| How to Grow Elephant Ear Plants Posted: 05 Jun 2016 05:00 PM PDT The Elephant Ear (Colocasia) plant is perennial herb that grows up to 9 feet in height and sprouts large, arrow-shape leaves. It gets its name because the large leaves resemble the ears on an elephant. These plants make a great showing as a backdrop or a center of interest in any garden. Growing the showy, tropical Elephant Ear plant is possible even in cold weather zones. If temperatures average below about 40-45ºF (roughly 4-7ºC) for any extended period of time, the root system - tuber(s) - must be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place until replanted the following warm season. - Plant when the soil warms up in the spring. Before planting the Elephant Ear tuber, wait until the danger of frost is over and the temperature averages 45ºF (7ºC) or more.
- Give the plant plenty of room. The adult Elephant Ear plant will need at least 3 feet (1 meter) of space, at a bare minimum, for proper growth and show in a relatively shady area. A really healthy plant may need as much as 5 feet (1-2 meters) of space.
- Select a planting spot. Dig a hole, (if possible, in rich organic soil) about 3-4 times the size of the tuber.
- Prepare the planting hole. Refill the hole as necessary with loose soil enough so that the tuber will be about 1-2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm.) below ground level when planted.
- Set the plant in the planting hole. Lay (plant) the tuber with its top up - if in doubt, plant the tuber sideways and let nature figure it out!
- Cover the tuber with soil. After the tubers have been planted and covered with soil, water the area deeply. After watering, about 1" to 2" (2.5 cm - 5 cm) of soil should cover the tuber.
- Mark the spot where the tuber is planted. It will take a few weeks for the plant to emerge from the soil. Use a stake or other marker so you won't forget where you planted the Elephant Ear.
- Wait 1 to 3 weeks. The amount of time it takes for the first growth to show depends on the air and ground temperature.
- Care for your plant. Elephant Ear plants perform reasonably well in average soil. Periodic fertilization (every 2 to 4 weeks) with a common plant fertilizer will help them do their best.
- Water frequently. Good drainage is a big plus, but the plant should not be left to go dry for any length of time. When this happens, the droopy leaves will give early enough warning for the plant to recover nicely if watered within a day.
- Trim away faded leaves. At the peak of the warm season, large, beautifully lush foliage can grow to heights of 3 to 5 feet (1-1.6 meters). If any leaves turn brown at the edges, just cut away and new ones will certainly grow.
- Dig up the plant when the weather turns cold. The plant will start having difficulties when the temperature falls below 50ºF (9-10ºC) or so for more than a few days. Before freezing temperatures take over, the tuber (root system) will have to be dug up.
- Leave the tubers intact. A healthy plant will have developed multiple new tubers during the growing season. It's best to leave these intact during storage. Separation will not do significant damage though.
- Prepare the tubers for storage. Trim most of the green vegetation (top growth) off the top of the tubers: leave no more than half to 1 inch of leafy growth on the tuber. Let the freshly trimmed tubers sit in open air so they can visibly dry out before final storage - maybe a couple of days at most will do. Drying out minimizes the potential for mold and bacteria to develop.
- Store the tuber. During the colder, winter months, store the tubers in a cool, dry place (45-55ºF is desirable). Don't store in a plastic bag. Instead, a plain paper bag with plenty of holes for ventilation will do nicely, as will storage in sphagnum peat moss or garden vermiculite.
- Re-plant the tubers in the spring. When the warm season comes around again, separate the tubers as necessary, plant anew and enjoy![[Image:Grow Elephant Ear Plants Step 16.jpg}}
- The leaves contain oxalic acid which is toxic. Keep children and animals away from the plants. The oxalic acid in the leaves can irritate exposed skin. If ingested, can cause intense pain and swelling to the mouth, tongue and throat, even blocking airways causing death. if poisoning occurs, call ambulance.
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| How to Get out of Your Apartment Lease Posted: 05 Jun 2016 09:00 AM PDT You got a new job somewhere else, your significant other broke up with you, or maybe your apartment is just falling apart – whatever it is, it's time to leave your apartment. The only problem is that you have several months left on your lease. In this case, you'll have to try to get out of your lease without too much trouble or expense. Use the following steps to get out of a lease at the lowest cost to you. EditReading Your Lease - Look for an opt-out clause. Find your lease agreement and review it for an opt-out clause that specifies your rights and responsibilities in the event that you decide to break the lease. This agreement may specify a timeline for giving notice of your intent to leave the lease early and may also specify penalties in the form of fines and lost security deposits.[1]
- Look for the words "early release," "sub-let," or "re-let" when examining your lease. The exact language may vary between lease agreements.[2]
- Find a replacement renter, if necessary. Some rental agreements require that you find a replacement renter if you break your lease.[3] Others require that your landlord find a replacement renter after you give them notice of leaving the lease. In this case, you would have to pay for the intermediate months before they find a replacement for you, so plan ahead financially if this is the case. This information can be found in your lease agreement.[4]
- Check to see that your landlord is meeting his or her obligations. In most cases, your lease will also specify the required duties of the landlord, including things like responding to complaints and repair requests. If your landlord is not fulfilling their end of the bargain, you may have grounds to break your lease and move out. However, this generally requires taking your landlord to court, which may be more trouble than it's worth.[5]
- There may be additional landlord obligations not listed in your lease that can be found in your municipal regulations and state laws. Check these sources for more information.
EditTalking to Your Landlord - Talk to your landlord as soon as possible. Because many lease agreements require advance notice when you leave your lease, it's best to communicate your intentions to your landlord as early as possible. In other words, let your landlord know as soon as you decide to go through with breaking your lease. This can give the landlord more time to prepare for your departure and may make them more likely to work with you towards an amenable resolution.[6]
- Explain your situation. Before you do anything else, simply try to explain to your landlord what your situation is. It's likely that they've had other tenants get out of leases before and are likely able to offer a few possible solutions. Hopefully, your landlord will be understanding, although there is no guarantee that they will be. This conversation is always easier if you've been a good tenant, doing things like paying your rent on time and not causing disturbances in the building.[7]
- Be as open as possible. The more your landlord knows, the more they will be able to help you. For example, be sure to tell them if you are unable to give the required amount of notice.[8]
- Work with your landlord to find a replacement renter. In many states, both you and your landlord are required to work towards finding a replacement renter in the event that you leave your lease early. This replacement can be either a new renter or a sub-letter on your lease. In either case, be prepared to pay your rent for the months until you can find a replacement renter.[9]
- Finding a sub-letter means finding someone willing to take over payments on your current lease and live in your apartment. The lease, however, will still be in your name, so you are liable for payments being made and any damage done to the apartment by the sub-letter.
- Check with your Facebook friends to see if they know anyone looking for an apartment. This is the easiest way to get a sub-letter that you trust.[10]
- Consider a termination agreement. If you are unable or unwilling to find a replacement renter, your lease or landlord may offer you the chance to simply pay your way out of the lease with a termination agreement. In many cases, this will involve paying several months rent after you move out and giving up your security deposit. However, you benefit from being immediately and completely out of your lease obligations.[11]
EditFinding Loopholes in Your Lease - Check your area's laws. Every city, state, or region has its own laws. In order to know how you can legally break your lease, take a look at yours. Once you're familiar with the laws, you can then read deeper into your lease and possibly find a legal reason in your living situation to vacate.[12]#*The remainder of these steps will only work under laws which vary from place to place, and you may end up needing to hire a lawyer. Even then, sometimes the law will not be on your side. Always proceed with caution.[13]
- Check to see if your lease agreement is legally valid. Many landlords use standard-form lease agreements. This can potentially lead to errors that will make the lease agreement legally invalid in your city or state. While this will require hiring a lawyer, the overall costs will likely be cheaper than paying the remainder of your rent.[14]
- Find something in your apartment that is dangerous. Your landlord is required to repair conditions that materially affect the physical health and safety of an ordinary tenant. You have to specify this condition in a notice certified return receipt to the place of which rent is normally paid, and you can't owe any rent at the time. In most cases, you must give the landlord time to make the repair, and send another written notice before you can take legal action.[15] Examples of these conditions might be:
- Mold
- Termites or other bug infestations
- Broken smoke detectors
- Severely loose railing on your balcony
- Holes in carpeting that could trip someone
- Security issues (e.g. broken lock, doorknob, or gate)
- You as the tenant (or any of your friends) can't cause this condition – so don't take a sledgehammer to your smoke detector.
- Take action if the landlord has violated your right to privacy . If your landlord is violating your privacy rights, that is also grounds for legally breaking a lease. He or she is only allowed on the premises with your knowledge.[16]
EditAvoiding Fines and Penalties - Negotiate a lease-break agreement. If your lease doesn't already have a lease-break clause which specifies what you must do in order to break the lease, then you'll have to work this out with the landlord. This is the best way to get out of a lease because you won't burn bridges and taint your rental history. Consider some negotiation points:
- Offer up part or all of your security deposit.
- Offer to continue paying rent for 1-2 months after you vacate.
- Volunteer to find the next tenant to sign a new lease (you shoulder the costs of placing ads, costs of any screening, and showing the unit to prospective tenants). Finding a replacement renter can also help you avoid paying extra costs or settlement fees.[17]
- Check your landlord's "duty to rent." This may be found in your lease as "the landlord's duty to mitigate damages." That means that in the situation where you don't pay your rent, your landlord can't just sit back and wait to sue you. They have to make strides to filling your space – and then that money gets taken off your debt. If this is applicable in your area, it may mean you're only required to pay a month or so's rent.[18]
- Give adequate and polite notice. If you don't have a legal reason for leaving (and even if you do), give notice that you will be vacating the premises. And be polite about it – the more mature and respectful you are, the less likely your landlord will decide to be a pain in your side. Written notice 30 days prior to leaving is best.[19]
- Even if your landlord is being difficult, always stay polite. Make sure to communicate via email or in print and keep copies should you need them later. Be honest and thorough, doing everything you can.
- Threats of a lawsuit can constitute retaliation and bad faith in some jurisdictions. If your landlord does this, get it in writing. It's another point in your favor.[20]
- Know that when you break a lease, the law is generally on the landlord's side. Unless you have adequate reason to leave, the law will likely not be on your side. Don't think you can take this to court – it'll likely just add to your debt. After all, you signed a contract. Even if you're not there, you made the promise that you would pay that money.
- If you've tried to be nice about it and negotiate, consider contacting a mediator. Often these are publicly-funded.[21]
- You may be able to easily get out of your lease if you are called to active-duty military service or if you become seriously injured or ill.[22]
- The above information does not constitute legal advice and we strongly recommend that you seek legal counsel before exploring any of the above methods yourself. Landlord/tenant law is specific to the state in which you live. Seek the advice of an attorney familiar with the landlord tenant law in that state.
- Regardless of how you do it, breaking a lease can negatively impact your credit score, making it harder for you to rent or buy a new property.[23]
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| How to Kick a Soccer Ball Posted: 05 Jun 2016 01:00 AM PDT Do you want to kick a football (also known as a soccer ball) without embarrassing yourself? Better yet, do you want to get to the point where you can start kicking the ball with the best of them, like Messi, Pele, or Roberto Carlos? There are a lot of different ways to kick a football, and each technique involves its own set of rules. Start with the basics, then move on to advanced techniques. EditPassing the Ball - Lock your ankle. Locking your ankle ensures that your foot isn't flimsy and doesn't move at all when it contacts the ball. The foot needs to control how the ball moves. For an inside of the foot pass, the toes should point up to lock the ankle. For a shot, on the other hand, the toes should point down to lock the ankle.[1]
- The only way to achieve no spin is to lock your ankle. If the foot is flimsy, the ball will make equally flimsy movements and motions.
- Pass the ball with the inside of the shoe. Never pass on your toe. Soccer players pass using the inside of the foot because it uses a wider surface area and makes for the most accurate kick.
- The downside to this kick is that you don't get as much power out of it. Still, it is definitely the most accurate way to pass.
- Position your planter foot. Turn your planter foot (the foot you are not using to kick) so that the inside of your shoe is facing the ball. Remember, your planter foot will point to where the ball ends up. If you want to kick the ball straight ahead, plant that foot facing straight ahead.[2]
- Kick a pass on the ground. Follow through with your foot close to the ground. For short passes and passes on the ground, you only need to follow through a few feet. Don't lift your foot far off the ground.[3]
- Notice the spin on the ball. An inside of the foot pass should have end over end spin. If the ball is spinning outside in, you need to lock your ankle, or you might have moved your passing leg in the right trajectory.
- Kick a pass in the air. Lean your body back and follow through with your foot in the air. This time, extend your foot fully, and follow through so that your foot ends up several feet in the air.[4]
- Again, notice the spin on the ball. Just like a pass on the ground, a pass in the air should have end over end spin. If the ball is spinning outside in, make sure you're locking your ankle and watching your passing leg.
EditShooting the Ball - Take a few steps back. Do you ever watch soccer players take a corner kick or penalty kick? Soccer players line up only a few steps behind the ball. You don't need to get a running start from 15 feet (4.6 m) away to strike the ball well. In fact, getting a 15 foot (4.6 m) running start will probably keep you from hitting the ball well.[5]
- Lock your ankle. This keeps your foot stable so that it doesn't move when it contacts the ball. The foot needs to control how the ball moves, rather than the ball moving the foot. If you're trying to achieve a no-spin shot, the only way you'll be able to is by locking your ankle. If the foot is flimsy, the ball will make equally flimsy movements and motions.[6]
- Shoot the ball using the top of your foot, on the laces. Never use your toe to kick the ball. Toe-kicking the ball makes it impossible to control where you want to put it. And accuracy is the most important thing you need when shooting the ball.
- Position your planter foot. Your planter foot is the foot you're not kicking with, the foot that you plant next to the ball. It should be pointed in the direction you want the ball to go. You should also bend your foot and kick the ball with your toe pointed down at the ground. There's a sweet spot on your foot, halfway up your laces, that you should try to use to drive the ball every time.
- Don't try to kick the ball too hard, and remember to keep your eyes on the ball the whole time.
- Follow through on your kick. Make sure your toe is pointed toward the ground. The power of your kick might send both of your feet off the ground as you shoot. Bring your leg back to generate force. You'll get speed and power.
- If you want to kick a long way, jump at the end while kicking the ball. This will give it your kick even more force.
- Understand how your lean affects the shot. Remember that the farther you lean back as you kick, the higher the ball will get. If your body is straight (vertical) when you kick, you should get a shot that's low to the ground or mid-height.
- If done correctly, the ball should have no spin once you've kicked it, like a knuckleball shot. If it's spinning outside in, you might have moved your passing leg in the right trajectory or didn't lock your ankle.
- Land on your shooting foot. You should jump and leap through the ball as you strike it. Keep your head down. Your knee should be above the ball while you keep your hips pointed in the direction you want the ball to go.[7]
- This approach is used to gain more power behind the ball.
EditTrying Advanced Techniques - Hook the ball. To hook the ball, hit it on the inside of your foot, but slightly turn your foot forward as you kick the ball. Your foot should be at a 45 degree angle when you follow through.
- Slice the ball. To slice the ball, hit it on the outside of your foot, with your foot trailing away from the ball as you strike it. This time, your foot should be at a 45 degree angle facing the other way (compared to a hook) when you follow through.
- Chip the ball. In order to chip the ball, bring your foot down onto the ball and don't follow through that much (if at all). You want to strike the ball right under the tip of your shoe, without using your toe.[8]
EditPracticing Your Form - Kick the ball while sitting down. Lightly kick the ball out of your hands with the top of one foot. Lock your ankles. When your foot connects with the ball, the ball should connect with the "laces" part of your foot, or where the laces would be if you were wearing cleats. The ball should only go up a couple feet, with little or no spin.
- Try connecting with your dominant foot first, and then alternate to your non-dominant foot. Skilled soccer players can kick the ball just as well with their non-dominant foot as they can with their dominant one.
- Practice your kick standing up. Now that you've practiced kicking while sitting down, it's time to practice while standing up. Again, try to kick the ball up only a couple feet, with little spin.
- Stand up and do the same thing. Drop the ball over your foot and kick up gently. Practice your coordination here.
- Again, look for no spin in the ball when you kick it up.
- If you want lift on the ball so it goes through the air, try to get your foot under the ball more and lean back a little while kicking.
- Don't go for whole field shots on your first try. Stay close to the net and keep backing up a couple of yards when you think you are ready.
- Make sure your ball is pumped up to the ball's recommended pressure. An under-inflated or over-inflated ball is difficult to kick.
- As you practice more and more, try to lift the ball off the ground. Soon, you will be able to make crosses and take good shots.
- Make sure that the kicking surface of your foot is where your laces would be if you were wearing shoes. Kicking with the toe doesn't provide accuracy or correct power placement when kicking the ball.
- Never kick with your toe. You will break your foot, deflate the ball, and flop your kick.
- During your follow through, make sure your hip is reaching back, not your knee. Basically, your hip should be on a pivot.
- Don't give the ball 100% power when you shoot. If you do, the muscles needed to shoot the ball will tense up, and they won't be able to perform the functions that they need to in order to kick a powerful shot. Give it a little less than 100% power to prevent this from happening. I hope this works!
- Wear cleats to give you good traction. This could prevent you from slipping after kicking the ball.
- Don't kick with your toe. This will create an erratic pass or shot and could injure your foot.
EditThings You'll Need - Soccer ball
- Shoes, preferably cleats
- Large area such as a field or a park
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