can buy a newer iPad Mini and sacrifice some of the performance of a larger iPad.
2. **Compare the different iPad models.** With your ideal criteria in mind, consider the aspects of the following tablets:
- The original iPads (commonly referred to as the "iPad 1/2/3/4") are no longer in factory production as of January 2017, but you can usually find them for a discounted price on Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist.
- The iPad Mini line of tablets have a smaller, 7.9 inch display (as opposed to the traditional 9.7 inch display). The iPad Minis 2, 3, and 4 come equipped with high-definition Retina displays.
- The Air series of iPads is a continuation of the original iPad line. They have 9.7 inch Retina displays as well as upgraded processors from the iPad Mini series.
- The iPad Pro line is geared towards optimal performance, making them both the fastest-operating and the most expensive iPads on the market. Both the 9.7 inch and the 12.9 inch models have Retina displays, though the 9.7 inch model is the only iPad that can record video in 4K definition.
3. **Decide if you need cellular service.** The iPad 3 and all subsequent models of iPad have cellular counterparts, though they tend to be slightly more expensive. Cellular service means that you will be able to connect to the internet as long as you have a cellular signal. If you want cellular service, you will need to sign up for a data plan with a carrier that supports the iPad.
All iPads have wi-fi capabilities, which allow you to connect to any wireless network that you have the password for. Purchasing an iPad with cellular capabilities does not mean you'll lose wi-fi capabilities.
4. **Think about storage.** Most models have several different storage options available, which is the main feature that dictates the prices of the iPad. Most iPads released up until late 2012 (iPad 3 and iPad Mini) come in 16, 32, and 64 gigabyte varieties. iPads released since then come in 16, 32, 64, and 128 gigabyte varieties.
The iPad Pro comes in 32, 64, 128, and 256 gigabyte varieties.
5. **Consider processing power.** If you intend to run a lot of high-end apps (e.g., photo-editing software), you'll want to stay away from the original generation of iPads and the iPad Mini series--while the processors in these models aren't subpar by any means, the iPad Air and iPad Pro lines are built specifically for performance.
6. **Decide on a color.** Most iPads are available in Silver/White or Gray/Black.
If you don't like your iPad's color, you can always purchase a case for it.
7. **Test your preferred iPads out in person.** To do this, visit your local Apple Store or electronics retailer to give a few different iPads a quick spin. This will give you an idea about things like the screen size difference between the iPad and the iPad Mini, the speed and size difference between the iPad Mini and iPad Air, and the graphical rendering differences between iPad Pro models.
8. **Consider buying a used iPad.** Brand-new iPads are prohibitively expensive, but you can check places like Craigslist or eBay for used tablets.
Make sure you check out the iPad in person if at all possible before committing to the sale.
9. **Check for deals online** Online retailers may be able to offer a better deal than physical retailers, though you may have to do some digging. Ensure that the retailer is legitimate and that you are actually purchasing a new iPad. Some online retailers don't make it obvious that you are buying a used product.
Amazon is a good place to search for a new iPad, but make sure you verify the dealer before purchasing. If they have negative reviews or little history on the site, you may end up not getting what you paid for.
You can browse iPads on Amazon here.
10. **Buy your iPad.** Once you've settled on a model, all that's left to do is make the payment! | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-an-iPad", "language": "en"} |
How to Follow a Low Residue Diet | You may be instructed to follow a low residue diet if you’re transitioning from a liquid diet to a solid diet, for certain medical conditions that affect the bowels, or before some surgeries or cancer treatments. The low residue diet avoids fiber and includes foods that are soft and easy to digest. The purpose of the diet is to minimize how much bulk moves through your intestines for a period of time. To follow a low residue diet, temporarily avoid specific foods and alter how you prepare others.
1. **Tenderize your meat.** You can eat meat as long as it’s cooked so that it’s tender. Try baking, broiling, roasting, stewing, or creaming your meat. Lean roasted pork is acceptable, too. Try fish and other seafood – you can have it fresh, canned, or frozen.
Do not eat fried or pickled meat. Avoid fatty, fibrous meats that have lots of gristle.
Choose tofu as an appropriate alternative to meat; soy tempeh, however, is not approved on this diet.
If you have dentures, substitute ground meat for whole meat.
2. **Choose plain bread and grains.** Stay away from bread or crackers that contain seeds, nuts, raisins, or spices. When choosing cereal, pick “refined” cooked and prepared cereals over whole grain options. Do not opt for bran cereals, however, which can increase bowel activity. Avoid barley and lentils.
Don't put jam or marmalade on your bread; jelly is okay if it doesn’t contain seeds.
White rice, pasta, noodles, and potatoes without skin are all okay to eat on the low residue diet. You can also enjoy waffles, French toast, and pancakes!
When dining out, express your diet needs to your server. Be sure to inquire whether the dish contains nuts or seeds.
3. **Cook your vegetables.** Vegetable juice and raw lettuce are okay to eat on the low residue diet. However, cook other vegetables until they’re soft. You can also purchase canned vegetables. Your veggies should be tender and soft before you eat them. Some great options include cooked spinach, beets, green beans, carrots, peeled eggplant, mushrooms, green and red peppers (not spicy ones), and peeled squash and zucchini.
Stay away from pickles, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods.
Particularly avoid peas, winter squash, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, onions, cabbage, cauliflower, and baked beans. Stay away from lima beans and corn, even from cans.
4. **Choose non-fried options.** Stay away from fried foods. This includes the obvious like fried chicken, cheese, and vegetables, as well as items that are lightly fried in oil, like fried eggs. Eat your eggs baked, poached, scrambled, or boiled instead.
5. **Eat fat in moderation.** Exclude fried food, high-fat gravy, and spicy salad dressing from your diet. On the other hand, it’s okay to have small amounts of other fats. You can eat up to 5 servings a day of butter or margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressing, vegetable shortening, cooking oil, and cream. A serving sizes count as:
1 teaspoon margarine, or 2 teaspoons diet margarine
1 teaspoon vegetable oil or olive oil
1 teaspoon mayonnaise or 2 teaspoons light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon salad dressing
6. **Say no to spicy foods.** Season your meals mildly, and avoid eating spicy or highly spiced foods. Salt and pepper are okay, but horseradish, raw garlic, and relish should be avoided. Don’t eat spicy peppers or hot sauces.
7. **Choose fruit from the approved list.** Only some fruits are part of a low residue diet. Choose fruits from the list below, and try to avoid other fruits – especially berries. Some fruits not listed may be okay if you cook them until they’re soft or buy them canned, as long as they don’t have skin or seeds. When eating oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits, remove as much of the lighter-colored membrane on the inside as possible. Approved fruits include:
Citrus
Bananas (ripe)
Ripe peaches or pears (peeled)
Cooked or canned cherries, peaches, pears, and applesauce
Plums and apricots
Melons
Baked apples
Fruit cocktail
8. **Remove the skins and seeds from your fruit.** Avoid fruits that have tough skins or seeds, and be sure to get all the seeds out. Peel fruit with skins such as peaches, pears, or plums.
Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits are good options because you peel the skin and the seeds are large enough to see and remove.
9. **Limit your dairy to two servings per day.** You can have dairy on the low residue diet but in moderation. However, if dairy usually gives you gas, bloating, or diarrhea, avoid it. Choose lactose-free options, instead.
A serving of milk is 1 cup. A serving of pudding, custard, or ice cream is ½ cup.
Cottage cheese, cream cheese, and soft mild cheeses are okay to eat. Avoid strongly flavored, aged cheeses.
10. **Eat soft, mild snacks.** Avoid snacks that are hard or crunchy - don’t eat popcorn, nuts, or olives. Choose smooth peanut butter rather than crunchy peanut butter. Snacks should also be mild. Vinegar, mustard, ketchup, and mild flavorings are okay, but don’t eat any spicy snacks.
Check the ingredients list before eating anything that you don’t make yourself. Ice cream, yogurt, pastries, bread, sauces, and many other food items contain seeds or nuts. Avoid these.
11. **Enjoy fruit juice.** Fruit juice is a great beverage for this diet - you can get nutrients from fruit without worrying about seeds or skins. All fruit juice is allowed except for prune juice.
Buy juice without pulp.
12. **Limit your caffeine to 1 cup per day.** Caffeine can irritate your stomach and intestines in large amounts. Keep your caffeine intake to 1 cup (8 ounces) per day. That includes coffee, caffeinated tea, and caffeinated sodas like Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and some Root Beers.
Check the labels on soda and teas to make sure they are decaffeinated.
13. **Stop drinking alcohol.** Alcohol is not allowed on the low residue diet. Stop drinking alcohol altogether while dieting. If you need help to stop drinking, talk to your doctor. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Follow-a-Low-Residue-Diet", "language": "en"} |
How to Customize Plastic Cups | If you want a quick and easy way to spruce up your drinkware, plastic cups are the way to go. Any plastic cup you find can be customized. Create a special design with spray paint or transfer pictures through contact paper. To create large batches of cups, get in touch with a professional printing business. Your customized cups can then be given as special gifts or used to sip a beverage in style.
1. **Use a pen to outline a design on contact paper.** Spread a piece of contact paper over a flat surface, placing the adhesive side down. Sketch the design using a dark pen or pencil. You can use the contact paper to create an adhesive stencil, but keep your design simple. Designs with lots of small details often do not transfer well.
You can use lettering in your design.
Instead of drawing a design, you can trace a pre-printed image onto the contact paper.
Visit an art supply store to find contact paper as well as adhesive stencils you can use if you would don’t want to create your own design.
2. **Cut the design with an X-Acto knife.** Use a sharp knife to cut through the paper, working along the lines you traced earlier. Any parts you remove will get colored in later. This is because the plastic will be exposed in these areas, so the paint will reach it. Leave the contact paper intact over any spots you do not want painted.
To prepare your design, cut along the outermost outline to separate it from the paper. Then, sparingly cut out any larger details that can give your design definition.
Avoid cutting the entire design out of the paper. Leave it attached at 1 end, since this makes painting a lot easier later.
For example, if you want a cat on your cup, you should cut around the outside border. Then, cut around the outline for the nose, mouth, and whiskers so these are painted later.
3. **Attach the contact paper to the cup.** Peel the backing off the contact paper to expose the clear adhesive. Wrap it around the cup, trying to get your design as flat as possible against the plastic. The excess paper around your design is useful for shielding the rest of the cup from paint.
You may need to trim the paper and stretch it a little to get it to fit on the cup.
4. **Cover any parts you don’t want to paint with tape.** Check over your design to find spots where the plastic is exposed. The sticker can crack when stretched, or you may have trimmed it too much. To fix this, layer over these spots with painter's tape or masking tape.
You can find decent tape at any general store or art supply store. You don’t need specialized tape to complete your project.
5. **Spray the design with plastic-friendly spray paint.** Take your cup outside so you can paint in a well-ventilated environment. Place the cup on a stable surface, such as a patch of grass, with the design facing up. Start at 1 end of the sticker, then slowly move the nozzle back and forth to coat it with an even layer of paint.
Visit a general or home improvement store to find spray paints labeled as multipurpose or for use on plastics.
You usually do not need to apply primer first or a clear coat later. However, you can do this to make sure the paint sticks to the plastic.
6. **Let the paint dry for up to 24 hours.** The paint actually dries to the touch after about 30 minutes. There is no need to rush perfection, though. Leave the cup out in open air for as long as possible. After 24 hours, it will be fully dry, leaving you with no worries about smearing the design.
7. **Peel the contact paper off the cup.** You should be able to peel the adhesive off by hand. Work along the seams, starting on the side opposite of the spray paint if possible. Gradually peel back the sticker to reveal your amazing new cup.
If you have trouble removing the sticker, try dipping your fingers in water and rubbing the edges of the paper.
8. **Print out a design in black and white on paper.** Use a computer to create your design, then print it out on standard printer paper. You can make your design using words or images, but images with higher contrast transfer better. To achieve this, print your design in black and white.
Any image can be used, but clear images that don’t have a lot of small details transfer better.
The image should be small enough to fit on the cup. Resize it as needed before printing it.
You can use a program like Photoshop or GIMP to design images or transfer photos.
9. **Cut out the image while leaving a small border.** Trim the paper down to size. If you printed multiple images on the same sheet of paper, separate them now. Cut around each image, but leave a white border about 1 in (2.5 cm) wide on each side.
10. **Place the design face-down on contact paper.** Take a sheet of clear contact paper and peel the backing off of it. This will expose the adhesive backing, so be careful around the images you trimmed earlier. Place the contact paper on a flat surface, leaving the adhesive side up, then set the image on top of it.
You can place your design anywhere on the paper. If it doesn’t go on straight, that’s okay.
11. **Rub the design to transfer it to the contact paper.** You don’t need any special tools to complete the transfer. Simply press down on the design with your finger, then rub it. Go over the image a few times to ensure the areas with the most ink transfer properly.
12. **Trim the contact paper to size.** Pick up the contact paper, flip it over, and trim it down with a sharp pair of scissors. This time, you want to remove any white paper still around the design. When you are done, you should be left with what you want to transfer to your cup.
The design will remain stuck to the contact paper. Don’t remove it yet.
Your design needs to be small enough to fit on the cup. If you printed a big design, you may need to trim it a little to wrap it over the cup’s surface.
13. **Submerge the paper in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes.** Use a bowl that is big enough to contain the entire piece of paper. Fill it with warm, not boiling, water. Flatten the paper against the bottom of the bowl, then let it soak undisturbed.
If you printed multiple designs, you can place them all on top of each other in the same bowl.
14. **Rub the paper with your fingers to separate it from the contact paper.** After soaking, your design should be transferred to the contact paper. Remove the paper from the water, then gently rub the back end with your fingers. The back is the adhesive you stuck the design to earlier.
Be very gentle when rubbing the paper. Too much force can smudge the ink.
The paper may begin falling off before you get it out of the water. As long as you can see your design on the contact paper, this is fine.
15. **Dry the contact paper with the adhesive side up.** Find a safe spot, such as a countertop. Set the contact paper on it, checking that the correct side is on top. Let the paper dry fully before you attempt to remove it.
The adhesive won’t feel sticky right now, but that will change as it dries.
16. **Place the design on a plastic cup.** Now get your cup to transfer the image to it. Carefully pick up the contact paper, keeping the adhesive side up. Align it against the cup’s side, then push it flat. Then you can enjoy a cold drink with the cup sporting your special design.
If the adhesive doesn’t stick, make sure it is completely dried.
17. **Find a place that prints customized cups.** Visit local print shops or search online for “customized plastic cups.” You will be able to find a wide range of companies that can help you make your own cups. Pretty much any company that prints promotional materials like shirts or pens can also create customized cups.
Take some time to compare the pricing and cup designs before choosing a printing company.
18. **Choose a cup type and size.** The first customization aspect you will notice is the range of cups most companies offer. You can select from the cheapest disposable cups all the way up to the more expensive plastic tumblers. Consider how big you want the cup to be as well as how much you are willing to spend.
For example, most printers have standard “stadium-style” cups as well as sturdier acrylic tumblers that have a lid and straw.
Some places offer different finishes in addition to sizes, such as “frosted” plastic.
19. **Select a background color for the cups.** Choose what color of plastic you want for the cup. You can order pretty much any color available, so consider what colors you plan on using in your design. Try to pick a contrasting background color that helps your design stand out.
For instance, a black cup works well if you plan on using a white or colorful design.
20. **Create your cup’s design.** Decide if you want text, an image, or both printed on the cup. You can use the online design tool many companies offer to make your own design or select something pre-made. Change the font color, font size, and other aspects until you are satisfied with your design.
Cup designs generally have to simple with a few contrasting colors in order to be printed on plastic.
You can upload an image or send it to the company for printing.
21. **Submit your shipping and payment information to place your order.** Review your design and submit it to the printers when you’re finished. Select how many cups you want and check the pricing before you are done. Confirm your order by submitting your shipping and payment information.
You may need to place a minimum order, usually about 12 cups, before the order can be made. The company will have it displayed on the order page or tell you this in person. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Customize-Plastic-Cups", "language": "en"} |
How to Help a Hermit Crab Change Shells | You shouldn't actually “help” your hermit crab to change shells. What you can do is to select the right shells, prepare them properly, and present them to your crab in a healthy environment. This way, when he is ready, he has everything he needs to move to a new a shell. It can be difficult to determine when your crab will need to change shells, so providing your crab with access to new, healthy shells is an important component of hermit crab care.
1. **Provide new shells.** First and foremost, if you want your hermit crab to change to a new shell, you must provide some options for him to choose from! Make a variety of shells available to your hermit crab.
Hermit crab shells can be purchased at pet stores, craft stores, or a variety of online retailers.
2. **Consider size.** It is important to remember that hermit crabs grow very slowly. When selecting new shells, you will want to select a few shells that are roughly the same size as the one he is wearing, and a few that are just slightly larger.
3. **Select the best type of shells for your crab.** Different types of hermit crabs tend to prefer specific types of shells. You can select the best shells for your crab by choosing varieties suited to your crab’s type. If you are not familiar with different shell types, someone at a pet store can help you.
For example, Coenobita clypeatus (or Purple Pincher) crabs generally prefer turbo shells.
Coenobita compressus (or Ecuadorian) crabs tend to prefer short shells (such as Thais biserialis, T. orbita, or T. haemastom shells). They also prefer shells that been previously worn, as the inner spiral has often been removed.
4. **Consider other factors.** You will also want to select shells for your hermit crab by considering the shape of their opening, as well the thickness of given shells. In both instances, look to the shell your crab is currently wearing for clues.
Most shells will have either a “D” or “O” shaped opening. Look at the shape of the opening for the shell your crab is currently using, and select new shells that mirror this opening shape.
All crabs have preferences for the thickness of their shells. Investigate the thickness of the shell your crab is currently using. Then aim to provide alternative shells that share a similar thickness.
Avoid painted shells. Many pet stores (or craft stores) sell painted shells for hermit crabs to use. These painted shells must be avoided! Although they are cute, the paint can chip and be ingested by your crab, causing him to be very sick. In some cases, the paint used may even be poisonous to crabs.
5. **Boil new shells.** When you obtain new shells for your hermit crab, it is very important for you to make sure the shells are safe and sanitary. You can do this by boiling your shells. First, use a brush to remove any sand or debris from in the inside and outside of your shell. Then, submerge your shells in boiling distilled water, and boil them for 15-20 minutes.
6. **Moisten shells with saltwater.** After your shells have been boiled, they must be moistened with ocean water, or salt water. (Purchasing a saltwater solution from a pet store is the most effective option.) As you wait for your crab to select a new shell, you will want to periodically re-moisten the insides of your shells. This will draw you hermit crab toward the shells, and make the shells more attractive to him.
Avoid tap water. Most tap water contains trace amounts of copper or other heavy metals. Hermit crabs are extremely sensitive to these metals, and they can hurt your crab.
7. **Place shells where the crab can see them.** Once your shells have been properly prepared, place them where your crab can see them. Position them out in the open, on the ground level (substrate) of your crab’s habitat, so that your crab will encounter them daily.
Once a week (or every other week) you may want to remove the shells, wait a few hours, and then put them back. If your crab has become accustomed to the shells, he may not really recognize them anymore. Removing and reintroducing them may encourage your crab to investigate, and possibly even change shells.
This is also a good time to re-moisten your shells with saltwater.
8. **Check the size of your tank.** In order for your hermit crab to want to change shells, he needs to feel healthy, comfortable, and secure. The first component of a healthy “crabitat” is a good-sized container. You need to estimate five-gallons of space for each hermit crab.
The best tanks will be made of glass, but plastic may be suitable as well. Avoid mesh or wire cages.
Look for "aquariums." If you are unsure, ask a pet store sales person to assist you.
9. **Ensure proper humidity.** Proper humidity is essential for your crabs comfort and health. Encourage your crab to change shells by maintain a relative humidity level of 70-80% in his tank.
Install a hygrometer to inform you of humidity levels. When the level drops below 75, spray a fine mist of water into your crabs cage.
Maintaining the right temperature will help to maintain the humidity levels of your tank.
10. **Make sure the temperature is right.** The right temperature is also crucial is your crab’s health and happiness. Maintaining a temperature of 72-80 F (22-27 C) in your “crabitat,” will keep your hermit crab comfortable and happy, and may encourage him to change shells.
Use a heating pad under your cage or install heat lamps to increase the temperature of your tank.
11. **Provide enough new shells.** Watching your hermit crab change shells can be fun and entertaining, but far beyond its entertainment value, having access to numerous, clean shells is essential for your crab’s survival. Help create a healthy environment by ensuring that you have at least three viable, alternative shells available per crab.
Remember to be patient. Ultimately, you cannot make a hermit crab change shells. Your hermit crab will only change to a new shell when he is comfortable, growing, happy, and most of all, ready. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Help-a-Hermit-Crab-Change-Shells", "language": "en"} |
How to Identify Murano Glass | In 1291, the mayor of Venice, Italy ordered that all glass factories move to the island of Murano to prevent harmful factory fires from affecting Venice. Since then, Murano glass has developed a reputation for beauty and color. Murano glass is first identified by its location, then its factories, and finally its designers. You can identify these sources with a certificate of authenticity, a master glass maker signature or a Murano glass catalog.
1. **Look for a sticker or stamp.** If it says “Made in Italy” or “Made in Venice,” it is not likely to be Murano glass. These are two ways outside glass makers try to convince tourists that the item was likely made in Murano without stating it is.
An item that is labeled “Made in Murano” may be counterfeit. Currently, many items are made in China and sold in Venice as Murano glass.
Similarly, if the item says “Murano-style” it is unlikely to be authentic Murano glass.
2. **Ask the seller whether the piece of Murano glass is new or old.** New glass from Murano should be accompanied by a certificate from the factory, guaranteeing it is Murano glass. If bought and sold by art or antiques dealers, it should accompany the piece of glass in all sales.
Murano glass made before 1980 is unlikely to have a certificate, so this is only a surefire identification method for new glass.
3. **Be extra careful with paperweights and aquariums.** These are the most commonly counterfeit items, sold as Murano glass, but made elsewhere. Move on to the next identification methods to identify whether or not it is Murano glass.
4. **Don’t count on your ability to identify a real piece of Murano glass by color.** This is something only a trained eye and glass expert can do with reliability.
5. **Beware of trying to identify Murano glass on the Internet.** If you are looking at buying an item, it is better to identify it through a signature of a master glass-maker, a catalog or an authenticity certificate.
6. **Look for a signature on the glass itself.** The following are master glass makers from Murano: Ercole Barovier, Archimede Seguso, Aureliano Toso, Galliano Ferro, Vincenzo Nason, Alfredo Barbini, and Carlo Moretti. There are many more master glass makers that worked at Murano glass factories over the years.
If the signature looks as though it has been scratched into the surface after it hardened, with a carbide-tipped pen, it is likely a counterfeiter trying to sell a fake piece as a designer original.
You will need to move on to the next method to find whether the signature is in the correct place. Catalogs will tell you about signature and label placement.
7. **Try to find evidence of real gold or silver used in the production of the glass.**
8. **Identify evidence of a hand-made piece.** Murano glass is hand-blown, meaning there should be bubbles and asymmetrical qualities.
9. **Look for misshapen fish, clouded glass or bleeding colors.** While hand-blown glass is not completely uniform, these mistakes are rarely made.
10. **Read the “Murano Glass Glossary” at fossilfly.** It is a good primer for the techniques and styles of Murano glass. You may want to refer back to it when you are looking at factory catalogs.
11. **Request a catalog from the factory itself.** Factories have catalogs of at least their current offerings, but possibly also their vintage glass. Look on 20thcenturyglass.com to find popular Murano glass factories, and then search for their websites so that you can request a catalog.
12. **Hire a glass expert to help you identify the glass.** If the authenticity is still in question, you should contact a local glass antique expert and show them all the information you have. Although experts are not 100 percent accurate, they will have an easier time identifying it than almost anyone else.
If you can’t find an expert, try posting pictures and information on an antique glass forum. You may be able to discover more creative ways of identifying the glass.
A good indicator that a Murano piece is genuine is the cross-hatched pattern sometimes found on bases and the pinch pliers artists use often have their own identifiable patterns. And remember: if a piece of Murano sounds too cheap to buy, it's more than likely to be fake because even a small 5" vase can often cost hundreds of pounds. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-Murano-Glass", "language": "en"} |
How to Stay Grounded | Times of extreme stress or insecurity, like starting a new job or adjusting to change in your home environment, can cause you to feel disconnected from yourself. These transitional periods are often marked by confusion, anxiety, and uncertainty. Eventually, you will return to a state of homeostasis, but, in the meantime, everything feels out of whack. You can stay grounded during uncertain times by increasing your mind-body awareness, tapping into your spirituality, and sticking to a basic routine.
1. **Make a list of 5 positive things in your life.** Write this list out in a journal or on a piece of paper. Reflect with gratitude on these positive elements. You can even use this list to check in with your values and goals to make sure that you are on the right track.
For example, you could include your job, friends, family, home, or vacation as positive things in your life.
If you are ever feeling anxious, disconnected, or lost, look back at this list to remind yourself of what makes your life good.
2. **Try deep breathing.** When things aren’t going your way, it’s easy to get caught up in the negativity. Ground yourself by pausing and practicing deep breathing. Deep, abdominal breathing activates the body’s natural relaxation response to help you fend off stress and reconnect with yourself. Deep breathing may also help to reduce anxiety and depression, as well as increase your energy levels.
Sit or stand (bare earth is great). Use your mind’s eye to follow your breath as it moves through your body. Inhale through your nose, letting your breath expand into your lungs, ribs, and abdomen. Exhale deeply from your mouth. As you do this, envision roots extending from the soles of your feet and anchoring you to the earth. Repeat this for as long as needed.
3. **Write out a description of your surroundings.** This can help you return to the present moment and release some of your anxiety. You can carry a journal with you to do this or keep it on your phone. Record your surroundings, such as the sights, smells, weather, buildings, trees, people, colors, and decorations.
Make sure to include anything interesting or unusual that you see.
Keep writing until you feel calmer or less anxious.
4. **Move around if you feel stuck or cooped up.** Movement can help ease anxiety and boost your awareness. Change the position you are sitting or move to a different area. Shake out any tension or nervousness that you may have bundled up.
If you are sitting at a desk, try shaking your hands, tapping your feet, or rolling your shoulders. You may even want to stand and stretch or jump a few times to loosen yourself up.
If you are waiting somewhere, try walking around the room or doing some light stretching.
5. **Do a body scan.** The body scan is a grounding meditation exercise that helps you become aware of your body. It pulls your attention away from distressing thoughts to what’s happening in your body, helping you notice different sensations associated with stress. When you are more aware of where tension lies in your body, you can take measures to relieve it.
Lie comfortably on your back on the floor or bed. Relax your arms at your sides. Take a few deep breaths. Turn your attention to your feet. Going slow, pay attention to any sensations in your feet.
Are they tense? Achy? If they are uncomfortable, take deep breaths, imagining the discomfort melting away with each exhale. Move up to your ankles. Then, go to your calves, knees, and so on until you have scanned your entire body.
6. ** Eat mindfully** You may feel off-center because you constantly move from activity to activity with little awareness. Eating is no better—you might eat while driving, talking, or working to save time. Mindful eating is a great way to slow down and ground yourself in the present moment.
Before taking a bite, express silent appreciation for the hands that prepared your meal. Admire the many colors, smells, and textures. Now, pick up your fork and take a modest bite of food. Return your fork to your plate. Fully engage your senses as you chew at least 20 times per bite. Pick up your fork and take another bite, repeating the process.
Avoid talking or any sort of entertainment while eating. Ground yourself completely in the act of eating.
7. **Talk to a trusted advisor.** If you have become disconnected from yourself, you have probably also lost your connection with the divine. Seek out spiritual counsel to help you stay grounded during life’s stressful moments.
Your advisor will vary based on your spiritual beliefs. You might talk to a priest, preacher, or mental health counselor to help guide you.
8. **Read scripture.** Spiritual texts often feature helpful strategies and encouraging passages that can speak to your personal experience. Reading such texts can remind you of your life purpose and help you reconnect with what matters most to you. Turn to a go-to source that aligns with your views, or research encouraging spiritual books online.
Strive to read helpful, encouraging materials, including self-help books related to your unique life challenges.
9. ** Meditate** Meditation is a great practice that reduces stress and lowers blood pressure, conditions that may be exacerbated during unpredictable life events. Start with a small amount of time and work your way up until you have established a longer practice.
Commit to just 5 minutes each day at first. Find a focus, either your breath or a place in front of you. Breathe deeply. Concentrate on your breath—in and out. If your mind wanders, bring your attention back to your breath.
10. **Spend time in nature.** Spending time in nature can produce restorative effects, such as boosting your concentration. An encounter with nature can help you increase your spirituality and ground yourself during stressful times. You can enhance your connection by setting aside time to be in nature on your own.
Sit by a stream, river, or lake. Go for a hike or a run. Take deep breaths and really absorb your surroundings.
11. **Wake and rise at the same times each day.** When you’re feeling overwhelmed, you may sleep less, which makes you even more stressed. Stick to a schedule by going to bed and waking up each day at the same times. The structure of a consistent bedtime can help you feel grounded in your daily life.
Create a bedtime routine that helps you unwind. You might use aromatherapy, take a warm bath or shower, and listen to soothing music.
12. **Incorporate physical activity.** Exercise is often one of the first activities to go when life gets overwhelming. However, regular exercise can help you stay grounded and manage stress. Try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.
Go for a run or jog. Take your dog for a walk in a nearby park. Complete a yoga sequence. Or, go for a swim in the community pool.
Make it your top priority when you wake, or take your gym bag to work or school. That way, you’ll be more likely to stick to your workout.
13. **Eat nutritious meals.** Chronic stress can prompt you to reach for unhealthy foods like fast food or convenience meals that you can eat on the go. But, such empty-calorie foods only make you feel worse. Strive to eat a balanced diet of nutritionally-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein.
Make it easier on yourself to eat healthy by prepping your meals over the weekend. For example, you might steam some veggies and grill chicken breasts to eat for dinner throughout the week. Boil eggs, prep oatmeal, or make mason jar salads.
14. **Stay in touch with loved ones.** Stressful times are more manageable when you surround yourself with a strong support system. Don’t isolate or withdraw from your social circle. Good friends, coworkers, and family members can help take your mind off stressors and/or offer a source of advice or encouragement.
For instance, you might choose one person to call each day when you take a break from work. Say something like, "Hey, I just need to hear a familiar voice."
15. **Make time for pleasure.** Stay grounded when life gets tough by making time for enjoyable activities. Your busy schedule may not allow for a vacation, but you can still treat yourself to an evening or day of relaxation. Book an appointment at a local spa. Binge-watch your favorite TV show. Go out for dinner with friends. Get lost in a suspense novel. Make an effort to pour back into your cup.
16. **Balance stress with relaxation.** Stressful and busy periods are inevitable, but make sure you give yourself a break too. Schedule your life so that you have moments of rest after busy or stressful periods. Spend an hour each day relaxing with a favorite hobby or activity. Look ahead in your work or life to plan vacations and time off. Take days off of work to tend to your mental health if you need to. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Grounded", "language": "en"} |
How to Address a Prime Minister in a Letter | In most countries, anyone can write a letter to their prime minister. When writing your letter there are certain rules of etiquette that you should follow. It is best practice to address the envelope and letter using the correct titles and a formal writing style. Following these recommendations shows respect for the Prime Minister and will make your letter easier to read.
1. **Address the envelope to “The Right Honourable”.** The first line of the envelope should read “The Right Honourable”, followed by the first and last names of the Prime Minister. Below this, write “Prime Minister of” followed by the relevant country. Write the relevant parliament address of the Prime Minister underneath. For example:
The Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern
Prime Minister of New Zealand
Parliament Buildings
Private Bag 18041
Wellington 6160
Note that the address “The Right Honourable” should still be used if you are addressing a former Prime Minister.
2. **Begin the letter with “Dear Prime Minister”.** This polite opening is the expected salutation for all written communication to the Prime Minister. If you are writing an email it is still appropriate to begin with “Dear Prime Minister”.
If you are writing to a former prime minister begin with "Dear Sir/Madam," or "Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. Lastname."
3. **Finish your letter with “Most respectfully”.** This complimentary closing remark shows your respect and indicates the end of your message. Thank the Prime Minister for taking time to read your letter. Then, place a comma at the end of “Most respectfully” and sign and print your name below.
If you are writing the letter on a computer leave space for you to sign your name under the closing remark.
4. **Avoid using abbreviations or contractions.** Contractions and abbreviations can come across as lazy and aren’t appropriate for a formal letter. Abbreviations aren’t always clear to the reader so it is best practice to spell out the full meaning of the abbreviation. Similarly with contractions, it is appropriate to write the full words instead of using an apostrophe to create one word.
For example, use “do not” instead of “don’t”.
Try using “New York” instead of “NY”.
5. **Use formal language.** Substitute slang or colloquial words for more proper alternatives. Using formal language in your letter will help you to be taken more seriously. Pay particular attention to using formal adjectives as describing words set a strong tone in written communication.
For example, use “excellent” or “enjoyable” instead of “rad” or awesome”.
Replace "weird" with "unusual", or "hated" with "strongly disliked".
6. **Write concisely.** Avoid repeating yourself in your letter. If you want to emphasise a point try adding extra supporting information instead of repeating the same point in different words. Keep your sentences to a limit of 2 lines. Wordy sentences can be confusing and difficult to read.
The Prime Minister is more likely to read your whole letter if it is clear and to the point.
Avoid adding extra sentences that don’t contain necessary information.
7. **Check your spelling and grammar.** Read over your letter and carefully check for any spelling or grammar errors. If you have written your letter on a computer, use a spell-checker to check your work.
Poor spelling and grammar will make your letter harder to read and will make your work look rushed.
Ask a friend to check over your letter for any typos or mistakes before you send it. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Address-a-Prime-Minister-in-a-Letter", "language": "en"} |
How to Make Your Guy Friend Want to Date You | Moving from friendship to dating can be a little scary, but friends take their relationships to the next level all the time! If you're crushing on your guy pal, there are tons of ways to make him want you as more than a friend. Try subtly flirting during interactions. Work on spending quality time with him to strengthen your bond. When you feel ready, ask him out. There's always a chance he doesn't feel the same, but as long as you're prepared for that possibility, go for it!
1. **Use body language.** Flirtation often comes down to the right body language. If you want to send your guy friend the signal you want a relationship, work on flirting with your body when the two of you are together. If he is attracted to you as well, this can help romantic feeling develop.
Tilt your body towards him when you're having lunch together, watching a movie, or other times when you hang out.
Look him directly in the eye, bat your eyelashes and smile!
2. **Mimic his body language and mannerisms.** It may sound strange, but this is a form of flirtation that gets attention! Try to position your body the way his is when you're sitting together. Place your hands and feet in the same position as his hands and feet. If you're having coffee, take a sip when he does.
Pick up some his expressions. If he has a tendency to say, "Wow, that's interesting," for example, use this phrase on occasion.
Don't make it too obvious. He may think you're making fun of him! Imitate his gestures on occasion, but don't copy every single thing he does.
3. **Strive to look your best around him.** Being attractive certainly helps someone notice you in a more than friends sense. When hanging out with him, dress your best. Wear your most flattering clothes and, if you wear makeup, throw some on. Looking stunning can definitely help attract someone's romantic attention.
Wear clothing that makes you feel good about yourself and that you feel comfortable in. You don't have to try to look like anyone but yourself.
4. **Be confident during your interactions.** If you lack self confidence, you're less likely to come off as attractive to other people. Having a strong sense of who you are will help your guy friend notice you. Do not simply agree with what he sees and smile and nod. Show off who you are while flirting!
Think about how you see yourself as a person. Do you see yourself as smart, funny, spontaneous, serious, studious? However you see yourself, work on showing off that side for him.
For example, if you're a movie buff, don't hesitate to share your knowledge while the two of you hang out and watch movies.
5. **Spend a lot of time together.** It's natural to develop feelings for someone if you spend a lot of time with that person. Try to frequent the same places he does. If you know he hangs out at a local coffee shop, spend time there. Invite him out with your friends for group gatherings. Go to social events where you know you'll see him.
If you go to school together, try to interact with him frequently at school. Talk to him between classes. Sit by him in class whenever possible. Have lunch with him.
6. **Emphasize your similarities.** People want to date those who are similar to them. If you have a lot in common, play up these similarities. Do and say things to make him notice how alike you are. For example, if you both like a particular director, talk about movies by that director.
Maybe both of you are really interested in science fiction books or basketball. Find your common ground and emphasize it!
7. **Get into some of his interests and hobbies.** If you're genuinely intrigued by some of his interests, explore them. For instance, you can listen to a band he likes and then chat with him about it the next day. You could even ask him to check out their concert with you.
Be yourself! Don't force yourself to be interested in things that don't appeal to you just because he likes them.
8. **Try to spend more time alone with him.** As friends, you may already hang out alone sometimes. Work on having a little more one-on-one time with him. This will give you a chance to get flirty in order to gain his attention. If you're nervous, go to a big social event and spend some time alone with him there.
For example, ask him to a party and then find a cozy corner where the two of you can chat.
You can also try to hang out one-on-one in casual settings. For example, grab a cup of coffee together after school.
9. **Initiate touch whenever possible.** If you're having trouble getting a guy to notice you, try touching him whenever possible. This can help him think of you in a more romantic sense. For example, when you're having coffee together, try brushing his arm slightly when you're talking. Lean into him a little while you're watching a movie together.
Do something flirty and playful, like tussling his hair.
Hug him on occasion. A cozy hug once in awhile can eventually lead to more.
10. **Try asking him on a date indirectly at first.** Many people feel more comfortable transitioning into dating gradually. Try asking him what he's doing this weekend and, when he responds, suggest something the two of you could do together instead. For example, "Bowling sounds fun this weekend, but I have tickets to this concert if you want to go with me."
Try asking him for advice on somewhere to go, and then ask him to go with you. For example, say: "Where do you get good pizza in this town?"
When he answers, say something like, "Oh, cool. Hey, since you like that place, maybe we could go together."
11. **Make the first move.** If he's not getting the hint, don't be afraid to make the first move! Many guys actually appreciate when a potential romantic partner makes the move for them. Guys are shy too, so don't be afraid to make the first move.
Remember, this guy is your friend. This can help take some pressure off.
A friend is more likely to be polite and let you down easy, as well.
12. **Take your time.** When asking him out, go at your own pace. Rushing through things can make you look nervous, making you both feel anxious in the situation. You want to start things off in a good place, so slowly work your way up to asking him out when the time comes.
Do not rush through your words. When the two of you do interact one-on-one, allow conversation to happen naturally for a bit before making your move.
If you're feeling nervous, take a few deep breaths to calm yourself.
13. **Be direct.** If indirect invitations aren't working, it's time to be bold about your feelings. Simply say something like, "So, I feel a strong romantic connection with you. Would you like to go out on a date some time?" You want to proceed with your relationship, friendship or otherwise, with no confusion.
While this may feel very bold, many people appreciate it when you're straightforward.
You can also emphasize how important his friendship is to you. You could say something like, “I really do love being your friend and if you aren’t into me in a romantic way, I just want you to know that I am happy with just being friends. Nothing about our friendship will change. I want to continue having fun with you and being your friend.”
14. **Prepare for possible rejection.** You cannot control someone else's feelings. Even if you've done everything "right," there's still a chance your guy friend just won't see you in that way. Remember this hurt will fade with time. While it seems like the end of the world now, you will eventually get over these feelings.
15. **Stay strong.** Everyone gets rejected at some point, so don’t let it affect your confidence. Besides, even if he doesn’t feel romantically about you now, that doesn’t mean he’ll always feel that way. Stay positive! No matter what happens, it doesn't reflect negatively on you as a person. You are awesome, with or without him! | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Guy-Friend-Want-to-Date-You", "language": "en"} |
How to Get a Shower Done in 5 Minutes or Less (Girls) | It’s difficult to be efficient and disciplined enough to take a shower in 5 minutes or less. Especially if you’re a girl and have long hair, going through your whole hair routine that quickly can be a challenge, particularly if you also do things like shave your legs during your shower. Even though it may seem impossible to do everything in under 5 minutes, there are several ways to pace yourself as your showering, as well as things that you can do before or after the shower to save time.
1. **Turn on the shower in advance.** If you’re trying to cut your shower time, you can start before you even get in the water. If it takes a long time to get the warm water running, turn the water on a minute or so in advance.
Instead of standing around and waiting for the shower to warm up, you can brush your teeth, plan your outfit, or do other things to pass the time so that your waiting time doesn’t feel like part of your shower.
2. **Get your toiletries ready.** A good way to ensure that you don’t waste time in your shower is to get organized. If you have a lot of products crowding your shower rack, pick out the toiletries that you use on a regular basis and place them in an easily accessible part of your shower.
3. **Set up a reward for yourself.** One thing that can motivate you to speed up your shower is to set up a post-shower reward. This can be effective tool because getting out of a warm shower is easier if there is something there to motivate you.
Sometimes the dread of feeling the cold air can make you dilly dally in the shower. If your house is cold, make sure you have a warm clothes waiting for you when you get out.
You can also set up coffee to brew or hot chocolate to heat up while you are taking your shower as motivation to get out.
4. **Turn on a short playlist.** A shower playlist is a great way to time your shower in a low-pressure and fun way. Put together a playlist that is five minutes long or a few seconds within 5 minutes. This playlist will help you pace your shower so you know roughly how much time you have left.
Try to pick upbeat music as opposed to sad, slow songs. Listening to slow songs while showering can make you move in a slower pace while you shower.
5. **Turn on a five minute timer.** If you want to take timing your shower one step further, turn on a stopwatch or a cooking timer right as you start the shower and keep it in an easily accessible place next to the shower.
You can also use a waterproof clock or wristwatch so that you can prop it up in the shower and keep your eye on it.
If you don’t have a waterproof clock, place it on the sink or somewhere that you can see it if you pull back the shower curtain. This way you can check on the time if you want to during the shower.
6. **Set up a firm routine.** Having a regular shower routine can keep you at a steady pace and on schedule. Try to do your shower activities in the same order so that you don’t even have to hesitate or think about what you are doing.
7. **Do two things at once.** Try to maximize the time that you have in the shower by consolidating some of your shower activities! For instance, you apply and rub shampoo into your hair, then wash your body while you let the shampoo cleanse your hair. Once you finish washing, you can rinse the shampoo out of your hair and then apply your conditioner, then multitask in a similar way while the conditioner soaks into your hair.
8. **Use a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner.** Shampooing and conditioning your hair is often what takes the largest chunk of time in the shower, especially if you have particularly long hair. To cut the time it takes to wash your hair, use a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. These products can be equally as effective as using two separate products, and they can shave off a significant amount of time from your shower.
9. **Time each shower routine.** Another great way to keep on schedule is to decide roughly how long you want to spend on each shower activity. For instance, you may decide to spend two minutes applying shampoo and washing your body, one minute rinsing out your shampoo and applying conditioner, and two minutes finishing washing your body and rinsing out your conditioner.
10. **Turn down the water temperature.** If you’re really serious about shortening the time of your shower, consider turning down the temperature of the water midway through the shower. A hot, luxurious shower can be difficult to get out of, but if you turn down the water temperature to a temperature that is not as comfortable, it can be a powerful motivation to get out quicker.
Never turn the water to a temperature that is too uncomfortable. Instead, turn the water from hot to lukewarm, rather than freezing.
11. **Don’t wash your hair every shower.** If you shower every day, remember that it’s not necessary to wash your hair during every shower. In fact, most experts agree that most people do not need to wash their hair every day, and that daily washings can strip essential oils from your hair that keep your hair and scalp healthy.
Unless you have a very oily scalp or exercise and sweat a significant amount, you probably don’t need to wash your hair every day. Try to wash every other day instead.
Not washing your hair can cut your showering time significantly, even by half.
To keep your hair fresh in between washes, you can use a dry shampoo to minimize oil. Though dry shampoo can be helpful occasionally between washes, you shouldn't depend on it to take the place of actually washing your hair.
12. **Save activities for after the shower.** Some people wash their face or even brush their teeth in the shower. These are both things that you can do outside the shower so that you don’t waste your precious shower time. Brush your teeth either before or after taking the shower, and wash your face directly after the shower as opposed to before since the heat of the water helps to open up your pores.
13. **Shave the night before or after your shower.** Shaving your legs and underarms can take a long time, especially if you do a careful and thorough job. Instead of shaving while you are in the shower, consider shaving the night before.
To shave the night before, sit at the edge of your shower and wet your legs, underarms, or wherever else you may regularly shave with warm water. Apply shaving cream and shave carefully, adding water or shaving cream to any dry areas as needed.
Shaving while sitting down can allow you to do a better and more thorough job than you might do while in the shower while you are standing. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Shower-Done-in-5-Minutes-or-Less-(Girls)", "language": "en"} |
How to Choose a Front Door Color | Painting your front door can add an extra splash of color to your home. Picking the right color, however, can sometimes be tricky. You can choose a color that compliments other colors on the exterior of your home, a color to reflect your personality or style, or a color that matches with your home's style.
1. **Consult the color wheel.** You can find a color wheel online. The color wheel shows which colors best compliment one another. Choose a color that will look good with the exterior color of your home.
For a monochromatic style, you can pick several shades of the same color. For example, a red house could be paired with a red door of a slightly different shade.
For a light contrast, select a door color about 3 shades away from the color of your home, siding, or another exterior color.
If you want complimentary colors, go for colors on the opposite sides of a color wheel. For example, choose a yellow door if you home is colored in a purple shade.
2. **Try a bright color to contrast with neutral shades.** If your home is a neutral shade, this gives you a lot of freedom when choosing a door color. You can use your door as an opportunity to add color to a duller home. For example, a yellow door can add a bright, welcoming touch to a home painted in a shade like gray.
3. **Evaluate the colors of your neighborhood.** You may not want your home to stand out too much in the neighborhood. You do not want your home to look too strange or out of place. Make a quick drive through your neighborhood and check out other people's front doors. See if there are certain or color schemes that seem to be more acceptable.
For example, you may notice red is a popular color in your area. If you see a lot of red doors, consider this color for your own front door.
If you want to stand out just a little, pick something that fits with the color scheme but is unique. If most red doors tend to be very bright, go for a shade like burgundy.
4. **Think about matching with subtle exterior colors.** You do not have to match strictly with the color of your paint or siding. Look for subtle exterior colors found outside your home. For example, maybe the porch rails are painted yellow. You could make a yellow door to match to draw everything together. You could also look at the trim near your home. Pair a blue door with a blue trim.
Or, match the color of your front door to the color of your garage door to tie everything together.
5. **Think about colors you would personally like.** Your own tastes can help you determine the best color door for you. What colors do you personally like? If your favorite colors would go well with your home, think about choosing one of your favorite colors for your front door.
Make sure the color is fitting, however. You may have to alter your favorite color to match your home's color scheme. Consult the color wheel.
For example, maybe your home is painted light green. If your favorite colors are bright floral shades, like fuchsias and purples, this may not go great with a lighter green. However, a light pink is also a floral shade and would match better with a green house.
If your home is done in muted shades, you might want to pick a high-gloss saturated color to make your door stand out. Or, pick a bold color in a muted tone to complement the other muted colors in your home.
6. **Go for bolder colors if you want a dramatic look.** If you want your door to be very noticeable, think about a bolder shade. Oranges, purples, and very bright blues can make for dramatic shades. If your personal style tends to veer towards the bold, think about a bright and somewhat unusual color.
Be careful not to verge on gaudy though. When select a bold shade, do not go too bright or fluorescent. This may look too out there for a front door.
7. **Try yellow or blue for a welcoming home.** Yellow and blue shade tend to look welcoming. People are drawn to these kind of friendly and inviting colors. If you want a home that looks hospitable, opt for a yellow or blue shade for your door.
Yellow and blue colors can pair very well together. If you have a blue home, a yellow door can look great.
8. **Blend green with exterior colors for a natural look.** If you want your home to give off a natural vibe, use green. Green will blend with outside foliage. Lighter greens tend to be work best for a subtle effect.
This works best if there are a lot of trees and plant life outside your home.
9. **Opt for a dark color for a sophisticated feel.** A bold, black door looks great on a modern home. Other dark colors, like navy, plum, and burgundy, lend an air of sophistication to your home. If you decide to go this route, make sure the color goes with the style of your home.
10. **Try a richer, deeper color for a traditional home.** More traditional styled homes, like Victorian homes, pair better with richer, deeper colors. Something like black, navy, or dark red would pair well with a more traditional home. It may be a good idea to stay away from brighter, modern colors.
Old-fashioned farmhouse-style homes, however, are an exception. They often have brightly colored doors, such as a red door on a white farmhouse-style home.
11. **Go for something brighter if your home is a neutral color.** Many homes that were built recently are done in neutral colors. This means something brighter could work well as a front door color. Think about bolder shades like bright reds, yellows, and blues.
12. **Evaluate your home's geographical or period influences.** A house that's meant to look like it belongs in a certain era or place may look better or worse with certain colors. Think about the geographical region or time period your home evokes and look up houses from that place or time. See what door colors are traditionally used.
An English Tudor style home, for example, may not look great with pastels.
Homes designed with a Mediterranean style in mind may pair well with turquoise.
Pastel blue or pink would work well for a cottage-style or small, retro home. A pop of fun, fresh color can help your door stand out.
13. **Do not be afraid to break tradition.** There are no hard and fast rules for painting a door. If you're attached to a particular color, you may be able to make it work even if it clashes slightly with your house's style. Don't be afraid to break convention to get what you really want.
For example, if you want a bright purple door, but your house is an older style, think about sticking to the purple but compromising. A rich and deep purple, for example, could pair well with a house with an older style.
14. **Select exterior paint.** You need exterior paint for your door so that it is resistant to weather and moisture. You may also want to choose a combination paint-and-primer so you don’t have to prime the door separately.
15. **Opt for a high-gloss paint if you want a bold finish.** High-gloss paint tends to stand out more than paint with a matte finish. However, it also shows damage to the door, brush strokes, and fingerprints more easily.
16. **Stick with a matte finish for a basic look.** Most front doors are coated with paint that has a matte finish. It won’t be as shiny, but it does disguise brush strokes and fingerprints better. It also tends to be more subtle and blend in better with your existing paint. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Front-Door-Color", "language": "en"} |
How to Convert Square Meters to Square Feet and Vice Versa | Almost every country in the world uses the metric system of measurement, including square meters to measure area. The United States is a big exception, though, relying on square feet to measure its kitchens and lawns instead. Converting between the two measurements is as simple as multiplying by the right conversion factor.
1. **Multiply square meters by 10.76.** One square meter (m) is about equal to 10.76 square feet (ft). To convert from m to ft, multiply the number of square meters by 10.76. For example:
5 square meters= 5 m x 10.76 /m= 5 x 10.76 ft= 53.8 ft
Notice that the m units on top and bottom cancel out, leaving only ft in the final answer: 5 m x 10.76 /m
2. **Multiply square feet by 0.093.** One square foot is roughly equal to 0.093 square meters. To convert square feet to square meters, just multiply by 0.093:
400 square feet= 400 ft x 0.093 /ft= 37.2 square meters.
3. **Understand what this means.** Square meters and square feet are two ways to measure the same thing: area. If you cut out a square of paper one meter long and one meter wide, it has an area of one square meter. Similarly, a square of paper one foot long and one foot wide has an area of one square foot. The conversion "1 square meter = 10.76 square feet" means that 10.76 of your paper "square feet" would fit over one paper square meter.
If you have trouble visualizing the decimal, picture 10 square feet fitting over one square meter, with a little space left over. The extra space has an area of 0.76 square feet.
4. **See if your answer makes sense.** It's easy to accidentally use the wrong formula, especially if you have a lot of conversions to do. After you find your answer, compare it to your original measurement to see if you made a mistake:
If you converted from square feet to square meters, your answer should be a smaller number than the original number.
If you converted from square meters to square feet, your answer should be a larger number than the original number.
5. **Check on an online calculator.** These aren't the easiest numbers to memorize, but you can easily look them up online if you forget. It might even be enough to enter something like "convert 8 square meters to square feet" into a search engine directly to get the answer.https://www.calculateme.com/area/square-meters/to-square-feet/
This is also more accurate than multiplying by hand, since it uses more precise values. (For instance, 1 square foot = 0.092903 square meters, or 1 square meter = 10.7639 square feet.) Most of the time, though, multiplying by hand will give you a "close enough" answer.
6. **Remember that length and area are different.** One common mistake is confusing units of length (feet or meters) with units of area (square feet or square meters). These are different units, and have different conversion formulas. If you're ever confused about which one to use, remember this:
Length uses "one dimensional" units because it only has one measurement: put the ruler down once and you're done.
Area uses "two dimensional" units because you need to measure twice. For instance, a square has both length and width, and you need to multiply them together to find the area.
7. **Learn to convert feet to meters.** If you have a length measurement in feet, you can only convert it to meters. (You cannot convert it to a square meter, which is a unit of area.) To convert between feet and meters, multiply the measurement in feet by 0.305.
For example, a snake that is 2 feet long is (2 ft) x (0.305 m / ft) = 0.61 meters long.
8. **Convert meters to feet.** To convert the other way around, multiply the length in meters by 3.28:
A 4 meter tall wall is (4 m) x (3.28 ft / m) = 13.12 ft. high.
9. **Convert a square meter by using the length conversion twice.** There aren't separate length and area conversions just to confuse you. Just as you multiply two length measurements to find the area of a square, you can multiply by the length conversion twice to turn it into an area conversion. Walk through it with this example:
Let's say you want to convert one square meter into square feet. You've forgotten this area conversion, but you remember the one for length: 1 meter = 3.28 feet.
Draw a square and label the length and width 1 meter each.
Since 1 meter = 3.28 ft, you can cross out both meter measurements and write "3.28 ft" instead.
To find the area of this square, multiply the length and width: 3.28 ft x 3.28 ft = 10.76 sq ft .
Notice that this is the same as the area conversion: 1 square meter = 10.76 square feet. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Convert-Square-Meters-to-Square-Feet-and-Vice-Versa", "language": "en"} |
How to Make Crate Shelves | Crates can be turned into useful shelving with relatively little effort. This can save you money on store bought shelving while allowing you the freedom to get creative with the design and color scheme. Prepare your crates for assembly by coming up with your design and sanding the crates smooth. Assemble the crate shelf by screwing crates together. Fasten the shelf to a wall for added stability. Add dividers or casters to your shelf to further improve the shelves.
1. **Plan a simple bookshelf design.** You won't know how many crates you'll need to buy or scavenge until you plan out your crate shelf. Think about how many rows of crates wide your shelf will be. Crates can be stacked one on top of the other to add height to a shelf. Keep track of the total number of crates.
Same sized crates can be stacked side by side, with additional crates stacked on top to form a bookshelf shape. Singly stacked crates will make a simple bookshelf design.
2. **Create shelves with a gap in the center.** Fasten two crates together to form an L-shape. One crate should stand on its end and the other lay flat. Similarly, two other crates can be fastened like a 7. The L and 7 shapes can then be attached at the top and bottom to make a unique shelf with a gap in the middle.
It may help you to visualize a design by drawing it out. With a pencil and paper, draw simple boxes to represent crates. Arrange these to your preference.
3. **Look for inspiration for crate shelf designs online.** When trying to think up a neat design, looking at the designs of others can help. Check Pinterest or do an online keyword search for “crate shelves.”
Bookmark websites that have designs you like so you can find them easily again. Combine your favorite features into a single design all your own.
4. **Keep shelf sturdiness in mind when planning your shelf.** Some designs may look good on paper but aren't safe in reality. If you're a beginner, you may want to start with a simple bookshelf design, as it is relatively stable.
5. **Gather your supplies.** Most of these supplies can be bought at your local hardware store. Crates are sold at many craft stores, hardware stores, and home centers. Choose sturdy, unfinished, wooden crates. Including the crates, you'll need:
1-inch (2½ cm) screws
Drop cloth (or a similar cover, like newspaper, plastic tablecloth, or an old sheet)
L-bracket (x1; to attach the shelf to a wall)
Lint-free cloth (x2)
Paintbrushes (optional)
Power drill (and drill bits)
Primer and paint (or wood stain; optional)
Sandpaper (medium grit, between 60 and 100 rating)
Unfinished wooden crates
6. **Ready your work area.** Choose a flat, sturdy, level surface, like a work bench. You can create an outdoor workbench by lying a sheet of plywood between two sawhorses. Lay out a drop cloth or similar cover over your work area to catch sawdust and stray paint or wood stain.
Paint and wood stain fumes can build up dangerously in enclosed spaces. Because of this, choose a well-ventilated workspace if you plan to paint or stain your crate shelves.
7. **Sand** Rub sandpaper in the same direction as the grain of the wood with firm, moderate pressure. When the wood is smooth, sand the next portion. Continue this until all of the crates are smooth.
Wipe the crates with a lightly dampened, lint-free cloth to remove sawdust and dirt. Follow this with a dry, clean, lint-free cloth.
The grain of the wood is the direction formed by the natural lines in the wood. Follow these natural lines with your sandpaper to achieve the best finish.
This process may take an hour or longer depending on the condition of your crates and the total size of the shelf. Speed this process up by using a belt sander or orbital sander.
8. **Paint** Prime wood first before painting for the best results. Wood stain can generally be applied directly to clean, sanded wood. For most wood stains, you should wear gloves when applying it to prevent it from staining your skin.
Allow painted shelves to dry fully before assembling your shelf. This time will vary depending on the paint or wood stain used. Check the label of your product to determine the drying time.
Follow the label instructions on your paint or wood stain to achieve the best results. In many cases, you may need to use several coats to produce an even finish.
9. **Screw the shelf together.** Arrange the crates in your planned design. Inspect the crates for stability. When the crates are in place, fasten the crates together with screws. Two screws connecting each crate to its neighbor at its corners should do the trick.
Keep the crates steady while fastening them together. Crates screwed in incorrectly will be easily noticeable. Have a friend or family member hold the crates in place as you fasten them.
10. **Test for stability and reinforce the shelf with screws, if necessary.** Apply gentle pressure with your hand to test the balance of the crate shelf. Press on the inner parts of the shelf with gentle pressure. Increase pressure gradually. Add screws to crates that feel like they need more support.
11. **Attach the shelf to a wall with an L-bracket for added stability.** Measure the total height of your crate shelf with a tape measure. Mark this height on the wall where the shelf will be positioned. Screw the bracket into the wall so it can fasten the shelf to the wall. Screw the bracket into the top of the shelf.
To prevent the shelf from damaging your wall, anchor the L-bracket into a stud. Find studs with a studfinder or other simple techniques.
Crate shelves can be somewhat light. If you don't intend to fill your shelf with heavy items, like books, an L-bracket will keep your shelf from falling over.
12. **Attach casters for a rolling shelf.** Crate shelves that are only a single crate high make excellent shoe storage spaces or as cubbyholes. Make these portable by attaching casters to the bottom four corners of the shelf. This can also be done larger crate shelves, like those shaped like bookshelves.
Casters or similar wheels can be purchased at your local hardware store or home center. These are generally attached by fastening the caster to the wood with screws.
13. **Cover low, sturdy shelves with fabric to make a seat.** Cut a length of fabric 2 in (5 cm) larger than the top of your shelf on all sides. Align the fabric's edge with a corresponding outer edge of the crate. Attach the fabric along the edge with staples. Repeat this along three of the four sides. Stuff cotton into the cover through the open edge. Staple this edge closed when enough stuffing has been added.
Check your crates for sturdiness before adding a comfortable fabric cover. The crate should easily support the weight of a normal person.
14. **Make compartments in your shelf with dividers.** Cut a piece of plywood to fit inside your crate and insert it to create dividers. Use wooden planks to make slatted dividers. Fasten dividers in place by screwing them into the crate at the top and bottom.
15. **Finished.** | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Crate-Shelves", "language": "en"} |
How to Harvest Dates | Dates grow on date palm trees, which can make them difficult to harvest. Some palm trees grow 75 feet (23 m) or more. To harvest them, watch for the ripe, brown fruits. If the tree is tall, you'll need to climb it to harvest the fruit. Once they're harvested, store them in the refrigerator or freezer to help extend their life.
1. **Look for soft, brown fruit.** Dates are ripe when they start turning brown. They'll also be slightly soft to the touch. Once you start seeing these changes, it's time to pick the ripe fruit.
Very immature dates will be green. They'll turn pinkish or orange as they are starting to get riper.
Dates will ripen off the tree, so if your dates are being eaten by birds, you may want to harvest them early.
You can also put netted bags over the fruit to keep the birds from eating them.
2. **Check for wrinkles.** As dates ripen, they also start to wrinkle. They almost look like a large raisin. When checking for ripe dates, look for wrinkles, as well.
3. **Look for ripe dates throughout the season.** Dates ripen at different times. To maximize how many dates you get off the tree, you need to check it at least once a week for ripe dates.
Watch for the pink-orange fruit, as they will ripen in about a week.
4. **Climb the tree.** The dates grow near the top of the tree, underneath the fronds. Grasp the triangular-shaped bark for handholds. You may want to use gloves. Many date-pickers climb barefoot, but that may not be a good idea if you're not used to it. If you do wear shoes, pick ones where you can get a good grip while climbing.
Another option is an electronic tree lift, which allows you to go up and view the dates without climbing the tree. It also allows easier access to the dates, as they hang outward away from the tree.
5. **Consider using a harness to climb the tree.** To protect yourself while climbing, use a harness. Date trees get very tall, and a harness can stop your fall. Basically, these harnesses are similar to climbing harnesses. However, you'll use a static rope instead of a stretchy dynamic rope.
A certain type of knot, the Blake's Hitch, creates friction and stops you if you begin to fall.
You should also use a climbing helmet, which you can find at most sporting goods stores.
Typically, tree harnesses have better seating and more padding than climbing harnesses since you spend more time in them.
6. **Pull gently on the date to pick it.** A ripe date will simply pull off its stem with very little resistance. Pick dates one at a time so you don't bruise or damage them by yanking too many at once.
Check throughout the season to harvest the ripe dates.
If you don't have a lift, you may need to cut the stalks off before harvesting.
Some dates, particularly those classified as "soft" dates, are very fragile. You can't just toss them in a bag. You need to gently place them in a container. Medjool dates, for instance, are considered soft dates.
7. **Cut the stalk off once most of the dates have ripened.** Near the end of the season, all of the dates on the frond will ripen. At that point, it's easiest to cut the stalk down, and harvest the dates from it off the ground.
To cut the stalk, take a sharp knife or machete to the base of the stalk near the tree. Hold on to the stalk as you cut, then lower it to the ground.
8. **Allow unripened dates to ripen in the sun.** Spread out the yellow-pink dates on a tarp on a hot day. Leave them out there until they turn brown and soft so you know they're ripe.
If you're worried about birds, you can cover the dates with a light mesh.
Alternatively, you can ripen dates by putting them in a brown paper bag.
9. **Rinse the dates and freeze them for at least 24 hours.** Once the dates are off the trees, run them under water to rinse off anything that might be on them. Let them dry in a single layer, and then gently put them in a container to freeze for 24 hours.
The freeze takes care of bacteria that might be on the fruit.
10. **Keep fresh dates at room temperature for a few days.** Fresh dates, like Bahri dates, are somewhat different from the more dried varieties of dates. You can keep them at room temperature for a few days, though they will ripen more as they sit.
Dates are considered a dried fruit, but they aren't actually dried. They come off the tree that way.
11. **Refrigerate dates up to a month.** Dates can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge. They will stay tasty for about 30 days using this method. After that time, they may still be edible, but they may not taste as good.
Air is the enemy of dates, so place a layer of thin plastic on top of the dates if there's extra room in your container.
12. **Store dates up to a year in the freezer.** Dates have a much longer shelf life in the freezer. Put them in ziplock bags and push all the air out before placing them in the freezer.
To thaw dates, remove them from the freezer a few hours before you want to use them.
Another way to thaw dates is to place them in lukewarm water for 30 minutes. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Harvest-Dates", "language": "en"} |
How to Become an Extreme Coupon Shopper | Using a coupon or two can help you save a small amount of money during your weekly shopping trip, but being an extreme coupon shopper can save you much more. Extreme coupon shopping involves diligently gathering many coupons and matching them up with sales and other promotions to maximize your savings. Some extreme couponers are even able to get products for free, or more rarely, receive money back from the store for shopping. Getting started as an extreme couponer involves finding the right coupons, organizing them in a way that works for you, and redeeming them to maximize your savings.
1. **Subscribe to the Sunday newspaper.** The Sunday paper is the traditional go-to place for coupons, since it tends to have several coupon inserts.
When you're just getting started, you might be happy with one copy, but true extreme couponing requires more than one copy of each coupon. Most extreme couponers need at least four copies of the newspaper, so to avoid purchasing so many papers, ask neighbors, friends, or family for their inserts if they will not use them.
Another way to get extra inserts is to check coffee shops. People often leave newspapers there when they are finished reading them, and not many people take the coupon inserts.
Don't be afraid to go dumpster diving for inserts. In some areas, stores recycle their unsold papers with inserts, so check recycling bins outside of places like Starbucks on Monday mornings. Sometimes the newspaper itself does not use all the inserts and throws away many copies. Serious couponers know that the newspaper office dumpster can be a goldmine on Sundays.
2. **Look for printable coupons online.** Sites offer many manufacturer coupons that you can print out at home. You can choose which ones you want and only print the ones you will use.
Some popular coupon sites include www.coupon.com, www.redplum.com, or www.smartsource.com.
If there is a certain product you need a coupon for, try doing a Google image search for the product name plus the word coupon (for example, "toothbrush coupon") or a more specific search if you want a certain brand or type.
You can also check manufacturer websites, sign up for emails from companies and manufacturers, and check retailer websites for current coupons.
You can even find coupons on wikiHow! Check out our coupon site for all sorts of great deals.
3. **Purchase coupons.** If you know you are definitely going to make use of a coupon, buying it for less than its face value can be a good way to save money.
You can purchase copies of coupons at online at sites like The Coupon Clippers or eBay. You can buy single coupons or whole newspaper inserts.
You can also check your local Craigslist or Freecycle website for people selling or giving away coupons. Be sure that if you do buy coupons from a stranger, you meet up with them in a public, well-lit place like a local grocery store or bank. Never give them your home address and never meet up after dark or in a secluded location.
4. **Check your grocery stores for store coupons.** Many grocery stores are learning the value of offering small discounts on products and have begun to offer coupons in the store itself.
Many stores have devices that give out in-store coupons in the aisles or next to product displays. Some stores also have their own coupon booklets.
Some stores print out coupons on the back of or in addition to your receipt at check-out. In this case, of course, you'll have to use the coupons at your next visit.
5. **Make a coupon binder to hold all your coupons.** Using a binder will allow you to easily see all your coupons and when they expire. It is very portable and can be easily taken with you in the grocery store.
One popular way to organize coupons is to use baseball card sheets in your binder. These clear plastic sheets have openings sized just right so you can slip the coupons in and out easily.
6. **Group your coupons for easy access.** You can group your coupons any way you wish within the binder, but finding a way that works for you is key to a manageable extreme couponing experience.
Some coupons make sense to organize by store. If your coupon is only good at a particular retailer, it makes sense to group it with other coupons for that retailer so that you don't forget to use it while you're there.
Most other coupons make sense to organize by type: dairy, produce, meat and snacks for example. If you're very organized, you can then organize the sheets themselves based on the path you walk through the grocery store (shelf-stable foods and households goods first, then produce, then refrigerated and frozen goods last).
7. **Consider other ways to organize within the sheets.** The more organized each sheet of coupons is when you go to the store, the easier it will be to find the products you need, remember what you are combining, and make a successful purchase.
On a given sheet, put coupons you definitely plan to redeem at the top of the page. Organize the rest by expiration date so that you won't forget to use them before they expire.
If you don't know for sure which coupons you will use, file coupons as whole inserts. Instead of clipping coupons and filing them individually, you will file whole inserts together. If you have 4 of the same insert, file them all together. When it is time to use your coupons, you can just clip the ones that you will need.
8. **Use a spreadsheet.** A spreadsheet can help you organize the coupons you have and the savings you accrue, so you will learn what strategies work best. If you're familiar with Microsoft Excel, using formulas can make the process much simpler.
Some people use spreadsheets to keep track of each individual coupon, but that can be tedious. Instead, aim to track your total savings at each store. Use headings on the spreadsheet such as date, store, total savings, and total spent in the transaction.
Use Excel SUM formulas to total each column as you go. Fill in the amounts after every shopping trip and let Excel do the rest of the work for you. You can visit popular couponing website Krazy Coupon Lady at http://thekrazycouponlady.com/tips/couponing/extreme-couponing-tip-tracking-savings-spreadsheets/ for a free downloadable spreadsheet.
9. **Check your local store policies.** Stores vary in how many coupons they will accept and under what circumstances, so you need to know before you go in and spend a lot of time gathering products. Read the store's website and/or ask the store manager what their policies are regarding coupons.
Many stores will accept up to four identical coupons for a single purchase. For instance, if you have four $1 off Colgate coupons, you can use all four and save $4 on a single tube of toothpaste, which essentially will make the tube free. Still other stores, like Target, will allow one manufacturer coupon and one retailer coupon per item.
Other stores, however, will only allow one coupon. These stores are not the best for extreme couponing as you only get a great deal if you have a very high value coupon.
The best stores for extreme couponing will accept more than one coupon and will also double the value of coupons. This means if the coupon is for $.25 off, they will value it as $ .50 off. If they do double, make sure to find out if there are any limits on doubling, or if they only double on certain days.
10. **Know what to ask.** Since store policies vary, its important to keep a running list of every store you frequent, along with answers to questions about their specific store policies.
Check to see if the stores offer any kind of discounts for seniors, students, or military.
Ask if they will price match competitors' ad prices and accept a coupon for the item on top of that.
If a store does "BOGO" or buy-one-get-one free sales, ask if you have to buy two products to get the sale price. For instance, some stores will advertise BOGO shredded cheese, but actually you can choose to just buy one bag and get it at 50% off. Other stores require you to buy both bags of cheese to take advantage of the sale. Either policy is good, but the first policy allows you to take advantage of coupons on top of the sale and enjoy a larger percent savings.
11. **Match up your coupons with store circulars.** In order to maximize your savings, you need to combine sales, promotions, and coupons. For instance, if Target is having a special sale of a particular brand of yogurt for $2 and it is normally $3, you can use your two $1 off coupons and get it for free.
Decide which coupons are worth redeeming. Its not a good deal if you are buying a product you don't need and won't use, unless the item is shelf-stable. Coupons are really only worth redeeming if you would be buying the product regardless, or if the savings will make the product virtually free and you can give it to someone else.
Check your weekly circulars for items that are on sale. Match up the coupons that you have with the items that are on sale. If you have multiples of the coupon, get as many of that item as you can, as long as the item is nonperishable. This will allow you to stock up on items so that you will never have to pay full price for something if you run out. Take advantage of matching sales with coupons at stores that allow you to double coupons.
Look for "buy-one-get-one" deals and use a coupon on that. Some stores will allow you to use a coupon on the 2nd item that is discounted, so you can get even more savings.
12. **Make your plan.** Depending on the types of coupons that you have gathered and the promotions at stores, you can take a couple of extreme couponing approaches:
Doubling: Some stores will match the value of a coupon, so that you end up saving double the face value of your coupon. This is an especially good strategy if the coupon value is high and the item itself is on sale.
Stacking: Some stores will allow you to use a manufacturer's coupon and a store coupon.
Store-specific policies: Some stores will allow discounts for students, military, or senior citizens. Some will price-match other stores.
13. **Expect bizarre reactions.** Many extreme couponers experience negative or surprised reactions from sales clerks and other customers when they buy many identical items, and sometimes face resistance to complete the sale.
Sometimes cashiers are unaware of their own store's policy and will refuse to do a transaction. If you have read the store's policy, its a good idea to politely ask to speak to the manager.
Occasionally, even a manager will refuse to allow a transaction that is within the company's policy. In that case, you don't have much recourse except to try another store.
You can mitigate some of these reactions a bit by timing your shopping trip for when the store is very slow (try 8 am on a Tuesday for example), instead of timing it for rush hour or a weekend when your coupon redemption process will hold up the line at check-out. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Extreme-Coupon-Shopper", "language": "en"} |
How to Clean inside Shoes to Remove Odor | Stinky shoes and insoles are common, but still unpleasant—what can you do to clean the insides of shoes? It turns out there are a ton of easy DIY tricks to make your shoes smell as good as new! We’ve put together a helpful list of ways to clean inside shoes so you don’t have to worry about bad smells following you around in your favorite footwear. If you’re ready to oust the odor, read on!
1. **Baking soda is an odor neutralizer that kills bacteria.** Sprinkle some baking soda inside the shoes and leave them for a few hours or overnight. In the morning, shake the baking soda out or use a small vacuum to remove. This will help take out some, if not all, of the smell.
If you just want to treat just the insoles, remove them and place them in a large plastic bag with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of baking soda. Shake up the bag and let it sit overnight. Wipe off the baking soda with a clean cloth.
For maintenance, try sprinkling some baking soda into your shoes after each wear to keep them fresh.
2. **Vinegar is a natural disinfectant as well as a deodorizer.** In a spray bottle, create a mixture of half water and half distilled white vinegar. Spray the interior of the shoes and let them air dry thoroughly for about 30 minutes. Repeat as needed.
If you’re in a hurry, speed up the drying time with a hair dryer.
Alternatively, dampen a clean cloth or paper towel with distilled white vinegar and thoroughly rub the insides of your shoes. Let the shoes air dry completely.
To treat removable insoles with vinegar, soak them in a mixture of 1 part hot water and 2 parts distilled white vinegar for several hours and air dry.
3. **If your insoles come out, a simple wash can kill your shoe odor.** Mix equal parts water and detergent in a small bowl to make a paste. Remove the insoles and gently scrub them with a clean cloth dipped in the paste. Rinse with cold water and let them air dry completely, preferably in the sun.
Scrub with an old toothbrush or nylon brush in place of a cloth if preferred.
Alternatively, place the insoles in a pillowcase or delicate laundry bag and throw them in the washing machine. Use regular laundry detergent on a delicate cycle, then air dry.If you’re deodorizing athletic shoes, you can toss the entire shoe in the wash without damaging it.
4. **For mild odors, fresh air and sunlight can do the trick.** Leave your shoes by an open window (or outdoors if you have a protected space and the weather is nice) for a day or two to thoroughly dry out. The sun’s UV rays will kill bacteria, and the fresh air will carry the odor away.
5. **Extreme cold can kill odor-causing bacteria.** Place your shoes in a clean freezer bag to prevent germs from spreading to your food. Leave them in the freezer for up to 48 hours to let the cold do its work. This works especially well for shoes or insoles that got wet when they weren’t supposed to (like leather or suede).
6. **Dryer sheets are a cheap and easy way to deodorize shoes and insoles.** Cut up or fold 1 or 2 dryer sheets per shoe and leave them inside overnight to soak up any bad smells. Fabric softener sheets work too!
7. **Newspaper is great at absorbing excess moisture and removing odors.** Crumple an old newspaper into balls and stuff your shoes with them. Let the paper sit inside the shoes overnight. When you take the paper out in the morning, the smell will be gone.
Try adding a few drops of an essential oil like vanilla to the newspaper for a refreshing scent.
8. **Rubbing alcohol is a strong disinfectant as well as an odor remover.** Pour some rubbing alcohol on cotton balls and place them inside your shoes. Leave them to sit for a few hours or overnight. When you remove them, your shoe smell will be gone!
Alternatively, pour some rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and mist the inside of your shoes for the same deodorizing effect.
9. **Black tea has antibacterial properties because it contains tannins.** To put them to work in your shoes, boil 2 black tea bags for about 3 minutes. Remove the bags and let them sit for 5 minutes. Place them in your shoes for about 3 hours and your shoes will smell fresh once more.
The bags will probably leave your shoes somewhat damp. Wipe them with a clean cloth after you take the bags out and let them air dry completely.
Alternatively, leave dry, unused tea bags in your shoes overnight to remove most, if not all, of the odor.
If the tea bag leaves a faint stain in white or light-colored shoes, scrub the spot with warm water and liquid laundry detergent while it’s still wet to remove.
10. **Cat litter has amazing deodorizing and liquid absorbing properties.** Pour some litter into a pair of loose socks or pantyhose and let it sit in your shoes overnight. The litter will eliminate any lingering moisture and bad smells. Toss the socks along with the litter, or wash them to reuse later.
If you don’t want to mix litter with your socks, sprinkle clean litter directly into the shoes. In the morning, dump it out and wipe the insides with a cloth.
A pet deodorizing spray can also work to eliminate tough shoe odors.
11. **Orange peels smell fresh and are great at soaking up foul odors.** Treat yourself to a tasty orange but keep the peels. Throw them in your shoes instead of the trash and let them sit overnight. In the morning, you’ll be treated to citrus-scented shoes!
12. **Your favorite essential oils will mask any odors coming from your shoes.** Put 3 to 5 drops directly into each shoe. If you don’t want the oils to touch your shoes directly, put a few drops onto crumpled newspaper balls and let them sit overnight or add drops to your water and vinegar spray.
Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, orange, and lemongrass smell great and have antibacterial and antifungal properties. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Inside-Shoes", "language": "en"} |
How to Apply Lip Stain | Tired of having to reapply lipstick all the time? Use lip stain instead. It lasts much longer, and is also smudge-proof and waterproof. Applied correctly, it can also make your lips appear both full and smooth. This article will show you how to apply lip stain effectively. It will also give you a few tips and pointers on how to get that full, plump look as well.
1. **Find a lip scrub.** A lip scrub will help buff away dead skin cells and make your lips appear smoother and plumper. It will make applying the lip stain a lot easier. If you don't have a lip scrub at home, or don't have time to run out and buy one, you can make your own by combining 1 part honey, 1 part sugar (white or brown), and 1 part oil (almond, coconut, jojoba, or olive) in a small dish.
You should only use lip scrub occasionally and as needed. It's great for sloughing off dead, peeling skin, but it can also damage the delicate tissue on your lips if you overuse it.
2. **Exfoliate your lips with the lip scrub.** Apply the scrub to your lips using your fingers. Gently massage your lips using soft, circular motions. A few seconds is all you need. If you have very chapped lips, however, you might need to exfoliate them for up to two minutes.
3. **Wipe the lip scrub off with a damp towel.** Soak the corner of a clean, soft towel with warm water. Squeeze out the excess moisture from the towel, then gently wipe the excess lip scrub off your lips.
4. **Buff your lips with a soft toothbrush as an alternative to scrubbing.** Use a clean toothbrush. This is great for circulation and can help make your lips appear more plump and full.
Consider getting a separate toothbrush for lip buffing purposes.
Don't both buff and scrub your lips. Buffing is the better option, as it's gentler.
5. **Pat your lips dry.** Take a soft towel, and gently pat your lips dry with it. You are now ready to start applying your lip stain.
6. **Apply a thin coat of lip balm.** Allow the balm to soak in to your lips for 10 minutes. If you're in a hurry, allow it to soak in for at least a minute before wiping away the excess.
7. **Get out your desired color of lip stain.** Depending on how your lip stain is packaged, you may also need a lip brush. Lip stain can come in a bottle with an applicator, in a small jar, and in a small tube.
If the lip stain comes in a small jar, you will need a lipstick brush.
Even if your lip stain comes with an applicator, you'll have more control over it if you use a brush.
If you plan on doing some layering and contouring later on, choose a lighter shade.
8. **Start applying the lip stain to your bottom lip.** Simply start at one corner of your lip, and drag the applicator or brush to the middle of your lip. Then, start at the other corner and slowly drag the applicator or brush to the middle to connect your line. Follow the curve of your bottom lip. Once you have your lip outline, fill the center part in with more lip stain.
9. **Smack your lips.** Pull your lips inward, so that you can't see them, and then pop them. This will help transfer some of the excess lip stain from the bottom lip to the upper lip.
10. **Finish applying the lip stain to your upper lip.** Start applying the lip stain at the top of your lip. Make an "X" to define your cupid's bow, then use your applicator or brush to trace from each corner to the "X". If needed, touch up the color to make sure the entire lip is covered.
11. **Blot your lips with a tissue or paper towel.** Take a tissue or paper towel, and fold it in half. Place it between your lips. Close your lips and pull them inward. Open your lips and discard the paper towel. This helps get rid of any excess lip stain. It also helps make your lip stain look more natural.
If you'd like, you can wear lip stain under your favorite lip stick, as long as the colors match. That way, if your lipstick wears off throughout the day, it won't look patchy.
12. **Choose a brighter and darker shade of lip stain.** You will be applying brighter shade to the outline of your lips, to make them "pop." You will be applying the darker shade to the inner part of your lips to add depth. Combined, this will make your lips appear fuller and plumper.
13. **Start outlining the inside of your lips with the brighter lip stain shade.** Keep the lip stain inside your lip line, not outside. The innermost part of your lips should still have the lighter lip stain color. Outline the inside of both lips.
For a sharper, crisper look, use a lipstick brush to apply the lip stain—even if it comes with an applicator.
Follow the basic process discussed above, except when it comes to defining your cupid's bow. Instead of making an "X", trace it into a "V".
14. **Blend the lip stain shade in with a lipstick brush.** Once you have outlined your lips using the brighter shade, go over your lips with a lipstick brush. Focus on the transition line, right where the two shades meet. This will create a smoother transition, and make your lip stain look more natural.
15. **Apply the darker shade to center part of your lips using a lipstick brush.** Gently dab the lip stain on using a soft, tapping motion. Focus the color on the inner part of your mouth, and work your way to the center of your lips.
16. **Consider adding a dab of shimmer on the center of your bottom lip.** This will help make your lips appear plumper. Choose a light pink, shimmery shade, and tap it onto the middle of your bottom lip. You can also add a dab to your cupid's bow. This will help give your lips that final touch of luscious fullness.
You can also use a little bit of a glossy lip plumper right in the center of your lip, if you prefer. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Lip-Stain", "language": "en"} |
How to Season Lentils | Lentils are a hearty, delicious, and meat-free option to consider for your meals. While plain on their own, these legumes can be prepared in many ways. When preparing a fancier dish, you can season your lentils with a variety of herbs, spices, and other foods. Figure out what flavors you like in order to make your lentil dishes as delicious and varied as possible!
1. **Use a bay leaf to add a slight mintiness to your lentils.** Don’t mistake bay leaves for your run-of-the-mill fallen leaf. While a more unconventional seasoning method, bay leaves are a subtle but effective way to add a soft, mint-esque flavor to your food. Some people also think that bay leaves give off a pine-like flavor.
These are best used when seasoning soups or stews, since they have to be removed before the lentil dish is served.
Add 1 bay leaf per 2 cups (400 g) of dry lentils.
2. **Include rosemary to give your lentils a woodsy flavor.** Add an earthier element to your lentils by sprinkling some fresh or dried rosemary over them. Rosemary is especially potent when making lentil stews and soups, since the flavor gets stronger when the rosemary is left to simmer for longer. If you don’t want to use it as a seasoning ingredient, consider using rosemary as a garnish for your lentils.
Don’t overdo it with rosemary. Even if you love the flavor in your lentils, start with a small amount before adding in anymore.
Add 2 tsp (1.12 g) of freshly chopped rosemary for every 1 cup (200 g) of lentils you include.
3. **Add oregano to give your lentils a slight lemony taste.** Try using oregano to add an element of citrus into your lentil recipes. Although viewed as one herb, oregano actually has 2 popular strains: Mexican and Mediterranean. For lentils, opt for the Mexican variety, as it sports a sharper, lemony taste.
Mediterranean oregano tastes different depending on the exact place it originates from. For example, Italian oregano doesn’t pack as much of a punch as Turkish oregano.
Use 1 tsp (1 g) of dried oregano for every 2 cups (400 g) of lentils you include in the recipe.
4. **Opt for dill to make your lentils taste fresh and clean.** Include a special tang in your lentil dishes by using some fresh or dried dill. While well known for its use in potato dishes, try freshening your lentils with this herb instead.
If you’re planning on making a lentil dip, consider including a pinch of dill for a fun punch of flavor!
5. **Put in some chives to add some onion flavor.** Set the stage for a sharper flavor palette by including chives. This herb allows you to experiment with onion flavors without as much of the difficult (and sometimes tearful) kitchen prep. If you’d rather not use chives in your lentil recipes, consider using them as a decorative garnish.
If you’re using an especially dense ingredient (i.e, a hearty cheese) with your lentils, try balancing it out with some chives.
6. **Use cumin if you want your lentils to taste robust and smoky.** Incorporate some of the flavors of Indian cuisine into your lentils by using cumin. Although it looks fairly unassuming in its container, cumin adds a smoky punch to most dishes it’s included with, including lentils. Opt to purchase cumin in ground form if you’re planning on using it to season your lentils frequently.
Cumin is often used with coriander in different lentil recipes.
Include 1 tsp (2 g) of cumin for each cup (200 g) of lentils used in the recipe.
7. **Try using coriander to incorporate a lemon-esque taste in your lentils.** Add coriander if you’d prefer to use subtler spices in your cooking. While often a partner-in-crime with cumin in many recipes, the light, slightly sour elements of coriander help to take the edge off of stronger spices, like cumin. When you go to the grocery store, keep in mind that coriander is sold in both seed and powder form.
Before turning it into a powder, roast coriander while it’s still in seed form. This adds more flavor and to the spice when you add it to your lentils.
Aside from cumin, coriander is often paired with turmeric powder, as well.
Add 1 tsp (1.8 g) of ground coriander for every cup (200 g) of lentils you use in a recipe.
8. **Add color and flavor to your lentil dishes with paprika.** Don’t forget about paprika—although it’s not as obvious as cumin or other potent spices, paprika still plays an important role in the seasoning process. Unlike most neutral-toned spices, paprika can add a bit of color to your lentils. Overall, it’s definitely not pungent, but it serves as an excellent garnish for many foods.
Although it’s almost always seen in powder form, paprika originally comes from a pod. Use about 1 tbsp (6.9 g) for each cup (200 g) of dried lentils included.
9. **Include cinnamon in savory lentil dishes to have an extra layer of flavor.** Open your mind to the possibilities that cinnamon can offer to your lentil dishes. Although associated with sweet foods, cinnamon can also have a more savory flavor when used in the proper context, like curries or lentil dishes. If you’re making a soup or stew, consider letting a cinnamon stick simmer in the lentils during the cooking process.
Make sure that you keep all of your cinnamon away from the heat in a dark cabinet.
Add ½ tsp (2 g) of cinnamon into your recipe for every ¾ cup (75g) of lentils included.
10. **Insert some spice into your lentils with cayenne pepper.** Add cayenne pepper if you want to include a little fire in your lentil dishes. While lentils don’t have a sharp, powerful flavor on their own, cayenne pepper helps add some personality when used as a seasoning.
Unless you have a high spice tolerance, use cayenne pepper sparingly. Start by using ½ tsp (0.9 g) of cayenne pepper for every cup of lentils included in the recipe.
11. **Add garlic cloves for a sharp, tangy taste.** Use garlic in mashed, minced, or whole form to add a sharp and savory flavor to your lentils. While garlic on its own can be pretty overpowering, small amounts can help season your lentil dishes and take them to the next level. Make sure that garlic cloves you use aren’t too old. If a green stem is visible inside of each clove, consider switching to a new bulb.
If you plan on using garlic a lot, consider investing in a garlic clove presser.
12. **Use lemons to add a zing to your lentil dishes.** Add lemon juice or rind to add a subtle sourness to your lentils. Aside from giving your dishes a boost of vitamin C, lemon juice helps appeal to your sour palette. Lemons (and lemon juice) are a great ingredient to have on hand, as they work in a wide variety of recipes.
For example, a Moroccan spiced lentil soup uses lemon juice for a more subtle flavor, as opposed to the wide variety of other spices that the recipe calls for.
13. **Include some raw ginger to add a little spice to your lentils.** Break the sweet flavor barrier by seasoning your lentils with fresh ginger. Overall, ginger is an incredibly versatile cooking ingredient—while it comes powdered, some of its greatest flavors come to light while it’s still fresh. Depending on the recipe, you might be dicing or mincing the fresh ginger. Regardless, it’s sure to add a sweet, tangy after though to your lentil dishes!
Even though its associated with Asian cuisine, fresh ginger root can be found at most grocery stores.
14. **Mix in some onions to add a sharp flavor to your lentil recipes.** Chop or dice some onions to include in your lentil dishes for a subtly sharp flavor. Since onions aren’t as potent as garlic, you can sue them more liberally in your recipes. Play around with different types of onions, like vidalia or red, until you find your favorite!
Onions are also known to have heart benefits, and are also a great way to include antioxidants in your meals! | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Season-Lentils", "language": "en"} |
How to Check Blood Sugar of a Cat | Keeping your cat’s blood glucose levels under control requires careful monitoring of your cat’s behavior and occasional testing of its urine. You may also need to take your cat to the veterinarian for a blood glucose test, or perform a blood glucose test on your cat at home. If you suspect a problem, call your cat’s veterinarian and make an appointment as soon as possible.
1. **Monitor how much your cat is eating to assess its appetite.** If your cat is not eating all of its food, or seems extra hungry and devours everything you put in front of it, then this is a sign that its blood sugar may be uncontrolled.
Check the manufacturer’s recommendations or ask your veterinarian how much to feed your cat.
2. **Check your cat’s fluid intake to determine if it's thirstier than usual.** Excessive thirst is also a sign of uncontrolled blood sugar. If you notice that your cat is drinking more water than usual, tell your vet.
For example, if your cat normally consumes about 3 fl oz (89 mL) of fluid in a 24 hour period, and its intake has doubled, then this could indicate a problem.
Ask your cat’s veterinarian if you are unsure about how much water your cat should be drinking daily.
3. **Measure your cat’s urine output to see if it is urinating more than normal.** If your cat is urinating more than usual, then this is also a good indication that its blood sugar is not controlled. Check your cat’s litter box to see if it is putting out a larger volume of urine than they normally do.
To get an accurate measurement of your cat’s urine output, use clumping litter and weigh the clumps after scooping them out each day.
Keep in mind that your vet may also suggest doing a daily dipstick test on your cat’s urine to make sure there is glucose in its urine and it is safe to administer insulin.
4. **Weigh your cat twice per month to see if its weight is fluctuating.** Cats with uncontrolled blood sugar are also prone to rapid weight changes. If your cat suddenly loses or gains a pound, then take it to see your vet.
5. **Purchase glucose test strips from a drug store.** The same glucose urine test strips that humans use will work for testing the glucose levels in your cat. These strips detect the amount of glucose in urine when you dip them into it, so they are easy to use and less invasive than testing your cat’s blood.
Keep in mind that urine testing is not a reliable way to determine how much insulin to administer. It will only indicate if it is safe to give your cat its normal dose of insulin.
6. **Fill your cat’s litter box with a non-absorbing litter.** The urine needs to stay in liquid form for best results, so remove the absorbent litter from your cat’s box and replace it with something that will not soak up the urine. It is best to use something that resembles litter so that your cat will still want to use its box. Some good options include:
Commercial non-absorbing cat litter
Aquarium gravel
Styrofoam packing peanuts
7. **Dip a test strip into fresh urine in the litter box and read it.** After your cat has urinated in the box, take a new test strip and dip it into the pooled urine. You may need to tilt the box slightly to get all of the urine into a corner so that you can dip the strip into it. If the test strip shows that glucose is present in the urine, then it is safe to administer your cat’s normal dose of insulin.
Use a litter scoop to move the non-absorbent litter material to the side if it is in your way.
8. **Replace the non-absorbing litter with regular clay litter after testing.** Throw away the non-absorbing litter and put your cat’s regular litter back into the box after you test its urine. The non-absorbing litter is only meant for temporary use.
Make sure to put fresh, clean litter into your cat’s box. Do not reuse old litter.
9. **Check your cat’s blood sugar as often as your vet recommends.** Your cat’s veterinarian will advise you about how often you need to check your cat’s blood glucose and how to go about it. Since a single test may not provide helpful information unless your cat’s blood sugar is too low, a 24 or 12 hour curve test is often required to show how effective your cat’s current insulin dose is and whether it needs to be adjusted. This type of test requires a blood sample every 1 to 2 hours.
10. **Talk with your veterinarian before using a blood glucose test.** If you want to test at home, ask your cat’s veterinarian about it first. They can recommend a monitor and instruct you on how to use the device on your cat. You can purchase a special blood glucose monitor meant for cats. These are easy to use and relatively inexpensive.
Keep in mind that checking your cat’s blood glucose levels at home may not be necessary if your cat’s blood sugar levels are under control. You can always bring your cat into the veterinarian’s office for routine checks or if something seems off.
11. **Administer the test before or 6 hours after your cat’s last meal.** When you need to administer the test will depend on what your vet is checking for. You may need to test before your cat has eaten if your vet is concerned about high blood sugar, or 6 hours after your cat has eaten if your vet suspects low blood sugar. Eating raises your cat’s blood glucose levels, so it is important to wait until your cat has processed its food to test.
For example, if you need to wait until 6 hours after your cat last ate, and your cat last ate at 6:00 am, then wait until 12:00 pm to test.
12. **Draw blood from your cat’s ear or a toe pad.** Both of these locations are acceptable for drawing blood for a blood glucose test. Only a small drop of blood is required. Press the device against your cat’s ear or toe pad and press the button to extend the lance and draw the blood.
It is important to keep your cat calm while you take the test, so choose the location that seems less bothersome to your cat.
13. **Read the results.** The device should provide a read of the blood glucose level within a couple of minutes. The normal range is between 75 and 120 mg. If your cat’s blood sugar levels are within this range, then it is normal. If the number is above or below this range, then it is abnormal. Call your cat’s veterinarian to set up an appointment.
For example, a blood sugar level of 60 would be considered low. A blood sugar level of 130 is considered high.
Be aware that perfect blood sugar will not be possible because you cannot constantly monitor and administer micro doses of insulin to your cat. Your cat’s blood sugar will sometimes fall outside of the normal range and that is okay as long as your cat is healthy otherwise. Talk with your vet if you have concerns.
14. **Take your cat to the veterinarian for a blood glucose curve test.** Multiple blood draws and readings may be required to determine if your cat is suffering from uncontrolled blood sugar or diabetes. If you have concerns about your cat’s behavior or if you get an abnormal reading on one of the tests you do, then call your veterinarian to set this up.
Your cat may need to stay at the veterinarian’s office all day or overnight. The test requires a blood sample every 1 to 2 hours over an 8, 12, or 24 hour period. The samples provide your veterinarian with more data to help them make a diagnosis. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Blood-Sugar-of-a-Cat", "language": "en"} |
How to Buy a Weapon in Red Dead Redemption | Red Dead Redemption is a 2010 Western adventure video game developed by Rockstar Games and published for the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3. The game features a plethora of weapons that can be bought at different gunsmiths across the game world. Prices for most guns fluctuate according to their attributes (power, range, rate of fire, reload speed), which can be viewed before purchasing them. Some weapon prices also change in accordance with the players' level of honor (high or low, depending on the store). Wearing the "Savvy Merchant Outfit" can further reduce prices on certain guns. Below is a guide explaining how to purchase weapons and showing the location and price of each weapon you can buy in the game.
1. **Pause the game and choose "Map" from the menu.**
2. **Scroll around the map to find a town.**
3. **Zoom in to a town and look for a gun shop.** When you zoom in, store icons appear, telling you what kinds of services are available. Gunsmiths are represented by a "pistol" icon.
4. **Travel to a town with a gunsmith.**
5. **Walk into the gunsmith and speak to the shopkeeper.** This brings up an item list with "Buy" and "Sell" at the top. Select "Buy."
6. **Purchase a weapon from the item list.** Thrown weapons such as dynamite, fire bottles, and throwing knives can be purchased at any gunsmith after you first acquire each item by completing certain sections of the game.
7. **Travel to each of the following towns to buy the specific guns they have in stock:** The Armadillo Gunsmith has a Volcanic Pistol for $100; a Double-Barreled Shotgun for $300, or $150 to $75 if you have high-enough honor; and a Winchester Repeater for $350.
The Thieves Landing Gunsmith has a Sawed-Off Shotgun for $500, or $250 if you have low-enough honor, and a Springfield Rifle for $300.
The Escalera Gunsmith has a Semi-Automatic Pistol for $300, or $150 if you have high-enough honor; Semi-Automatic Shotgun for $1000, or $500 if you have high-enough honor; and a Bolt-Action Rifle for $750, or $375 with high-enough honor.
The Blackwater Gunsmith has a Mauser Pistol for $800, or $400 with high-enough honor ($1200 if you have low-enough honor);Evans Repeater for $1000, or $500 if you have high-enough honor ($250 if you have the Savvy Merchant Outfit equipped); and Carcano Rifle for $1000, or $500 if you have high-enough honor ($225 if you have the Savvy Merchant Outfit equipped). | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Weapon-in-Red-Dead-Redemption", "language": "en"} |
How to Wear a Pocket Watch | Many years ago, pocket watches were common accessories in men's fashion. Pocket watches are still available for purchase and many are handed down as heirlooms. If the pocket watch style is right up your alley, have your heirloom watch repaired or purchase one new or used. Then you can include it in outfits by doing things like keeping it in a pocket and looping the chain through a buttonhole.
1. **Decide between a new or used watch.** Each has its advantages. New pocket watches are likely to work for a long time without trouble. They also represent the latest in pocket watch design. Used watches, on the other hand, offer a great variety of antique designs, motifs, and finishes.
New watches are likely to be more expensive than used watches. However, collectable pocket watches, even if used, can still be pricey.
Avoid buying used pocket watches over the Internet. In many cases, you won’t be able to tell how well it will work or its size.
2. **Select your preferred design and metal.** Pocket watches come in an astounding variety of designs, so you should take your time finding the right one for you. There are also many materials watches are made of and finishes; pick the one that suits your tastes best.
Traditional pocket watch designs usually contain things like woodland scenes, monograms, and simple repeating patterns.
Contemporary watches feature more recent designs, like cartoon characters, paranormal scenes, and pop culture references.
Silver is often preferred by modern buyers, as it goes well with most color combinations, is resilient, and has a lustrous finish. Other common metals include brass, gold, and steel.
3. **Buy a chain when necessary.** Chain weight and weave are a matter of individual taste. A fine, thin chain is useful when dressing to the nines. Thick, durable chains are most suitable for day-to-day activities.
Chains usually end in a claw, hook, or spring-loaded catch. These allow you to hook your pocket watch to a pocket, belt, or waist hem.
Instead of a hook or catch, some chains end with a decorative fob, like a small metal medallion. This kind of chain works well with vests.
Generally, the chain and watch should have the same finish. Choose a steel chain for steel watches, and so on.
4. **Add a strap or fob.** If you plan to wear your pocket watch in a pants pocket instead of in a vest, consider attaching a leather strap or watch fob to it. These are generally sturdier than watch chains, and convey a rugged, casual look.
You can also purchase a leather holder to attach to your belt loop. This will hold the watch outside your pants for a bolder statement.
5. **Wear your watch traditionally.** Sometimes also called “the classic,” this look has the pocket watch carried in vest pocket. The watch chain is usually passed through a buttonhole and then draped in the opposite pocket or clipped to that pocket.
If you are right-handed, the watch should go in your left vest pocket, and vice versa. This allows you to draw the watch while leaving your dominant hand free.
Some wearers of the classic loop the chain around a button after passing it through a buttonhole. This version is ideal for displaying decorative chain fobs.
6. **Keep your watch in a pants pocket for a casual look.** Your watch might also work well in the pocket of a pair of shorts. The chain can clip to the top of the pocket, the waistline, or a belt loop. This look works best with watches that have a larger face.
Watches with a smaller face or ornate designs on the face can be difficult to read. Unless the chain is long, you'll need to unhooking it for a closer look.
7. **Carry watches in a work clothes pocket.** Pocket watches were never just the domain of the rich. Although that is how we perceive them today, there was a time when anyone whose job required them to know the time carried a pocket watch.
Try an unusual retro look with overalls. Your pocket watch will go in the front bib pocket.
Chains with fobs can be wrapped around an overall button; clips can attach to a hemline.
This look works best with a rugged, heavy chain. A heavy chain will also be able to stand up to the abuse of heavy work best.
Complete your ensemble with a loose-fit collared work shirt, a newsboy cap, and chunky construction boots.
8. **Use your pocket watch to add theatrical flair to outfits.** Because a pocket watch is such a bold statement, it can be a useful accessory for themed outfits. Watches can be stowed in the pockets of costumes, cosplay outfits, or to show your membership in a subculture.
The kind of outfit will determine where you attach the hook or fob of the watch. Hemlines are sturdy, which works great for hooks. Fobs can pass through buttonholes and around buttons.
An unusual fob or chain can really spice up your everyday watch and chain, which will make it seem like a natural part of the costume.
Since pocket watches are associated with wealth and conservatism, try wearing one in the jeans vest of a punk outfit to make a statement.
9. **Wear watches like a necklace for feminine appeal.** When pocket watches started becoming more affordable in the mid 1800s, women wore smaller watches as necklaces. Replace your chain with some ribbon and tie a simple knot to make a pocket watch necklace.
Slide chains were also popular for turning pocket watches into necklaces. Being more ornate, slide chains are ideal for formal events.
Unless the ribbon or chain is especially long, it'll be difficult to read your pocket watch while wearing it as a necklace, but at least you'll have a unique necklace.
10. **Wind mechanical watches.** All but the newest pocket watches will run between 24 and 28 hours per wind. High-grade and newer models can last between 36 and 48 hours. Regardless of what type of pocket watch you own, most springs are intended to be wound daily.
Try to wind your watch every morning or evening so it becomes part of your daily routine. You’ll be less likely to forget to wind your watch this way.
Stem-wind watches are wound by twisting the ridged crown at the top of the stem, usually in a clockwise direction. As it winds, you should hear a clicking, “ratcheting” noise.
Key-wind watches will have a small hole inside the inner lid of the watch case. In the hole will be a square metal winding arbor (similar to a peg). A key goes on the arbor to wind the watch.
11. **Wipe off dirt and oil from your watch on a regular basis.** A soft, lint-free cloth, like one made from microfiber, is suitable for gently lifting skin oil and dirt off of metal surfaces. Buff the watch with the cloth to clean the metal. Do this every time you are done wearing it.
When the metal of your watch dulls or tarnishes, use a tiny bit of suitable metal cleaner while buffing with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Remember to wipe down the inside faces of the watch and its case with your dry cloth. If your watch case has hinges, gunk tends to accumulate here.
12. **Polish your watch** Many watches tarnish or become scuffed around the edges, though many of these imperfections can be removed with polishing. Buy some metal polish and use a soft, lint free cloth to gently clean the watch according to the polish directions.
Polish is generally formulated for a specific kind of metal, so you’ll need to know what your watch is made of before polishing it.
If you don’t know the material your watch is made of, take it to a jeweler or watch repair person to find out. While you're at it, ask what kind of polish you should use to clean your watch at home.
If your watch has grooved etching or engraving on it, clean these with polish as well. Cotton swabs are useful for dealing with nooks and crannies.
13. **Use a chain and fob regularly to keep your watch safe.** Always make sure the watch fob or chain is securely attached to the watch before wearing it out. The other end of the fob should be hooked to a hemline or a sturdy part of your clothing (like belt loops).
14. **Take broken watches to be repaired.** Heirloom watches may not always work, or may work inconsistently. The internal workings of pocket watches are very delicate, so you should always take broken ones to a respected watch repair person or jeweler.
Some mail-in watch repair services offer competitive rates, but you should always verify that it's well respected. Be on the lookout for bad reviews and customer complaints.
Many, though not all, jewelers also repair timepieces, like pocket watches. Look up local jewelers online and call to ask if they can fix your watch.
Broken or irregularly running pocket watches can still be worn as accessories, but it’s likely you’ll feel silly when you “check the time.” | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-a-Pocket-Watch", "language": "en"} |
How to Become Miss World | From elegant makeup to glimmering dresses, competing in beauty pageants is the closest a girl can come to feeling like royalty. One of the most prestigious beauty pageants in the bunch is the Miss World competition. Not only does the pageant focus on the staples of beauty and talent, Miss World encourages girls to become well-rounded by encouraging world involvement and global activism.
1. **Ensure you meet gender requirements.** While men have the option to compete in the Mister World pageant, you must be legally identify as a woman in order to compete in Miss World. Transgender or cisgender women can compete.
The rules on who can compete vary from country to country. Some countries specifically require applicants to be a cisgender woman. Be sure to thoroughly check the rules that apply to you.
2. **Verify your citizenship in the country you wish to represent.** While it is not necessary to have been born in the country you are representing, you must possess legal documentation of citizenship. Citizenship can be obtained through permanent residency or via naturalization.
3. **Apply for the Miss World competition between the ages of 17 and 27.** Be sure to verify cut-off dates, which can vary country by country. Some countries will allow you to participate in preliminary competitions as long as you will be the appropriate age by the date of international show.
Specific age requirements also vary by country. The United States requires its applicants to be between 18 and 26 years old.
4. **Ensure your title as a “Miss” by being unmarried and childless.** Most countries define being single as unmarried in any capacity, including religious, tribal or civil. Ireland also regards legally unrecognizable ceremonies as a disqualifying factor.
5. **Prove yourself as an upstanding citizen by having a clean legal record.** Miss World requires its applicants to have had no legal troubles or criminal record in the past. Countries are also strict on reputation and general presence, requiring that individuals not bring shame upon themselves, their country, or the competition at large.
Countries like Canada also define that a candidate cannot have produced explicit photos of any capacity at any point in their life.
6. **Familiarize yourself with pageantry by watching competitions.** Whether you watch on television or observe in person, be sure to study how a pageant works. This will help you understand what tends to work out well in a show, and what can cause problems.
Don’t just focus on the competitions that make headlines. Check for pageants in your local area and visit them. If possible, talk to some of the competitors and see if you can get any advice on how to develop your own routine.
7. **Put your knowledge to the test by competing in a local pageant.** Now that you have an idea of what to expect from a pageant, learn by doing and put yourself on the stage. There’s no better way to learn your personal limits than by testing them.
Not everyone has a coach or parent that’s enthusiastic about pageantry. If you have questions about how to enter a competition or what to bring to the table, do some research on how to enter a beauty pageant.
You can also turn to other girls with similar aspirations. Combine your knowledge and work together to establish a path to your goals.
8. **Apply for your position as a national representative.** Some applications are as simple as putting in your contact information, age, and photo. Other applications require more explicit details such as street address and current occupation.
Always be sure to check the specific requirements for your country or region. If they aren’t immediately obvious, reach out to the pageant organizers for your country and see if they can point you in the right direction.
Some countries may require you to pay a fee in order to apply. The United States requires $250 to apply, plus a $10 filing fee.
9. **Prepare to define just what you'll bring to the competition.** During your qualifying interview, you will be establishing what you can bring to the table as both a national and international representative of Miss World. While some interviews may come as part of the pageant itself, other countries like the United States skip the pageantry altogether. Countries like these will use applicant photos and their video interviews to select their Miss World candidates.
Activism and worldliness is practically a requirement for Miss World. Be prepared to detail how you’ve been involved in the world and what you've done for the local or global community. You will be expected to present an activism project if you qualify for the Miss World competition.
10. **Ready up for several more pageants.** Where the United States judges based solely off of interviews, other countries have national, even regional competitions in order to decide their representative for Miss World.
Not every pageant is explicitly for Miss World. Miss South Africa is a competition that simultaneously decides both Miss Universe and Miss World. The runner-up of Miss South Africa will go on to represent the country in Miss World. Be sure you know what you’re getting into and what your country’s expectations are.
Expect to be tested just as you would at the national level. This may include being judged on talent, fitness and worldliness.
11. **Prove your beauty inside and out.** “Beauty with a Purpose” is the summation of the Miss World competition’s activism. The women participating in Miss World assemble projects to raise money and awareness for disadvantaged people throughout the world. Topics have ranged between clean water initiatives, fundraising after natural disasters and providing utilities for communities without them. Finalists in the beauty with a purpose competition automatically advance to the final round.
12. **Engage with the digital world around you.** The women in Miss World are encouraged to be active on social media, and can even net themselves a spot in the finals depending on their quality of content. Be sure to keep your accounts not just active, but engaged with people and the environment you live in.
13. **Blow the judges away with your impressive talents.** If you have a unique ability or hobby, you might be able to dance your way into another fast track award. Be sure you stand out from the crowd by doing something only you can do.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. While competitors have presented talents as common as singing and dancing, others have carved out more unique paths by presenting abilities in categories like sand art..
14. **Strut your stuff in the modeling competition.** Contestants are judged on their glamour and stage presence while wearing ball gowns. Try to put together something that uniquely represents not just you, but the background you come from.
If you don’t love the way you look when you’re out on the beach, there’s no need to worry. Miss World has completely done away with the swimsuit competition.
15. **Prepare to sweat in a physical fitness examination.** Competitors from every country are put through a vigorous exercise routine in order to establish their level of physical fitness. The winner of this competition will be able to sprint ahead of the pack by earning a berth in the finals.
It’s not all about personal fitness though. The winner of the sports competition is selected from the victors in a team competition. Never forget to support your fellow competitors.
16. **Advance through the head to head competition by showing your inner beauty.** Whether or not you win during a fast track event, there’s still a chance to move on. During the head to head challenges, competitors are asked a variety of questions about their backgrounds. Expect to answer questions about what you’ve done for your home country, and how you’ll take that to a global scale. Viewers from around the world can then vote, with a select number moving on to the final competition.
Like with other categories, the amount of competitors that move to the next level of competition varies by the amount of people competing.
17. **Impress the judges in the final.** Now that you’ve made it all the way, you’ll be judged on your overall performance. Here is where all of the aspects of the competition come into play. Everything you have displayed so far, from talents to fitness and everything in between, will put you in consideration for the title.
You do not have to have won a fast track competition to win the title of Miss World. In 2016, Miss Puerto Rico was crowned Miss World, though she had not won any previous fast track events. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Become-Miss-World", "language": "en"} |
How to Stop a Dog Chase from Becoming an Attack | Being chased by a dog can be a scary experience. If the chase becomes an actual attack, the experience can be even scarier. A dog will not attack unless it feels threatened. If a dog sees you as a threat and starts chasing you, you can take certain measures to reduce the chances of the chase becoming an attack.
1. **Stand still and stay calm.** If a dog is chasing you, standing still is probably the last thing you think you should do. You may feel like you’re now an easy target for the dog. However, standing completely still is one of the best things you can do to stop the chase from becoming an attack. Stand with your arms to your sides, like a tree.
If you think you’ll be tempted to move your arms if they’re at your sides, fold them across your chest. It’s important not to flail your arms around—this could agitate and excite the dog even more.
When you stand, turn your body to the side so you can see the dog from the corner of your eye.
2. **Do not make eye contact with the dog.** As you stand, do not look directly into the dog’s eyes. If you make eye contact, the dog may interpret the stare as a direct threat, increasing the likelihood of an attack. If the dog walks in front of you, try looking downward or to the side.
3. **Tell the dog to go away.** A dog intent on attacking wants its target to be stressed and afraid. If you are calm, still, and assertive, the dog will be much less likely to attack you. As you are standing still and staying calm, firmly say ‘Go away!’ to the dog. Do not yell the command, since this could agitate the dog.
Say the command just loudly enough so the dog gets the message that you are not afraid of it.
You can also give the dog regular commands, like sit, down, and stay. If the dog has received obedience training, it may respond to these commands.
Most dogs will turn and leave at this point, once they realize that showing aggression isn’t enough to scare a person off. If the dog does not leave, continue to stand still and avoid eye contact.
4. **Back slowly away from the dog.** If the dog calms down and doesn’t attack you, breathe a huge sigh of relief! Don’t let your guard down just yet, though. The dog may wait until you turn your back on it to attack you. Back away slowly until the dog is out of your sight.
5. **“Feed” something to the dog.** If the dog does not back down and proceeds to attack you, it’s time to go into protective mode. To keep the dog from biting you, give it something else to bite, such as a purse, backpack, or anything else you can quickly throw at the dog. Doing this will distract the dog and put distance between you and the dog.
If you’re wearing a long sleeve shirt, try to get your arm out of the sleeve and have the dog bite the sleeve as you take the shirt completely off. While the dog is distracted, back slowly away and get to safety.
If you're walking your dog when you're approached by another dog, throw your dog's treats at the other dog.
6. **Curl into a ball on the ground.** If you have fallen on the ground during the attack, quickly curl into a tight ball. Cover your ears with your hands and remain still and silent. Curling into this position will protect your face, chest, and throat. These areas could suffer serious damage from dog bites.
The throat has major blood vessels (jugular vein, carotid artery) that could bleed a lot if damaged by a dog bite. The chest contains vital organs, like the heart and lungs.
Curling into a ball mimics playing dead, which will not be threatening to the dog.
Most dogs will stop the attack and leave the area once a person has curled into a ball.
7. **Do not pull away from the dog.** If you are curled up on the ground and the dog starts biting, you will probably want to pull away. However, pulling away could actually cause more damage, since your skin could tear while you pull away. It will be hard for you to stay still, but do your best to do so.
Stay still until the dog has stopped attacking you.
Yell for help if you can. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-Dog-Chase-from-Becoming-an-Attack", "language": "en"} |
How to Detect Appendicitis During Pregnancy | Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. It is the most common condition in pregnancy that requires surgery "as a cure," and it occurs in about 1/1000 pregnancies. Pregnant women generally experience appendicitis during the first two trimesters of pregnancy; however, it can also occur in the last trimester. If you are pregnant and worried that you may have appendicitis, see your doctor right away.
1. **Know the common symptoms of appendicitis.** These include:
abdominal pain often starting centrally near your belly button and gradually shifting over a few hours towards the right side (this is the most worrisome sign that likely indicates appendicitis)
nausea and/or vomiting (beyond what you may have experienced in conjunction with pregnancy)
fever
lack of appetite.
2. **Monitor any pain you feel.** The most reliable sign of appendicitis is pain that starts out dull in and around your belly button and, after a few hours, shifts over to the right side and becomes more intense.
The "classic" appendicitis pain is located two-thirds of the way between your belly button and your hip bone (this spot is called McBurney's Point).
If you have appendicitis and try to lie on the right side of your body, you will feel the pain more strongly. You may also feel pain when you stand or move.
Some women experience pain when they stand because they have an overly stretched round ligament (something that can occur during pregnancy). However, that sort of pain goes away within a few moments. Appendix pain, on the other hand, does not go away, so this is how you can distinguish them.
3. **Be aware that you may feel pain higher up in your body if you are in your third trimester.** Women who are 28 weeks pregnant and up will feel pain right under the lowest rib on their right side. This is because as your child and your womb grow, your appendix gets moved. Instead of it being located between your belly button and right hip (in McBurney's Point) it will move up your abdomen so that it is pushed right below the right side of your ribcage.
4. **Pay attention if the pain you feel is followed by vomiting and nausea.** As you most likely know, vomiting and pregnancy go hand-in-hand. However, if you have appendicitis, you will feel pain first and then you will vomit (or the nausea and vomiting will be worsened as compared to what they were previously).
Also, if you are later along in your pregnancy (after the initial vomiting stage has passed), nausea and vomiting are much more likely to indicate something else going on like appendicitis.
5. **Be aware if you suddenly develop a fever.** When you have appendicitis, a low grade fever usually develops. A low-grade fever by itself is not too much of a cause for alarm. However, it is really the combination of fever, pain, and vomiting that should concern you. If you experience all three of these symptoms at once, you should go see your doctor.
6. **Monitor any paleness, sweating, or lack of appetite that you experience.** Both sweating and paleness can be brought on by the nausea and fever you have when your appendix becomes inflamed. You will also lose your appetite - this happens to anyone experiencing appendicitis, regardless of whether they are pregnant or not.
7. **Stay calm and prepare for the visit to your doctor.** Going to the doctor, especially in a stressful situation like this one, can be nerve-wracking so it is best to know what you are going to experience. The abdominal exams your doctor will perform are listed in the following steps.
It is best to see a doctor in the emergency room. Appendicitis is a condition that should be treated promptly if you have it, so it is recommended to be seen in the hospital where tests can be performed quickly if needed.
8. **Avoid taking pain medications before going to see your doctor.** While you will be experiencing pain, that pain is one of the only ways doctors can diagnose appendicitis in pregnant women so masking it with medication could be detrimental.
9. **Do not eat, drink, or take any laxatives before seeing your doctor.** Most people see a physician in the emergency room when they are worried about appendicitis, so the wait shouldn't be too long.
The reason refraining from eating and drinking is important is that an empty stomach is required for certain procedures done by doctors. Also, it is easier on your digestive tract and reduces the chance of your appendix bursting if you do in fact have appendicitis.
10. **Know that your doctor will feel around your stomach testing for pain.** There are a variety of tests doctors perform in order to determine the cause of abdominal pain to figure out whether or not it is appendicitis. These include pressing around your abdomen to elicit painful areas, as well as tapping and testing for "rebound tenderness" (pain after they release the pressure of their hand).
The tests may seem redundant and time-consuming, but know that these can be very helpful to your doctor in figuring out exactly what is going on.
11. **Be prepared for a rotation of the hip test.** This test will look for the "Obturator sign," which is pain that occurs when your hip is rotated. Your doctor will hold on to your right knee and ankle and then bend your hip and knee while rotating your leg inwards and outwards. Pay attention to any pain you feel in your lower right quadrant of your abdomen - tell your doctor if you feel pain in that area because it could mean that there’s an irritation of the obturator muscle happening, which is a sign of appendicitis.
12. **Expect a leg extension test.** Your doctor will ask you to lie on your side, and he or she will extend your leg asking if you feel pain. This is called the "Psoas test" and, when positive for increased pain, it is another indicator of appendicitis.
13. **Be ready for a rectal exam.** Although the rectal exam does not relate directly to the diagnosis of appendicitis, many physicians have been trained to do it as a way to exclude the possibility of something else going on. So do not be surprised if this occurs during the visit with your physician.
14. **Be ready to get some blood work done.** Your white blood cell counts are usually elevated with appendicitis. However, this test is less helpful in pregnant women than in other patients; this is because your white blood cell counts are already increased in pregnancy, so it does not necessarily indicate appendicitis.
15. **Ask your doctor for an ultrasound.** Ultrasound is the "gold standard" (most highly recommended) diagnostic test for appendicitis in pregnant women. It uses ultrasound echoes to create a picture and to help doctors see if you have an inflamed appendix.
Generally people who come into the ER with suspected appendicitis receive a CT scan. However, most doctors prefer ultrasound in pregnant women because it won't cause harm to your baby.
Ultrasounds can successfully detect the majority of cases of appendicitis.
16. **Be open to the possibility of other imaging tests.** After 35 weeks of pregnancy, all imaging tests become complicated because of the size of the pregnancy making it hard to see the appendix.
At this point, your doctor may recommend a CT scan or an MRI to better visualize the appendix to see if it is inflamed. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Detect-Appendicitis-During-Pregnancy", "language": "en"} |
How to Write a Motion to a Judge | Whenever you want a judge to do something in your court case, you need to file a “motion” with the court. This document outlines what you want the judge to do and explains why you are entitled to the action. Motions are not complicated though they may be unfamiliar. To write a motion, you should begin by looking at sample motions to get an understanding of the format.
1. **Check if a motion is available.** One common motion is a motion for summary judgment. You can bring the motion in certain circumstances and only at specific points in the law suit.
To file a motion for summary judgment, there must be no issues of material fact in dispute. If there is, then the case must go to trial so that the jury can decide the factual dispute.
An issue is “material” if it would make a difference in the lawsuit. For example, if you are suing because someone ran a red light and hit your car, then whether the light was red or green is an issue of material fact. A non-material fact would be whether the car was colored red or green.
You can bring the motion for summary judgment after you and the other party have finished swapping documents during the “discovery” phase of the lawsuit.
2. **Get a sample.** You should try to find a sample motion to use when drafting your own. This will make it easier to assure that the motion looks right.
You can get a sample motion from the court clerk or by looking in a CD or book of legal forms.
You should also search on the Internet. For example, if you are filing a Motion to Dismiss in California, then type “California motion to dismiss” in your favorite search engine. By searching for the specific type of motion that you want to bring, you can also get tips on what to say in the motion.
3. **Open a word processing document.** To begin, open a blank word processing document. Set the font to a size and style that looks comfortable. For ease, you should make the font the same as the font used in other documents filed in your case, such as the complaint or answer.
Based on your sample, check to see if you need to use special paper. Some courts require that you use numbered paper, which is called “pleading paper.” With this paper, each line is assigned a number in the left-hand column. Other courts will simply request that you number your paragraphs.
If you need to use numbered pleading paper, then you can purchase this paper from a stationery store. You may also be able to find pleading paper offered by a law library, such as the LA Law Library.
4. **Insert the caption.** The caption is the information that appears at the top of the page on the first page of every document you file in court. The caption generally includes the name of the court, the names of the parties, the case number, and possibly the name of the judge.
You can find the caption on any prior motion or complaint filed in the court case. Take out your copy and find this information. Then plug it into your word processing document.
5. **Title your motion.** You should give the motion a title based on what you want the court to do. You can bring a motion for almost anything:
Compel a witness to give a deposition. In this situation, title the motion, “Motion to Compel Witness Testimony.”
Have the case dismissed. Title the motion “Motion to Dismiss.”
Ask for more time. Title the motion “Motion for Continuance” or “Motion for Extension of Time.”
6. **Introduce yourself.** In the first paragraph of the motion, you should introduce who you are and what you are asking for.
For example, if you are asking for a continuance, then the opening paragraph might read: “COMES NOW the Defendant, Sherry Adams, in the above captioned case, and respectfully requests that the court continue the matter set for June 22, 2016.”
7. **Research the law.** In the second paragraph you need to give the judge a legal reason to grant the motion. Judges are limited in what they can do. It is your responsibility to tell the judge the law or rule which allows the judge to grant your motion.
For example, if you want the case dismissed, then you need to research the state’s “Rules of Civil Procedure” or “Rules of Criminal Procedure” and find the rule number which authorizes motions to dismiss. Type “Rules of Civil Procedure” and “your state” into your favorite web browser. Often, states publish their rules on the Internet.
You can also visit your nearest law library. It should be either at the courthouse or at a nearby law school. Tell the librarian the motion you are bringing and what law you are researching.
Check any sample motion to see what law is cited. If you have a sample Motion to Dismiss, then you might be able to cite the same legal rules and cases in the sample, if the sample is also a Motion to Dismiss for your state.
You can also meet with a lawyer. Many lawyers will perform discrete tasks, such as legal research, for a flat fee.
8. **Explain supporting facts.** After telling the judge the legal basis for your request, you should explain supporting facts. Try to be as concise as possible. There is no reason to drown the judge in irrelevant facts.
For example, if you need a continuance, then you should state the factual reasons why you need the continuance. Irrelevant information would be the difficulty you are having with the other side’s lawyer or general complaints about how busy your life is.
You can state, “In support of this request, Defendant states the following….” Then list the facts that support your motion.
9. **Redact sensitive information.** Because motions are public documents, you should be careful about the information you include in them. For example, you should not include social security numbers, dates of birth, financial account information, or the full names of minor children.
If you need to include a social security number, then include only the last four digits: XXX-XX-9912.
Also represent birthdates only by the year: xx-xx-1966.
Should you need to identify minor children, then use initials: S.P. instead of Sandra Price.
10. **Add a conclusion.** The conclusion is basic. You simply need to repeat your request for the judge to grant the motion.
For example, you can state, “WHEREFORE, the plaintiff requests that the Court grant her request for a continuance.”
11. **Insert a signature block.** Every motion must be signed. You should insert “Respectfully submitted” and then insert a line below for your signature.
Underneath the signature line, you should add your address and telephone number. Also put your email address if you have one.
12. **Add a certificate of service, if necessary.** You need to send a copy of the motion to the other party. You also need to certify to the court that you have sent a copy of the motion. In your certification, you should state the date you sent it and the method you used.
Use a separate piece of paper. At the top, insert the title “Certificate of Service.”
Then explain how you made service. For example, you could state, “I, Sherry Adams, hereby certify that a copy of the above ‘Motion for Continuance’ was served on counsel for Plaintiff by first class mail, postage prepaid at 100 Main Street USA, Big City, KY 00000 on June 12, 2016.”
Before typing up a certificate of service, you should first find out how you can serve a copy of the motion. You should call up the court clerk and ask.
13. **Complete an order.** Some courts require that you submit a proposed order along with the motion. The order is the document which summarizes the court’s judgment. It should be on a separate sheet of paper. It should be set up as follows:
Insert the caption. Use the same caption information as you did for the motion.
Title the document “Order.” Make the title bold and in all caps.
Type the substance of the order: “Now on this [insert date of your hearing] this matter comes on for hearing on Defendant’s pro se Motion for Continuance. After being duly and fully advised and hearing the position of the Plaintiff, the Court finds that….” Insert two options with a check box beside each: “The motion is denied” or “The Motion is granted and the hearing is rescheduled for [insert blank line].”
Add “IT IS SO ORDERED” and put a signature line under the words. Under the signature line, type the judge’s name, such as “Mable Jones, District Judge.”
14. **Attach affidavits.** If you make factual allegations in the motion, then you need to attach an affidavit in support. An affidavit is a sworn statement. If you can’t attend your trial in two weeks because you have been diagnosed with cancer and need to attend chemotherapy on that date, then get an affidavit from your doctor.
For more information, see Write an Affidavit.
15. **Stop into the court.** Many courts now have “fill in the blank” motion forms that you can use. These forms are helpful if you are representing yourself and don’t have a lawyer.
You can stop into the clerk’s office and ask. Also, you can check the court’s website. Often, court forms are hosted on the state supreme court’s website.
16. **Fill in the caption information.** At the top of the motion is the caption information. A caption includes the name of the court, the names of the parties, the case number, and sometimes either the judge’s name or the courtroom number.
Take out another motion or court document filed in your case and copy the caption information from that document. The caption should be the same throughout the entire case.
17. **Decide what you are asking for.** On the motion form, you need to tell the judge what you are asking for. There should be a paragraph or two for you to state the following:
The applicable law. Find out what law authorizes the court to do what you want it to do. If you are representing yourself, then you generally will be given some leeway in this area. However, you should stop into a law library and ask to see the law that authorizes the motion.
What you are asking the judge to do. For example, you may be requesting a continuance so that you can prepare for an upcoming trial. You should make that request in the appropriate space on the motion form.
18. **Fill out the form neatly.** You should either type or print the information on the motion. If you print, then make sure you print legibly using black ink.
Some forms can be filled in as a PDF on your computer. You can then save the motion form and print it off.
19. **Sign the motion.** All motions must be signed. Fill in information about your phone number and address.
Some motion forms might need to be notarized. The form should state whether it needs to be notarized.
Usually, there is a notary in the courthouse you can use. If not, then visit the locator page at the website for the American Society of Notaries. Enter your address and find the nearest notary.
20. **Make copies.** You will need to send a copy of your motion to the other side. You should also keep a copy for your own records. Accordingly, make a few copies and take them with you when you go to court to file.
Be sure that the copies are clear and legible. The other party needs to be able to read your motion in order to respond to it.
21. **File with the court clerk.** Ask the court clerk to file. You should file the original motion, which has your original signature. The clerk should stamp all of your copies with the date.
You may have to pay a filing fee, depending on the motion and the court. Ask the court clerk.
If you can’t afford the fee, then ask for a fee waiver form and fill it out.
22. **Schedule a hearing.** Courts differ a little about how they schedule hearings. If you need a hearing date, then some courts will have you fill out a Notice of Hearing form. You then will get a hearing date from the clerk and insert that information on the form. You must then send a copy of the notice to the other party along with a copy of your motion.
However, some courts might not schedule hearings until later. The clerk will then notify all parties of the day and time for the hearing. You should ask the court clerk what process they use at the courthouse.
Not every motion will require a hearing. It is up to the judge to decide whether a hearing is necessary. When no hearing is required, the judge will decide the motion based on the documents submitted.
23. **Serve a copy on the other party.** You should serve a copy of the motion using whatever method you state that you used in your certificate of service. If the other party has an attorney, remember to send the copy of the motion to the lawyer.
Always keep a copy of the motion for your records. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Motion-to-a-Judge", "language": "en"} |
How to Run for Congress | Only one out of every 600,000 people will ever actually win a Congressional race. It takes a specific type of person to even want to run, and of that number, the people who can actually win a race is minuscule. Most candidates are well-educated, well-spoken, well-connected, hard-working, and clever, but personal characteristics only take a candidate so far. A successful candidate will have funding, staff, party support, and a favorable political environment on top of the personal strengths they bring to a race.
1. **Meet federal and state requirements.** Candidates for Congress must meet certain conditions required by federal and state governments. At their most basic level, these requirements are outlined in the United States Constitution, state constitutions, and federal and state election laws.
All candidates for Congress must be at least 25 years of age to become a Representative and at least 30 years of age to become a Senator, hold citizenship for 7 years, and live in the state they will represent.
Some states require candidates to collect a certain number of signatures. For example, Florida requires candidates to gather 2,298 signatures.
All states require candidates to pay some sort of filing fee. The average state fee to run for the House of representative is $1,465. This fee runs from $100 in states like Alaska to $10,440 in states like Florida. A candidate's political party may be responsible for paying their filing fee.
2. **Fill out important paperwork.** There is a variety of paperwork any candidate and their campaign must fill out and submit to various governmental authorities. This paperwork settles legalities and formalities associated with running for Congress. The most important paperwork includes:
Registering with a political party. If you intend to run with No Party Affiliation in states like Florida, you must file the appropriate paperwork and inform the state’s electoral commission.
Providing signatures and other required paperwork to the state you intend to run in and represent.
Reporting finances to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) after you raise $5,000 for your campaign.
Registering with the FEC within 15 days of raising $5,000 and formally campaigning. In addition, you must name a treasurer for your campaign.
Providing financial reports to the FEC every quarter and before primaries and general elections.
3. **Raise money.** After verifying that you meet basic requirements to run for Congress, you need to raise the money needed to fund your campaign. Without raising money, your campaign will never get off the ground and you’ll likely meet electoral failure. To raise money:
Establish a campaign fundraising committee. This committee could be small or large but must have a designated treasurer.
Use direct mail to fundraise. For example, put together a flyer announcing your candidacy and requesting donations and mail it to potential supporters.
Hold fundraisers, such as benefit dinners. For example, charge $100 per person to eat at a banquet you will attend.
Use the internet to fundraise. Create a website, use social media, and request financial support through emails.
4. **Take a stand on important issues.** Before campaigning, you’ll have to take a position on issues that are important to people who live in your congressional district. This is important, as your opponents, the press, and voters will want to know where you stand. While every district has key issues that are extremely important to voters there, many issues transcend districts. Some include:
Taxes. Do you support higher taxes, lower taxes, or do you think they should remain the same?
Foreign policy. Do you support intervention in global conflicts?
Social issues. Key issues like abortion, gender issues, and marijuana legalization may be of interest to your constituents.
The environment. Depending on your district, you may need to take a stand on climate change and government regulation that protects the environment.
5. **Work with others to manage your campaign.** Without an organized campaign, you won’t be able to get the word out about your candidacy. Thus, you need to spend time, effort, and money putting together a campaign organization and apparatus that will be able to get you votes and spread your message.
Establish a campaign headquarters. This is where you, your staff, volunteers, and others will meet to plan and execute your campaign. You’ll likely need to rent some sort of office space.
Recruit volunteers and hire staff. Depending on your election and resources, you may need dozens or even hundreds of volunteers and paid staff. Volunteers, including interns, may help with office tasks such as copying memos or going door-to-door informing voters of your candidacy.
Line up experts, polling companies, and others who can provide important advice about running for election in your community.
Pick people who will head, lead, and manage your campaign.
6. **Campaign actively.** Campaigning is perhaps the most important part of running for Congress. This takes a lot of work, though, as you’ll have to visit different groups of constituents in your district. In the end, active campaigns that can reach many people are those that are most likely to succeed.
Visit churches, synagogues, and other houses of worship.
Talk to civic groups like the Rotary Club, the League of Women Voters, the Lion’s Club, and more.
Hold town halls and meetings where voters can ask you questions about your policy positions.
Go door-to-door introducing yourself to voters.
Have your volunteers and staff put up campaign signs and buy advertising time on radio and television.
Convince local civic and political leaders to endorse your candidacy.
7. **Get an education.** Although there is no specific educational prerequisite for serving in either the House or the Senate, both chambers of Congress are engaged in the writing of laws and the crafting of public policy. The actions of these lawmakers have real-time consequences on large numbers of people, and many of the skills required of legislators are too important to learn on the job.
As of 2015, almost all of the 535 members of Congress have a Bachelor’s degree. A little less than half have law degrees. About one hundred had a Master’s degree and another twenty had Doctoral degrees.
There is no one educational path to Congress, but a Juris Doctor (required to become a lawyer) is ideal because it is necessary to know how the law works before making them.
Other good degrees include Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, Economics, International Relations, Public Policy, Public Health, Communications, International Business, and Criminal Justice.
8. **Meet the minimum Federal requirements.** There are three Constitutionally mandated requirements to serve in the House of Representatives or the Senate, and they are the exclusive qualifications for the office. These are:
Age. A Representative must be at least twenty-five, while a Senator must be at least thirty.
Citizenship. A Representative must be a citizen of the US for at least seven years, while a Senator must be a citizen for at least nine years.
Residency. Both Representatives and Senators must be residents of the states they represent.
9. **Pick the right district—or state.** It doesn’t really matter how charismatic, good looking, or well-funded you are if you aren’t running in an area where you can be successful. Some areas (districts or states) are highly partisan, some lean in the direction of one party or another, and others are toss-ups. The partisan loyalty of an area can be measured by its Partisan Voting Index, or PVI. The PVI of a jurisdiction indicates how much more partisan it is compared to the nation as a whole.
For example, if the US has a party identification of 55% Democrat to 45% Republican but your district has voted 55% for the Republican candidate the past two cycles, the PVI of your district is R+10, meaning your district is 10 points more Republican than the nation as a whole.
If the PVI of your district or state is strongly at odds with your own political leanings, it’s extremely unlikely you’re going to win. If you’re trying to run to “make a statement,” or “send a message,” that’s your own business, but running for a seat in Congress is very hard work. It strains personal and familial relationships, demands countless hours, and can open you up to all manner of embarrassment, humiliation, and antagonism. Think long and hard about whether you want to embark upon a fruitless quest.
10. **Get the support of your party.** Political parties provide support with fundraising, get-out-the-vote efforts, volunteers, and a rich network of individuals who can help you win your race. The instances of a non-incumbent running against their own party and winning are vanishingly small, and the candidate would almost certainly have a special quality (like celebrity) giving them a special edge.
If you think you’ve got that “it” factor, the party leadership is weak and disliked in your area, and you are running for an open seat, you might have a shot at pulling out a victory. But it would still be an uphill battle.
11. **Don’t run against an incumbent.** An incumbent is an individual who holds an office. Whoever currently occupies the seat you’re looking at running for is the incumbent. When an incumbent retires, is impeached, appointed to another office, dies, or is imprisoned, the seat will vacate. That makes it an “open seat.”
An open seat is much easier to win than a seat held by an incumbent. Incumbents are re-elected about 85% of the time. When they aren’t, they’re usually defeated after their first term.
12. **Raise money.** In most (27) states you’ll have to pay something to even become a legitimate candidate. And filing fees are only the beginning of an array of expenses. The average House race cost more than $1.6 million in 2012. Stretched over the course of a typical election season, that’s about $2,000 per day. If you’re really serious about making a run for Congress, you need to think about fundraising before virtually anything else. Time to hit the phones.
When you’re starting to raise money, hit up your friends and family first. It might make you uncomfortable, but it’s where every fundraising operation begins. And most of the time, they’re happy for you and happy to give. Just tell them why you’re running and the kind of effort required and ask them to chip in. You’ll be amazed at what you come up with. Say something like, "Hey, I'm running for Congress for these reasons... I'm going to need to start fundraising right away, and I wanted to know if you could contribute $100 to get me started."
13. **Get the requisite signatures.** In many states (27), you’ll need to obtain a certain number of signatures endorsing your run in order to file as a candidate. Check and see how many you’ll need at https://ballotpedia.org/Filing_requirements_for_congressional_candidates.
You can pay canvassers to get signatures for you or you can rely on yourself and a few volunteers (who will probably be your family) to get them. Clearly, paying canvassers is more expensive, but is much quicker. No matter what you do, aim for 150% more signatures than the law requires—it will help make up for invalid signatures.
14. **Pay the state filing fee.** Once you’ve obtained the necessary signatures (if you live in a state requiring them), go ahead and register as a candidate with your state’s board of elections. Pay whatever filing fee you need to pay in order to formally register. These state filing fees vary widely in cost, but in some states can be considerable.
In Florida, for example, you’ll have to pay a $10,440 to file as a candidate for House or Senate from a major party (although Florida is an outlier in terms of cost).
15. **Register with the FEC.** Once you’ve received or spent at least $5,000 on your campaign, you’re required to register as a candidate with the Federal Election Commission, or FEC. Registration is a two-step process. First you file a Statement of Candidacy, then you file a Statement of Organization. The former authorizes you to form a principal campaign committee (which will technically be what is raising and spending donations, not you), while the latter informs the FEC about the committee’s relevant details.
You’ll need to file the Statement of Candidacy within fifteen days of hitting the $5,000 threshold. The Statement of Candidacy is a simple form to fill out, but you will need to know exactly which district you’re running in and the office you’re running for. If you’ve never run before, leave the space for Federal Election Number blank. Once you’ve filed the Statement of Candidacy, you should open up a bank account on behalf of the committee.
File the Statement of Organization within ten days of filing the Statement of Candidacy. The Statement of Organization is a little more complex, because you’ll have to list your committee’s bank account number and designate a committee treasurer and assistant treasurer. These are the only crucial positions in a campaign committee, because the committee cannot receive or spend funds without the authorizations of the treasurer.
16. **Raise more money.** Once you’ve made your major filings, you’ll probably need to double up on your fundraising efforts, because it’s very difficult for most candidates to meet their fundraising targets in the beginning of the campaign. After all, you’re going to need to hire staff as soon as possible, and staff like to get paid.
If you’ve already tapped your circle of close friends and family, move on to acquaintances, friends of your friends, and donors you’ve met through the party. It’s important to concentrate on gathering enough cash to fund a staff for the next few weeks.
17. **Recruit a staff.** While the candidate is the single most important part of a campaign, the staff as a collective entity might be just as important. Good staffs have propped up bad candidates and bad staffs have sunk good candidates. Campaign staff fall into the following categories: fundraising, communications, data, political, field, and operations. They are overseen by a campaign manager.
Communications crafts messages, writes speeches, and deals with the media.
Data keeps track of voter information, like contact history, neighborhood partisanship and income levels.
Political rounds up endorsements from important people and institutions like union leaders, newspapers, and other candidates and deals with party figures like local chairpersons to get surrogates, volunteer help, or donor leads.
Field is in charge of directly engaging with voters over the phones, at the doors, and in public spaces.
Operations keeps the lights on, the paper in the office, the pens in the desks, and often balances the books and issues payroll.
There’s debate about which roles are the most important, but most people are going to want to hire a campaign manager or a fundraiser first. If the candidate is new to electoral politics altogether, a campaign manager should probably be the first hire and the fundraiser second. If the candidate is not new to electoral politics, they might want to hire the fundraiser before all else.
18. **Buy voter management software.** Voter management software is a key tool in today’s political world. It allows you to isolate households by income, likely race, party affiliation, voting frequency, and much more. It also keeps track of phone numbers, addresses, and the history of contacts from the campaign to the voter.
Democrats and Republicans both have separate types of software used by the party, NGP VAN for Democrats and Votes Data Center for Republicans. Party nominees and primary candidates for open seats get access to the databases at a steep discount.
There are other types of software other than those used exclusively by the parties, and some are quite good—even better than VAN and rVotes (and more expensive). Of these, Aristotle is thought of as the gold standard.
19. **Define the issues.** You want to be the one defining the issues at all times. Constantly responding to your opponents is a quick way to blend into the background and seem smaller in stature than your opponents.
To use a recent example, Donald Trump was a master of this. No matter what the news was during the 2016 cycle—good or bad—it was always about Trump. Sometimes it was Trump attacking, sometimes it was Trump issuing a blanket denial to an attack on him, other times it was arguing about a policy that he proposed. No matter what, he kept the conversation focused on him, his character, his temperament, and his solutions.
20. **Attack without being negative.** Very few people can aggressively attack their opponents without becoming unlikeable in the process. That’s not to say it can’t happen. Sometimes a person’s behavior is so odious that righteous anger is the only response, but that’s rare. It’s much safer to attack your opponent through implication than it is to openly attack. You want to highlight your good qualities while leaving your opponent’s bad qualities understood.
For example, imagine yourself, a political novice, running for an open seat amidst a long-running corruption scandal going on in your opponent’s party. Your opponent hasn’t been implicated, and you wouldn’t want to accuse her of something that she hasn’t done. But you might say “The other party’s been in power for so long, and it’s been one scandal after another this whole year. Let’s leave the old politics behind. We need a fresh start all around—in this district, in the committee chairs, in the House leadership. What me and my party represent is that fresh start…”
21. **Reach out to media.** Relative to advertising, media have more influence on campaigns than ever before. The best kind of exposure you can get is positive coverage in the news (earned media). It pays to forge relationships with reporters in your area early and cultivate them often, because it increases the likelihood of positive earned media. Give them early access to stories, the occasional leak and several rounds of free drinks.
Supplement this by appearing at public events, because that gives reporters (who should theoretically think positively of you) an excuse to give you coverage.
22. **Cultivate a volunteer base.** Having an army of volunteers seems more typical of a presidential campaign than a congressional campaign, because congressional races have less money and are usually less competitive. However, a congressional campaign investing in the type of field operation that can recruit a lot of volunteers is a powerful statement in and of itself.
Since your field operation—which is largely managing and recruiting volunteers to conduct voter outreach—is what really drives turnout, a well-developed one can create a movement type of atmosphere and an air of inevitability. It energizes your base and depresses your opponents.
Still, you must use your field operation smartly. Use your voter management software to target the most likely voters first.
23. **Pay for media.** Once you’ve done all you can to frame the narrative, develop your field operations and create good relationships with the media, you should turn your attention to paid media. Paid media includes television and radio ads, yard signs, mailers, billboards, and any other type of political advertisement.
All forms of paid media are of diminishing effectiveness in this day and time. While TV and radio are still more effective than the others, most studies show that they are really only effective in the last few weeks before the election. Any other form of paid media is of dubious impact at all.
24. **Get out the votes.** When Election Day comes, it’s time to get your voters to the polls. The volunteers you’ve recruited during the campaign season should knock on as many doors and make as many last minute phone calls reminding people to vote as they can.
If you live in an early voting state, encourage your voters to vote early. An early vote doesn’t count more than another, but getting the confirmation of the vote is important in and of itself, because that’s one less door to knock on or phone number to call on Election Day. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Run-for-Congress", "language": "en"} |
How to Raise a Snuggly Bird | A snuggly bird is a bird that is happy to cuddle up to its human companion and enjoys the company. Raise a snuggly bird by choosing a bird that is ready to interact with you, tending well to its basic needs, teaching it to socialize, and encouraging friendly, cuddly behavior.
1. **Get a hand-fed baby bird.** Look for a young bird. Baby birds will bond with you most easily. Try to find a bird that was hand-fed by its breeder. This bird will be used to human interaction.
You can socialize a bird that was not fed by hand. Get the bird while it is still young or buy a bird that has had some socializing with humans.
2. **Choose a bird that you can handle.** Consider the size of the bird. Pick a bird that you can carry comfortably. Make sure there is room in your home for a cage that is much bigger than your bird.
Also assess how much time you can give your bird. Some breeds of birds require a lot more one-on-one time with their humans.
3. **Find a bird that will get along with others.** Research which birds get along with others, if you live with other people or have other pets. Find a bird that is a good size for children to handle, if you have children. Some species, like lovebirds, may become overprotective of you after bonding and will not share you.
4. **Trim your bird's nails.** Keep your bird healthy by trimming its nails. Use clippers made for birds, because scissors can cause injuries if not used properly. Trimming your bird's nails will prevent them from becoming too sharp or uncomfortable when you cuddle.
5. **Make sure the cage is large enough.** Buy a cage that is large enough for your bird to fly, climb, and jump. Get a cage that is wide enough for your bird to stretch its wings. Look for a cage that can accommodate perches, some toys, and any retreats that you provide for your bird.
Get a cage with strong, non-toxic bars that your bird cannot bend or pull apart.
Be sure to keep its cage clean.
6. **Provide toys.** Give your bird toys. Birds enjoy playing and a happy bird will be more affectionate and cuddly. Find toys that are non-toxic and will not be choking hazards, if the bird pulls them apart. Look for toys in the pet store. Consider buying baby toys for your bird, like rattles and blocks.
Research which toys your bird breed likes best. For example, Quaker Birds love to lace string around the bars of their cages.
7. **Bond with your bird.** Spend time near the cage, talking to your bird. Put your hand on the cage so it gets used to you. Start to finger train your bird. Use your hands to pet and gently pat your bird.
8. **Handle your bird daily.** Take your bird out of its cage every day. Rub it affectionately and nuzzle it with your chin to teach it cuddling behavior. Play with it, hold it, and snuggle it as often as you can.
9. **Teach your bird tricks.** Dedicate time to teaching your bird tricks. Shower your bird with attention and reward it as it learns the tricks. Your bird will appreciate this extra time and attention. In return, it will be friendlier and more affectionate.
Start by teaching your bird to step onto and off of your finger by luring it with treats.
Next, train your bird to ladder (step up from the finger of one hand to the finger of another).
Some birds can be trained to talk or imitate sounds.
Snuggly birds may enjoy training to climb in and out of your pockets and sleeves.
10. **Share food with your bird.** Give your bird healthy treats, like fruits and vegetables and eat your own portion of the same food when your bird does. Sit down for a meal with your bird. As flock animals, birds associate sharing food and meals as friendly, social behavior. Cuddle your bird before and after the meal so it associates mealtime with cuddling.
Only feed your bird foods that it can tolerate at mealtimes.
11. **Keep your bird's cage open.** Give your bird plenty of time out of its cage. Supervise your bird when it is not in the cage, so it stays safe. Provide it with perches in areas where it is allowed to fly and roam. You can also provide toys for your bird to play with outside of its cage. Try getting a play gym so it can exercise. This freedom keeps birds happy. It also give the bird more opportunities to snuggle with you.
Make sure windows and doors are closed so it does not fly out.
Keep it away from other pets.
12. **Help with grooming.** Provide a bird bath for your bird. Change the water regularly to keep it clean. Take larger tropical birds into the shower or let other birds clean themselves under the faucet. Spray birds with a light mist of water, if they avoid the bath. Birds love bathing and need to groom to stay healthy and happy.
Bring your bird to the vet if it needs its beak trimmed. This is also essential for your bird's health.
13. **Reward and praise your bird.** Keep your bird happy with praise. Praise it for cuddling and being affectionate. Give it treats and cuddle it to reward good behavior. Focus on rewarding good behavior instead of punishing your bird for behaving badly.
Do not withhold affection. This includes raising your voice, or punishing your bird if your bird does something wrong. Doing these things can make your bird aggressive instead of cuddly.
Never force a bird to cuddle. Feeling restricted is an alien concept to a bird and may cause it to panic. If the bird shows signs of stress or distress, do not attempt to hold it. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Raise-a-Snuggly-Bird", "language": "en"} |
How to Put a Guitar Strap on a Classical Guitar | Most classical guitars don't have pegs for a strap like electric and acoustic guitars do because they're not designed to be played standing up. However, if you prefer to play your classical guitar standing, you'll benefit from having a strap to help keep your guitar stable. You can install strap buttons (or have a guitar tech do it for you) if you plan to play your guitar with a strap frequently. However, if you're reluctant to drill holes in your guitar, you might also buy a no-drill strap that's specifically designed for classical guitars or try attaching a standard guitar strap with suction cups.
1. **Measure your guitar from the bottom of the soundhole to the top of the back.** Place a measuring tape at the bottom of your guitar's soundhole in the middle, or waist, of your instrument. Run the tape down to the edge and wrap it around and up the back of your instrument to get this measurement.
Most straps that are designed for instruments without strap buttons will accommodate either a classical guitar or a ukulele, so this measurement is important to have an accurate understanding of the size of your instrument.
2. **Add the length of strap necessary to hold your instrument properly.** To get the second measurement, you might need a friend to help you. Stand and hold your guitar at the level where you'd be comfortable playing it. Then, measure straight down from the back of your neck to the top of the guitar.
The two measurements together give you the minimum length of guitar strap you need for your guitar. You'll likely want a guitar strap that has a maximum length of about 6 inches (15 cm) longer than that, so you have room to adjust it as necessary.
3. **Buy a strap designed for classical guitars.** Several major guitar strap companies make straps that are designed for classical guitars and other instruments that don't have strap buttons. You can definitely find these in your favorite music store, but they're also available from larger online retailers.
If you're buying a strap in person in the store, try it on first and see how it feels around your neck. If it's not comfortable, try a strap of a different material or thickness.
If you order your strap online, make sure you can return it if it doesn't fit or you don't like the way it feels.
4. **Place the loop of the strap around your neck.** The typical classical guitar strap has a loop that you wear around your neck. The loop joins in the center to make a single strap that anchors your guitar. Adjust the portion of the strap that goes around your neck so that it's comfortable and lays flat. Pull on it to mimic the weight of your guitar and make sure it isn't going to dig into your skin.
You can also adjust the strap so that it's over one shoulder and under the opposite arm (typically your right arm, if you're a right-handed player) for additional comfort and support.
5. **Run the strap behind the middle of your guitar.** Hold your guitar by the neck and position it so that the strap hanging down from your neck falls along the guitar's waist. Make sure there's enough strap hanging below the guitar to wrap it around the bottom of the guitar and hook it into the bottom of the soundhole.
If you have a hard time doing this with the strap around your neck, you might want to take the strap off to attach it to your guitar initially. If you do this, make sure you keep the strap taut behind your guitar or the hook will fall out.
6. **Hook the strap to the bottom of the soundhole.** Once you've got the strap around the back body of your guitar, reach down to grasp the hook underneath and guide it around your guitar. Then, hook it just on the bottom edge of your guitar's soundhole.
You might want to give it a short tug downward to make sure it's secured in place on the soundhole. Then you can adjust the strap as needed to achieve your desired playing position.
7. **Keep at least one hand on your guitar while using the strap.** While you're playing, your strumming arm will keep your guitar upright. However, if you don't keep a hand on it while you're not playing, it'll tip forward and might fall out of the strap.
Holding your guitar in position can take some getting used to, especially if you're used to playing while sitting down. You might want to practice for a few weeks before you use the strap during a performance.
8. **Measure the thickness of your guitar body.** You'll be affixing your suction cups to the top and bottom of your guitar's body. Determine how thick these spaces are, then buy suction cups that are slightly smaller so they'll fit and create a strong seal.
You can also use standard classical guitar measurements. Typically, a classical guitar will be 11 and 1/16 inches (282 mm) wide at the top and 14 and 1/2 inches (367 mm) wide at the bottom.
9. **Choose a standard guitar strap.** You can find guitar straps online or at any music store where guitars are sold. The style of strap you choose depends primarily on your personal preference. Any standard guitar strap that is designed to be placed on a guitar with strap buttons will also work with suction cups.
A cloth strap might be better than a leather strap since leather straps tend to have metal buckles and grommets that can scratch your guitar's finish as you're playing.
10. **Buy suction cups with hooks that fit the top and bottom of your guitar.** Suction cups with hooks are available at craft stores, major discount stores, or online. Make sure the hook is large enough to accommodate the strap you've chosen.
Suction cups like this may come in pairs. However, keep in mind that you'll need a slightly smaller one for the top of your guitar than for the bottom.
11. **Clean the suction cups before putting them on your guitar.** Wash your suction cups with soap and warm water, then dry them thoroughly. Clean off your guitar as well, paying special attention to the spots where you plan to place the suction cups.
Use a guitar-specific oil or cleaner to dust your guitar before you put the suction cups on and after you take them off.
Keeping both surfaces clean and dry is the key to maintaining a strong grip with the suction cups. A bit of dust can break the seal and cause the suction cup to fail.
12. **Affix the suction cups where strap buttons would be.** Turn the hook of the suction cup so that it's at a slight angle. The strap (when you put it on the hooks) should be pulling in the same direction that the suction cup is pointed. This will keep the suction cup more secure.
Press down on the suction cups evenly to secure them in place. You might want to pull on the hook a little to test their seal before you test the seal with the weight of your guitar.
13. **Attach your strap to the hooks on the suction cups.** Once you have the suction cups affixed to your guitar, you can hang the strap on the hooks just as you would hang them on strap buttons. Put the strap over your shoulder and adjust the length of the strap as necessary.
This type of strap will keep your guitar more stable than a classical guitar strap that hooks along the bottom of the soundhole. However, you still need to keep a hand on your guitar while wearing it with the strap to make sure it doesn't get damaged.
14. **Measure to locate the horizontal and vertical middle of the bottom of your guitar.** Place your tape measure along the bottom of your guitar and mark the middle. Then place the tape measure across the thickness and find the middle again. Mark the exact middle with a piece of tape for reference.
You don't want to drill in the exact middle because it could cause the joint of your guitar to split. Marking the middle will help you avoid doing this.
15. **Mark a spot to drill just below the middle and towards the front of your guitar.** Start tapping the bottom of your guitar around the middle until you find a spot that makes a dull thump rather than a hollow sound. Use a piece of tape to mark that spot as your drill spot.
You might want to make an "X" on your tape with a marker. Tap the center of the "X" to make sure that's still a spot with wood behind it. Don't use the marker directly on the guitar — you could damage the guitar's finish.
16. **Drill slowly and gently through the spot you've marked.** Put your drill bit in your drill and line up your drill with the spot you've marked on the bottom of your guitar. Turn your drill on and allow your drill to do the work — don't push it or force it to go deeper.
Pause frequently to check the depth of your hole with the screw to make sure you don't drill too deeply.
17. **Screw your strap button into the bottom of your guitar.** You might want to use your screwdriver to clean out the hole you've made a little. Then, set your screw over the hole and use the screwdriver to slowly and carefully screw the button into the hole.
Continue screwing the button in until it's tight and the bottom of the button sits flush with your guitar. Be careful not to over-screw it or you could damage your guitar's finish or cause the wood to split.
18. **Measure the location for the strap button on the neck heel.** If you're also installing a strap button on the top of your guitar, put it on the treble side of the neck heel (the side next to the thinnest string on your guitar). Choose a spot that will keep your guitar from leaning away from you as you play. Take two measurements: the length down from the fretboard and the distance away from the body of the guitar.
If you hold the strap with your finger where the button would be, you can figure out if that's the best location for your strap button without having to take to many measurements. Simply attach the strap to the bottom strap button, then use your thumb or forefinger to hold the strap in place along the neck heel. If the guitar tips away from you, adjust the location of the strap.
Once you've found the best location for your strap button, use the strap button screw to make a tiny indention in the neck heel.
19. **Drill your hole to insert the strap button in the neck heel.** Even though the neck heel is a bit more stout than the bottom of your guitar, you still want to drill with care. Let the drill do the work without pushing it.
If you marked your drill bit before drilling the hole in the bottom of your guitar, the depth will be the same for this hole. Stop before you reach the mark.
When you're done drilling your hole, screw in the strap button the same as you did for the bottom hole. Now your guitar will be ready for you to attach a strap. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Put-a-Guitar-Strap-on-a-Classical-Guitar", "language": "en"} |
How to Know if a Leo Woman Likes You | First to grab the mic in karaoke, dressed to the nines for any occasion, and fiercely loyal with a gigantic heart, Leo women are just the best. If you’ve got a bright, magnetic Leo lady in your life, you might be wondering if she's into you. Her commanding presence may make her seem a bit unapproachable—but don’t be fooled! In reality, she's a super generous softie who could totally be crushing on you. To help you figure it out, we've made a list of every telltale sign that a Leo woman likes you.This article is based on an interview with our psychic astrologer, Stina Garbis, owner of Psychic Stina. Check out the full interview here.
1. **To a Leo, holding a crush’s full attention is super exciting and meaningful.** When she’s the center of your focus, she feels like she’s being appreciated by you. This makes her feel connected. So naturally, when a Leo likes you, she’ll fight hard for you to notice her.
If she locks you into conversation with a long, dramatic story or joke, take note. This could be her way of maintaining your focus. If she vies for your attention, that's a great sign.
2. **A Leo knows how funny she is, and she’ll want her crush to know, too.** If you've got her affections, she'll be determined to dazzle you. As a natural people person and performer, not only will she be interested in making you laugh, but she’ll be darn good at it.
Think back, do you feel like you’re always caught in side-splitting laughter around her? If so, this is a sign that she likes you.
On the other hand, if you feel like she doesn’t bring out her best material in conversation with you, that hints that she’s not interested.
3. **Leos consider their own time and attention to be precious resources.** Whether it's for a dance, a joke, or a dramatic story, the Leos you know are wanted by everyone all the time. You can assume that others want her attention and that she’ll want to give it.
When a Leo chooses to step away from her audience and give the floor to you, this is a huge gesture.
On the other hand, if you feel like you can never get her alone in a crowd, this might be a sign that she sees you more as a friend.
4. **A Leo will have her crush’s name on her lips as often as possible.** She has a personal brand to maintain and a spotlight she doesn’t love to share. So when a Leo decides to direct attention towards you, it’s a big deal! Even if it’s an embarrassing story about that time you tripped into the swimming pool, to her, she’s sending an important message: “This person is exciting and worth your attention.”
Plus, when a Leo is willing to publicly associate herself with you, she’s giving you her seal of approval.
Does the Leo in your life love bringing you up to other people? If so, there’s a good chance she has a crush.
5. **Leos women are bold, so she won't be afraid to stare if she likes your look.** She won’t see any point in pretending not to glance at you if that’s exactly what she’s doing. Instead, she might freely throw long, lingering looks when she likes you. If you catch her in the act, she may even choose to shoot you a big smile!
If you feel like you constantly spot her checking you out, that's a good sign.
On the other hand, if you can never seem to catch her eye when the two of you are out and about, this may signal that she’s not interested.
6. **A Leo prioritizes her appearance, and if she likes you, she'll want you to see that.** To a Leo, self-love means donning the best, glam clothes and bold looks. If she likes you, she’ll step this effort up around you. She’ll want you to see her at her best and ultimately, think of her as an all-around, exciting person. This means exciting to look at, too!
If you find yourself thinking that she looks absolutely amazing every time you see her, this is a sign that she's interested.
If she doesn’t seem to whip out her favorite fits for your meetups, that could hint that she sees you more as a friend.
7. **If a Leo likes you, she'll want everyone on the planet to see you two together.** A Leo will think highly of you if you have her heart. She’ll want the people she cares about to see all of your fabulous qualities, too. And of course, to her, attention and audiences are super important. So if she tries to draw other's eyes onto you, this means she thinks you’re worth their praise!
If the Leo lady in your life makes rounds with you at every party you attend, this indicates that she likes you
If she seems a bit less keen to introduce you around, this may mean she’s interested more so as a friend.
8. **A Leo’s personal brand is sacred to her, so if she posts you, that's significant.** When a Leo shares photo after photo of you to her loyal followers, you can definitely read into that behavior. In her mind, this means you’re on her level—and that’s huge!
Is she quick to include a photo of you in every Insta post? This could certainly signal her interest.
9. **When a Leo is crushing on you, she'll randomly visit and call.** One of the coolest aspects of the Leo personality is how they can follow their hearts without fear of rejection. If a Leo likes you, she won't be afraid to try and see you. When she wants to hear your voice, she’ll dial you right up.
If you get unexpected calls and visits from a Leo woman, this means she loves to interact with you. This says that she's emotionally invested in you, too!
10. **If a Leo likes you, she'll love to share with you.** Leos might be the most generous sign in the zodiac, so if she likes you, there will be little gifts galore. Whether it be her dessert or her phone charger, she’s likely to take a what’s-mine-is-yours approach with the person she cares about.
If she offers you treats, gifts, or trinkets, that suggests that she's into you.
11. **When a Leo cares about you, her loyalty will be a given.** If you know she would drop anything and come to your rescue if you needed her help, that’s huge. However, she definitely treats both friends and romantic partners with this same protectiveness. So consider this behavior a sign that you’ve got her heart, but don’t assume from this alone that it’s romantic.
If a Leo woman comes to your aid when you’re sick, you’ve been wronged, or you’ve gotten into trouble, then she cares a lot about you.
12. **If a Leo woman goes to you when she needs support, then she likes you.** She has no shortage of loyal companions to help her when she needs it. So, if you’re the person she chooses to trust with her problems, that means that she thinks you’re special.
Consider whether or not she’s ever gone to you in the past when she had a bad day, got hurt, or was struggling with her emotions. If she has, this is a sign that she likes you.
13. **If a Leo likes you, she won't want to share you with anyone.** She’s too confident, combative, and fiery to let anyone make a move on you without consequence. As one of the three fire signs, a Leo’s fearlessness and energy make her a pretty intimidating person to compete against for your affection. If she likes you and knows there are other interested parties, she’ll definitely want to do something about it.
If you know that the Leo in your life is trying to keep other romantic interests away, then it’s super likely that she likes you.
14. **When a Leo likes you, she'll want to brighten your day.** It’s that simple! If she looks for ways to support you, excite you, and bring joy into your life, then that Leo probably likes you.
Does she try to make you laugh on your bad days and show up on the days you need a friendly face? If a Leo woman always seems to be looking out for you, this suggests that she likes you.
15. **If a Leo woman likes you, she’ll probably just come right out and say so.** She’s confident, direct, and self-aware, so women of this sign aren’t likely to spend too much time waiting around for you to make the first move. She’d be more likely to walk right up and say something like, “Hey, I like you. Is that feeling mutual?”
If a Leo tells you she likes you, trust that she’s being honest and not playing any games.
If a Leo hasn’t explicitly told you how she feels, it’s less likely that she’s interested, but still definitely possible. Look out for other signs that she's interested. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-a-Leo-Woman-Likes-You", "language": "en"} |
How to Relieve an Itchy Throat Without Medicine | There are several causes for itchy throat. Non-infectious causes include allergic rhinitis, postnasal drip, mouth breathing, smoking, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) as well as exposure to allergens and pollution. You may also develop an itchy throat caused by viruses, bacteria or yeast. You should evaluate the cause of your itchy throat by making an appointment with your primary care provider. In the meantime, you can try to relieve an itchy throat without medication, especially if you do not have easy access to medicine. Consuming hot beverages, natural remedies, or a change in diet or lifestyle habits may relieve your itchy throat.
1. **Have hot water with lemon.** You can sooth an itchy throat by drinking hot water with fresh lemon juice. You may also add honey and fresh ginger root to the hot water to make a soothing, hot beverage for your throat.
Drink hot water with lemon every few hours to help soothe your throat. Squeeze half a lemon for every cup of hot water and add one teaspoon of honey and fresh ginger.
For an added benefit, you may also add ½ teaspoon of turmeric to the hot water with lemon. Turmeric can help to clean out your throat and relieve any itchiness.
2. **Drink ginger or licorice tea.** You can also find relief for your throat by preparing ginger tea. You may use tea bags or fresh ginger root. Slice up the ginger root into small pieces and boil it for 10 – 15 minutes. Then, strain out the ginger pieces and consume the liquid to relieve your sore throat.
Licorice root has also been known to soothe an irritated throat. You can use licorice tea bags or real licorice root. Slice an ounce of the licorice root into small pieces and let it steep in boiling water for 24 hours. Then, strain out the licorice pieces, add honey, and drink the liquid.
Add honey to the tea for extra soothing power.
3. **Make a soothing herbal tea.** You may try using herbs to make a tea or use herbs in tincture form. Always use high quality herbs from a trusted source. You may drink three to four cups of the tea made from the herbs or consume one to three drops of the herbs in tincture form, three to four times a day. There are specific natural herbs made for the treatment of itchy throat, including:
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)
Gingko (Gingko biloba)
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
Red clover (Trifolium pratense)
Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica)
4. **Have hot apple cider vinegar.** Apple cider vinegar can help relieve a sore throat and coughing as a result of an itchy throat. Try to use organic apple cider vinegar, mixing a tablespoon of the vinegar in 8 – 10 ounces of water. You may warm up the water until it is hot and add honey to dilute the taste of the vinegar.
If you are able to stomach the apple cider vinegar taste, you may add less water and drink the vinegar straight for a stronger mixture. Some people have trouble with the taste of apple cider vinegar, so adjust the strength based on your preference.
5. **Eat a spoon of raw honey.** Raw honey on its own has been known to help relieve an itchy throat. Make sure you look for raw honey that has no additives or processed ingredients. You may be able to find raw honey at your local supermarket or your local health food store.
Have a spoon of raw honey every few hours to relieve your itchy throat.
You can also take 1–2 tsp (4.9–9.9 ml) of elderberry syrup a day to help soothe your throat and boost your immunity.
6. **Gargle salt water.** You can relieve your itchy throat by gargling warm salt water. You may create your own salt water solution by mixing ¼ to ½ of teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm water. Gargling every two to three hours should give you some relief to your scratchy throat. Do not use table salt, as it has added iodine and other additives.
To gargle the saltwater solution, sip the solution and hold it in your mouth. Then, open your mouth and swish the saltwater solution around in your mouth. Push air from the back of your throat so the saltwater starts to vibrate and gargle around your mouth and throat.
Try not to swallow any of the saltwater, as it can make you sick. Spit out the saltwater after you have gargled it for a few minutes.
7. **Use nasal saline to clear your nasal passages of allergens.** You can prepare your own nasal saline using either distilled or boiled (and then cooled) water. Add ½ of teaspoon of salt water and ½ teaspoon of baking soda to 8 ounces cup. After you make a solution, put three to four drops into each of your nasal passages. If you don’t have a pipette, use a teaspoon to put the solution into each of your nostrils. A teaspoon contains about 5 drops. You could also do a saline rinse if you have a medical syringe, squeeze bottle, or Neti Pot.
8. **Have natural throat lozenges.** You can also try taking throat lozenges that are made of natural ingredients. You can find all-natural throat lozenges at your local drugstore or online. Most natural throat lozenges contain honey, ginger, or a combination of anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Make sure you follow the instructions on the package of the lozenges and take the right dosage every day.
9. **Drink lots of fluids.** Try to stay hydrated, as dehydration can make your throat worse. Drink lots of water, at least eight to 10 8-oz glasses a day, as well as hot beverages, like herbal teas.
You may also get fluids by drinking hot soup or other hot liquids as part of your meals. Doing this can help you stay hydrated.
10. **Keep your tongue and mouth clean.** You can also do a good brushing and cleaning of your mouth to remove any bacteria that may be causing your itchy throat. If your itchy throat is the result of an allergic reaction, such as a seasonal allergy, brushing your tongue can help to remove pollen that may be causing your itchy throat.
You may also gargle with saltwater after each brushing to really clean out your mouth. Make sure you also stick to a consistent flossing routine to remove any bacteria or food debris in your mouth.
If your work causes you to be exposed to irritants — such as cement dust while working construction, or particles in pulp mills — wear a dust mask to prevent inhalation of the particles.
11. **Avoid airway irritants such as tobacco smoke or dry, cold air.** Environmental factors like smoking, pollutants, and dry, cold air can cause inflammation that may irritate your throat. If you smoke, quitting can reduce throat irritation. If you have to go out in cold, dry air, wrap a scarf around your mouth. If the air in your home is dry, try investing in a humidifier.
You may actually experience a temporary increase in itching after you quit smoking. This may be because nicotine can have a desensitizing effect. Ride this period out by gargling with saltwater and the itching will soon subside.
12. **Steam your face.** You can also soothe your itchy throat with the help of added moisture and humidity. You may use a face steamer to help relieve your itchy throat or put a pot of water on the stove to boil and place your face into the steam. Another easy option is to take a long steam shower with the bathroom door closed and breathing deeply in the shower to soak up the humidity in the air.
You may also set up a humidifier in your room. It may be easier to sleep at night with an itchy throat if the air is moist and humid in your bedroom.
13. **Have green, leafy vegetables.** Have more dark green, leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, collard greens, and Swiss chard in your diet to ensure you are getting enough nutrients. Opt for yellow and orange vegetables as well, as such carrots, peppers, and yams.
Consume more cabbage, beets, nettles, and bamboo shoots. Having more vegetables in your diet will keep you healthy and help your body fight off the mucus in your throat.
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like fish and olive oil can help boost your immune system.
14. **Consume garlic and onions.** Put more garlic and onions in your meals. You may add raw garlic and onions to salads or saute garlic and onions with your vegetables.
You can also roast garlic in the oven and consume it whole.
Both garlic and onions have vitamin C and antioxidants that should aid your immune system to fight whatever causes your itchy throat, whether it is an allergy or an infection.
15. **Get your itchy throat diagnosed.** Your itchy throat may be the result of an allergy to a certain food. If you are allergic to a specific food and one of your symptoms is an itchy throat, you should avoid eating this food.
You can visit an allergist to confirm your allergy and test for other common food allergies, such as wheat, dairy, and shellfish. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Relieve-an-Itchy-Throat-Without-Medicine", "language": "en"} |
How to Stay Neat, Clean, and Organized (Teenagers) | If you see scattered papers, piles of dirty clothes, and miscellaneous pieces of trash when you look around your room, you're definitely not alone. Cleaning and organizing aren't the things most people want to be doing in their spare time, but they actually aren't that hard to keep up with, and they can even be fun once you get into a routine! In this article, we'll help you establish your own routine so you can keep your room, locker, and any other spaces you use neat and organized all the time.
1. **Choose a day where you can sit down and plan for the week ahead.** A good time to do this would be Sunday night. Most people don't have anything to do on Sunday nights, unless you have other activities. If so, maybe Saturday night will work. You need to get to know your routinely schedule, or else things will get complicated.
2. **Make goals for each day of the week.** The goals should be S.M.A.R.T. Each letter stands for a word, as stated below:
Specific: Say exactly what you need to get done. Be precise! For example, imagine that your goal was to get fit. You could plan to exercise everyday for a limited amount of time. However, rather than saying "Exercise," you should jog
Measurable. You should have a certain way to measure your aim. For example, jogging can be improved by jogging for twenty minutes or so.
Achievable. You need to set goals that you can do. Do not cram too much in at once. For example, do not jog for one hour if you are not fit enough. Instead, jog for fifteen minutes and increase your time as the days go on.
Realistic. Be realistic with your goals, this is not fantasy. Do not jog for twenty minutes on four days, even if it is likely that bad weather will stop this from happening. Instead, say "Weather permitting, jog for twenty minutes on four days."
Time-Based. Finally, add a time for your aim to be completed by. For example, 'Weather permitting, jog for twenty minutes on four days,' could be further improved by adding 'this week' to the end.
3. **Tackle each goal one at a time.** Each day, do all of your goals, starting with the most important, then working to the less important goals. Keep an actual to-do list if it will help you track all your goals; you can even maintain multiple lists, like a short-term one for daily tasks and assignments, and a long-term list for goals that you want to accomplish throughout the semester or year.
4. **Create a place for everything** Being organized starts with knowing where things should go - this comes in handy during clean-up and helps you maintain order along the way, so that big clean-ups actually become less necessary.
Use storage bins, containers, and drawers to help you keep your things organized and prevent clutter from building up throughout your space.
Try decluttering by getting rid of things you don't need, like duplicate items. This will make staying organized a lot easier.
5. **Do a daily room clean up.** Pick at least 10 items off the floor each day (If there are that many to pick up).
Aim to remove the biggest problems in the room first.
6. **Do a weekly clean up.** This is the time when you will put everything left on the floor back to its place. A thorough room cleaning is a must every now and then, even if you work to keep things clean on a regular basis.
7. **Put items away as soon as you have finished using them.** Don't just think you can do it later.
8. **Do your homework every night.** Stay on top of your studies, and try hard to succeed.
9. **Don't try to cram too many after-school and extra-curricular actives into your schedule.** It only adds to the pyramid of stress with school, friends, and alone time.
10. **Always have all your equipment for the day.** If necessary, make lists of what you'll need for given classes and activities so you can make sure you don't forget anything.
11. **Avoid absences when possible.** If you are absent for just 5% of days, you lose 9 days of school time. This is approximately 45 hours of learning lost (presuming you have 5 hours of lessons each school day, not including break times).
12. **Try to always be on time.** If teachers are unsure which grade to give you, they will often check how often you are late to school. Therefore, being late, even if only late by a few seconds, will result in lower grades.
13. **Keep your schedule organized.** Use a calendar. Carry a personal planner around so you can mark down any important notifications. Keep track of academic, extracurricular, and social/family obligations so that you can be sure you don't miss anything important.
14. **Have a daily personal care routine.** Sticking to the same general approach to self care each morning can help you stay organized.
Take a shower every day or at least every second day. It makes you smell fresh.
Make sure to take care of other daily needs, like brushing your teeth, keeping your hair clean and tidy, and wearing clean clothes. While not everyone is focused on beauty, staying generally neat and clean makes for a good first impression throughout your life.
15. **Learn to do your laundry.** While it may be easier to rely on your parents to keep your clothes clean most of the time, it's even better to learn early on how to take care of these chores. That way, if you need a particular outfit clean at a certain time when the regular family laundry hasn't been done, you can take care of it yourself, and maintain your neat and clean appearance. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Neat,-Clean,-and-Organized-(Teenagers)", "language": "en"} |
How to Sleep with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve, which runs from the hand to the forearm, becomes compressed. This can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including pain in the hand and wrist, numbness, tingling, and the inability to perform fine motor tasks. If pain from carpal tunnel syndrome is interfering with your ability to get a good night's sleep, you may be able to make a few simple changes to your sleep routine to help improve the situation. If that doesn't work, treating the cause of your pain, either at home or by seeing a doctor, should help you get back to sleep.
1. **Wear a brace.** One of the easiest things you can do to make sleeping easier if you have carpal tunnel syndrome is to wear a wrist brace to bed. Any wrist brace will work, as long as it goes over your hand and down past your wrist. That will help keep your wrist in a neutral position while you sleep.
You may want to wear a brace during the day as well, depending on what kinds of activities typically cause you pain.
You can buy a brace at any drug store, or your doctor may suggest that you have a custom one made for you.
2. **Avoid sleeping on your side.** Although it hasn't been definitively proven, sleeping on your side may be associated with a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. This is likely due to the fact that the wrist is more likely to be compressed in this position. If you sleep on your side, try sleeping on your back to avoid further compressing your wrist as you sleep.
3. **Support your arms while you sleep.** It's important to think about where you normally place your arms while you sleep and whether or not this may be worsening your symptoms. Try to avoid sleeping with either arm underneath you or your pillow, as this may worsen your carpal tunnel syndrome.
Propping your arms up on pillows while you sleep may help relieve tension and reduce pain. If you are sleeping on your side, make sure the side affected by carpal tunnel is on top. Place a pillow in front of you and place the affected hand on the pillow. You may need to experiment with the height of the pillow to find the most comfortable position for you.
4. **Keep your arm straight.** Bending your elbow may increase the compression on your nerve, which can make your symptoms worse. As much as possible, try to keep your elbow straight throughout the night.
You may want to try wrapping a towel around your elbow so that it is difficult to bend. This may help you train yourself to keep your arm straight at night.
5. **Apply ice.** Icing your wrists can help reduce swelling, which can in turn decrease the amount of pain you feel. Try holding an ice pack on your wrists for 15-20 minutes.
If you find yourself waking up needing to ice your wrists on a regular basis, you may want to get into the habit of icing before bed every day.
You can also do this throughout the day as needed.
6. **Apply pressure to your wrists.** You may be able to get quick relief from your carpal tunnel symptoms, including pain, numbness, and tingling, by stretching and applying pressure to your hand and wrist. Try using the following technique, which focusing on acupressure points, when you start experiencing symptoms that keep you awake:
Extend your forearm out straight, but keep your elbow bent.
Use your other hand to push your four fingers down towards the floor, opening your wrist. Hold this stretch for up to 15 seconds.
Use your other hand to push your thumb and index finger down. Hold this for up to 15 seconds.
Make a fist and observe the inside of your wrist. You should notice a small gap appear between your bones and tendons. Place your opposite thumb in this space and apply pressure for 30 seconds. You will probably notice that your fist automatically releases, which is fine.
Place the base of your opposite index finger on the back of your hand where your wrist creases. Note the location of the tip of your index finger, and then use your opposite thumb to apply pressure to this spot as you lift your arm up. Keep lifting and applying pressure for 30 seconds.
7. **Try medication.** Over-the-counter NSAIDs can provide significant relief to people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. These drugs reduce pain and swelling. You may want to take them regularly before bed to help prevent your symptoms, or as needed whenever you have difficulty sleeping due to carpal tunnel pain.
Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naprosyn are all NSAIDs.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about your dosing, and never take more than the recommended dose.
8. **Shake out your hand.** Sometimes carpal tunnel will cause numbness in your hand due to accidentally laying on your wrist. If you find that your hand is going numb, get up and lightly shake out your hand for a minute. Sometimes this may be all you need to restore feeling to the hand and get back to sleep.
9. **Make sure that you are sleeping in a warm room.** Anything that irritates the nerves in your wrists can bring on carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel can sometimes be brought on or aggravated by cold conditions, so it is important to sleep in a room that is not too cold. Sleeping in a cold room can reduce the temperature and blood flow in your hands, causing compression of the nerves.
10. **Do wrist exercises.** Stretching your wrists can help relieve the pressure on your nerve and reduce your pain. Try doing ten reps of the following exercise at least once a day:
Hold your arms straight out in front of you with your palms facing down.
Bend your wrists towards you so that all ten fingers are facing up towards the ceiling, and hold this position for five second.
Relax and straighten your wrists.
Make a tight fist with both hands.
Bend your wrists away from you so that all ten fingers are pointing towards the floor, and hold this position for five seconds.
Relax and straighten your wrists. Wait five second before repeating.
11. **Practice yoga.** Try incorporating a yoga practice into your routine. It has been shown to reduce pain from carpal tunnel syndrome, while also improving hand strength.
If you don't want to take classes at a studio or gym, you can purchase a video or find a free one online. Then you can practice your yoga in your own home whenever it is convenient for you.
12. **Avoid activities that aggravate your pain.** As much as possible, try to avoid doing things that cause your carpal tunnel pain to become worse. If you are not able to stop doing some activities (particularly typing) you may be able to find ergonomic devices that will decrease the strain on your wrist while you do them. The following activities are common triggers for carpal tunnel pain:
Anything that puts a lot of pressure on the heel of your palm (like push-ups)
Activities that require constant back and forth movement of your wrist (like typing, sewing, or playing video games)
Forceful grasping (like using garden clippers)
Expose your hands to vibration (like using power tools)
13. **Get hand therapy.** Your doctor may also recommend that you get hand therapy, a special kind of physical therapy that focuses solely on the hands and wrists. You will be required to go to regular sessions and perform a variety of exercises meant to strengthen your hands and reduce your pain.
Your hand therapist may also request that you do exercises at home between appointments. If you want your condition to improve, it's very important that you do them as instructed.
14. **Try injections.** If you need pain relief, but you're not ready for surgery, you can consider seeing a doctor to have injections in your wrists. These normally only provide temporary pain relief.
Steroid injections are commonly used to relieve pain from carpal tunnel syndrome.
Botox injections may also help your condition.
15. **Try acupuncture or cupping.** If you're looking for a drug-free way to treat your pain, you may want to look into acupuncture and cupping. Both techniques rely on the theory that the body has multiple pressure points that can be stimulated to reduce pain.
Acupuncture involves the use of small needles, while cupping involves placing a series of glass cups on the body's pressure points to create suction.
16. **Have surgery.** For most people, surgery is a last resort, but if carpal tunnel syndrome is interfering with your life and nothing else is working to improve your symptoms, it may be the best option for you. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of surgery to determine if it is right for you.
Carpal tunnel release surgery involved cutting the tissue around the medial nerve in order to release the pressure.
There are two types of carpal tunnel surgery: open release surgery requires a two-inch long incision, while endoscopic release surgery requires two smaller incisions, which may reduce the patient's pain and recovery time.
It can take several months to fully recover from carpal tunnel surgery, although you may experience relief of your symptoms immediately after the procedure.
17. **Consider starting a weight loss program** Obesity can be related to carpal tunnel syndrome, so a structured weight loss program may improve carpal tunnel symptoms. Make sure that you discuss your options with your physician before making any drastic changes to your diet.
Sometimes, carpal tunnel can be aggravated by extra swelling due to pregnancy. If that's the case, keep in mind that the symptoms are often relieved once your baby is born. Just wear a brace to help stabilize your wrist while you're sleeping. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Sleep-with-Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome", "language": "en"} |
How to Care for a Leopard Tortoise | A leopard tortoise (geochelone pardalis) can grow to about 2 ft (0.61 m) long and weigh up to 70 lb (32 kg) with the right care. They make wonderful pets—though they can be rather shy and withdrawn—and may live up to 80 years if kept healthy throughout their lives. However, to care for them properly you must provide a large enclosure, protection from cool temperatures, and a nutritious diet, among other requirements.
1. **Acquire a healthy tortoise from a reputable source.** If you know of a reliable, reputable pet store that specializes in reptiles, they may have a healthy tortoise for you. Better yet, contact a well-regarded tortoise breeder and get one directly from them. Don't get a tortoise from an expo or store where many stressed animals are put together, because they can catch diseases in that environment.
Avoid tortoises from private sellers, especially if they can't provide you with detailed information on the tortoise's origins and health history.
2. **Examine the tortoise's features carefully before buying it.** Make sure that its eyes are clean and glossy, not cloudy or filmy. Also, check that the eyes don't have bubbling or frothing and that there is no nasal discharge when you push on the top of the muzzle, because those are signs of respiratory disease.If you can see the fecal droppings, they shouldn't be runny.
3. **Get regular vet checkups, ideally with a reptile specialist.** General veterinary care is most certainly better than none at all, but look for a vet with lots of experience working with reptiles—or, best of all, tortoises. Take your tortoise in for checkups once per year, or on the schedule recommended by your vet.
To find a specialist vet, search online for "reptile specialist veterinarian near me," or (in the U.S.) try the "find a vet" tab at https://arav.org/.
If you notice any sudden changes in your tortoise's behavior, or in its feeding or defecating habits, contact your vet for an appointment.
4. **Socialize tortoises early, but at their comfort level.** When the tortoise is still a baby, begin socializing it by gently picking it up and holding it in the palm of your hand. Do not tap on its shell or yell at it to come out, as this will frighten and stress the tortoise. Instead, let it take cover inside its shell until it is ready to come out on its own accord.
As your tortoise grows older and realizes you are its food and care provider, it may become comfortable enough to eat right out of your hand—and it may even let you pet it sometimes.
Some tortoises never become comfortable being held or interacting with people, however. If it hides in its enclosure or withdraws into its shell whenever people are around, simply let it be. They're still fun animals to watch!
5. **Don't acquire more tortoises than you can handle.** Leopard tortoises aren't territorial, so you can keep a mix of several males and females together if you wish—although you'll end up with baby tortoises that way! However, they're also perfectly content in pairs and usually even when living alone.
Because of their size, keeping more than 2 tortoises will require a great deal of space—not to mention all the food and supplies!
6. **Soak a baby tortoise in warm water 2 or 3 times a week.** Warm up water so that it is between 80 to 90 °F (27 to 32 °C). Soak your tortoise for about for about 15 minutes. Soaking your tortoise helps them rehydrate, because they'll drink the water as they soak. Your tortoise may defecate in the water, and if so, just dump the water in the toilet and refresh it.
Don't leave water standing in the enclosure for more than a day, because it can get dirty and make your tortoise sick.
As your tortoise grows, you can replace the soaking by offering a pan of clean, shallow water once or twice a week for your tortoise to crawl into in addition to their everyday water supply.
7. **Keep a leopard tortoise outside whenever the climate permits it.** The leopard tortoise is found natively throughout south and east Africa, in dry or semiarid climates with lots of grass. They thrive in areas with a mix of sun and shade and medium humidity. The daytime temperature should be about 80 to 85 °F (27 to 29 °C), with a basking area available of about 95 °F (35 °C). The nighttime temperature shouldn't fall below 75 °F (24 °C). If you can meet these conditions outdoors, your tortoise will be happiest.
Leopard tortoises should never be exposed to temperatures below 60 °F (16 °C), and need ample shade and air movement if the temperature is above 95 °F (35 °C).
Because of their large size (and the large enclosures they therefore need) and the warm and sunny climate they require, leopard tortoises aren't ideal pets in every climate. While you can keep them indoors permanently, it will take a significant investment of time and money on your part to house them properly.
8. **Set up a large outdoor habitat with a mix of sun and shade.** Enclose an area that's at least 10 ft × 10 ft (3.0 m × 3.0 m) with solid (non-transparent) walls that are at least 18 in (46 cm) high. Make sure the pen has a sunny spot with little or no grass on it (for sunbathing), and lots of tall grasses and shrubs (for shade and hiding) elsewhere.
There should also be a “hide box”—an enclosed area that the tortoise can retreat to for safety and some “alone time.” A doghouse can serve this purpose.
Leopard tortoises aren't much of an escape risk if the walls are 18 in (46 cm) high, but the walls should be solid so they can't see outside the pen—tortoises can be easily frightened by what they see out there!
Up to 2 adult tortoises can be kept in a 10 ft × 10 ft (3.0 m × 3.0 m) enclosure, but if they are both male it will have to be larger. To figure out minimum sizing for 2 adults, measure their shell lengths, add them together, and then multiply by 4.
9. **Set up a large indoor habitat for times when the climate isn't ideal.** While a pair of baby leopard tortoises can be kept in a 2 ft × 2 ft (61 cm × 61 cm) terrarium with smooth, 12 in (30 cm) walls, 1-2 adults need, at bare minimum, a 4 ft × 8 ft (1.2 m × 2.4 m) enclosure with 18 in (46 cm) walls. Some tortoise-keepers resort to using an extra-large soaking tub or a rigid kids' pool to make such an enclosure.
The indoor enclosure should also have a “hide box”—a cardboard box can be made to serve this purpose.
10. **Add 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) of hay to the indoor enclosure and clean daily.** Ideally, the indoor enclosure will have grass hay on the bottom, with planted grasses for grazing, and dry areas for basking. You can also use a mix of soil and mulch, shredded paper, or newspaper if hay isn't available. Avoid using wood shavings, because they can harm your tortoise's health.
Remove any newspaper or hay soiled by droppings or food daily.
Replace all the newspaper or hay (and clean the enclosure) weekly.
11. **Set up UVB and heat lamps for indoor enclosures.** Healthy tortoises require several hours of daily exposure to UVB light. If your leopard tortoise doesn't live outside, you'll need to buy a UVB lamp that puts out a wavelength between 280-320 nm. Plastic, plexiglas, screens, and glass all filter out UVB, so you should get a lamp even if your enclosure is near a window. The bulbs should be within 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) of your leopard tortoise, and turned on for 12 hours daily. Be sure to get a UVB that is appropriate for leopard tortoises, such as Reptisun™, Powersun™, or Mega-ray™ UVB. Use red light heat lamps or other heating elements to keep the enclosure between 75 and 90 °F (24 and 32 °C).
Measure your UVB output with a meter like the Solarmeter 6.2 or 6.2R, to determine if your bulbs are outputting the right amount of light.
Different UVB lights put out different amounts of UVB and types of beams, so make sure you are getting one that's good for leopard tortoises.
Check that your heat lamps are putting out the right temperature with a digital temperature gun.
12. **Offer a diet of grasses and straw.** Leopard tortoises need a high-fiber, high-calcium, low-protein diet, so grasses and straw are the perfect food for them. Timothy, orchard, brome, oat, and meadow grass are all good choices for indoor enclosures. In the outdoor enclosure, let the tortoise graze on palatable weeds and wild plants such as clover, dandelions, and wild grass.
In an outdoor enclosure, you might want to plant some grass or alfalfa for the tortoises to eat.
13. **Give the tortoise dark leafy greens and veggies a few times a week.** Feed adults 2-3 times weekly and hatchlings daily. While grasses and straw should provide 50%-80% of your tortoise's diet, dark, leafy greens like kale and collards are great supplemental choices. You can also offer veggies such as the following, cut into bite-size pieces: carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, and bell peppers.
Cut-up fruit can be offered as a very rare treat, but less than once a month—the high water content would cause gastrointestinal issues if your tortoise eats fruit too often.
Iceberg lettuce has next to no nutritional value and is not an ideal food source for a tortoise.
14. **Provide a constant supply of clean, fresh water.** Use a sturdy, low-sided water bowl that the tortoise can easily access for drinking. Whether indoors or outdoors, check regularly to make sure there is fresh water in the dish at all times. Empty and clean the bowl daily as well.
Younger tortoises in particular may like to bathe in the water dish as well. This is fine—just make sure to keep the dish filled and clean, with shallow enough water to prevent drowning.
15. **Give commercial tortoise feed and/or supplements as recommended.** Follow your vet's advice about whether commercial tortoise food pellets are a good choice for your pet. The pellets may provide nutrients that are lacking in your tortoise's regular diet, although most tortoises can thrive on a well-balanced grasses-and-hay diet.
If you're diluting the pellets with greens and other food items, the diet may become imbalanced, so it's best to talk to the vet to set up the best diet plan for your individual leopard tortoise.
Provide supplements only if (and how) recommended by your vet. Due to their rate of growth, a leopard tortoise's demand for calcium and mineral trace elements is high. A calcium-D3 daily supplement might be recommended for juveniles and, less often, adults. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Leopard-Tortoise", "language": "en"} |
How to Clean Beeswax | Cleaning beeswax is a fairly straightforward and simple process. After you’ve harvested your beeswax, you’ll likely find the wax to be filled with dirt, food waste, dead bees, or cocoons. To clean it, you can melt it and remove any debris, dirt, or waste with a slotted spoon. After, you can perform additional cleanings with a double boiler to extract smaller objects and impurities from the first melting. Keep in mind that beeswax is flammable, and you’ll need to monitor your wax carefully during cleanings by staying in kitchen and periodically inspecting your wax for smoke or burning.
1. **Collect your beeswax** If you haven’t already received or collected your beeswax, you’ll have to get it yourself. Put on your beekeeping suit and go to your bee hive. Look for sections of honeycomb with no bees on them and remove them from the hive. Use a knife or uncapping tool to shave the wax off of honeycombs and put them in a large bucket.
Caps, which are freshly laid wax on the outer layers of a honeycomb, tend to be the easiest to melt and clean.
Take the beeswax between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to avoid running into any angry bees. If there are bees there, you can use a smoker to safely get rid of the bees temporarily.
2. **Drain the honey out of your beeswax overnight in a large container.** To clean your wax, you have to remove any remaining honey. To do this, take your wax indoors and put a colander over a pot or large glass. Place your beeswax in the colander and let it sit overnight. Gravity will gradually remove the honey from the wax and it will pool at the bottom of your container.
Let your honey sit for more than 1 night if you have particularly thick chunks of beeswax.
3. **Rinse your beeswax outside in clean, cool water.** After you’ve extracted your honey, take your beeswax into an open area outside. Fill a bucket or use a hose on the lowest power setting to rinse your beeswax in clean, cold water. This will wipe any residual honey or dirt off of your beeswax and make the cleaning process easier.
Do not rinse your honeycomb in a sink. Pieces of wax can get into the drain and clog it, causing severe plumbing issues.
Don’t take too long to rinse your beeswax. If bees have time to find your wax, it can confuse your bees and cause destructive robbing behaviors at your nearby hive.
If you’re worried about bees finding your wax outside, you can hand wash the wax in a large bucket indoors.
4. **Place your wax in a large pot with 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) of water.** Any large pot that fits your beeswax will work. Put your wax in the pot and pour 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) of clean water into the pot. Grab a slotted spoon and set it aside.
If you own your own hives, you may want to consider buying a solar melter. This is a specialized tool that beekeepers use for melting beeswax by using the sun to heat a large box and melt the wax without water.
5. **Turn the heat to low and let it melt for 15-30 minutes.** Beeswax will ignite and burn at 490 °F (254 °C). To prevent any fires from starting, keep the heat low. It will take between 15-30 minutes for your beeswax to melt.
Overheating will also dilute the quality of your beeswax, so turn the heat down if the wax starts boiling or smoking.
6. **Scoop debris and old cocoons out of your wax with a slotted spoon.** A slotted spoon will make it easy to remove dirt, pebbles, dead bees, or old cocoons without taking the wax with it. As your wax melts, scoop the spoon under any foreign objects in your pot and raise it 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) above the pot. Wait 5-15 seconds to let the wax drain back into the pot and place the object that you want to remove in a ceramic bowl or metal pan.
If the wax dries on your slotted spoon, scrape it with a dull knife or peel it off by hand after it cools.
7. **Turn the heat off and let your beeswax cool in the pot.** Once you’ve finished removing debris with your spoon, turn the heat all the way off. Wait 30-60 minutes to give your wax time to fully cool off. The water and beeswax will naturally separate in the pot, and the beeswax will float to the top as it dries.
If you aren’t sure whether the wax has cooled or not, poke it with the teeth of a fork or a toothpick. if the wax resists being punctured, it’s cool. If it immediately gives, wait another 30 minutes before checking again.
8. **Remove your wax and discard the water.** You will be left with a single disc of wax floating on top of your water. If the disc is sticking to the side of the pot, use a small knife to carve the wax out of your pot. Otherwise, pour your pot out over a colander to drain the water out of your pot.
9. **Inspect the wax for additional debris and dirt.** Once your wax has fully cooled and been removed from the pot, hold it 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) from your face and turn it in your hand. If your wax is still visibly dirty, grab a double boiler to prepare for a second melting.
10. **Fill a double boiler** If you don’t own a double boiler, you can put a glass bowl over a small pot so that it isn’t directly touching the floor of the pot. Put 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) of water in the bottom pot and put your second pot, bowl, or tin on top of the first one.
A second melting with a double boiler is typically performed to remove smaller pieces of dirt, grime, and debris from wax after the bigger objects have been removed.
You can use a tin can instead of a glass bowl as long as your wax will fit inside.
The water should not touch the bottom of the second bowl, pot, or tin can.
11. **Add your wax to the pot, bowl, or tin on top of your pot.** Depending on the size of your wax disc, you may need to cut it in half with a serrated blade to make it fit beneath the lip of the container. If the entire disc fits, simply place it flat in the container. You’re heating the wax until it’s fully melted, so the shape of the wax doesn’t matter.
12. **Bring the water to a boil over high heat.** Start by turning the heat as high as it will go on your stovetop. Keep your pot heated on high until you start to see the water visibly bubble. Do not leave your wax unattended while the water boils to prevent wax fires or spills.
13. **Reduce the heat to low and simmer the wax for 15-45 minutes.** After the water begins to boil, it will take between 15-45 minutes for the beeswax to melt. How long you have to wait depends on the size of your wax disc and how soon you’re re-melting it after the first round of heating. Once your wax is bubbling, it’s ready for filtering.
14. **Create your filter and get a storage container.** You’ll filter your wax directly into the container that you plan on letting your wax cool in, so grab the mason jar, bowl, or bucket that you plan on drying your wax in. Place a metal sieve over the mouth of your container. Use several strips of toilet paper to line the inside of the metal sieve so that there are no open spaces remaining.
You can use a large coffee filter if you have one that will fit over your sieve.
You can use a colander with very small holes if you don’t have a sieve, but there may still be some small debris left in your beeswax when you’re done.
15. **Pour your melted wax into the sieve and let it drain slowly.** Turn the heat off and use oven mitts to pick up the pot, bowl, or can. Slowly pour your wax over the sieve so that it has time to drain into your container. If your toilet paper gets clogged, replace it and continue the process until you’ve emptied your wax into the container.
16. **Repeat this process if there are still unwanted objects in your wax.** If you still see unwanted debris or dirt particles in your wax, repeat the process using the same double boiler setup. This process can be repeated multiple times to continue purifying the beeswax.
Peel the sides of your second pot, tin, or glass with a scraper or dull knife to remove any wax that dried while you were pouring it.
17. **Transfer the wax to a storage container and let it cool.** Once your wax has cooled, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also choose to pour your wax into a clean ice tray if you want to use smaller pieces over a longer period of time. Keep your wax in the dark to prevent light from heating or damaging your wax. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Beeswax", "language": "en"} |
How to Pickle Beetroot | Pickled beets are a fantastic addition to lots of dishes (think pickled beets, goat cheese, and arugula, or a sandwich with Italian meats, cheese, and pickled beets), and they’re also great to eat on their own! They are full of fiber, iron, and antioxidants, and they also have anti-inflammatory properties. If you find yourself with a surplus of beets and aren’t sure what to do with them, it’ll take you just an hour or so to cook, pickle, and put them into jars.
1. **Rinse the dirt off of the beets and trim off the tops.** Gather your 4 to 5 pounds (1.8 to 2.3 kg) of small beets and rinse away any visible dirt in the sink. Use a clean cutting board and kitchen knife to trim off the tops (the leafy side). Leave about ⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of the stem. Throw away the rest of the tops.
There are 2 sides to a beet: the top, which is made up of the leaf and stem, and the bottom, which is where the roots protrude from.
2. **Put the beets into a pot and cover them with water.** Place your rinsed and trimmed beets into a large pot, and add enough water so that the largest ones are just covered. The temperature of the water at this point doesn’t matter.
For this step, you could use a deep pot or a more shallow pan, just as long as there is enough room for the beets to be completely submerged in water.
3. **Boil the beets** Turn the burner to medium-high. Let the beets cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they can be easily pierced by a fork.
Boiling the beets will make them much easier to peel.
4. **Drain the excess water from the beets and let them cool down.** Turn off the stovetop and carefully drain the water from the beets. You can either pour the entire pot into a colander, or you could also use a slotted spoon to scoop out the beets. Let them cool down enough so that you can handle them without burning your hands, which will take about 15 to 20 minutes.
If you want to speed up this process, you could submerge the cooked beets into an ice bath.
5. **Cut off the roots and slide the skins off of the beets.** Use your cutting board and kitchen knife again, and slice away the roots from each beet. The skin should easily peel away from the beet. You can discard the roots and skins, or add them to a compost pile if you have one.
Beet juice can easily stain clothing, so wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
6. **Slice the beets into whatever size you want for the pickling process.** There is no wrong way to pickle beets—you can pickle them whole, cut them into rounds, or dice them into chunks. As you cut them, put them in a bowl off to the side of your workstation.
Since you’re making enough beets to fill several jars, you could try slicing the beets several different ways to see which you like best.
7. **Put your pickling spice into a cheesecloth and tie it off.** You can buy pickling spice and a cheesecloth from your local grocery store. Put 2 tablespoons (12 grams) of pickling spice into the center of the cheesecloth, and twist and knot the excess fabric to seal the spice into the cloth.
Pickling spice is made up of a mixture of mustard seeds, allspice, coriander seeds, red pepper flakes, cloves, ground ginger, cinnamon, and bay leaf.
8. **Combine the vinegar, sugar, water, salt, and cheesecloth in a large pot.** Use 3 cups (710 mL) of white vinegar, 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) of granulated sugar, 1 cup (240 mL) of water, and 2 tablespoons (35 grams) of pickling salt. Stir everything together, and then submerge the cheesecloth in the liquid.
For sweeter beets, substitute the same amount of white vinegar for malt vinegar.
Make sure to use specific pickling salt for the beets rather than regular table salt. Table salt can turn the liquid cloudy because it has anti-caking ingredients in it.
9. **Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer it for 10 minutes.** Turn the heat to medium-high, and let it come to a boil. Stir the mixture every few minutes. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium and put a timer on for 10 minutes.
Keep the beets out of the simmering liquid for now—you’ll pour it over the beets later once they’ve been added to the canning jars.
10. **Remove the spice bag from the pot.** Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully remove the cheesecloth from the pickling liquid. It’ll be really hot, so don’t try to grab it with your hands.
You can throw the cheesecloth and spice mix away, or you could rinse it out and reuse the cheesecloth again for a different project.
11. **Clean the glass jars and lids with hot water and detergent.** You can wash the jars by hand, or you could sanitize them in the dishwasher. Make sure to thoroughly rinse away all the detergent so your batch of pickled beets isn’t compromised.
Because the jars will be submerged in a hot bath and filled with hot liquid, there shouldn’t be any issue with them being disinfected.
12. **Warm your glass jars in a hot bath in the sink.** Make sure your sink is clean, and plug the drain. Place your jars into the sink so they are sitting upright, and remove their lids. Fill the sink with hot water until the jars are 3/4 of the way covered.
If you don’t want to use your sink, you could also put the jars in the dishwasher and run it on the rinse cycle to heat them up.
Heating the jars ahead of time will prevent them from potentially breaking when you later spoon in the hot pickling liquid.
13. **Divide the beets evenly between 4 pint-sized glass jars.** Once the jars have been heated, use a clean spoon to distribute the beets evenly amongst them. If any beet juice gets on the sides of the jars, use a clean damp towel to clean them off.
Put the filled jars on the counter near the simmering pickling liquid so they’ll be easier to fill when the time comes.
14. **Pour the hot pickling liquid over top of the beets.** Use a ladle to carefully transfer the liquid from the pot to the jars. Leave about ⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of space between the liquid and the top of the jar.
Be careful to not grab the side of the pot or jars with your hands, as everything will be very hot.
Once the jars are filled, you can turn off the stove and discard of any leftover liquid.
15. **Secure the lids on the jars and store them in a cool, dry location.** While the jars are still hot, put the lids on and tighten them. Put them in a cupboard or pantry, somewhere they will be away from sunlight or excessive heat.
If you find that the lids aren’t fitting tightly on the jars, switch them out for ones that do fit tightly. This helps the beets pickle properly, and it keeps them from going bad.
16. **Let the beets marinate for at least 2 weeks before you enjoy them.** Put a reminder on your calendar, and wait at least 2 weeks before you crack open a jar. You can definitely let them sit for longer, even for up to 1 year.
You could give jars of beets as gifts. Create cute labels and stick them on the jars and give them away at the holidays.
17. **Store opened beets in the fridge for up to 3 months.** Once you open a jar of beets, it’ll need to be stored in the fridge to help keep them good for longer. After you eat some, just make sure to refasten the lid tightly.
If you notice any mold or odd smells when you open the jar, discard the beets. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Pickle-Beetroot", "language": "en"} |
How to Raise Gray Tree Frogs | Gray tree frogs are small frogs native to the eastern half of North America. These little creatures live in wooded areas, usually near swamps, ponds, or lakes where damp wood is located. They can be collected as tadpoles in the wild or purchased at pet stores and raised to live in habitats. Their pleasant chirps will bring the sounds of the forest into your home.
1. **Check your state’s laws on collecting eggs and tadpoles.** Many state or provincial governments have laws prohibiting or limiting the collection of eggs and/or tadpoles. States might also prevent you from releasing baby frogs that have transformed back into the wild. Go to your state’s website and check out their fish and wildlife page for details, or contact your representatives.
2. **Find a gray tree frog habitat to collect the right eggs.** It may be hard to correctly identify gray tree frog eggs. The eggs are light colored, and the egg mass will be gray on the top and white below. The mama frog will lay them in groups of 20-40 eggs. These groupings may look similar to other woodland frogs’ eggs, so wait to collect them until you know you’re in an area gray tree frogs inhabit.
Gray tree frogs can be found as far north as Maine in the United States and southern Ontario in Canada. They live throughout the eastern half of North America, going as far west as Texas in the United States and Manitoba in Canada. Anything below northern Florida is too hot for the little guys.
Gray tree frogs live in trees, rotted logs, and shrubs that are located near ponds, swamps, or lakes. Their eggs will be deposited in shallow water and will float near the surface.
If you’re unable to find gray tree frogs in the wild, contact local pet stores. They’ll inform you whether they carry or can find domesticated frogs for you to purchase.
3. **Collect eggs after April and before July.** Gray tree frogs emerge from their winter burrows in April, and they usually begin breeding in May. Begin looking for eggs in late April and continue searching through the spring and early summer months. Don’t collect too many eggs, as you’ll need to provide separate containers for each group of three to four tadpoles.
4. **Avoid removing eggs or tadpoles from public parks or refuges.** Most public parks and wildlife refuges have extremely strict rules preventing people from interfering with the environment. These spaces are meant to preserve nature with as little human impact as possible, so be sure to respect that mission. Don’t sneak in after hours to grab eggs or tadpoles!
5. **Ask permission to remove eggs or tadpoles from private property.** If you have a pond or marsh where gray tree frogs live on your own land, you’re set! If not, but you’ve found a habitat in your neighbor’s woods, talk to them. You don’t want them confused about why you’re trudging through their backyard with plastic containers.
6. **Scoop the eggs and transfer them to a plastic container.** Use a long-handled net to gently nudge the eggs directly into the container. Your container should be filled either with water from where you collect the eggs or dechlorinated tap water.
To filter out chlorine, which is harmful to amphibians, purchase chlorine filter tablets at your local pet store. Each tablet will have different dosage instructions, so be sure you’re following the proper tablet-to-water ratio provided on the instructions.
You may want to wear rain boots and thick socks when collecting. You’ll probably need to wade into the water, and you don’t want your feet getting wet!
7. **Gather several large plastic containers to house your tadpoles.** Clean the containers out with hot water and a good scrub, but do not use soap or cleaners. At first, you can leave your eggs in one container. After your eggs hatch, which should occur within a few weeks, transfer hatched tadpoles with a small scooper to separate containers. Provide one gallon (3.79 L) of water for every two tadpoles.
Keep your tadpoles from becoming overcrowded as they grow by putting no more than three in each container.
8. **Ensure that your tank water is chlorine-free.** Fill your tanks with clear tap water that’s been prepared for your eggs and tadpoles. This will allow you to clearly observe their growth. Use distilled water, or dechlorinate water with filtration tablets purchased at your local pet store, following the instructions to get the right water-to-tablet ratio. You may also want to filter out metals or minerals in your water with a water filter before pouring it in your tank.
9. **Feed your tadpoles ground fish food and chopped and boiled lettuce.** Your tadpoles need to be fed twice a day. Provide each tadpole with two tablespoons of prepared lettuce over the course of the day. You should also give each tadpole a pinch of ground-up fish food each day. Watch their food intake, and decrease the amount you feed if your tank gets overly dirty after a day or two.
10. **Change the water every 3-6 days.** Your water will quickly become dirty from waste and leftover bits of food. To change the water, transfer the tadpoles to a second tank with pre-filtered water. Then pour out the dirty water and scrub the first tank with hot water and a brush. Do not use cleaning solutions or soap. Rinse the container with filtered water before re-filling it.
11. **Provide a rock for your tadpoles to use to breathe.** Your tadpoles need to be able to climb onto “land” as they develop lungs. The rock should emerge fully from the top of the water. Keep this rock at the side of the tank, as tadpoles will naturally swim toward the edge of their water source to find a safe spot for them to surface.
When your tadpoles begin to develop their legs, cover the tank with a secure screen or a sheet of cheesecloth. This will prevent the little ones from escaping as they become more mobile.
12. **Wait about two months for full metamorphosis to occur.** It can be fun and exciting to watch eggs turn into tadpoles and then develop into young frogs. Observe your tank daily to take note of small and big changes. After about eight weeks, your tadpoles should transform completely into young, or juvenile, gray tree frogs.
13. **Avoid releasing your frogs into the wild.** Frogs that are hatched and raised in captivity generally don’t do well when reintroduced to the wild. Some states prohibit release to prevent the spread of any diseases your baby frogs could be carrying. If you’re committed to releasing your young frogs, do so right after metamorphosis occurs, and only let the frogs go in the exact spot where you collected the eggs.
If your frogs appear to be sick, do not release them. Contact a local nature center to ask for assistance treating your frog and helping it become healthy again.
14. **Purchase a large aquarium to safely house your frogs.** While you may not think your gray tree frogs look active if you watch them during the day, they’ll take advantage of all the space in their aquarium at night. Give your frogs enough space by choosing a 20-gal. (75.71-L) tank that’s 24 inches (60.96 cm) long and 12 inches (30.48 cm) wide for every pair of adult frogs. This amount of roaming space will keep your frogs happy and healthy.
Adult gray tree frogs usually measure between about 1.5 and 2.5 inches (3.81-6.35 cm), but don’t be deceived by their small size. Their habitat needs to be much larger than their little bodies might imply.
15. **Keep a screen cover on top of the tank to prevent escapes.** Frogs are extremely mobile creatures, and they will escape if your lid isn’t secure. Use a screened cover with strong latches to provide them with enough air while also protecting them from any injuries that could occur if they get out of the tank. Double check that your screen is re-secured each time you open it to give food and water, or clean the tank.
16. **Cover the bottom of the tank with material safe for gray tree frogs.** Amphibian tanks need to be lined with what’s called a substrate. This is the material you place at the bottom of the tank to give your frogs a safe and normal habitat. Gray tree frogs do well with coconut husk fiber, soil mixtures appropriate for frogs, and even moistened paper towels. Add a few large river rocks for variety.
Do not use gravel, small bark, or reptile cage carpeting, as the frogs may swallow and choke on these materials.
You can find substrates at your local pet store or online.
17. **Give the frogs perches and climbing branches.** Gray frogs live in trees and bushes in the wild, so you’ll need to provide them with items they can climb on. Use driftwood, bamboo poles, or PVC pipes resting at different angles in the tank to give them lots of different perches. They’ll also use these items as shelters.
18. **Keep the climate temperate and humid in your frog’s area.** Frogs do best when their tank is kept between about 68℉ (20℃) and 78℉ (26℃) during the day. Drop the temperature a few degrees in the room where you keep your frogs at night. Your frogs also need a high-humidity habitat, so mist your aquarium a few times per week to keep it moist.
To provide your frogs with a range of temperatures within their tank, place a low-wattage heat lamp close to their enclosure. It shouldn’t be directly aimed at the tank.
If you live in a dry region, increase your misting to once per day.
19. **Provide your frogs with a UVB light.** UVB lights are especially essential for young frogs. These lamps, which can be purchased in the reptile section of your local pet store or online, give your frogs access to essential vitamin D. Keep the bulb close to the side or top of the tank, as the UV levels won’t be high enough beyond very short distances.
Mature gray tree frogs may only need their powder nutritional supplement to get all their essential vitamins.
20. **Feed metamorphs and juvenile frogs daily.** Young frogs have very large appetites. It’s important that you keep them well fed to ensure that they grow and develop properly. For the first two years of your frog’s life, feed them daily.
21. **Feed mature frogs every 2-3 days.** Once your frogs reach their second birthday, they’ve reached maturity. These mature, adult frogs should only need to be fed two to three times per week. Start with three to four times per week for the first several months, and ease the frogs down to less feeding times.
22. **Keep crickets to feed your frogs.** One of the most high-maintenance aspects of keeping frogs is taking care of their food. Gray tree frogs rely on a diet of live crickets. You can obtain these online or at a local pet store. To keep the crickets alive and healthy, give them a clean and specialized habitat.
Keep the crickets in a secured and ventilated container lined with paper towels.
Put an egg carton or crumpled newspaper above the paper towels.
Offer the crickets fresh lettuce, carrots, melons, and apples to restore their nutrients before you feed them to your frogs.
Provide the crickets with a water source by soaking a sponge and replacing it daily.
Keep your cricket container in a space that’s about 70℉ (21℃) or warmer.
Remove dead crickets from the container, and keep the space clean and dry by replacing the paper towel liner every day or so.
23. **Provide a mixed diet of crickets and other insects.** Since you’ve spent so much time caring for your live crickets, your frogs better enjoy them! Offer three to six crickets to each frog at every feeding. Introduce moths, flies, silkworms, or earthworms to add variety to your frogs’ diet every three feedings or so.
Coat your crickets in powder calcium supplements made for frogs, which can purchased online or at local pet stores. This nutritional supplement should be used every other feeding for adults, and every feeding for youngsters.
24. **Provide a dish of dechlorinated water for soaking.** Your frogs need a dish that’s large enough for them to fit their entire body inside. It shouldn’t be so deep that they’ll be submerged underwater when they hop in. This dish should be filled with filtered water and changed whenever it becomes dirty.
Frogs don’t “drink” water in the same way as humans and many other animals. Instead, they absorb water through an area known as a “drinking patch” located on their belly. That’s why providing a bowl large enough for your frogs to fully soak their whole body is so important.
25. **Clean your frogs’ tank periodically to keep them healthy.** Each tank will become dirty at different rates depending on the environment and the frogs. When the sides of your tank start to get covered in debris, or if you notice that your tank smells, it’s time for a cleaning.
Remove your frogs and place them in a safe temporary container with moistened paper towel linings and one of their perches.
Empty the tank and scrub it down using hot water and a brush.
Rinse the tank with filtered water, and then replace each element of your frogs’ habitat.
You’ll also probably need to scrub and rinse your frogs’ perches and climbing branches.
Use newly purchased material to give the frogs a fresh, clean substrate.
26. **Avoid handling your frogs.** Frogs may become injured or sick if you handle them. Frogs are pets that are best enjoyed from a distance. This will allow you to protect their delicate, little bodies and enjoy watching them grow and live out full lives. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Raise-Gray-Tree-Frogs", "language": "en"} |
How to Pray Laylat al-Qadr | Wondering what prayers you should be reciting during Laylat al-Qadr? The last 10 days of Ramadan are a time of celebration and worship, and it’s easy to figure out which supplications you should be observing during this holy time. In this article, we’ll break down the most popular prayers for Laylat al-Qadr. We’ll also cover the key traditions and guidelines for the holiday so that you can be the best Muslim you can be.
1. **Say, “Oh Allah! You are most forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.”** There are no specific duas (prayers) for Laylat al-Qadr. However, this particular dua about forgiveness is especially popular during Laylat al-Qadr. Allah is Al-Ghaffar, the Most Forgiving One, and since Laylat al-Qadr honors the moment Allah first revealed the Quran, it’s an ideal time to ask Him for forgiveness.
In Arabic, this supplication translates to “Allahumma Innaka` Afuwwun Tuhibbul` Afwa fa’fu Anni.”
Alternatively, many people prefer to say, “Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee”Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee.” In English, “Oh Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.”
2. **Offer other devotional duas to Allah.** Any prayer that brings you blessing on Laylat al-Qadr will be amplified 1,000 times, so make duas to Allah that demonstrate your desire for His mercy and love. Any dua that emphasizes your devotion will be heard, but these duas are especially popular for the holiday.
“Rabbanaa aatinaa fid dunya hasanah, wa fil aakhirati hasanah, waqinaa ‘adhaaban-naar.” In English, “Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!”
“Rabbanagh-firlee wa li waalidayya wa lil mu’mineena yawma yaqoomul hisaab.” In English, “Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and all the believers on the Day when the reckoning will be established.”
“Rabbanaa innanaa aamannaa faghfirlana dhunoobana waqinaa ‘adhaaban-naar.” In English, “Our Lord! We have indeed believed, so forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire.”
3. **Make duas on the last 5 odd days of Ramadan to maximize blessings.** It is unknown which specific day actually represents Laylat al-Qadr, since Allah took the knowledge from Mohammed after he received it. But we know that Laylat al-Qadr falls on an odd day. Pray on each of the 5 odd dates that occur in the last 10 days of Ramadan to amplify your blessings and sing His praise. Any supplication you make of Allah will be heard, so speak from the heart.
It is said that praying on the day of Laylat al-Qadr is better than praying for 1,000 months. This is why Muslims stay up so late during Laylat al-Qadr and pray so often.
Most Muslims will honor Laylat al-Qadar on one specific, symbolic day, but the 5 odd dates are all observed as holy days.
4. **Reflect on His blessings while reciting duas for Laylat al-Qadr.** Laylat al-Qadr is the Holiest eve in all of Islam. On this night, Allah communicated the first verses of the Holy Quran. Meditate on everything that Allah has given you as you articulate each dua. Be thankful, ask for forgiveness, and pray. Your relationship with Allah is your own, so take this time to honor it in whatever way makes the most sense to you.
For duas you recite on the nature of mercy, consider how you have been shown compassion by Allah in the past year.
As you are saved by Him, reflect on the various ways Allah has intervened in your life this year to save you from sin or harm.
5. **Recite the morning adhkar after Fajr salah to start the holiday.** Start Laylat al-Qadr in piety and humility to set the right tone for the day. Wake up before sunrise for Fajr salah. Then, engage in your morning adhkar by reciting duas and praying at the break of dawn to honor Allah. Starting your morning on a pious note will ensure that Allah’s blessings are reflected upon you.
Adhkar will also protect you from evil throughout the day, which is especially important on Laylat al-Qadr. If you want to spend the day receiving blessings and celebrating Allah, avoiding evil is key.
6. **Treat iftar to a fasting person or send them food.** Before starting your daily fast, invite a fellow Muslim to iftar by cooking for them. Allah said that feeding a fasting person will send you rewards, and on Laylat al-Qadr, your blessings are multiplied! If you cannot practically feed someone, purchase food on their behalf and send it to them.
If you do not have anyone in your life you can purchase iftar for, donate to a charity that provides iftar for poor Muslims in need.
7. **Engage in charitable acts throughout the day.** Zakat (obligatory charity) and sadaqa (voluntary charity) are key tenets of the Islamic faith. You might donate your time at a local Muslim organization, donate money to an international Islamic non-profit, or reach out to your elders to ask what you can do to help. Even the smallest act of kindness counts, so don’t hesitate to lend a hand to your brothers and sisters.
Remember, the Prophet said, “Your smile for your brother is a charity. Your removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is a charity. Your guidance of a person who is lost is a charity.”
8. **Worship with your family and local congregation.** Laylat al-Qadr is a time for celebration in your community. If you can, pray Salah with your family, fast together, and worship at your local mosque. This Holy eve is all about community, so spend as much of your time in the company of other Muslims as you can.
Many Muslims take off from work or school to spend more time with their loved ones at the mosque during Laylat al-Qadr, although this is entirely optional.
9. **Be on your absolute best behavior.** Rewards and pardons are supposedly amplified by 1,000 during Laylat al-Qadr, and some say your sins are multiplied as well. While Allah will forgive you if you sin, do everything you can to be the best Muslim you can be. Even if you fall short, the graces and riches of your effort will be seen.
10. **Spend your passing day in solitude to reflect on His blessings.** Don’t spend your time hanging out with friends or engaging with your typical hobbies. If you have to work, go to school, or spend your day fulfilling other obligations, stay quiet and reflect on Allah’s presence and blessings. Meditate as you go about your day and let Allah into your heart.
Even if you cannot actively recite duas, you might say them in your head to keep the words close to your heart.
If you are going to interact with others, keep it as short and straightforward as possible.
11. **Read the 97th chapter (surah) of the Holy Quran.** In honor of the celebration, read and memorize these verses to fully internalize the meaning of the holiday. Recite this surah up to 100 times on the night of Laylat al-Qadr to honor and sing praise to Allah. The 97th surah (Power) reads:“With the Name of Allah, the Merciful Benefactor, The Merciful Redeemer1. We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power: 2. And what will explain to thee what the night of power is?3. The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.4. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah’s permission, on every errand:5. Peace!…This until the rise of morn!”
12. **Recite other chapters of the Quran to inspire your will to worship.** Laylat al-Qadr honors the first time the words of the Holy Quran were revealed, so spend plenty of time reading the text directly. You may read it cover to cover, or peruse your favorite Surahs to feel reinvigorated spiritually. It doesn’t matter which surahs you read; Allah will bless you so long as you spend time with the Holy Word.
Throughout the day, recite Ayahs and Salawats to remind yourself of this holy time and stay close to Allah.
13. **Observe l’tikaf by staying in the Mosque for a prolonged period.** Some Muslims will spend days at the mosque during the last 10 days of Ramadan while they celebrate Laylat al-Qadr. It’s okay if you don’t spend multiple days there, but try to spend as much time at the mosque as you can. This practice is known as l’tikaf, and it’s a kind of spiritual retreat that should help you grow as a Muslim.
Show up for communal prayer as often as you can.
14. **Stay up all night on Laylat al-Qadr to worship and celebrate.** Pulling an all-nighter to pray and celebrate is a classic Laylat al-Qadr tradition among many Muslims. While not mandatory, staying up as late as you possibly can allows you to receive many blessings on this monumental night.
If you do go to bed, wake up in the morning for Fajr. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Pray-Laylatul-Qadr", "language": "en"} |
How to Draw Simple Anime Eyes | One of the most recognizable features of anime is the eyes. They’re big, they’re expressive, and they’re often exaggerated to show emotion. Anime eyes are only made up of a few basic shapes and they don’t have a lot of detail, so they’re actually pretty simple to draw. First, decide whether you want to draw female or male anime eyes since they’re slightly different. Then, draw the lash lines, iris, and pupil, shade in your drawing, and you’re done!
1. **See method 3 for instructions on drawing a female anime eye.**
2. **See method 4 for instructions on drawing a male anime eye.**
3. **Draw the upper and lower lash lines.** First, draw a downward curving line for the upper lash line. Add a curved tail at one end (draw it on the end that's going to be the outer corner of the eye), going down and back toward the other end of the line, so the upper lash line is C-shaped. Make the line about 1/3rd the length of the first curved line you drew. Then, make the upper lash line thick and bold with your pencil. For the lower lash line, draw a short, upward curving line centered under the first lash line you drew.
Female anime eyes are usually bigger and rounder than male anime eyes.
Make the eyes about 1/6th the height of the head and 1/4th the width of the head, if you’re drawing one. That way, they’ll look big and exaggerated.
4. **Sketch an oval between the lash lines.** Make the top and bottom of the oval overlap with the lash lines so the top and bottom are hidden. Make the width at the widest part of the oval the same as the length of the lower lash line. This will be the iris of the eye.
5. **Draw a small circle near the top of the oval.** Place the circle off to one side. Later on, you’ll leave this circle white, and it will look like light reflecting off of the eye.
Make the circle about 1/10th the size of the oval.
It doesn't matter which side you place the circle on, but it should be on the same side on both eyes if you're drawing 2.
6. **Add a smaller circle near the bottom of the oval on the opposite side.** If you drew the first circle near the top-left side of the oval, draw the smaller circle near the bottom-right side, and vice versa. Make this circle about half the size of the first one you drew.
When you’re done with your drawing, this circle will look like light reflecting off of the eye too.
7. **Make a smaller oval inside the first one and fill it in for the pupil.** Draw the oval about 1/4th the size of the iris, and center it inside of the first oval you drew. Then, use your pencil to fill it in all the way.
8. **Add the eyelashes.** To draw the eyelashes, start at the outer corner of the eye, and draw a few upward-curving lines coming off of the upper lash line. The eyelashes should span about 1/4th of the upper lash line. Make each line about 1/15th the length of the upper lash line itself. Then, thicken the lines with your pencil so they’re bold like the rest of the upper lash line.
Adding thick, distinct eyelashes will make the eye look more feminine.
Add a few eyelashes to the lower lash line if you’d like. If you do, they should curve down, not up.
9. **Shade in your drawing.** To shade in the eye, first draw a horizontal downward curving line from the left side of the iris to the right side. Make sure the line doesn’t overlap with either of the white circles. Then, shade in the white space above the line so it’s filled in but still lighter than the pupil. Shade in below the line so it’s lighter than the shading above the line.
Experiment using colored pencil if you’d like! Find a dark and light shade of the same color, then shade above the line with the darker shade and below the line with the lighter shade.
Remember not to shade in the white circles.
10. **Sketch the upper and lower lash lines.** First, draw a horizontal line with a slight curve. Then, draw a line with a slight upward curve coming down off one end of the first line (the end that will be the outer corner of the eye) at a 45-degree angle. Make this line about 1/3 the length of the first line you drew. At this point, the upper lash line will have a C-shape, and you’ll be able to see the outer corner of the eye. To draw the lower lash line, draw a short, horizontal line with a slight curve centered under the upper lash line.
Male anime eyes are usually smaller and narrower than female anime eyes. The curves on the upper and lower lash lines should be slight so the eye doesn’t look too round.
Draw the eyes about 1/8th the height of the head and 1/4th the width of the head, if you’re drawing one.
11. **Draw an oval between the lash lines.** Center the oval and make the top and bottom overlap with the lash lines so only part of the oval is visible. Make the width of the widest part of the oval about the same as the length of the lower lash line.
This will be the iris.
12. **Add a small circle near the top of the oval.** Draw the circle on the left or right side of the oval, near the top. It doesn’t matter which side, but place the circle on the same side in the second eye if you're drawing one. Make the circle about 1/10th the size of the iris.
You’ll leave this circle white later on so it looks like light is reflecting off of the eye.
13. **Make a smaller circle near the bottom of the oval on the opposite side.** For example, if you drew the first circle on the top-right side of the oval, draw the smaller circle on the bottom-left side. Draw the circle so it’s about 1/2 the size of the first circle. This circle will also look like reflected light when you shade in your drawing.
14. **Draw a smaller oval inside the first one and fill it in to make the pupil.** Center the oval inside the first one you drew, and make it about 1/4th the size. Shade it in with your pencil so it’s dark and completely filled in.
If the oval overlaps with the small circles you drew, make sure the circles are in front of the oval. Whether or not the oval overlaps will depend on how big you made the circles.
15. **Shade in the eye to finish your drawing.** To shade in the eye, start by drawing a horizontal line from the left side of the oval to the right side. Then, shade everything above the line in so it’s the same color as the pupil. Shade everything below the line in a few shades lighter.
Leave the small circles you drew white.
You can look for a good teacher in your area if you want to enhance your drawing skill.
You should practice sketching and read about drawing.
Try to develop an artist's eye. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-Simple-Anime-Eyes", "language": "en"} |
How to Hang Wind Chimes | Wind chimes are a great way to add a touch of zen to your home or garden! With the right mounting tools, you can hang them from the ceiling or a wall. You can also use a standing lantern holder or hang them from a tree outside if you don’t want to make holes in any surface.
1. **Choose a windy location where you can hang the wind chimes.** The name doesn’t lie: wind chimes need wind in order to chime! An outdoor porch or patio that is exposed to wind is the perfect spot to hang your chimes. You can also hang them by your front or back door so you can provoke them every time you pass by.
Place it in an area that isn’t near a bedroom where nighttime chiming might keep someone awake.
You can hang them inside as well, but you’ll have to disturb them to hear any chiming.
2. **Drill a hole** First, insert a pilot point bit into a drill—make sure it has a smaller diameter than the hook. Then, drill a small hole into the place where you want to insert the hanging hook. Make the hole about 2 inches (5.1 cm) to 3 inches (7.6 cm) deep.
You may need to stand on a step ladder if you’re hanging the wind chime from a high ceiling.
3. **Twist the pointed end of the ceiling hook clockwise into the ceiling.** Hold the hook by the end with the hanger and insert the sharp end into the pilot hole that you’ve drilled. Then, twist it clockwise until it’s secured in the hole.
You may need to apply some pressure while you make the final twists if the hook screw is longer than the depth of the pilot hole that you drilled.
4. **Loop the chain of the wind chimes onto the hook.** Lift the wind chime by the chain and hook it onto the hook at the desired length. If you’ve made your own wind chime and used a string instead of a chain, tie a sturdy loop at the end of the string to act as a hook.
If you want the wind chime to hang lower, hook the last chain link onto the hook. To hang it higher, choose a chain length towards the middle or beginning of the chain.
5. **Apply an adhesive J-hook onto a ceiling.** If you don’t want to make a hole in the ceiling, you can purchase adhesive hooks specifically made to hang plants and other items from ceilings. Be sure that the wind chime weighs less than the upper weight limit listed on the package.
Simply remove the protective strips from the adhesive mount and stick it onto the hanging surface.
You may need to apply pressure to the stuck-on mount for up to 1 minute to ensure a firm hold. Refer to the instructions on the package.
6. **Mount a plant-hanging bracket onto a vertical wall.** Use a drill and screws or a hammer and nails to attach a plant hanging bracket onto any vertical wall. After the bracket is in place, attach the wind chime by looping one of the chain links onto the hook.
Make sure the hanging part of the bracket sticks out far enough that the wind chime will have enough room to sway back and forth without hitting the wall.
7. **Hang the wind chime from a tall lantern, plant holder, or bird feeder pole.** A tall lantern, plant holder, or bird feeder pole is a great choice if you want to be able to move the wind chime to different locations. A holder that’s at least 4 feet (1.2 m) to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall is ideal, but you could use a shorter one for a small wind chime.
You can buy lanterns, plant holders, and bird feeder poles at garden supply or home hardware stores.
8. **Use rope to hang the wind chime from a tree branch.** If you want your wind chime to hang in a tree, simply loop a rope through one of the chain links and tie it onto a tree. Choose a relatively low-hanging horizontal branch. Ideally, one that has a small dip so the wind chime doesn’t slide along the branch.
To prevent rope friction from damaging the tree, use a bandana, sock, or other cloth to wrap the part of the rope that comes in contact with the tree. You can also use a tube of garden hose material as padding. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Hang-Wind-Chimes", "language": "en"} |
How to Cut Dog Paw Hair | When the fur on the bottom of a dog’s foot begins getting in the way of the paw pads, it can be difficult for your dog to move around. The soft paw pads allow your dog to gain traction, grip slick surfaces, and move freely without sliding all over the place. If the fur on the paw grows past the paw pads, it’s time for you to break out the dog-safe scissors and trim the excess hair. While this process isn’t particularly complicated, it is important that you’re careful when trimming around the paw pads, since an open foot wound can lead to an infection. Generally speaking, it’s best to use round-tipped scissors that are designed specifically for dogs to reduce the chance that cut your pet by accident.
1. **Cut the paw hair if it’s covering the paw pads or you see them slipping.** The fur on your dog’s paws helps to protect their skin. You generally do not need to cut the paw fur unless you notice the fur covering up the paw pads on the bottom of their feet. When this happens, the hair can trip your dog up and cause them to slide around on slicker surfaces. This is a common sign that you need to cut the hair on its feet.
Short-haired breeds may only need a slight trim once every 2-3 years. Long-haired breeds may require paw trimming every 4-6 months. It really depends on the specific dog breed and the quality of its coat.
Trim your dog’s paws when it’s in a docile and pleasant mood. If it’s extremely excited or especially agitated, it will be much harder to get it to hold still while you trim its paws.
2. **Grab the first paw up while your dog is standing or lying down.** If your dog is standing up, pull the back foot up away from its body and angle it gently towards you. If your dog prefers lying down, roll it onto its back or side to keep its paw raised up and facing you. If it’s on its side and won’t stay on its back, angle the paw up gently towards you. Give your dog lots of praise if it cooperates!
Don’t forcibly grab and hold your dog. If it becomes distressed or resists when you try to hold its paw, work up to it slowly. First touch your dog on a part of its leg that it’s comfortable with, then gradually work your way closer to its paw. Praise your dog when it accepts your touch. It should get used to having its paws handled over time.
Do the back feet first. Your dog may nip at you if you start with the front paws and it isn’t in the mood for some grooming, but it’ll likely relax by the time you get to the front paws if you start in the back.
If your dog loves belly rubs, enlisting a friend to give your pup some gentle pats while you’re trimming is a great way to keep it still.
3. **Raise the hair up with a small, soft-bristled comb.** Get a small, soft-bristled brush or comb designed for dog grooming. Hold the paw steady and brush the hair in between the paw pads away from the center of the foot to lift it up. On top of the foot, spread the toes out by hand and brush the hair up towards the ankle. Lifting the hair up makes it much easier to cut any matted hair or clumps of fur that are hiding between the pads and toes.
The smaller the comb, the easier this will be. At the pet store, look for combs designed for small dogs with fine coats. These tend to be the best option when it comes to combing up the paw hair.
4. **Cut the hair in between the paw pads with small, round-tipped dog scissors.** Grab some small, round-tipped scissors designed for dog grooming. Carefully trim the hair sticking out past the paw pads. Start in the center of the foot and work the blades in between each paw pad to cut the excess hair. Work slowly and use your free hand to spread the paw pads out away from the hair that you’re trimming.
Professional groomers usually use electric clippers to trim the hair between the pads, but it’s much easier to use scissors if you’re doing it yourself. The wide comb on the tip of a shaver is pretty difficult to navigate around the pads if you don’t have any experience.
5. **Trim the hair back until it’s flush with the pads of the paw.** Continue cutting the hair in between the paw pads. Trim the exposed hair back far enough so that the fur in between the pads sits flush with surface of the paw pads. It’s important that you don’t remove all of the fur since it protects the dog’s skin when it walks.
You can tell if the hair in between its pads is cut back far enough by running your finger gently over the surface the paw pads. You’ll be able to feel if the fur ends at the same height as the paw pads.
6. **Lift the hair around the outside of the pads to trim it back.** Raise the fur surrounding the exterior side of the paw pads either by hand or with your comb. Trim the hair back with your scissors so that the fur isn’t sticking out past the edges of your dog’s paws. Work in one direction from one corner of the heel, around the nails, and back to the other side of the heel to make sure you trim the entire edge of their foot.
7. **Remove mats, knots, and tangles by brushing or cutting them off.** If you find any clumps of knots, mats, or tangled fur, first try brushing the problem area 3-4 times. If you can remove the issue with your comb, cut the hair back the same as the rest of the paw. If the problem can’t be combed out, cut the problematic fur off completely using your scissors or a small set of electric clippers. To use the clippers, turn them on, set them to the lowest power setting, and gently brush the fur you want to cut with the flat edge of the clippers.
Mats and tangles are particularly problematic when they’re in between the paw pads since they tend to cause pain when they get too big.
It is better to use an electric clipper for particularly difficult mats. Cutting a really tough mat with scissors may irritate your dog’s skin as the blades tug the hair out of the skin.
8. **Use your scissors to trim the hair on the top of the feet.** Flip the dog’s paw over to reach to top of its foot. Use a soft-bristled brush or small comb to brush the hair on top of the paw up. Spread the toes out by pressing gently on the front half of the middle paw pad and brush this hair out as well. Trim the hair in between your dog’s toes using your scissors. If there is a lot of hair on top of the paw, trim it back to your desired length until it’s uniform.
You have a lot more freedom when it comes to the length of the fur on top of the foot. Unless it’s extremely cold out, you can basically cut this fur to be any length that you want. Generally speaking, the fur on the feet should be uniform with the rest of the fur on the dog’s leg.
9. **Remove any loose hairs that stick out from the paws.** Inspect the dog’s paw carefully and look for any individual hairs that you may have missed. Check in between the paw pads again, spread the toes out, and inspect the edges surrounding the foot. Cut any loose hairs off with your scissors.
10. **Trim your dog’s nails** Since you’re already handling your pup’s feet, now is the perfect to cut your dog’s nails if they need to be trimmed. Grab some dog-safe nail clippers and trim back the front ⁄4 in (0.64 cm) of the first nail. Only trim the very tip of the nail to avoid cutting into the nerves and blood vessels inside of the dog’s toenail. Repeat this process for every other nail on the paw.
It’s best if you cut the tip of the nail at a 45° angle towards the back of the paw. This will dramatically decrease the odds that you cut the nerve inside of each nail.
You really only need to dull the very tip of the nail. Dogs have nerves and blood vessels that run through the center of their toenails and it’s essential that you do not damage them.
Be extra careful while cutting your dog’s back nails, since it can be very difficult to see the quick (the bundle of nerves and blood vessels) in the rear nails. If you have any doubts, take your dog to a vet or groomer for a trim, or just file the nails down with an emery board.
11. **Repeat this process on the other 3 paws.** After you’ve trimmed the hair and clipped the nails on the first foot, repeat these steps on the other back paw. Once the back paws are done, do this on the 2 front paws. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Dog-Paw-Hair", "language": "en"} |
How to Avoid an Accident on a Motorcycle | Many people enjoy the freedom and adrenaline rush that riding a motorcycle can give you. However, riding a motorcycle is very dangerous if you’re unprepared. First, take a motorcycle safety course in your area to learn how to ride safely. Next, always be aware of the road conditions and dodge any obstructions. Avoid common driving mistakes by paying attention to the cars around you. Finally, ride safely by wearing safety gear and maintaining your motorcycle.
1. **Complete a motorcycle safety course.** No matter your skill level, you can benefit from taking a safety course. These courses teach you how to avoid accidents, how to crash safely, and how to deal with the aftermath. Many countries have motorcycle safety organizations or government agencies that offer safety courses. Do an online search to find one in your area.
For example, the Motorcyclist Safety Foundation offers beginner and advanced courses all over US.
In England, the government offers “Enhanced Riding Schemes,” or courses that are designed to improve a rider’s safety.
2. **Behave as if no car can see you.** Many drivers have trouble spotting motorcycles on the road, whether because of a blind spot or because they’re not paying attention. Whenever you’re driving near a car, assume that the rider cannot see you. For example:
Stay away from potential blind spots by riding in front of or behind a car.
When a car is backing up, assume they won’t see you in time to stop. Let them finish and then continue on your way.
If a car is merging into your lane, give them space. If they can’t see you they will run you over.
3. **Pay attention to the wheels of other cars.** If you’re not sure where a car will turn, look at their wheels. The angle of the wheel will indicate where they want to go next. This information can help you avoid many accidents. For example:
You will be aware of cars trying to turn left on top of you.
A rider can see whether a driver will try to change lanes at an intersection.
If the car is backing up, you will know what direction they will most likely go.
4. **Watch out for any obstructions in the road.** This can include cars, rocks, and other debris. By being watchful, you will give yourself enough time to avoid anything that you see on the road. For example, if you’re riding on a small country road, keep an eye out for any cars parked in your lane. Other dangerous road debris include:
Patches of gravel
Puddles of water
Oil on the road
Large branches on the street
5. **Check your mirrors often.** Be aware of what’s going on behind you by checking your mirrors. It can be tempting to keep the eye on the road in front of you at all times. However, you can benefit from knowing what’s going on behind you. For example:
If a car is speeding, they may come up behind you quickly and startle you.
A car behind you may turn on their blinker, indicating that they may merge on top of you if you don’t pay attention.
6. **Be careful of cars turning left at intersections.** Many motorcyclists are hit at intersections by cars turning left on top of them. In fact, this is the most common type of motorcycle and car collision. To avoid getting hit, keep an eye on approaching car’s blinkers and give them plenty of room to turn.
If a car turns left near you without using their blinker, you may need to speed up or swerve to avoid them.
7. **Position your hands over your brakes when stopping.** A large amount of motorcycle accidents happen at intersections. Therefore, you need to be able to brake at a moment’s notice when approaching a stop. Position your hands over both the front and the rear brakes as you stop to decrease your reaction time.
8. **Avoid getting rear ended at stop lights.** Many cars overlook a motorcycle that’s parked at a light. To avoid getting hit, create a buffer between you and oncoming traffic by pulling in front of the car in front of you. Make sure to give the car a friendly wave as you move around them. Other methods of stopping at intersections include:
Stopping between traffic lines so that cars can’t hit you
Stopping to the side of the lane, giving you an escape route
9. **Resist the urge to ride between cars in traffic.** What seems like a convenient time saver is actually a recipe for disaster. This is especially important when riding between an active lane and a lane of parked traffic. The dangers of riding between these cars include:
A car door opening, blocking your path
A car unexpectedly merging into another lane to escape traffic and merging on top of you
A driver cutting in front of you to merge, blocking your way
10. **Avoid speeding through tight turns.** If you’re going through a turn too quickly, you may end up flying off the road. To prevent this from happening, avoid driving too quickly to correct a bad turn. The faster you’re going, the less time you’ll have to adjust for a sharp turn. Use visual clues such as light posts and telephone polls to help you gauge the severity of a turn.
If you find yourself in this position anyway, don’t slap on your brakes or chop the throttle. Instead, lean into the turn and try to ride it out.
11. **Don’t drink and drive.** Half of the motorcycle accidents in the U.S. involve alcohol. Statistically, the best way to avoid an accident is to drive responsibly. Avoid drinking any kind of alcohol when riding your motorcycle.
If you’ve had too much to drink, play it safe and call a rideshare or taxi. It’s better to have to come back for your motorcycle than get in a fatal accident.
12. **Follow any speed limits.** It can be tempting to race down the road at top speed. However, if you go too fast, you won’t be as aware of the road. For example, if you’re speeding, you may not have time to swerve and avoid a patch of gravel. Other dangers include:
Not being able to turn properly because you’re going too fast
Running into a car, person, or animal
Hitting a patch of water and hydroplaning
13. **Buy motorcycle safety gear.** Do an online search to find a specialized motorcycle gear store in your area. When you visit the store, an associate will help you choose gear that fits and that meets safety standards. If you buy your gear used or online, you don’t have a guarantee that it will protect you. Always wear your gear, especially your helmet. Safety gear includes:
A motorcycle helmet
Riding boots
Gloves
Leathers (protective leather clothing)
Body armor
14. **Maintain your motorcycle.** Get your motorcycle checked regularly to make sure all the parts are functioning properly. Additionally, if your motorcycle starts to make a strange noise or if you have trouble steering, see a mechanic. If you don’t, you may have an accident. Other regular maintenance includes:
Regularly changing the tires to prevent skidding and sliding
Changing the oil whenever needed
Rotating the tires if they are out of alignment
15. **Practice braking.** Many riders are unprepared for any accident scenarios they encounter. If you practice braking quickly, the motions will be second-nature when you need them. First, find an empty parking lot or long, unused road. Practice speeding up and slamming on your brakes. When braking, keep your steering straight and your braking constant.
Start at smaller speeds and increase them as you become more comfortable with braking. For example, start by braking at 5 miles an hour, then moving to 10 miles an hour.
Some people believe that the best way to stop your motorcycle is to turn it on its side and slide. This is a dangerous, outdated method of stopping. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-an-Accident-on-a-Motorcycle", "language": "en"} |
How to Read Engineering Drawings | Just as an architectural drawing or blueprint shows you how to construct a building, an engineering drawing shows you how to manufacture a specific item or product. Various symbols and abbreviations in engineering drawings give you information about the dimensions, design, and materials used. These symbols and abbreviations are standardized by the American National Standards Institute (ASMI) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in the US. In other countries, drafting standards are controlled by the International Standards Organization (ISO). Engineering drawings can be intimidating if you've never looked at one before, but in this article, we'll help you make sense of them.
1. **Check the title block for basic information about the drawing.** The title block appears either at the top or bottom of an engineering drawing. Read this first to find out crucial information about the drawing, including:
The name and contact information for the company producing or distributing the part
The name and contact information for the engineer who created the drawing
The name of the object or part, along with part numbers or other identifying information
The units of measurement used for dimensions in the drawing
The scale of the drawing
2. **Review changes made to the original design in the revision block.** The revision block, typically located either at the top or the bottom of the drawing, opposite the title block, tells you what changes, if any, were made to the original specification or design. It also lists the date those changes were made and who approved those changes.
If you have any questions, follow this information back to the person who approved the changes and find out why the changes were made and why they approved them.
The information in the revision block can be extremely important if you're involved in a contractual dispute with a manufacturer or a buyer of a product you manufactured.
3. **Find out the items required for assembly in the bill of materials block.** This block is located in the upper left-hand corner of the drawing or next to the title block. If the object drawn requires additional parts for you to build it, these are listed here. You might see it called a "schedule" or a "parts list."
For example, if the object requires screws, the bill of materials will list the part number for the screws along with the size and length so you can gather them.
The bill of materials allows an engineer to maximize space in the drawing by including dimensions for small parts in a separate block. For more complex objects with lots of parts, the bill of materials might be a separate page.
If you're looking at engineering drawings with an unfamiliar system of measurements, check the ANSI/ASME equivalency tables.
4. **Check numbers in circles for keynotes.** Keynotes identify specific products and materials on the drawing so the engineer doesn't have to write an individual note to provide the specifications for every product or material that goes into the object. The drawing's references provide a list of what part or material corresponds to each number.
For example, if keynote 1 is "concrete masonry," every instance of concrete masonry on the drawing would have a 1 in a circle to identify that material.
For more detail about the makeup or configuration of the material identified in the keynotes, check the specification for the object.
Unlike keynotes, general notes apply to an entire set of engineering drawings. They typically provide information related to a particular discipline that helps an engineer of that discipline better understand or interpret the drawings. For example, general notes applicable to a civil engineer would be listed under "general civil notes."
Avoid assuming what a symbol means and always double-check or ask if you're confused by something.
5. **Use small triangles to find taper or slope.** If the object has a single sloped side, the ratio next to the small triangle gives you the slope. For objects with 2 sides that taper together, look for a small triangle with a bisecting line. The ratio next to that triangle gives you the taper for each of those sides.
Typically, a solid line with an arrow connects the symbol and its corresponding value with the line on the drawing it applies to.
6. **Match each part's surface finish to the values in the "√" symbol.** Engineers use this symbol to indicate both the surface finish and the technique that should be used to produce that finish. The number in the checkmark corresponds to the roughness value.
If the value has a line underneath it, the finish should be done by a machining process.
A value with a circle under it indicates that the surface must be finished without removing any material in the process.
7. **Memorize common abbreviations so you'll quickly recognize them.** It's okay to use a cheat sheet at first, but you'll find it much easier to read engineering drawings if you automatically know common abbreviations. While there are hundreds of symbols and abbreviations based on the specific type of object, some common abbreviations include:
LH/RH: left hand/right hand
ID/OD: inside diameter/outside diameter
MAX/MIN: maximum/minimum
CL: center line
C to C: center to center
FAO: finish all over
STL/CS: steel/carbon steel
8. **Cross-reference other symbols based on the type of object.** More complex mechanical objects include additional symbols related to the specific type of machine the drawing depicts. Depending on your specialty and the reason you're reading engineering drawings, you may not encounter any of these. If you do, search for a key or guide you can use to decipher them.
For example, if you're looking at an engineering drawing for a fluid power machine, you might see any of 113 symbols for equipment, 93 symbols for valves, and 74 symbols related to hydraulic pumps and motors.
9. **Follow projection lines to read most dimensions.** In isometric drawings, projection lines are drawn away from the object to give you the dimension of a side of the object. Lines drawn up or down indicate length and width, while those out to the side indicate height.
Some drawings might place the dimensions directly on the side of the object if it's clear in the drawing what side that dimension refers to.
10. **Find the dimension above the line between the projection lines.** Look for a line drawn between 2 projection lines with an arrow on either end. The number written above that line corresponds to the dimension of that side of the object.
Check the units of measure being used to make sure you have the dimensions correct, especially if you're looking at an engineering drawing drafted in another country.
If you see an "=" over a line, that indicates the dimension is the same as that of a parallel side.
11. **Read above and below the line to find the tolerance.** If 2 dimensions are given, the difference between them is the tolerance. Typically, the maximum dimension will be on the top of the line between the projection line, while the minimum dimension will be below it.
If you see 2 dimensions given, that means you can construct that portion of the object to be any value between the maximum and minimum value.
The value you use might impact the dimensions of other parts of the object, but the object will function correctly as long as all dimensions remain within the tolerance.
12. **Look for an "R" or a "Ø" to find the dimensions of circular parts.** The number after "R" is the radius and the number after "Ø" is the diameter of that area. These symbols are typically located next to the circular part. A solid line with an arrow tells you which circular area the value applies to.
You might also see a dashed line or cross to indicate the center of the circle, particularly if the part is designed to rotate.
13. **Use the same dimensions even if the drawing is scaled.** If the engineer reduced or enlarged the view of the object for the purpose of the drawing, the dimensions listed on the drawing still reflect the correct size of the object as it exists in 3-dimensional space. Don't adjust the dimensions to account for the scale of the drawing.
For example, an engineer drawing an extremely small object might enlarge it for the purposes of the drawing to show necessary detail so the object could be recreated. However, the dimensions listed on the drawing still correspond to the dimensions of the actual object.
14. **Use the solid lines to visualize the object in 3-dimensional space.** An engineering drawing is a 2-dimensional representation of a 3-dimensional object. Only solid lines on the drawing represent visible edges. Broken lines that appear in the drawing represent other aspects that are important for you to visualize the object:
Hidden line: made by dashes; indicates an edge hidden behind the solid face of an object
Phantom line: made by a series of dots and dashes; indicates an alternate position for a moving part
Center line: made by a series of lighter long and short dashes; indicates the exact geometric center of the object
Break line: made by a solid line with zig-zags; indicates part of the object is excluded from the drawing
15. **See hidden parts through cross-sectional views.** Read a cross-sectional view by mentally placing it within the exterior drawing of the object. Line up the parts of the exterior that you can recognize to correctly place the hidden internal parts within the exterior.
If the drawn object is opaque, you can't see its internal workings simply by looking at a drawing of the outside of the object. To show internal components that are necessary for the object to function, engineers draw cross-sectional views.
Depending on the type of object, a cross-sectional view might not be necessary. If there is no cross-sectional view, you can assume that the object is hollow on the inside.
16. **Combine the views in your mind to envision a 3D object.** The purpose of a set of engineering drawings is to show every detail about the object so it can be successfully reproduced. With most engineering drawings, this means you have to put together at least 2 or 3 views to create a mental image of the whole object in your mind.
For example, if the object is opaque, you won't be able to see the interior of the object from the outside. When you imagine the object in your mind, put the drawing of the interior inside the object and imagine yourself turning or opening the object to view the inside. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Read-Engineering-Drawings", "language": "en"} |
How to Study for a French Exam | Whether you're taking a French language proficiency exam or just a test for a French class in school, preparing for any test in a different language can be intimidating. While your specific study method will depend to some extent on the type of test you're taking, as long as you plan to study a little each day rather than waiting until the day before the test to cram, you'll probably do just fine. Focus on having a basic understanding of the language and how it works, rather than trying to memorize every technical detail exactly.
1. **Find out the structure and format of the test.** Knowing the type of test you're going to take gives you a better idea of how to study. In addition to the types of questions you'll be asked, you also need to know whether the test will include speaking and listening components or be completely written.
If you're taking the test for a French class in school, ask your instructor the types of questions that will be on the test and the approximate number of questions you'll have. You also want to find out if you'll have the whole class period to take the test or only a portion of it.
Language proficiency exams and placement tests tend to be more global, addressing your understanding of French in general rather than specific skills and grammar. A test for school, on the other hand, will more likely focus only on the things you've covered in class since your last test.
2. **Set aside time to study each day.** Repetition is important to help you learn any language. You'll retain more if you study for a shorter amount of time every day for a month or longer before the test than if you try to cram it all in the night before the test.
For example, if you have a language proficiency exam coming up in 3 months, you might set aside 30 minutes a day to study French for the first month, an hour a day for the second month, and then 30 minutes a day for the third month, up until the day before the test.
If you're studying for a test for school, you'll have to balance your French studies with your other classes. However, if you don't have any other tests coming up, try to focus the bulk of your study time on your French test. The more you focus solely on French, the more you'll retain.
3. **Drill yourself on grammar.** Search online for free grammar exercises and worksheets that you can use to practice grammar skills, such as conjugation and subject-verb agreement. You can also make your own drills and flashcards for grammar and vocabulary.
If you're studying for 30 minutes a day, dedicate 10 to 15 minutes of your time to doing grammar drills or vocabulary flashcards.
Divide your study sessions so that you're only working on one skill each day. You risk confusing yourself if you try to work on multiple grammar skills at a time.
4. **Try your hand at translation.** Take a longer French passage and translate it into your native language, then set it aside for a couple of days. When you come back to it, start with the English translation you made and translate it back into French.
Compare your French translation to the original French text. Where your French differs from the original, dig into it and try to understand why. Based on this exercise, you can determine areas where you might need more practice.
This exercise can also help you plan what parts of the language you're going to focus on for your studies. For example, if you find that you had a hard time conjugating irregular verbs, you might focus on that during your studies the following week.
5. **Avoid last-minute cramming.** The night before the test, do something relaxing to prepare for the test — especially if you're taking it first thing in the morning. If you try to cram, you'll only stress yourself out. You also run the risk of confusing skills that you previously knew.
If you still want to do something French-related, watch a French movie or listen to French music. The night before the test, your primary focus should be relaxing and calming your mind.
6. **Listen to French music.** French music can help you become more familiar with the French language and the repetition of song lyrics will help you memorize more vocabulary. Search on YouTube or your favorite music streaming service for French music that you can listen to.
Since you can listen to French music while you're doing other things, you can also use this as a way to increase your study time. For example, you could listen to French music while you're commuting to work or school.
Singing along with a French song can also help your pronunciation, particularly since lyrics are repetitive and often slower than normal speech.
7. **Watch French movies or television.** French movies and television help you become accustomed to listening to French. Unscripted television programs and news broadcasts, in particular, help you become more familiar with normal French speech patterns and the rhythms of a natural French conversation.
Many streaming services have popular programs over-dubbed in French. If you watch a show that you already like in English, you'll understand more of the context if you watch it in French.
8. **Seek out people with different French accents.** If you've been taking French in school, you're probably accustomed to the Parisian accent, since that's typically what's taught in French classes. However, as in other countries, people from across France and other French-speaking countries have different accents and use different phrases to express themselves.
Becoming familiar with different accents is especially important if you're taking an official French proficiency exam with a listening component. Frequently, the speakers come from different parts of the world and have different socio-economic backgrounds, which can also alter their accent.
Videos and newscasts from Montréal can give you more familiarity with the French-Canadian accent. Movies such as Manon des Sources give you the opportunity to hear a Provençal accent from southern France.
Search "French accents" on YouTube to find videos the distinguish the different accents in France and other French-speaking countries.
Videos of French standup comedians are also good to watch if you want to test your understanding of the language. Standup comedians also have many different accents, as well as exaggerating or making fun of accents in some bits.
9. **Listen to a speech and write down what you hear.** This exercise tests your listening comprehension. Find a speech or monologue in French that's only a few minutes long — ideally, one with a transcript so you can check your work. As you listen to the speech, write down what you hear in French. Then check what you wrote against the transcript.
For this exercise, don't worry so much about your spelling as getting down the words quickly. Don't worry so much about articles and other smaller words that don't really add anything to the meaning of what the person is saying.
Take note of the parts that you misunderstood or wrote down the wrong words and figure out why you got them wrong. Perhaps the person speaking had an unfamiliar accent or was speaking too quickly.
Listen to the speech again after a few days and see if you can pick up more of the words the second time through.
10. **Focus on understanding what is said generally rather than specifics.** A listening test isn't testing your memory of what was said, but rather your understanding of what was said. You don't have to worry about vocabulary or verb conjugations that you may not know as long as you have a good idea what the person was saying.
You don't need to be able to create a perfect translation of what was said either. Try to think in French and understand what is said in French, rather than struggling to translate French into your native language.
11. **Mimic the pronunciation of native speakers.** If the test you're taking includes a speech component, your pronunciation may need some work. Listening to and copying the pronunciation of native speakers will help you improve. Find a video online that you can pause. Listen to the speaker say a sentence or two, then pause the video and repeat the same words. If a particular word or phrase is giving you trouble, you may want to practice it several times before moving on to the next passage.
An online dictionary with audio of the words can also help you with problematic words or sounds. A website such as Forvo (https://forvo.com/languages/fr/) can also give you examples of a word spoken in different French accents, since the audio files are contributed by volunteers from all over the world.
12. **Locate practice tests for the exam you're taking.** If you're taking a formal or standardized test, you can likely find practice tests for free online or at your local public library. There are also commercial test preparation services that offer practice tests, although you typically have to pay for those.
If you're taking a test for a class at school, it may be harder to find practice tests you can use. However, some teachers make practice questions or copies of old tests available at the school library. Ask your teacher if this is something they do.
13. **Do a practice test cold to determine your starting point.** Before you start studying for the test, take a practice test under simulated test conditions. When you grade the test, look for patterns in questions you got wrong. This will show you the areas you need to focus on when you study for the test.
It's possible that you'll take the practice test and do relatively well the first time. When this happens, it can take some of the pressure off. However, don't take this as a sign that you don't have to study. There will always be areas where you can improve.
14. **Go through your answers and study the items you got incorrect.** When you check your answers, look at the questions you missed and figure out why you missed them. Pinpoint specifically what skill you're lacking that would have enabled you to answer that question correctly. Those are the skills you need to study the most.
You may find that you have particular things that are giving you trouble. For example, you may consistently confuse the conjugation of an irregular verb. If you have a consistent error, use flashcards to correct your understanding. In your studies, don't give yourself an opportunity to write the conjugation incorrectly, as this will only reinforce the mistake.
15. **Schedule practice tests periodically to measure your progress.** If you're studying for 3 months, try to take a practice test at least once every 2 to 3 weeks. When you go through your answers, take note of the areas where you've improved and the areas that still need more work. Then, you can adjust your study plan accordingly.
If you grouped your errors into categories, you can compare the number of wrong answers in each category to track your progress.
Sometimes, focusing too much on one thing will cause you to get rusty in another area. Try not to be too hard on yourself about this. Simply adjust your study plan to go back and recover the skills you've lost. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Study-for-a-French-Exam", "language": "en"} |
How to Apply Eyeshadow Primer for Perfect Eye Makeup Every Time | There's nothing more frustrating than laboring over your eye makeup in the morning, only to have it fade by lunchtime. What's the point of perfecting your cat eye when it's wiped off or melting down your face by the time you're ready to go out? Luckily, with the super quick, super easy application an eyelid primer, you can rest assured your eye makeup will stay in place all day.
1. **An eye primer product goes on before your shadow and liner to help them look smoother and last longer.** Basically, you use eyeshadow primer to create the perfect foundation for the rest of your eye makeup look. Without it, your beautiful smokey eye or bold wing will fade, crease, and become patchy throughout the day, something you obviously don't want after spending all that time doing your eye makeup.
2. **Cleanse your face and apply moisturizer.** It is essential to always start with a clean face, removing any oil or dirt that may be on your skin. Moisturizer will keep the makeup from drying out your skin. Wait at least 20 seconds after applying moisturizer, or until your skin feels dry and not dewy.
3. **Dab a small amount of primer on the back of your hand.** The amount should only be about the size of a grain of rice. While you want the primer to cover your eyelid completely, too much primer can completely backfire. It can cause your makeup to pill, clump, appear chalky, or look shiny. Too little, and your eye makeup won't stay.
This amount of primer should be enough for both eyes.
It's always better to start with less product and build layers if you need to instead of starting with too much and trying to wipe it off. Remember: less is more when it comes to primer.
4. **Dab the primer onto your eyelid with your finger or a small brush.** You want to gently dab, pat, smooth, and blend (but not rub) the primer into your skin. Use gentle pressure, as your eyelid skin is very thin. You can start near the inner corner of your eye and spread out and up toward the brow bone and outer corner of your lid, or you can start at the center of your lid and blend outwards and upwards.
A (clean) finger is a perfect tool for applying primer, and most of the time it's all you will need. You can easily control how much product you are applying, and the warmth from your fingertips can help you spread the primer.
A small makeup brush can really get into the little corners and edges by your tear duct and lash line and usually helps you get an even application.
Always be gentle and never pull on the skin around your eye, as this can lead to sagging and wrinkles later in life.
Really work the primer into the creases of your eyelid. The primer's job is to fill the fine lines in your skin so that your makeup doesn't settle into the creases.
If you are applying makeup to your bottom lid, use a thin brush or your finger to gently dab it along your lower lash line.
5. **Allow the primer to dry before completing your eye makeup.** It should take about 20 seconds for the primer to absorb and dry. You can then apply your eye makeup as you normally would. Your eyelid should feel like a flat canvas and your shadow should go on smoothly. If it appears cakey or clumpy, you used too much primer and should use a little less next application.
Try using the primer on your eyebrows to keep brow powder in place, too.
6. **Choose the right shade of primer.** For general, everyday use, you want to look for a primer that matches your complexion or is just a tiny bit lighter. This will look the most natural if you forego eyeshadow and just do a liner and it won't alter the shade of your eyeshadow by adding pigmentation.
Keep in mind that using a tinted primer can affect the look of your eyeshadow. You'll get the truest color if you stick to a transparent primer or one with very little color.
If you're doing a smokey eye or a dark eyeshadow, look for a darker primer to add depth to your look. If you are using multiple colors and really want them to pop, try a white primer.
Consider color correcting primer if you have dark circles or want to brighten your eyes. Primers with a yellow or peach cast will neutralize the purples, browns, and "bruise" shades of under eye circles.
A primer with a little bit of green can neutralize pink or reddish skin.
7. **Choose the finish of your primer.** Matte primers are great for everyday use, because they tend to last longer and give you a more neutral base for your eye makeup. Even if your skin is not oily, eyelids tend to get a little greasy throughout the day, and the matte finish will help absorb the grease and keep your makeup in place.
Since primer is a base to even out your skin tone, it should really be matte or transparent, rather than shimmery.
A satin or shimmery finish works when you are wearing no shadow over your primer or plan to use a sparkly eyeshadow. Keep in mind these don't have quite the staying power as a matte primer, and that you shouldn't use a matte eyeshadow over a shimmery primer or it will look off.
If you have very dry skin, try a gel-based primer or one that illuminates skin.
Matte primers work with both matte and shimmery eyeshadows--they allow you to add all the shine using the makeup, not the primer.
Matte primers are especially effective in hot and humid weather, because it will keep the grease and shine under control.
8. **Choose the texture of your eye primer.** Primers come in gel, cream, liquid, or stick form. The texture of your primer will influence how it feels on your lids and how long it will last. Gel primers usually last the longest and can be worn with all types of eyeshadow. They're great in hot weather and minimizing creasing.
Cream primers have a mousse texture and are the easiest to find. They work with most eyeshadows and can feel a little heavier on your lids.
Liquid primers are very lightweight, but are prone to showing creases if applied too lightly. Make sure you thoroughly blend liquid primers into the creases of your eyelids when applying.
Stick primers can be applied directly to your eyelid, instead of using your finger or a brush. They are very convenient for this reason, however it can be difficult to gauge how much primer you are applying.
9. **Make your own primer** Mix together 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of white kaolin clay, 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of aloe vera gel, and 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of vegetable glycerin. Combine your ingredients until they’re smooth, then dab the mixture onto your eyelids with a cotton swab. Try not to get any in your eyes, or it might sting a little.
Aloe vera and vegetable glycerin both absorb oil, so it makes them perfect for an eyelid primer to absorb shine. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Eyelid-Primer", "language": "en"} |
How to Season Pampered Chef Stoneware | Stoneware baking pans and trays from the Pampered Chef are designed to be a naturally non-stick surface. You can cook food with little to no oil, without using coated non-stick pans that chip and fleck away. In fact, these baking dishes get better with time thanks to a process called “seasoning” that improves the surface.
1. **Remove the stoneware dish from the package.** Wash it by hand prior to the first use. In the future, it is not recommended that you use soap on your stoneware, or it will remove the seasoning.
2. **Dry the stoneware with a towel and set it aside.**
3. **Don’t use aerosol non-stick spray on the surface of the stoneware.** It can cause a sticky surface that prevents seasoning.
4. **Wait until you have seasoned your pan initially to use it in food preparation.**
5. **Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).** You should not pre-heat the stoneware. It can be placed directly inside a preheated oven, even when refrigerated before use.
6. **Fill the inside of the stoneware item with vegetable oil before you use it.** Fill it to two-thirds full. If you are using a muffin pan, fill each of the compartments two-thirds full of oil.
7. **Place the pan inside the pre-heated oven for 20 minutes.**
8. **Remove the pan from the oven with oven mitts.** Set it to cool on a wire rack or other sturdy surface. Turn off the oven.
9. **Let it cool for two to four hours.** The pan should cool completely and absorb some of the oil.
10. **Pour the oil off into a large bowl in the sink.** Reserve the oil for future seasoning or use. You can also funnel it back into an oil container.
11. **Wipe the inside of the container lightly with a paper towel.** Then, bake with it within the next few days.
12. **Dip a paper towel in oil and rub it around the inside of the stone surface before you use it during the next two to three uses.** Then, it should remain coated so that you have a non-stick surface for the remaining time you use it.
Keep in mind that the darker and “dirtier” the stoneware looks, the better the surface will be for baking. The light coating of oil will stay on the pan, so that you don’t need to add too much oil or fat. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Season-Pampered-Chef-Stoneware", "language": "en"} |
How to Have a Fun Life | Everyone wants to enjoy life more, and oftentimes the key to enjoyment is fun. Having a fun life is about more than doing fun things and having adventures. You don’t always have time for big moments of fun, so work on embracing the little things. Try to cultivate a mindset that embraces play, pleasure, and laughter in your everyday activities. We’ve put together this list of tips for living a more fun-filled life. Take a look and see which ones you can incorporate into your life!
1. **Laughing usually means you’re having fun.** Watch funny movies, TV shows, or stand-up comedy to get a healthy dose of laughter in your life. Check out funny videos or memes that your friends post on social media. Tell jokes when you’re hanging out with friends or family. You’re sure to feel less stressed and happier if you’re laughing and having fun more!
Share funny content with others to spread the laughter. Send a friend a funny YouTube video or share a funny article on your Facebook page.
2. **Sometimes life doesn't go as planned or funny, unwanted things happen.** Look for humor in the randomness and irony of life. Allow yourself to laugh, pick yourself up, and move on to keep enjoying this crazy thing called life!
Those who are able to laugh at themselves also tend to be more cheerful, optimistic, and resilient.
3. **Fun doesn’t just come from big, spectacular moments and events.** Allow yourself to have small moments of fun in 5- to 10-minute increments throughout the day. Reward yourself with a 5-minute break and enjoy a piece of chocolate after returning an email. Or, watch a funny, 5-minute video after a stressful work meeting. Make time for tiny breaks to indulge in small pleasures.
For example, if you love watching the sun come up, get up early so you can enjoy the sunrise for 10 minutes!
4. **Not all fun activities have to be planned and scheduled.** Work on being more open to new, unplanned experiences to bring unexpected fun into your life. Accept invitations to spur-of-the-moment getaways, last-minute family gatherings, or parties.
For example, if a coworker asks you to go salsa dancing, go. Or, if your cousin wants you to go mountain climbing with her, go!
5. **This exposes you to fun activities that you’ve never tried before.** Look for any chance to try something new, no matter how small. For instance, instead of following the same exact route to work every day, try going a different way, even if it takes a few minutes longer.
Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. If you've always wanted to play the drums, go take a class!
6. **You likely spend a lot of time at work, so try to enjoy it a bit.** Bond with your coworkers by creating small routines that bring fun to the office. Joke with coworkers when it’s appropriate to bring some laughter into your day. Join an office team or club to make work more social. Anything that helps you look forward to going to work more is a great way to make your life more fun!
For example, you could bring in cookies into work every Wednesday.
If there are no clubs or teams at your workplace, you could start a casual book club with a few coworkers and discuss the books you read at lunch or after work.
Decorate your workspace with things that make you happy. For example, put up family photos or pictures from a recent vacation in your cubicle.
If you’re feeling bored at work, take a break and go for a walk. Getting outside can really brighten up your day.
7. **A small change in your routine can expose you to new opportunities for fun.** Take a different route to work or school and enjoy the new scenery. Try shopping for groceries somewhere new or eating lunch at a new restaurant. Rearrange your room to change things up. There are all kinds of ways you can make your day-to-day life different to freshen it up and have more fun!
For example, maybe you walk down a street you’ve never been on before and you see a bar advertising that there’s live music there every Wednesday. All of a sudden, there’s a whole new fun activity you can try out in your life!
8. **Mindfulness teaches you to be in and appreciate the present moment.** To practice mindfulness, spend 2 minutes in the morning just noticing your breathing. Let go of thoughts about your coming day when they pop into your head. Do this at different points in your day to ground yourself in the present moment.
Focus on the sensations around you — the sights, smells, tastes, and feelings of all the things you experience throughout your day.
Apply mindfulness when walking, driving, or taking the train. Put away electronic devices and pay attention to the moment. Observe the scene. Take in the smells and sounds. Appreciate how your body feels, and pay attention to your movements.
9. **Optimistic people have more fun than pessimistic thinkers.** Try to look at the positive things you have in your life instead of worrying or stressing about the things you don’t have. In other words, change your way of thinking from the “glass is half empty” to the “glass is half full” approach and stop letting negativity suck the fun out of your life!
For example, if you’re feeling bored with your job and dread going into work every day, try to think about all the positive things it provides in your life, such as money to go out to your favorite restaurant every week or a group of friends you met at work.
10. **This helps you unwind, learn new skills, relax, and enjoy life.** Choose an activity that you think of as pure fun. Make time for this activity in your schedule, whether it’s at lunch, after work, or on the weekends. Bring others along with you to share your fun activities, or ask to join them on theirs.
For example, if you’re a gamer, set aside 1 hour every evening to play video games online.
Or, if you’re an outdoorsy type, schedule a weekly hike with a group of friends on Saturday or Sunday to get out and enjoy nature.
11. **You can still have fun doing things you enjoyed when you were young.** Think back to things you had fun doing in your childhood and try them again now that you’re older. Certain activities may bring back all those feelings of fun and freedom that you experienced back then.
For instance, if you really liked playing in the waves at the beach when you were a kid, schedule a beach day and dive into the ocean!
Or, take up some kind of physical activity you haven’t done in a long time, such as riding a bike or playing dodgeball.
12. **Dancing boosts your mood and relieves stress and anxiety.** Put on your favorite playlist, song, or album. Move your body to the beat in whichever way feels best for you. Do it in your living room when no one’s watching or in the middle of a party — there are no rules when it comes to dancing!
Play music while you're doing things like cooking and cleaning. This may encourage you to move and dance a little as you do chores, making them feel more like fun than work.
13. **Money is a major reason many people struggle to have fun.** Check newspaper listings or local websites and online communities for free or low-cost activities in your area. Or, just enjoy time with friends or family without spending a bunch of money on “doing” something. Money doesn’t have to govern how much fun you have!
For example, you don't have to spend a fortune having a group of friends over or getting a cup of coffee with your favorite co-worker.
There might be plenty of cheap ways to have fun around your hometown. Maybe the local theater troupe puts on free shows in the park or maybe a local museum allows visitors in for free on certain days.
14. **Vacations give you a break from your routine and a chance to relax.** You don’t have to spend a fortune to make a vacation fun, either. Use your allotted vacation time from work to schedule a big trip once a year, or take a few long weekends to get out of town more close to home. Go somewhere you really want to visit or dedicate a vacation to specific activity you love, such as golf.
At the beginning of each year, start putting away money for a vacation. This way, you don't have to stress about costs later on, as the money will already be there.
Don’t just travel to popular places. Coastal cities, like New York, tend to cost more. Try looking for adventure in unconventional places that cater to your interests. For example, maybe you love mountains. Take a trip to a small, rural town in Colorado.
Look for fun package deals, such as cruises. A cruise can offer a fun, relaxing vacation where you get to see a lot and also unwind at an on-board pool or spa. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Fun-Life", "language": "en"} |
How to Determine True North | Did you know that most compasses don't actually point to the North Pole? It's true! In fact, most compasses point in the direction of magnetic north, a spot in the Arctic that is near to (but not the same as) the North Pole. In casual, everyday situations, this minor difference is often ignored, but if you're seriously attempting to navigate in the wilderness, it can present problems. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to find true north (the direction that points toward the North Pole) using everything from a modern computer to nothing more than the sun, moon, and stars.
1. **Find your local declination from the NGDC.** One of the things that can make the difference between true north and magnetic north so difficult for navigators is that the effect on compasses can change over time. This phenomenon is called declination — as the earth's magnetic field fluctuates, the number of degrees by which a compass will be "off" from true north will shift accordingly. Thus, to accurately adjust your compass to account for this effect, you'll need a recent declination value for your location.
Luckily, the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) keeps up-to date records of global declination values. At the NGDC website, you can enter your current location to receive the most recent declination value available for your area.
2. **Alternatively, find your declination from a map.** Some physical maps will also include declination values for the area displayed in the map. Topographical maps are the most likely to include this information, though it can be in other types of maps as well. If you're considering navigating by map and compass, consider checking your map's legend to see whether the map contains accurate declination data.
Note, of course, that declination changes over time, so old maps can quickly become out of date. For the most accurate values, use the most recently-published map available.
3. **Find magnetic north with your compass.** Once you know how "off" your compass is from true north, it's not hard to adjust for this discrepancy. Begin by finding magnetic north. Hold your compass flat and level in front of you. If your compass has a travel arrow (usually a skinny red arrow on the flat lower portion of the compass, point this forward. Watch the motion of the compass needle. When the needle stops moving, note the direction the needle points. This will be the north-south axis.
Most modern compasses have a needle that is half red and half white. In this case, the red end of the needle is the north-pointing end.
4. **Turn the orienting arrow so it points ahead of you.** If you're navigating by compass, typically, at this point, you would adjust the compass's bezel to that the direction you're intending to travel is directly in front of you, aligned with the travel arrow. In this case, since we want to find north, we'll turn the bezel so that the "N" (and the wide arrow beneath it) is directly in front of us.
Note that this magnetic north, not true north — we still need to adjust for declination.
5. **Adjust for declination.** Turn your body until the compass's needle is lined up with the orienting arrow on the bezel (and, thus, the travel arrow as well). You are now facing toward magnetic north. To find true north, turn the bezel the same magnitude and direction as your declination value. Most compasses will have degree markers on the bezel to help you do this. Next, line up your needle and your orienting arrow by turning your body again. You should now be facing true north!
For example, let's say that we originally obtained a declination value of 14 E for the area we're in. If we're facing towards magnetic north, we would turn our bezel 14 to the east (clockwise, in this case). Then, we would turn to the left (which is west) to line up the needle with the orienting arrow, leaving us facing at true north (14 west of magnetic north).
6. **Use the motion of the sun.** If you don't have a compass, don't worry — it's still possible to find true north by using natural clues. For instance, because the sun rises in the East and sets in the west, it's possible to use this information to get a rough sense for the direction of north. Just after sunrise, keep the sun on your right to face north — just before sunset, keep the sun on your left. At noon, the sun will be directly south, so face away from it to find north.
One way to get a "north" reading that's a little more accurate is to use a stick as a sort of sundial. Plant a stick or pole that's a few feet high in the ground and mark the tip of its shadow on the ground. Wait about 15 minutes, then mark its new location. Stand with your left foot on the first mark and your right foot on the second. You will be facing more or less towards true north regardless of the declination where you are.
7. **Use an analog watch.** One handy trick for finding true north involves using the hands of a non-digital watch. To start, remove your watch and hold it in your hand with the hour hand facing forward. Turn your body so that the hour hand points toward the sun. Find the midway point between your hour hand and the 12 o'clock mark at the top of the watch. This will point along the north-south axis.
For instance, let's say it's 4:00 PM. The midpoint between 4:00 and 12:00 is 2:00, so if we point the hour hand toward the sun, the north-south axis will be a little less than a quarter turn to our left. Since it's in the afternoon and the sun is setting in the west, we can infer that north will be behind us if we face toward the 2:00 marker.
Don't forget to compensate for Daylight Savings Time! If your watch is adjusted for DST, use the 1:00 marking rather than the 12:00 marking and proceed as normal.
8. **Look for clues in Nature.** Certain natural organisms (especially plants and trees) can give clues about which direction is north. To be clear, however, these rules are very "loose" and will not always work, so most of the time, other methods are preferable. Before are a few examples of what to look for:
Moss: May be thicker on the south sides of trees due to more sunlight.
Trees: Bark may be duller-colored and branches may stretch higher toward the sky on the north side due to less sunlight.
Ants: Ant hills may tend to be on the southern side of natural features where the sun is warmer.
Snow: Snow may melt faster on the southern side of trees and rocks where it receives more sunlight.
9. **Use Polaris, the North star.** It's surprisingly easy to find north at night if you know what you're looking for. Polaris (also called the North Star) is almost perfectly aligned with the earth's North Pole, so if you can find it, you'll know exactly where true north is. There are several ways to find Polaris, but the easiest way is usually to use the Big Dipper — the two stars at the end of the "spoon" portion of the constellation point directly to Polaris.
Unfortunately, Polaris can’t be seen from the Southern hemisphere, so it's only useful for navigation north of the equator.
10. **Use the moon.** Like the sun, the moon moves across the sky in an east-west direction. This means that you can use the position of the moon to help orient yourself toward true north at night. Early in the night, keep the moon on your right to face north; late in the night, keep it on your left. When the moon is at its highest point in the sky, it's roughly due south, so face away from it to find north.
If the moon is a crescent, you can also mentally draw a line through the horns of its crescent to the horizon to find south, then face away from this to find north. This works best when the moon is high in the sky.
11. **Use the motion of the sun.** Because the light from the sun, moon, and stars hit the Southern Hemisphere at a different angle than they hit the Northern Hemisphere, the process of finding north is a little different south of the equator. For instance, while the sun still rises in the east and sets in the west in the Southern Hemisphere, at noon, it is due north, rather than due south.
This means that, while you'll still want to keep the sun on your right just after sunrise and on your left just after sunset to face north, you'll want to face towards it to find north at noon.
12. **Use an analog watch.** Because the sun sweeps out a northern arc (rather than a southern one) in the Southern Hemisphere, the directions for finding north with a watch are essentially reversed. Point the 12:00 mark on your watch toward the sun, then find the line that marks the halfway point between the 12:00 mark and your hour hand. This represents the north-south axis.
For instance, if it's 6:00 PM, we would get a north-south axis running through the 3:00 and 9:00 markings on our watch. Since it's the evening, we know that the sun is in the western half of the sky. Thus, when we point the 12:00 marking at the sun, the 3:00 will point roughly towards true north.
13. **Use the Southern Cross at night.** The Southern Hemisphere doesn't have a convenient pole star like Polaris to make navigation easy. The closest equivalent is a constellation called the Southern Cross that rotates tightly around the south celestial pole. To estimate due south, find the Southern Cross and draw a line directly down to the horizon. This will be approximately due south, so face away from this to find due north.
The easiest way to find the Southern Cross is to use the Pointers — two bright stars in the southern sky that point directly at it. The Pointers can be found in the white, splotchy streak that is the Milky Way, which is often visible in locations with little or no light pollution.
14. **Use the moon.** In the Southern Hemisphere, the moon still travels from east to west, just like the sun. However, at its highest point in the sky, it faces due north, not due south. This means that the directions for navigating with a crescent moon are reversed — the line extending through the horns of the crescent to the horizon will point roughly to the north, rather than to the south. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-True-North", "language": "en"} |
How to Improve Your Decision‐Making Skills | You make decisions everyday about your work, school, life, and your future. It may seem overwhelming at times, having so many different responsibilities. Learn to make decisions thoughtfully by gathering the needed information, giving yourself time to think, and evaluating the situation long-term. Each decision may have costs and benefits. By improving your decision-making skills, you can feel more prepared for problems because you have already anticipated them. By finding support, you will likely feel more relaxed about your decisions.
1. **Gather information about the situation.** Understand the factors involved in the problem or situation. Talk with the involved parties or research what additional information you may need to make an informed decision. Avoid making a decision based on limited information.
Critically think about what is the important information needed to make a decision. Prioritize the most important pieces of information first. For example, let's say you're planning for what to do after high school. Think about your interests, school performance, finances, and family which may all factor into your decision.
Take some time to gather the information, rather than basing your decision on too-little information.
Make a list of questions you want the information-gathering session to answer in order to keep the search focused.
2. **Avoid making impulsive or emotionally-charged decisions.** If you're too emotionally invested in the issue, your judgment may be clouded. Avoid acting impulsively, and instead use careful, rational thinking. Focus on the facts of the situation rather than your ego, personality differences, or impulsive desires.
Making decisions when anxious, stressed, or upset will likely lead to poorer outcomes.
Learn to take a step back when you know you may be acting out of emotion. Avoid being pressured into making a decision. Learn to say to others, "I want to make sure that I am making an informed decision. I need to take a step back and think about this more clearly."
3. **Give yourself time to thoughtfully make a decision.** Oftentimes, you may feel rushed to make decisions. Sometimes those are big decisions that require more thought and careful examination. Don't feel obligated to make a decision before you're ready.
For example, let's say that your friends invite you for an overnight backpacking trip this weekend, but you had made plans to help your family with some important housework and still have school work to finish. Make sure to give yourself time to reflect on your other responsibilities before you say "yes."
Depending on the situation, it is usually good to give yourself at least a few hours or more to make decisions that could affect your day or week. But if the decision affects your long-term plans, a few days or more will give you more time to process the situation.
4. **Look at the situation in both the short-term and long-term.** Oftentimes, you may be so focused on the short-term problems that you don't look at the situation from a long-term perspective. Being short-sighted will likely have a negative impact in the long-run.
For example, let's say you just got paid. You want to go out and have fun with your friends, but at the same time you want to be able to save for a future car. You think about how much fun it would be to party and go to a concert, but then you realize that you can't afford to party each weekend and save at the same time.
Consider the possible risks of failing to think long-term. You may not be able to afford a car when you need one, or you may be faced with unexpected expenses and not have the money to pay for them.
5. **Weigh the costs and benefits of the situation.** For each decision that you make, whether you're buying an item at a store, planning your career, or making life decisions, it's important to assess the costs and benefits of each. By weighing the pros and cons of the situation, you are likely to feel more in control of your decisions.
See how your decision may impact you financially, professionally, emotionally, or physically.
For example, you like to shop regularly for new clothes because it makes you feel good, but your weekly shopping trips are costing you a third of your income. Look at the financial costs and the personal benefits of regular shopping trips for new clothes.
For big decisions, you may want to write down the pros and cons of the decision. For example, let's say that you are thinking about changing careers, this may require more work and time to assess your decision.
6. **Focus on the high priorities first.** When making a decision, consider ranking your priorities from high to low. Understand what matters to you most in this situation. Consider putting your responsibilities such as having an income or keeping your grades up as high priorities, while maintaining a balance by having time with friends and family.
For example, let's say you're trying to decide whether to attend a close relative's birthday party, but you know that a big project is due on Monday. You had made plans to go to the party, but feel like you might not get your work done if you go.
Learn to prioritize what can help you in the long term. If you fail to complete your project, you may face a lower grade or fail the class. Think about if this outweighs the benefits of holding on to your plans to go to a birthday party.
7. **Consider alternatives.** Think about how there are likely alternatives in each situation. You may think the only option is one way or the other, and that's all. Avoid black and white thinking by understanding all the alternatives, including ways to compromise.
Consider how each situation could have many different alternatives. Imagine that there is a Plan A, B, and C. While some plans seem more likely than others, it's important to carefully think about each option.
For example, you want to trying to decide whether to buy a new car. You have your sights set on a specific make and model. But then you're concerned about how to afford it. Instead of just deciding between your current car or the one that you want, consider alternatives like buying a different type of car that may be lower priced, or a car that better fits the needs of your family. If your current car works, you could also consider saving up for the car you want, rather than taking out a loan.
8. **Plan for the possibility of errors or problems.** Have a contingency plan in place so that you are not taken by surprise. Being prepared for the possible problems or issues that could arise will make you less stressed. While problems may not occur, it's better to anticipate them rather than ignore them.
Planning ahead is a key part of better decision making. You can feel more confident when things don't go as planned.
Plan for a "worst case scenario" about a situation. For example, you're considering a trip this winter, and planning to book your flight. When planning out your trip, have a plan in place about what might happen if you miss your flight, the flight is severely delayed, or the trip is cancelled. By thinking ahead, you are less likely to be frustrated in the middle of a problem.
9. **Learn to delegate tasks and boost others' decision-making skills.** Avoid feeling that you are the only one responsible for a decision, particularly at work, in your family household, or in a team setting. Many decisions are made with input from more than one person. Help others to feel more confident in their decision-making in order to ease the pressure that you may be feeling.
Some decisions impact more than just you. In those cases, it's important to have a variety of people's input.
Make sure that others feel included in the decision-making process. Consider assigning people to various tasks that can help to gather information or plan ahead for problems. By utilizing others, this may help to enhance your decision-making.
Whether you're a manager at work, a parent, or a leader for a group project, it's important to help others find their confidence so that better decisions are made. Make sure to get other people's input when making a big decision on a project.
10. **Talk with trusted friends, family, or experts on the matter.** Ask others who you have trusted in the past. Consider seeking out experts or people who can provide clarification on a tricky situation, too. Avoid overlooking the wisdom of others who have been through similar situations, or may be clear-headed in their thinking.
If you have been struggling to make a decision, talk with your trusted friends and family. Pick people who have offered sound and helpful advice in the past. Even if they are saying what you don't want to hear, think carefully about the pros and cons of what they say.
Depending on the decision you're making, it may be necessary to seek expert advice, particularly if it is a major financial decision, a medical issue, or a legal matter. Find professionals that can give you an unbiased opinion on the situation.
11. **Distance yourself from the situation if needed.** If you are continuing to feel overwhelmed or burdened by the decisions at hand, find ways to distance yourself. It is important that you take care of your mind and body, particularly during stressful situations.
Get some rest. Consider taking a day off, or a few-hour break, from work, school, or family. Find a place where you can clear your thoughts and feel comfortable.
Do an activity that you enjoy that helps to distract you from the challenges ahead. Exercise. Watch a movie. Read a book. Hang out with friends. Do something relaxing.
Come back to the issue after a brief break. See if your mind is clearer. By supporting yourself, both mind and body, you will feel more prepared to face tough decisions. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Decision%E2%80%90Making-Skills", "language": "en"} |
How to Set up a Green Anole Tank | Green anoles are a small species of lizard, typically about 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) from snout to tail. They are pretty easy to care for, and a great first species of lizard to keep as a pet if you’ve never owned a reptile before. Anoles are territorial creatures, and males should be kept in a tank by themselves. To set up a healthy habitat for your anole, visit a local pet store and purchase a tank, plus substrates and hides to make the lizard feel at home. Add a heat lamp and climbing decorations, and your anole’s home will be ready for its inhabitant.
1. **Purchase a 10 US gal (38 L) glass tank for a 1-2 adult anoles.** Although anole lizards are small, they need plenty of space to move around, eat, rest, and use the bathroom. Visit a local pet store and purchase a glass tank that’s at least 10 gallons (38 L) in size. This will work if you’re planning to keep 1-2 anoles, which is a good number for a beginner lizard owner.
It’s okay to keep 2 or 3 female anoles in a single tank, since they won’t fight. However, male anoles should be given their own tank.
2. **Keep 1 male and 3 or 4 females in a 20 US gal (76 L) tank.** If you’d like to keep more than 1-2 lizards in a tank, the tank size should be twice as large. Purchase a glass tank of this size at your local pet store. A 20 US gal (76 L) tank will give the anoles enough room to bask in warm areas and hide when they need time alone.
It’s not recommended that you keep more than 4-5 unless you’re an experienced anole breeder.
Keep an eye on the male anole in this situation and make sure that it doesn’t start acting aggressively towards the females.
3. **Place the tank at least 5 feet (1.5 m) off the ground in your home.** Anoles are used to being somewhat elevated in their natural climates, so try to replicate this in captivity. Set your anoles on a surface that’s more or less at your eye level. For example, place the tank on the top of a low bookcase or a high piece of furniture.
If you set the tank on a low table or on the ground, the anoles will feel uncomfortable, especially if there are children or pets wandering near the cage.
4. **Line the bottom of the tank with a natural substrate.** Substrate is the material on the bottom of the tank that the lizards will walk through. It’s best if the substrate mimics natural materials that the lizards would experience in nature. So, try lining the tank bottom with a dampened layer of peat moss. Or, lay 2 inches (5.1 cm) of potting soil on the bottom of the tank and cover it with bark mulch. You should be able to purchase all of these materials at a pet store or a home-improvement store.
If you’re keeping baby anoles, you can use 6-7 paper towels as a substrate if you feed the babies inside the cage. However, purchasing baby anoles isn’t recommended unless you’re an experienced lizard owner.
5. **Set 2 hides on opposite sides of the tank.** Hides are 8–10 in (20–25 cm) natural-looking cave-like structures commonly used in terrariums and lizard tanks. As the name suggests, they give the anoles a place to hide or to rest. Purchase 2 hides from a pet store and set them at opposite ends of the tank: 1 in the warm area under the light, for basking, and one on the cool side with no light.
Different anoles prefer different types of hides. If you notice your lizard isn’t using the hides you purchased, try buying a hide of a different size, material, or color.
6. **Decorate the cage with plastic plants and acrylic vines.** These items are more than cosmetic; they’ll give the anoles a place to climb. Anoles don’t spend much time on the ground in their natural habitat, and so these climbing obstacles are a necessity. Local pet stores will sell climbable items that stick to the inner tank walls with plastic suction cups. Purchase at least 3 plants or vines per anole.
Depending on the size of the tank, you could also place small live plants in the substrate at the bottom of the tank. Anoles prefer plants with broad, sturdy leaves, like ficus, pothos, dracaena, or philodendrons.
Avoid using any live plants that may poison your anoles, including bird of paradise, heliotrope, and ivy.
7. **Install a tropical background in the tank for a purely cosmetic touch.** If you think the tank looks a little plain, purchase a background with a brightly colored tropical background at your local pet store. Install this on one of the tank’s long sides, and position the tank at an angle that allows you to see the colorful background.
This type of background does nothing for the anoles and is purely for the aesthetic benefit of their owners.
8. **Set up a water dripper over a shallow 3 in (7.6 cm) bowl.** In their natural environment, anoles drink water out of streams and off of rain-covered leaves. Simulate this in captivity by attaching a water dripper to 1 side of the anole’s tank. Under the dripper’s spout, situate a small plastic or metal bowl that’s not more than 2 inches (5.1 cm) high. The anole will learn to drink either from the dripper or out of the bowl.
Do not fill the dripper with tap water, which may contain impurities. Instead, fill it with distilled bottled water purchased from a supermarket.
9. **Spray the greenery in the tank 2 times every day.** Anoles may not drink from the water bowl and, even if they do, they still need a humid, wet environment to survive. Fill a small spray bottle with distilled bottled water and, twice daily, spray a generous amount of water across the leaves and other greenery in the cage.
Don’t spray water directly onto the anole.
10. **Feed the anoles live crickets 2 times per day.** Anoles need to eat frequently, and their diet in captivity should mimic their natural diet as closely as possible. Purchase live crickets from a pet store, and feed them to your anoles once in the morning and once in the evening. Until you figure out exactly how much your anoles will eat, feed each anole 3 crickets.
Different anoles prefer different types of food. If 1 of your anoles doesn’t seem to like crickets, try adding a few mealworms at mealtime and see if the anoles eat them.
11. **Attach a reptile heat pad beneath the glass tank at 1 end.** Anoles are cold blooded and their tank needs to have a temperature gradient so they can adjust their temperature as needed. Purchase a reptile heat pad at a pet store and stick the pad beneath the glass of the anole tank. These pads need to plug into the wall and can be left on for 24 hours a day.
Never set reptile heat rocks in an anole tank. These rocks are potentially hazardous and may burn anoles.
12. **Set a heat lamp over the tank on the same side as the heat pad.** Set a heat lamp with a basking dome directly over the tank, pointing downward so it will warm the anole. Place the heat lamp on the same side as the reptile heat pad. This will ensure that this side of the tank is always hot, while the other side remains cool.
Different heat lamps have different means of attaching to the tank. Some have a suction cup that can attach to the side of the glass, while others have small clips that can hook onto the top of the tank.
13. **Put your anoles in the tank and watch them explore their new home.** In general, anoles dislike being handled. So, don’t grab your anole with your hands and shove it into its tank. Instead, take the small crate or tank in which the anole came home from the pet store and set it in the bottom of the tank. Open the small carrying case, let the anole crawl out, and then remove the carrying case and close the large tank.
Once your anoles have gotten used to their tanks, you can handle them lightly. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Set-up-a-Green-Anole-Tank", "language": "en"} |
How to Account for Deferred Compensation | Deferred compensation is a term used in the United States to refer to a portion of an employee's pay that is disbursed well after it is earned. Stock options and pensions are the two most common forms of deferred compensation. This type of pay arrangement is generally reserved for top executives and employees in managerial positions, and can have advantageous tax implications. Learning how to account for deferred compensation requires an understanding of the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) underlying the treatment, as well as the portion of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) that applies.
1. **Determine the terms of the deferred compensation package.** Understanding the structure of the pay package is essential to executing the proper accounting treatment. For example, consider a compensation plan issued in 2015 that will pay out a lump sum of $100,000 to an employee in 2020.
2. **Get the interest rate used for the present value calculation.** To calculate the present value, you'll need an interest rate that represents a low-risk investment. The current interest rate on treasury bonds is typically an excellent choice for a present value interest rate. For our purposes, we'll keep things simple and use an interest rate of 1 percent.
3. **Calculate the present value of the pay plan.** Because the amount will be paid out in the future, you'll need to calculate the present value of the compensation that will eventually be paid. The present value takes into account the difference between receiving money now and receiving the same amount at some point in the future.
Calculate the present value using the following formula: Present Value = Compensation / ((1 + interest rate) ^ years) until compensation. So, for our purposes that means Present Value = 100,000 / (1.01 ^ 5) or $95,147.
You can also use your favorite spreadsheet to calculate the present value by just plugging in the compensation amount, interest rate, and number of years into the formula.
4. **Set up the proper accounts.** Whether you're using accounting software or an old-school ledger, you'll need to have the appropriate accounts set up. Specifically, you'll need these accounts: Deferred Compensation Expense and Deferred Compensation Liability.
The Deferred Compensation Expense account operates just like any other expense account. It's a charge against your revenue that reduces your net income.
The Deferred Compensation Liability account is used because you're not paying the employee right away but you owe the employee the money eventually. Effectively, it's payable.
5. **Record the journal entries for the establishment of the deferred compensation plan.** When the plan is established (in 2015), it represents a liability; that is, an obligation to pay the employee. An entry must be recorded in the general journal to reflect the establishment of the pay plan.
To record the journal entry, debit Deferred Compensation Expense for $95,147 and credit Deferred Compensation Liability (a long-term liability account) for $95,147.
6. **Adjust the value of the deferred compensation plan each year.** Because the journal entry above was made using a discounted valuation, the account balances will have to be adjusted upward each year to reflect the updated present value.
For example, after the first year, the new total value of the compensation plan is (100,000 / 1.01^ 4) or $96,061. The difference between this value and the initial value is ($96,061 - $95,147) or $914.
To record the adjusting entry, debit Deferred Compensation Expense for $914 and credit Deferred Compensation Liability for $914.
7. **Record the journal entry upon disbursement of cash to the employee.** In 2020, the deferred compensation plan matures and the employee is paid. The journal entry is simple. Debit Deferred Compensation Liability for $100,000 (this will zero out the account balance), and credit Cash for $100,000. Taxes on the payment will be paid at this point (by both the corporation and the employee). | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Account-for-Deferred-Compensation", "language": "en"} |
How to Reduce Bitterness in Coffee | A good cup of coffee can be a lifesaver in the morning and a great way to start your day. But you may struggle with the bitter taste of coffee, especially if you prefer less bitterness in your drinks. You can reduce bitterness in coffee by adding salt or sugar to the coffee and by adjusting how you brew your coffee. You can also try a coffee bean variety that is less bitter so you can enjoy your coffee just how you like it.
1. **Put a dash of salt in the coffee.** Adding a dash of salt to your coffee can help to suppress the bitterness in the coffee and enhance the coffee’s flavor. This is because sodium chloride, or table salt, makes the sodium in coffee more distinct, resulting in coffee that tastes less bitter. You can add a dash of salt to freshly brewed coffee to cut down on the bitterness.
You can use common table salt for this method.
Keep in mind that adding a small amount of salt to your coffee will not make it taste more salty or ruin the underlying flavors in the coffee.
2. **Add cream or milk to the coffee.** Another easy option is to add cream or milk to your coffee to cut down on the bitterness. This may be a good option if you tend to drink your coffee with cream or milk and want to have a more neutral taste. The fat content in cream and milk can counteract the bitterness in the coffee.
If you tend to drink your coffee black, but want to try this method, you can try adding a spoonful of cream or milk and taste the coffee to see if it is to your liking. You may then add more cream or milk if the coffee is still too bitter.
3. **Put sugar in the coffee.** If you don’t mind counteracting bitterness with sweetness, adding sugar to your coffee may be the way to go. Put a teaspoon of sugar in your coffee to cut down on the bitterness and give your coffee a sweeter taste.
You can use white sugar or brown sugar for this method. Cane sugar tends to have less additives so it may be the better option.
4. **Go for drip coffee.** Drip coffee or pour over coffee tends to have less bitterness than other brewing options like french press or espresso brewing. If you are trying to avoid bitter coffee, you may go for drip coffee at home or when you are getting coffee at a coffee shop. Avoid espresso brewing, such as an espresso shot or an Americano style coffee, as these tend to be the most bitter.
If you brew your own coffee at home, the bitterness of the coffee will depend on the type of bean you use, the roasting method used on the beans, and the amount of beans you use. You may need to play around with your drip coffee method to find a brew that is not too bitter.
5. **Adjust the grind size of the coffee.** If you prepare your own coffee at home, you should grind your own beans for the freshest coffee possible. When you do this, make sure you are not grounding the coffee too finely. Brewing methods like french press and drip brewing will require different grind sizes. Often, french press tastes less bitter if the grinds are coarse and not too fine. Drip coffee tends to taste less bitter if the grinds are medium fine rather than very fine.
You may need to experiment with the grind size for your coffee depending on what type of brewing method you use. Finding the right grind size may improve the overall taste of your coffee, including the level of bitterness in the coffee.
6. **Check that the water you use is not too hot.** Another reason why your home brewed coffee may be bitter tasting is because you are using water that is too hot to brew the coffee. Using water that is too hot to brew the coffee can lead to more bitterness in your cup. You should aim for water temperatures between 195 degrees Fahrenheit (91 degrees Celsius) and 205 degrees Fahrenheit (96 degrees Celsius). Do not let the water boil to beyond 210 degrees Fahrenheit (98 degrees Celsius).
It may also be good to get into the habit of letting the water sit for a few minutes in the kettle so it can reduce in temperature before you pour it over your coffee grounds.
Stirring the coffee grinds rapidly with a spoon once you have poured the water over them can also improve the flavor of the coffee.
7. **Keep your brewing equipment clean.** Make sure you rinse out all your brewing equipment every time you brew coffee. Residue grounds can end up getting into your next cup, affecting the flavor and perhaps making it too bitter. Use hot water to rinse out the drip coffee equipment as well as the french press equipment so it is clean for the next time you brew coffee at home.
You should also let your brewing equipment air dry so it is clean and ready for use the following day.
8. **Store leftover coffee in a thermos.** If you use the french press brewing method, you should always pour out any leftover coffee in the french press into a thermos to keep it warm. Leaving the coffee in the press will make the coffee more bitter as it will sit longer with the grinds. When you go to pour the leftover coffee in your cup, you may end up with a very bitter cup of coffee.
You may also try to avoid having leftover coffee by measuring out the water by cup when you brew the coffee. For example, if you are planning to have two cups of coffee, one for you and a friend, you may measure out enough water for two cups exactly so you do not have to worry about leftover coffee sitting in the press.
9. **Go for medium roast coffee.** Medium roast coffee tends to have a less bitter flavor than dark roast coffees. This is because medium roast coffees are often roasted for less time and at a lower temperature than dark roast coffees. As a result, medium roast coffee varieties tend to have a higher acid content and a more potent aroma than dark roast coffees, as well as less bitterness.
Look for medium roast coffee at your local coffee shop. Or buy medium roast coffee beans and brew your own coffee at home to your liking.
10. **Try decaffeinated coffee.** The decaffeination process of coffee has also been shown to reduce bitterness. You can try having decaf coffee beans to see if they taste less bitter. Go for decaf coffee at your local coffee shop or purchase decaf coffee beans and prepare them at home.
11. **Avoid instant coffee.** Though you may be tempted to save some time and energy by going for instant coffee, keep in mind it can often taste too bland or too bitter. Instant coffee only requires hot water and a few stirs to create a cup of coffee, but it can contain additives, preservatives, and low quality coffee beans. If possible, substitute instant coffee for the real thing. Go for brewed coffee that is not too bitter and enjoy the real taste of coffee in your cup. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Bitterness-in-Coffee", "language": "en"} |
How to Treat Shin Splints | Shin splints are a common sports injury that occur when athletes overexert themselves, especially during running exercises. Pain from shin splints is located along the tibia, and can be caused by either swollen muscles or stress fractures. Depending on the severity of the injury, shin splints can cause a few days' discomfort or be debilitating for months. Read on for information on treating and preventing shin splints.
1. **Take a rest.** Since shin splints are almost always caused by exercising too much, the first thing to do is ramp down your workout routine to something you can accomplish without pain. Resting allows the swollen muscles along your shin bone to heal.
Avoid sprinting, running, or walking too quickly while recovering from shin splints.
If you still want to exercise during your recovery period, cross-train with low-impact exercises like biking or swimming.
2. **Ice your shins.** Shin splints are most commonly caused by inflamed muscles, and icing them will ease the pain and reduce inflammation.
Fill a food storage bag with ice, seal it, and wrap it in a thin towel. Apply it to your shins in 20-minute intervals.
Don't apply ice directly to your body, since you could damage your skin.
3. **Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).** Drugs containing ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Make sure you take only the recommended dosage, since NSAIDs can lead to an increased risk of bleeding and ulcers.
Don't medicate with NSAIDs as a way to kill the pain to allow you to exercise as usual; that's treating the symptom, not the problem, and you'll only make your shin splints worse.
4. **Go to the doctor.** If your shin splints are making it difficult to get up and walk without pain, you should seek medical care. You may have fractures in your bones that are causing your legs to hurt. In rare cases, surgery is required to treat stress fractures and other causes of shin splints.
5. **Stretch in the morning.** Keep your muscles limber by stretching them before you go about your day. Try these stretches to help your shin splints heal more quickly:
Do a stair stretch. Stand on a step or a stair so that your toes hang over the edge. Point your toes downward, then stretch them toward the ceiling. Repeat 20 times, rest for a few seconds, then repeat 20 more times.
Stretch by kneeling. Kneel with the tops of your feet flat against the floor, then slowly sit back onto your feet. You should feel your shin muscles stretching.
Stretch your Achilles tendon if you feel pain on the inside of the shin, which is most common. If you feel pain on the outside of the leg, stretch your calf muscle.
6. **Strengthen the shin muscles.** Doing these exercises a few times a day instead of running will help heal your muscles in no time.
Trace shapes or the alphabet on the floor with your toes, while in a sitting position.
Walk on your heels for 30 seconds at a time and then switch to regular walking for another 30 seconds. Repeat 3 or 4 times.
7. **Use massage to soothe your muscles and increase blood flow.** To massage your muscles, apply oil to your shins. Then use your fingers to rub the oil into your muscles. Move your hands up toward your heart, which is the direction your blood flows. Continue to massage your muscles for 5-10 minutes.
Don't rub down your legs opposite blood flow, as it can damage your veins.
Avoid rubbing your bone or ligaments directly, which can increase your pain.
8. **Relax your muscles with a foam roller.** You can release built up tension in your muscles and increase blood flow by rolling a foam roller under them. Place the foam roller on the floor, then kneel on top of it. Gently roll yourself back and forth on the foam roller, massaging your shins between your knees and ankles.
You can get a foam roller at a sporting goods store or online.
9. **Return to running slowly.** Increase your mileage by no more than 10 percent each week. If you feel the shin splints coming back, cut back on running until the pain goes away.
10. **Warm up before exercising.** Make a habit of warming up before running, sprinting, or playing sports like soccer and basketball that require a lot of heaving footwork.
Do a light one-mile jog before going on longer runs.
Walk briskly for a block or two before you break into a run.
11. **Use good form when running.** Poor form can increase your risk of developing shin splints. As you run, don't strike your feet on the heel or toe. Instead, land on the center part of your foot. Additionally, slowly increase your speed and distance so that you don't push yourself too hard or compromise your form.
Ask someone to watch or film you run for 5-10 minutes so you can easily check your form.
12. **Work out on soft surfaces.** Shin splints can be caused by running on pavement or concrete surfaces, since the shin bears the brunt of the impact.
Try running on dirt paths or grass instead of the road or the sidewalk.
If you must run on the road, mix up your routine with biking, swimming and other cross training exercises so you aren't pounding the pavement every day.
13. **Replace your running shoes.** If your shoes are worn out, new shoes with more cushioning can help disperse stress on the shin. If you have an overpronation or over supination, buy shoes designed to help with this problem.
14. **Try orthotics.** If you're prone to getting shin splints, you may want to ask your doctor to fit your feet with orthotics or arch supports. These are special shoe inserts that will change the way you strike the ground with your feet and prevent your legs from getting overstrained.
15. **Cross train using low impact exercises.** Running takes a toll on your body, so doing it every day can increase your risk of overworking your muscles. Cross training allows you to stay active without overworking yourself. Choose low impact exercises like swimming, cycling, yoga, or aerobics.
16. **Avoid overtraining.** Slowly increase your speed and distance, giving yourself plenty of time to adjust. Additionally, give yourself time to rest and recover between workouts. If you start to feel pain or discomfort, slow down or take a break.
Listen to your body and don't push it farther than it's ready to go. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Shin-Splints", "language": "en"} |
How to Diagnose Vaginal Discharge | Vaginal discharge is a common symptom in women and is most often completely normal and a sign that the vagina is functioning properly. Your vagina has a naturally acidic pH in order to protect you against infection. A healthy vagina regularly secretes discharge that in turn carries away dead cells and bacteria from your body. However, it's important to note that vaginal discharge can, in certain cases, be a symptom of infection or disease. Being able to discern normal from abnormal vaginal discharge is key to maintaining good vaginal health.
1. **Understand the function of vaginal discharge.** The vagina has a specialized lining, which contains glands that excrete small amounts of fluid every day. The purpose of regular, daily vaginal discharge is to collect old, sloughed cells and possible pathogens or "foreign bodies", and to expel them from the vagina. In addition, this discharge encourages a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast which protects against infection.
In other words, most vaginal discharge is good for you. Discharge is a natural way that your body protects itself.
Women will have a normal discharge every 80 minutes during sleep. This is a normal physiologic function (men as well have an erection every 80 minutes during sleep).
2. **Understand what normal vaginal discharge looks like.** Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or milky-white and may have a mild, if any, odor. It can be watery or thick and mucus-y, but the consistency should be relatively smooth and lump free most of the time.
In premenopausal women, it is normal to have about 1 teaspoon of white or clear vaginal discharge every day. However, the amount and characteristics of vaginal discharge can vary from one woman to another.
3. **Know the normal reasons your discharge may change.** There are a number of reasons that your vaginal discharge may look, smell or appear slightly different. If you're concerned about your discharge, run through this quick check list to see if you are experiencing or have recently experienced any of the following conditions. These are the most common - but completely normal - reasons your discharge may change:
Ovulation: During ovulation, there is usually an increased volume of discharge. This discharge is more clear, stretchy, and slippery. The purpose of this change is to allow easier passage of sperm during the time that an egg is ready for fertilization.
Menstruation: Discharge that is thick and white typically makes an appearance just before and after your menstrual cycle.
Pregnancy and post-partum: Pregnant women often notice an increase in the amount of discharge and a change in its consistency. This is especially noticeable in the last few weeks before delivery, when discharge can become thicker and more voluminous. After delivery, women will experience discharge termed “lochia." This particular discharge consists of blood, small clots, and sloughed-off tissue from the lining of the uterus that built-up over the course of pregnancy. Over time, it will change into a watery, pink discharge and eventually subside.
Menopause: The normal amount of vaginal discharge typically decreases during menopause as estrogen levels fall.
Sexual arousal: Watery discharge that is clear or slightly white is a sign of sexual excitement. The purpose of this discharge is to provide lubrication to protect the vagina during sex.
4. **Don't worry about "cleaning out" your normal discharge.** Your discharge is your body’s natural way of protecting itself. Douching is advisable only on rare occasions.
If you don't like the feeling of wetness on your underwear and clothing, consider wearing a panty-liner in your underwear. These can be purchased at grocery stores, drug stores and pharmacies, and convenience stores. You can also make your own pantyliners out of fabrics you have around the house, or bought from a craft store, if you want a cheaper and more natural solution.
5. **Examine the color and texture of your vaginal discharge.** If it looks different from the vaginal discharge you usually secrete, then there is a chance that it is abnormal and a symptom of an infection or change in the vaginal environment. A good rule of thumb is that if the discharge isn't clear or white, then you may have a problem. The most common symptoms of a pathology include:
White, thick, lumpy discharge that is itchy.
Green and foamy discharge.
Grayish, yellowish, brownish or greenish discharge.
Foul-smelling discharge.
Discharge accompanied by pain, itchiness or burning, bleeding, etc.
Discharge that it is heavier or thicker than usual.
6. **Evaluate the vaginal discharge.** Having examined the discharge, now assess which of the conditions that can cause abnormal discharge may apply to you. If your discharge does not fall in the ‘normal’ range of colors and textures, it may be a result of one of the following:
Bacterial vaginosis: This is the most common cause of abnormal discharge in women of childbearing age. Bacterial vaginosis is a mild vaginal infection caused by "bad" bacteria. Essentially there are "good" and bad types of bacteria and the good types help to regulate the growth of the bad types. In cases of bacterial vaginosis this balance is upset and there are too many bad bacteria. Symptoms include grayish-yellow, slippery, and fishy-smelling discharge as well as itching or burning in the vagina. Most discharges with odor are due to bacterial vaginosis.
Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection): If your discharge is white but thick and lumpy (think cottage cheese), it could be a sign of a yeast infection. In addition to the change in texture and color, you may also notice itching and burning sensations. Yeast infections do not usually produce a strong scent. These infections are the second most common type of vaginal infection among women. They are particularly likely to occur after a regimen of antibiotics, in patients with diabetes or immunocompromised patients.
Trichomoniasis: Discharge that is slightly green in hue and ‘frothy’ in texture is typically a symptom of trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is an infection with trichomonas, a single-cell parasite which is passed between sexual partners. This infection, the third most common infection that can affect your vaginal discharge, can also cause vaginal itching or pain.
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections): The common STIs chlamydia and gonorrhea can sometimes have the sole symptom of increased vaginal discharge. The characteristics of this discharge can vary, but it is often discolored (i.e. gray, yellow, green), thick, and foul-smelling. Women may also notice pain during sexual activity, as well as spotting or brown discharge afterward. Bacterial vaginosis, Candidiasis, and Trichomoniasis can also be spread sexually.
Vaginal or cervical cancer: Keep in mind that cancer of the vagina or cervix is a very rare cause of abnormal discharge.
7. **Consider other causes of abnormal discharge.** There are a lot of things than can affect the vaginal environment.
Exposing the vagina to a new type of cleaning agent or hygiene product can have an effect on it. Chemicals found in detergents and fabric softeners, feminine sprays, creams, douches, and contraceptive foams or jellies or creams may irritate the vagina and/or the skin around the vagina. Medications, such as antibiotics, can also increase the possibility of infection. Any of these may be causing your symptoms and the changes in your vaginal discharge. Think about what you have used most recently and when your discharge began to seem different to you. Once you are able to narrow the potential cause down, try eliminating it and seeing if your symptoms disappear. For example, if you recently changed to a new laundry detergent, avoid using it for a while and return to your old brand. If your symptoms go away, then you may have found the culprit! If your symptoms persist, however, even after you've considered any new chemicals that may have recently been added to your environment, you should visit your doctor.
Systemic illnesses that can also alter the balance of the vaginal environment. For example, women with diabetes have an increased risk of fungal infections (like yeast infections).
A not uncommon cause of vaginal discharge with a foul odor is a tampon that has been left in and forgotten. If you suspect that you may have left a tampon inside of yourself, you can do your own investigation. Begin by washing your hands and then squatting or placing one foot on the edge of your bathtub or toilet. Reach up inside your vagina as far as you can reach and feel around for anything. If you find a tampon but can't locate the string to pull it out, then use your finger and thumb to grab onto it and pull it out. Make sure the tampon is still generally intact; if it has started to disintegrate and you are unsure that you pulled all of the pieces out, contact your doctor as nothing should be left behind. Note that if you feel all the way up to your cervix and find nothing, there is likely nothing up there. If you still suspect that there is something up there but that you couldn't find it, contact your doctor, who can do a more thorough check for you.
8. **Consult your physician.** If after self-examination, you believe your discharge is abnormal, visit your doctor. Though it's useful to pay attention to your body and its many changes, don't rely on your own diagnosis as confirmation of particular condition. Let your health care provider examine you, run any necessary tests, and decide on a course of action or treatment.
One exception here may be if you've had a yeast infection (Vaginal candidiasis) in the past and feel confident in your ability to self-diagnose this infection based on your previous experience. Treatments for yeast infection are readily available over-the-counter at pharmacies and drug stores and can be administered at home. However, if the infection persists after this over-the-counter, standard treatment for candidiasis, it is highly advisable that you visit your physician.
9. **Make an appointment with your physician.** You should try to see your doctor as soon as you notice or suspect that your vaginal discharge is abnormal. Be prepared to describe the color, consistency, and frequency of the discharge.
If you are currently menstruating, it's best to wait until after your cycle finishes to see your doctor, if at all possible. But if there are significant symptoms, then be seen as soon as possible, even if menstruating.
If you are visiting a walk-in clinic and not your regular doctor, be prepared to give a full medical history.
10. **Let the doctor know of any conditions or actions that may be relevant.** For example, if you think you may be pregnant or recently had unprotected sex (i.e., sex without a condom), you should let your doctor know.
11. **Have a physical examination, including a pelvic exam.** Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may elect to do a partial pelvic exam or a full exam. A full exam includes an external and internal examination of the female pelvic organs:
The External Exam — Your health care provider will examine the opening of your vagina and the folds of your vulva. In particular, your doctor is looking for abnormal discharge, cysts, genital warts, irritation, or other conditions.
The Internal Exam (a) — The internal exam has two parts: the speculum exam and the bimanual exam. During the speculum exam, your doctor will gently insert a lubricated metal or plastic speculum into your vagina. The speculum separates the walls of the vagina when it opens. This should not feel painful but may feel slightly uncomfortable. Let your health care provider know if you do feel any pain. She may be able to adjust the size or position of the speculum. If there is a significant vaginal infection, the Pap test usually done at this time might be deferred, since the results of the Pap smear might be compromised. If so, you should return for a Pap test once the infection is cleared. In the Pap test, a tiny spatula or small brush to take a small sample of cells from your cervix. This sample will be examined to see if there are any cancerous or precancerous cells in the cervix. A sample of discharge from the cervix also may be taken from the vagina to test for STIs. In addition, your doctor will measure your vaginal pH and take samples of vaginal discharge for testing.
The Internal Exam (b) — The second test, the bimanual exam, involves your doctor inserting one or two gloved and lubricated fingers into your vagina while gently pressing on your lower abdomen with the other hand. This is a way to check for the size, shape, and position of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, which could affect your fertility and health. For example, an enlarged uterus could mean that you are pregnant or have fibroids, while pain or tenderness in the adnexa areas (ovary/tube) experienced during the exam could indicate an infection, cyst or possible mass.
Sometimes as part of a pelvic exam, your doctor may perform a rectal exam. In this instance, your doctor will put a gloved finger into the rectum to check for any tumors or other abnormalities.
12. **Have your samples sent to a lab for testing.** After the exam, your doctor will send all cultures and samples to the laboratory for testing. The most important test for samples of vaginal discharge is microscopic examination, or a wet prep test. In a wet prep test, a technician will mix the sample of vaginal discharge with saline and take a drop of this mixture and put it on a slide to examine. This is usually done in the doctor’s office, so results are available immediately.
The technician will carefully examine the slide at both medium and high power for trichomonas, clue cells, and yeast. Trichomonas are fluid, flagellated organisms that can be identified by their characteristic twisting motion. Clue cells are unusual cells whose existence in the sample means that bacterial vaginosis may be present. Lastly, yeast may be identified on the slide as budding or branching forms and is indicative of a yeast infection. The presence of yeast can also be determined through the Pap test.
13. **Wait for your test results.** Make sure to find out when you should expect results from these tests so you can meet again with your doctor to development a treatment plan if needed. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Vaginal-Discharge", "language": "en"} |
How to Get Red Out of Hair | If you want to strip red dye from your hair, you can use a commercial color-removing product or try a home remedy. If you want to turn your red hair blonde, start by removing the dye, apply a high-lift color, do a bleach bath, wait a few days and bleach your hair again, then finish by applying a blonde hair dye. Be aware that this process is very damaging to your hair, so go to a hair salon for best results. To tone down the red color of your hair, you can get a toning treatment at a salon or use a toning shampoo at home. No matter what method you choose, you can get red out of your hair with a few simple steps.
1. **Remove the color** The quicker you can get the dye out of your hair, the more of it you'll be able to remove. Try to strip the color within 48 hours. If it's been weeks or months since you dyed your hair red, you might not be able to remove as much of the color as you'd like.
Note that a semi- or demi-permanent color is a lot easier to remove than permanent color.
2. **Go to a salon for the best results.** A professional hair stylist will have lots of tips and tricks for removing dye from your hair. For the least damaging options that will give you the best results, make an appointment at a local salon and ask your stylist to remove the red dye for you.
Professional hair stylists can remove the color with a safe powder-water mix that breaks the chemical color bonds of your hair. That way, you don't have to worry about your hair falling out.
Removing dye can often result in an uneven look, which is what hair stylists are trained to deal with. They can help you get to the color you want with some highlights, lowlights, and maybe even a glaze.
3. **Try a color-removing product if you don't mind damaging your hair.** Using a color removing product is similar to using hair dye. Typically, you mix together 2 liquids in a plastic applicator bottle. Then, saturate all of your hair with the liquid, cover your head with a plastic cap, and let the product sit on your hair for the specified amount of time (usually about 20 minutes). Rinse it out and wash your hair thoroughly, using shampoo.
There are tons of products on the market formulated specifically to remove hair dye. However, they can contain some pretty harsh chemicals and may dry out or otherwise damage your tresses. If you truly hate the red color, pick up one of these products from a beauty or drug store and give it a try.
Some of these products can be used more than one time. Check the manufacturer's instructions to see if this is an option.
One rule of thumb is that color cannot lift color. You can't throw blonde on top of red and think that's going to turn your hair blonde, because the red color has already penetrated the hair follicles and is permanently there.
4. **Use vitamin C powder for a more natural solution.** Get regular vitamin C tablets from a grocery or pharmacy store. Crush up about a dozen of the tablets and mix 1 part powder into 2 parts shampoo. Work the shampoo into damp hair to create a lather, cover your hair with a cap, and let it sit for up to an hour. Rinse it out when the time is up.
Use a clarifying shampoo for best results. A clarifying shampoo cleanses your hair deeply, so it may help to strip the red from your hair.
Vitamin C powder is much less damaging than other methods. You may need to repeat the application to get rid of all the red dye.
5. **Wash your hair repeatedly with dish soap if that's all you have on hand.** Dish soap can help strip out color, but one use might not be enough. Use the dish soap as you would shampoo and wash your hair with it once per day until the color is gone. The high levels of sulfates help remove the red color from your locks.
6. **Get your hair professionally colored to limit the damage.** Turning red hair blonde is a complex and lengthy process. Have a professional hairstylist perform the transformation for you for best results and to limit the amount of damage done to your hair.
7. **Strip your hair first if it's already dyed red.** If your hair isn't naturally red, remove as much of the dye as you can before you start bleaching. You can use a color-removing product or a natural solution like dish soap or vitamin C.
After each treatment, deep condition your hair to restore some of the moisture.
8. **Apply a high-lift color** Wear gloves and old clothes or a hairdresser's cape. Mix 1 part color with 2 parts developer (or as indicated by the manufacturer's instructions) in a plastic bowl with an applicator brush. Comb your hair and divide it into 4-8 sections. Clip all but 1 section out of the way with plastic clips. Paint the color onto each section, working your way from one side of your head to the other. Massage the dye into your hair to make sure every strand is evenly coated.
Place a plastic shower cap over your head and let the color process for the recommended amount of time. Refer to the package instructions for more information.
Applying bleach to dyed red hair might make the red color more permanent and harder to remove. Instead, opt for a high-lift blonde color and 30-volume developer.
9. **Do a bleach bath the next day.** Put on gloves and a hairdresser's cape. Mix together 1 part bleach powder, 1 part 30-volume developer, and 1 part clear shampoo in a plastic bowl. Paint the mixture onto your hair the same way that you applied the high-lift color. Be sure to evenly coat every single strand of hair. Sit in front of the mirror so you can watch your hair process and rinse out the bleach bath after about 30 minutes or once you notice that the red has faded away.
Keep in mind that bleach is very damaging to your hair and doing a drastic color change—such as from red to blonde—can cause breakage and make your hair more fragile.
A high volume developer is more likely to damage your hair than a low volume developer.
10. **Bleach your hair** In order to remove all of the rest of the color and turn your tresses a true blonde, you'll need to bleach your hair again. Mix 1 part 40-volume developer with 1 part bleach powder in a plastic bowl. Use an applicator brush to saturate all of your hair with the mixture and let it process for 20 minutes. Then, rinse your hair, shampoo it, and do deep-conditioning treatment.
It's best to wait 3-7 days before bleaching your hair again to give it some time to recover. Use deep-conditioning treatments every day to maintain the health of your hair.
11. **Dye your hair blonde** If you ended up with patchy color that's different at the roots than the ends, applying an all-over dye can help even it out. Keep in mind that you may need to go a shade or 2 darker. Remember that even, ash blonde hair is much preferable to uneven, platinum blonde hair.
Follow the instructions to mix the dye and apply it the same way you did the high-lift color and bleach.
If your hair is even but still has a red or orangey tone, you can tone it instead of dying it.
You may need to trim your hair if the ends are especially damaged.
12. **Use a toner to make slight changes to your hair color.** If your hair is a bit too vibrant or the shade is off—it's too red or too orange and you want something subtler, a toner might be just what you need. If you want to drastically change your hair color, opt to strip or dye it, instead.
Toner is a semi-permanent solution, so you may need to repeat the process every 2-6 weeks.
13. **Visit a salon for a professional toning treatment.** As always, it's best to have a professional hairstylist change your hair color. Book an appointment for a toning treatment and explain exactly what you hope to achieve to your stylist so they can choose the right toner for your hair.
The stylist will wet your hair, apply the toner, leave it on for a certain amount of time, then rinse it out. It's pretty straightforward!
As an added bonus, toner adds shine to your tresses.
14. **Pick up toning shampoo from the store for a home remedy.** Toning shampoos are designed to tone down certain hair colors and are widely available at beauty and drug stores. Wet your hair, apply a generous amount of the shampoo, work it into your tresses, and leave it in for about 10 minutes. Then, rinse the shampoo out and repeat the process.
You can use toning shampoo each time you wash your hair, if needed, but no more than 1 or 2 times per week. If you wash your hair more frequently, then use a different shampoo on other days of the week. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Red-Out-of-Hair", "language": "en"} |
How to Treat Stomach Ulcers in Horses | While horses may look big and strong, they actually have rather sensitive stomachs. In particular, horses are prone to developing stomach ulcers. This article explains what causes ulcers, the symptoms, and the treatments dedicated to treating ulcers.
1. **Avoid things that cause ulcers.** Diet, exercise, and lifestyle all play factors in whether or not a horse will develop an ulcer. A horse’s stomach is split into two parts--the non-glandular part which immediately follows the esophagus, and the glandular part, which secretes enzymes like pepsin and hydrochloric acid. The glandular part is coated with mucus and bicarbonates, which protect it from the effects of hydrochloric acid or in common terms Muriatic acid! (Imagine drinking Muriatic acid). The ulceration of the non-glandular part of the stomach is the most common type of ulcer because it does not have the same protective lining as the glandular part. Causes of ulcers include:
Prolonged feeding of concentrates.
Prolonged starvation and low frequency of feeding (feeding only 3x/day).
Stress like prolonged and high-intensity exercise, prolonged or frequent transport, prolonged confinement, depression, and no socialization with other horses.
Prolonged use of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs). These drugs block the production of chemicals in the stomach that inhibit acid production.
Starvation in foals caused by poor mothering mares that lead delayed or infrequent milk suckling.
2. **Look for signs of stomach ulcers in foals.** Foals may exhibit different symptoms than those of adult horses. Stomach ulcers are very prevalent in foals who have not suckled milk properly and they can actually lead to death. If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your foal to a horse veterinarian immediately. In particular, look for:
Colic or extreme abdominal pain
Teeth grinding or bruxism
Excess salivation
Diarrhea
Poor appetite
Emaciation or poor body condition
Attempting to lie on his back
3. **Look for symptoms of stomach ulcers in adult horses.** Some of the symptoms that foals exhibit may also become apparent in adult horses. Whenever you observe these clinical signs you should suspect stomach ulcers, and immediately consult or bring your horse to a horse veterinarian. They can diagnose it definitively using an endoscope (a device that can see the inside of the horse stomach) and give proper treatment and advice. Look for:
Poor appetite
Poor body condition
Weight loss
Mild colic
Mental dullness
Attitude changes
Poor performance
Lying down on back more than usual
4. **Rest the horse for a week.** This will ensure that no reflux of acid will reach the non-glandular part of the stomach. During exercise and training, a lot of acids are refluxed, because exercise puts pressure on the stomach. Rapid movement that occurs during training can also cause acids in the stomach to splash. The stomach contains rapidly dividing cells. Resting the horse will ensure that the damaged lining will be repaired.
5. **Place the horse in a stall and make sure that his hay bin is always full.** Horse stomachs secrete acid in a cyclical fashion. This means that the acidity will increase and decrease throughout the day--sometimes a horse’s stomach will have a pH of 5 or it can drop to as low as a pH of 1. When a horse has hay 24/7, his stomach will always be full. Hay causes the horse to chew more, thus creating more saliva; saliva protects against strong acids.
The chewed hay will float in the horse’s stomach and will form a protective layer that prevents the reflux of acids into the non-glandular part of the stomach.
Roughage like alfalfa hay, for example, contains a lot of substances that act as antacids like calcium, magnesium sulfate, saponins, and mucilage proteins.
6. **Feed your horse before letting him exercise.** After you have let your horse rest for a week, you can begin to reintroduce him to exercise. Thirty minutes before the exercise, feed him small amounts of alfalfa hay or 500 grams of alfalfa chaff. The alfalfa will create an alkaline layer that blocks acid splashing into the upper non-glandular section of the stomach.
7. **Give your horse proton-pump inhibitors.** These drugs cause complete blocking of acid production, which in turn lets the stomach heal itself. These drugs are more potent than others and are generally given to the horse once a day.
Omeprazole and pantoprazole are both proton-pump inhibitors. Omeprazole (dose at 0.7mg to 1.4mg/kg daily), is the only FDA approved drug for the treatment of gastric ulcers in horses. Commercially available paste of omeprazole can be given once a day and during transport.
8. **Give your horse histamine Type 2 (H2) receptor Blockers.** These drugs cause partial blockage of acid production in the stomach, hence it is given more frequently. In general, you should give your horse this medication three or four times a day.
Cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotidine are variations of this medication. Dose of cimetidine (300 to 600mg 3 to 4 times a day). Ranitidine is effective in foals and is given once a day.
9. **Try giving your horse protective coatings.** These drugs provide a protective lining in the stomach mucosa and aid in its healing process. There are two main kinds of prescribed protective lining, sucralfate and lecithin.
Sucralfate: this drug binds to the stomach mucosa and may promote healing. Dose for foals (1 to 2 grams in foals 4x a day), in horses (2mg/kg 2x a day).
Lecithin: contains phospholipids and essential fatty acids like linolenic acid (omega 6), and linoleic acid (omega 3). Lecithin binds to the lipid layer of the stomach, providing an additional layer of protection against acids, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids strengthens the cell membranes of the stomach lining.
10. **Try other substances that promote protective lining growth.** Other substances that give a protective layer in the stomach include slippery elm powder, low protein whey powder, and psyllium husk. These substances can be given as slurry before feeding, or as top dressing in dry feed.
11. **Give your horse antacids.** Sodium bicarbonate can be used up to 200grams per dosing to provide short term relief, and neutralize gastric acid, it is usually given after feeding whole grain rations.
12. **Give your horse probiotics.** Probiotics include yoghurt products containing Lactobacilli spp. As a daily, these probiotic supplements can help as the beneficial bacteria competes with ulcer forming bacteria.
Prostaglandins can also combat bad bacteria. These are recommended in horses that have developed ulcers because they have high doses of NSAIDs. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Stomach-Ulcers-in-Horses", "language": "en"} |
How to Choose a Venus Flytrap | Venus flytraps are a type of carnivorous plant that traps insects and uses enzymes to break them down for food. Native to North Carolina, the venus fly trap can handle warm, humid weather well as cool temperatures. Many people grow venus flytraps as a hobby or for fly control. However, if you choose to purchase a venus flytrap, you will need to care for it diligently. This includes watering, grooming, dormancy and feeding. This article addresses how to purchase a venus flytrap as well as care for it.
1. **Consider if you can properly care for a Venus flytrap.** These plants require a regular care regimen.
You will be able to keep your Venus flytraps inside or outside, planted in pots.
Venus flytraps will need a good deal of sunlight and warmth for most of their growing cycle.
You will need to have patience, as Venus flytraps require a period of dormancy during the winter. They will grow less and require grooming.
Be prepared to trim dead leaves and blooms off of the plant to keep it healthy and to water the plant on a schedule.
You may need to feed the trap with crickets or other insects if it doesn't catch many on its own.
2. **Learn about different varieties of Venus flytraps.** These plants have several different breeds or species.
Some breeds are hardier than others.
If you are just getting started with Venus flytraps, growers recommend the following types of Venus flytraps: King Henry, Dentate Traps, Dingley Giant, or Microdent varieties. These types tend to be hardier plants that are less susceptible to common problems like disease and root rot.
The DC XL variety of Venus flytrap is known to be very hardy, but these can be more expensive than other types.
3. **Look at local retailers for a Venus flytrap plant.** Many nurseries and home and garden stores will have them in stock during their growing season.
Venus flytraps are usually sold in season, which typically runs from mid-spring to mid-autumn.
You can search at larger retailers like Home Depot or Lowes in the garden section.
Walmart can even carry them, if your local store has a garden section.
Smaller, privately owned nurseries are also likely to have these in stock when they are in season.
4. **Choose a plant.** You will want a plant that looks healthy and that is growing well.
Avoid any Venus flytrap plants that are potted in regular soil. These plants require a special kind of soil that is free of minerals.
Look for a plant that has vibrant green leaves and shoots. The traps themselves will be green or even reddish in color.
If a plant has many dead leaves that have not been trimmed, don't choose this plant. Grooming is a part of Venus flytrap maintenance, and you will want to purchase a plant that has been properly cared for.
Keep an eye out for any plants that appear wilted, dull in color, or that look sparse. These plants might have a fungal or bacterial problem and should be avoided.
5. **Buy a Venus flytrap online, alternatively.** If you are having trouble finding one in a retail store, there are many online sources for purchasing Venus flytraps.
Online sources, such as www.flytrapstore.com and www.growcarnivorousplants.com sell many varieties of Venus flytraps.
You are more likely to find more variety in breed or species of Venus flytrap through online sellers.
This can be especially helpful if you are new to raising Venus flytraps and are looking for a specific variety that is hardier, or if you are looking to expand your collection to include more variety in breeds.
6. **Keep your Venus flytrap in the right kind of soil.** Regular garden or potting soil is not appropriate for growing these plants.
Most of the time, if you buy a Venus fly trap it will already be potted in suitable soil. However, if you need to add more soil to your potted plant, you will need to get the right kind.
Venus flytraps will die if they are planted in regular garden soil or potting mix.
These plants naturally live in soil mediums which are free draining and contain almost no nutrients or soluble minerals.
Venus flytraps naturally grow in sandy soil that has very low fertility and very little organic material. This soil is usually slightly acidic.
You can buy potting mix specifically geared towards Venus flytraps. This usually contains a mixture of sphagnum moss, silica sand, and perlite.
7. **Keep your Venus flytraps in an area which gets regular sun.** They will not thrive in areas with too much shade.
During the spring and summer growing season, Venus flytraps will do best if they are kept in pots outdoors in direct sunlight except in the hottest weeks of summer.
In the hottest part of summer, you should move your Venus flytraps to an area with partial shade or the plants will get too much direct sunlight.
You can also grow Venus flytraps indoors, but they will not be as vibrant. Artificial light sources that are recommended are LEDs and fluorescent bulbs.
8. **Water your Venus flytrap with pure water.** You should never water this plant with regular tap water.
Tap water and bottled drinking water contains too many minerals. This will kill a Venus flytrap.
You should only water your Venus flytraps with distilled water, deionized water, or reverse osmosis water. You can buy these bottled in the grocery store or garden stores and they are relatively inexpensive.
You can also collect rainwater to use to water your Venus flytrap.
9. **Avoid overwatering your plant.** Venus flytraps can become too moist and this will promote bacterial or fungal growth that can kill the plant.
How often you water your flytrap will depend on a number of factors. If you are keeping your plants in an area with lots of sunlight and humidity, they will dry out faster. If they are in a cool area, the soil will remain moist for longer periods.
Most Venus flytrap growers recommend watering your plant every 2-5 days if you are keeping it in an area with more heat and sunlight.
If you keep your flytrap in a cooler area with more shade, watering your plant every 8-10 days, or even up to every 14 days, is recommended.
A good test to see if your plant needs to be watered is to feel the soil. If it is dry or cracked, the plant needs to be watered.
Using a turkey baster to water your plant gently is recommended by Venus flytrap growers.
10. **Groom your plant regularly.** You will have to trim off dead leaves and blooms from the plant to keep it healthy.
Dead leaves not only make a plant look unhealthy, but can actually shade new growth leaves and prevent them from getting adequate sunlight.
If leaves are brown and dry, they are dead.
In many cases these can be gently pulled off of the stem and disposed of.
Otherwise, you will need to trim off dead leaves and blooms gently with plant shears.
11. **Feed your Venus flytrap.** Most plants require fertilizer, but in the case of carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps, you will need to feed it insects.
Trap flies and put them into the traps while still alive. The motion will trigger the plants to close and trap the insect inside. It will slowly be digested by the plant's natural enzymes. This can take several weeks.
If you are having trouble getting flies into the traps, put them in a jar and refrigerate them. The cold will make them sluggish and easier to put into the traps.
If you can't find flies, you can feed the plant small earthworms. You can also feed it with live insects like crickets or mealworms that are used to feed lizards and reptile pets. You can buy these at pet supply stores.
When feeding, you should only feed one or two traps at a time. Avoid having all of the traps on a plant full at once. Digesting all those insects will expend the energy of the plant and can cause it to wither.
12. **Watch your plant for dormancy.** Venus flytraps go through a yearly period of dormancy in the winter. This period lasts from three to five months, but cannot be any shorter than 10 weeks for the plant to continue to thrive. The plant still needs plenty of light during this time, but it can survive in cooler temperatures.
Colder weather in the fall triggers dormancy in a Venus flytrap. During this period, growth slows and traps become sluggish.
During its dormant period, you can still keep the Venus flytrap outdoors but bring it inside if temperatures fall below or close to freezing.
Care for a venus flytrap during dormancy is a little different. You should still water and feed the plant during dormancy, but the plant will require less water and food during this period. Check the soil of the plant to make sure it is dry before watering and decrease the frequency of insect feedings. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Venus-Flytrap", "language": "en"} |
How to Know Emerald Value | Emeralds have been one of the most sought after gemstones for well over 4,000 years. Many historians associate emeralds with Queen Cleopatra, the last Egyptian pharaoh. Cleopatra was so obsessed with emeralds that she often adorned her robes, jewelry, and crowns with them. Emeralds are about 20 times rarer than diamonds, and they are highly valued. Although you are likely not looking for an emerald to put in a crown, you still may be in the market to buy or sell a quality gemstone. It is important to understand the elements that contribute to the value of an emerald before buying or selling one.
1. **Look for inclusions.** Inclusions are any materials (such as gas bubbles or tiny crystals) that became trapped inside a stone during its formation. Almost 99% of emeralds have inclusions that are visible with the naked eye or a loupe, a jeweler’s magnifying glass.
The prevalence of inclusions makes the emerald a Type 3 gemstone, which means that inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye are nearly always present.
An emerald with excessive inclusions that lessen the stone’s transparency or clarity is worth less than an emerald that has fewer inclusions.
Be wary of inclusions that reach the gem’s surface, as they may cause the gem to fracture.
2. **Examine the emerald’s cut.** Emeralds can be difficult to cut because the prevalence of inclusions makes them vulnerable to fracturing during the cutting process. Emeralds are often cut in a rectangular shape (known as a "step cut" or an "emerald cut") that helps the stone’s color appear consistent.
An emerald’s cut should help protect the stone from potential damage from everyday wear and tear.
A quality emerald cut enhances the emerald’s hue, tone, and saturation. A good cut will appear sparkly and have a desirable color, while a poor cut may have a nice color but appear dull.
3. **Understand that emeralds come in a variety of sizes.** Like most gems, emeralds can come in a wide variety of sizes, from 0.02-0.5 carat (1mm-5mm) accent gems to 1-5 carat (7mm-12mm) center stones used in rings or necklaces.
4. **Do not equate size alone with value.** It is true that larger stones are more valuable than smaller stones. However, quality is just as important as size, and large emeralds are more likely to have large or visible inclusions that may affect clarity. A smaller stone of higher quality is likely to hold more value than a larger stone with poorer quality. Additionally, a stone’s color has a significant impact on its value
5. **Understand the importance of color.** Emeralds come in a range of colors. Color is one of the most important factors in determining the value of an emerald. The variance of color in emeralds is due to differing amounts of chromium, vanadium, and iron in the environment in which the stones formed. Color can be subdivided into the categories of hue, tone, and saturation.
6. **Identify an emerald’s hue.** Hue is probably what you think of when you hear the word “color.” An emerald’s hue is its specific type of green.
Emerald hues can range from bluish-green to a more yellow-green.
For example, Zambian emeralds are characterized by deep bluish greens, while Brazilian and Colombian emeralds often take on a rich, pure green hue.
7. **Look at an emerald’s tone.** Tone refers to how light or dark the color of an emerald is. Emeralds can range from very light green to very dark green in tone. The association of tone and value is somewhat complicated. Darker emeralds are often considered more valuable, but if an emerald becomes too dark, it becomes less valuable.
Emeralds with medium to medium-dark tones are the most valuable emeralds in the market.
Emeralds with pure green or blue-green tones are the most desirable, in part because blue-green emeralds are associated with a very famous and highly-regarded gem mine in Colombia called the Muzo Mine.
Be aware that emeralds that are too yellow or too blue may not be considered real emeralds and are therefore far less valuable.
8. **Evaluate an emerald’s saturation.** Saturation is tied to the gem’s transparency. Emeralds with high saturation (which means that they are highly transparent) are more valuable than emeralds with low saturation.
Saturation can be tied to both inclusion and tone; very included gems can appear less transparent. Similarly, very dark green emeralds do not absorb much light, so they appear duller than lighter emeralds.
9. **Use a reputable jeweler.** Buy valuable gems from a trusted source. Be sure that the jeweler has an established reputation. It is best to find a jeweler with a return policy for products that are sold with inaccurate descriptions of clarity and quality.
10. **Have the gem appraised.** It is a good idea to have very expensive gems (or gems that are three carats or larger) appraised by a third party. It is best to use an appraiser who holds membership in the American Society of Appraisers, one of the oldest appraisal societies in the United States. To find an appraiser, take the following steps:
Search the American Society of Appraisers’ website here.
Click on “find an appraiser,” then enter your zip code.
Type in “gems and jewelry” in the appraisal expertise section.
Select an appraiser from among the search results.
11. **Request a report from a reputable gemological laboratory such as American Gemological Laboratories (AGL).** In order to appropriately evaluate the value of an emerald that you are considering purchasing, you can request an AGL report, which identifies the type, size, cut, clarity, color, and origin of the emerald you are purchasing.
This report will give you some degree of confidence as to the quality and value of your gem, even before getting a third-party appraisal.
12. **Understand pricing.** Before purchasing an emerald, you should be sure that you are getting a good quality gem for the amount of money you are spending. An AGL report will give you a starting point, but the AGL may not represent accurate market value (AGL report prices are often inflated). To get a better feel for fair pricing, you may want to shop at different jewelers, taking notes about the color, cut, and quality of each gem that you are pricing.
Keep in mind that pricing a stone is ultimately subjective, so you cannot necessarily come up with a specific “formula” for the exact value of a stone.
13. **Understand the process of oiling.** Emeralds are often treated with oil or resin to improve the stones clarity. This is done because of the emeralds Type 3 nature which means its naturally included. Clarity enhancement is common practice and is considered an acceptable enhancement to the appearance of the gemstone unless it is treated with dyed oil. Emeralds treated using oil will require re-oiling every so often to maintain the stones appearance.
Ask whether the emerald has undergone changes that are minor, moderate, or significant. Ask to verify this with an accredited laboratory certificate from GIA or AGL | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Know-Emerald-Value", "language": "en"} |
How to Melt Nutella | If you'd like to use Nutella spread in a recipe or on your morning toast, you'll need to soften it to get it out of the jar. You can quickly melt Nutella by scooping it into a bowl and microwaving it gently. Or if you'd like to melt a larger amount, simply put the jar of Nutella into a bowl of hot water. If you only need a little Nutella for spreading, heat a metal knife or spoon then use it to scrape up the softened Nutella.
1. **Scoop the Nutella into a bowl.** Determine how much Nutella you need to melt, especially if you're using it for a recipe. Scoop the hard Nutella into a microwave-safe bowl or dish.
Avoid using a plastic bowl or plastic spoon to stir the Nutella. These can melt or leach chemicals into the Nutella.
2. **Microwave the Nutella for 15 seconds.** Set your microwave to the medium-low setting. Place the uncovered bowl of Nutella in the microwave and heat it for 15 seconds.
3. **Stir the Nutella and microwave it for 15 more seconds.** Open the microwave and stir the Nutella with a metal or wooden spoon. This will help it melt evenly. Microwave the Nutella for 15 more seconds.
4. **Stir the Nutella and check the consistency.** Stir the Nutella again to see if it's melted or if there are still thick clumps. Continue to microwave the Nutella in 15-second intervals until it's melted.
Avoid microwaving the Nutella too much or it can burn and clump up again.
5. **Bring a pot of water to boil.** Fill a water kettle and turn it on to high heat. The water should boil within a few minutes.
6. **Pour boiling water into a bowl.** Get out a heat-proof bowl and carefully pour enough hot water to fill the bowl halfway. Avoid pouring in too much water or it will spill over the side of the bowl when you add the Nutella.
7. **Place the jar of Nutella in the hot water.** Remove the lid from the jar of Nutella and set the jar into the bowl of hot water. Ensure that water can't get into the jar.
If you want to heat a small amount, you can scoop some into a small bowl. You can place this bowl of Nutella into the bowl of hot water as long as water won't come over the sides and into the Nutella.
8. **Soften and stir the Nutella.** Let the Nutella sit in the hot water for about 5 minutes. Stir the Nutella with a wooden or metal spoon and remove it the jar from the water if it's melted. If not, let the Nutella sit in the hot water until it's melted.
This is a gentle way of heating the Nutella because you won't actually cook or overheat it.
9. **Heat a metal knife or spoon under hot water.** If you only need to melt or soften a little bit of Nutella, get out a butter knife or spoon. Run hot water into a cup and put the spoon or knife in the hot water. Let it sit in the cup for about one minute. This will heat up the metal.
You can also buy an electric butter spreader. This small knife will actually warm itself so you can use it to scoop out and melt a small amount of Nutella.
10. **Consider heating the knife or spoon in your coffee or tea.** Some people find that they always have coffee or tea with their toast and Nutella. For a shortcut, you could simply put your spoon or butter knife directly into your coffee or tea. Leave it in there for one minute to heat up the metal.
11. **Spread the Nutella until it melts.** Remove the butter knife or spoon from the hot water, coffee, or tea. Quickly wipe it on a clean cloth so you don't get water into your jar of Nutella. Scrape up as much Nutella as you need and spread it on whatever you're using. Keep spreading the Nutella until the heat from the knife or spoon melts it.
If your knife or spoon cools off too much, just wipe it clean and reinsert it into the hot water, coffee or tea for another minute. Then you can continue to spread and melt the Nutella. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Melt-Nutella", "language": "en"} |
How to Tell the Difference Between Crows and Ravens | Although crows and ravens are in the same family of birds and look alike, they actually have some pretty big differences. To tell the difference between a crow and a raven, you’ll need to examine the bird and look at things like its size, feathers, and environment. You can also tell crows and ravens apart by the way they sound. Once you understand the differences, it’ll be simple to tell the 2 birds apart.
1. **Check for a wedge-shaped tail.** Look at the tail feathers as the bird flies overhead. If the feathers taper off at the end and form a wedge, it's a raven. This is typically the easiest way to determine which bird it is.
2. **Look for a 3.5–4 ft (1.1–1.2 m) wingspan.** While ravens and crows are both black, they differ in size significantly. Ravens are typically much bigger than crows, with a larger body and wingspan. In fact, typically ravens are twice the size of crows.
On average, ravens are 24–27 in (61–69 cm) long.
3. **Look for a large head and bill.** Ravens usually have a much larger head than a crow, with a long, curved bill. Look for a bill that's equal to or larger than the bird's head. If it has a huge bill, it's most likely a raven.
4. **Check if the bird is alone or in a pair.** Ravens usually eat and fly solo or with one other bird, while crows usually fly around with a larger group of birds. Look at the bird and see if it is flying around with other birds or whether it solo or in a pair.
Two or more ravens grouped together is called an "unkindness."
5. **Look for glossy and fluffy feathers around the bird’s neck.** Ravens have large feathers with a blue, purple, and green sheen. The feathers around a raven’s neck are usually fluffy and beard-like, unlike the feathers around a crow’s neck which are usually more smooth and shiny.
6. **Listen for a croaking noise.** Ravens make a low-pitched and guttural croak or noise that sounds like “gronk-gronk,” while crows make a more traditional “cawing” noise. If the noise that the bird is making is a lower pitched croak, it’s likely a raven.
Listen to raven calls on Youtube to help you identify the noise.
7. **See if you can hear a “whooshing” noise as the bird flies.** Because of the added wingspan, raven’s will often make a “whooshing” noise when they fly. Take notice of whether you can hear the bird when it takes flight.
Since crows are smaller, they are typically silent when they fly.
8. **Determine whether the bird is in a rural area.** Ravens are scavengers and typically feed on animals found in rural or wooded areas. The birds usually stay away from cities and urban areas. If you’re out in the countryside, the bird is likely a raven.
9. **See if the tail feathers look like a fan.** The tail feathers of a crow are blunted and straight, like a fan. Their tail feathers are usually shorter than that of a raven and look much different than the pointed or wedged tail feathers of a raven.
10. **Look for a 2.5 ft (0.76 m) wingspan.** Look at the bird's wingspan as it flies overhead. The average American crow has a 2.5 ft (0.76 m) wingspan and is about 17 in (43 cm) long.
Crows are smaller birds that are usually around the same size as a pigeon.
11. **Determine if several birds are grouped together.** Crows often fly around in larger groups rather than being solo or in a pair. If you see a group of birds flying or eating together, there’s a good chance they are crows. If the bird is solo or in a pair, it's probably not a crow.
A group of crows is called a "murder."
12. **Look for shiny and glossy feathers.** Crows have slight shades of purple and blue in their feathers. Look at the feathers of the bird and determine whether they look shiny or wet.
Unlike ravens, crows do not have fluffy feathers around their neck.
13. **See if you can hear a cawing noise.** Crows make a high-pitched cawing sound. Usually, a crow will call out repeatedly and other crows will often join in. This differs from the raven’s low-pitched croaking noise.
14. **Listen for a loud clicking noise when crows are defending their territory.** This clicking sounds less like a bird call and more like someone clicking with their tongue. Sometimes, more than one crow will join in on the clicking noises.
Ravens do not make these noises.
15. **Determine if the bird is in an urban environment.** Crows are often found in cities or urban environments. If you see the bird in the city that resembles a crow or raven, it’s most likely a large crow rather than a raven.
If you live in the city or an urban environment, crows will typically eat out of the garbage or scavenge thrown-out food. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-the-Difference-Between-Crows-and-Ravens", "language": "en"} |
How to Make Lots of Money in Online Stock Trading | Investing in the stock market can be a great way to have your money make money, particularly in today’s economic climate where savings accounts and long-term bank notes do not offer significant returns. Stock trading is not a risk-free activity, and some losses are inevitable. However, with substantial research and investments in the right companies, stock trading can potentially be very profitable.
1. **Research current trends.** There are many reputable sources that report on market trends. You may want to subscribe to a stock-trading magazine such as Kiplinger, Investor's Business Daily, Traders World, The Economist, or Bloomberg BusinessWeek. .
You could also follow blogs written by successful market analysts such as Abnormal Returns, Deal Book, Footnoted, Calculated Risk, or Zero Hedge.
2. **Select a trading website.** Some of the top-rated sites include Scottrade, OptionsHouse, TD Ameritrade, Motif Investing and TradeKing. Be sure that you are aware of any transaction fees or percentages that will be charged before you decide on a site to use.
Be sure the service you use is reputable. You might want to read reviews of the business online.
Select a service that has amenities such as a mobile phone app, investor education and research tools, low transaction fees, easy to read data and 24/7 customer service.
3. **Create an account with one or more trading websites.** You’re unlikely to need more than one, but you may want to start with two or more so that you can later narrow your choice to the site you like the best.
Be sure to check out the minimum balance requirements for each site. Your budget may only allow you to create accounts on one or two sites.
Starting with a particularly small amount, like $1,000, may limit you to certain trading platforms, as others have higher minimum balances.
4. **Practice trading before you put real money in.** Some websites such as ScottradeELITE, SureTrader, and OptionsHouse offer a virtual trading platform, where you can experiment for a while to assess your instincts without putting actual money in. Of course, you can’t make money this way, but you also can’t lose money!
Trading in this manner will get you used to the methods and types of decisions you will be faced with when trading but overall is a poor representation of actual trading. In real trading, there will be a delay when buying and selling stocks, which may result in different prices than you were aiming for. Additionally, trading with virtual money will not prepare you for the stress of trading with your real money.
5. **Choose reliable stocks.** You have a lot of choices, but ultimately you want to buy stock from companies that dominate their niche, offer something that people consistently want, have a recognizable brand, and have a good business model and a long history of success.
Look into a company's public financial reports to evaluate how profitable they are. A more profitable company usually means a more profitable stock. You can find complete financial information about any publicly traded company by visiting their website and locating their most recent annual report. If it is not on the site you can call the company and request a hard copy.
Look at the company's worst quarter on record and decide if the risk of repeating that quarter is worth the potential for profit.
Research the company's leadership, operating costs, and debt. Analyze their balance sheet and income statement and determine if they are profitable or have a good chance to be in the future.
Compare the stock history of a specific company to the performance of its peer companies. If all technology stocks were down at one point, evaluating them relative to each other rather than to the entire market can tell you which company has been on top of its industry consistently.
Listen to a company's earnings conference calls. First, analyze the company's quarterly earnings release that is posted online as a press release about an hour before the call.
6. **Buy your first stocks.** When you are ready, take the plunge and buy a small number of reliable stocks. The exact number will depend on your budget, but shoot for at least two. Companies that are well-known and have established trading histories and good reputations are generally the most stable stocks and a good place to start. Begin trading small and use an amount of cash you are prepared to lose.
It is reasonable for an investor to begin trading with as little as $1,000. You just have to be careful to avoid large transaction fees, as these can easily eat up your gains when you have a small account balance.
7. **Invest mostly in mid-cap and large-cap companies.** Mid-cap companies are those that have a market capitalization between two and $10 billion. Large-cap companies have market caps larger than $10 billion, while those with market caps smaller than $2 billion are small-caps.
Market capitalization is calculated by multiplying a company’s stock price by the number of shares outstanding.
8. **Monitor the markets daily.** Remember the cardinal rule in stock trading is to buy low and sell high. If your stock value has increased significantly, you may want to evaluate whether you should sell the stock and reinvest the profits in other (lower priced) stocks.
9. **Consider investing in mutual funds.** Mutual funds are actively managed by a professional fund manager and include a combination of stocks. These will be diversified with investments in such sectors as technology, retail, financial, energy or foreign companies.
10. **Buy low.** This means that when stocks are at a relatively low price based on past history, you buy them. Of course, no one knows for sure when the prices are going to go up or down—that’s the challenge in stock investing.
To determine if a stock is undervalued, look at the company's earnings per share as well as purchasing activity by company employees. Look for companies in particular industries and markets where there's lots of volatility, as that's where you can make a lot of money.
11. **Sell high.** You want to sell your stocks at their peak based on past history. If you sell the stocks for more money than you bought them for, you make money. The bigger the increase from when you bought them to when you sold them, the more money you make.
12. **Do not sell in a panic.** When a stock you have drops lower than the price you bought it for, your instinct may be to get rid of it. While there is a possibility that it can keep falling and never come back up, you should consider the possibility that it may rebound. Selling for a loss isn’t always the best idea, because you lock in your loss.
13. **Study the fundamental and technical market analysis methods.** These are the two basic models of understanding the stock market and anticipating price changes. The model you use will determine how you make decisions about what stocks to buy and when to buy and sell them.
A fundamental analysis makes decisions about a company based on what they do, their character and reputation, and who leads the company. This analysis seeks to give an actual value to the company and, by extension, the stock.
A technical analysis looks at the entire market and what motivates investors to buy and sell stocks. This involves looking at trends and analyzing investor reactions to events.
Many investors use a combination of these two methods to make informed investment decisions.
14. **Consider investing in companies that pay dividends.** Some investors, known as income investors, prefer to invest almost entirely in dividend-paying stocks. This is a way that your stock holdings can make money even if they don't appreciate the price. Dividends are company profits paid directly to stockholders quarterly. Whether or not you decide to invest in these stocks will depend entirely on your personal goals as an investor.
15. **Diversify your holdings.** Once you have established some stock holdings, and you have a handle on how the buying and selling works, you should diversify your stock portfolio. This means that you should put your money in a variety of different stocks.
To diversify your stock portfolio, consider investing in index funds like the S&P 500, these funds have a list of 500 companies and is safer than investing in individual stocks.
Start-up companies might be a good choice after you have a base of older-company stock established. If a startup is bought by a bigger company, you could potentially make a lot of money very quickly. However, be aware that 90% of startup companies last fewer than 5 years, which makes them risky investments.
Consider looking into different industries as well. If your original holdings are mostly in technology companies, try looking into manufacturing or retail. This will diversify your portfolio against negative industry trends.
16. **Reinvest your money.** When you sell your stock (hopefully for a lot more than you bought it for), you should roll your money and profits into buying new stocks. If you can make a little money every day or every week, you’re on your way to stock market success.
Consider putting a portion of your profits into a savings or retirement account.
17. **Invest in an IPO (initial public offering).** An IPO is the first time a company issues stock. This can be a great time to buy stock in a company you believe will be successful, as the IPO offering price often (but not always) turns out to be the lowest price ever for a company’s stock.
18. **Take calculated risks when selecting stocks.** The only way to make a lot of money in the stock market is to take risks and get a little bit lucky. This does not mean you should stake everything on risky investments and hope for the best, though. Investing should not be played the same way as gambling. You should research every investment thoroughly and be sure that you can recover financially if your trade goes poorly.
On one hand, playing it safe with only established stocks will not normally allow you to "beat the market" and gain very high returns. However, those stocks tend to be stable, which means you have a lower chance of losing money. And with steady dividend payments and accounting for risk, these companies can end up being a much better investment than riskier companies.
You can also reduce your risk by hedging against losses on your investments. See how to hedge in investments for more information.
19. **Beware of the downside of day trading.** Brokerage firms will usually charge fees for every transaction that can really add up. If you make more than a certain amount of trades per week, the Security Exchange Commission (SEC) forces you to set up at institutional account with a high minimum balance. Day trading is known for losing people lots of money as well as being stressful, so it is usually better to invest over a long period of time.
20. **Talk to a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).** Once you start making serious money in the stock market, you may want to talk to an accountant about how your profits will be taxed. That said, while it's always best to talk to a tax professional, in many cases you will be able to adequately research this information for yourself and avoid paying a professional.
21. **Know when to get out.** Trading in the stock market is like legal gambling and not an honest investment in the long term period. This is where it is different than investing, which is longer-term and safer. Some people can develop an unhealthy obsession with trading, which can lead you to lose a lot (even all) of your money. If you feel like you're losing control of your ability to make rational choices about investing your money, try to find help before you lose everything. If you know a professional who is smart, rational, objective, and unemotional, ask that person for help if you feel out of control. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Lots-of-Money-in-Online-Stock-Trading", "language": "en"} |
How to Be a Good Housewife | Are you a new housewife or are you just looking to really step up your game? Either way, this article will give you some great ideas for creating the perfect home and maintaining a healthy relationship with your family, whether that's just your partner or your partner and your children.
1. **Cook (healthy) meals** Try to make healthy meals, to keep your whole family feeling their best, as well as keeping yourself healthy and strong (so you can deal with all the challenges in your day!). If you don't know how to cook, try to learn!
Plan ahead, with the aim to have a delicious meal on the table when anyone who needs a meal gets home. It is often said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, and it is absolutely true in many cases. Microwave meals are not always suitable cuisine, so find a recipe book you like and start experimenting.
Having a great meal ready is a good way to let anyone know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about their welfare. A good meal can be an expression of love and a warm welcome for the returning household.
2. **Keep the house as clean as you can** Do your best to make your home a clean and pleasant place to live in. Having a clean house can reduce everybody's stress and make things run much smoother. Prevent the constant search for the misplaced keys and the annoying dirty-dish odor by staying on top of the household chores.
3. **Do the laundry** Laundry is stressful and time consuming, plus leaving it around can make your home stinky! If you want to reduce your household's stress, help out by keeping the whole family's clothing clean. With some careful planning, you can easily fit it into your day. You can even get the kids to help you fold!
4. **Have a schedule.** You are like a general and your family are your troops. You have to keep everything running smoothly! Create schedules for cleaning and how you'll get through your days, in order to help everything run better. Scheduling time is a great way to make sure more gets done in your day, since you'll find yourself wasting much less time!
5. **Wake up early.** Get a head start on your day to make everything go more smoothly. Oversleeping will only make you more tired anyway. Getting up earlier will make sure you get everyone's lunches made and everyone dressed and ready to go without all the stress and scrambling to find that missing backpack.
6. **Create a healthy environment.** Everyone in your family should come home to a healthy, empowering, uplifting environment. Do your best to make sure that everyone's spiritual and emotional needs are being met, including your own, to make your home the best home it can be.
7. **Discuss expectations with your partner.** Discuss realistic expectations, and how to meet them as best as you can. Do not presume that you have the same expectations because you may find out the hard way (through arguments) that you don't. Sit down and talk it over.
The definition of a good housewife depends on which house you live in. It is also very culture-dependent.
What are the things your partner is hoping you will keep up with in the home? What are their responsibilities in the home? If you are primarily responsible for keeping the house clean, your partner may take responsibility for cleaning up after him or herself: putting dirty laundry in the hamper, putting dishes in the dishwasher, etc.
If you are also caring for young children or special needs children or adults during the day, you may be surprised by how difficult it is to also keep up with household tasks. Your partner may need to help significantly with the cooking and cleaning, if possible.
8. **Maintain a respectable appearance.** It is all too easy to stop paying attention to your appearance when you are a busy housewife but maintaining attraction is a key element of a long-term relationship. While it was important to keep a good appearance during dating/courtship, it is even more important in a married relationship, or any committed relationship. Make sure you're bathing regularly and wearing clean clothes. This is really about showing your partner that you still respect yourself....and you should respect yourself enough to take care of yourself!
If your partner often tells you they like it when you wear a certain garment or outfit, by all means, take the hint.
9. **Treat your partner as a partner, like an adult, not a child.** It is important for your partner to still have control over their personal situations, like choosing their hobbies, their meals, their clothes, etc. When you are home a lot, it can be easy to want to take control of everything your partner does in the home, but this may not be their preference. It's all right if you want to give your input in a polite way, and of course fine if they asked you. Otherwise, let them have space, just as you want yours. You are two separate human beings, always remember that.
10. **Listen** A good partner listens to what her spouse has to say without interrupting. Show empathy and learn how to have great conversations. The key idea is that to be a good conversationalist, you should strive to listen more and talk less, by engaging the other person to talk more about his interests. That is the mark of humility, respect, selflessness, and generosity.
This will also set a good example and they should also listen to you more!
11. **Find a balance in arguments.** Husbands are not tyrannic creatures: if you find a balance in arguments, and take turns to speak, things will surely improve. Just remember to respect each other, and things will go much better.
Some arguing is normal. Don't worry if this happens. You are different people and you will disagree sometimes! Just handle the arguments in a healthy way and everything will be okay.
12. **Love** Don't criticize him in a constructive or cruel way. Whatever your image of the 'ideal' man may be, everyone is unique in his own ways, so try to respect that. Before you try to improve others, try to improve yourself first. If you find things disagreeable about him, let him know in a mature, sensible and loving way: chances are that he will agree on some things and/or explain others, plus it will build trust between both of you and save unnecessary conflicts.
13. **Make intimacy a priority** A healthy sexual relationship is extremely important for relationships to succeed long term. This does not necessarily mean having a lot of sex, but instead means that both partners should be satisfied with the amount and quality. Talk out your expectations and become a better lover if you can. It never hurts, and will only help to learn more about the sexual side of marriage.
14. **Be considerate of your spouse's needs.** People need space and alone time every now and again. While you have time to yourself during the day (while the kids are at school or asleep), your husband doesn't have that and may need some alone time to unwind when he comes home from a hard day at work. Be available to spend time with him and comfort him, but if he wants to spend time alone or with his friends and not you, take a step back and let him have his way.
Help him unwind more by welcoming him home with a big smile and allowing him to relax. Have his favorite meal and drink ready, and let him relax after a tough day of work.
15. **Set up activities for your kids.** Set up fun, educational activities for your kids or for the whole family. You can do some research and then do a guided tour of a museum, or you can go on a hike and teach everyone about the natural features you encounter.
16. **Be a great hostess.** Show everyone you know all of the hard work you do by hosting block parties or holiday parties every now and again. Make some great food, decorate your home, and set up fun activities. This will let everyone bond and have a great time!
17. **Create the perfect atmosphere.** If you really want to go above and beyond, take your home decorating skills up a notch and try to get that magazine look in your own home. This will give you and your husband something to be proud of, as well as creating a great environment for your kids.
18. **Get your husband out of the house.** Help your husband arrange activities for himself, like a fantasy football group or a bowling night. This will help him unwind. A happy husband makes for a much less stressed wife. Let him choose his own activities, of course, but make sure he knows that you think it's healthy for him to get out of the house sometimes. Not everything is about work!
19. **Get out of the house regularly.** It is easy to get caught up in your work and barely leave the house all day. This is a good recipe for the blues. Find some weekly activities (local libraries are a good place to look) that will get you out of the house at least once a day. If the afternoon rolls around and you realize you have not been out, go for a stroll, hang out at a bookstore or coffee shop for a half hour, or call a buddy and meet for tea.
20. **Have friends.** It seems pretty basic, right? But housewives can often get so busy that they forget to make time for their friends and maintain those social relationships. But if you create an environment where your husband is your only friend, you'll find yourself talking his ear off! Spend time with your own friends (by having lunch dates or weekly meetings) to keep everyone happy.
21. **Take up a hobby.** You need to do things that make you happy too. Have something that is just yours and that gives you the opportunity to do something productive or creative that doesn't involve your home. This will give you an important emotional outlet. Try taking up productive hobbies, like sewing or cooking.
22. **Consider getting more education.** Just because you may not need a degree for your job doesn't mean that you can't get better educated! Learning is fun and will make you feel more productive and self-confident. You don't even have to go to an actual school. You can read a lot of books (find them at your local library!) or you can take online classes for free through websites like Coursera or MIT Opencourseware.
23. **Consider taking a side job** There are lots of jobs that you can work from home if you have some extra time. This will give you a way to contribute to the household and will also give you something to be proud of! You can open a home daycare or petsit, or even do things like data entry or run a travel agency. There are lots of options!
24. **Let your family take care of you sometimes.** You work hard and your family should occasionally help by bearing some of the load. They will probably want to do this naturally, but you can also have a set-aside one day a month where they do all of the things you do. This will have the added effect of making them appreciate the things you do more. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Housewife", "language": "en"} |
How to Recognize Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) | Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a bacterial infection of a woman’s reproductive organs. It often develops alongside untreated STDs like gonorrhea and Chlamydia, but can also be caused by non-sexually transmitted infections. The good news is that receiving early medical care can reduce the possibility of severe complications from PID, such as infertility. Be on the watch for any possible symptoms of PID, which include varying degrees of pelvic pain. If you suspect something, make an appointment with your doctor. Follow their recommendations for treatment and you’ll be on the road to recovery.
1. **Monitor any abdominal pain.** This is usually the main symptom for women suffering from PID. The cramping and tenderness might start out as mild and build up over time or go directly into severe pain. You may feel as if you cannot move your midsection or flex it enough to stand up straight.
2. **Note any changes in appetite.** Along with cramps, your stomach may be upset constantly or during odd times. This may result in you vomiting up any food that is consumed. Or, you might find yourself facing nausea at the very sight of food or immediately after eating.
3. **Make note of flu-like symptoms.** Coinciding with nausea, PID can trigger a high fever (over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or off-and-on bouts of chills. Your fever may hold over time or come and go at random.
4. **Monitor any vaginal fluids.** Keep an eye on your undergarments to see if you notice any increased vaginal discharge. It might also be unusual in texture or have an unpleasant odor. Seeing heavy spotting or bleeding in between periods is another possible symptom of PID.
5. **Watch for painful intercourse.** If you begin to experience a sharp pain during sex or a continual dull ache afterwards, this could be a sign of PID. The pain could come on suddenly or it could slowly develop and increase in severity over time.
6. **Seek emergency assistance.** It’s a smart idea to head to an emergency clinic if you run a temperature of 105 °F (40.6 °C) or more, if you have a fever that stays at or rises over 103 degrees, or if you can’t keep any liquid or food down. If the pain in your abdomen turns severe, then seek out emergency treatment, too. If nothing else, they may be able to provide you with fluids and pain meds until you can be seen by your regular doctor.
7. **Go in for regular check-ups.** It is very possible to have PID and show no physical symptoms at all, also called being asymptomatic. Or, your symptoms may be so subtle or the pain so mild that you really don’t pay attention to them until they turn severe. Pay close attention to your body and go to regular yearly checkups with your OBGYN as a preventative measure.
If PID continues to develop unchecked, you can face some really serious medical consequences. The scarring can result in permanent infertility. It can also cause an egg to stay in the fallopian tube (not heading over to the uterus as usual), creating a potentially dangerous ectopic pregnancy. You might also suffer from lifelong severe pelvic pain.
8. **See your doctor.** As soon as you suspect PID, make an appointment to talk with your OBGYN. They will ask you about your medical and sexual history and then will do a general pelvic exam. If they find that you are tender in your abdomen and around your cervix, then they will likely order additional testing. If your OBGYN is booked up, try contacting your primary care physician. You could also go to a clinic, such as Planned Parenthood.
They may order a blood test to see if your cells appear to be fighting off an infection. They may also send off cervical fluid and urine samples to be tested for STDs.
There is no one clear way to diagnose PID. That means that, unfortunately, it is often misdiagnosed as another problem with similar symptoms, such as appendicitis.
Your doctor may also recommend hospitalization as part of your treatment if you: are very ill, won’t respond to antibiotics, have an abscess, or are pregnant.
9. **Consent to an ultrasound.** If your doctor believes that a PID diagnosis is possible, but needs more evidence they may request permission to complete an ultrasound, or in-depth image of your body’s interior. For example, an ultrasound can show whether or not an abscess is blocking or stretching out part of your fallopian tubes, something that is not only painful but very dangerous to your overall health.
10. **Consent to laparoscopic surgery.** This is a procedure where your doctor will make a small incision in your abdominal area and then insert a small, lighted camera. This will allow them to view your internal organs up close and personal. They can also take tissue samples, if needed, to conduct additional testing.
Even though it is only minimally invasive, a laparoscopic procedure is still surgery. So, you’ll want to be very clear on the possible risks and benefits before agreeing to go forward.
11. **Take all medications as directed.** The most common treatment for PID is antibiotics. Because PID infections are usually quite severe and may involve a number of different harmful organisms, you’ll probably have to take at least two different types of antibiotics at once. They will come in either pill form or an in-office shot.
If you get pills, make sure to read the directions carefully and finish the entire run of the drugs, even if you start to feel better before they are finished.
Most doctors will want you to make a follow-up appointment about three days in so they can check your progress.
12. **Notify your sexual partners.** While PID is not contagious, the STDs that it often develops from, chlamydia and gonorrhea, are easily passed between sexual partners. This makes it possible for you to be cured of PID only to be infected once more. Once you’ve been diagnosed with PID, talk with your sexual partner(s) and suggest that they seek out treatment. Remember that they may not show symptoms, but still have an STD and be capable of spreading it.
13. **Get tested for STDs** If you are sexually active, visit with your OBGYN each year and request STD testing. PID is very often linked with two widespread bacterial STDs, gonorrhea and chlamydia. A quick pelvic exam and a few labs can let you know whether or not you have these infections, which can make it possible to treat them before they develop into PID.
14. **Be on guard after previous PID episodes.** Having PID once makes it far more likely that you will contract it again. Basically, it means that your body is vulnerable to some of the types of bacteria which cause PID. So, if you’ve gotten it before, make sure to keep a close eye on any possible symptoms, using your past experiences as your guide.
15. **Pay particular attention in your teens and 20s.** Younger, sexually active women have an increased odds of getting PID. Their internal reproductive organs are not fully developed, which makes them easier targets for bacteria and STDs. They are also more likely to “skip” regular OBGYN appointments.
16. ** Practice safe sex** With every additional sex partner, your risk of getting PID or an STD grows. This is especially the case if you have sex without using a condom, as birth control will not protect you against STD and other infections. By reducing your number of partners, and having them all go for regular STD tests, you can improve your own health.
17. **Stop douching.** This is when you shoot water or another cleansing solution into your vaginal area in the hopes of making it cleaner. The problem here is that you can push nasty bacteria up into your reproductive organs, including your cervix, where they can take hold and give you PID. Douching may also kill off the vagina’s natural, beneficial bacteria and change the its pH balance.
18. **Be watchful in the immediate period after IUD insertion.** Most doctors will send you home with antibiotics following an IUD procedure, to minimize the possibility of infection. However, it is important to keep a close eye on your body for the first month or so following getting your new IUD, as this is the time when PID is most likely to develop. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Pelvic-Inflammatory-Disease-(PID)", "language": "en"} |
How to Test a Diode | In an electronic circuit, a diode is a small device that allows an electric current to flow through in only one direction. It works by having low resistance in one direction and high resistance on the other. You'll have to occasionally test a diode—which is typically made from a semiconductor material (like silicon in Group IV of the periodic table or selenium in Group VI of the periodic table)—to make sure it’s working properly. You can check the health of a standard diode with either a digital or analog multimeter, which will measure in ohms (Ω) or volts.
1. **Shut off the diode's power source.** Testing a diode while it is still in a circuit will not only throw off results, it's also incredibly dangerous. Remove the diode completely from the circuit or turn off the energy source, which could be an electrical outlet or battery.
Discharging the capacitors to get rid of any extra voltage they hold will decrease your risk of an explosion or electric shock.
2. **Turn the selector switch to low resistance.** This will be about 1 KΩ. Setting the multimeter on low resistance allows some current to flow through without overloading the diode with too much.
The selector switch is the dial in the center of the multimeter.
3. **Put the red lead on the anode and the black lead on the cathode.** The anode is the positive end, while the cathode is the negative end. The diode is now forward biased, meaning there is a current flowing through it.
Any easy way to tell which end is the cathode vs. the anode, look for the silver stripe. That designates the cathode.
The leads have mini alligator clips at the ends which you'll use to attach to the diode.
4. **Check the reading on the meter to determine if the diode is healthy.** If your diode is forward biased, then the meter will read between 1 Ω and 100 Ω if it’s in working order. If the diode is reverse biased, then the reading on the meter should be infinite resistance, which means the diode is open. A lower resistance for either type of diode means the diode is shorted and needs to be replaced. In either of these cases, you should replace your diode.
If you see no reading at all, make sure the leads are securely clipped onto the diode.
Check if your leads are functioning properly by testing them on a brand new battery. Set the multimeter to voltage mode and attach the red clip to the positive end and the black clip to the negative end. If the reading doesn't match the voltage of the battery, you need new leads.
5. **Swap the red lead onto the cathode and the black lead onto the anode.** It is now reverse biased, meaning no current is flowing through. You’ll get best results if you turn the dial to high resistance (about 100 KΩ) before clipping the leads into their new positions.
High resistance is necessary here because reverse bias is meant to stop all current (or "resist" it) from flowing through.
6. **Look for a reading of open loop (OL, or the infinity symbol).** This signals a properly functioning diode. If it gives a low resistance reading, the diode is defective and you should replace it.
Replacing a diode can be as easy as swapping out standard batteries. However, you may have to do some light soldering on the ends to attach it to the circuit.
7. **Cut off power to the circuit.** This is simply done by removing the energy source (often a battery) or causing a break in the circuit. You may need to discharge the capacitors to remove any leftover voltage, too. This is a safety measure that will prevent electrocution.
You can quickly discharge the capacitors by touching the two ends of a capacitor (known as the terminals) together.
8. **Turn the dial to “diode test” mode.** This mode allows only a 2mA current to flow through the leads. This level of current is high enough to produce a reading, yet not so high that the diode will fail.
It may also be labeled as “diode check” on your multimeter and is usually indicated by a small diode symbol.
The diode symbol will look like a triangle pointing towards a line.
9. **Hook the red lead to the anode and the black lead to the cathode.** The red lead is positive and the black lead is negative. This puts the current in the forward direction.
The anode is positive and the cathode is negative. The cathode is often marked with a silver strip.
10. **Look for a reading between 0.5 and 0.8 volts.** This meter reading means you have a healthy diode. Anything outside of these numbers indicates that your diode isn't working properly and likely needs to be replaced.
If you don't see a reading on the multimeter, try disconnecting and reconnecting the leads (make sure you have the right ends connected).
Your multimeter may also have a bad battery or need new leads or clips. If the multimeter doesn't turn on at all, replace the battery. If the leads are frayed or if the clips are coming off the lead, replace the leads or clips.
11. **Switch the black lead to the anode and the red lead to the cathode.** This puts the current in the reverse direction where no current will be flowing. The reading should be OL, which means open circuit.
If you do get a voltage reading in this position, the diode is not working properly. Replace it with a new one.
You can buy a new diode at any electronics store like Best Buy, Radio Shack, or even Amazon.
12. **Turn off power to the diode.** Make sure there is also no remaining voltage. If you don't turn off the power, you risk causing an explosion or harming yourself or the diode with an electric current. Never take a reading in resistance mode while the diode is still in a circuit. It can throw off results.
To cut the power, unplug the circuit from its power source, whether that's a battery or electrical outlet.
Discharge any capacitors to remove extra voltage. This is important when working on any electrical project to avoid electrocuting yourself.
13. **Rotate the multimeter dial to “resistance” mode.** It should be indicated by the ohm (“Ω”) symbol. Set it at low resistance, or about 1 KΩ.
A low resistance setting lets the current pass through the diode more easily.
14. **Connect the red lead to the anode and the black lead to the cathode.** Placing the positive probe on the positive anode and the negative probe on the negative cathode makes your diode forward-biased.
On many diodes, the anode is the black piece whereas the cathode is the silver strip.
15. **Look for a reading less than 100 Ω.** This implies the current is being conducted correctly.
If there's no reading displayed, double check that the leads are securely fastened to the ends of the diode.
Check that you've connected the proper leads—some multimeters actually switch the lead colors (so red is negative and vice versa).
If you still don't see a reading, try replacing the leads or battery. They may be dead.
16. **Move the positive lead to the cathode and the negative lead to the anode.** By attaching ends with opposite charges, you are stopping the diode from conducting current (if it is functioning correctly, that is). Your diode is now in reverse direction. Set it in high resistance, or about 100 KΩ.
High resistance will prevent current from flowing through the diode.
17. **Look for OL on the display.** This open circuit reading (which also means infinite resistance) tells you that you have a healthy diode. If you have a reading of any resistance, this signals your diode isn't functioning correctly as there should be no current flowing at all in this direction. Replace your diode with a new one.
New diodes can be purchased at an electronics store or online. If you aren't sure what type you need, ask an electrician. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Test-a-Diode", "language": "en"} |
How to Strengthen Bladder Muscles | Weakness in the bladder muscles may lead to incontinence, and this can be quite frustrating. However, there are several things you can do to strengthen your bladder muscles and gain more control over when you have to urinate. Start by incorporating exercises and bladder control techniques to train your bladder. Then, make some simple lifestyle changes to improve your overall bladder health. You may also want to consult with a physician to determine what is causing your bladder control issues.
1. **Do kegels** A kegel is an exercise that works your pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles that control urination, so doing kegels daily can help you to control your bladder better. To do a kegel, lift your pelvic floor muscles, hold for 5 seconds, and then relax them. Do 10 repetitions 3 times daily.
To help you locate your pelvic floor muscles, imagine the muscles you use to control the flow of urine when you're using the bathroom. The muscles that control this flow are the muscles you’ll need to contract and release during kegel exercises. However, you should not do Kegels while urinating, as this can lead to a bladder infection.
2. **Wait 10 minutes past when you get the urge to urinate.** This can be helpful if you have to urinate frequently and find it hard to wait. Wait for 10 minutes after you first get the urge to go to the bathroom and increase the amount of time you wait by 10 minutes the next time. Keep increasing the amount of time you wait to go until you’re only going to the bathroom once every 2-2.5 hours.
By increasing the amount of time that you wait, you’ll be strengthening the muscles around your bladder and training your bladder to hold onto urine for longer.
3. **Urinate twice each time you go to the bathroom.** After you finish going to the bathroom, wait for 3 minutes, and then try to urinate again. This is called double-voiding. It’s a good way to ensure that you’ve completely emptied your bladder, and it may help to promote more complete emptying in the future.
4. **Schedule regular bathroom trips every 2 to 4 hours.** Going to the bathroom on a set schedule may help to train your bladder to function better. Schedule a bathroom trip every 2 to 4 hours and stop whatever you’re doing when it’s time for you to go.
Never go more than 4 hours without urinating. Holding urine in your bladder for long periods of time can weaken it.https://familydoctor.org/bladder-training-urinary-incontinence/
5. **Drink water** It’s important to keep yourself well-hydrated to ensure good bladder health. Don’t restrict your fluid intake as a way to urinate less as this may lead to dehydration and urinary tract infections. Drink water whenever you are thirsty or sweaty, such as from warm weather or exercise.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine. These are diuretics, which cause you to urinate more often than you normally would.
6. **Quit smoking** Smoking is harmful for many parts of your body, including your bladder. If you’re a smoker and experiencing bladder problems, talk to your doctor about options that might help you quit. They may be able to prescribe a medication, recommend nicotine replacement products, or refer you to a smoking cessation program in your area.
7. **Lose weight** Talk to your doctor to find out if you’re at a healthy weight or see if you might need to lose weight. Even losing 5 to 10% of your body weight may improve urinary incontinence. Once you get to a healthier body weight, maintain it with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Keep in mind that this might not work for everyone, but it may be as effective as taking a medication or using another non-surgical treatment for incontinence, so it’s worth trying.
8. **Wear cotton underwear to promote air flow.** Although wearing cotton underwear won’t strengthen your bladder, it may help to reduce the chances of getting a urinary tract infection. Choose 100% cotton underwear and avoid underwear that’s made from synthetic fabrics.
Avoid clothing that fits tightly in the crotch area as well.
If you wear pantyhose or leggings, make sure they have a cotton crotch panel.
9. **Make an appointment** If you’re having bladder control issues, make an appointment to see a doctor. There are different potential causes of bladder control problems, so your doctor will need to run tests to find out what’s causing your issues. Some diagnostic tests your doctor might use include:
Running a urinalysis test to check for infection, blood, and other abnormalities in your urine.
Having you keep a bladder diary to look for patterns in your urinary habits.
Using an ultrasound or catheter to check the amount of urine in your bladder after you urinate.
10. **Ask your doctor about medications for incontinence.** Depending on the type of incontinence you have, your doctor might recommend a medication to treat the problem. There are different types of medications available including:
Anticholinergics. These medications are helpful for calming an overactive bladder. This is a common issue with urge incontinence, which is when you frequently get the urge to urinate.
Mirabegron. This medication makes it possible for your bladder to hold more urine at once, which may be helpful for urge incontinence.
Alpha blockers (for men with overflow incontinence). These medications help to relax the muscles in the neck of the bladder and make it easier to fully empty it when you urinate.
Topical estrogen (for women). This may help to stimulate tissue toning and rejuvenation in the vagina.
11. **Look into insertable devices if you’re a woman.** There are a couple of devices that are available for treating incontinence in women. If you decide to use one of these, you’ll need to insert it into your urethra or vagina each day, similar to how you’d insert a tampon. The devices available include:
Urethral insert. This is a small plug-like device that you put into your urethra before engaging in an activity that might trigger incontinence, such as playing a sport. Then, you remove the device right before you have to urinate.
Pessary. This is a stiff ring that you insert into your vagina and wear all day long. It can help to support your bladder and prevent leaks, which may be helpful if you’ve had a bladder prolapse.
12. **Discuss injections and implants if medications don’t help.** Injections and implants are more invasive than some other types of treatments for incontinence, but they’re less invasive than surgery. If you are still experiencing issues after trying lifestyle modifications and medications, talk to your doctor about injections and implants to treat incontinence. Some options to consider include:
Bulking injections. In this treatment, a synthetic material is injected into your urethra to help keep it closed and prevent leaks.
Botulinum toxin type A injections. These injections might be helpful if you have an overactive bladder. The botulinum toxin helps the bladder’s sphincter relax and reduces frequent urges to go.
Nerve stimulator implant. This device goes under the skin near your bladder and it sends out painless electrical impulses—similar to a pacemaker—that may help to control urge incontinence.
13. **Ask about surgical treatment options if other treatments fail.** Surgery is usually the last resort for incontinence treatment if other less invasive treatments have failed. However, there are effective surgical options that may help control your bladder. Some procedures to discuss with your doctor include:
Sling procedures, which use your own body tissue, a synthetic material, or mesh to support the urethra and bladder neck. This may help keep the urethra closed when you do something that might cause a leak, such as sneezing or exercising.
Bladder neck suspension, which is another way of supporting the bladder neck and urethra to help prevent stress incontinence.
Prolapse surgery, which is more common for women. This procedure may be recommended if the bladder has lost its support. The surgeon uses body tissue or mesh to reinforce it.
Artificial urinary sphincter, which is when your doctor replaces your urinary sphincter with an artificial one to provide more control. After the surgery, you’ll press a valve located under your skin each time you need to urinate and it will open the sphincter and release the urine. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Strengthen-Bladder-Muscles", "language": "en"} |
How to Help Feed the Homeless | Are you interested in helping to make sure your fellow man is still eating? Helping to add something to humanity in lean times, when many can become selfish, is highly commendable. Here's how to get started making a difference!
1. **Keep a food kit in your car.** Most people don't have access to the homeless community. There might be the same person we drive by or pass on the street, but other than that, it's totally random. So be ready to help by keeping a food kit in your car (or mom's!). A gallon-sized resealable bag or two with non-perishable items is a great way to always be ready.
As for non-perishable items, think the basics. Granola bars, canned fruit or vegetables, peanut butter, maybe a candy bar -- pretty much anything you can open and eat (that can't get smushed, like potato chips).
Don't forget pet food! It's estimated that around 10% of homeless people have pets to keep them company. That's 1 out of every 10! Pet food can be just as useful -- if their pets aren't fed, that's one more thing they have to worry about.
2. **Have a few gift cards on hand.** You know how practically every checkout line nowadays has row upon row of gift cards readily available to inspire that impulse buy? Instead of needlessly spending money, spend it for a good cause! Having a gift card or two is super easy to carry around. Now where to?
Keep it simple, like Starbucks, McDonald's, Walmart, or Target. Even $5 would be an amazing gesture. Gift cards are much easier to carry around wherever you go!
3. **Keep your recyclables.** If your state has a refund value on them, donate them to a non-profit that helps the homeless. Refundable containers are an equivalent of cash. Never give them directly to the homeless.
4. **Donate to a food drive.** If there's not one going on at your school or work, find out about what's happening in your community. Some organizations practically have food drives that run all year long. Check your newspaper, local schools, and other news outlets.
If you can't find a food drive in your area, there are plenty of other ways to donate food! Contact your local shelters, churches, and coalitions to ask what they need. This is especially useful around the holidays.
5. **In general, don't give cash.** You've heard it before and we'll say it again: when you give money, who knows what it could be used for? Some organizations say that giving cash keeps them on the street, so they don't go searching for assistance at shelters and coalitions.
But do feel free to donate cash to nonprofits and other similar organizations that assist the homeless. When you help the helpers, your dollar can reach maximum efficiency. They know exactly what to do with it!
6. **Work with local church programs.** They go by different names in every town, but one is your local Catholic Charities (CC) which is a clearing-house for this and other programs. They aren't interested in whether you're a Catholic, or not, for the record. They'll be grateful for any help you can give!
Whether your help is in the form of volunteering your time, money, food, or clothing, you will be making a positive difference. Those that go to churches looking for help aren't necessarily religious; they just know they'll reach people that are inclined to help.
7. **Get a list of shelters.** The Internet and the yellow pages will be super helpful here. Once you have a list comprised you can:
Make phone calls, asking how you can help each one. Some may need volunteers, some may need food, and yet others may need personal items, etc.
Have information at the ready when you are talking to a homeless person. Giving them a can of food feeds them today, but telling them about a shelter feeds them for much, much longer.
8. **Contact your local soup kitchen.** Why stop at donating the food when you can help prepare it? Homeless people don't just need food, they need a smiling face to go along with it. You can restore their faith in humanity by just lending a helping hand like they're a worthy human being.
9. **Fundraise** Wanna take your efforts to the next level? Fundraise at your school or workplace! Even if you get a few friends together, there's power in numbers. The more people you get involved, the more people you can help. Whether it's for a day or a month, it's a good idea.
For bigger fundraisers, get the word out! Make flyers, pass 'em out, send emails, do a couple Facebook shout outs -- whatever can reach the most people. Even if everyone donated one dollar, it'd be something!
10. **Get involved with a local coalition.** Though you may not know it, there are probably coalitions in your area with the main purpose of helping out the homeless. These are nonprofit organizations that aim to reduce the number of people on the streets. Get involved with yours!
In America, calling 211 or 311 can put you through to the crisis hotline if you find someone desperately in need. The emergency dispatcher may alert someone from the coalition to the area immediately.
11. **Organize a food drive.** Just like fundraising, you could organize a food drive! Sometimes people are more inclined to give away canned goods over money -- we notice it less in our pocketbooks. Start one at school or work! Make a goal and get to it. Now how long will it run for?
Go big or go home, right? Contact your local newspaper or news station for coverage. Get the word out! You have such a good cause; who'd say no? Get the word out on social media and tell all your friends -- you'll need back up!
12. **Get the government involved.** Since the homeless don't vote much, they don't get a lot of attention when it comes to our representatives. Let yours know that you want initiative taken!
Right now the "Bring America Home Act" is trying to be pushed through legislation. For more information, visit the National Coalition for the Homeless' website.
In addition to pre-existing efforts, write letters! The more letters your rep gets, the more he or she will have to sit up and take note.
13. **Get involved** Your current representatives not doing anything? Get involved yourself! Even being on the school board is a step in the right direction! Sometimes people won't speak for you, so you gotta speak up yourself!
Start attending committee meetings, for starters. Get to know the people you need to get to know. It'll be hard to start momentum all by yourself. Other people probably feel the same as you do -- you just need to team up!
14. **Help with Habitat for Humanity.** Feeding the homeless is one thing, but why stop there? Once they have a roof over their heads, they have so much less to worry about -- and more money to spend on food. Don't just think about shelters -- volunteer your time elsewhere, too!
You can also feed the habitat workers! Contact your local division to ask if you can sponsor lunch or, heck set up a lemonade stand. Every bit helps!
15. **Start a local program where you are.** Obviously this is going to take the most work -- community approval, start-up costs, possible licensing, etc. But it is possible -- it's how the programs you know got started: one person. Are there any gaps in your community that could be filled? | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Help-Feed-the-Homeless", "language": "en"} |
How to File for Disability in California | While the Social Security Administration administers the federal government’s disability insurance programs, known as Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, some states offer additional income-replacement benefits to people with short-term or permanent disabilities that keep them from working. California has its own short-term disability program, called State Disability Insurance, administered by the state’s Employment Development Department.Generally, you can apply for SDI if you are a California resident who can’t work because of a physical or mental injury or illness.If you’re approved for benefits, you’ll receive a weekly benefit of between $50 and $1,104 a week for up to 52 weeks.
1. **Have a qualifying disability.** The SDI program defines a disability as any mental or physical condition that keeps you from working.
If you’re unemployed, you may still qualify for SDI if your disability kept you from looking for work for at least a week.
Nearly any medical condition can be an SDI disability. For example, you may be eligible for SDI if you are pregnant or recently gave birth. Being in treatment for alcohol or drug addiction also may qualify you for SDI benefits.
2. **Verify your employer was covered.** While most California employees can receive SDI benefits as long as they meet all the other requirements, some types of employment do not.
For example, athletes, independent contractors, or students employed through work-study programs generally are not eligible. To be eligible for SDI either you or your employer must have paid into the program.
Some employers voluntarily opt out of SDI and offer their own comparable benefits instead. If you’re not sure, you should check with your employer before you spend time and effort applying for benefits.
You must have been working for covered employers in California for a total of at least 18 months to qualify for benefits.
3. **Confirm you’re not also receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits.** Although you can receive SDI benefits if you’re unemployed, California law does not allow anyone to claim or receive both SDI and UI benefits at the same time.
4. **Show sufficient base period earnings.** To determine whether you’re eligible for SDI benefits, and how much you’ll receive, the EDD looks at your income during the year-long period beginning between 15 and 17 months before the date of your application.
The EDD will divide your 12-month base period into three-month quarters. To be eligible for SDI you must have earned at least $300 during one of those quarters. The quarter in which you made the most money is the quarter the EDD will use to calculate your benefits.
If you were unemployed during any of those quarters, the EDD will disregard that quarter and start your base period a quarter earlier. For each unemployed quarter, the base period continues to start earlier until it covers a period in which you were employed.
For example, suppose you file your application in April. Your base period would be the 12-month period ending December 31 of the previous year. Last year would then be divided into three-month quarters, and the quarter in which you earned the most money would determine your benefits.
Continuing the example, assume that from January through April of last year, you worked full time and made $1,100 a month. In May you were laid off, but found part time work in June making $500 a month. You continued that job until October, when you found more full-time work earning $1,500 a month. Since you made the most money in the final quarter of your base period, that would be the amount the EDD would use to calculate the amount of benefits you are eligible for each week.
The total amount you earned during your base period also determines how long you’ll receive benefits and how much you’ll be paid each week.
5. **Gather necessary documents and information.** Whether you’re applying online or through the mail, you’ll need to have basic documents proving your identity as well as information about your disability and your most recent employment.
Identity information includes your name, date of birth, phone number and address. You also will need to provide your social security number and your California driver’s license or state identification card.
Employment information includes the business name, telephone number and address of your most recent employer, the last day you worked your regular duties and hours, and wages you’ve received or expect to receive from vacation or other leave.
If you worked for a period of time on modified duty to accommodate your disability, you should provide those dates when you submit your claim.
If you are receiving workers’ compensation or have filed a workers’ compensation claim, you should also include that information on your claim form.
If you are receiving or have received inpatient treatment at an alcohol or drug abuse treatment facility, you should provide the name, address and telephone number of that facility on your claim form.
6. **Create an SDI online account or order a claim form.** The EDD gives you the option of applying online or ordering forms and sending them back in through the mail.
To apply online, visit the EDD SDI website and enter your identity information to create a new account.
If you want to apply through the mail, you can order forms online or by calling 1-800-480-3287. If you order forms online, you may not receive them for two to four weeks.
You can also get a paper claim form from your doctor, from your employer, or by visiting your nearest SDI office.
7. **Log on and file a new claim or fill out claim forms.** After you’ve either set up an online account or received paper claim forms, you can use the information and documents you’ve gathered to start the application process by filling out Part A of the claim form.
8. **Ask your doctor to complete the doctor’s certificate.** Part B of your claim form is a doctor’s certificate. This should be completed by the doctor or other health care provider who is treating you for the disability you’re claiming entitles you to benefits.
Your doctor must provide basic details about your diagnosis, disability and treatment, as well as licensing and contact information.
Health care providers such as physicians, dentists, chiropractors, surgeons, psychologists and other medical professionals must use the physician/practitioner’s certificate found in Part B of your claim form.
If your doctor is registered with SDI Online, she can submit the doctor’s certificate right after you file your claim, and your claim will be processed faster than if she mails in a hard copy.
If you are under the care of an accredited religious practitioner for your disability, you must call 1-800-480-3287 to get a different form, the DE 2502 Practitioner’s Certificate, for that practitioner to fill out and sign.
9. **Mail your application to the EDD office nearest you.** If you’ve chosen to fill out paper forms, you complete your application by mailing your claim form along with your doctor’s certificate to your nearest SDI office.
10. **Wait for the EDD to review your claim.** Most benefits are issued within two weeks of the EDD’s receipt of the completed claim form and doctor’s certificate.
Even if your claim is approved before that time, all claims have a seven-day waiting period during which benefits are not paid.
If your claim is approved, you’ll receive a letter with a debit card for you to access your benefits.
11. **Fill out the appeal form you received.** If your claim is disqualified, you will receive notification of this along with a form you can fill out if you believe the disqualification was in error.
Claims frequently are denied because they were filed too late. Claims must be filed within 49 days of the onset of the disability. Because many Californians aren't aware of this deadline, they don't file for benefits in time. You can have your claim considered if you appeal showing good cause as to why you missed the deadline. For example, if you were in the hospital in a coma for two months, that would probably be considered good cause.
To qualify for benefits, you must have been working in California for an employer who contributed to the state program for at least 18 months. People with shorter work histories in the state also will be denied benefits, but would be unlikely to prevail on appeal.
Many denials also are based on a lack of medical documentation for the disability alleged. If you didn't submit much medical information when you filed your claim, consider getting additional records or more thorough medical history when you file your appeal.
Explain in detail why you think you are qualified to receive benefits. Attach any additional medical or employment records or any other documents that back up your claim.
12. **Mail the form and any additional documentation back.** You must file your appeal within 20 days of the date your disqualification notice was mailed.
If you lose the form itself, you can print the form from the EDD's website, or send in a detailed letter to the same office that processed your claim and issued the disqualification. Sign and date the letter, and include your printed name, address and Social Security number.
13. **Wait for the EDD to review your appeal.** If you sent in additional information that renders you eligible, you will receive SDI benefits. Otherwise, you'll receive a notice that your appeal has been forwarded to the Office of Appeals.
14. **Review your hearing notice from the Office of Appeals.** If the EDD's Office of Appeals receives your appeal, you'll receive a hearing notice from that office that schedules a hearing for your appeal.
If you aren't able to attend your hearing on the date scheduled, you must call the office at the number on the notice as soon as possible to reschedule. If you don't show up for your hearing, your appeal will be dismissed.
15. **Attend your appeal hearing.** Appeals are slightly less formal proceedings than a court hearing, and you don't necessarily need an attorney. However, you might want to speak to an attorney with experience in public benefits if your case is complex or you find the procedure confusing.
An Administrative Law Judge will hear your appeal. The ALJ is an independent third party who will listen to both sides of the case and decide whether benefits should be awarded. All testimony is under oath. Generally, the only testimony will be from you and an SDI representative.
The ALJ will mail a decision to all parties. The decision of the ALJ is final. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/File-for-Disability-in-California", "language": "en"} |
How to Keep Your Boyfriend in a Long‐Distance Relationship | Maintaining a long-distance relationship requires patience, creativity and a lot of trust. Whether your boyfriend is spending a semester abroad, doing an overseas internship, or you're just apart for a few months, you'll likely wonder how to keep your relationship strong.
1. **Talk once a day.** Every long-distance relationship has its own optimal level of communication, but daily communication is a must for couples separated for more than a few weeks. Whether you prefer text, email, online chat, telephone calls or video chatting, make sure you're sharing your life with your boyfriend. For a romantic option, write an old-fashioned letter and put it in the mail!
Don't share information that might make him jealous or feel left out.
You might need to schedule daily conversations, or you might decide to keep them spontaneous.
2. **Trust him.** Being in a long-distance relationship will make every slight or twinge of envy seem larger than it would if you were closer together. If you find yourself obsessively checking his online status updates, or worrying because he doesn't reply to your text right away, it's a good idea to take a step back.
If you're worried he's having a flirtation, the best thing to do is ask him directly. Talk about your concerns, and reassure him of your own fidelity.
Remember that the way to get around fear in a relationship is to practice honesty.
3. **Try to recognize when the relationship problem is distance.** Sometimes one of you is bound to get physically lonely for the other person. You miss being around each other. You might feel irritable, restless, or disagreeable. When this happens, usually the main relationship problem is that you're too far away from each other.
Try to express the frustration you're feeling clearly, without bring up past history. Stick to the topic at hand.
Explain what is bothering you without blaming your boyfriend.
4. **Be supportive.** With any relationship, it's a good idea to check in with him and see how things are going in his daily life. Be quick to offer encouragement for what he's going through and praise for his accomplishments.
It's fine to ask for his support too. Including him in your life will remind him that he's important to you.
You can continue to work through problems together. Sometimes spending some time apart can help strengthen this aspect of your relationship.
5. **Learn to have fun without him.** If you're miserable, you'll likely sabotage your relationship with your boyfriend. Relationships are easier to maintain when you're feeling happy and confident. It's easier to be patient when you're busy doing things you enjoy - like spending time with girlfriends, joining a club, or taking a new class at the gym.
Share your new activities with your boyfriend when you talk. Make sure he knows you're happy, not moving away from him.
If you're spending time in new places he's never been, send him plenty of photos so that he knows where you are.
6. **Do things together.** Even if he's far away, you can find ways to enjoy your shared interests. For example, maybe you can watch a favorite television show or movie at the same time, while talking on the phone or texting. Schedule date nights where you plan to "share" a meal and movie, and enjoy longer conversations.
You can continue to feel connected as a couple, even though you may be far apart.
Scheduling date nights will help him know that this relationship is a priority in your life.
7. **Send him treats.** Sending him special things that he might miss from home will let him know you're thinking of him. Texting nice notes without expecting a response might cheer him up. Sending photos of yourself with your mutual friends can remind him of your connection. Be creative!
Don't overwhelm him with these treats. For example, if he's gone for 3 months, sending no more than 1 per month might be a good number.
Getting something tangible through the mail will remind him that your relationship is real, even though you're apart.
8. **Know when you'll be together again.** If he's spending a semester abroad, make a plan to visit him if you can. If you're apart for the summer, maybe you can make a special plan for July 4th. If you'll see him at the end of his internship, plan a special day together to welcome him home.
Knowing when you'll see each other again can help you both feel more secure in the long-distance relationship.
Focusing on the time you'll spend together, rather than the time you're spending apart, will help you be more positive.
9. **Celebrate the special days together.** Even if you can't physically be in the same room, you can continue to celebrate the special events of your life together. Perhaps you're celebrating the anniversary of your first kiss, or your first date. Choosing to include your boyfriend in your birthday plans even though he's miles away will help him feel closer to you.
Keep a calendar with your special dates marked.
Consider sharing an online calendar with each other. Do not be afraid to remind of yourself if you really care about this person. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Your-Boyfriend-in-a-Long%E2%80%90Distance-Relationship", "language": "en"} |
How to Take Victoza for Weight Loss | If you are struggling with your weight, Victoza may be part of the solution. Although Victoza is primarily used to lower the blood sugar levels of people with Type 2 diabetes, it can be used to help you lose weight. However, for it to work effectively as a weight loss medication, you will need to combine Victoza with exercise and healthy eating. Make sure to take Victoza per your healthcare provider’s instructions. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any severe or life-threatening side effects.
1. **Ask your healthcare provider about Victoza.** Call and set up an appointment with your healthcare provider to see if Victoza is a good choice for you. Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, and about any medications you are currently taking. If you do not have diabetes, Victoza may still help you lose weight if you have metabolic damage or leptin resistance.
However, since the FDA has only approved the use of Victoza for treating people with Type 2 diabetes, your insurance (in the U.S.) may not cover it if you do not have Type 2 diabetes.
2. **Get a Victoza prescription.** The Victoza pen contains 18 mg of medication. Depending on your case, your healthcare provider may prescribe you a 0.6, 1.2, or 1.8 mg dosage. However, your healthcare provider may start you on an even lower dosage to see how your body reacts to the medication first.
3. **Learn how Victoza works.** Victoza lowers your blood sugar by slowing the food that is leaving your stomach, preventing your liver from producing too much sugar, and by producing more insulin when your blood sugar is high. It is an injectable, non-insulin medication that should be taken once a day. It can be taken with other diabetes medications, including insulin.
Possible side effects include decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, and constipation.
4. **Take Victoza per your healthcare provider’s instructions.** Make sure to take the correct dosage every day. Healthcare providers typically start their patients off with a 0.6 mg dosage and increase this by 0.3 mg per week or every other week.
If you are unsure about how much you should take, refer to the instructions on the label or contact your healthcare provider.
5. **Set the pen to the correct dosage.** Start turning the dose button. Every time you turn the dose button, you will hear a "click." Turn the button until your dose is aligned with the white tick mark on the pen. If you accidentally select a wrong dose, just turn the dose button forward or backward to reach the correct dosage.
Avoid pressing the dose button while you turn it to your correct dosage. If you do, the medication may come out and you will have to use a new pen.
Make sure to use the pen per your healthcare provider’s instructions.
6. **Inject the medication.** Hold the pen with the needle pointing down. Place the needle side of the pen against your lower stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Press the dose button with your thumb. Hold the button down until the 0 mg dosage appears in the display -- this takes about 6 seconds. Pull the pen straight up and away from your skin once all of the medication is dispensed.
If blood appears at the injection site, hold a piece of gauze against it for 5 to 10 seconds.
Place the cap on the needle and throw it away in a sharps container.
7. **Take the medication as soon as possible if you miss a dose.** However, if you miss a dose and it is almost time for your next dose, do not take 2 doses at once. Instead, skip the missed dose and take the next dose. Then resume your regular dosing schedule.
8. **Contact your healthcare provider if you develop a mass in your neck.** A mass in your neck coupled with trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness are symptoms of a serious thyroid problem. If you experience these symptoms, call your healthcare provider or pharmacist immediately. If your symptoms become severe, go to the emergency department.
9. **Call your healthcare provider if you experience pancreatitis symptoms.** If you experience chills, a fever, sudden and severe stomach pain, and constipation while taking Victoza, tell your healthcare provider immediately. These symptoms may also be coupled with nausea, vomiting, and lightheadedness. Go to the emergency department if your symptoms become severe.
10. **Tell your healthcare provider if you have an allergic reaction.** Allergic reactions can cause trouble breathing, rashes, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing. Swelling of the face, mouth, and throat, as well as swelling of the hands, arms, or legs are also symptoms of an allergic reaction. If these occur, contact your healthcare provider immediately. If your reaction is severe, go the emergency department right away.
11. **Check your blood sugar levels regularly.** Victoza may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or high blood pressure (hyperglycemia). Symptoms of low blood pressure include sweating, shakiness or weakness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision, and extreme hunger. Symptoms of high blood sugar include dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness, increased urination, loss of appetite, and nausea.
If you experience these symptoms while taking Victoza, use a glucose meter to check your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is low or high, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Your blood sugar is high if it is 180 mg/dL or higher 2 hours after eating a meal.
Your blood sugar is low it if is 70 mg/dL or lower.
12. **Eat lean cuts of protein.** Lean cuts of protein have less saturated fat. Look at the nutrition label to see how much fat pre-packed meat contains. Choose products that have a low percentage of fat, like 4% or less. Skinless turkey and chicken are also examples of lean protein.
Make sure to ask your butcher for a lean cut of meat.
Also include plant-based sources of protein in your diet such as beans.
13. **Consume 2 cups (350 grams) of fruits and vegetables per day.** Eat fruits and vegetables at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bananas, apples, oranges, strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, and kiwi are great fruit choices. Asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, bell peppers, squash, and mushrooms are great vegetable choices.
Fruits and vegetables are also great sources of fiber, which can help you lose and maintain your weight.
14. **Base your meals on healthy starches.** Each of your meals should contain 1 serving (about one-fourth of your plate) of healthy starches. Whole wheat bread, rice, barley, oats, and quinoa are examples of healthy starches.
Sweet potatoes are a better alternative to white potatoes.
Eat processed foods, like bread and pasta, in moderation as they have a high glycemic index and could raise your blood sugar.
15. **Eat fish for dinner 2 to 3 times per week.** Fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna are high in omega-3s and healthy fats. Bake or grill your fish to get the most nutrients out of it.
For example, eat salmon with broccoli and brown rice for dinner.
16. **Limit foods and drinks that are high in sugar.** Eating foods that are high in sugar can hinder your weight loss. Only consume sugary foods once or twice a week. Sugary foods and drinks to avoid include pastries, cake, ice cream, soda, sweet tea, cookies, candy, and chocolate.
These foods are typically high in fat as well.
17. **Start with moderate exercise if you aren’t physically active.** Moderate exercise includes brisk walking, biking less than 10 mph (16.1 km/h), or light yard work such as mowing the lawn or raking and bagging leaves. Walk or bike around your neighborhood or the park for 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
Walking your dog around the block or playing catch with a friend at the park are also good forms of moderate exercise.
Exercise moderately for 3 to 4 weeks. After 3 to 4 weeks, start to include vigorous forms of exercise in your routine.
18. **Exercise vigorously for 75 minutes per week.** If you already have an exercise routine, challenge yourself by including vigorous forms of exercise. Vigorous exercise includes running/jogging, swimming laps, biking more than 10 mph (16.1 km/h), playing a sport, or jumping rope. Exercise for 25 minutes, 3 days a week.
19. **Incorporate strengthening exercises into your routine.** Strengthening exercises are also great for building muscle and burning fat. Before or after you do your cardio routine, do 3 sets of push ups and sit ups.
Do 3 sets of 5 to 8 push ups and 15 sit ups if you are just starting out. Work your way up to 10 to 15 push ups and 20 sit ups over the course of 3 to 4 weeks. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Victoza-for-Weight-Loss", "language": "en"} |
How to Buy Euros | Planning a holiday to the European Union? Already in Europe and stuck with your home country's currency? Don't worry — there are actually many different ways to buy Euros. This is true whether or not you're actually in the Eurozone (the group of 19 countries that use the Euro), so it doesn't even matter if you've already left or not!
1. **Visit a bank in your destination country.** If you've already traveled into the Eurozone, you're in luck — it's not usually hard to get your hands on Euros. For example, most European banks will sell Euros to non-citizens at very reasonable rates. Best of all, most banks in major European cities will have at least some staff members that speak English. If you're not comfortable awkwardly asking for an English speaker, you can always use the ATM (see below for more information).
Exchange rates at European banks tend to be quite good. Many banks will not charge a transaction fee for the service (though some will).
Note that the hours of operation for banks in Europe can be different than they are abroad. Banking holidays will also vary from country to country. If possible, check when the bank is open online before making your trip.
2. **Alternatively, visit a bank in your home country.** You can also buy Euros at most major banks in the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US. This is handy if you want to have a small amount of European currency in your wallet when you step off the plane. Some traveler's guides strongly recommend this. Others, however, favor buying Euros in Europe to avoid the risk of traveling with large amounts of currency.
Fees at banks in the English-speaking world can vary from place to place and based on whether or not you have an account. Anecdotally, American banks are said to have less-favorable dollar-to-euro exchange rates than their European counterparts.
3. **Try a postal bank.** Believe it or not, many European post offices (especially in major cities) will have small "mini-banks" inside that will be able to change your money from your home country's currency to euros. Not all post offices will have these mini-banks, but the ones that do are claimed to have some of the best exchange rates available.
Even some post offices in the English-speaking world will have small banks or exchange bureaus available to exchange your currency. This is by no means guaranteed, however, so check online or via phone before visiting if possible.
4. **Visit an international airport.** Since busy airports are host to thousands (sometimes millions) of passengers from around the world every day, they will usually have their own currency exchange booths and kiosks. Any of these will be happy to convert your cash into Euros — whether you're in your home country or the Eurozone.
You may want to avoid this option if you have other choices available. While airport exchanges are convenient, according to some sources, they often have some of the least-favorable exchange rates.
Note that airports that don't receive a great deal of international traffic (like smaller regional airports) may not have their own exchanges.
5. **Visit a currency exchange.** Some major cities and tourist locations will have currency exchanges completely separate from banks, post offices, airports, and so on. These can range from small kiosks to bank-like brick and mortar locations, depending on where you are. The most well-known currency exchange service for most Americans is Travelex, but you may be able to find other currency exchanges (also called bureaus de change) in the following locations:
At major transportation hubs (airports, train stations, etc.)
Near tourist destinations/landmarks
Near hotels, resorts, etc.
Near commercial areas (markets, malls, etc.)
If you haven't left for Europe yet, try using Travelex's store locator here to find a currency exchange near you.
6. **Try a European ATM.** It's important to note that most ATMs in Europe — those at banks and those elsewhere — will allow you to buy Euros by debiting your checking account. This can be an exceptionally convenient option since there are likely to be hundreds of ATMs in any major European city. In addition, most ATMs will operate in a variety of languages including English.
With ATMs, the fees you incur can vary greatly depending on the bank you use. Some banks may charge a "foreign transaction" fee in addition to the standard ATM fee, which can make using ATMs expensive. Thus, it is usually cheapest to make a few big withdrawals, rather than many small ones.
If you intend to use ATMs in Europe, notify your bank in your home country before leaving. If not, your bank may interpret the financial transactions in Europe as fraudulent activity or identity theft.
7. **Use a currency exchange website.** Planning your trip to Europe well in advance? If you have enough time left before your trip to be able to receive mail, you may be able to order Euros online. This is an easy process — simply visit a major currency exchange site (like, for instance, travelex.com and foreignmoney.com), follow the prompts to place your order, and provide proper payment information.
With this option, you can usually choose to have the Euros delivered to your home. Some sites even offer free shipping on orders over a certain value. You usually may also pick your order up at a currency exchange location.
8. **Check major currency exchange sites for phone order options.** Most services that allow you to order Euros online will also give you the option to order over the phone. This is true both for major exchange websites like Travelex.com and for smaller local or regional exchanges. In the latter case, contact options can vary from location to location.
To contact Travelex via phone, call 516-300-1622.
9. **Order the euros from a bank or exchange.** In addition to Travelex and other currency exchange sites, you can also usually order foreign currency from your bank. Depending on your bank, you may be able to place this order either online or over the phone. In either case, the basic process is the same: you contact the bank, place your order, and the currency is delivered to your home. Be sure to allow time for the Euros to arrive before you must leave for your trip.
If time is short, you may be able to pick the Euros up in person shortly after placing your order.
10. **Keep in mind that all methods will charge a fee.** Nearly every location that allows you to buy Euros will charge you a small fee to do so. Usually, this is done by taking a percentage "cut" of your money — for instance, a currency exchange might give you 90% of your money's value in Euros and keep the remaining 10%. It is difficult to get a perfectly "fair" exchange between your native currency and Euros, so plan accordingly.
Your best bet to avoid these sorts of costs may be to visit a bank that you are a member of. However, even in these cases, there may be minor fees for changing your currency.
11. **Remember that the price will be affected by the currency market.** The values of the world's currencies are constantly changing. Depending on how valuable your home country's currency is compared to the Euro, you may enjoy a favorable exchange rate or be forced to deal with an unfavorable one. In general:
It's best to buy Euros when your home country's currency is relatively strong compared to the Euro. This means that each unit of currency you spend will get you more Euros for your trip.
On the other hand, for the opposite reason, it's not favorable to buy Euros when your currency is weak compared to the Euro.
Visit xe.com for an up-to-speed look at the exchange rates between the world's most important currencies.
12. **Be wary of scam artists.** It should go without saying that it's only wise to buy Euros from licensed, reputable agencies with names you trust. Paying a little extra in exchange fees is always better than unwittingly committing a crime in a foreign country. Don't accept an offer from a stranger to change your money to Euros — you may end up short-changed or with a wallet full of counterfeit currency, which is a serious crime.
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission additionally warns against so-called "forex" (foreign exchange) investment opportunities. In these schemes, unwitting investors are tricked into buying large amounts of foreign currency with promises of "high returns coupled with low risks." In reality, the scam artists steal the money — and often get away with it, because it is difficult for police to pursue criminals across national borders. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-Euros", "language": "en"} |
How to Learn to Read and Write Chinese | Have you ever found Chinese very hard with all the confusing characters? Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language in the world, so it is definitely worth learning. Chinese is not very easy to learn, but in this wikiHow, it will teach you the reading and writing basics to learning Chinese.
1. **Learn pinyin** Pinyin is a Chinese writing system which uses letters from the Roman alphabet instead of Chinese characters.
It is useful for Chinese language learners, as it allows you to get started with reading and writing Chinese without the time involved in learning traditional characters. There are many Chinese textbooks and learning materials available in Pinyin.
However, it is important to be aware that even though Pinyin uses letters from the Roman alphabet, its pronunciation is not always intuitive to the English speaker. Therefore, it is important to use a proper pronunciation guide when learning Pinyin.
2. **Learn to read some Chinese characters.** Although the ability to read traditional Chinese characters is not necessary for learning Chinese, the idea appeals to many people and makes them feel more in touch with traditional Chinese culture.
Learning to recognize and read Chinese characters is no easy task. In order to read a newspaper, the average Chinese reader will need to be familiar with about 2000 different characters—and that's just the beginning. It is believed that there are over 50,000 Chinese characters in total (though many of them are no longer in use).
The major benefit of learning to read Chinese characters is that you will have access to a broad array of other literatures, including Cantonese, Japanese and Korean—all of which use Chinese characters (or a simplified version of them) in their writings, despite the fact that the spoken languages are very different.
3. **Learn to write some Chinese characters.** Once you have learned to read Chinese characters, you may be interested in learning how to form them yourself. Writing Chinese characters is a complex skill, which requires patience and a touch of artistry.
The first step in learning how to write Chinese characters is to learn the "radicals"—these are the individual brush strokes that form the building blocks of each character. There are 214 radicals in total—some can stand on their own as individual characters, while others are only used as part of a more complex character.
When writing Chinese characters, the order of the brush strokes is very important and you must follow a specific set of rules—such as top to bottom, left to right, and horizontal before vertical. If the stroke order is incorrect, the completed character will not be accurate.
4. **Read Chinese texts.** If you want to improve your Chinese reading skills, you'll need to practice a little reading for at least 15 to 20 minutes a day.
To begin with, you could try using some children's readers or workbooks (which are nearly always written in Pinyin) to practice your basic reading skills. You should also be able to find some good resources for reading Chinese online.
You can also try to incorporate your Chinese learning into your everyday life. You can do this by reading the Chinese labels on food products at the Asian supermarket, or asking your server for the Chinese language menu at a restaurant.
Once your reading becomes more advanced, you could try to get your hands on a Chinese newspaper (which are printed using traditional Chinese characters) and do your best to read through the articles. This is also a good way of familiarizing yourself with Chinese culture and current affairs.
5. **Write a little Chinese every day.** In order to practice your Chinese writing skills, you should try to write a little every day, whether in Pinyin or in Chinese characters.
One option is to keep a small personal diary in Chinese, where you write down simple things like a description of the weather, how you are feeling that day, or what you did. If you're not too shy about it, you could ask a Chinese-speaking friend or acquaintance to look it over and check for any mistakes.
Alternatively, you could try to find a Chinese pen-pal to write letters to. This could be mutually beneficial, as you could get some practice writing in Chinese, while your pen-pal could practice their English. You could also ask your pen-pal to include the corrected version of your original letter when replying.
A last way of practicing your writing is to make simple lists in Chinese, like your shopping list, or to make Chinese labels for items around the house.
6. **Practice with a native Chinese speaker.** The absolute best way to learn Chinese is to speak it with a native speaker—this will force you to think on your feet, help with your accent, and expose you to more informal or colloquial forms of speech that you won't find in a textbook.
If you have a Chinese-speaking friend, ask them if they'd be willing to sit down with you for an hour or two each week. They'd probably be happy to help—as long as the coffee's on you!
If you don't know any Chinese speakers personally, you could try placing an ad in your local paper or online forum. Alternatively, you could look into finding a Chinese conversation group or oral Chinese class in your local area.
If all else fails, you could try to connect with a Chinese speaker on Skype, one who'd be willing to exchange 30 minutes of Chinese conversation for 30 minutes of English.
7. **Listen to Chinese tapes/CDs.** Listening to Chinese podcasts or CDs is a great way to immerse yourself in the language—even when you're on the go!
It doesn't matter if you can't follow everything that's being said— try to be an active listener and attempt to pick out keywords and phrases. Slowly but surely, your overall comprehension will improve.
This is a great option for people who have long commutes as they can simply stick a Chinese CD on in the car or listen to a Chinese podcast on the train. You could also try listening while exercising or doing housework.
8. **Watch Chinese films and cartoons.** Watching Chinese films and cartoons is a more fun, relaxed way of immersing yourself in the language. However, it will still help to expose you to the sounds and structure of Chinese.
Try watching short cartoons or clips on YouTube, or rent a full length Chinese film from your local movie store. You may need to use subtitles at first, but try not to rely on them too much—see how much of the dialogue you can understand on your own.
If you're feeling particularly proactive, you could pause the film after particular words or phrases and try to repeat them—this will help your accent to sound more authentic.
9. **Don't be afraid of making mistakes.** The biggest obstacle that will stand in your way of learning Chinese is your fear of making mistakes.
You need to try to overcome this fear—and even embrace it—if you are to reach your goal of fluency.
Remember that everyone makes mistakes when they are learning a new language. You are bound to have your fair share of embarrassing mistakes and awkward moments, but this is all part of the process.
Remember that you are not aiming for perfection when you are learning Chinese, you are aiming for progress. So, go ahead and make as many mistakes as you like—as long as you learn from them and continue to improve.
10. **Consider taking a trip to China.** Can you think of a better way to immerse yourself in the Chinese language than a trip to its native land?
China is an amazingly diverse country—from the busy, bustling streets of Beijing to the ancient majesty of the Great Wall. There is something for every traveler—whether you're looking to immerse yourself in traditional ethnic cultures, to sample the many delicious Chinese delicacies, or to travel to the sites of ancient ruins and epic battles.
Alternatively, you could take a tour of other places with large Chinese-speaking populations, like Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. Just make sure that you are prepared for differences in dialect (not all are mutually intelligible) before you book your flight! | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-to-Read-and-Write-Chinese", "language": "en"} |
How to File for Emergency Custody | If you believe your child is in immediate danger of harm or of being removed from the state, you can seek an order for emergency child custody. The circumstances in which you seek emergency custody undoubtedly are far from ideal. You may be worried, stressed, and/or angry. Fortunately, the process of filing for emergency custody consists of only a few forms.
1. **Understand what emergency custody is.** Generally, custody determinations take several months to decide. At the end of the process, the court will award legal and/or physical custody to a parent, or to both. Sometimes, however, emergencies require that a child be removed from a parent’s custody.
What qualifies as a sufficient emergency is generally determined by your state’s statute. Typically, courts won’t remove a child unless the child is in “immediate danger” of harm or about to leave the state. “Immediate harm” often means recent or habitual domestic violence or sexual abuse. Immediate harm may also be a failure to supervise, as when a parent leaves a young child alone at home while (s)he went to the store.
Understand that “emergency custody” is temporary. If you successfully petition the court for emergency custody, you have not been awarded permanent custody of the child.
Because time is of the essence, a full, formal hearing will not be held. Sometimes, emergency custody will be granted without any hearing at all. Alternatively, a hearing will be held with only the parent petitioning for emergency custody in attendance. However, the court will hold a full formal hearing at a later date, with both parents present, before awarding permanent custody.
2. **Check if you can seek emergency custody.** State law limits who may petition the court for emergency custody. Often, you must be a parent, or someone who operates in loco parentis, in order to petition the court.
“In loco parentis” means that although you are not a legal parent, you have acted as a parent and taken on the responsibilities of parenthood.
3. **Gather evidence of the emergency.** To be awarded emergency custody, you must typically show that the child faces “immediate harm.” Write down any conversations you have had, and collect emails or notes.
You will want this information not only for your petition for emergency custody but later, should you seek full custody.
4. **Meet with an attorney.** If you have enough time, try to meet with an attorney. An attorney can be a stable sounding board during a confusing and turbulent time.
If costs are a concern, some attorneys provide “unbundled services,” which means that they will provide limited services such as document preparation, legal advice, or coaching for a flat fee. Some places also offer counseling/legal help for free.
If at any time you are confused about how to proceed, you should seek out a lawyer’s assistance. To find an experienced, local family lawyer, search your yellow pages or perform an internet search for “child custody attorney” and your city or county.
Nevertheless, if you must file something that day do not wait to talk to a lawyer.
5. **Find the correct court.** Because you will file the motion in the county where your child currently lives, you must first locate that court.
To find the appropriate courthouse, visit your state’s supreme court website. Type “Supreme Court” and then your state into a search engine. Alternately, you can visit this website and then click on your state.
At your state’s Supreme Court website you should look for links to “Find Your Court” or “Court locations.”
6. **Read the local rules.** Motion practice is governed by state and local rules. You will have to abide by them, otherwise your motion may not be heard.
Often the local rules are on the court’s website. You should download them and search for “emergency hearing” or “ex parte hearing.” The rules can be lengthy, so searching using CTRL+F will take you to the relevant part.
7. **Get the forms.** You must petition the court for emergency custody. Often, the court will have pre-printed “fill in the blank” forms for you to fill out. You can get the forms either from the superior court in the county where your child lives or on the internet.
The forms go by different names depending on the court. Common names include “Temporary Emergency Court Order,” “Petition for Emergency Relief,” and “Motion and Affidavit for Emergency Ex Parte Order.” There are as many different names as there are courts.
Visit the website for the courthouse where you will file the forms. The forms can often be downloaded from the court’s website. Nevertheless, you should still call and ask the clerk which forms you need to fill out. Although the clerk cannot provide legal advice, she should be able to tell you what forms you need in order to seek emergency custody.
You may need to fill out multiple forms. Some courts may require that you already have a regular “motion for custody” pending. In these situations, you will have to file the other motion first. For this reason, be sure to tell the clerk what you have filed or haven’t filed.
If the court clerk cannot help you, or you are confused as to what you need to fill out, seek the help of an attorney.
8. **Read the instructions.** Each form should come with instructions. Read the instructions first so that you will know what to fill out.
9. **Fill out the forms.** You will need to fill out these forms completely and accurately. If you download the form, you can type your text into the blue fields. Otherwise, use black or blue ink to neatly fill in the forms.
Generally, you will need to provide the following information: your name and address, the other parent’s name and address, the other parent’s attorney’s name and address, as well as the reason why you are seeking the motion.
Remember to only allege what you can prove with evidence. If you do not have proof that the child is in immediate danger of physical harm, then you should not make that claim in a motion. You could be held in contempt of court and ordered to pay court fees.
10. **Get assistance.** You may seek help with filling out your forms from a self-help center or the family law facilitator at the courthouse. You should call or stop in and ask if anyone is available.
11. **Go to the courthouse.** You must file the forms in the superior court for the county where your child currently lives. This is the same courthouse where you got the forms.
12. **File the forms.** Gather your forms and attach a copy of any written custody agreement you may have with the other parent.
Also attach any other documentation that supports your contention that the child is in immediate harm. Read the form carefully to see if attaching information is allowed.
Be prepared to pay any filing fees. Call ahead and ask how much the filing fee is and what acceptable methods of payment are.
Ask when you should return to pick up the order. Sometimes, a judge or hearing officer will decide on emergency custody without needing to hold a hearing. In those situations, a written order granting emergency custody will be given to you.
Alternately, the judge or hearing officer may schedule a hearing for that day or the following day. You will need to stop in and ask for the day and time so that you will know when to appear before the judge.
13. **Pick up the order.** If the court schedules a special hearing, then this information will be on the order that you pick up.
You must make copies and serve the other parent. Make 2 copies for your records and 1 copy for the other parent.
14. **Serve notice on the other parent.** You must notify the other parent of the hearing that ultimately will be held. Different courts allow different methods of serving notice. Ask the court clerk what is acceptable.
Generally, you should be able to serve notice using the sheriff/police. For a small fee, the sheriff/police will serve the other parent and fill out a form that shows service was made.
Some courts may also allow you to mail notice. If the court allows, and it is easier to send by mail, then you will have to send the forms postage paid, return receipt requested.
15. **Prepare to argue your case.** In order to get temporary custody, you may have to explain in court how the child faces "immediate harm." This hearing often will be “ex parte,” meaning that the other parent will not be present.
This hearing is not a full trial, which you may have experienced when the court was initially deciding custody.
16. **Bring evidence.** If you have emails, letters, telephone messages, or video that you believe supports your case that your child is in immediate danger, then bring those to the hearing.
Judges are unlikely to grant orders for emergency custody unless there is sufficient evidence of abuse. Use medical records or statements made by your child to support your argument.
17. **Argue your case.** In a calm, clear voice present the evidence to the judge and answer any questions the judge has. When you want to show the judge a document, state that you would like to admit the document into evidence.
You should mark your documents “Exh. A, B, C” or “Exh. 1, 2, 3.”
The judge will likely give a temporary order at the close of the hearing. This temporary order will be in effect until the final order is issued. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/File-for-Emergency-Custody", "language": "en"} |
How to Treat an Exposed Tooth Root | An exposed tooth root, also known as gum recession, is a condition where your gums recede to the point that the roots of one or more teeth are visible. If you have an exposed root, see your dentist as soon as possible for corrective work. In the meantime, there are several steps you can take to care for the tooth. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush, light pressure, and desensitizing toothpaste to help with the pain. Avoid acidic or sticky foods and refrain from grinding your teeth. Once you see the dentist, there are a number of surgical and non-surgical procedures they may try to fix the problem.
1. **Use desensitizing toothpaste twice a day.** Regular brushing won’t replace the lost gum tissue, but improving your oral hygiene can prevent further damage until your dentist can properly treat your exposed tooth roots. If you have an exposed tooth root, brushing and eating may be painful. Desensitizing toothpastes help numb the pain from exposed roots to improve your quality of life. After a few days of using this toothpaste, the pain should be greatly reduced.
Make sure any toothpaste you use is infused with fluoride to strengthen your teeth.
Don’t brush your teeth more than 3 times per day, however. Brushing too often can push your gums back further and expose more of the tooth root.
There are several types of desensitizing toothpaste available, like Sensodyne, which is a well-known brand. Look for the ADA seal on any product you use so you know it’s American Dental Association-approved.
2. **Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent gum abrasion.** A hard-bristled toothbrush is very rough on your gums and teeth. This is not only painful if you have an exposed root, but can also physically push your gums back and make the problem worse. Use only a soft-bristled brush to protect your gums from receding.
If your gums are receding only because you were using a hard brush, then switching to a soft one may allow them to extend back down again.
Consult your dentist if you aren’t sure which toothbrush is best for you.
3. **Press down with mild pressure when you brush.** Applying too much pressure when you brush is another reason for receding roots. You don’t need to press down hard to clean your teeth. Use light pressure and work in a circular motion across each tooth.
Brush especially lightly over exposed root areas. This will avoid pushing the gums back further and causing pain.
If you occasionally notice blood when you spit after brushing, then you’re probably brushing too hard.
4. **Clean your teeth with scaling and root planing.** If your gum recession is due to poor oral hygiene, then the dentist’s first step may be a thorough cleaning called scaling and planing. The dentist uses tools to remove all the plaque and buildup under your gum line. Once this is removed, the gum can reattach to the tooth. This may be enough for your gums to cover the exposed root again.
Your gums will be sore for a few days after this treatment. Eat soft foods and drink cool beverages to help with the pain.
You also have to practice good oral hygiene at home for this treatment to be successful. It won’t work on its own.
5. **Have your dentist apply bonding resin to the root.** For more advanced gum recession, the dentist can cover the exposed root with a clear resin. This resin protects the root from damage and helps with the pain. First, the dentist will numb the area with an analgesic. They will then spread the resin over the root and leave it to bond.
Listen to your dentist’s instructions on caring for the resin after the procedure. It may need time to harden completely, so brush gently around the area for a few days.
A bonding resin may not be effective if the gum recession is too advanced. In that case, your dentist may recommend a gum graft instead.
6. **Receive a gum graft to cover the exposed root.** For advanced gum recession, the dentist will do a gum graft to cover the exposed root. This is a procedure where the dentist takes a piece of gum from the roof of your mouth and stitches it over the exposed root. The new piece of gum fuses with the old gum and heals over the root. While this sounds scary, the procedure is common and should fix the exposed root permanently if you practice good oral hygiene afterward.
The dentist will apply a numbing analgesic, but may give you a sedative. Have someone else bring you to the appointment in case you can’t drive afterward.
Follow all of your dentist’s instructions for aftercare while you heal. You will probably have to eat soft foods for a few days and brush gently to avoid opening the wound.
7. **Ask your dentist about a prescription fluoride to strengthen your teeth.** Fluoride gels administered with a tray may help to strengthen your teeth and prevent further decay. Your dentist can give you a fluoride treatment in their office, or send you home with a prescription for a fluoride treatment.
Fluoride is also available as an oral medication.
8. **Limit your intake of acidic, sugary, and sticky foods to prevent inflammation.** Some foods are very acidic and gradually eat away at your enamel and gums. These include sugary drinks, snacks, and fruit juices. Sticky foods are especially harmful. Gummy candies get stuck in your teeth and eat away at the enamel. Limit your consumption of foods like these to prevent further gum recession.
If you do eat junk food, go for options that don’t stick to your teeth. Chocolate washes out of your mouth much faster than gummy worms, for instance.
9. **Quit smoking** People who smoke are at a greater risk for receding gums and exposed roots. If you’ve experienced gum recession or want to avoid it, quitting smoking is a good step to take. This can be difficult, but it is worth it for the health benefits. If you don’t smoke, then don’t start.
Since nicotine is a drug, you may experience some minor withdrawal symptoms like headaches, cravings, and irritability. Nicotine patches and gum are helpful to wean you off smoking and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Another method for quitting is gradually reducing your smoking until you stop completely. Try to cut back by 1 cigarette every 2 days, for example. This may be easier for you than going cold turkey.
Smoking has numerous other health risks, so quitting will have many other benefits for your overall health.
10. **Work to stop grinding your teeth if you have that habit.** Grinding your teeth is another cause of gum recession because grinding pushes the gums back over time. If you have a habit of tooth grinding, do your best to cut back. Try to notice throughout the day if you start grinding and remind yourself to stop. Make sure your teeth don’t touch when you’re not chewing.
If you grind your teeth in your sleep, then you may not be able to consciously stop it. Talk to your dentist about getting a bite guard to protect your teeth at night.
Grinding is often a reaction to stress. Try taking steps to reduce your stress to see if it helps your grinding.
11. **See your dentist for a regular checkup every 6 months.** Regular dental checkups are a very important part of your oral health. Catching gum recession early is the best way to stop it from getting worse, and the dentist can find any problems at your regular checkups. Keep your annual checkup schedule so your mouth stays in good shape.
Even if you don’t like going to the dentist, going regularly is better in the long run. Major dental work from a neglected problem is much more unpleasant than an occasional checkup. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-an-Exposed-Tooth-Root", "language": "en"} |
How to Teach Public Speaking | Speaking in public is an important skill throughout school and in life. Trying to master it can trigger fear and anxiety in many students. Learning to talk confidently in front of an audience, whether big or small, is something that will benefit your students throughout their lives. Fortunately, there are a variety of creative techniques and approaches out there to help you teach your students how to speak effectively in public.
1. **Break the ice with simple introductions.** Building up students’ abilities to speak publicly starts with getting them to simply talk to their classmates. Ask students to write down their name and to share something they think is interesting about themselves. Then go around the room and have each person introduce themselves to the class.
If you have a particularly quiet or large group, you can work up to this by having students introduce themselves to the person next to them.
A fun variant of this is to ask students to interview a partner in the class. Then the students introduce each other to the group.
2. **Foster a supportive environment with positive feedback.** As the instructor it’s important for you to provide a good example for your students by giving lots of encouragement and praise to students for trying their best. Speaking in front of a group can be scary, but it’s easier if the group is kind and friendly.
Get the class more involved as listeners by asking them to identify 1-2 strengths in their classmates’ presentations.
3. **Allow your students to lead a group activity or class discussion.** Ask your students to take turns leading the class in an activity or discussion that they plan. This model for speaking takes some of the pressure off as it is not really a traditional presentation. However, it still requires the student to organize material and speak about it in front of the class.
Avoid calling the activity “public speaking,” because this can frighten students.
4. **Incorporate low-stakes speaking opportunities into routine activities.** Practice makes perfect, or at least better. So, rather than build students up to a few big deadlines, have them complete smaller, low-stakes presentations on a regular basis.
For example, you can begin each class by asking students to weigh in on a question you pose to them.
Alternatively, you can let your students take turns proposing a question of the day.
Give your students the freedom to discuss what they want to at least some of the time, as it’s much easier to talk when you are invested in the subject material.
5. **Practice deep breathing techniques with your students to calm nerves.** Breathing and keeping the body relaxed are important when confronting a stressful presentation. Ask your students to learn and practice this basic relaxation approach before they speak:
Ask your students to find a quiet place where they can focus. Have them shake out their arms and legs, and blow air through their lips.
Have students stand tall, raise their arms over their head, breathe deeply and exhale slowly as they lower their arms. Ask them to continue to focus on breathing, directing their breath into their stomach and exhaling calmly and slowly.
6. **Teach your students to use visualization to boost confidence.** You can help your students learn to build themselves up before speaking. Ask students to take a few minutes before they present to close their eyes, breathe deeply and calmly, and visualize themselves successfully giving their presentation.
7. **Ask your students to practice positive-affirmations to instill confidence.** Students should draft a 1-2 sentence affirmation that stresses positive traits and abilities. Have your students practice reciting these in front of a mirror a few moments before they speak to the class.
For example, “I know what I’m talking about and people are interested in what I have to say,” is a good affirmation. Repeated, it can build confidence before a speech.
8. **Teach your students to stand in a power pose when they speak.** If you stand like a starfish, with your feet spread to shoulder length, chin up, chest out, and with your hands on your hips, your body responds by reducing cortisol, the stress hormone, and increasing testosterone levels. Teach your students to practice this posture and encourage them to use it when they present to the class.
Body posture does make a difference in how you feel about yourself. Give your students practice standing in a power stance, smiling, and making eye contact.
9. **Encourage team presentations.** Although working with others can be challenging, presenting as a team alleviates some of the pressure that speaking solo can carry. By diffusing the responsibility for the presentation across two or more students, the stress of the situation diminishes, and students can grow more comfortable speaking in front of a group.
Make sure that each student participates in the presentation so that shy or quiet students are not overshadowed by more boisterous peers.
10. **Ask students to share a recorded video presentation.** Making video presentations is important in its own right, but many students may find it easier to present to a webcam than to a group of their peers. By asking students to prepare and show a video, you allow them to also see and hear themselves and it takes some of the pressure off.
Have your students host a follow-up Q&A where the class asks questions and they have to respond. This will help further develop their ability to think on their feet.
11. **Assign small group presentations.** Break students into small groups and have them present to eachother. By reducing the size of the audience, you’ll minimize the stress of speaking in front of others.
Build up to more formal, full-class presentations from these smaller breakout sessions.
Involve students in the process by asking each student in the group to provide 1-2 pieces of constructive criticism to one another.
12. **Tell your students to make mistakes on purpose.** Assign your students a project where they intentionally do something wrong. Then ask the rest of the class to identify what they did that was incorrect. You can help the students get over the worry of “messing up” while also teaching the “dos and don’ts” of public speaking.
Much of the fear and anxiety surrounding public speaking has to do with worrying about mistakes.
Another approach is to ask your students to say tongue twisters until they make a mistake. This can be fun and can help alleviate the stress of speaking in public with laughter. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Public-Speaking", "language": "en"} |
How to Calculate Adverse Impact | Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination (in employment or otherwise) based on certain characteristics of an individual that are protected by law: race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Because of this, legal action can be brought against an employer if its policies or selection practices have discriminatory effects unless the employer can show that it adopted the policy or practice in question to serve a legitimate business purpose. To establish that an employer has violated Title VII—and prove a disparate-impact employment discrimination case—a plaintiff must demonstrate that a specific employment policy or practice caused an adverse impact on a protected class of individuals.
1. **Understand the test.** The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the Department of Justice, and the Office of Personnel Management have all adopted a test known as the "four-fifths rule" to calculate adverse impact. This test compares the rates of selection for lesser-represented classes of individuals against the rate at which the most-represented group is selected. If any lesser-represented group has a selection rate that is less than four-fifths (or 80%) of the selection rate for the most-represented group, this can be used as evidence that discrimination—or adverse impact—is present.
So, if 90% of men who apply for a particular position are selected, and women are selected for the same position at a rate lower than 72% (80% of the highest selection rate, 90%), this would be evidence of adverse impact.
2. **Identify the policy or practice at issue.** To demonstrate adverse impact, a plaintiff must show that a particular policy or practice on the part of an employer results in a certain amount of discrimination towards a protected group. Therefore, your first step should be to identify the selection requirement that is responsible for the differing rates of selection.
By way of example, let's use a requirement that, to be a police officer in a particular city, an applicant must be able to lift at least 100 pounds.
3. **Calculate the rate of selection for each group.** The next step in calculating adverse impact is to establish the selection rates for each group of individuals. This is done, for each group, by dividing the number of applicants selected for employment by the total number of applicants. These selection rates will then be compared in a later step.
Returning to our example, let's say 100 men and 100 women applied to be police officers in our hypothetical city. 80 men and 60 women were selected for the position.
So, the selection rate for men would be 80% (80/100) and the selection rate for women would be 60% (60/100).
4. **Note which group has the highest selection rate.** The next step in this process is to determine which group has the highest selection rate. This rate will be used as the point of comparison on which a determination of adverse impact can be made.
In our example, men have the highest selection rate for the police-office position, at 80%.
5. **Calculate adverse impact ratios.** Once you have calculated the selection rates and determined the group with the highest rate, the next step is to determine the "adverse impact ratio" for each other group, which represents how each group's selection rate compares with the most-represented group's rate of selection. This is done by comparing the selection rate for each group against that of the most-represented group, in which you are basically comparing the rate for the adverse group with the rate for the favored group by dividing the former by the latter.
In our example, we would divide the selection rate for women by the selection rate for men (.60/.80) and arrive at an adverse impact ratio for female applicants of 75%.
6. **Determine if adverse impact exists.** Once you have calculated the adverse impact ratios for each group, evaluate each adverse impact ratio using the four-fifths rule. This is the simple part. If the adverse impact ratio for a particular group is less than 80%, according to the four-fifths rule this can be used as evidence that the employment policy, practice, or procedure is discriminatory in some way towards that group.
Basically, this means that a member of the less-represented group is selected for a position less than 80% of the time a member of the most-represented group is selected for the same position, which many federal agencies consider evidence that discrimination is taking place.
Returning to our example, the impact ratio for female applicants is 75%, which is less than 80%, meaning that the policy of requiring police officers to be able to lift at least 100 pounds seems to have an adverse impact on female applicants.
While the four-fifths rule is not controlling in court, it is consistently recognized by courts as a proper factor for courts to consider when determining if adverse impact is present in an employment-discrimination case.
7. **Demonstrate adverse impact.** The first step in proving a case of disparate-impact employment discrimination—where a plaintiff argues that an employer's practice or policy results in discrimination against a protected group—is to establish causation. That is, that the policy caused discrimination on the basis of a protected status (e.g., race, religion, or sex).
There is no constant standard courts use to satisfy this causation requirement. While many federal agencies have explicitly endorsed the four-fifths rule detailed above, other courts have rejected it. The only guidance given by the Supreme Court on this issue is that statistical disparities must be "sufficiently substantial" to the point that they suggest causation between the disputed employment practice and a lower selection rate for a protected group of individuals.
So, if we continue with our above example, the selection criteria of requiring police officers to be able to lift at least 100 pounds would seem to have an adverse impact on female applicants according to the four-fifths rule.
8. **Take note of the employer's justification.** After the plaintiff has demonstrated the existence of adverse impact (e.g., by using the four-fifths rule), the employer is given the opportunity to show that the disputed policy or practice is job-related and serves some business necessity.
For example, the police department might claim that, in its view, police officers should be able to lift a minimum amount of weight because this signifies a certain amount of physical fortitude and conditioning necessary to carry out the duties of a police officer. Therefore, the requirement that all police officers be able to lift at least 100 pounds is not meant to discriminate against women, but is instead meant to ensure an optimal level of physical fitness throughout the city's police force.
9. **Show that an alternative practice is less discriminatory.** If the employer is able to provide a justification for the disputed practice, a plaintiff can still win in a disparate-impact case if the plaintiff can point to a different practice the employer could have used instead (but didn't) that would have resulted in less discrimination.
So, the police department in our example justified the 100-pound requirement by stating it wants its officers to maintain a certain level of physical fitness. A plaintiff could argue that, instead of using weightlifting ability as a measure of physical fitness, the department could have used a different, less-discriminatory measure, such as medical physical-fitness evaluation prior to beginning employment, or mandatory participation in physical-fitness training after accepting employment as a police officer. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Adverse-Impact", "language": "en"} |
How to Clean Pennies | Today, not much is available to buy with a penny; so many people tend to toss them into a jar, saving them until they are worth dollars. Or worse, they pile up in your cup holder and start getting sticky. However, if you want to Coin Stack a Penny Bridge or Play Penny Ante, it may be nice to have clean, shiny pennies at your disposal. Note: For pennies minted after 1982, refer to method 5. For pennies of any possible value, do not clean them!
1. **Put enough ketchup in the cup to cover up the coin or coins.** For the record, with this method, you may be able to smell the ketchup on the penny when you are finished. Tabasco, on the other hand, may leave an orange tint. However, they will be clean!
2. **Put the coin in and wait three minutes.** If you have a toothbrush handy (preferably your roommate's), after the three minutes are up, scrub the penny, working into the little ridges.
3. **Wash the coin off in hot water.** And if you used your roommate's toothbrush, wash that off, too!
If the pennies are clean, but not shiny, mix a paste of baking soda and water and rub into the pennies. Wash it off and, tada!
4. **Put 1 tsp (5 g) of salt into 1/4 c (2 oz) of vinegar.** For many pennies, one tablespoon (15 g) of salt in 1/2 cup (4 oz) of vinegar will get the job done. Stir the mixture to dissolve the salt.
If you don't have vinegar, use lemon or even orange juice. Copper oxide (the gunk on your pennies) dissolves in weak acid, and that's just what all three of these liquids are.
You can also use lemon juice instead of vinegar.
5. **Place your pennies in the vinegar or the lemon juice.** Make sure they are directly on top of each other.
6. **Leave the pennies for around five minutes in the glass of vinegar or lemon juice.** If they're extra dirty or if you're cleaning a lot simultaneously, give them a few more minutes for good measure.
For those especially nasty pennies, scrub them with a scrubber or toothbrush after they've been resting in the solution for a bit.
7. **Take the pennies out, and wash them off.** Let them dry for around five minutes so they will no longer be wet. They will now sparkle.
If you don't wash them off, a blue-green sheen will develop on your pennies. That's what happens when the copper, oxygen, and chlorine (from the salt) combine (called malachite).
8. **Get a can or bottle of Coca Cola.** It doesn't have to be Coke per se; a generic brand will work, too.
9. **Set the pennies in a dish so they are not sitting on top of each other.** The acid in the Coca-Cola needs to work into each penny directly.
10. **Put just enough Coca-Cola in the dish to cover the pennies.** More is not necessary, so grab a straw for the rest!
11. **Let sit for about 4-5 hours.** For best results, flip over halfway through the process. While this method works well, the downside is that it takes much, much longer than the others.
12. **Take the pennies out and wash them off with warm or hot water.**
13. **Obtain some Bar Keeper's Friend.** This cleaning solution works on all copper quickly, like pennies and copper bottom cookware. If you don't have this brand, another metal cleaner (like Brasso) should work as well.
14. **Wet the coins and put on some Bar Keeper's Friend.** The oxalic acid takes away the gunk. Let it sit for a few minutes.
15. **Rub lightly and rinse off.** Your pennies should now be so shiny you could signal planes, call Batman, or invoke temporary blindness. Doesn't get much easier than that!
16. **Grab a dirty penny and an eraser.** While this method should work on any penny, it's safe on the more recent ones, while the previous methods are not. The acidity of methods 1-4 will turn your zinc pennies black.
After 1982, copper became too expensive to justify using on a coin just not worth anything. Therefore, zinc (a much cheaper metal) started being used.
17. **Rub the penny with the eraser as if you were trying to erase a mark on paper.** If you are handy (or if you have a thousand pennies to clean), you could attach a pencil (with an eraser) to a drill and have it do the work for you. There is also, incredibly, such a thing as electric erasers. Who knew?!
18. **Flip the penny and repeat above steps as needed.** This will take about 10 seconds per penny. The only downside to this is at the end, your hand may be tired, and you will be out a pencil or two! Other than that, it is a quick and easy path to shiny riches. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Pennies", "language": "en"} |
How to Treat Dry Mouth Naturally | If you're dealing with dry mouth and you want to treat it naturally at home, there are a lot of different home remedies you can use. Keep your mouth moist by doing things like drinking water frequently, using a homemade mouthwash, or sucking on sugar-free lozenges. Examine your diet and see if you're eating or drinking things that might make your dry mouth worse, such as caffeine, alcohol, or salty foods. Smoking or taking certain medications can also cause dry mouth. If you're not sure why your mouth is so dry in the first place, visit your doctor so they can help you decide on the right treatment.
1. **Drink water frequently to keep yourself hydrated.** An easy way to prevent your mouth from getting too dry is to drink water consistently throughout the day. This will keep your mouth moist and help loosen any mucus that's present.
Carry a bottle of water around with you during the day to remind yourself to keep taking sips.
2. **Add butter, sauces, or broths to your foods to moisten them.** This makes your food easier to swallow, especially if it’s super dry. Stir a little butter, cream, sauce, or other liquids into your food before eating them to help with your dry mouth.
Have a side of soup with your meal, or add a liquid like gravy or broth to moisten it.
3. **Suck on sugar-free lozenges or hard candies to moisten your mouth.** These types of candies are great for adding a little moisture to your mouth to help you produce more saliva. Keep sugar-free lozenges or your favorite sugarless hard candies in your purse, backpack, or pocket so you can suck on them throughout the day.
Chewing sugar-free or xylitol-based gum can also help.
Opt for candies or gum with citrus, mint, or cinnamon flavors, since these can stimulate saliva production.
It’s important that the lozenges and hard candies not have sugar in them, as sugar can make your mouth feel drier and contribute to tooth decay.
4. **Create a homemade mouthwash to soothe the dryness.** Mix 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water with 0.125 teaspoons (0.62 ml) of salt to create your own saline. Combine this with 0.25 teaspoons (1.2 ml) of baking soda, stirring it well until all of the ingredients have dissolved. Swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for a few seconds before spitting it out and rinsing your mouth with water. Use this mouthwash every 3 hours for the best results.
The ingredients in this mouthwash help stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth to make your mouth less dry.
Avoid using store-bought mouthwash that has alcohol or peroxide in it because these dry your mouth out even more.
5. **Turn on a humidifier to add moisture to the room.** Plug a humidifier in to moisten the air when you’re sleeping or when your mouth is feeling particularly dry. The extra moisture in the air will help soothe your dry mouth.
Humidifiers are especially helpful during the colder months.
Refill the water in the humidifier regularly.
6. **Limit your drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine.** These types of drinks will only dry out your mouth even more. If you like to drink alcoholic drinks like wine or beer, or caffeinated drinks like coffee or sodas, try to drink fewer of these than you normally would to help improve your dry mouth.
Milk and water are good alternatives to caffeinated tea or fruit juice.
7. **Cut back on salty and spicy foods to avoid causing your mouth pain.** Foods that have a lot of salt or spices in them tend to worsen dry mouth or cause you to feel pain when eating. Avoid super salty foods, especially dry ones like crackers, and limit the spices you add to your meals.
If you do eat salty or spicy foods, drink lots of water while eating them.
Try to stay away from super dry foods like toast or cookies too, as these might cause pain or be more difficult to eat.
8. **Avoid smoking cigarettes** If you smoke cigarettes, try to smoke as little as possible and see if this helps your mouth. Smoking will only cause your mouth to become drier because it causes your mouth to produce less saliva.
Avoid chewing tobacco as well.
9. **Breathe through your nose to keep your mouth from drying.** Keeping your mouth open frequently will only cause a dry mouth to become worse. Whenever you can control it, focus on breathing through your nose and keeping your mouth closed to prevent air from drying it out.
If you sleep with your mouth open, consider investing in a device that holds your mouth closed to teach you to breathe through your nose instead.
10. **Visit your doctor to find out why your mouth is dry if natural methods don’t work.** The best way to find out how to fix a dry mouth is to visit your physician so they can decide why your mouth is dry in the first place. This could be due to something like an illness or a side effect of a medicine you’re taking, so getting it checked out sooner rather than later is recommended.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor and make a list of any medication you’re taking or health problems you’ve been having along with your dry mouth. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Dry-Mouth-Naturally", "language": "en"} |
How to Create a Marble Nail Effect Using Water | Marbling is a beautiful way to update your nails. It's not the quickest or the tidiest way to paint your nails, but it's certainly fun and creative. Follow this tutorial to learn how to create some fabulous nail art!
1. **Apply a base coat to your nails.** As usual, apply a clear base coat to prevent staining and keep your polish lasting longer. A couple coats of solid white polish over that will brighten your colors. Wait until the last coat dries before you continue.
2. **Protect your fingers.** Your fingers are going to get messy, so make sure the nail polish won't stick to them. You can cover them with petroleum jelly, Elmer's glue, cuticle oil, or scotch tape. Cover your fingers at least up to the first joint, and the underside of your nail as well.
3. **Choose a small cup.** A shot glass or a mini paper cup are about the right size. There's a chance this is permanently stained, so pick something you can throw away or keep as a permanent "nail polish cup."
Nail polish is toxic, but small quantities are not extremely dangerous. If you use a glass bowl and wash it thoroughly afterward, it's probably safe to use for other purposes.
4. **Put down newspaper.** Cover your table with newspaper to catch spilled polish. This gets messier than nail painting.
5. **Fill the cup with room temperature water.** This should keep the nail polish together without making it set too quickly. You might need to try a couple times, with water slightly warm or cool.
Keep it about 3/4 full, to prevent spilling.
Filtered water seems to slow the drying of the nail polish, giving you more time.
6. **Choose your nail polish.** Choose at least two colors that stand out from each other. Have a few backup bottles in different brands just in case, since not all polish works as marbling. The marble effect uses a lot of nail polish, so stay on the cheaper side.
Use relatively new polish if you can. Old polish tends to set too quickly.
Unscrew all your lids and leave them loose, so you can do the next steps quickly.
7. **Drip one color onto the water.** Hold the wand over the water surface and wait until a single drop falls. It should spread out a little across the surface. If it stays clumped in the center, rotate the glass until it thins slightly.
Some nail polishes sink. You might have to try a couple before you get a nice, floating circle.
8. **Repeat with other colors.** Pick up a second color and drop a new drop right in the center of the first circle. You can stop here, or keep going with more drops. Three or four drops is usually a good amount, but you can use up to 12.
If you only have two colors, use your first color again for the third drop.
9. **Move a toothpick through the circles.** Carefully place a toothpick tip in the center of the inner ring. Drag it through the colors to create patterns. Don't take too long: you'll need to dip your nail in before it dries.
For a simple but beautiful pattern, draw lines outward from the same point, like sun rays.
For a tie dye look, move the toothpick in a spiral pattern.
10. **Hold your nail on the pattern.** Slowly lower your nail onto the pattern on the water surface. Set it down straight on top. Hold it there long enough for the nail polish to stick. This can take a few seconds, or up to a full minute — you might have to experiment.
11. **Lift it out carefully.** Make sure you don't drag your nail through the polish on the way back up. The pattern should be on your nail.
If the nail polish around your finger has solidified, use a toothpick to break it apart before lifting your finger.
12. **Flick away the water.** Too much water can leave bubbles or gaps on your nail. Flick away the water droplets onto your newspaper.
13. **Clean your fingers.** Wipe away the polish around your nail using a cotton swab. If you coated your finger thoroughly at the beginning, it shouldn't be too hard to clean. If the polish sticks to your skin, dip the swab in nail polish remover.
If you used tape, leave it on until the polish dries.
If you're not satisfied with the design, wipe it off and try again. You'll get better with practice.
14. **Start again with the next nail.** Spin a toothpick in the water and the nail polish will move to the edge of the cup, leaving you space to start on your next design. Repeat for as many nails as you like.
If there are still flecks of color on the water surface, add another drop of polish. Spread it out with your toothpick, let it dry for a few seconds, then pull it up. It should drag the flecks away with it.
15. **Apply a top coat once dry.** Seal it in to prevent chipping, and enjoy the beautiful patterns. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Marble-Nail-Effect-Using-Water", "language": "en"} |
How to Prepare Essiac Tea | You've probably heard about Essiac tea as a supplementary treatment for cancer. Although studies are mixed about the effectiveness of the herbal tea as a treatment, researchers agree that the herbs have powerful antioxidants. You can easily mix together your own herbs and boil up large batches of the tea at home. Dilute your Essiac tea with a little water and drink a cup every day to get the full health benefits.
1. **Combine the Turkish rhubarb root and slippery elm bark in a bowl.** Wash your hands before handling the herbs. Use your hands to stir together 4 ounces (120 g) of powdered slippery elm bark with 1 ounce (30 g) of powdered Turkish rhubarb root in a large bowl.
Avoid stirring too briskly which brings the dusty herbs into the air.
2. **Mix in 1 pound (450 g) of powdered sheep sorrel leaves.** If you've cut and ground these leaves yourself, it's fine if they're not completely powdered. Stir the leaves into the Turkish rhubarb root and slippery elm bark mixture.
3. **Stir in 6 1/2 cups (1 pound 5 ounces or 767 g) of burdock root.** Mix the cut and sifted burdock root into the other herbs until it's evenly distributed.
4. **Store the herb mixture in a glass container for up to 1 year.** Since you won't be using all of the herb mixture for 1 batch of tea, put the herbs in a clean glass container with a lid. Keep it in a cool dry place for up to 1 year.
5. **Bring 2 gallons (7.5 liters) of water to a boil over high heat.** Pour the water into a stockpot that's at least 3 gallons (11 liters) in size. Put the lid on the pot and turn the burner to high. Heat the water until it comes to a vigorous boil. This should take about 30 minutes.
6. **Stir in 1 cup (90 g) of the Essiac herb mixture.** Wear oven mitts and remove the lid from the stockpot of boiling water. Add 1 cup (90 g) of your herb mixture and use a long stainless steel or wooden spatula to stir it into the water.
7. **Cover and boil the tea for 10 minutes.** Put the lid back on the stockpot and let the tea boil vigorously for 10 minutes. You may need to reduce the heat if it looks like the water will boil over the sides of the stockpot.
8. **Turn off the burner and let the tea steep for 12 hours.** Leave the stockpot covered while the tea steeps at room temperature. Remove the lid and stir the tea well at the halfway point. Then put the lid back on and let the tea finish steeping.
9. **Turn the burner to high until the tea simmers.** Keep the stockpot covered as you heat the tea. It may take up to 20 minutes for the tea to begin bubbling gently. Avoid boiling the tea since this can destroy the antioxidants in the herbs.
10. **Turn off the burner and transfer the tea into your glass storage bottles.** Leave the tea to settle for a few minutes before you pour it into your clean bottles. Place a clean funnel on a bottle and slowly ladle the tea into each bottle.
You can use 12 16-ounce (473 ml) amber colored bottles or larger bottles of your choice. Other darker colored bottles are fine too since they'll also block sunlight from the tea.
It's fine if sediment from the herbs settles in the bottom of the bottles.
11. **Cap the bottles and store the bottles of tea in a cool dry place.** Put clean caps on each of your filled bottles. Put the bottles in a cool dry pantry or storage cabinet. Once you open a bottle, you'll need to store it in the refrigerator and use it within 2 weeks.
Unopened bottles of Essiac tea can be stored for 12 to 15 months.
12. **Bring water to boil and pour 4 tablespoons into a cup.** Heat a kettle of water and pour 4 tablespoons (60 ml) of the boiling hot water into a tea cup or mug.
13. **Stir in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the Essiac tea.** Measure the tea from 1 of your prepared bottles and pour the tea into the boiling hot water. Stir the tea until it's combined with the water.
Drinking diluted tea and water throughout the day will prevent side effects such as diarrhea, lower-back pain, and nausea. These are thought to be caused by toxins being released because of the tea.
14. **Drink the tea on an empty stomach and wait 2 hours before eating.** It's often recommended that you drink Essiac tea at bedtime or at least 2 hours after you've eaten. Wait 2 hours before you eat anything. Drink 1 serving of the tea a day.
Avoid diluting the tea with milk. If you like, you can add a little honey or stevia.
15. **Store the opened bottle of Essiac tea in the refrigerator.** You can store unopened bottles in the pantry, but keep the opened bottle in the refrigerator. This will also make it easier to use the next day. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-Essiac-Tea", "language": "en"} |
How to Clean a Garden Sprayer | Having a garden sprayer is essential to any gardener, landscaper, or homeowner keeping up with lawn maintenance. Garden sprayers distribute pesticides and herbicides (weed killers) from a reservoir tank, through a wand and spray nozzle, and out onto your lawn. Cleaning your garden sprayer with a solution of water and ammonia will allow the tool to be used for several years and will also keep plants and flowers healthy and happy.
1. **Finish on an empty tank.** Plan ahead with your herbicide or pesticide so that you’re only filling the tank with as much of the liquid as you need. Spray plants a second time if you need to use up excess herbicide since almost all herbicides are approved to be sprayed twice.
2. **Dispose of any liquid remaining in the sprayer.** Contact your local health department or environmental agency to find a safe way to dispose of this liquid. Do not empty the chemicals onto grass, near any flowers or plants, down a drain or into a water source. Doing so can harm local plants and animals.
If you need to empty your sprayer quickly, find an empty plastic or glass container that you can pour the leftover chemicals into (such as the original bottle), then seal and dispose of it later.
A large, sterile gravel parking lot can also be used for spraying out the last bit of remaining product as a last resort to storing it for transfer to a proper disposal site if absolutely necessary. Avoid spraying it in the most heavily trafficked part of the gravel lot. Choose an out-of-the-way location, such as near a fence.
3. **Clean the sprayer immediately after each use.** Do not allow the sprayer to sit with herbicide or pesticide in it, even just overnight. Residues from the chemicals you use can build up over time and make your sprayer more difficult to clean.
4. **Check the label of the herbicide or pesticide that was recently used.** Depending on the chemical, there may be specific instructions for how to clean the sprayer. Follow any cleaning directions on the product's container.
5. **Wear proper safety gear.** Since you'll be working with harsh chemicals, make sure you wear rubber gloves and safety goggles. If you have one, wear a face shield to protect yourself from splashes.
6. **Flush the garden sprayer with hot water.** Fill the reservoir until it’s about halfway full, and then squirt the hot water through the garden sprayer until all the water in the reservoir has been used. Spray the water in a safe location, away from water sources and areas accessible to children and pets.
Consider spraying next to or near where you were using the herbicide or pesticide since the chemical residue will be the same.
If you will be using the same type of chemical the next day, you can stop after a thorough flush with water and skip any further cleaning until you’re completely finished with that product.
7. **Flush with an ammonia-based cleaning solution.** The cleaning solution should contain about 1 ounce (30 mL) of ammonia per gallon (3.8 L) of water. Fill the reservoir about halfway with this solution, and then spray the cleaning solution through the garden sprayer at least three times to flush the wand and the nozzle.
Ammonia is effective for most herbicides, but not all. Research your particular herbicide to see if a bleach solution, powdered detergent, or kerosene solution would be better. De-greasing liquid dish soap also works well, especially on petroleum-based chemicals.
You can also purchase a commercial tank cleaner at a hardware or home improvement store. Look for one tailored toward the type of chemical you’re using in the sprayer, and follow the directions on the packaging.
8. **Leave the garden sprayer to rest overnight.** With the reservoir about half full of cleaning solution, let it sit for several hours, preferably overnight. This will allow the solution to work into the residue in your sprayer and break it down.
9. **Spray the remaining solution through the garden sprayer.** The next day, spray until you’ve emptied the cleaning solution from the reservoir. Since the sprayer may still contain pesticide or herbicide residue, it’s best to spray it in a safe area away from water sources and areas accessible to children and pets.
10. **Flush the garden sprayer again with hot water.** Fill the reservoir about halfway with water again, and spray the hose until you’ve emptied the remaining water in the reservoir.
11. **Give the small parts a deeper clean.** Take the hose, wand, and nozzle apart to give them a more thorough cleaning. Rinse them with warm, soapy water, and try using an old toothbrush to scrub the small crevices.
Be sure to wear protective clothing and chemical resistant gloves at all times when handling sprayer parts while cleaning. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Garden-Sprayer", "language": "en"} |
How to Confront Someone | When you decide to address something or someone directly and proactively, you are engaging in confrontation. Confrontation can be incredibly difficult, and many people try to avoid it at all costs; however, sometimes you will find that confrontation is necessary. While it may not be the most enjoyable social interaction, productive (and non-aggressive) confrontation has been specifically shown to assist in the development of healthy boundaries in social relationships, improve decision-making, and challenge the status quo.
1. **Propose a time and place to talk in person.** While it can be tempting to confront someone through a phone call or via text or email, it should be avoided if at all possible. Talking face-to-face is a much more powerful way to resolve an issue efficiently and effectively. Try the following approaches for proposing a meeting to engage in a constructive confrontation:
“Elise, I notice that we seem to be butting heads a lot when we meet as a group for our school project. Can we sit down and talk about our different views and see if we can find a way to collaborate so that this project gets done?”
“Paul, it would be great to have the opportunity to talk about how we communicate with each other. Would you be able to find time this afternoon to sit down and have this conversation?”
2. **Say your point with composure.** Keep your confrontation calm, composed, and collected. It is usually best to confront someone with a few brief, factual, succinct statements.
Say what you need to say, but try not to blame the other person. Keep in mind it might not be all their fault. For example, “I was upset when you gave a presentation to our boss and didn’t mention the contributions I made,” instead of “You never give me recognition for any of my work.”
3. **Be as open, honest, and direct as possible.** Even if you disagree with someone on a certain issue, it is important for you to be able to attempt a mature conversation regarding your issue. Reciting what you have prepared will help you present your issue in the best possible way.
Don’t throw insults or call names and stay away from inflammatory comments. This is a sure-fire way to guarantee that your point is not heard or respected. Maintaining as much professionalism as possible during a confrontation will lead to a more positive outcome.
4. **Listen to the other person.** A productive conversation depends on both parties alternating between contributing and listening. Listening to the other person will help them feel respected and heard. Even if you don’t agree with what is being said, give the person an opportunity to share their thoughts—don't just assume you know exactly what they're going to say in advance.
To show that you are actively listening, look the other person in the eye while they’re speaking. Use open posture, nod on occasion, and mirror the speaker’s body language. Don’t interrupt or talk over them.
This is true for every type of conversation but is especially important in a tricky social interaction like a confrontation.
Try to be emotionally non-threatening. Stick to the facts that support your side of the confrontation and don’t allow emotions to get involved.
5. **Expect the other person to get defensive.** People often will get defensive when they are confronted as it is not a pleasant feeling to be attacked. Even if you feel that the points you are making are well-supported and you are presenting them in a logical and non-insulting way, it is still very likely that the person who you are confronting will put their guard up and get defensive.
The best way to handle a defensive person is to listen to them. While you may not agree with the point they are making, you should give them the chance to speak their mind.
Try to avoid arguing. It is easy to argue with someone who is getting defensive; however, it is undoubtedly unproductive. Try your best to keep a calm and collected demeanor instead.
Letting the other person know that you're listening to what they have to say might help them not become overly defensive.
6. **Stand by your point.** You confronted the person for a reason, and it is important that you stick to your guns even if they are disagreeing with you or acting defensively. Point out that this is not meant to start a fight, but it’s an issue that you feel needs to be dealt with head-on. If you are armed with facts and examples and present these with composure and clarity, your point should be heard.
Keep in mind that your opinion matters, and being able to speak honestly is worth engaging in an uncomfortable social interaction.
7. **Identify why you are confronting the person.** Before you confront someone, it is important to identify why you are confronting the person and also consider if confrontation is the most effective manner in which to handle the issue. Understand that confrontation isn’t about starting a fight, it’s about addressing and resolving issues that are causing tension.
It is important to identify the REAL issue that is inciting this confrontation. People tend to project emotions or moods onto other people or other situations. Before you decide to confront someone, take the time to parse out what the issue is that you want to approach and why you feel like a face-to-face confrontation is the best way to go about resolving this issue.
8. **Evaluate what you are thinking and feeling.** Try to separate your feelings about the issue you want to talk about from other confounding situations or emotions that aren’t relevant to the discussion at hand. When you do finally have your confrontation, the only statements you should make are ones that are directly relevant to the issue that spurred your confrontation.
Separate problems from emotions. For example, are you upset because your coworker forgot to turn in a report and caused you an extra 6 hours of work on a Friday evening? Or are you upset because you got stuck with extra work that you won’t get credit for?
Don’t bring up any issues or vendettas from the past. Past actions or feelings that are not directly related to the issue at hand have no place in your confrontation. Don’t start to throw in other frustrations that you’ve kept bottled up.
9. **Decide what you want to say.** You will want to explain to the person what happened, what you heard, what they did, etc. that you want to talk about. You will also want to explain why you feel the need to talk about it, and how it made you feel. Here is an example of how you may want to frame your confrontation using “I statements”:
“I heard from one of our colleagues that you told our boss I didn’t put in my fair share of work on the project.” (What you heard)
“I feel like I worked really hard and I’m really confused as to why you said this.” (Why you want to talk about it)
“I’m hurt that you would say this to a superior behind my back.” (How it made you feel)
10. **Write your main points down on paper and rehearse them.** You want to make sure you say everything that’s on your mind in a logical and composed way, and this can be hard to do without some prior preparation. Writing your thoughts out on paper before your confrontation can help you to ensure you say everything you want to say to the other person.
Rehearsing the main points that you want to make during your confrontation can make you feel more comfortable and prepared for the actual confrontation event. Start by rehearsing alone in a room while looking in a mirror. If you have someone that you trust, you may want to practice in front of them as well.
Try to memorize your main points. This will be much more effective than reading from a piece of paper during your confrontation.
Don't write out everything you want to say word-for-word. If it's too scripted, your words won't flow naturally while you're talking, and the other person is more likely to become defensive.
11. **Allow your anger to subside before your confrontation.** While sometimes we lash out at a person when we feel anger, we generally shy away from planned and controlled confrontation. However, a controlled confrontation can be a positive and effective way to deal with a problematic issue or person. It is important, however, to ensure that you are mentally ready for your confrontation; you want to feel calm and ready to have a discussion.
Determine if you still feel anger toward the person or about the issue you want to discuss. If you still feel anger, it is likely not the best time to have a constructive confrontation. Postpone your confrontation until your anger subsides and you can have a rational, factual, and emotion-free conversation. The angrier you are, the more likely that your conversation will turn into an argument.
Take a few minutes to calm yourself—like by breathing deeply or listening to music—before the conversation. That will help you regulate your emotions, including anger.
12. **Remember the positive aspects of confrontation.** While confrontation is uncomfortable, awkward, and difficult, it can also be a rewarding experience. The benefits from confrontation can improve your own emotional state as well as your relationships with others.
Confrontation can release you from the burden or tension of a situation. If there is something that has been weighing on your mind, confronting the issue head-on is a great way to relieve yourself from this unnecessary stressor.
Confrontation encourages honesty in a relationship. You learn more about yourself than you would otherwise, and you gain the confidence to express the way you honestly feel. In addition to encouraging honesty in a relationship, confrontation usually strengthens a relationship.
13. **Visualize a positive and productive outcome to your confrontation.** Picture yourself coming to some sort of agreement or finding a resolution: this is the goal of your confrontation. Remember that confrontation often does have positive effects.
Deciding the outcome that you want from your confrontation can help you move the conversation productively.
14. **Confront someone if the issue is recurring.** Consider the “Rule of 3”—if someone performs a behavior (such as “forgetting” their wallet, not responding to an email, etc.) 3 times, it is likely a behavioral trend and is probably worth a confrontation.
15. **Approach someone if they are causing wider problems.** If the person you are considering confronting is causing problems in a wider arena (such as in the workplace, within the family, etc.), the situation may only be resolved through confrontation. In particular, workplace confrontations can be particularly difficult.
If you feel like someone is taking advantage of you, or intentionally undermining you, it may be worthwhile to confront the person. If you are worried about confronting the person in private due to fear of the issue escalating, you may want to contact your human resources (HR) department and explain the issue to them.
When confronting a co-worker, it is especially critical to be armed with facts. These facts should support your side of the issue you want to discuss. For example, you might mention specific days that your colleague came to work late or particular presentations that you feel he or she did not contribute sufficiently to.
16. **Beware of any behavior that poses a threat.** If a person’s behavior poses a threat to him or herself and/or anyone around them, it is recommended to confront the person in order to stop the behavior from repeating or escalating.
Assess the unique situation. If you feel unsafe confronting someone on your own, you might need to bring a trusted friend with you or have the confrontation in a public place. Put your own (and others') safety first.
17. **Pick your battles.** There are definitely situations that will benefit from direct confrontation; however, this is not universally true. There is no need to confront everyone, every time. Sometimes, a smile and basic “okay,” or simply walking away from the issue is a better way to resolve tension than staging a confrontation.
Because each situation and each individual is different, it is important to determine if confrontation is the right way to handle things on a case-by-case basis. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Confront-Someone", "language": "en"} |
How to Apply Voltaren Gel | Voltaren Gel is a topical ointment that's used to help treat pain that comes along with osteoarthritis and joint problems, such as stiffness, aches, and swelling. To apply the gel, you'll use a dosing card to measure the correct amount, squeezing the gel out to the 2 or 4 g (0.071 or 0.141 oz) line. Spread the gel out onto the affected area, and then let it sit for at least 10 minutes so that it can start relieving pain properly.
1. **Wash your hands before and after applying the gel.** Use soap and water to wash your hands before applying the gel to the desired area. Once you’ve rubbed the gel into your skin, wash your hands again to get the excess gel off.
If you’re applying the gel to your hands, you don’t need to wash them off after applying Voltaren, but do make sure your hands are dry before putting the gel on.
2. **Follow the directions on your prescription label.** Your doctor should have given you specific instructions for applying the gel, especially when it comes to the dosage amount. If your doctor gave you individualized instructions for how to apply the gel, follow their directions to make sure you're using the gel safely.
If your doctor didn’t give you specific instructions, read the label on the Voltaren Gel’s container for additional directions.
Don’t change your dosage without talking to your doctor.
3. **Use the dosing card to measure the correct dose of gel.** Voltaren Gel comes with a dosing card to help you apply the correct amount. Use the rectangular area to measure out the dosage to the 2 g (0.071 oz) or 4 g (0.14 oz) line. You’ll squeeze out the gel inside the rectangular area, being careful to stick to the right measurements.
If you’re applying the gel to your upper extremities (elbow, wrist, or hand), then you’ll apply 2 g (0.071 oz).
If you’re applying the gel to your lower extremities (knee, ankle, or foot), apply 4 g (0.14 oz).
Make sure your skin is clean and dry before applying the gel to the affected area.
Use the dosing card each time you apply the gel.
4. **Rub the gel over the affected area gently.** Once you’ve applied the right amount, start rubbing the gel into your skin. Spread it out so that the gel is covering the entire area that’s in pain.
The gel should be rubbed into clean, dry skin.
Avoid getting the gel in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
5. **Wait at least 10 minutes before putting clothing or gloves over the area.** This is to allow the gel to properly soak and dry into the skin. If you’re applying the gel to a part of your body that will be covered up by clothing, such as your knee or ankle, wait at least 10 minutes before getting dressed.
Avoid putting a bandage over the gel application as well.
6. **Let the gel application sit for at least 1 hour before washing.** If you need to take a shower or bath, it’s important to apply the gel an hour before you need to wash. This lets it take full effect and not be washed off.
If the gel application is on your hands, wait an hour before washing the area on your hands.
7. **Avoid using the gel more than 4 times a day on one area.** For your upper extremities, you shouldn’t use more than 8 g (0.28 oz) per day on the affected area. For lower extremities, you shouldn’t use more than 16 g (0.56 oz) per day.
For example, if you’re applying the gel to your wrist, you can apply 2 g (0.071 oz) of the gel to your wrist 4 times each day.
Don’t exceed 32 grams (1.1 oz) in one day.
8. **Use your discretion if you miss a dose.** Try to apply the gel as soon as you remember that you missed a dose. However, if you missed a dose and it’s time for your next scheduled dose, don’t apply double the amount—just skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have additional questions about how to handle a missed dose.
9. **Avoid applying Voltaren Gel to open wounds.** If you have any cuts, infections, burns, or rashes, you shouldn’t apply the gel to these areas as it can irritate them or make them worse. Voltaren Gel is for soothing joint pain and won’t heal any open wounds.
10. **Refrain from using cosmetics or other skin care products on the area.** The Voltaren Gel won’t work as well when it’s mixed with other products or if makeup is covering it up. When you apply the gel to an area, keep that area clean of any other products. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Voltaren-Gel", "language": "en"} |
How to Make a Wolverine Costume | Wolverine is one of the most iconic comic book characters around. While his look has changed quite a bit over the years, he's always had his trademark claws. You don't have to make a complicated suit to make a good Wolverine costume. All you really need is a tank-top, a pair of sturdy boots, and a good set of claws. Throw in a few key accessories and a bad attitude to complete your look.
1. **Gather your supplies.** You may have most of what you need to make a Wolverine costume lying around your house. If you don't, take a trip to the thrift store. You should be able to find everything you need for a pretty good price. To make your Wolverine costume, you'll need the following supplies:
A white tank-top
An old pair of jeans
A sturdy pair of work boots
2. **Prepare your costume.** If you end up buying everything new, try to find ways to break in the clothes. Wolverine is a tough-guy character. Do some yard work in the boots to break them in. Add a few tears to the tank-top to give the impression that you just got out of a fight.
3. **Get the right accessories.** Accessories can make or break your Wolverine costume. Small details like dog-tags or an Indian head belt buckle, can do a lot to tie your costume together.
You can purchase custom dog-tags online or at army surplus stores. Some pet stores and hardware stores may also have a way to make dog-tags.
Wolverine's dog-tags read: "WOLVERINE 45825243-T78-A."
You can get dog-tags made at many pet shops as well.
You can buy a replica of the Indian head belt buckle worn by Hugh Jackman in the X-Men films if you want, but it isn't a requirement. Any large belt buckle should be just fine.
Wolverine is sometimes depicted in a flannel shirt or a brown jacket. If you don't want to walk around in a tank-top, cover up with one of these two options.
4. **Gather your supplies.** All you need to make some claws is a large piece of cardboard, some paint, and a hot glue gun. While cardboard claws aren't the most realistic looking claws, they are the most affordable.
Use a thick cardboard to make the claws. You want your claws to be stable, so avoid using anything thin, such as cereal boxes.
5. **Draw a template for your claw on a piece of computer paper.** Make sure the claw is about 30 centimetres (11.8 in) long. You can also find claw templates online if you have trouble drawing one yourself.
Cut a notch at the back end of the claw to give the impression that the claws are coming out of your knuckles.
6. **Use your template to draw six claws on the cardboard.** Leave enough space between each claw to make cutting them out easier. Cut the claws out using a box cutter or sharp knife.
It may help to cut the claws out in sections and then go back and cut the outline.
7. **Paint the claws with silver spray paint.** Paint the claws a light gray color before painting them silver. Be sure to get all the edges when spraying. It's best to use several thin coats rather than one heavy coat. Let the paint dry overnight before handling them.
8. **Make a handle for the claws.** Cut out two rectangles of cardboard about 6 centimetres (2.4 in) long. Then cut out two rectangles of cardboard about 3.5 centimetres (1.4 in) long. Make sure you can comfortably hold the pieces in your hand. You will need one piece of each size per hand to make a base for the claws.
Hold three claws in your hands with each claw running between your fingers. Place the larger piece of cardboard in your palm and mark where the base of the claw falls. Using a hot glue gun, glue the claws in place.
Take the smaller piece of cardboard and glue it on top of the claws to stabilize them.
9. **Style your hair.** A big part of Wolverine's look is his hairstyle. If you have medium length hair, it shouldn't be too difficult to style your hair like Wolverine. You could also find a Wolverine wig online.
Use a blow dryer and a brush to blow the hair upwards on each side of your head. Curl the tips of the hair over, following the shape of your head.
Hold the hair in place using hairspray or styling gel.
Grow out your sideburns if you can. You could also look online for costume facial hair.
10. **Bulk up** Wolverine is a muscular character. You don't need the body of a superhero to dress as one, but muscles are a defining element of the character. If you have a few months to plan your costume, try lifting some weights and bulking up for your event.
11. **Become the character.** When you go out in your Wolverine costume, adopt a surly attitude. Read some of the comics to get a feel for how Wolverine speaks. Remember some phrases he uses often, and refer to people as "Bub." | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Wolverine-Costume", "language": "en"} |
How to Curve a Bowling Ball | You have the straight shot down and now it's time to look like the pros. Learning to throw a curve bowling ball takes a lot of time and practice, but the effort pays off with the newfound confidence you will have after mastering this skill and improving your bowling score.
1. **Start with the right stance and grip.** You want to be several inches from the foul line and preferably at least four steps away from your release. Some people take longer and that's fine -- but at least four steps is ideal. Line your feet up with the arrow on the lane you are aiming for (which will depend on how hefty your curve is).
If you have your own ball, you probably know how to grip it. However, if you're working with a house ball, you may need to adjust your style. House balls generally have knuckle grips -- you want your fingers (and especially thumb) to come out swiftly, so don't jam them in there. Hold the ball so it aligns straight with your wrist. Hand positions are covered later on in this article; it's more important during your swing than before.
2. **Always focus on the arrow on the lane that you want to hit.** Never focus on the pin you are aiming for. It is a lot easier to hit a mark that is ten feet in front of you than one that fifty. The arrow you want to hit will vary on lane conditions (wet vs. dry). To change the aim it is easier to change where you stand at the start than to change the arrow. If you are missing to the left, move your starting point to the left and vice versa. It sounds counter intuitive, but if you move to the left and hit the same arrow the ball will go farther right at the beginning before swinging to left. There are dots on the floor to help you adjust. Moving your feet over just one board can be the difference between a strike and the dreaded 7-10 split.
3. **Start your approach like you would a straight shot.** Your approach is the same as any standard shot -- the change is in your follow-through, and mostly in your hand. Bring the ball back into the swing position while keeping your palm behind the ball, just as you normally do.
Be sure to keep your wrist strong. If you carry too much of the weight on your wrist or twist it back and forth, you could hurt yourself -- or at the very least wear yourself down before your frames are up.
4. **Release the ball at the bottom of your swing, pulling your thumb out before your fingers.** The idea behind the hook is at the very end, your fingers are the only thing containing the ball, and they spin it as it releases -- hence why your thumb needs to get out of the way. Here are a few hand position options:
The standard way to hook the ball is to place your two fingers and thumb in the three holes as normal. In other words, change nothing.
Some people choose to not put their thumb in the ball at all, and instead sort of cup the ball on their palm and/or wrist as they swing the ball back and release it in the follow-through. And yet a few choose to only place one finger (the index finger) in the slot and palm the ball, spinning in the same motion on the release. However, you risk the ball turning in your grip, and that can lead to sprained wrists and fingers.
5. **Rotate your fingers up along the outside of the ball as you release, directing the ball's spin with your fingers.** Continue moving your hand up on your swing to direct the ball down the lane, finishing in a handshake position. Ideally, you want to go from a 4 o'clock position to a 7 o'clock position.
The ball should be totally out of your hands by the seven o'clock position, and your arm should follow through to the 12 o'clock position with your hand up by your ear all while your eyes are lock on the arrow you are trying to hit.
Try hard not to subconsciously decelerate your swing in an effort to concentrate on and nail your hook; the same power is still needed. Or if you do, account for the differential; when you resume your normal throw, the hook could be very different.
6. **Learn to control the degree of your curve by varying the ball's position and timing your release.** To increase the degree of the curve, release your fingers from the ball more rapidly. Your counterclockwise motion could also be more (or less) drastic.
With a little practice you will know if you've thrown a good ball or not by how close the arrow you are.
If you're not getting it, isolate the variables and experiment with each one alone. Try starting from a different start spot. Try switching up your footwork. Heck, experiment with different balls. It's possible that your wrist and hand positioning is just fine and there's another element that's mixing it up.
7. **Use a tennis ball to practice.** A great way to practice your hook shot without having to make an embarrassing trip to the bowling alley is to practice with a tennis ball. It'll go straight when you throw it, but when it hits the bounce, it'll veer off to the side -- if you're doing it right, of course!
Another option is a pool ball, but the damage potential of nearby objects is a bit more substantial!
8. **Use a bowling ball that is a few pounds lighter than the ball you would normally use as you're learning.** A lighter ball allows you to focus on learning the new throwing technique. While you definitely want to get up to your normal ball sooner rather than later, the lighter ball can help you concentrate on what your hands should be doing. Just don't get too used to it!
9. **Think of it like spiraling a football, only upside down.** If you have experience spiraling a football, it's the same general principle. Just under-handed! Your fingers move along the side of the ball in much the same way. Just think of throwing a football underhanded, trying to maintain the same spin. It starts cupped in your hand, and the last point of contact is with the tips of your fingers as it spins off.
10. **If you're using a house ball, know that it could be very difficult.** Those balls at the bowling alley are meant for straight shots; hooking them could require different, more outrageous methodology to get the same, natural hook effect. So if you don't have your own, don't stress! It could be your equipment.
The general rule of thumb is that you choose a ball that's 10% of your body weight. If you're 160 pounds, choose a 16-pound ball. That is, if you're of normal health and have no reason why a lighter ball would be more down your (bowling) alley.
11. **Get a ball with a fingertip grip.** Certain balls (most house balls) come with knuckle grip, where the holes go down to your second knuckle. But a fingertip grip is much more conducive to throwing a hooked ball -- since your thumb and fingers have to come out, the actions are a lot swifter and smoother.
12. **Get your own ball with a urethane or resin coating.** A urethane coverstock on your bowling ball will make your hook shot so much easier; they don't absorb oil from the lane and they provide way more friction than your standard plastic ball (the house ball). Those two things combined set that hook up for success.
A resin coating can actually dig into the oil in the lane, upping the chance that you hit exactly where you're aiming for. But they're quite an investment and only for the most serious of bowlers.
13. **If you're considering getting your own ball, ask about RG ratings and coverstock.** A ball with a high differential of RG rating will create a really sharp hook. However, you could have a ball with a low differential, so long as it has a matte-finish coverstock to combat lane oil. If you're dealing with a dry lane (at your home alley, that is), consider a stiff or pearl coverstock.
So many options! When in doubt, explain your situation to the assistant. As long as you give them all your variables and what you'd like to do, they can find the perfect ball for you.
Don't choose a ball drilled to your fingers and with your axis point until you have your hook down. As you get better at it, your hook changes. So wait it out! You want a ball that's all your own when you're at your peak. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Curve-a-Bowling-Ball", "language": "en"} |
How to Wash Your Clothes | Instead of buying new socks every time you run out of clean ones, you may want to learn how to wash your clothes. Knowing how to wash your clothes is an important life skill--particularly because otherwise your clothes might start to smell, or you could run up a real tab buying new socks each week. Follow these steps and you'll be washing (and drying) wiz in no time.
1. **Sort your clothes into piles.** When washing clothes, there are two main things to keep in mind: what the color of the clothes are, and what material they are made out of. Not all fabrics can handle the same amount of water pressure or level of tumbling.
Separate light and dark-colored clothes. When you wash your clothes, especially new clothes, some of the dye used on the fabric will run out of the clothes (that's why older clothes have a more faded color than bright, new clothes.) Any clothes that are white, cream, or a light, pale pastel color, should go in the ‘whites’ pile, while all other colored clothes should go in the ‘dark’ pile. If you don’t separate, your new bright blue shirt might dye all of your white clothes blue.
Separate your clothes based on the fabrics they are made out of. Some fabrics, like denim or thick cloth (like a towel) need to be washed on a heavier wash cycle than your silky lingerie (which gets washed on a delicate setting). You should separate your clothes by the sort of wash cycle their fabrics are meant to be washed in.
2. **Read the ‘care tag’ on your clothes.** The cloth tags are not just sewn into clothes to make your neck itchy when they rub against your skin--they’re actually there to help guide you through the washing process. When in doubt about how to wash an item, check the tag. The care tags tell you what fabric the item is made of, how it should be washed, and how it should be dried.
Some clothes need to be dry cleaned or washed by hand (see Method Two for how to do this.) The care tag will tell you if either of these things are necessary.
3. **Know what water temperature to select.** Washing machines have different temperature settings because some fabrics and colors require different levels of heat to be washed thoroughly. The settings also vary between semi-automatic and automatic machines.
Use hot water for light colors, particularly light colors that are especially dirty. The heat will scald the stains right out of those white items.
Use cold water for dark colors, as cold water reduces the amount of dye that runs from these clothes (so your clothes won’t fade as fast when you use cold water.) Cotton items should also be washed in cold water as they are less likely to shrink in cold water.
4. **Know what size load to select.** Most washing machines have a knob that you must turn to select the right size load for the amount of clothing you have (generally either small, medium or large.) If your clothes fill up one-third of the machine, you should select small. Two-thirds of the machine means you should select medium, and if you fill up the whole machine, you should select large.
Never squish clothes down so that you can fit more in. You should just run another load with your extra clothes or else you could risk jamming the machine or damaging it in some other way.
5. **Know what washing cycle to select.** As with temperature, washing machines also have different types of cycles, as different kinds of clothing require a different level of washing.
Regular/Normal cycle: Select this when washing white clothes. It will leave your white items crisp and fresh.
Permanent press: Use this for your colored clothes. This cycle washes with warm water and ends with cooler water, which keeps your colors looking bright.
Delicate: As you might guess, anything that is relatively delicate (bras, dry-fit wear, cotton sweaters, dress shirts, etc.) Always make sure that your delicates do not require you to dry-clean or hand wash them (check the tag to make sure.)
6. **Add the right kind of washing fluid and close the door.** Washing fluid includes detergent, bleach, and fabric softener. You can either add your clothes and pour the right washing fluid on them, or keep your clothes out of the washer, fill the washer ⅓ of the way with water, add the washing fluid, and then add the clothes.
Detergent: The amount of detergent you put in your washing machine is determined by how large your load is. Generally, detergent lids act as cups that have marked off amounts. Generally, ⅓ of the cup should be filled with detergent for a small load, ⅔ for a medium load, and a full cup for a large load. However, read your specific detergent bottle for instructions on how to use that detergent--some detergents are more concentrated than others, meaning you don’t need to use as much.
Bleach: Bleach is used when you want to get tough stains out of clothes, or you want your whites to be really, really white. There are two kinds of bleach. Chlorine bleach is good for really making your whites white but should never be used on any colored fabric. All-fabric bleach can be used on colored fabrics.
Fabric softener: Fabric softener can be added during the rinse cycle. Some machines have a dispenser where you can pour the softener when you begin the wash cycle, and it will add it to the rinse cycle at the right time.
7. **Move your clothes to the dryer and select the right cycle.** Keep in mind that there are some clothes that should be air dried. Check the tag--if it says not to dry it, hang these items somewhere they can dry. Like the washing machine, the dryer also has settings that you have to wade through to dry your clothes. Add a dryer sheet and close the door.
Regular/heavy: White clothes are best dried on the regular/heavy setting. White clothes are generally pre-shrunk and can handle the more intense and higher heat drying system (unlike colors which fade under high heat.)
Permanent press: This is better for regular colored clothes. The medium heat and pressure makes sure that your clothes don’t fade.
Delicate: Any clothes that you washed on the delicate setting should be dried on the delicate setting. This setting uses close to room temperature air and slow cycle so that no damage comes to your delicates.
8. **Fill a bucket with water.** Generally you want a large bucket (roughly five gallons) filled with one to two gallons of water.
If you do not have a bucket, you can use a plugged sink. Make sure the sink is fully plugged and then fill the sink with warm water.
9. **Add a mild detergent.** This is not the same kind of detergent you would use in a washer machine. Regular detergent is too concentrated and will make your hand-wash only clothes feel grimy. You can purchase delicate detergent in the same isle as regular detergent in your grocery store--just make sure it says mild or delicate on the bottle.
10. **Dip your clothes in the water.** Swish them through the water so that they are fully saturated. You can even let them sit for several moments so that they fully absorb the detergent.
11. **Rinse your clothes.** You should rinse your clothes with warm, clean water. You can run your clothes one at a time under the faucet you used to fill up the bucket (or the sink.) Rinse the clothes until they are no longer sudsy and the water that runs off them is clean and without bubbles.
12. **Let your clothes air dry.** You should not hang these clothes to dry, as hanging them could cause them to stretch. Instead, lay these delicate clothes flat to dry. This will ensure that they do not stretch, and will minimize the amount of wrinkles formed in the drying process. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Your-Clothes", "language": "en"} |
How to Teach Tenses | The English language is challenging in many ways, and its large number of verb tenses can be particularly difficult to learn. Whether you're teaching native speakers or ESL students, the key in teaching verb tenses is to simplify the process and connect it to their everyday experiences. Focus on the time frames (past, present, and future) that are easily grasped, and use lots of relatable activities and fun games to introduce verb tenses effectively.
1. **Provide a quick overview of the entire system of tenses.** Draw a grid on the board, for instance, that identifies all the tenses you'll be teaching. To focus on the 9 basic tenses, for instance, write “Past,” “Present,” and “Future” along the top of the grid, “Simple,” “Continuous” (aka “Progressive”), and “Perfect,” along the side, and fill in the 9 grid boxes with examples from a single verb (e.g., saw, see, will see, etc.).
There are more than 9 verb tenses in English--some experts say 13, which includes “perfect continuous” as its own tense and “future with 'going to'” as its own category. Others claim there are actually 16 tenses, which includes “perfect progressive” and “conditional” tenses, but starting with the basic 9 is good for an introductory or ESL setting. In a more advanced class, you can also use a grid to introduce 16 verb tenses.
2. **Focus on a single time frame, such as the present.** After identifying the entire system, narrow your focus to 1 of the 3 time frames. The present time frame makes a good starting point, since it is often the easiest for students to immediately comprehend.
For example: I watch (simple), I am watching (continuous), I have watched (perfect).
This runs counter to methods that focus, for example, on the simple past, simple present, and simple future at once (e.g., watched, watch, will watch). The reasoning behind this is the assumption that students are better able to follow along when you stay in a single time frame. After all, when you tell a story, you tend to stay in the same time frame throughout.
3. **Discuss the tenses within that time frame in relation to each other.** Describe the similarities and differences among “eat,” “am eating,” and “have eaten,” for example. All 3 refer to something that continues to be true in the present moment, but each presents distinct information.
“Eat” indicates something you do regularly across time frames.
“Am eating” indicates something you are doing in the present moment.
“Have eaten” indicates something you have done that remains relevant currently.
4. **Incorporate frequent reviews as you move onto the other 2 time frames.** As you advance from one time frame to the next, make sure to circle back regularly to review previously-covered time frames and tenses. This reinforces the connections across time frames.
For example, if you're discussing “will walk,” “will be walking,” and “will have walked” in the future time frame, related these to “walk,” “am walking,” and “have walked” in the present.
5. **Begin with a timeline that emphasizes past, present, and future.** ESL (English as a second language) students often struggle with English verb tenses because many other languages don't use so many different tenses. To make the process less daunting, draw a simple timeline labeled only “past,” “present” (or “now”), and “future.”
No matter their native language background, your students will be familiar with placing and describing actions in the past, present, or future.
While particularly useful for ESL students, this timeline approach can also help native English speakers grasp verb tenses more quickly.
6. **Reinforce that all English tenses fit into 1 of these 3 time frames.** Any action you describe--like eating, playing, or thinking--must fit into 1 of 3 time frames: now, before now, or after now. Explain to your students that even English, with its large number of verb tenses, follows this simple truth. After that, start introducing specific tenses along the timeline.
You might say something like: “You all know I like to drink coffee. Well, I can drink coffee now, before now, or after now.”
7. **Introduce the present continuous tense first, then the present simple.** For most students, the present continuous tense (“I am drinking coffee”) is the most intuitive verb tense. Since it refers to an action happening at the present instant (“are learning,” “is listening,” etc.), students tend to grasp it quickly.
The present simple (“I drink coffee,” “You listen to my lectures,” etc.) is also fairly intuitive and can be the second verb tense you introduce.
As you introduce verb tenses, locate them along your past-present-future timeline.
8. **Determine which tenses must be mastered, and which require only proficiency.** While it's ideal for any student to master all of the English verb tenses, some are more vital than others for everyday language proficiency. Introduce every tense, but prioritize those that will be most beneficial for your students, ESL or otherwise.
ESL students should master the present continuous, present simple, perfect continuous, past simple, and future simple tenses.
They should be proficient with the future continuous, present perfect, and present perfect continuous tenses.
9. **Go back and forth with your students, providing interesting examples.** Personalize the learning experience by drawing from familiar examples in your life, then ask the students to draw from their own lives in turn. This helps the students connect the verb tenses you're introducing to the ways they already think about and use language in their everyday lives.
For instance: “I drove to work this morning. In fact, I drive to work every school morning. Can you name some things you did this morning, and things you do every morning?”
Along the way, point out how they're using different verb tenses, often without even realizing it.
10. **Provide authentic opportunities to practice verb tenses.** In this case, authenticity means relevant and personalized, rather than abstract and disconnected. Have your students write up a recap of what they did yesterday, or create a schedule for what they'll do tomorrow. Ask them to give directions to their home, favorite restaurant, etc.
Let's face it—verb tenses can seem like pretty dull subject matter. Anything you can do to connect them to the lives and experiences of your students will help.
11. **Play group games to help identify specific verb tenses.** Gathering your class together as a group to play a familiar game can make learning verb tenses easier and more fun. Also, certain games are particularly useful in teaching certain aspects of verb tenses. For example:
Charades helps with the present perfect tense: “He is walking a dog!” or “They are playing tennis!”
“Mother May I” is useful for helping verbs like may, could, and should: “Mother may I…,” “Yes, you may…” (substitute “can” and “should” as desired).
12. **Use storyboards to help practice past tenses.** Create a storyboard by drawing or cutting out several pictures that, when combined, tell a simple story. Jumble up the pictures and attach them to the board. Have you students put the story back in the proper order, but require them to tell you what happened both before and after each picture they want to move.
The game becomes even more of a learning experience (and fun!) if the pictures can be arranged in different ways to tell different stories. Get creative in making up your storyboard!
13. **Make narrative story cards for your students to complete and arrange.** Make up a narrative story that is described in 16 sentences. Type each sentence onto a card and cut it out. On the other side of the card, use the same sentence, but don't provide the correct verb tense. Your students can first arrange the story cards in the proper order, then play using the tense-free side of the cards and provide the proper verb tenses.
For instance, one side of the card might say: “It was snowing outside when Karen looked out of the window in the morning.” The other side might say: “It [snow] outside when Karen [look] out of the window in the morning.”
You can find templates for this type of game online—for instance, at https://mikeastbury.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/narrative-tenses-cards.pdf | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Tenses", "language": "en"} |
How to Reduce Entertainment Expenses | Spending money on movies, TV, and special events can cost you a surprising amount over time. The average family spends around thousands per year on entertainment, a number that can be greatly reduced by budgeting. Whether you're trying to budget at home or while traveling, you can reduce your entertainment expenses if you know where to cut back. Keep track of your budgeting and compare one month from another to see how your spending habits change.
1. **Purchase a cable alternative.** The first step to reducing at-home entertainment costs is ditching cable TV. Instead, choose an online streaming service. Subscribing to one of these companies can give you access to hundreds of movies, TV, and original content for usually lower cost per month. Review your most recent cable bills and find a streaming service with a lower monthly fee.
Popular video streaming services include: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Acorn TV.
If you're attached to a certain channel, look for a service that allows you to stream specific channels online (like Sling TV, CBS All Access, HBO Now, or Select TV).
2. **Listen to music via streaming services.** Instead of purchasing every song you listen to, try a music streaming service. Most services operate as an online library filled with songs that users can hear without downloading. Although these services often have an ad-free subscription for a low cost, many also offer free options.
Try well-known streaming services like: Pandora, Apple Music, Soundcloud, Spotify, Slacker, and iHeartRadio.
Test out a free trial before purchasing a subscription.
3. **Acquire a library card.** Whether you're a bookworm or a casual reader, a library card can save you hundreds on at-home entertainment. Books (paper, audio, or electronic), movies, magazines, newspapers, and music are all available for free or a minimal annual fee. Some libraries even rent out video games or hobby supplies (like cooking tools or board games).
Libraries also offer free community events like children's read-alongs, book clubs, personal development workshops, or holiday celebrations.
4. **Rent video games instead of buying them.** You don't have to shell out your paycheck to get the latest game release; opt for a game rental service to play at a reduced cost. This option is especially ideal if you tend not to replay games and want to avoid reselling for less than the game is worth.
Some services (like Redbox) offer games for a minimal daily fee while others (like Gamefly) operate on a monthly subscription model like movie streaming services.
5. **Split entertainment memberships with your loved ones.** Share the cost of a music, movie, or video game subscription with a friend or a roommate. If your immediate relatives are interested, some services offer family discounts at a reduced fee.
Many services (like Netflix) allow users to add multiple users without spending more money.
6. **Check out student, senior, or other discounts.** Many entertainment venues offer special offers for seniors, students, certain club members (like the AAA or AARP) and members of the military. Ask about discount options to see if you qualify for any options.
Talk to your high school or university to learn about student deals offered by local retailers, movie theaters, attractions, or restaurants.
Keep government-issued or student IDs on hand in case you need proof of identification.
7. **Choose matinees over evening movies.** Going to movies at less-popular times (like Monday afternoons instead of Saturday nights) can save you as much as half the ticket's cost. If you can wait, avoid seeing movies until they hit the discount theaters to save even more.
Buy your tickets online to receive additional pricing deals or snack coupons.
8. **Watch for free community events.** Start reading your local newsletters or searching online to catch free city events. Attend free lectures, holiday festivals, concerts, and performances for free or a small cost.
Areas near universities or high schools often have low-cost plays, concerts, and sporting events open to the public.
9. **Watch for discount days or happy hours.** Some museums, recreation centers, and other public attractions have yearly free or reduced-fee days for the community. Other places (like swimming pools, bowling alleys, or restaurants) have "happy hours" where their prices are reduced daily or weekly during an allotted time. Keep tabs on places you frequent often and ask about upcoming discount opportunities.
10. **Buy season passes to your favorite places.** If you or your family frequent your city's zoo, aquarium, museum, or amusement park, buy a season pass. Many season passes cost the amount of visiting two or three times. You might save a bundle each year by paying a little more up front.
11. **Volunteer at special events.** Volunteering is a fun, meaningful way to serve your community while obtaining free admissions to plays, concerts, or festivals. Theater and music productions often bring on volunteers to usher people in or set-up/break sets afterwards. Contact the venue and ask about volunteering opportunities before you buy your ticket.
12. **Travel during your destination's off-season.** Vacationing during the off-season can help you avoid seasonal tourist traps and save money on attractions. Without a large flow of travelers coming in, some entertainment venues might reduce their admissions costs. You'll see more of the city's culture while saving money along the way.
13. **Buy event or plane tickets several months in advance.** Some companies offer as much as 20% discounts for people who purchase tickets in advance. Once you've scheduled your vacation, check how far in advance you can purchase plane or attraction tickets and whether you qualify for discounts.
14. **Purchase group deals online.** Look for entertainment deals in the city you're traveling to online. Coupon websites often have group deals available for popular entertainment options. Searching for group deals may help you find cheap entertainment options that you hadn't considered before.
Popular group deal websites include: Groupon, LivingSocial, TravelZoo, and Local Flavor.
Some vacation apps (like Foursquare or Scoutmob) let vacationers know about city discounts and occasionally offer coupons.
15. **Pack plenty of water and snacks.** Tourist attractions might escalate the price of food and drinks, so take food with you to save money. Choose snacks that will be easy to eat while walking around or participating in the attraction. Always ask the venue about their policies on bringing outside food in beforehand to avoid throwing anything away.
16. **Spend time vacationing outdoors.** Don't forget to spend time outside while traveling, especially since many nature-related activities are free. Check out nearby trails, go on a run or bike ride, or ask locals what their favorite outdoor activities are.
Rent a campsite to save money on lodging. | en.wikihow.com | {"url": "https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Entertainment-Expenses", "language": "en"} |