Problem: Article: Oil paints need time to oxidize, which is a process in which the paint reacts with air to harden. Other paints dry when the water in them evaporates, but oxidation is actually a change in the paint's chemistry. Oxidation best occurs in a room with plenty of natural light, low humidity, and good air circulation. if you live in a humid climate. Oil paint will oxidize faster in dry air. If you live in a humid climate, get a small dehumidifier and place it near your painting. This will remove excess humidity from the air, helping speed the drying time of the oil paint. Pointing a fan at your oil painting won't help significantly speed the drying time in the same way as it would a watercolor painting, but having good circulation in the room will help the oxidation process to happen more quickly. This is because oils actually take oxygen from the air during oxidation, so circulating the air provides the paint with the oxygen it needs to dry. You can use either a box fan or a ceiling fan, and a low or medium setting should be adequate. Oil paints dry faster in a warm atmosphere. The temperature in the room where your painting is drying should be at least 70F (21C), but the warmer you can get it, the better. Keep track of the temperature in the room by using a thermostat or by placing a digital thermometer near your painting. There's not really a temperature that's too hot for oil paints, but try to keep the room as warm as you can while still keeping yourself comfortable.
Summary: Allow your painting to dry in a large, well-lit room with low humidity. Use a dehumidifier Circulate the air in the room with a fan. Keep the room warm.

Problem: Article: You can transplant the ferns you started from spores or choose fully grown ferns from a nursery or garden supply store. Either way, the process will be the same from this point on. The species you should consider buying will vary based on the region you live in, but if you buy from a local nursery or grow ferns from locally collected spores, you should not have much difficulty figuring out which species can grow in your climate. Within the United States, southern coastal states can usually grow tropical ferns. Southwest states can handle species that can thrive in low humidity. States in the midwest, northeast, mid-atlantic, and upper southern regions usually support woodland varieties. Check on any specific requirements your fern variety needs. Those listed here are only general requirements and do not necessarily cover all of your specific variety's needs. The best time to plant varies by region. For the most part, spring planting is preferable. If you live in a tropical climate or in a region that does not get any winter frosts, fall planting will actually be better. Ferns planted too late in the season could experience root rot, especially if you live in a region with cold winters. The freezing and thawing process can wear away at the roots and gradually break them apart. In warm climates, planting ferns before the summer can result in plants that are stressed by the heat and drought of summer. While each species has its own requirements, in general, you should choose a location that receives plenty of shade. Ideally, you should avoid placing taller ferns in areas of strong wind, but shorter varieties might be able to handle these conditions. If you are concerned, however, you could also place the ferns by a building or other structure to help shield them from some of the winds. You should also avoid planting ferns directly on top of tree roots. Most ferns prefer soil that is free draining and filled with plenty of nutrient-rich organic material. Chop these materials into the intended planting site a day to a week in advance. Most ferns have fine roots, and these roots can struggle in heavy, compact soils. Ideally, your soil needs to be loose and should not get waterlogged easily. Use materials like organic leaf mold, shredded bark chips, organic compost, well-rotted farm manure, or gravel. Do not use fresh manure, however, since the roots of your fern can be sensitive and may die if given too much fertilizer so soon. The hole you dig in the soil should be a little larger than the root ball of the fern. The depth should be the same, but the width should be a little larger. You need to give the fern a generous root ball as you move it. If you use a fern that has already been started in a large pot or container, carefully tip the container onto its side and knock the plant out. Slowly shake the roots out of the bottom of the pot. You should remove excess potting soil used in other containers if that soil differs from that of your garden. These soils might be lighter and may dry out faster, and as a result, the newly planted fern may not get enough moisture after you move it into the soil of your garden unless this old soil has been knocked away first. Firmly pack soil around the edges to keep the fern in place. Water the soil well, and make sure that everything feels secure. Carefully spread out the roots of the fern using your fingers. Mix some of the original potting soil into the root area and water it thoroughly before you place it into the hole you dug. This is especially important if the soil of the original container differs from the soil of your garden.
Summary: Choose the fern. Plant in the spring or fall. Choose a good location. Amend the soil. Dig a large hole. Place the root ball into the hole.

Problem: Article: Most universities require you to submit some basic details using an online application. These details may include things like your name, address, schools attended, etc. Complete this part of your application before you do anything else. Some schools also require letters of recommendation to be submitted via an online system. You may need to submit your recommenders email addresses so that they can access this system. Your applications will also likely include some paper items, such as your statement of purpose, official transcripts, writing samples, or other required materials. Collect these items and seal them in a large envelope. Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to send your packets so that they will arrive before the deadline. Address the packets. Make sure that you double check the addresses for each of your packets to ensure that they will be delivered to the correct location. Pay for postage. International postage can be quite expensive, so make sure that you reserve some money to pay for this cost. Pay the postage for each of your packets and send them out. Waiting to hear back from schools may be the most difficult part of the process. It can take weeks or even months for PhD application committees to make their selections. Many schools alert applicants of an acceptance or rejection via email as well as with a paper letter, so keep an eye on both of your inboxes.
Summary:
Complete online application components. Prepare your application items to mail. Wait for responses.