| How to Number Guitar Strings Posted: 01 Apr 2016 05:00 PM PDT Remembering how to number the six strings of a guitar is essential for any level of player. Knowing the numbers for the guitar strings is often more important than knowing the notes for each string, which can change with different tunings. - Start numbering with the bottom, since the lowest, thinnest string is always your first string. The hardest thing to remember about guitar stringing is that it starts from the bottom, not the top. Your thinnest string is the first string. It is almost always silver and "unwound," compared to the thick, coated strings further up the guitar.
- This string is an E. It is sometimes known as the "high-E," since the top string is a much lower sounding E note.
- Know the second string, the second from the bottom, is a B. The second string is the second thinnest string, one up from the bottom. It is a B.
- Know the third string, the third from the bottom, is a G. Notice how, on many guitars, there are two "types" of strings – the thinner silver ones on the bottom, and thicker, wound strings on top. The G is usually the last unwound string.
- Know the fourth string, the third from the top, is a D. The fourth string, or the third from the top, is a D in standard tuning. All of the notes here are for standard tuning, which is how guitars are strung in 90% of modern music. The numbers of the strings do not change based on tuning.
- Know that the fifth string, the second thickest, is an A. This is the second string from the top, and also the second thickest string. This is an A.
- Know that the sixth string, the thickest string, is your E string. This is often known as the "low-E" as well, or sometimes the "bass string." No matter what, know that it is the sixth string of the guitar.[1]
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| How to Learn Old English Posted: 01 Apr 2016 09:00 AM PDT Old English is the language used by the Germanic peoples that lived in parts of what is now the United Kingdom between the 5th and 11th centuries, C.E.[1] Although Old English is no longer a spoken language, many texts still exist in it.[2] Some academics or other professionals, such as historians or archivists, may need Old English in order to do their work. But you may need to learn Old English to complete classwork or simply be interested in studying the language as a window to the past.[3] By enrolling in an Old English course or teaching yourself with different media, you can learn Old English. EditTeaching Yourself Old English - Start reading Beowulf. Beowulf is well-known and easy to find, so this will be the best text to start with as you attempt to teach yourself Old English. Find a copy that includes both the Old English text and the modern English translation.
- You may find it helpful to go line by line. Read the Old English version and then look at its modern English translation. Many line by line or word by word translations are also available online.[4]
- You can even find a copy of Beowulf online. Websites for universities such as Oxford or the University of Texas have Beowulf and other Old English texts available.[5]
- Learn about special characters. Old English includes many of the same letters that we use today, but it also features some unusual characters. Become familiar with these characters so that you will know how to pronounce them, but bear in mind that despite the fact that "true Ænglisc," or "true Old-English," used Runes, rather than the Latin script, Runes were dropped before the Middle-English Era in favor of the Latin Script, though modified, as you will see next. One other letter, the Medial(Long-)Es was added by the time of the Early-Modern English, otherwise known as its derogatory name: "King-James-English;" it has been added to the following list so that you may recognize it, when reading old English texts:
- Ææ = this is an Æsh and it sounds like the "a" in "hat(American Pronunciation)"
- Ðð =this is an Eð and it sounds like the "th" in "weather," or "the;" Eth fell out of favor, in place of thorn -- eth was created by drawing a line through a "d," and in writing, you can either write a "d," and draw a line through it, that it looks like a "đ(d-stroke,)" or the classic way, as a backwards six with a stroke through it
- Þþ = this is a Þorne and it sounds like the "th" in "thorn," however the previous letter, eth, fell out of favor, and was replaced with either "th" or thorn, by the time of Middle English, soon thorn suffered the same fate...
- ſ ʃ = this is a "Medial-'S,'" or "Long-'S.'" The Long-Es was created as an equal to the primary form of the Greek letter Sigma; the Medial-Es functions exactly the same as the Final-Es, which replaced the Medial-Es -- "stress," by in the time of Early-Modern/Late-Middle English was written: "ſtreſs," the word "blessings" was written: "bleſſings;" as you have probably figured out, the Capital-'S' was the same, and the Lowercaſe-'s' were the same as they are today -- "s" only came at the end of a word, it is a "Final-Es." The "ʃ," not to be confused with the African Esh(Sʃ,) was the design of the Medial-Es not common in English, this design was mostly used in Germany.
[6] - Watch for kennings. Kennings are common features of Old English poetry and there are more than a thousand kennings in Beowulf. Kennings take two words from the Old English language and combine them to create a new word that means something different. Kennings were a way for poets to play with language in interesting ways.[7]
- For example, in Beowulf, the ocean is referred to as "hwælweg" which translates to "whale road" and the human body is referred to as "bānhūs" which translates to bone house.
- Use a textbook. A textbook on Old English can help you to learn more about the language as you read Beowulf.[8] There are many different textbooks on Old English available and consulting the websites of different scholars who teach the language can help you identify different options that might work for you.[9] Some areas you'll want any textbook to cover are the Old English:
- Alphabet
- Pronunciation
- Vocabulary
- Sentence structure and grammar
- Word forms.[10]
- Keep a glossary available. Chances are that you'll run into words in your textbook and other Old English readings that you don't understand. Having a glossary at your fingertips can help you understand the text more effectively and quickly.[11]
- Purchase an Old English dictionary or glossary in a bookstore.
- Search for online glossaries. Many universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania, offer Internet dictionaries and glossaries in Old English.[12]
EditTaking a Class in Old English - Sit in on a class at a local university. Although not common, many colleges and universities offer classes in Old English because young scholars need the language to do their work.[13] Seeing if any of your local learning institutions have classes in Old English can help you find a beginner class or any other level you may need.[14]
- Check university websites to see if they offer courses in Old English. You may find that English, history, archaeology, or other humanities and social science departments offer Old English classes.
- Find faculty who specialize in English literature from that period. They can often tell you when and where courses are offered.
- Figure out if you can sit in, or audit, Old English courses without enrolling at the university. You may first want to contact the professor to inquire if she minds having someone audit the course. Once you have her approval, contact the university registrar to see how you audit a course. You may want to ask if you have to pay anything or if you can just sit in on the lectures.
- Take an online class. Some universities or other institutions may offer online courses in Old English. Conduct research online and see what your options for online courses in the language are.[15] If a local university or institution in your area doesn't offer an Old English, consider an online course from an accredited institution like the University of Texas or the University of Calgary.[16]
- See what the requirements for registering for the class are. You may be able to participate without paying any fees.[17]
- Try and find a course from a university or other institution of learning because they are more likely to have useful sources to help you successfully master Old English.
- Hire a private tutor. In some cases, professors or even graduate students may be able to give you private lessons in Old English. Realize that this may be expensive, but an excellent way to learn the language.
- Contact professors in your local area to see if they teach private lessons in Old English. If not, see if they know of other professors or graduate students who may be able to offer a private course.
- Be prepared to pay at least $20/ hour. Old English is not a common language and using the time of a scholar to teach you takes away from their time. Ask what they would expect as payment and see if you can negotiate if it seems too high.
- Join an Old English study group or forum. There are enthusiasts for Old English around the world, many of whom stay in touch and expand their knowledge with study groups and online forums.[18] Inquire if you can join one of these study groups or online forum to learn the language and network with others who have this common interest.[19]
- Be aware that some of these groups require registration or subscription, which means that you may need to send an email stating why you'd like to join. You also may need to commit to participating regularly as well.[20]
- Keep in mind these forums may also provide you with other resources or opportunities to learn old English.[21]
EditTackling the Challenge of Old English - Recognize the difficulty of Old English. You may recognize certain basic words in Old English, but a written passage may be impossible to comprehend for a Modern English speaker. Just because Old English is an early version of our modern language doesn't mean you'll necessary grasp it quickly, and understanding this can help the ways in which you approach learning it.[22]
- Learn that the some of the biggest differences come in phonology—Old English is very guttural, much more complex grammar based on proto-Germanic languages, and the largely Germanic vocabulary. Modern English is a much more Latin-based language as a result of the Norman invasion in 1066.[23]
- Treat Old English as a foreign language. Old English will be a foreign language to Modern English speakers. You can adopt many of the strategies commonly used for learning foreign languages to studying Old English.[24]
- Be prepared to learn everything from the start, including the writing system, grammar, and vocabulary.
- Realize that if you speak German, one of the Scandinavian languages, or any of their dialects, that you may be able to recognize more of the Old English vocabulary and grammatical structures.[25]
- Be prepared for a challenge. Learning any new language is a difficult task, and one that requires constant practice. Do not be frustrated by these inevitable challenges, and instead stay focused on your goal.
- Recognize that mastering another language usually takes 5-7 years depending on a variety of factors including your abilities and how much you practice.[26] Because there are fewer people who understand and speak Old English, this may not give you the chance to practice it very often and may prolong the process of acquiring it.
- Remember to keep practicing reading texts and speaking whenever you get a chance. This can help you master Old English more quickly.
- Look for ways to make Old English fun. Whether you are studying Old English for a school requirement or simply out of curiosity, find ways to make the learning process fun and enjoyable. Studies have shown that you are more likely to excel at learning if you enjoy it.[27]
- Take the process as an opportunity to learn something that other people can't understand. For example, if you and a friend can both speak some Old English, it can help you have "secret" conversations.
- Immerse yourself in the history of early England to help you visualize what texts like Beowulf might have looked like.
- Ask a friend to quiz your knowledge. This can help you learn and be fun for both of you as she laughs at how strange the words sound.
- Look at course outlines from university classes in Old English for ideas on books, lessons.[28] You can also often find other educational material on Old English from these sites.[29]
- Check your textbook to see if it contains quizzes. If so, doing these can help you gauge your level of understanding.
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| How to Determine if Your Rabbit Is Sick Posted: 01 Apr 2016 01:00 AM PDT Rabbits are adorable pets and generally fairly easy to take care of. They can become sick, however, and it is not always immediately apparent when this is the case. Recognizing common gastrointestinal and respiratory problems can help you determine when yours is sick. Noticing any physical or behavioral changes can also give you clues. If you suspect that your bunny is sick, you'll want to care for it and have a vet examine it. EditRecognizing Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Symptoms - Take notice when your rabbit isn't eating. Pay attention if your rabbit's food dish stays full all day long, or if your pet doesn't eat like s/he usually does. If your rabbit has a sudden loss of appetite, it can indicate a number of possible illnesses.[1]
- Make sure your rabbit has regular droppings. Normally, rabbits will produce plenty of even, round droppings. However, if your rabbit has any of the following problems, it may have either a gastrointestinal illness, or an issue that causes this as a symptom:
- No droppings at all[2]
- Irregularly shaped droppings[3]
- Diarrhea (loose or runny droppings)[4]
- Hair/fur embedded in droppings[5]
- Listen to your bunny's tummy. You can use an ordinary stethoscope (available from many pharmacies and home medical supply stores) to check on your rabbit's digestive system. Simply place the stethoscope on your pet's belly and have a listen. If you hear unusual sounds (gurgling, rumbling, etc.), this may indicate that your pet is having gastrointestinal problems, especially when combined with other symptoms such as decreased appetite or diarrhea.[6]
- Carefully pick up your bunny by cradling him/her in your arm and holding him/her close to you. Never pick a rabbit up by the paws or ears. Even if the rabbit kicks or squirms, keep him/her gently but firmly snuggled next to you so that s/he does not fall.[7]
- Sit down and set your bunny in your lap. Pet him/her and talk to him/her in a soothing voice to calm it down.
- Gently place the stethoscope against your rabbit's side and have a listen.
- When finished, carefully lower your bunny to the ground or his/her home. Never let a rabbit drop to the ground, as this can injure it.
- Learn the signs of snuffles. Rabbits are susceptible to a common illness called snuffles. Ordinarily, this is accompanied by runny eyes and a runny nose as well as sneezing. If you see any of these symptoms (or all of them at once), you will want to have your bunny inspected by a vet.[8]
- Unlike human colds that are caused by a virus, rabbit colds are caused by bacteria. Therefore, they can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a vet.[9]
- Listen to your bunny's breathing. Rabbits are obligatory nose breathers, meaning they won't breathe through their mouths. Normally, you shouldn't hear or see any labored breathing. If your rabbit seems to be breathing loudly, or moving its chest significantly when breathing, this may be a sign of a respiratory problem or other issue.[10]
- Notice when your rabbit sneezes. Occasionally, a rabbit may get some dust in its nose and need to sneeze. If you notice chronic (frequent) sneezing, however, your rabbit may be sick.[11]
EditWatching for Physical Changes - Feel your rabbit's ears. Rabbits are able to regulate their temperature by radiating heat through their ears. If you notice that your bunny's ears are unusually hot or cold, it can indicate that it is sick.[12]
- Take your rabbit's temperature. If you suspect that your bunny's temperature is unusually high or low, you can take its temperature to be sure. This can help you or a vet make a diagnosis.[13]
- Use a plastic rectal thermometer to check your pet's temperature. If you are uncomfortable with this, or unsure of how to do it, take your rabbit to a vet for help.
- A rabbit's normal body temperature ranges between 101 F - 103 F (38.3 C - 39.4 C).
- Inspect your rabbit's eyes. If you see tears or a discharge coming from your rabbit's eyes, this could indicate a variety of illnesses. Aside from respiratory issues, dental problems could be the culprit. The roots of some rabbits' teeth are close to their tear ducts. Dental problems may put pressure on these parts, which will then cause the tearing.[14]
- Watch out for changes in weight. Once your rabbit is fully-grown, it will ordinarily maintain a fairly consistent weight. If you notice that your pet has gained or lost significant weight, especially if this happens suddenly, this may indicate that it is sick.[15]
- Check your rabbit's skin and fur. You will be familiar with the color and texture of your bunny's fur and skin. If you notice that your pet is losing clumps of hair, or that its skin has become reddened, this may indicate an issue such as ringworm.[16]
- Some conditions can cause a rabbit to have incontinence. Urine-soaked hindquarters are a clear sign of this problem. Contact a vet right away if you notice this issue.
- Inspect your bunny's genitalia. Rabbits can suffer from a virus known as myxomatosis. This is spread by biting insects such as mosquitos, and can cause redness and swelling of the genitalia, as well as runny eyes and nose.[17]
- Sit down with your bunny in your lap. Pet it and talk to it soothingly for a few minutes to calm it down.[18]
- When the bunny is calm, very carefully roll it over, using your non-dominant hand to support its back. Place it so that its head is curled against your abdomen, and its hind feet are sticking out away from you.
- Whether male or female, your rabbit's genitals will be a fuzzy protuberance between its hind legs. Normally, they will be hidden by fuzz and not completely visible. If you see any obvious or abnormal swelling or redness, however, this may indicate myxomatosis or another problem.
- You can also gently press on your bunny's abdomen above the genital area. This will make the genitals more visible and easier to inspect.[19]
- Your bunny may not like to be inspected in this way. To avoid accidentally harming it, always be sensitive and keep in mind any injuries or disabilities it may have.
EditPaying Attention to Behavioral Changes - Watch out for any changes in attitude. Rabbits can develop their own personalities, and can display a wide range of normal behaviors. If you notice a sudden change in behavior, however, this may indicate an illness or other health problem. For instance, if sick, a normally playful bunny may not want to be bothered, or an aloof bunny may suddenly become clingy.[20]
- Regardless of your bunny's normal behavior patterns, sudden lethargy can be a clear sign that it is sick.
- Pay attention if your bunny drools. Rabbits are susceptible to a variety of dental problems, such as malocclusion (misalignment) and abscesses. If you notice your pet drooling, this may be happening because they cannot close their mouth or are in pain due to one of these dental problems.[21]
- Observe how your bunny moves. If your rabbit has started to hop unusually, this can indicate a variety of illnesses. For instance, if your pet seems to have lost its balance or moves with its head tilted to one side (a condition called wry neck), this may actually be due to a bacterial infection of the ears. Similarly, if your bunny seems to lean to one side when hopping, this may indicate sore hocks.[22][23]
- Listen for teeth grinding. When happy, many rabbits make a kind of purring sound by grinding their teeth. If your bunny is noisily grinding its teeth together, however, this can indicate that it is in pain.[24]
- You may notice your rabbit making a happy grinding noise when you are petting it, feeding it treats, or calming it down. Pay attention to this behavior, so that you can know what to expect from your bunny.
- Grinding as a reaction to pain will be much louder than the "happy" version. You may also notice that the louder grinding is accompanied by other signs of discomfort, such as squirming or kicking.
- Pay attention if your rabbit shakes. A particular virus known as the calicivirus can cause a variety of symptoms, including loss of appetite, lethargy, and breathing difficulties. It can also cause your bunny to shake, however, which may be a more obvious sign.[25]
- Notice if your bunny is scratching or itching excessively. Like dogs, cats, and other pets, rabbits are susceptible to fleas, mites, and other pests. These parasites can cause scratching, itching, and general irritation.[26]
- If your rabbit has fleas, you may also notice dark, dry dust on your pet's fur or skin. Known as "flea dirt," this is dried blood that is a waste product of fleas.
- Do not give your rabbit dog or cat flea medication. It can make your pet very sick, and may even be fatal. Talk to your vet about safe ways of eliminating parasites from your rabbit.
- Anytime you are concerned that your bunny is sick or injured, have its veterinarian inspect it. He or she can make a diagnosis, and help you come up with a treatment plan if there is a problem.
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