Sleep is a habit and falling asleep is easily impacted by the routines you have set in place (or not), as well as by physiological elements resulting from stress, anxiety, or depression.[1] Most of us experience a period when falling asleep is a challenge, for one reason or other, but it is possible to improve your chances of falling asleep with methods that range from improving your routine and eating well, to using relaxation and imagination techniques. This article will help you to learn what helps you to fall asleep, as well as offering particular techniques that you can try when you find it impossible to fall asleep on occasion.

Note that this article is focused on helping you to fall asleep now and again. If you are routinely unable to fall asleep over a long period of time, it is possible that you are suffering from a sleep disorder, and this should be diagnosed and treated by your doctor or other qualified health professional.

Steps Sleep hygiene preparation

There are a number of things you can do to help yourself sleep better, just by focusing on what you're eating and doing during the day.

1. Pay attention to what you're eating. Some foods are known to aid sleep – eat carbohydrates, bananas, peanuts, and figs, and have milk-based drinks. These contain tryptophans, a precursor for creating melatonin.[2] Some snacks to consider include: cookies and milk, sliced banana with chopped dates, and wholegrain bread with lettuce.[3]
   • Avoid foods high in protein prior to bedtime. These can keep you awake because they contain elevated levels of tyrosine.[4]
   • Do not go to bed hungry – this will make it harder to fall asleep.
   • Avoid having a large meal close to bedtime.[5] This can result in indigestion, reflux, or heartburn.
   • Reduce your intake of alcohol, nicotine, sugar, and caffeine.[6][7]
2. Shift exercise to morning time Don't exercise in the three hours leading up to bedtime. Exercise awakens you, with the impact lasting for up to three hours after you've completed the exercise, as well as decreasing the secretion of melatonin (needed to help you sleep).[8] Instead, exercise during the day or late afternoon. Exercise is ideal first thing in the morning, as it helps you to wake up and stay metabolized throughout the day.
3. Power nap only! Avoid taking naps during the daytime. Limit naps.[9] If you need a nap, nap no more than 15 minutes (a power nap). Anything longer can make it much harder to fall asleep in the evenings.
4. Find ways to unwind! Reduce your stress levels. Stress, anxiety, worry, and depression can all contribute to an inability to fall asleep. Seek help for stress management, including finding positive techniques to handle stress such as yoga, relaxation, cognitive behavioral therapy, self-hypnosis, assertiveness training, meditation, exercise, visualization, etc.[10] Psychotherapy can be helpful if you have underlying anxiety, trauma, or depression issues.[11]
5. Take a warm bath Have a warm bath before bedtime. This can help to relax you, helping you to unwind.[12]
6. Lovely warm cuppa before bed Establish a bedtime routine. Try to develop a pattern of doing the same things prior to bed each night, for example, having a warm drink, a bath, a short read, etc.[13]
7. Same time each night Keep to an established sleeping routine. Train your mind to accept a set bedtime every night, and the same waking up time every day (with a little leeway for seasonal changes).[14] [15]Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time, even on weekends. If the problem still persists, just keep repeating until you create a new habit.
8. Find comfy gear Wear comfortable clothing. Clothes for sleeping are best when loose, comfortable and not restrictive. Avoid wearing anything too hot, or that leaves you feeling chilly. Shorts, light pajamas are often the most comfortable. Sleeping in the nude works well for many people, provided you feel comfortable and warm.
9. Learn from your pet - they know how to get comfortable! Choose a comfortable position. Position yourself comfortably in bed. Always choose the position that works best for you, whether you're a side, back, or stomach sleeper. Trying to force yourself to sleep in a position that feels unnatural will prevent you from falling asleep. If you're uncomfortable, correct your position immediately, for example, your body's weight on your arm is too strong, or your hip feels awkward – change position until you're comfortable.
10. Scented eye pads can help Use aromatherapy and scent solutions. There are a number of aromatherapy suggestions that might help you to fall asleep. For example, lemon balm oil, chamomile oil, lavender oil, and marjoram can be used singly or in combination for the bath, a massage, or as an air or pillow spray.[16]
    • A sleep-promoting bath can be made from 6 drops chamomile oil, 2 drops lovage oil, and 2 drops lime flower oil, added to a warm to hot bath.[17]
    • A massage blend can be made from 4 drops lavender oil, 4 drops mandarin oil, 3 drops nutmeg oil, 2 drops lemon oil, 2 drops dill oil, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) carrier oil such as almond oil. Mix together and massage into your upper chest, back of the neck, shoulders and down your back.[18] Do not use this blend if you're about to drive!

Preparing your sleeping space

The state of your room impacts your ability to fall asleep easily.

1. Have a comfortable bed Check the comfort level of your bed. If it feels too hard, soft, lumpy, etc., or the mattress is older than 10 years, then it is time to upgrade.[19] This is a health investment, so don't skimp on this important piece of furniture![20]
2. Turn down the temperature! Set the ideal temperature for your room. An ideal room temperature for sleeping is 60.8ºF - 64.4ºF/16ºC - 18ºC.[21] Temperatures that are higher or lower can impact your ability to fall asleep. Use natural fibers where possible, as these wick away sweat, as well as retaining warmth or keeping you cooler, as needed.[22]
   • When it is too hot, remove bed covers until you feel comfortable. Set a fan at the end of the bed. Place your pillow in the refrigerator or freezer for a half hour before sleeping. The chilled pillow can help cool you down enough to induce sleep.
   • When it is too cold, add more bed covers. This is often better than over-dressing yourself. Hot water bottles can also help.
3. Shutters can help keep noise out Reduce noise. Noise can be a major reason for preventing sleep, especially if you start to focus on it to the exclusion of everything else. Consider soundproofing the room if necessary, or use double glazing or shutters to keep out street noise. Ask other family members to reduce their own levels of noise after a set time.
   • If the noise is a nightly disruption, for example, neighboring activities or building work, contact those responsible to sort out something quickly. Focusing on continuous noise can leave you irritable and cause you to develop a poor sleep habit.
   • A white noise machine might help block out noise that you cannot do anything about. These are relatively cheap and produce a neutral sound that can drone out other noises and still let you go to sleep.[23]. The constant noise of a fan might work for you too.
   • Having a music system in your room can be a source of interfering with your ability to fall asleep if you're sensitive to it.[24] This needs to be balanced with the benefits of using music or sound to help you to fall asleep.
4. Reduced lighting for night Fix the lighting in your bedroom. A low level of light prior to sleep is ideal (such as lamps or dimmer switches), followed by making your room as dark as you possibly can make it. Use blinds or blackout curtains to keep out light. Switch off or cover anything that emits light, such as an alarm clock. Use a towel or similar item for covering but be careful of fire hazards. Eye covers such as a sleeping mask can be beneficial too.
5. A strategy to stay stimulated, not sleepy! Remove all mind-stimulating electronic devices from your bedroom. It can be tempting to take the laptop, MP3 player, TV, or game player to bed with you but it's not a good idea. Allowing electronic items into your bedroom trains your mind to see the bedroom as something more than a place of rest and peace.[25] Avoid having bright clocks because this could be a temptation to stare at the passage of time and fret about it! Make a decisive change to ensure that your bedroom is for sleeping and relaxing only. This means not using it for electronic devices, not taking phone calls in the room, and not bringing tomes of work to the bed to read through.
6. Tidy beds encourage sleepiness Keep your bed made up. Every morning, get into a habit of making up the bed. Hopping into a fully made up bed is much more inviting than finding a disheveled mess! Keep the bed clothes well laundered regularly, as clean sheets make a world of difference.

Relaxation and distraction techniques

Out of the following techniques, try what seems best for you and eliminate what doesn't work, or combine things that do.

1. Read something interesting but not too exciting Read. Reading is a fantastic first approach. Reading can help by focusing your mind on only one thing, instead of racing through the day's activities. Read something calming or perhaps dull; for example, if you're studying, the textbook is fairly guaranteed to send you nodding off!
   • If you wake up and need to fall back to sleep, use a book light to avoid having to turn on brighter lights which can awaken you too much.
2. iPod in bed Try music or audio. There are a number of musical or audio techniques that can help you to fall asleep, depending on how much you enjoy sound as you're falling asleep.
   • Compile a playlist. If you have an iPod, compile a playlist of relaxing and soothing songs. Avoid songs that you enjoy singing along to, however. Turn the volume down as low as possible but make sure the music is still audible.
   • Listen to water sounds. The sounds of a fountain or a stream bubbling can be very soothing, as can the sound of waves coming in to the shore. There are many CDs or music downloads with ambient music of this type, including water, space, and nature sounds.
   • Sing to yourself. Sing a song in your mind to help remove challenging thoughts. A lullaby might be a soothing choice.
   • Listen to a podcast on an MP3 Player (like an iPod) for a few minutes before trying to sleep. A podcast that focuses on an interesting topic can take your mind off worries.
3. Take a leaf from the cat's book of relaxing! Relax to shift your attention away from the concerns keeping you awake. Some techniques include:
   • Muscle loosening: Lie on your back. Starting from the very tips of your toes, gradually loosen all of your muscles one by one. Move to your ankles, then calves, knees, and upward. If your mind wanders, return to the last part of the body loosened and keep working up until you reach your head. (Another way of approaching this is to see it as "erasing" your body. Start with your toes and work your way up; the torso and head are the hardest to "erase"!) Staying on your back, aim to sink loosely into the mattress until you feel it is time to roll into your desired position.
   • Acknowledging: In your mind, "acknowledge" everything around you that all your senses are experiencing. For example: Tell yourself "I don't care that I hear the clock ticking; I smell the lotion I just applied to my hands; I feel my legs' weight on the bed. I hear my spouse/partner breathing. I see different shades of black. I hear the dog barking in the distance. I hear myself in my own mind talking.", etc. Doing this can help to clear your mind of exciting thoughts by slowly acknowledging everything and subsequently dismissing it.
   • Stretching: Stretch while laying on your back. Stretching can help to relieve tension in your lower back, legs and up to the back of your neck. While on your back, raise up one leg at a time and attempt to bring your knee to your chin. Once raised as close to your chin as possible, hold your leg with your arms close to you until you feel your lower back and the hamstring of your leg begin to stretch. Do this for the leg and repeat until the tension begins to subside. The looser your muscles become, the more your body is beginning to relax. This stretching method should help you refocus your mind on resting.
   • Meditating: Along with the muscle loosening sensation of trying to settle into your mattress, use meditation to visualize yourself addressing your thoughts and resolving them. Or, meditate on a calming word or phrase. Keep still and relaxed to maximize the state of restfulness.[26] As you do so, it helps you to lower your heart rate and relax your muscles, making it easier for you to fall asleep.
4. Use breathing to calm yourself Use breathing techniques. Deep breathing can help you relax enough to fall asleep. Lie on your back in bed, watching or feeling your stomach rise, and then breathe. Your goal is to breath in and out about six times per minute, as per this exercise:
   • Breathe in deeply for four counts.
   • Take a deep breath out for four counts.
   • Repeat. Concentrate on your breath. Remaining focused on your breath to the exclusion of all else.
   • Do this for 60 breaths (at least 10 minutes) and you will feel very relaxed.
5. Imagine whatever pleases you most Use your imagination. The time between laying your head on the pillow and falling asleep can be a time to plan a lucid dream, or just to let your mind wander and be as imaginative as you like. Lost in the world of imagination, you may just be lucky enough not to notice you've drifted off into dreamland. Here are some ideas:
   • Think of something very calming. Picturing something calming such as a waterfall, a pool of clear water underneath falls, a green field under a rainbow, etc., can be ways of calming yourself. Picture yourself doing pleasurable things, such as floating down the river, gliding over clouds, seeing blue sky on a perfect day, smelling roses, anything at all that reflects your ideal fantasy. Explore the place if you like, discovering what else is in this imaginary realm.
   • Build your perfect house or room in your mind. Anything goes. How magnificent a house can you make in your mind? What colors do you want to use? Let yourself get lost in the details of your dream house, as you relax.
   • Try storytelling. Stories can be a good way to wind down. Create an ongoing storyline carried over each night, or start a completely new one as needed. Ideally, keep the story light and happy, picturing it in your mind. Thinking of favorite movie scenes and putting yourself into them can be another fun imagination exercise, such as a kissing scene, or a daring rescue.
   • Imagine being with someone you care about, doing something that you both enjoy. For example, imagine yourself and your spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend, lover, etc., maybe walking on a prairie peacefully. Or, if you're feeling lonely, perhaps imagine a special friend (imaginary) who is listening to your feelings and troubles.
   • Think up the strangest, most impossible things as fast as you can and don't stop. For example, imagine purple Twinkies™ walking on walls, growing red wings with yellow fishhooks dangling from them, and chasing after bankers, etc.
   • Close your eyes and imagine a swinging pendulum. If you're relaxed, you should feel the sensation of "falling into the mattress".
   • Imagine you're a computer. Think about the process your computer goes through when it shuts down: "I am shutting down, falling asleep. All excess functions are being shut down. I'm only breathing, my heart's beating...".
6. The more challenging, the sleepier you'll feel Play a game. Sometimes a game can distract you enough to get you to the land of nod. Either real games or mind games can work; if you're playing a real game, keep the game material at your bedside and a book light to keep the light level low.
   • Play solitaire. Undemanding, repetitive, and requiring concentration but little mental effort, this care game will soon lull you.
   • Do a crossword puzzle or a sudoku.
   • Play the mind game "Return" or "Associations". Think of a word and the first thing that comes to your mind from that word is your new word. For example: "Dog" reminds you of "cat", "cat" reminds you of "fur", "fur" reminds you of "bear", etc. This game settles your mind and calms you down.
   • Count sheep, or count anything. The rhythm and monotony of counting can send your mind into a sleepy state. This doesn't work for everyone though – for some, the level of concentration required to maintain sheep jumping a fence, for example, might create too much stimulation!
7. Imagining yourself drowsy Try self-hypnosis. If you know how to hypnotize yourself, this technique might be a useful one, using the "Best Me" technique of self-hypnosis. Use this to involve your whole person in the process of going to sleep. With or without an actual hypnotic induction (but preferably after one), slowly repeat the following suggestions to yourself. When you get to the last two steps, repeat them over and over like a mantra, as long as necessary until you drift off. (By this time, you should be quite relaxed and the entire experience should be a very pleasant one.) You don't have to use these exact words, of course – just use whatever words are most meaningful to you, as long as you cover all of the steps. With each step beginning with one of the letters of the words, "Best Me," they're easy to remember. Believe it will happen, expect it to happen, and feel it happening.
   • (Belief systems) – Imagine, or picture in your mind, that you are reaching down into the depths of your unconscious potential for feeling drowsiness and sleep.
   • (Emotions) – These feelings of drowsiness and sleep are flowing out from innermost depths of your unconscious potential like water from a hundred secret springs.
   • (Sensations and physical perceptions) – Feel this drowsiness and sleep flowing into every muscle, and nerve, and fiber of your body, growing stronger and stronger with every breath you take.
   • (Thoughts and images) – Sinking down, and shutting down, and sinking down, and shutting down. Sinking down, and shutting down. Shutting down completely.
   • (Motives) – Think these last two steps to yourself, matching your thoughts to your breathing, until you fall asleep, "And the deeper I go, the deeper I want to go."
   • (Expectations) – "And the deeper I go, the sleepier I will become."
   • If you prefer, you can have someone else whom you trust hypnotize you and give you the suggestions just described, substituting the following suggestions for the last two steps: Motives: "And now you will just keep on going deeper by yourself, until you fall into a deep, peaceful sleep. Expectations: You will awaken naturally at the proper time, feeling completely refreshed."
   • If you should feel yourself starting to wake up during the night, keep silently repeating the Thoughts and Images step to yourself over and over like a mantra, over and over until it takes on a life of its own. As long as you don't try too hard, this will help you get back to sleep.
8. Meditate in the dark Get out of bed and distract yourself temporarily. If things are so bad that you're tossing, turning, and kicking your partner, it might be best to get out of bed and do something for a while to wear yourself out properly. Some ideas of what to do once you've got out of bed include:
   • Do something dull. Read a boring book, a work paper, or watch something mindless on TV. Do something you've been putting off for a while because you're afraid it will be too boring!
   • Watch a movie. Rather than watching the whole film, fast forward to a part that you really like and watch it. Don't choose scary, edgy movies. This will only "work" if it's a film you love and are very familiar with. It might just be enough to help your mind clear of racing thoughts.
   • Simply sit. Find a comfortable chair in the house, keep it dark or rely on street lights, and sit, contemplating the thoughts that are keeping you awake. It will start to seem less pressing when you're in a chair surrounded by familiar objects. Stare out of the window and relax.
   • Try yoga, stretching, or pilates.
   • Whenever you experience "eye fatigue", stop doing the out-of-bed activity and return to bed. It will usually be a fast falling to sleep for you.

Video Tips

• For people who own iPod Touch or an iPhone: There are many apps which can play calming noises (like quiet rainfall, wind, etc.) to help you go to sleep. Another option is to listen to guided sleep soundtracks - a meditation to help you relax and fall asleep.
• Avoid falling asleep somewhere else in the house, such as in front of the TV. If you feel this happening, get up and prepare for bed and get yourself into bed quickly.
• Use warmth. If you're feeling cold, fix this quickly. Put on socks or a warmer layer on the bed. Fill a hot water bottle or microwave a wheat-bag. Put a warm towel over your eyes: Put a washcloth in the dryer and lay it over your eyes. It will relax your eyes as well as warming you a little.
• Know yourself. Only you can know what does and does not keep you awake at night. If reading sends you to sleep, by all means use it but if it's revving you up, avoid it!
• Make use of a journal by your bedside. Instead of lying there worrying, write in your journal and leave the thoughts for dealing with during daytime.[27] Use a book light to avoid disturbing others and to avoid putting on too much light. A page or two of thoughts written down can calm you enough to restore the need for sleep.
• It is very important to see your doctor or qualified health professional if you are at your wit's end about not sleeping properly. Note the signs of when it is important to seek advice. The following symptoms are a sign that you need to seek your doctor's advice: your insomnia is stretching out over a period of months; you constantly feel tired during the daytime, rarely refreshed; pain or a need to visit the toilet are regularly waking you up; your relationships with other people are suffering because you're feeling tired, irritable, and snap easily; you're taking prescription drugs and have noticed the sleep problems since starting them.[28]
• Abandon thoughts about "being a wreck tomorrow". This self-fulfilling thinking will cause less sleep. Think of other things immediately and forgive yourself for feeling worried. If nothing else works, tell yourself that it is better to lie there with your eyes shut and not sleeping than to be getting up and activating your mind without energy to drive it. Just lying there with closed eyes will often result in you drifting off to sleep - you will drift in-and-out of sleep even if you do not realize it. As a result, you will be more relaxed in the long run.
• If someone else sharing the bed is the cause of your not falling asleep, discuss the problem together. Perhaps it's a case of spending a night in the guest bed when your bed partner is ill or stressed about a deadline, etc. There is no sense in two people missing out on sleep, and this can impact your relationship negatively if you both have a poor night's sleep.
• Try sleeping with a pet; this can be very calming knowing that there is a living being with you. If your pet moves a lot, however, this can backfire on you!
• Find something that makes a very quiet, steady sound. A small fan on a low setting or a real, non-electric, ticking watch or clock are ideal. For some the sound could make sleep harder, but for others, the steady beat of the ticking, or the quiet hum of an electric motor in a fan can be very peaceful.
• Playing an instrument before sleeping can help to soothe you, calm your mind and force you to focus and concentrate on a task. Make sure it's classical music!
• Tell yourself you are tired; start saying this before you go to bed and as you are settling in bed.
• Having sex promotes your ability to sleep.[29]
• Make a conscious effort to relax your tongue, jaw, and face along with the rest of your body.

Warnings

• There are many possible reasons for having a sleeping disorder – the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, for example, has an entire chapter devoted to the topic of sleep disorders, some of which can be quite complex. If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet.
• Be responsible for your kids' nighttime habits. Watching exciting TV or playing stimulating video games right before bedtime will keep them more alert and awake. Move such viewing to earlier in the evening. And if you need to watch a movie before bed, watch a comedy movie or TV show.
• Be careful if you're wearing earbuds! If you roll in your sleep, the cord can be a hazard.Try a 'radio pillow', where you can plug in an MP3 player and sound comes out softly through the pillow. If you use earbuds, ensure that the wire goes around the back instead of the front.
• Always check the contra-indications of essential oils as some cannot be used for pregnancy, lactating mothers, people who are immuno-suppressed, etc.
• Avoid self-diagnosing your sleep problem. Talk to your doctor about any problems you're experiencing with insomnia or other sleeping problems. It is important to identify the source of the problems and get a proper remedy. Ask your doctor about routine changing suggestions (i.e., tips for breaking a poor habit), what non-addictive sleeping aids are available, if there are any possible herbal remedies before having to tackle the heavier medications (for example, valerian), and whether there are any suitable nutritional and exercise options.[30] Since prescription medications can bring about addiction or drowsiness, exploring all the possible options is prudent.
• Avoid taking over-the-counter remedies. These can lead to their own set of problems, or can mask the symptom of something more serious. Be careful with herbal remedies that are swallowed - follow the instructions of your health professional with care and be sure to detail any other medical conditions.
• If you have problems such as snoring, sleep apnea, etc., seek medical assistance as quickly as possible. These can be either dangerous or can harm your health-restoring sleep, impairing your performance during the daytime.

Things You'll Need

• Comfortable mattress, decent pillows, good bed covers
• A sleeping mask (optional)
• Comfortable sleepwear
• Good curtains/blinds and soundproofing

Related wikiHows

• How to Know if You Have a Sleep Apnea
• How to Fall Asleep when You Are Worried About Not Falling Asleep
• How to Sleep Better
• How to Wake Up Without an Alarm Clock
• How to Sleep Comfortably on a Hot Night
• How to Hypnotize Yourself Using the Best Me Technique
• How to Cope With Sleep Paralysis
• How to Treat Insomnia

Sources and Citations

• American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, DSM-IV-TR, 4th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.

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When preparing your family and home for disaster, the well-being and safety of your pets should also be considered. Pets can become disoriented, frightened, or be injured during a time of a disaster and being ready to help them is an important part of keeping your disaster response focused and effective. This article suggests how you can care for pets during and after a disaster to ensure that your pets are as prepared as the rest of your family! Steps

1. Be aware that the reaction of your pets during a disaster event will be based on instincts and fear. Loud noises, moving ground (earthquakes, etc.), flashes of lightning and thunder, increasing water levels, etc., can lead to your pets abandoning their usual places of safety to find new ones. For this reason, it is important to increase the chances of your pet being located and returned to you as the disaster event eases:
   • Ensure that your pets are tagged or microchipped to make ownership clear. (Microchipping is available through many veterinarians and animal welfare organizations.)
   • Always keep your pets' ID tags current with their name, your phone number, and your current address, including your email. Add both a landline and a mobile phone number.
   • Take digital photos of each of your pets. Print off a copy for each pet; this will help you to ask others if they've seen your pet if you're separated. It is also recommended to include a photo of you with your pet, in case you're separated and people need to match you to your pet.
   • A flashing collar or ID tag can help you to find a lost pet at night.
   • Know your pets' common hiding places. These should be checked first before looking further afield.
2. Keep your pets' immunization up-to-date at all times. Not only is this important for their ongoing health but it is also essential for protection from disease during an emergency situation. Keep immunization cards or records and the vet's phone number in an easily accessible place and be sure to notify all of the family where they can find this information in a hurry. Keep copies in a plastic bag in your pet's survival kit, to allow shelter or rescuers to know the vaccination/health status of your pet.
   • Make a list of your pets' medications. If your pet is on medications, write down the exact names of the medications. During an emergency, being able to refer to this information easily will ease any panic and helps those who don't know your pets as well to do the right thing for them.
3. Prepare a pet First Aid/survival kit at the same time that you update the family one. It can be helpful to keep these kits together, or to at least have clear and accessible locations for them that each responsible member of the family knows about. The survival kit should be ready-packed to grab at all times in case you need to leave the house in a hurry: Think "Grab pet and survival kit." The kit should contain:
   • Any medication needed (keep this refreshed), and pet first aid supplies.
   • Emergency food supplies. Have at least 3 days of food.
   • Emergency water supplies. When planning the amount of water for your family, always include pets in the estimate. Also note the location of any outdoor water locations your pet usually uses that self-fill, such as pots, buckets, a stream, etc., as these may be important water resources to draw from during a disaster.
   • Harnesses and safety leashes.
   • Travel bowls for food and drink - at least two.
   • A can or tin opener if needed for food cans/tins.
   • Photos of your pets, at least one of you with your pet. Place in a plastic bag.
   • Emergency contact list with numbers for vet, emergency services, local authorities, and animal rescue centers. Also include the emergency contact for an out of region friend or family member. Place in a plastic bag.
   • Litter tray and litter for cats; poo bags for dogs.
   • Pieces of newspaper and pet-safe cleaning solution for quick clean-ups.
   • Towel or blanket suitable for your pets. One per pet is probably a good idea.
4. Have a pet carrier or crate for each pet. During a time of an emergency, it is far better to have a proper carrier than to make one up that could fall apart. Knowing that your pet is safe in their carrier will remove a lot of worry from your mind and makes them super easy to move from place to place.
   • If you have to stay in emergency accommodation, having your pet's own carrier can make it easier for your pet to be accommodated.
   • Have leashes or harnesses for pets that are too large for a carrier, or where the carrier size might compromise space for passengers.
5. Develop a pet buddy system. Pets, unlike service animals, may not be allowed in some emergency shelters, particularly in urban areas. Talk to your family, friends and neighbors about planning how you will help each other in the event of an emergency, and where emergency supplies have been stored.
   • Designate an out-of-state/province friend or relative as contact, as well as a local person you trust. A contact can be used by family members or others to call if you are separated from each other. Identify a location where you can reunite.
   • Make note of where animal rescue shelters are in your area, or of people who can take pets in the event of an emergency that causes you to evacuate from your home.
   • Be prepared to help other pets you see roaming loose where this is safe to do so. Naturally, if you are afraid that the pet may be diseased, rabid, or dangerous, keep your distance. But where you know the pet or figure out it is safe, try to help care for it and get it back to its owner. Even if you simply alert pet welfare authorities where the pet is located, or get it to a central care point, this is a kind and helpful gesture that will help the owners too.
6. Take all of your petsKnow what to do if you must leave your home. After ensuring you have all family members ready, collect your pets. Do not leave pets behind unless you cannot find them – many pets won't be able to survive if you're gone for more than a day. Cover your pets with a towel or blanket to calm them if needed, and place in their own pet carriers. If your pet is too large for a carrier or the room taken up in your car is too much, place your pet on a leash.
   • Don't take toys or bedding – grab the pet survival kit only. Act urgently, think safety, and ensure enough space in your transportation – these should be your main priorities.
7. Always take time to comfort and soothe your pet as soon as possible. They will be as afraid as you are. Spending time with your pet during a disaster situation can also comfort you and your children a great deal.

Video Tips

• Have all of your items stored in a bag or a container in an accessible place so you can grab it in case you need to leave your house in a hurry.
• Place Rescue Pet Decals on your windows and doors to alert rescue teams to also save your pets inside the house.
• Email copies of pet photos and veterinary records to a family email account that can be accessed from any location.

Things You'll Need

• Items for your pet disaster survival kit as listed above, plus container to keep all items in (blankets/towels can sit on top)
• Emergency contact list
• Carrier, crate, other suitable pet mover item
• Water and food supplies suitable for your pets
• Family meeting about helping pets during an emergency

Related wikiHows

• How to Make Your Dog a First Aid Kit
• How to Make a Safe Environment for Your Pet Bird
• How to Choose Safe Pet Food
• How to Keep Your Pet Animals Safe
• How to Keep Your Pets Safe from Your Flowers

Sources and Citations

• http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html – research source
• http://www.petsready.com/disaster-preparedness-checklist-a-37.html – research source
• http://www.fema.gov/kids/petkit.htm – research source
• SPCA Canterbury, http://www.spcacanterbury.org.nz/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=8&cntnt01origid=15&cntnt01returnid=105 – research source

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After lighting a controlled fire in an area of your backyard, a large black charred stain will be left on the ground in the position chosen. This can destroy any vegetation underneath the fire surface, and the damage may be more severe if the fire was lit over concrete or tiles. The solution is to build a temporary platform to keep the fire above the ground, thus avoiding damaging it.

This article explains the simplest possible solution; while it is by no means the only solution to creating fire pit, this one is within the capacity of most people using materials easily salvaged from your yard or from a friendly neighbor. This pit comprises 12 zinc sheets (90cm x 70cm / 35.4cm x 27.55cm) which will combine to make a platform around the size of 160cm x 160cm / 63" x 63". Thirty bricks are used to support the double layered design of the pit. The top layer will serve the obvious function of holding up the fire. At its hottest, you will be able to observe the part in direct contact with the fire turn a molten red (don't worry, it won't melt). The bottom layer serves several functions including:

• Creating two airflow layers between the ground and fire instead of one;
• reflecting most of the radiated heat from the fire; and
• acting as a secondary platform, in case the top level fails.

Steps

1. Lay out six bricks to create the first row of zinc sheets.
2. Take note that sometimes when you put a sheet on, it will bend inwards. When facing this situation, simply flip it around.
3. Allow the zinc sheet to overlap slightly. That way, the bricks are not right at the edge (as shown in the image).
4. Lay out the bricks for the middle row and place the zinc sheets on top.
5. Do the same for the last row. At this point, you have one layer of the platform completed.
6. Put all of the bricks directly on top of the bricks below, as shown.
7. When the bricks are directly on top of one another, feel for the bricks in the middle, (which you cannot see when putting the bricks on top), by pressing down.
8. Place the top layer on top and you are done!

Tips

• Some people suggest that you need wet sand, but you don't. A double layered platform works better at keeping heat off the ground and it creates far less mess!
• Summary of the design: This graphic image shows how all the bricks were laid out with the zinc sheets. The center where the fire will be is reinforced with more bricks to support the fire right in the center. The bricks on the sides need not be right at the side, they could be perhaps 10 to 20 cm (3.9" to 7.8") in for better support of the platform.
• Avoid the use of galvanized (zinc plated) steel, over-heating can produce toxic fumes.

Warnings

• DO NOT USE ZINC containing metal to build a fire stand (this includes galvanized steel, the most common corrugated metal) it will produce fumes that will make you sick and could possibly cause death.
• Make sure the platform is level; if not, burnt wood may roll off the side, etc.
• Use adequate ventilation, and do not use as shown here (pics are next to a wall!)
• Zinc gives off poisonous fumes when heated by the fire. Though Zinc is required by the body, it is needed only in minute amounts.

Things You'll Need

NOT *Corrugated zinc sheets, or another type of sheet metal

• Bricks (30 is optimal)

Related wikiHows

• How to Build a Backyard Firepit
• How to Use a Fire Pit
• How to Put out a Fire
• How to Make a Bonfire Pit
• How to Put out a Grease Fire

Sources and Citations

• Original source of article: http://www.nalno.com - shared with permission.

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Yummy Flax bread with sides!Flax bread is very good for you and yes, it is possible to eat it and like it! Here is a delicious foccacia style flax "quick bread" that is very easy to make. Ingredients

• 2 cups flax seed meal
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar equivalent (from artificial sweetener or Stevia), or dextrose
• 5 beaten eggs
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup oil

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF/180ºC.
2. Prepare the pan with oiled parchment paper or a silicone mat.
3. Mix the dry ingredients together well.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and combine thoroughly. Break apart and beat in any strings of egg white suspended together in the batter.
   • Let the batter sit for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken up. Don't leave it too long because it will become excessively thick to spread.
5. Pour the batter into the pan. Spread it out evenly. It will tend to mound in the middle - spread it away from the center somewhat to ensure a more even thickness. Do this until it is about an inch (2.5cm) or two (5cm) away from the side of the pan.
   • The closer it is to the side of the pan, the thinner the focaccia will be at the end of cooking.
6. Bake the quick flax bread for about 20 minutes. You can also see if it is done by touching the top gently. If it bounces back a bit, it's done. It should also be browner than what you would expect flax bread to be.
7. Allow to cool for about 20 minutes. Cut into whatever size slices you want it to be. Don't use a sharp knife. Try using a spatula.

Things You'll Need

• 9 x 13 inch (22cm x 33cm) pan
• Parchment paper (baking paper)
• Bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Related wikiHows

• How to Make Garlic and Herb Foccacia Bread
• How to Cook Fried Bread
• How to Make Focaccia
• How to Make Oatmeal Bread
• How to Bake Quick Graham Bread
• How to Make a Quick Toasted Cheese Snack
• How to Prepare a Flaxseed Fiber Rich Breakfast

Sources and Citations

• Adapted from About.com, http://video.about.com/lowcarbdiets/Focaccia-Style-Flax-Bread.htm.

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Developing a personal philosophy can be a deeply rewarding life experience. A personal philosophy is a framework that helps you understand who you are and make sense of your life. Forming your own philosophy is quite difficult, especially for beginners but the rewards make it definitely worth a try. This guide will help get started. Steps

1. Understand that you are starting a lifelong journey. Commit to being open-minded and flexible. Your goal is to start on a path of personal growth that will evolve and mature as you experience life.
2. Start reading and learning. Stick with what interests you and try to get a sense of the big ideas that philosophers are concerned with.
3. Choose a type of philosophy. Philosophical thought is organized around many types of philosophies including: axiology, aesthetics, epistemology, ethics, logic, metaphysics and political theory. Follow your interests. Free free to choose more than one type because you see particular linkages. You will enjoy thinking through how to meld them successfully.
   • After deciding a philosophy type, learn the background history of your chosen philosophy, including readings from the key philosophers. Understand the key questions that were addressed and get a solid understanding of the key concepts.
   • Improve your basic understanding of other types of philosophies. You cannot be an expert in everything but recognize that there is great value in understanding the basics of what others have done. A broad understanding of what people are struggling with and what have the discussions been about will help you develop of your own personal philosophy. Feel free to learn and build on existing ideas It is difficult, starting from scratch, so why not take another philosopher's ideas as a basic framework to get started? Many well known philosophers started like this.
4. Expand and evolve your thinking. The framework you have selected is a starting point. As you experience life, test it out and see what works for you and what doesn't. When you have time analyze this and refine your framework philosophy. Over time as you solve problems and assess the quality of the decisions you have made you will be able to evolve from where you started into something autonomous of the original philosophy.
   • Become a critical thinker. Keep track of where you have obtained the basis for ideas, tenets, theories, etc., in your new philosophy. Being able to trace your theorizing or conclusions back to their source will help you defending your ideas or pushing them further. Very little develops in a vacuum.
   • Referring to what other philosophers has said gives your philosophy greater credibility because you are displaying your depth of knowledge and understanding of existing philosophies.
5. Be patient and allow your ideas to percolate over time. When you have spare time, analyze the framework of your nascent philosophy, and try to find problems and solutions. Taking the development of your philosophy gradually will allow it to evolve into something autonomous of the original philosophy.
   • Keep a journal and continue writing down your thoughts and ideas, even if they're not coherent. Patience is essential because it may take you years to sort through all the discarded notions to find the treasure buried underneath. The passage of time is healthy, as it allows your ideas to keep evolving and to be tested by daily events.
   • Ask some pertinent questions, such as:
     • What is the purpose of your philosophy? Do you want to apply it to all of society or just a sector?
     • What is your role in your philosophy? What, if any, are the roles of particular people in your philosophy?
     • How will you explain the basis of your philosophy to others? Is it helpful on a practical level, or Utopian?
     • How do other belief sets or philosophies fit in with or go against your philosophy?
     • Are you willing to write down a thesis or book of your philosophy? Or would you rather write stories that contain your philosophy but are not overtly a philosophical work in structure?
6. Talk to others interested in philosophy. They can point out faults you might have missed and give different solutions. This is helpful for developing your philosophy.
   • Join a local philosophy group, club, or chapter.
   • Join an online group that has private forums where you can share your ideas freely and get responses.
   • Visit your local university and ask to speak with philosophy professors to share your thoughts with them.
   • If you find someone else who really understands where your new philosophy is headed, embrace their enthusiasm but take care to keep working on your understandings separate from their enthusiasm. It is hard to follow someone else while they are still working out what it is that they believe, so their enthusiasm may just be because they like and trust you.
7. Actively find seek out new experiences to help you to see things in different ways and from different angles.
   • Keep an open mind.
   • Learn to accept criticism and grow from it; it might just help strengthen you and your philosophy.
   • Always have a pencil and a notebook to note down ideas as they occur to you, or you come across them.
8. Keep reading philosophy. It will allow you to see previous philosophers' attempts, what they found, and what fallacies they fell into; thus, progressing your own philosophy. This will also help you to see whether or not you are attempting something that a previous philosopher has already tried.
9. Keep up to date with the world. Try reading a newspaper once in a while. It'll help you apply theories to real situations.
   • For example, take a serious news story that involves issues impacting on many sectors of society and ask yourself: "What would I have done?" Work your answers into your developing philosophy to see if it can withstand actual events and provide explanations, instruction, or greater understanding.
10. See yourself as a philosopher, whether or not you work as one. A career in philosophy, or similar roles such as a researcher in a think-tank or institute, will ensure you dedicate regular time to your philosophy, but for the part time philosopher make sure you dedicate enough time to it so you keep improving and don't forget bits of your work.

Tips

• Try to expand your philosophy – go into other types of philosophy to broaden your ability, even where you don't necessarily like what you're reading or learning. You can learn a great deal from what you don't connect with as well as from that which resonates for you.
• Use someone else's philosophies as a framework only as a beginner; doing this first will build your foundations. Once you keep striving, you will be able to let go more and trust in your own philosophical viewpoints and conclusions.

Warnings

• As a philosopher, you are a lover of wisdom and the truth. Don't hold back just because you are afraid of the consequences – if the great philosophers over time had done so, there would be no philosophy for us to live by and learn from. Sometimes you just have to accept that people won't understand where you're coming from, nor even why you are so impassioned about something they really don't understand.
• Isolation and loneliness can be a result of your more mature outlook and perhaps radical opinion, but do not wallow in self pity. Pick yourself up and find like-minded people and remember the truth is more important than fearing other people's opinions of you.

Things You'll Need

• Notebook and pen
• Writings of other philosophers
• Access to living philosophers and deep thinkers

Related wikiHows

• How to Express Your Feelings on Philosophy
• How to Become a Western Philosophy Guru
• How to Become a Philosopher
• How to Become an Academic Philosopher
• How to See Things As a Philosopher

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One dream may have many different meanings. A dream is an answer to a question we haven't learned to ask. ~ Fox Mulder in The X-Files

Since ancient times, the Greeks and Egyptians believed that some people had the power to draw meaning from dreams, and as long ago as the second century, works were being created on how to interpret our dreams.[1] In modern times, we understand better that the world of dreams is another reality with which we can interact, and yet, as we grow older, it can be all too easy to dismiss the value of dreaming, especially in an age given to sidelining anything that touches on mysticism and Freudian overtones.

Nonetheless, dreaming deserves to hold a special place in our lives because it is an important part of who we are, providing us with signposts and differing perspectives on our waking problems, all offered to us nightly, free-of-charge, if we only care to stop and take note of them. Interpreting dreams is for everyone, not just those already attuned to spending time exploring the psychic and subconscious self - decoding dreams can enable you to gain access to a wealth of intuitive wisdom.

Steps

1. Consider why it is worth interpreting your dreams before proceeding. Even if you're already convinced of the value of interpreting dreams, it's a good idea to understand the importance of dreams in general, and why taking note of them and interpreting what they are telling you can help you in both practical and intuitive ways:
   • Dreams can help you in a very practical way. They are a means by which you can solve problems that have been dogging you throughout the day, week, or month, even where your worries are not conscious.[2] If you're receptive to your dreams, answers are there for the finding. History is filled with the inventions begun in dreams, from scientists to fashionistas.[3]
   • Dreams help you to learn as you process the day's experiences. They layer down the things you've learned during the day and smarten up your learning so that on awakening, you ought to be a little cleverer at whatever it was you learned the day before.[4] Many studies by sleep researchers have shown that we perform tasks better after sleeping on them.[5]
   • Dreams help to connect you with feelings that you're having now and feelings that you've had in the past, in similar circumstances.[6]
   • Dreams can provide you with inspiration and insight. They can show you the doorway to greater fulfillment, happiness, and health if you're prepared to listen to them.[7] Sigmund Freud said that dreams are "the royal road to the unconscious activities of the mind".[8]
   • Dreams can heal and be cathartic, acting as your "internal therapist". They can serve as a way of closing a door on a very difficult part of your life, allowing you to move on from loss, hardship, and sorrow by releasing you to move to the next phase of your life. People who are able to dream, and recall those dreams, have been shown to heal better from traumatic experiences than those who seem to have no dreams.[9]
   • Dreams can allow you to act out and dramatize. They allow us to be creative, insane, aggressive, strong, manipulative, etc., in ways that we might never dare be in waking life, and often we take the leading role.[10] It is of interest that our pre-frontal cortex shuts down during dreaming (the cautious, organized part of us), to allow our emotional side to take over.[11]
   • Dreams can diagnose something that is wrong with you. For example, depressed patients have a complete lack of activity in their dreams.[12] And it is possible for health problems to be brought to your attention through dreams, such as a pain you've been ignoring being related to something that might be wrong with you and need of a check-up.[13] Recurrent dreams are also a very good indicator that something underlying is wrong, often emotionally, with studies on recurrent dreamers revealing that they score lower on well-being scales.[14]
   • Dreams can warn you of threats. In caveman days, the threats were real and translated into a short lifespan. It's possible that dreams (which place you in a very vulnerable state) were not weeded out by evolution because they gave us insight into recognizing and dealing with threats.[15] One study has shown that dreams tend to be more often about threats and negativity on the whole than "sweet dreams".[16] Perhaps this implies that a deeply negative dream is either a prehistoric warning to "be ready", or just a way our minds clear out the worst of what's in there!
   • A few people believe dreams can be prophetic or precognitive.
2. Learn how to remember your dreams. Obviously dream interpretation requires that you remember your dreams. Things that can impact your ability to remember a dream include not focusing on remembering it, poor sleep habits, being so tired that you sleep deeply, alcohol or drugs, and being a new parent. These problems aside (all of which have their own remedies), it is possible to train yourself to remember your dreams:
   • Read wikiHow's article on How to remember your dreams.
   • Keep a dream journal next to your bed and write down everything you remember of your dreams on waking. Make this a daily morning ritual before doing anything else.
   • Write down everything, even if it doesn't make sense. The things that don't make sense or seem out of place may end up being the most valuable insights.
3. Don't cry princess, it was only a dream!Begin interpreting with the right frame of mind. It is important to realize from the outset that your dreams are reflections of yourself and belong to you. Hence, while dream dictionaries and dream interpretation aids can be of some assistance in a very general way, the real nitty gritty of understanding what your dream means will always come down to you, your personal circumstances and the context of the dream and your waking life. Keep in mind too, that the sleep researchers can't agree with one another on the purpose, extent, or value of dreams,[17] so you're not expected to get this perfect or even to find that every dream has a meaning!
   • Don't dismiss the worth of dream interpretation aids - they can be helpful on a general level, still taking in your personalized situation and the other contextual elements of the dream. Use your common sense and your intuition when seeking to draw in generalized dream interpretations of colors, objects, animals, nature, etc.
   • Be prepared to ask yourself questions, all the while trusting your intuition and being patient.[18]
   • In each case, be sure to write down the answers in your dream journal. In doing so, always write down the first thing that comes to your mind. This will likely be the real situation in your life that is symbolized in the dream. If this is the same feeling represented in your dream, you're on the right track. When there is more than one part to your dream (more than one story line), that usually means your subconscious is trying to tell you two or more things and each of these strands needs attention.
   • If some of the details don't make sense, keep practicing until it becomes much easier to decode your dreams. Write down the meanings you discover for each detail. Then you can put them all together to see the big picture.
4. Look for the obvious. Before delving any deeper, always analyze a dream at its most basic level first, and that is done by looking for the most obvious meanings. Some questions to ask of your dream include:
   • "What is this dream trying to me on a literal level?" - for example, you might have misplaced your car keys the night before and your dream shows you that you left them in a bowl on the umbrella stand instead of your usual hook on the wall. In this case, there is probably no need to wonder what keys, umbrellas, and bowls mean!
   • Reflect on what real life situation your dream reminds you of. Are there particular events going on in your daily life that have elements of concern, or that lack resolution for you? Even the most niggling of thoughts might be worth reconsidering in the light of your dream.
   • Have your had this experience or dream before?
   • When dreaming about something you have forgotten, it's a good idea to keep revisiting the dream because it is probably trying to tell you something that you need reminding of.[19]
   • Be alert for distortions of unreality in your dreams. Sometimes we dream about a TV show, or something we've read online or in a book, and our subconscious is bringing it to life in technicolor (basically, a free show!). The meaning behind this is probably simple entertainment as your mind sorts through the daily chaff.
5. Look for representations of your feelings and emotions. Dreams often come to us by way of metaphor, like a puzzle awaiting us to piece it together. When looking for this level of a dream, the questions to ask yourself include:
   • "How did this dream leave me feeling?"
   • "What are the principal emotions arising out this dream?"
   • It is likely that your emotions in the dream are replaying emotions already impacting you during your waking hours, such as being angry with somebody, or feeling down about not meeting a deadline, or feeling happy that a good friend is coming to visit.[20] This means that it is important again to check on what is happening in your waking life.
6. If you have analyzed your dream from both the obvious and emotional perspectives but you still don't think it's telling you much, consider looking for deeper, hidden meanings in a dream.[21] These can actually be very commonplace dreams shared among many of us, and that have fairly standard interpretations available but also still very much depend on your own self and context. For example, regardless of culture or gender, commonplace dream themes include teeth falling out, flying unaided, the first day of school, falling, being chased, and a cheating spouse.[22] Interpretations of these commonplace dreams many of us experience could range from a deep-seated fear of not being attractive enough, or simply that you have a dental appointment that day, to the fact that you watched a TV show the night before about a cheating spouse. You will need to consider your waking reality to work out what the most applicable interpretation is.
   • Look for key images that stand out in your dream. For example, if you dreamed about a red alligator swinging off your boss's lamp and leering at you, a dream dictionary might tell you that red is the color of anger ("seeing red"), that an alligator is about ferocity or stealth (those teeth!), and that your boss' lamp is a source of light or exposure (or just your boss' lamp!). You might conclude that you are angry that your boss has taken the limelight and is crowing about your work as his own. Or, you might see this as your boss being angry with you for not throwing light on something ugly that has reared its head at the workplace. Or, you might have a morbid fear of the red alligator figurine on your boss' desk because the only time you're ever in your boss' office is when you're in trouble, staring at that darned thing to avoid his gaze! While the "symbols" of the dream can be fairly broadly interpreted from the nature or type of those symbols, you still need to fill in the details.
7. Find your way out of the maze of self-deceptionPractice honesty. Not only do you need to be willing to put in the effort to try and interpret your dreams, but you also need to be honest about your feelings and emotions. In reality, your dreams will hardly ever tell you something that you don't already know on some level – it's just more likely that you have been repressing or pushing something aside.[23]
8. What does the burning laptop in your dream symbolize?Consider some possible dream scenarios as ways of learning how you might go about interpreting your own dreams. While dream interpretation is fairly intuitive and self-directed in nature, it can be helpful to have some generalized examples to guide you in ways that people choose to interpret their dreams. Some examples to give you an idea are provided next:
   • Let's say you're stranded on a desert island in your dream. If you've recently broken up with your partner, this could easily make sense. Maybe you feel guilty about the break-up and think it's partly your fault. Or maybe you're still angry about it. Sometimes the feelings you have as you're drifting off to sleep spill over into your dreams.
   • You have a dream in which all of your hair falls out and you are walking into town naked. In real life, you've just left your boyfriend of 4 years, and nabbed yourself an amazing new job. The symbols in the dream in this context could very well mean that you are shedding the old ways and are ready to expose yourself fully to what's ahead of you, and you're not afraid of anybody holding you back now. It may be that you've had some unresolved feelings of guilt or uncertainty about the path ahead but your dream is telling you to go for it. Alternatively, it could mean that your hair has started falling out at the stress of both good and bad things all happening at once, that you need to book a hair appointment fast and get some rest before starting your new job or you'll be vulnerable to not keeping up with everyone else because you're already worn down.
   • You dream you're back at school again trying to pass exams that in real life, you passed ages ago. And no matter how hard you try to pass them, the pencil keeps snapping, or the exam paper flies out the window, or you're just stumped for answers. Swing back to everyday life and you're doing really well, successful at all you have undertaken. A dream like this can simply be telling you that you don't need to worry about something that's worrying you right now because you got over that hurdle in the past; alternatively, it could be warning you that you're skating on thin ice and can't rely on winging it this time, and that you need to stick your head in the books and learn something new - and fast!
9. Know when your dream interpretation is correct. The key thing to remember is that there are no rules to dream interpretation and so there are no rights or wrongs to the interpretation process. It's all down to your self-honesty, self-knowledge and willingness to apply your dream knowledge to your waking life situations. A successful dream interpretation really comes down to the following elements:[24]
   • Your interpretation resonates with you and the path you're following in life.
   • Interpreting your dreams adds something positive to your personal growth and emotional or spiritual fulfillment.
   • You enjoy working dream interpretation into your daily activities. There isn't much point continuing with it if you're not but if you are, it is a sign that you're growing more and more aware of your inner self through dream interpretation.
   • Interpreting your dreams improves your day, your activities, your life in general. It's an activity that brings you personal satisfaction.
   • You are able to find your own interpretations rather than simply accepting someone else's interpretation of dream symbols at face value, and you only rely on generalized interpretations as a building block on which you do most of the work.
   • Acting upon your dreams is not only becoming second nature, but is giving you good, positive results.
   • If it's not working for you, are you allowing yourself to get over the initial hurdles of confusion or skepticism before finally tossing in the towel on using dream interpretation as a means of self awareness?

Keep in mind, dreams are a subjective thing; murky at best, but always entertaining.

Video Tips

• Practice is key. Each time you do this, you will get better at it.
• Trust your instincts! If something seems important, it probably is. Try not to let your logical side take over.
• Read the experts and understand their many varied approaches to dream analysis and interpreting strategies. Jungian analysts, in particular, have published a lot on dreamwork. Especially recommended are the works of Marie-Louise von Franz (see 'The Way of the Dream', 1988). It is important not to get too caught up in one way over another, however, as the jury is still out on what dreaming is all about. Which really means, that you're free to develop your own methods, theories and preferences!
• Try not to focus on what actually happened during the dream too much, focus more on what it symbolizes. As an example, if you dream about something like being raped, it doesn't always literally mean that you are worried about being raped. It most likely represents the feeling that you have lost control over something.
• Sometimes dreams really don't have deep meanings, they could just be about something that happened recently. If you have dreams about going to school or college during the summer and nothing unusual happens, for example, then your brain may just be getting used to not going to school or college every day.
• Professor William Domhoff has been keeping an online database of dreams, which you might like to browse through to peek into what other people are dreaming about.[25]

Warnings

• Do not use this technique if you'd rather remain uninformed about what's going on in your subconscious mind. Some people prefer it that way, and that's a choice as valid as any other.
• Trying to live in a dreamworld is very different from trying to live out a dream. When you act upon your dreams after interpreting them, you do so consciously, and with determination, purpose, and a clear head. On the other hand, living in a dreamworld is pretty much giving yourself over to imaginings, and waiting for something to happen instead of instigating it yourself. That's a sure recipe for letting life pass you by and you definitely need to wake up!

Related wikiHows

• How to Remember Dreams
• How to Have a Lucid Dream
• How to Have Good Mental Health
• How to Improve Your Beauty Sleep
• How to Improve Your Appearance

Sources and Citations

• States of Consciousness and Dreams in Vedic tradition, http://www.veda.harekrsna.cz/encyclopedia/dreams.htm – research source
• Information Resource and Dream Analysis, http://www.luciddreaming.com – research source

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Chess demands concentrationAre you able to think three moves ahead in chess? It's harder than it sounds, but you can learn to do it. Once you learn this visualization exercise, you will realize you can calculate much further than you ever thought you could, and you won't settle for less the next time you play chess! Steps

1. Here both the white pawns have moved to the fourth rank. This could be a real position if the knight moved out and then moved back.Set out a chessboard. Be sure to use a set that has algebraic notation on it: Algebraic notation is a way for you to read the moves and then play them on the board for each side so you can follow a game and study what each side has played, and analyze the moves.
   • Across the bottom will be the letters from "a" to "h." the letters will not be capitalized. There will be numbers going up the sides from "1" to "8."
   • Each square has an address. The first square on the board is "a1."
   • To represent a move, start with the first letter of the piece, capitalized, then write the square you moved it to. If two different pieces that start with the same letter can move to the same square, then include the square the piece originated from.
   • Each piece starts with the first letter of its name, except for the knight, which starts with a capital "N." If it is a pawn, then just write the name of the square it moves to with no capital letter. Castling is written 0-0 for kingside castling and 0-0-0 for queenside.
   • There is more to explain about how to read a chess game, but for now, just follow the directions to get to a certain position where the visual exercise will begin.
2. Play the following moves, moving for each side. 1.e4 is a white move. 1.e5 is a black move. In a scoresheet it looks like this: 1. e4 e5.
   • Next play 2.Bc4 Qf6.
   • Next 3.Nf3 Qg6. 4. Nc3 Qxg2. When there is a small letter x, it means capture. So the Queen has captured the pawn on g2.
3. Begin the exercise. Though you will be calculating white's move, you will be visualizing for both sides.
4. Analyze what has happened first. The queen has taken a pawn. It's not good to lose pieces or pawns willy-nilly, but it's also not generally a good idea to move the same piece twice in the opening, nor to move the queen out first, as she is such a powerful piece that she becomes a target and can get trapped. Greed can also get you into trouble, especially if you go attacking before your pieces are developed. Also there is a saying, "Loose pieces fall off, meaning that pieces that are not protected can become targets of fancy tactics. So knowing these things, let's see if you can find a way to punish black.
5. Calculate. Find five candidate moves. Go down the branch of just one of them. This is what it means to calculate three moves ahead. You don't just pick one move and follow it. You pick as many as you can, and then analyze each one, finding the best possible moves for your opponent as you can, and seeing if you have a good response to it. There is a rule among strong chess players that says "Look at all checks and captures." There is a move here that satisfies both. Look for a moment at the board and see if you can figure out what it is, and then go on to the next step. But first look for it.
6. Start to visualize. Did you you find Bxf7? That's the one. So now comes the visualization part. Don't touch the pieces - do this in your mind.
   • Visualize what the board is going to look like after you play Bxf7. See the piece there.
   • While visualizing the piece there, ask "what are all of black's options for getting out of check?". How many are there? That's right, there are three: The king can capture the bishop on f7, or he can move to where the queen used to be, on d8, or he can move forward one square to e7.
   • Visualize the king capturing the piece on f7. See in your mind the new position after these two moves have been made. Hold the image in your mind as clearly as you can.
   • Next ask what white can do from here. What moves can white make in this new position where black's king is on the f7 square? Name several possible moves, and look for one that checks because you always want to look at all checks and captures first. See anything good? You could check by Ng5 but there is a problem with that. The queen is guarding that square and will capture. So how can you move the queen away. How about put the rook on the g-file? Visualize the Rook moving to g1. Now where can the queen go? Only one square. Visualize the queen moving to h3. Now you can check with the knight. Notice anything else about Ng5? That's right, it's a fork. You win the queen. So you sacrificed the bishop to win the queen. Not bad.
   • Do you see any better moves for the black queen? No. Probably just to take the rook on g1 to get as much as he can out of it. Can you reverse the order of these moves so he can't do that? How about instead of Bxf7 first you do that second, after chasing the queen to h3. Now you can get the queen with a minimum of losses. Of course, you also may have tipped off your opponent to your plans by chasing his queen to the forking square.
7. Keep practicing. After trying this exercise, you will have visualized three moves ahead for one move. In a real game, aim to analyze more than one move. Go through this process for each of the moves that you are considering. The further you are able to go, and the more vividly and accurately you are able to visualize the positions two or three, or even four moves ahead, the better chess player you will become.

Video Tips

• Look at all checks and captures.
• Try to see tricky plans for your opponent, so you can prevent them in time.
• Loose pieces fall off, so when a piece is unguarded, be aware of possible tactics that might occur.
• Don't go for "cheapos." A cheapo is a trick that only works if your opponent makes the worst move. Always assume your opponent sees your trap, and if your plan fails, and it makes your position worse, you can lose the game. Only go for cheap tricks if they improve, not worsen your position.

Things You'll Need

• A chessboard with algebraic notation

Related wikiHows

• How to Begin Mastering Chess
• How to Become a Better Chess Player
• How to Play Chess
• How to Read Algebraic Chess Notation
• How to Set up a Chessboard

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Once a head lice infestation has been removed from your hair, it's important to also clean clothing and other fabric items to ensure that the lice are truly out of your household. This article explains how to remove lice from clothing. Steps

1. Wash your clothes in hot water. The water must be at least 130ºF/54ºC.[1] This will kill the lice and its eggs.
2. Dry the clothes in the heat. In a dryer, dry for at least 20 minutes on high heat.[2] If hanging outdoors, it must be a hot and sunny day.
3. Iron any of your clothes that can be ironed. The hot temperature will also kill the lice and their eggs.
4. Treat clothes that cannot be washed. There are several possibilities for clothing that cannot be washed by hand or in a washing machine:
   • Dry clean clothing that can be dry cleaned - it's courteous to warn your dry cleaner first though!
   • Put clothing that cannot be washed or dry cleaned in a plastic bag and freeze it for at least 3 days.
   • Or, place the clothing into a dryer on high heat for 20 minutes minimum.[3]
   • Alternately, leave clothing in a sealed plastic bag in a room for 2 weeks.[4]
5. Clean other linen and fabric items. Clothing is not the only that thing that has to be cleaned. Make sure that you clean all of your bedding, and vacuum your carpets thoroughly.
   • You can buy lice spray to kill lice that may be on furniture.

Video Tips

• Follow all instructions included in any kits that you purchase
• Check family members for lice too.
• Wash hairbrushes in hot water and tea tree oil or soap. If the brush cannot be washed, you could try leaving it outside in hot sunshine. Alternately, consider replacing the hairbrush.
• To remove lice from hair, see:
  • Get rid of head lice and eggs
  • Remove head lice using tea tree oil
  • Get rid of head lice with orange juice
• Exposing lice to temperatures over 125ºF/51ºC for 10 minutes duration will kill lice.[5]

Things You'll Need

• Hot water washing machine
• Dryer or clothes line in full sunshine

Related wikiHows

• How to Get Rid of Lice
• How to Remove Lice Using Tea Tree Oil
• How to Get Rid of Lice With Orange Juice
• How to Get Rid of Head Lice (Mayonnaise Method)
• How to Get Rid of Lice Without Your Parents Knowing

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True friends stab you in the front. - Oscar Wilde

Is your friendship mutually supportive and healthy, or is it a battlefield? Friendships don't always run true to course - sometimes, something goes very wrong and a friendship turns sour, for reasons that are often outside your control. In this situation, detoxing the friendship is ultimately a call that's up to you but if you do want to give it your best shot, detoxing a friendship gone bad can result in either gaining a healthier, stronger friendship, or you can be freed from having to spend any more time with someone who has been dragging you down.

Steps Time for reflection

1. Take a moment to reflect over your friendship. If the friendship feels toxic where once it felt fantastic, try to pinpoint what doesn't feel right about it anymore. Some indicators of emotional "toxicity" in a friendship include:
   • Feeling down or even depressed when your friend is about.[1]
   • No longer getting excited to see your friend, seeing them has become something you feel obliged to endure.
   • You feel that your friend always talks about themselves, even when it's clear you need a shoulder to cry on.[2]
   • Your friend's set of values and their ambitions seem to have changed a great deal from yours, to the extent where you don't see eye to eye on most things anymore.[3]
   • Have you discovered that your friend gave you bad advice on purpose?[4] It can be just as bad if your friend is always agreeing with you without caring about the consequences because he or she cannot be bothered to set you straight.[5]
   • It seems that your friend only "needs" you when he or she has bad news to share.[6]
   • It feels as if your friend is using you as a means to make herself or himself feel better by belittling you.[7]
   • Your friend has taken to criticizing you all the time or being judgmental about your choices and decisions without cause.
   • Rumors started by your friend (confirmed by others) have reached your ears.
   • Your friend has taken to dropping you in a mess at the last moment, hindering your progress, or has become really unreliable and won't follow through on promises made to you, time and again.[8]
   • You feel manipulated, demeaned, poisoned, or downplayed by your friend.[9]
   • Consider what other behaviors or attitudes have lead you to feeling sour about your friendship together.
2. Taking all of your feelings into account, decide how you feel about attempting to salvage the friendship. It is important to reach a decision as to whether or not you're comfortable trying to detox the friendship, or whether a better bet would be let it go. Even if you do give detoxing a chance, the end result might be that you still need to let go, so be prepared for this possibility in all events. When considering the worth of trying to detox your friendship, the following things are worth keeping in mind:
   • The duration of your friendship together and all the good times you've shared.
   • Whether you have to continue seeing your friend in a work or social context.
   • The openness of your friend to discussing feelings, behavior and to accepting that he or she isn't right all the time. Some people remain adamant that they are right, no matter what you say, that they can prove to be impossible when it comes to opening your heart or reasoning with them.
   • Other issues going on in your friend's life that may have affected his or her outlook on life.

Taking a chance on a friendship detox

If, after reflection, you've decided it's not worth going ahead with your friendship, skip this section and go to the next one "Cutting ties with your friend". Otherwise, follow this section to try and detox your friendship.

1. Raise the problems in your friendship with your friend. Once you have decided that it is worth investing your time and effort in detoxing your friendship, it's time to bring attention to your friend's behavior to see whether it's possible to resolve the challenges. This isn't going to be easy but avoiding it will not help you either; nothing will change if you don't tackle it. Be sensitive and gentle in the way that you approach this conversation – you will be treading a fine line between on the one hand, your friend feeling that he or she is being criticized, blamed, or that you're just being unfair and on the other hand, your friend being relieved that the grievance is out in the open, ready for proper discussion. Some ways to approach this could include saying:
   • "I feel that we haven't been very close lately and that our friendship is suffering as a result. I was hoping you might have the time to talk about ways we could take stock and boost our friendship again."
   • "I've missed the closeness we used to experience as friends. I don't know if you're feeling this too, but I'd really like to talk about the ways we might be able to restore that closeness we used to have."
   • "I felt upset when I overheard you telling Mr X that I wasn't much of a friend to you and it made me wonder where we're headed. Have you got a moment to talk about this?"
2. Listen. Be ready to listen attentively and kindly to what your friend says. There may be some things you don't like hearing but you must remain open-minded and ready to acknowledge your own mistakes as well. It's quite possible that you're unaware of how you might be contributing to their behavior.
3. Agree to disagree. If there is something that neither of you can see eye-to-eye on, just agree to disagree about it but not to let that get in the way of what ought to be a fine friendship. Or, try a little humor. One tactic that can work really well with friends who have a sense of inferiority is to disarm their toxic rebukes with humor that sort of agrees with their statement. For example:
   • Friend: "Oh where on Earth did you get that dress from? It makes you look frumpy!" You: "Oh yeah, I felt like frumping it tonight, can't have my husband thinking I'm flirting while he's away!"[10]
4. Validate the friendship. Avoid blaming and accusing; instead, keep validating the friendship in everything that you say, explaining how much you value your friend and your friendship together, so that it's clear that this isn't about throwing away what really matters.
5. Keep the discussion short and to the point. Don't labor it. And always end the conversation positively, whether it's promising to do something for your friend, or arranging to do something together, or simply telling them what a wonderful person you think they are.
   • If your friend throws a "tantrum", or argues fiercely with you, politely let them know you're taking your leave and you'll continue this discussion later. There is no need for an argument over your feelings.
6. Think of some great ways that you might be able to suggest as ways forward for your friendship. If your friend has responded favorably to your concerns and is at least willing to give things another go, it can be helpful to have some ideas of things that might help to get your friendship back on track. Some ideas to consider include:
   • A ban on gossiping about one another. This goes without saying but if it has been a problem, it's best to have a laugh about it and get it out into the open as a taboo activity.
   • A willingness and commitment to spending more time together, just the two of you, sharing a common interest that you both enjoy.
   • Having a secret signal to let one another when the advice and support is crossing the line into being bossy, criticizing, or pushy. At the first sign of this signal, either one of you will know it's time to call a halt to whatever behavior is causing the problem.
   • Reaching an agreement that it's OK to deal with upsets as they occur rather than leaving misunderstandings to fester.
   • Sharing a mutual appreciation space. It could be a photo board, an online privately shared site, a weekly chat. Whatever you decide, make room for celebrating one another and each other's achievements. Friends are supporters, not detractors, and both of you should feel safe in communicating your wins and losses in life.
7. Review your friendship. After having your heart-to-heart, consider how your friendship stands now.
   • Does it feel like the two of you have reached a good understanding, as if you've been through the wars but now you are stronger for it?
   • Do you feel that your friend is ready to be there for you, to enable you to be the best you can be, and you're willing to reciprocate one hundred percent?[11]

Cutting ties with your friend

This section is suitable when you've reached a decision that it isn't worth trying to detox your friendship, or where you've tried to do so but your friend is refusing to face the facts and has, indeed, made things worse by suggesting you are blaming them or reproaching them and they flat outright refuse to see their own wrongdoing.

1. Reread through the indicators of a toxic personality as outlined in the first section above. Did you find yourself agreeing to many of the signals? Did the list enlighten your sense of loss about your friendship? If so, and if you feel that it isn't worth trying anymore, it's time to cut the ties.
2. Detach yourself. It's time to accept that you've outgrown this friendship, in the same way that you outgrow other aspects of your life. If you hear that voice some people enjoy trotting out that "you've just got to keep trying", then ignore it. By now, it's clear you've already tried more than enough and your friend crosses the line of forbearance when he or she continues to manipulate, demean, or gossip about you. It is just as important to know when to let someone go as it is to know when to keep trying, and at this point, detaching yourself is healthy and a stage of maturation in your life.
3. Delete their details from your life. Remove your friend from Facebook, your cell phone, your address book, etc. Dr Ray Pahl, a friendship expert, explains that too many friends in your life can be stressful and unfulfilling anyway,[12] so it's important to leave your guilt aside too.

Coping with an ex-friend

While cutting the ties and moving on is a healthy choice in a toxic friendship, what do you do if you're still in the same social or work circles as your former friend? The answer is to be kind, cordial, and professional in your continued relations with them, all while maintaining your distance.

1. Be friendly and kind where you have no choice but to keep coming into contact with a former friend. If you have parted ways with a toxic friend but you are still in his or her daily circles for work or social reasons, there's no need to do the cold stonewalling act. Keep communicating in a friendly, caring way that still maintains your distance. Say "hello" when you see your former friend - it doesn't have to be more than this - but at least keep greetings civil and ongoing. Acknowledging your former friend's worth as a human being still matters. This can be a delicate balance as you do not want to convey the idea that you are still friends.
2. Don't ever be caught saying a bad word about your former friend. If anyone tries to draw you on, this simply say "Yes, we were friends once but it didn't work out. She's still a good person, we're just not suited as friends now."
3. Be polite. Whenever your paths cross, if all else fails you, at least smile. If your friend doesn't reciprocate, don't worry - just keep doing this and other people will notice who is the person with the chip on their shoulder.
4. Keep conversations short and sweet. If you are in a situation where you still need to talk to one another, stick to simple things and excuse yourself as soon as it is polite to do so. If you need to talk through things to do with work and find yourself disagreeing, keep it civil, professional, and stick to the facts.
5. Put your efforts into the remaining friendships. Your real friends are a source of support and re-energizing. Rely on them for improving your outlook on friendship!

Video Tips

• For women, Susan Shapiro Barash says that there are 10 types of friendships possible. Read through these to try and identify any of the more negative types in your friendships, to see where some of your challenges might lie, or to identify the healthier friendships and to be grateful for the lovely balance in your life:[13]
  • The Leader (she always rules and expects her viewpoints to dominate)
  • The Doormat (she will always expect to be walked over, will say yes to anything)
  • The Sacrificer (she'll do anything for you at her own expense)
  • The Misery Lover (she sees the worst in everything, without fail)
  • The User (she only likes you for what you can give her)
  • Intimate Frenemies (she's pretending she likes you through that smile, but she's about to sabotage you in every way she can)
  • The Trophy Friend (she likes you because in some way you provide or confirm the status and power that she's hungry for)
  • The Mirroring Friend (she and you get along because your lives and experiences are similar and shared)
  • The Sharer (she is open, gives of herself and is free with her emotions)
  • The Authentic Friend (she gives, receives, loves you for who you are, and she is the real-deal best friend always).
• How toxic are you as a friend? Shapiro recommends that we also look at our own behaviors here![14]
• Try to think of your toxic friend positively. Try to think of them as people who make mistakes.
• If they say something mean, tell them that you don't like it and forgive them. Remember that it's unlikely that they care less if you hold a grudge, unless it serves their purpose of keeping you in a controllable position. Don't suffer unnecessary damage – refuse to let it get to you.

Related wikiHows

• How to End a Toxic Friendship
• How to Act Smart In Front of Your Friends
• How to Recognize a Toxic Friend
• How to Recognize a Toxic Relationship
• How to Thank Friends Whilst Being Sick

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Parents around the world would love the magic formula to encourage kids to do their homework! Alas, it's not as simple as waving a wand, but there are some methods for encouraging your kids to develop and stick to a regular homework routine. For some parents, effective encouragement to get your kids to do their homework will also be about changing your own approaches to homework enforcement but it's not hard, it's just about taking a moment to work it through. Try these steps to help your kids complete their homework and succeed in school. Steps

1. Understand the benefits of homework. If you're not convinced that homework matters, it will be even harder to convince your kids. There are some good reasons behind a moderate amount of homework:
   • Homework reinforces learning taught during the day. Some learning won't stick as well unless kids give it more practice and the classroom environment isn't necessarily going to provide adequate time for more practice. This is of special importance for math and critical thinking skills.[1]
   • Sometimes homework teaches additional skills not taught at school due to lack of time or resources. This is a "broadening" learning effect of homework.[2]
   • Homework instills self-discipline, teaching time management, organizational skills, concentration skills, and self-responsibility.[3] Self-discipline is a key life skill that can only be learned in the doing.
2. Make peace with the reality that most kids don't like doing homework. When there are many other infinitely more interesting things happening, especially in our electronic gadget age, it's hard to make homework appealing, so stop trying. As a parent, guardian, or other person responsible for getting kids to do homework, acceptance isn't about agreement with them. It's about understanding and infusing the rest of your approach with that understanding, while remaining prepared to set the boundaries and stand by your expectations that they will do it.
3. Be a facilitator rather than a force to be reckoned with. You can cajole, plead, yell, threaten, bribe, and jump up and down with your face turning blue but none of this negative and mutually exhausting behavior will make your kids do anything. Sure, they'll respond to immediate threats of withdrawing privileges and you standing over them until it's done, but this will not turn into reformed homework behavior, and who is spending their time standing over them instead of getting other tasks done? That's right – you. Instead, aim to facilitate the homework process as much as possible:
   • Provide a distinct, comfortable, well-lit, quiet, and non-distracting place for the homework to be completed.[4] Somewhere away from electronic items, pedestrian traffic, and other kids playing is ideal.
   • Ensure that your child has everything needed to do homework, from pens and paper, to a laptop and books, and be sure to get special project materials in advance, to avoid the excuse of "I don't have what I need".[5] Take a moment to sit down with them when they start homework to see what else they might need, including bookmarking quality kids' information websites they can use as part of their homework research tools, such as the US Kids.gov site,[6] and an online dictionary.
   • Invite or encourage your child to keep you informed about homework progress and any interesting facts that arise out of it.
4. Discuss homework with your kids in a direct and enabling manner. At the beginning of each term or semester, sit down and talk about how your kid intends to handle homework in the coming months. In this way, you set mutually shared ground rules for getting homework done, ground rules that you can call on to remind them when they're slipping, or to praise them for when they're meeting them.
   • Empower your kids. Rather than setting the time for homework, have a family meeting to discuss possible times. Let the kids feel they’re somewhat in charge by giving them the choice of when to do their homework—before dinner, after dinner, or half before and half after. The only rider on this is to refuse to allow homework to be left until just before bedtime – set an agreed cut-off point by which time homework must be completed; this can be sweetened by making allowance for fun reading time, or other enjoyable wind-down activity prior to bedtime. And you can help by keeping the evening mealtime as regular as possible.
   • Find out if there are specific areas of homework they're having difficulties with. Ask them if they would like to consider having more hands-on help with those issues (you, a sibling, or a tutor, for example). Sometimes homework isn't working because they're struggling with it in class, as well as, out of class.
   • Help your child figure out what is hard homework and what is easy homework. Having your child do the hard work first will mean he is most alert when facing the biggest challenges. The easier material will seem to go faster once fatigue begins to set in.
   • Agree on homework free times, such as parts of the weekend, or Friday nights, etc., and allow them to plan how they use this free time.
5. Use praise to achieve intrinsic motivation. Praising work done well and ignoring or downplaying poor performance is an approach that will enthuse your kid a lot more than focusing on the negatives, and it helps to remove the tension for you, along with any inclination to tear your hair out.
   • Be careful when using rewards to spur homework completion. The aim is to rely principally on intrinsic motivators (fostering satisfaction at a job completed) rather than material rewards. Bribing is the ultimate demotivating strategy because any kid who associates completing homework with a new DS game or an allowance increase learns to do the activity for material gain rather than internal gratification, or for greater understanding. Occasional rewards for a special project done really well can be a great boost but regular material rewards are best avoided.
   • Reward homework completed with praise, including informing your kid that you are really proud of her for being organized/timely/proactive, etc. It is important to define the exact reason why you are proud of your kid, so that she knows what to keep up. The idea is to "catch them doing something good" and keep noticing the good.[7]
   • Ignore poor behavior. When your kids don't achieve what they need to, avoid a yelling match. Keep your message simple, reminding your kids what you have agreed upon together when discussing how they'd approach homework and expressing both disappointment and a hope to see things return to normal the next day.
   • Keep real rewards simple, such as a walk to the park, a pizza dinner, spending time playing a game with your kid that you usually find too hard for you, going to the zoo, etc. This way you remain involved, your child links good performance with spending more fun time with you, and having fun as a family.
6. Shift the responsibility from you to your child. This may feel really hard for you, especially in a time when parents feel a sense of self-responsibility about homework, but it's absolutely vital that your child learns as early as possible that the consequences for not completing homework rest on them, not on you. Don't carry the weight of your child's unwillingness to complete homework on your shoulders; provided you are giving them a supportive and caring structured environment, and you've defined daily homework times, homework not completed is your child's lesson in learning about self-responsibility.[8] After a few times of learning first hand the consequences of not completing homework, your child will soon start to see that he or she has responsibility in this matter. This is not the same as not caring at all. It is about taking a conscious approach to letting your kids learn to be responsible.
   • Naturally, if you have a child with learning or other disabilities, you may need to vary this more hands-off approach. However, don't be afraid to seek support from professional people skilled in your child's particular disability; getting help is important when you don't know what else to do.
7. Remove your knee-jerk reaction of needing to do your kid's homework. If homework is meant to be done by your child alone, stay away. Too much parent involvement can prevent homework from having some positive effects. Homework is a great way for kids to develop independent, lifelong learning skills.[9]
8. Be engaged, not nosy. Nobody appreciates the nosy, stand-over person, and kids are no different. Try to make your approach to their homework one of engaged curiosity, not of nosiness or trying to cross off every discrete task as it's done.
   • Avoid asking your kid for precise details of homework the moment he or she walks through the door. Allow for chill time first.
   • Avoid probing deeper than you need to. If your kid says "I've got math homework", ask "What sort of math?", not "How many pages and exactly what sort of equations? I want to see it when you're done, mister."
   • Avoid demanding that you keep track of homework. Place that expectation back on your kid or you'll suffer the consequences of having to keep constant checks on everything, be at the receiving end of your kid's irritation, and end up realizing that all you've really taught your kid is that you'll manage her affairs rather than the other way around.
9. Consider doing your homework at the same time as your younger kid. When you are inspiring younger kids to get involved in homework, one neat trick is to do some homework of your own, to show your child that you're being responsible and completing essential chores too. Show your child that the skills they are learning are related to things you do as an adult. If your child is reading, you read too. If your child is doing math, balance your checkbook.[10]
10. Find out what motivates your kid. A recent study has shown that middle school aged kids who have an ambition that requires education before a career are more likely to knuckle down and do their homework than kids who lack ambition or who seek to work in an area that doesn't require a university education.[11]
    • If your child is motivated to enter a career requiring college education, you can use this knowledge to encourage your child to view homework as an investment.
    • Even where this is not apparent, it doesn't hurt to talk to your children about the importance of ensuring that all opportunities are left open and that homework enables this. Of course, this type of reasoning is best reserved for middle school and up.
11. Find a new name for homework. Every kid's ears prick up at the mention of "work". It's bad enough asking them to clean their room or to clear the latest art and craft disaster off the floor without having to insist also that they do homework. A little trick is to sidestep this in your household, and no matter what school is referring to it as, calling it something like "home learning", "brain boosting", or even just plain old "study". [12] Always talk about it in terms that suggest it's about learning and growing, not about work.
    • Be positive about homework. Use positive language for it and subtly talk about how learning will help your child in the future. For example, tell your would-be actress daughter that she won’t be able to memorize her lines if she’s not a stellar reader. The attitude you express about homework will be the attitude your child acquires.

Video Tips

• Try giving a hint, or if it's math, show how to do a simpler problem of the same type. Giving answers means your child will not learn the material. Too much help teaches your child that when the going gets rough, someone will do the work for him or her.
• When the teacher asks that you play a role in homework, do it. Cooperate with the teacher. It shows your child that the school and home are a team. Follow the directions given by the teacher.
• Be firm. You won't do your child any favors if one day you agree to a schedule and the next agree to throw it out the window. You will be tested. Be ready, and simply say "We agreed you'd do it now, and that's how we'll continue. I look forward to playing a round of Mario Kart Wii with you at 7pm."
• Stay informed. Talk with your child's teacher. Make sure you know the purpose of homework and what your child's class rules are.
• Restrict phone calling during homework time. Be the guardian of incoming calls and tell your kid's friends that they can call back after a certain time. If your kid cannot resist texting, ask for the cell phone to be placed in a central location (it's a good idea to create a place where all of you leave cell phones overnight), and let them retrieve it once homework is completed.

Warnings

• Watch your child for signs of failure and frustration. Let your child take a short break if she is having trouble keeping her mind on an assignment.
• Don’t meddle. Be available to answer questions or help with problems, but don’t make homework time even more painful for your kids by hovering over them, judging everything they do.
• Talk to your kids’ teachers if you feel their homework load is unreasonable. In elementary school, ten minutes times the grade number is sufficient; more than 90 minutes for middle schoolers or more than two hours for high school students is excessive.
• Turn off the TV when it is within hearing distance of a child doing homework. If there are other members of the family watching TV, shift the TV to a place where it cannot be heard.
• Beware: rewarding and praising your child to do their homework is different then bribing your child into doing their homework. Never bribe a child into doing their homework; it doesn't prepare them for the future.

Things You'll Need

• Suitable homework space, preferably dedicated space that is always available to your child to use
• Resources needed to complete homework projects
• Good lighting, comfortable chair
• Healthy snacks (optional) - it can be helpful to have carrot sticks, celery pieces, hummus, etc., ready for grabbing from the fridge to munch on as homework is being completed

Related wikiHows

• How to Do Homework
• How to Plan a Homework Schedule
• How to Find Motivation to Do Homework
• How to Check Math Homework
• How to Balance Homework and Chores

Sources and Citations

• Original source of article: Howcast, How to Get Your Kids to Do Their Homework, http://www.howcast.com/videos/59736-How-To-Get-Your-Kids-To-Do-Their-Homework - shared with permission.
• Ed.gov, General homework tips for parents, http://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/involve/homework/part_pg2.html#2 – research source and partial use of US government copyright free information within text of article.

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Google Instant is a feature introduced on September 8, 2010 that predicts search queries as you type them into Google. It allows you to get your local weather forecast in under a second by pressing only 1 key. Steps

1. Go to the Google home page. As of September 8, 2010 this will only work for people who are using Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Internet Explorer 8. Google plans on expanding this to more areas within a few days and to other browsers and mobile users within months.
   
   
2. Press "w". That's it. Notice the weather report came up instantly without you having to type "weather" or press search. Read your weather report. Depending on your previous search history, however, you may have to type more of the word in order for it to work.[1]
   
   

Tips

• If you keep typing you will notice how the search results change as it tries to predict what you are looking for. Google estimates that this will save 350 million hours for searchers every year.
• You might get redirected to your country's google home page. Just click on the "Go to google.com" link below to go there.
• You can also go to the top where the links are and add content to your page. There is a wide selection of weather forecast and monitoring widgets available.
• Google Instant only works in the "Classic Home", not "iGoogle" version. A person can switch between the two by clicking on the "Classic Home" link on the top right hand corner and back. iGoogle will provide results in the previous drop down menu method.

Related wikiHows

• How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts in Google Instant Search
• How to Use the Google Calculator
• How to Change Your Google Buzz Privacy Settings
• How to Add Wikipedia Articles to Google Earth

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If you are a new Trek fan, or already a fan in need of a revival, this is the guide for you! Being a Star Trek fan might include watching Star Trek TV shows or movies, collecting Star Trek memorabilia, and sometimes attending conventions where Star Trek devotion is celebrated. In this article, you'll learn how to be an avid Star Trek fan in many ways, allowing you to pick and mix what's of most interest to you! Steps

1. Decide how you want to be known in your Star Trek fan capacity. You could just be a plain old "Star Trek fan", but it's helpful to know that Star Trek fans have two names: Trekkies or Trekkers. There is some debate as to the appropriate term, however, and some Star Trek fans can take offense at having the "wrong" term applied. This article carries the title of "Trekkie" because it's more commonly used but the term that you choose is really up to you to decide, with a little help from knowing the following:
   • A Trekkie is sometimes viewed as a fan who devotes their entire interest time to Star Trek and does little else.[1]
   • A trekker is viewed by some as a very keen fan of Star Trek who manages to balance other interests in their life as well.[2]
   • The creator of Star Trek, Gene Rodenberry, referred to fans as trekkies.[3]
   • Leonard Nimoy, who played Mr. Spock, prefers fans to be known as "trekkers".[4]
2. Watch the series and the movies, if you haven't already done so. Even if you're already an avid Trekkie, if there are holes in your viewing, now is the time to catch up!
   • Watch the first Star Trek series. The Original Series (TOS) are still aired on TV on some channels, depending on where you live. It is recommended that the best way to catch up on the entire original series is to watch them on DVD because this will ensure that you see them in the correct order. Keep in mind that the special effects are bad compared with what we're used to nowadays because it started as a low-budget show back in late 1966! Be kind in your criticism!
     • There were three seasons of TOS. All three seasons can be found for free at the CBS website under the tab "classic shows".
   • Watch The Next Generation. Once again, watching them on DVD is best, so you can see them in order. There are 178 episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation!
   • Watch the movies. The movies are:
     • Star Trek I-VI (1-6)
     • Generations
     • First Contact
     • Insurrection
     • Nemesis; and
     • The newest Star Trek movie (2009). Even if you do not agree with the new movie, it still bears the label of Star Trek, even if it is a non-canon story.
   • Continue watching the spin-offs. Deep Space 9, Voyager, and Enterprise. Be sure to pay attention to technology, terms, creatures, and characters.
3. Read the Star Trek books. They are still being published and there are hundreds to choose from. Maybe at first just focus on the books to accompany your favorite series. To consider yourself a true Trek fan and not a 'dabbler', you must have read some of the books.
   • One book that is a complete must-have is The Star Trek Encyclopedia. This contains detailed information on STV ,TOS, TNG, and DS9, as well as the movies. It is the Star Trek "bible". And if you're going to be a fully fledged Trek fan you're going need a reference book, for those times in the middle of the night when you absolutely need to go check what episode a certain ship was in, or what year Harry Kim was born.
   • Search for used copies of books in the science fiction section of your local bookstore, or check an online auction site.
4. The Memory Alpha logo Join the Star Trek wiki, Memory Alpha. Memory Alpha aims to be "the most definitive, accurate, and accessible encyclopedia and reference for everything related to Star Trek." It can be found at: http://memory-alpha.org/wiki/Portal:Main. This wiki contains more information than the encyclopedia because it is constantly updated as new information is created. You'll need it if you want your knowledge to extend further than Voyager's fifth season, and being a part of the wiki means that you can collaborate with other Star Trek fans if wished.
   • On the internet generally, consider always using Trek themed usernames. For example, Klingonsienceofficer7777777.
5. Use Star Trek lines in your everyday conversation. This is a must for the avid Star Trek fan! Trekno-babble is the fast "techno-babble" conversation that people on Star Trek always have that only a true trekkie could understand. You will be expected not to get lost just because they talk about all this future stuff. Some of the key phrases to pepper your conversation with include:
   • "Beam me up Scotty!"
   • "Make it so."
   • "Live long and prosper."
   • "That is illogical."
   • You're late to work because you had to go to the optometrist. On your way in, you happen to run into your boss and he/she asks you where you were. You can inform him that you had diagnostics performed on your malfunctioning visual sensory organs and the proper corrective measures have been implemented. You'll leave a lasting impression on his/her mind.
   • Know series abbreviations like STV, TOS and TNG, etc. – these are musts. It would be so un-trek like of you to say, "I got lost in all that high future stuff talk." Instead say, "The trekno-babble threw me off."
   • Be smart and say long run-on sentences like Data.
   • Learn stardates. That way, if someone asks "when is the movie opening?", you can weird them out by telling them the stardate. See "Tips" on how to use a stardate.
   • Get into the habit of saying "universe" instead of "world". Instead of saying you're the "best mom in the world", say "you're the best mom in the "universe"!
   • There is a Klingon language, and it is helpful to learn it. Do not make up your own version of Klingon. There is a Klingon dictionary by Mark Okrand which teaches you the basics - it's a great way to be able to weird-out those people who are oddly curious yet skeptical about Trek fandom.
6. Fan demonstrating the Vulcan Peace Sign. Live Long and Prosper! Learn how to do the Vulcan Peace Sign. Read wikiHow's article on how to do make the Vulcan peace sign.
7. Learn the layout of the Enterprise. Any Trekkie worth their salt should know the Enterprise inside out!
   • Know what a Jefferies tube is.
   • Know how a warp core works.
8. Look for an old copy of the boardgame online!Play Star Trek games. There are games you can play by yourself, with a friend, or in a party setting, all themed around Star Trek:
   • Memorize how many ways Dr. McCoy says "I am a doctor not a...". A good exercise in observation and memory improvement!
   • Memorize Star Trek trivia then have trivia contests with fellow fans. This can make for a great party!
   • Memorize the movies line by line. For fun, you may challenge another Trekker to a quote war. The first person to be unable to name a quote loses. You also should know which episodes certain famous quotes come from.
   • Same goes for episode names. Learn all the TOS names first as there aren't so many of those. Then try TNG. It isn't that hard, and it makes things so much easier in conversation if you know exactly what goes on in a episode from its name.
   • Play Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock.
9. Build models of the Enterprise and other famous Star Trek ships. Look online for patterns if you can't reverse engineer or fashion a design template of your own.
   • Purchase a kit if you're not keen to make a starship or other Star Trek model from scratch.
   • Try and build a phaser or another piece of trek equipment. (Wear protective gear though!)
   • Make a Starship Enterprise out of a floppy disk.
10. Collect memorabilia and display it. Star Trek memorabilia can be purchased online from hobby sites, fan sites, or online auctions. You can probably also find Star Trek memorabilia in real auctions and even in the attics of friends and family! Always be on the lookout for finding great objects to add to your collection.
    • Put Star Trek pictures all over your walls.
    • Create a shelf space to place models and other Star Trek memorabilia out on display.
    • Consider starting your own website with photos of your Star Trek collection for other Trekkies to drool over.
11. Attend Star Trek Cons. Attending conventions which feature Star Trek, or include Star Trek fans generally, can be a fun way to meet other Star Trek fans and to really enjoy the spirit of appreciating Star Trek.
    • Go in costume. This is a must. All real fans have uniforms or other relevant costumes. Check online costume stores or auction stores for ready-made versions, or aim to make your own.
    • Be in character. For example, read wikiHow's articles on how to act like Mr. Spock, act like Deanna Troi, and act like Julian Bashir.
12. Bake Star Trek food. If you're good at baking, creating cakes and cookies in the shapes of Star Trek characters, symbols, equipment, and ships can be an enjoyable pastime. Upload your photos to a fan site or a photography site to share with others and inspire them.

Video Tips

• '*'Here's how to use a stardate. This information applies to the 2009 movie, but is an official version (some people might not agree with the 2009 movie, but it IS star trek). You can't use this to figure out exactly when the show episodes and movies happened, besides the 2009 movie. The part of a stardate before the decimal is the year, and the part afterwards is the day of the year. For instance, 2010.11 is January 11th, 2010; 2010.38 is February 7, 2010; and 2233.4 (twenty-two-thirty-three-zero-four, recognize that?) is January 4th, 2233. of course, if you're starting your own group, you could create your own version of stardates. Just remember to spread the one that was just explained to other trekkies so they know it!
• Despite differences you may experience with them, treat Star Wars fans or other science fiction fans with the courtesy and respect that you would want toward your interest. We agree to disagree. Be patient if a non-fan asks if Wars and Trek are the same thing, or which one Luke Skywalker's in. Keep the general population informed!
• You may choose to emulate a particular character, but so may anyone else. Star Trek is open to everyone, and there can be more than two "Scotty" emulators. Try not to feel jealous - band together with your fellow character fans and celebrate! There are many Yahoo Groups and websites dedicated to certain characters.
• Try to sign up to as many different Star Trek websites and RPG games as possible.
• If you can't find a good Star Trek game to play, try downloading the free trial of Elite Force. This can be found at startrek.com under gaming and then under previews after you go to gaming. Click on the Elite Force picture (it shows the Borg) and download the demo.
• Have Trek themed voice messages for your answering machine like a recording of Picard saying, "Opening hailing frequencies." This will weird the heck out of non-trekkies.
• Consider learning about the motivations behind Star Trek in terms of treatment of other cultures and difference. Star Trek has long promoted tolerance and open-mindedness.
• Consider enrolling at the academy at http://academy.sfi.org/.

Warnings

• As with all fandom, don't overdo and avoid getting angry with people who don't "get you". Ask yourself whether you're trying to "get" their passions in life if you feel hurt that they don't care about your passion; after all, it cuts both ways!
• Be prepared for criticism. People don't understand the uniforms, action figures and quotes so they make fun of them - they're just sore for not belonging to such a tight-knit group as the Trekkie world. Just smile and insult them in Klingon, and know that when you go home to your DVDs and model ships and weaponry, you are the better person. Always.
• Some Trekkies behave appallingly on message boards and are not very nice if you cross them. It's usually stupid things, for example, you love a character they hate so they get all angry. This is negative fan behavior and is not acceptable. Fans should come together to celebrate their love of Trek and to compare opinions - not shoot others down. Beware of these people and make sure you know where the 'report to moderator' button is. And remember, don't feed the trolls.
• When the challenges mount up, a true Trekkie doesn't give up.
• Don't go around calling characters "Mr. Spock" or "Mr. Data" or "Ms. Troi". Drop the formality because you're a true Trekkie and know them well. Call 'em Troi or Crusher, that's fine, but don't ever call them Mr. or Ms. or Mrs. It means you are not familiar with them enough! (Although Spock was referred to as "Mr. Spock" many times, so this can be ok.)
• Star Wars is not evil. Many Trek fans are also Star Wars fans, and most of the Trek-Wars battle takes place on SNL Skits and the like. It is popularized by the media because it paints a fantastical picture of what "how crazy Trekkies are!" Just don't buy into it; instead, if it's science fiction, it's pure. The science fiction multiverse is full of great SCIFI universes, from a broad variety of writers and film and TV show makers. Learn about as many of them as you like and enjoy them too.
• This is a highly stylized idea of what a Trekkie is. If you don't like Trek, you don't like Trek. Don't go down the list and force yourself to watch every Spin-off. Don't buy a costume if it will just end up sitting in your closet. If you watch Trek, and realize it's not your thing, then don't stress. Besides; Trekkies come in all shapes, sizes and tiers! See Rediscover Sci Fi After Star Trek for more information.

Things You'll Need

• Star Trek episodes and movies (DVDs, etc.)
• Star Trek books
• Star Trek memorabilia
• Costumes

Related wikiHows

• How to Blend With Trekkies Socially
• How to Modify Ships in Star Trek Legacy
• How to Act Like Mr. Spock
• How to Let Go of Star Wars
• How to Become a Star Wars Fan

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Are you meeting your boyfriend or girlfriend's parents for the first time? Some parents are friendly, welcoming people who will try to make a good impression on you. But other parents won't make it that easy. And while you don't want to feel like you have to be someone entirely different around such parents, it doesn't hurt to be selective about how you present yourself the first time you meet them. Steps

1. Get a crash course on the parents' flavor of etiquette. Will the parents expect a handshake, a hug, or a bow? Will they want to be called Mr./Mrs., sir/ma'am, by their first name, or Mom/Dad? Will you be expected to take off your shoes in the house? Should you take off your jacket, or wait for them to offer to take it from you? Where do the parents usually sit, so you can make sure to avoid those seats? Your boyfriend or girlfriend might find these questions odd or annoying because they already know this stuff without having to think of it consciously, but you'll save a lot of awkwardness by finding out in advance.
2. Request that your boyfriend or girlfriend try to be especially agreeable just this once. If he or she argues a lot with the parents, this can be very uncomfortable for you, especially if you're asked to choose sides. It's a battle you can't win. So ask your significant other to try and avoid any arguments or debates. If they bubble up anyway, be ready to change the subject.
3. Dress with the following in mind: What you want is for the parents to realize how awesome you are, and the last thing you want is for your clothing to distract from that. You have to understand that when you're viewed from the perspective of an older generation, your clothes stand out much more than they do your peers, and it can be difficult to pay attention to what someone is saying when you're surprised or shocked by what they're wearing. So generally, the plainer, the better!
   
   
   • If the parents are conservative, strict, or religious, dress like you're going to church. Keep it simple and clean. Leave the death metal t-shirt or the miniskirt in the closet.
   • If the parents are hippies, dress as casually as you're comfortable (but not too comfortable--sweatpants and pajamas are generally not a good idea, no matter how laid back the parents).
   • If the parents are wealthy, find or purchase quality clothing that you'd wear if you were going to work in a professional environment.
4. Emphasize aspects of yourself that are the opposite of what the parents disliked about your partner's ex(es). Before you meet the parents, ask your boyfriend/girlfriend: "Did your parents like your ex? Why or why not?" If they liked or disliked anything about former boyfriends/girlfriends, dig for character traits, not unchangeable things like race or status. For example, if the parents didn't like that the ex had no direction in life, talk about your goals and plans. If they didn't like the ex because (they thought) she was a snob, be humble. If they didn't like the ex because he was too controlling, find a way to show that you respect your partner's individuality.
5. Find common ground. This is where some preliminary research will come in handy.
   
   
   • Are the parents into sports? If you follow the same sport, this can be a good conversation topic. But if you're fiercely dedicated to their favorite team's rival, you might want to avoid this subject for now.
   • Geographical origins. Are you, or anyone in your family, from an area of the country or the world that the parents are from? Or have you visited the area? Example: "Sarah tells me you lived in Germany for a year when you were in the military. I studied abroad in Germany for a summer. Did you enjoy your time there?"
   • Some other interests that often cross generations: classical music, jazz, wine, beer, cars, crafts, pets, gardening, literature.
6. Be genuinely appreciative. If you're in the parents' home, look around for something you sincerely like, such as artwork, or an area of the house (e.g. "I love the greenhouse you have attached to your house! It feels like a tropical jungle in there."). If you're eating together, comment on what you like most about the food. Upon departing, thank them for having you over, making dinner, etc.
7. Read body language. If you pay attention, you'll be able to pick up on what the parents like or dislike about you, and adjust accordingly. Some parents might like that you're holding your boyfriend or girlfriend's hand, others might feel uncomfortable with it. Some parents will be horrified if the soles of your shoes come anywhere near their coffee table; others will think you're too stiff if you keep your feet planted firmly on the floor the whole time. You can follow your boyfriend or girlfriend's example to a degree, but remember that the parents are scrutinizing you, not them, so you can't get away with everything they can.

Video Tips

• If shaking hands, see How to Have a Persuasive Handshake.
• If you go out to dinner, it's generally nice to offer to pay for your own meal, or for that of you and your partner. Insisting, however, might be seen as rude. If they decline your offer, you can offer to pay the tip (and to be safe, make the tip generous).

Warnings

• Making eye contact is generally a good idea, unless the parents are from a culture in which some forms of eye contact are considered rude or disrespectful.
• If you're a strict vegetarian or vegan and the parents are hosting dinner, make sure your boyfriend or girlfriend tells them beforehand. If this might be something they'll see as an inconvenience (or perhaps dislike) suggest going to a restaurant where you know there are a few dishes you can order without your lifestyle choice becoming a topic of conversation.

Related wikiHows

• How to Meet Your Girlfriend's Parents
• How to Dress to Meet Your Boyfriend's Parents
• How to Make Your Boyfriend Introduce You to His Parents
• How to Impress Your Girlfriend's Mother

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An earthquake is a very dangerous natural disaster, particularly in the Pacific Rim region. In fact, scientists now believe that the highly populated Southern Californian area is long overdue for a massive earthquake along the San Andreas fault.[1]

After an earthquake, your home could be a mess and you might be left without a water supply and energy. There are several things you can do to prepare for an earthquake before it happens, to minimize the damage and potential for injury in and around your home.

Steps

1. Beware of heavy books - place them on lower shelvesCheck for hazards inside your home. There are a number of specific hazards in your home that you can deal with before an earthquake occurs. Once they are properly secured, they become less of a hazard to you, your family, and your pets.
   • Fasten all shelves securely to the walls.
   • Use brackets to attach wall units, bookcases, and other tall furniture to wall studs. Standard steel brackets are fine and easy to apply.
   • Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves or on the floor. They might fall during an earthquake and the less distance they have to fall, the better. You can also screw objects onto things, such as a desk.
   • Use non-slip mats to prevent heavy objects, or objects with a low center of gravity, from sliding. For example, fish bowls, vases, floral arrangements, statues, etc. Cut down to size if needed.
   • Use invisible nylon cord to secure tall, heavy items that can topple over to the wall. Place an eye screw in the wall, and tie the thread around the object (such as a vase) and then tied it to the eye screw.
   • Take care of precious ornaments by sticking them downPlace breakable items (bottles, glass, china, etc.) in closed cabinets that have latches. Lock or latch them up so that the cabinet doors cannot fly open. Use poster tack/plastic putty to keep ornaments, figurines, and glassware adhered to shelves and mantelpieces. (There are even special commercial quake putties available.)
   • Heavy pictures, light fixtures, and mirrors should be hung away from beds, couches, and anywhere that someone might sit. Conventional picture hooks will not hold pictures during an earthquake but they are easy to fix - simply push the hook closed, or use a filler material to fill the gap between the hook and its backing. Other alternatives include buying special art hooks, and ensuring that heavy painting have adequate, strong hooks, and strong cord.
   • If you have any deep cracks in the ceiling or foundations, repair these immediately. You might need to consult an expert if there are signs of structural weakness.
2. Make sure that the hot water heater is stable and cannot topple overEvaluate your electrical wiring, electrical appliances, and gas connections. Do any repairs if needed. During an earthquake, faulty fittings and wiring can become a potential fire hazard. When securing appliances, be sure not to drill holes in them - use existing holes, or make loops from leather, etc., that can be glued onto an appliance.
   • Keep appliances turned off and unplugged, so that the outlet is not near the metal part of the cord.
   • Attach or secure appliances to prevent sliding. Non-slip mats are a good choice under smaller appliances, or try Velcro or rubber cups under legs.
   • If the water heater topples over, you lose an excellent source of drinking water, so it pays to keep it intact and upright. Secure your water heater by strapping it to wall studs (not just the drywall) and bolting it to the floor. Either purchase straps as part of a plumbing kit, or make your own straps from perforated strapping. Use screws and turnbuckles to hold the heater in place. Screw or nail timber blocks to the floor around the heater. Fit timber blocks snugly behind the cylinder and wall and glue into place.
   • Overhead light fixtures should be braced to prevent them from falling.
3. Keep the flammables in a safe placeFix flammables. Fires after an earthquake can cause as much, if not more, damage than the earthquake. It is important to minimize the risk of fire by doing the following:
   • Store flammable products in closed cabinets with latches on the bottom shelf.
   • Attach gas bottles to the wall to prevent them from toppling over. Use a chain and hooks in the wall to keep it in place.
   • Have flexible fittings placed on your gas pipes. A professional plumber will need to do this. It's also a good idea to have flexible fittings on your water pipes, so have these fixed at the same time.
4. Chimney bricks fall easily during an earthquake...Look around your house. The house exterior should also be checked for weaknesses during an earthquake.
   • If your house has a chimney, this can be a source of injury if it topples during an earthquake. Secure it to the walls of the house using galvanized metal angles and bands at the top, ceiling line, and base. The angles can be bolted to the wall, and to ceiling joists or rafters if you have cladding on the house. For the part of the chimney sitting above the roofline, brace it to the roof.
   • Ensure that the house foundations are properly braced.
5. Practice earthquake drills at homeIdentify safe places both indoors and outdoors. Examples include: under sturdy furniture, against an inside wall (where the other side is not exposed to the outdoors), away from mirrors or windows, or in the open away from buildings and trees. If you don't need them anymore, you can throw them away.
   • Read wikiHow's articles on How to survive an earthquake, Deal with being indoors during an earthquake, and How to react during an earthquake for more information on what to do during an earthquake.
6. Educate yourself and those in your family about what your family should do in the event of an earthquake.
   • Decide in advance on the best place to go during an earthquake and what they can do if you are incapacitated. Children should know how and when to call emergency services and someone besides yourself should be able to shut off your dwelling's gas, water, and electricity.
   • If you have civil defense safety meeting points, be sure that every member of the family knows the location of the one closest to home, school, and work.
   • Create an emergency communication plan that is known by every member of the family. Determine a central meeting place, in case you are separated before or during an earthquake.
   • Ask an out-of-state family member or friend to serve as a central contact (and maybe you can be their contact too). Make sure everyone memorizes this person's phone number. Don't rely on cellular phones or radios for contact.
   • Try to develop routes and methods for getting home after an earthquake has occurred. Since there is no precise time of day when an earthquake might strike, you may be at work, at school, on a bus, or in a train when one strikes. It is highly likely that you will need to know several ways to get home since roads and bridges will likely be obstructed for long periods of time.
7. Prepare suitable suppliesPrepare disaster supplies in advance. The following items are important to have readily available in your home, situated in a central location:
   • Flashlight with extra batteries (preferably one for each individual)
   • Portable, battery-operated radio with extra batteries
   • Purchase and use "self powered radios" and "self powered flashlights". Batteries will be hard to find, if you can find them. Some models will charge cell phones, but the cell phone towers may be damaged, even destroyed.
   • Purchase and use "glow sticks". These are safer than candles, since you will be dealing with ruptured gas lines, flammable, explosive gas.
   • First aid kit and manual
   • Emergency food and water (some sources say you should have up to 2 weeks worth of extra food on hand in case rescue workers cannot reach your location)
   • Nonelectric can opener
   • Essential medicines
   • Cash and credit cards
   • Sturdy shoes for each family member.
8. Help your community to prepare. It can be as simple as printing this article and circulating it, or more elaborate like creating community meeting places and central food stores. Most schools and some workplaces in earthquake prone areas will practice regular drills and you might be able to offer your volunteer services to help carry out the drills.

Video Tips

• Remember the mantra: "Fix, fasten, forget."
• If you don't have the knowledge or ability to fix your home, ask for help. Ask your neighbors to lend a hand, other family members, or dial a handyman company that is good at fixing things for a reasonable price. Use qualified, reputable plumbers and electricians for all electrical and plumbing work.
• When looking online for items to help you quake proof your home, a good search term is "earthquake safety products".
• Confusion is the first thing after an earthquake. Try to eliminate confusion and worry by developing a communication plan that does not rely on cell phones, radios, or other portable devices. Creating a family reunion point is sensible, communicating this clearly to the family on a regular basis is essential, as we tend to revert to our basic training when in an emergency situation.
• If at all possible, avoid living near fault lines and large mountains in an earthquake-prone region. Not only will the damage to your home be more severe, but it will be more likely that you cannot get to your home if you are away from it.
• Make sure all gas lines are completely tightened. And do not turn any lights on after an earthquake!
• Consider keeping a pair of shoes, a flashlight and an energy bar under your bed. Similar items should be kept at your desk at work or school (for work, keep a pair of comfortable walking shoes ready).

Things You'll Need

• Plastic putty can be purchased from hardware stores, stationery stores, and supermarkets. Some art and antique galleries might also have suitable putties for sale.
• Non-slip mats or matting. Available from hardware stores.
• Furniture-to-wall braces, also reversed brackets. Available from hardware stores.
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Portable radios with extra batteries
• Clothes (enough for a minimum of 3-5 days)
• Bottled water (enough for 1 gallon per person)
• Non-perishable food able to eat with minimal heat (ex. cereal bars)
• Baby formula and baby food if you have an infant
• Canned or packaged food for your pet(s)
• Any non-electrical source of entertainment
• Phone numbers of possible shelter if a cell phone is available and working
• "Self powered radios" and "self powered flashlights", glowsticks. Batteries will not be available and candle use will be forbidden due if there are ruptured gas lines, (or use your common sense if you smell gas). Find these radios at the local electrical supplies store, these lights, glowsticks at variety stores. Get these ahead of time and store somewhere that is easy to access.

Related wikiHows

• How to Be Safe During a Landslide
• How to Be Safe During a Heat Emergency
• How to Protect Your Home During an Earthquake
• How to Be Prepared for Natural Disasters
• How to Stockpile Food
• How to Get Emergency Drinking Water from a Water Heater
• How to Prepare to File an Insurance Claim in the Event of Disaster
• How to Prepare for a Tornado
• How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Sources and Citations

• FEMA guide to earthquake preparation, http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_before.shtm - portions of this article were adapted from this source
• http://www.tips-to-organize-life.com/earthquake-safety.html – research source
• Earthquake Commission, NZ, Easy ways to quake safe your home - research source

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Plain waffles might do it for a while but there will always be a time when spicing up your waffle makes it more than just breakfast – it becomes a feast for brunch. This article provides you with some delicious suggestions for spicing up your plain waffle. Steps

1. Know how to make waffles from scratch. Making your own waffles means that the taste will always be superior to the commercial mix. Trying out different recipes might be enough on its own to provide a spiced-up waffle, and wikiHow has some excellent suggestions:
   • Make Waffles
   • Make One Egg Waffles
   • Make Belgian Waffles.
2. Spice up the mix. Even before you get to the stage of adding delicious waffle toppings, consider spicing up the waffle mix pre-cooking. Some delicious ideas include:
   • Add fruit, nuts, herbs, spices, or cheese. Each of these additions gives the waffle a new taste twist.
   • Add cocoa for a chocolate waffle.
   • Add crumbled crispy bacon to the waffle mix. The combination of salty bacon and sweet toppings naturally compliment each other.
   • Add pureed fruit for strawberry, peach, mango, etc., flavored waffles.
   • Make substitutions for water such as pineapple juice and chunks.
3. Add different toppings and spreads to the waffles. Be daring and move beyond the butter or maple syrup. There is an infinite variety of choices possible! Some of these include:
   • Add chopped fruit, including strawberries, or stewed fruit.
   • Add various flavors of ice cream.
   • Smother it in cream and chopped banana slices.
   • Cover the waffle with chocolate.
   • Add cooked ham and egg. This is a great "cooked full breakfast" variant.
   • Sprinkle coconut over the waffle.
   • Slather jam or jelly on your waffle.
   • Shake powdered sugar over the waffle. While simple, it's a very effective flavor boost.
   • Make a fruit salad waffle. Use as many different fruits as you'd like to add flavor and interest.
4. Try different waffle shapes. Waffles made into various novel shapes can be a brilliant way to spice up a plain waffle. This technique can be especially handy for kids and for romantic breakfasts.
   • Look for waffle shapes in your kids' favorite characters.
   • Heart shaped waffles make an interesting variation on the usual and are ideal for Valentine's Day or breakfast in bed for a loved one.
   • Any shape different from your usual shape can be fun.
5. Present the waffle in new ways. Rather than simply placing the waffle on a plate as if that's all there is to it, try a fancy presentation.
   • Layer the waffle.
   • Make a little mountain from the waffle.
   • Take the time to make the cream into little shapes such as stars. It can look very effective when evenly balanced across the waffle.
   • Make a waffle ice cream sandwich. Use two waffles for the edges and fill with ice cream. Use a knife to cut and square off the ice cream. See also Make a Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Waffle Sandwich and Make a Peanut Butter and Apple Waffle Sandwich.
   • Make a waffle "wrap". Fill with sliced meat and cheese, or roasted vegetables.
6. Hold a waffle cook-off with your friends. Challenge one another to come up with the tastiest, most interestingly presented waffles for brunch one weekend. Whatever the weather, this can be a really fun way to cook up a shared breakfast together, and will definitely spice up your waffle experience!

Video Tips

• The more you add to the mix, the more the heat setting/cook time will need to increase.
• Allow your first waffle to be a test to see if you need to adjust the heat setting.
• Melt butter to drizzle on top of the waffles.

Warnings

• Be careful of the hot waffle iron. Supervise children cooking waffles.

Things You'll Need

• Waffles
• Toppings and fillings
• Serving platters and plates
• Decorative elements as needed

Related wikiHows

• How to Make a Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Waffle Sandwich
• How to Make French Toast Waffles
• How to Make a Peanut Butter and Apple Waffle Sandwich
• How to Spread Butter on a Waffle
• How to Make Waffle Cones

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Duct tape. Ubiquitous. Handy. Probably in your house right now. Apart from using it for sticking things together, there are so many things you can use it for that it would be a shame not to put it to greater use. Here are just some of the many ways you can make the most of duct tape. Steps

1. Clean the house with duct tape. Duct tape has some fabulous cleaning uses:
   • Remove lint from upholstery and clothing.
   • Remove cat and dog hairs from upholstery, clothing, floors, anywhere that won't be damaged by the stickiness. A very fast method for grabbing a lot of fur at once!
   • Catch flies with a strip of duct tape hanging from the ceiling.
2. Mend things with duct tape. Instead of tossing out the broken bits, fix them with a strip or so of duct tape:
   • Wrap duct tape around a split vacuum cleaner hose.
   • Remove unwanted window tint from a car or other window.
   • Fix a broken photo frame. Use it to fix broken legs on photo frames.
   • Cover a hole in a wall.
   • Repair a tow rope.
   • Use it to replace a broken shower curtain grommet. Try to only use it on the liner so that it is less obvious.
   • Fix a radio antenna.
3. Get crafty with duct tape. There are many amazing things you can make from duct tape. Here are just some of the ideas:
   • Make a duct tape bookmark
   • Make a duct tape tote
   • Make a duct tape cell phone case
   • Make a duct tape iPod case
   • Make a duct tape bullwhip
   • Make a duct tape bowl
   • Make a duct tape blanket
   • Make a duct tape scrap pillow
   • Make a duct tape dress form
   • Make a duct tape wallet.
4. Use it for nifty help around the home. There are lots of things duct tape can do to help you in the house, from storage to perfect placement of items.
   • Use it to stop people from tripping over cords, wires and cables.
   • Hang Christmas decorations with it. This is better than sticking pins or banging nails into the wall.
   • Hang an unframed picture.
   • Keep picture frames even. Place looped duct tape behind the frame against the wall to prevent the frame from being knocked crooked.
   • Make a whiteboard (dry erase board) with clear duct tape and paper.
   • Keep ornaments in place. Make a duct tape loop of the right size for the base of an ornament, stick it down on the surface and position the ornament in place over it. This will stop the ornaments from falling it accidentally bumped, pulled by small fingers, or rocked by an earthquake. Be aware that the surface you are putting it on might be marked by the tape.
   • Keep your stored Christmas lights together
   • Reuse vacuum cleaner bags - cut bottom of old bag and dump out the dirt. Use duct tape to seal the bottom and reuse the bag!
5. Keep yourself healthy with duct tape. You can get rid of warts using duct tape!
6. Make costumes for Halloween or fancy dress occasions, or just everyday clothing. (Note, most of these articles still need images - if you make one of these items, feel free to add the images):
   • Make a duct tape mini skirt
   • Make a duct tape top hat
   • Make a duct tape viking hat
   • Make a duct tape jacket
   • Make a duct tape cap
   • Make a duct tape fedora
   • Make a duct tape tie
   • Make a duct tape bra.
7. Make play things.
   • Make a duct tape turtle
   • Make a duct tape ring
   • Make a duct tape bracelet
   • Make a duct tape rose tulip
   • Make a long slip and slide.

Video Tips

• Obviously, duct tape items won't be to everyone's liking and the expense of duct tape needs to be taken into account when making large items that could be just as easily purchased for next-to-nothing at the dollar store. Then again, the thrill of making something yourself as well as the reality that dollar stores don't ever charge all the hidden costs of endless waste and resource usage does tend to make doing-it-yourself a more worthy pastime.

Warnings

• Duct tape removal can also remove paint and other surfaces. Be sure that you don't mind this happening before using any of the surface application methods. Alternatively, use something like WD-40 or mineral oil to help soften the adhesive before trying to remove.

Things You'll Need

• Duct tape

Related wikiHows

• How to Make a Duct Tape Wallet
• How to Make Duct Tape Fabric
• How to Make a Duct Tape Rose
• How to Make a Duct Tape Mini Skirt
• How to Make a Duct Tape Viking Hat
• How to Make a Duct Tape Pencil Case

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Where in the world is he?!With an average of seventeen million meetings a day in America alone, there will always be some held up by the latecomer. When you're late to a meeting, it's better to rise to the occasion with grace rather than sinking into the floor, and provided you're not an habitual late-nik, a courteous and considerate approach to being late in a meeting can smooth your way in and have you quickly reinstated in everyone's good books. In this article, you'll learn how to deal appropriately with being late to a meeting. Steps Grasping why latecomers irk meeting attendees

1. What darned meeting? I'm caught up right now!Understand why other meeting attendees tend to perceive the latecomer unfavorably. For many people, having a latecomer enter a meeting is an annoyance because at its most basic, it is either disruptive, or it holds up everyone else if you are a vital part of the meeting. Being on time matters because here is how lateness can be viewed by your fellow meeting attendees:
   • Lateness is viewed as discourteous, inconsiderate, and even insulting by those arranging and attending the meeting.[1][2]
   • If you're the CEO or a top manager, you're setting a standard by your behavior, one that can easily demoralize the staff who do show up on time.[3]
   • If you're in charge of the meeting and you're late, which in turn causes the meeting to run overtime, you won't win any popularity contests![4]
   • If it's a job interview, your lateness really tells the interviewers that you're not that interested in the job. Even with traffic excuses, interviewers will expect you to be better organized to avoid that early morning traffic...
   • Turning up late makes attendees feel that you value yourself over them.[5] Cherish other people's time as much as your own, otherwise you're wasting their time and it wears thin if repeated.

Being late to a meeting at work

1. Prepare. If you know you're going to be late to a meeting, at least prepare the things you need to have with you for the meeting. Arrange your documents, files, agenda, laptop, etc., to grab as you rush to the meeting.
2. Alert relevant people in advance. If it is possible or appropriate to do so, try to alert your tardiness in advance because this lets the meeting organizer, any presenters, and attendees know that you will be showing up, albeit late.
   • A note or call to your boss or via a colleague will be a good way to alert the meeting chair that you're still intending to come despite running late.
3. Follow your workplace culture as the cue for entering a meeting late. The formality or informality of your workplace will be a deciding factor in how you sidle into the meeting late. The most important thing is to not interrupt, but to wait for a natural pause to offer any excuses for your tardiness.
   • Be sure to turn off or silence your cell phone before entering the meeting!
   • For a formal workplace culture, it is best to try and keep your head low and be as unobtrusive as possible. Give your apology to the person chairing or leading the meeting quietly, provided it is not rude to interrupt, or where there is an appropriate pause in proceedings. A simple explanation suffices, such as "Sorry I'm late, our London client called", in order not to hold up progress of the meeting.
   • If there is a presentation underway, forget offering any apology at this stage unless your boss sidles up to you asking for a whispered excuse. Instead, slip in, sit down and be quiet until an appropriate opportunity presents itself to explain your lateness.
   • For an informal workplace culture, you might be able to inject a little humor into your late arrival, perhaps a smile and a shrug, and a quick, amusing anecdote of what delayed you. Don't overdo it though, and be prepared to settle straight into business.
4. Uh... my car fell in the lake?Where it is possible or appropriate to explain your lateness, don't make up stories. Sooner or later, any cover stories will be uncovered, especially if you're not in someone's favor. And clearly, obvious lying will be picked up by all! In particular, note what does not work:
   • Saying something along the lines of: "I was doing something urgent/things would have fallen apart if I didn't stay behind". This is also known as the "putting out the fires" excuse. It annoys people because first, it smacks of the late person perceiving themselves as indispensable - and if it were really that company-preserving, why didn't all the team get asked to pitch in?! Second, if it's a constant excuse, it makes everyone hearing it suspicious that the late person is just a really bad judge of time.[6]
   • Constant lateness. It annoys your coworkers because they had to sit through the tedious start, so why can't you. If you make a habit of it, they'll make a habit of not looping you in to what you've missed. An exception might be made if you're the company's irreplaceable glue – your workplace will be sure to let you know if you're that rare, crucial person – otherwise, you're in the same boat as everyone else.
5. Do your best to contribute productively to the meeting once you are there. While it's important to slip into the meeting unobtrusively, you can redeem yourself by not being a shrinking violet during the meeting, and by participating actively. Some things to keep in mind, however:
   • Don't launch into a lengthy attack or defense on something that may very well have been explained in detail and resolved prior to your arrival. If you're not sure, preface by saying something like "I'd like to talk about X, but I'm not sure if you already broached this subject earlier." Look around to see how people react to draw your cue from.
   • Do your very best not to look bored or fidget during the rest of the meeting. That will only confirm to people that you delayed coming because you weren't interested.
   • Appear completely at ease. Do not, under any circumstances, seem frazzled or not on top of your game. Remain casual but engaged in the immediate proceedings.
6. Consider apologizing to colleagues after the meeting. Approach members of your team after the meeting and explain your situation so that they don't bad mouth you behind your back. This is important. Many a top executive candidate has been sunk by lack of conciliation. Apologize and explain that you were on an important call, etc.

Being late to a meeting in another place

1. Er, sorry, I didn't realize the bus was so slow!Acknowledge that you are going to be late the moment you're aware of it. If you find yourself suddenly stuck in traffic, the best business etiquette is to call the person or their administrative assistant, apologize and ask:
   • If it is okay for you to still come in and keep the appointment, even though you're going to be 15 or more minutes late. It is vital to estimate a reasonable time for your late arrival, as this allows the receptionist to check the diary to see whether or not your being late will cause other things to be out of schedule.
   • If you're going to be late by half an hour or more, ask for a rescheduling of the appointment or if it's still okay to come.
   • Take your cue from their answers. Either turn up as fast as you can, or turn up on time for the rescheduled appointment.
2. Apologize to the person in charge of the meeting as soon as you arrive. Give a short, factual reason for your late arrival and let them know that you are now keen to get down to business.

Video Tips

• If your lateness to the meeting is so bad, resort to the "not turning up at all" ploy. This should only be used in a dire emergency, as repeated uses of it will be viewed poorly. Remember too, that use of this ploy when you don't really have a real crisis on hand (for example, sudden illness, family emergency, traffic accident, etc.), risks reducing the number of times people will cut you slack for when you really do experience an emergency situation.
• Do not make this S.O.P. (standard operating procedure) If you are a tardy person, try showing up on time. Take measures to prevent future lateness. Punctuality is important and if you are regularly late to meetings, it's time to assess why you are sabotaging yourself.
• As part of improving your meeting attendance, try:
  • Setting your alarm and your computer clocks.
  • Sending yourself reminders.
  • Setting your watch ahead by 15 minutes. If the 15 minutes deal does not work, consider a job without a time parameter.
  • Allowing for adequate transition time between your activities, so that you don't end up being late by default. Plan in time buffers around meetings.
• Your team will normally cover for you once on principle, as they have done something similar at one point or another but do not count on your team to cover for you all the time, especially not if you're the boss, or you've pulled the lateness stunt one times too many.

Warnings

• If you're late, and you're making a direct report, that means the direct report is late too. Not a good look.
• There are some meetings where being late will probably lose you the opportunity. Generally, interviews and auditions wait for nobody, and give a very poor impression of your ability to be punctual. People don't like seeing lack of punctuality at the outset, before they really know you.
• It's also not a good idea to keep important people waiting, such as the President, Prime Minister, or royalty. Unless you're a King or President yourself...
• If you're a repeat offender at turning up to meetings late, your team will end up bitter and angry. Inevitably, they will turn against you and make it their personal goal to see you slip up on your excuses.

Things You'll Need

• Everything that you should have at the meeting - reports, agenda, pens, paper, etc. - don't add poor preparation to the tardiness!
• Prior research on timetables, distances, etc. to get to a meeting when you've never been to the location before
• Phone or email messaging ability

Related wikiHows

• How to Have Good Workplace Etiquette
• How to Accept Criticism While at Work
• How to Attend a Meeting
• How to Stay Awake in Dull Meetings
• How to Prepare for a Meeting

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Setting a passcode on your iPad is key to protecting your personal information, as anything from email accounts to contact addresses can be accessed without one. This article will show you how to set a password on your iPad. Steps

1. Tap "General Settings" in the Settings menu. Continue by opening "Passcode Lock" in the center box of options.
2. Select "Turn Passcode On" to display the settings for creating your passcode. You will notice several options beneath the first are grayed-out, indicating you can only adjust them after creating the passcode.
3. Enter your desired four-digit passcode. Be sure that it is a combination you won't easily forget, as well as one that is also hard for others to figure out.
4. Re-enter the passcode. Pay close attention as you type to avoid mistyping the passcode.
5. Once entered, your passcode is now in effect. The following options can now be selected:
   • Turn Passcode Off: Asks for the passcode to be entered, then removes it.
   • Change Passcode: Enter the passcode to make desired changes to the combination.
   • Require Passcode>>: Adjust how long your iPad will stay unlocked during use before requiring the passcode entry.
   • Picture Frame: Select "On" to activate the iPad's virtual picture frame.
   • Erase Data: Select "On" to erase all data stored on your iPad after ten unsuccessful passcode entries.

Video Tips

• Using a passcode isn't required or necessary for everyone, especially for those using their iPad only at home.
• If you are concerned about forgetting your passcode, write it down and store the note in a secure place.

Warnings

• Don't forget the passcode!
• Avoid selecting "Erase All Data" after ten failed passcode entries unless absolutely necessary. If you forget the passcode, the only way you can retrieve the lost data is by restoring your iPad to its factory settings via iTunes.

Things You'll Need

• iPad

Related wikiHows

• How to Buy an iPad
• How to Change Your Ipad Wallpaper
• How to Put an eBook on an iPad
• How to Obtain the Identifier Number (UDID) for an iPhone, iPod or iPad
• How to Take a Screenshot With an iPad

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Fresh mushrooms purchased from a store or harvested from the wild can be used many months later if stored correctly. There are many different kinds of mushrooms and many different ways to preserve them, so perfecting the method will require some trial and error, but the basic methods outlined here should work for the more common types of mushrooms available from fruit and vegetable suppliers. Steps Freezing cooked mushrooms[1]

1. Wash the mushrooms thoroughly in cold water.
2. Trim off the ends of the stems if necessary. If the mushrooms are larger than 1 inch / 2.5 cm across, either slice them, or cut them into quarters.
3. Decide whether you will steam or fry the mushrooms. Mushrooms can be steamed or heated in fat in a fry pan. The deciding factor might be taste preference, or your desire to keep the mushrooms longer, as steamed mushrooms will keep about three months longer than those cooked in fat.

Steaming mushrooms

1. Treat the mushrooms to prevent discoloration. Mushrooms that are going to be steamed will retain a better color if they are given an anti-darkening treatment first. To do this, dip the prepared mushrooms for 5 minutes in a solution containing 1 teaspoon lemon juice or 1 1/2 teaspoons of citric acid mixed into a pint of water.
2. Steam the mushrooms. The steaming time is as follows:
   • Whole mushrooms - 5 minutes
   • Buttons or quarters - 3 1/2 minutes
   • Slices - 3 minutes.
3. Cool promptly on removal by removing from the steam. Drain and package. Leave 1/2 an inch (1.27 cm) of headspace.
4. Seal and freeze. Steamed mushrooms will freeze for up to one year.[2]

Frying mushrooms

1. Use a frying pan to heat. Heat small quantities of mushrooms in margarine or butter in an open frying pan until almost done. Cool by air or set the pan in which the mushrooms were cooked in cold water. Pack into containers, leaving 1/2-inch / 1.27 cm headspace. Seal and freeze. Fat-fried mushrooms will last for up to nine months in the freezer.[3]

Blanching and Freezing[4]

1. Wash the mushrooms.
2. Cut the mushrooms into slices or quarters if required.
3. Drain the mushrooms. Then plunge them directly into a pot of boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes after the water boils.
4. Remove the blanched mushrooms by tipping into a sieve or a colander.
5. Plunge the mushrooms into cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain.
6. Place them in plastic freezer containers. Leave a little headspace.
7. Seal and freeze.

Freezing uncooked morel or morel-type mushrooms A new season morel, freshly picked Some mushrooms will thaw into a soggy mush if preserved in the manner outlined next. However, this may work with some kinds of mushrooms that have a certain thick and coarser texture, like morels.[5]

1. Wash a quantity of fresh morel mushrooms under running tap water. The mushrooms can be sliced according to preference, or preserved whole.
2. Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to the mushrooms and mix well.
3. Place the washed whole or sliced mushrooms into a plastic freezer bag. Place in the freezer and freeze for as long as required, for up to three months.
4. Thaw. When required, remove from the freezer and cook. No thawing will be necessary. Just add the contents into a cooking pan until all moisture and excess water evaporates, creating your mushroom dish from scratch.

Duxelles A chef uses Duxelles to fill mushroom crostini Duxelles is a finely chopped or minced mixture of mushrooms with additions such as onions, herbs, and butter.[6] This method provides a neat "small storage" solution for keeping mushrooms but it is very short term - approximately one week in the refrigerator and up to one month in the freezer.[7]

1. Wash and dry the mushrooms.
2. Chop or mince the mushrooms finely.
3. Cook the chopped mushrooms and onions with butter in a skillet until softened. Add fresh herbs of your choice (make sure that these are finely minced or chopped too). Parsley is a traditional addition.
4. Add a splash of wine or sherry for extra flavor.
5. Freeze in a container. Add the date so that you know when to use it by.
6. Use to add zip to cooked chicken breasts, or in cream of mushroom soup.

Video Warnings

• Always be sure that you are using edible mushrooms before cooking, preserving, and eating them. If there is any doubt, do not consume them.

Things You'll Need

• Steamer or fry pan
• Cutting board and knife
• Bowl
• Colander or sieve
• Containers suitable for freezing
• Plastic freezer bags, or similar sealing agent

Related

• Make Mushroom Frittata
• Use Mushrooms in Food
• Make Delicious Stuffed Mushrooms
• Make Spicy Stir Fried Mushrooms
• Use Mushrooms As a Meat Substitute
• Make Mushroom Risotto

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Due to the many parameters involved in compiling a Google map, URLs for Google Maps tend to be very long; too long in fact to add to a tweet on Twitter, or to insert anywhere that space is an issue. This article explains how to fix this easily, using an easily enabled Google Maps Labs feature known as "short URLs". Steps

1. Go to Google Maps Labs. The URL is: http://maps.google.com/maps?showlabs=1. A box will pop up. In the box, you will see "Short URL".
   
   
2. Click on "Enable". Click on "Save Changes".
   
   
3. Check a Google map. You should be able to see a small tab "Link" in the top right hand corner.
   
   
4. Right click on the "Link" tab. Your URL for that map will be immediately turned into a shortened URL, the box widening out for you. Copy and use as needed.
   
   

Tips

• This is a useful method that clarifies for the reader where they are being sent because the description link will clearly show you "goo.gl" and "maps".

Warnings

• Currently Google removes the embedding feature if you enable "short URLs".

Things You'll Need

• Internet
• Google Maps

Related wikiHows

• How to Find Your House Online with Google Maps
• How to Add Google Maps to Your Website or Blog
• How to Find Directions on the Internet Using Google Maps
• How to Use Smart Navigation on Google Maps
• How to Get Driving Directions in Google Maps

Sources and Citations

• Google Operating System, http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2010/07/shorter-google-maps-urls.html – research source
• Goo.gl, http://goo.gl/ (not yet available for wide use)

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