| How to Find a Home After Divorce with Limited Finances Posted: 22 Aug 2017 05:00 PM PDT Divorce is an emotionally draining experience, and on top of everything else you need to find somewhere to stay. There are fewer options for people with limited finances. Since you probably can't buy a home, you should find a cheap rental in a good location. If necessary, you can crash with friends or family or even try to stay at home with your ex-spouse until you save up enough money. EditFinding a Cheap Rental - Search the Internet. Looking for cheap rental options is a little like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, there are cheap apartment rentals out there. Check websites such as Rent.com. A studio or a bedroom in someone's house will probably be the cheapest to rent.
- You might need a small place at first—really small. In expensive cities, you might get a 100 square foot micro-studio for under $1,000.[1]
- Also consider apartments in slightly shady neighborhoods. Check neighborhood crime rates at www.neighborhoodscout.com. Remember that your first home after a divorce doesn't need to be your permanent home.
- Contact hotels. You might only need a temporary place to stay, e.g., for a month or so. In some countries, such as Canada, a lease must be for at least 12 months.[2] Your only option for short-term housing might be to stay in a hotel or motel.
- Many national chains have extended-stay hotels. Call and ask about rates.
- Renting a hotel this way is more expensive than renting an apartment. However, it's more convenient if you need short-term housing.
- View the apartment. Call up the landlord and ask to see the place. No matter how desperate you are, you shouldn't rent a place without first viewing it. Some cheap apartments are unsanitary and unsafe.
- Make sure the apartment is close to work or accessible by public transportation.
- Check your cell phone reception.[3] You can save money if you just use your cell phone and skip the landline.
- Also confirm that there is enough water pressure. Flush the toilet and turn on the taps.
- Check your credit. More and more landlords are looking at people's credit history before deciding to rent to them. Pull your credit score and credit history. If your score is low, try to clean up your credit history quickly.
- There may be errors on your credit history that are pulling down your score. For example, your ex-spouse's debts might show up on your credit report, or accounts might wrongly be listed as in default. Dispute any credit report errors. It usually takes a couple months for inaccurate information to come off.
- Ask if you can forego a security deposit. Landlords typically want a month's rent as a security deposit to protect them in case you damage the apartment or skip out before the end of the lease.[4] If you have good credit or a long rental history, you can ask the landlord if you can rent without paying a deposit.
- If necessary, check whether you can put your rent on a credit card. It's not an ideal solution, but it will help you get a roof over your head. You can pay the credit balance down once you get re-established.
- Get a roommate, if necessary. Any apartment is cheaper if you have someone splitting the bills. You can advertise for a roommate on websites such as Craigslist, though it is better if you know the person already. Confirm that the lease allows you to have a roommate, because not all leases do.[5]
- If you have to advertise, ask any potential roommate for references and one month's security deposit.
- Be very clear about your expectations regarding cleanliness and having guests over.
EditStaying with Friends or Family - Call them up and ask. Don't show up at someone's doorstep with a suitcase, but call ahead of time. Ask if you can stay with them for a little bit. Give them a deadline when you anticipate moving out.
- For example, you can say, "Mom, I need to come home. Is that okay? I've only got a few hundred saved. But if I can stay with you for two or three months, I'll be back on my feet."
- Save money fast. You can't sleep on someone's couch forever, so cut all unnecessary expenses and take on a part-time job if possible. Build up enough money to afford a security deposit on a small apartment.
- A part-time job might be ideal since it will keep you out of the house. Check Craigslist for part-time gigs such as dog walker, Uber driver, or bartender.[6]
- Be a model guest. People are doing you a huge favor by letting you crash with them for a little while. Make things easy on your host by keeping your space clean, not making noise, and being respectful when your host has guests.[7]
- Wash dishes or prepare meals without asking. This will relieve your host's stress.
- Avoid draining your friend's electricity by charging up your computer and phone on their dime. Instead, find a public café or recharge while at work.
- Keep complaints to yourself. Do you think the sheets are scratchy? Consider yourself lucky to have a place to stay.[8]
- Follow house rules. Your friends might have rules that seem weird to you. That's not the point. You need to follow them if you don't want to get kicked out. Ask about anything that seems unclear.[9]
- Some rules are unspoken. Pay attention to your host's habits. For example, if they only watch TV with the volume down low, do the same.
- Buy your own food. You should prepare your own meals so that your host doesn't feel like they have to wait on you.[10] Ask your friend where the nearest grocery store is and load up on food. Make sure there's enough room in the refrigerator.
- Volunteer to cover expenses. You can build goodwill by volunteering to buy food or paying other bills. For example, pick up a large pizza on your way home from work and invite your host to share.
- Leave when asked. Someone might need you to leave before you want to. Gather your things and thank them. Then call up other family or friends to find a place to stay.
- Remember to clean up after yourself. Remove any trash and wash the sheets or vacuum the sofa you slept on. Don't leave anything behind.[11]
EditLiving With Your Ex - Talk to your ex. No law says you must leave your home after a divorce. If you have no money, you might be best off sitting tight until you've managed to save up enough for an apartment. Of course, you'll need your ex spouse's permission—especially if they were given the house in the divorce decree.
- If your ex doesn't want you in the house, volunteer to stay in the garage or in a guest house.
- Staying in the house isn't an option if there's been any history of domestic violence, or if there is a restraining order against you.[12]
- Contribute to the bills. You should split shared costs, such as property taxes, insurance, electricity and—if you can afford it—the mortgage. Sit down with your spouse and talk about what you will contribute.[13]
- If you don't have any money, volunteer to do things around the house. You can cook all meals, make repairs, and clean.
- Come up with a schedule. Try to limit contact as much as possible. Staying in the house will be uncomfortable for everybody, but a detailed routine can make things easier. If your ex thrives on conflict, then limiting contact will be beneficial.[14]
- For example, you might get up an hour earlier than your ex and come back home an hour earlier. Schedule when you'll use the bathroom and the kitchen.
- Be considerate. You might have been a slob while married, but now you need to clean up after yourself. Become the ideal roommate. Follow these rules:[15]
- Wash your own dishes.
- Eat only the food you buy. If you want something your ex bought, ask first.
- Volunteer to clean shared spaces, such as bathrooms, and mow or rake the lawn.
- Avoid bringing dates home. Your ex might hit the roof, and who can blame them? It's terribly rude to start dating in front of your ex-spouse. If you want to date, then meet outside the home and don't bring them back.[16]
- There's also no reason to advertise that you're dating. Keep that news to yourself.
- Reduce conflict. If you have children, they will be harmed by constant fighting. As long as you are staying in the house, you need to commit to living peacefully. You can defuse tension by practicing the following:
- Listen to your ex-spouse and avoid getting defensive. If your ex complains about your habits, avoid the temptation of starting a tit-for-tat argument.[17] After all, your ex might have a legitimate grievance.
- Don't revisit the divorce. You're living at home for financial reasons, not because you want to pick apart why you divorced in the first place.
- Leave as soon as possible. Staying in the house should be a temporary solution. Some people get comfortable being part of a couple even when they are no longer married. For your own personal growth, you should move out as soon as you can afford it.[18]
EditConsidering Other Options - Rent a motor home. If you need a temporary place to stay, rent an RV or buy a used one. Ask friends or family if you can park on their property. If you don't know anyone, you can park at a local campground for a fee. Recreational vehicles typically have sleeping, dining, and bathroom areas.[19]
- You can find rentals online or by looking in your telephone book. Shop around for the most competitive price.
- Apply for housing assistance. In the U.S., low-income people can apply for a Section 8 voucher. You find a landlord willing to accept the voucher and rent directly from them. The voucher then subsidizes your rent. Contact your nearest Public Housing Authority to apply.[20]
- There are income limits for eligibility. Typically, your income shouldn't exceed 50% of the median income of a family your size in the county or city where you want to live. For example, the median income for a single person might be $25,000. Your income will need to be $12,500 or less.
- Even if you qualify, there's usually a long waiting list. You might need temporary shelter.
- Get a room at the Y. Your local YMCA or YWCA might have rooms for rent. Generally, they will charge by the day, week, or month, and you can book online. A night at the YMCA in the Upper West Side costs around $100 a night. This is pricey, but a decent choice if you need a place to crash for a couple days.
- If you have children but are not receiving child support, contact your local child support agency immediately. They can track down missing parents, establish paternity, and get a child support order in place.
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Get Started in Standup Comedy Posted: 22 Aug 2017 09:00 AM PDT Standup comedy can be a tough world to break into, but it's also a fun and potentially rewarding hobby or career. If you'd like to become a standup comic—whether amateur or professional—you'll need to begin by crafting a short set list: at least 5 minutes of jokes. Work on your delivery, comic timing, and onstage persona. You can start out by performing at weekly open-mics, which generally provide a friendly audience. If you'd like to move up in the comedy world from there, you'll need to start talking to comedy club managers or bookers and find ways to get on a performance schedule. EditWriting and Compiling Jokes - Jot down joke ideas in a notebook. Take notes as funny thoughts come to you, or write down strange occurrences that strike your funny bone. At this point, you don't need to be writing full-fledged jokes; just write down situations, lines, or personal anecdotes from your past that seem funny and could be used as material for jokes in the future.[1]
- If you don't want to carry a notepad around, many modern phones have a notepad app built in.
- Organize one or two funny ideas into a joke. Based on what you find funny, start to write longer jokes and anecdotes derived from ideas you've noted. Look for ways in which you can present material in surprising, unexpected, or bizarre ways. It's a common move in joke writing to lead the audience in one direction, and then surprise them by reversing the premise in the punch line.[2]
- Repeat this process over and over: develop a funny idea of observation, pair it with similar funny ideas, and write out a full-length joke or anecdote.[3]
- For example, if you jotted down that you hate being stuck in traffic and, the next night you went on a bad date, you could work these into a joke about how bad traffic and bad dates seem to go together in your city.
- Watch and listen to other comics. Comedians—especially standup comics—can learn a great deal from more established performers in their field. Go to your local comedy club as often as possible, and watch all of the online standup specials that you can find.
- Pay attention to the comedians: note how they time their jokes, how they move from one topic into the next, and where they seem to draw their source material from.
EditWorking on a Standup Routine - Organize your set list. Once you've written 20–30 jokes or a handful of funny anecdotes you'd like to tell, start thinking about your set list. This will help you organize your ideas into a coherent structure.[4] So, structure your set list to open and close with big jokes. You want to lead and close with your best material. Your audience will be disappointed if you open with a great joke and then end without any equally funny material.[5]
- For example, if you open with a joke about your childhood, you could structure your set list along somewhat autobiographical lines, and follow with a joke about your adolescence or high school.
- When you start performing standup comedy, a set list can be short, even as little as 5 minutes long. If you're just starting out, it's okay if there are some mediocre jokes in the middle of your set list.
- See how the jokes play to an audience, and then make alterations to your set list accordingly.
- Select a performance style. Although a good set list is necessary to succeed as a standup comic, it will fall flat if you stand motionless and deliver every joke with the same inflection (unless you're a committed deadpan comic). To convey your material well and make the audience laugh, choose a style of standup performance that suits your jokes and your own personality.[6]
- Some comics choose to be almost manic on the stage, and jump around with excessive energy. Others take the deadpan route and deliver joke after joke without altering their facial expression or delivery tone.
- You could also choose to engage mostly in self-deprecating humor, in which you and your life experiences are the butt of most jokes.
- Coordinate your movements and facial expressions. Successful comedians tend to perform specific hand gesture, facial expressions, and body movements to elicit laughs from the crowd. Decide what to do with your face and your body language. You could dynamically move around the stage, or limit your motions to more restrained gestures.[7]
- For example, you could gesture with your hands to accentuate a point you're making. Some comics will even incorporate the microphone or mic stand into their act—you can gently tap the mike on your palm or the floor for the sound effect.
- As far as facial movements, you can make a funny face at certain points during your routine to accentuate an unexpected or ridiculous point in your joke. Or keep a straight face during the entire performance, and let your lack of reaction offset the humor of your jokes.
- Memorize and rehearse your set list. Although memorization can be challenging, it will help you when you're performing onstage. Your audience won't find your material funny if you forget jokes mid-act or if you have to read anecdotes from a sheet of paper. Rehearse your entire set list until you can tell it backwards and forwards: practice at home in front of a mirror, when you're driving to work or school, and when you're in the shower.[8]
- Don't be afraid to revise your jokes or your set list. If you're rehearsing your material and realize that one or two jokes don't seem as funny as the others, remove them and swap in other, funnier material.
- Ask for feedback from friends and family. Once you think your set list is in good shape and you can deliver it without looking at notes, it's time to get some feedback. Practice your set in front of any family members or friends who will watch. Listen to their feedback, and respond accordingly.
- This can help you be better prepared to deliver jokes before your audience in a crowded room.
EditPerforming Your Comedy - Start performing at open mics as soon as possible. The only way you'll improve at your comedy performance is if you perform the jokes in front of a crowd. Open mics are a great way to start: they are generally free, don't put a lot of pressure on performers, and encourage beginners to try new material. If there's a local comedy club in your area, look at their online calendar and see if there's an upcoming open mic.[9]
- Bars, coffee shops, and even some music venues also host open mics.
- Develop your persona as a comic. Once you start delivering jokes in public, you'll need to have a comic voice or presence that you use to deliver your jokes. For example, maybe you want to deliver your material deadpan, or maybe you'll rely on physical comedy to draw laughs. Find what persona and voice works best for your particular type of comedy.[10]
- Many beginning comedians think it's wise to imitate an already established comic. In fact, it's better to just be yourself—performing comedy in the style of an already established comic (e.g. Louis CK, Dave Chappelle, Sarah Silverman) can seem cliché or lazy.
- Get to know other standup comics in your city. Just like in any other hobby or line or work, networking—and making friendships—is a valuable way to get yourself noticed. You can also start forming connections with other comics and even venue owners and event organizers.[11]
- If you see a more established standup comic, introduce yourself and say something like, "I've seen you at quite a few of these comedy events around town. Do you know of any good venues for up-and-coming comics?"
- Or say, "Do you know any booking or event managers around town who could help me get a show?"
- Submit to a comedy festival or comedy venue. Once you've performed at several open mics and gotten to know a few other comics in your area, it's time to perform at a more legitimate venue. If you can find email or Facebook contact information for comedy-festival or comedy-club bookers, politely ask if they can feature you at an upcoming show.[12]
- Starting out, you'll likely be placed in the middle of a comedy night, sandwiched between two reliable acts.
- Don't be afraid to fail. No comedian starts out perfectly funny: you'll have nights where the audience doesn't laugh at your jokes or where hecklers challenge you. Every successful comic has experienced this as well. Keep going, and book another show (or return to your favorite open-mic) even when things don't go your way.[13]
- Audiences can also vary widely from one night to the next. What the crowd on Saturday found hilarious may bomb with a crowd on Monday.
- Use your phone or a video camera to record yourself delivering a short 3-minute portion of your standup set. This will be useful to send to comedy-club booking managers, who need to see some of your performance before they book you on their stage.
- Sometimes commenting on a joke you've just completed can get you more laughs than the joke itself. But use this trick sparingly!
- Sometimes a joke that you think is mildly funny can work great on stage in a comedy club in the middle of your set list. Remember, people are ready to laugh at jokes before you have even said anything.
- Joke writing takes practice. The more jokes you write, the better you will become at timing, delivery, and at developing your own personal style.
- Since standup comics rarely sit on the stool onstage, you should plan on standing for the duration of your set list.
- Do not copy other comedian's acts. Don't even steal someone else's joke, or borrow a punchline from another comic. Doing so is not only unethical and strongly looked down upon, but it could end your comedy career before it even begins.[14]
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Care for a Seahorse Posted: 22 Aug 2017 01:00 AM PDT Seahorses are magical animals that have captured the attention of people for hundreds of years. There are about 36 different species of seahorses with striking colors and distinct personalities throughout the world's oceans.[1] Although seahorses are different from fish, they require the same basic care in home aquariums. You can care for your seahorse by setting up a clean and comfy tank, maintaining their daily needs, and cleaning the aquarium weekly. EditSetting up Your Aquarium - Purchase a tank. Buy a new or refurbished tank for your seahorses because it can be difficult to add them to established aquarium. Keep in mind that seahorses are vertically orientated, so opt for a tank that is at least 18" tall.[2] Calculate approximately 20 gallons of water per seahorse.[3] Wash any tanks you get before introducing your seahorses into them.
- Get the biggest tank you can afford so your seahorses can flourish. Consider a second hand tank if you're trying to save money.
- Figure in sand beds and other aquarium features when calculating size. For example, a 20-inch (500cm) tank with a 6-inch (150cm) sand bed only offers your seahorse 14-inches (360cm) of usable height.
- Place the tank in a shady and cool area. Seahorses prefer spaces that are not as light or warm as other fish. Place the seahorse tank in a location that is not exposed to extreme heat or direct sunlight and can maintain a tank temperature of 74 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 25 Celsius). This can ensure the health and happiness of your seahorse.[4]
- Place the tank in a spot that is either air-conditioned or in a cool part of your home.[5]
- Add substrate. Use small crushed coral or sand to line the bottom of your tank. The substrate should be about 2-2.5 inches (50-65cm) in height, which is about 10 pounds (4.5kg) of substrate.[6] This not only decorates the tank, but also provides surfaces on which you can hook hitching posts for the seahorses.[7]
- Avoid putting too much substrate in your tank. This can cause food to fall into the substrate and create hydrogen sulfite, which is toxic to seahorses.[8]
- Fill the tank with saltwater. Mix saltwater for your tank using fresh, clean, and dechlorinated tap water with a sea salt mix. Place your fresh water in a storage bucket and add water purifier to dechlorinate it. Wait two hours and add aquarium salts per the package instructions. Then pour into your tank.[9]
- Filter the water. Add one large or several small filters to the water. Make sure the water will turn over the entire water volume 3-4 times per hour. This can ensure the health of your seahorses, which can produce a considerable amount of waste.[10]
- Get a filter with a lower water flow. Seahorses can be sensitive to water flow because they are relatively weak swimmers.[11]
- Decorate your tank. Choose a selection of real and faux items to decorate the tank. These can give your seahorse ideal places to rest and hide. Use any of the following to spruce up your tank and help keep your seahorse happy and healthy:[12]
- Rock
- Coral
- Plants
- Gorgonias[13]
- Macro algae
EditMaintaining Your Seahorse's Health - Feed your seahorses twice per day. Give your seahorses a selection of frozen Mysida shrimp, small krill and brine shrimp twice each day. Place about 50 krill or shrimp per seahorse in the tank at each feeding. Siphon off anything the seahorse doesn't eat. This can ensure your seahorse gets proper nutrition.[14] It also ensure that old food doesn't create toxic hydrogen sulfite.[15]
- Ask if a local aquarium dealer has live diets available for seahorses. Give this to your seahorse occasionally to boost their nutrition.
- Introduce tank mates with caution. Consider keeping your seahorse tank only for your seahorse or other seahorses. Add other types of tank mates with care. Many other species are not ideal mates for seahorses because they may consume your seahorse's food. Some may even make your seahorse the meal. The following tank mates may cohabitate best with your seahorse:[16]
- Snails
- Limpets
- Goby
- Blenny
- Clownfish
- Tangs
- Observe healthy traits. Check in on the health and vitality of your seahorses every day. Look for signs of its health during feedings. This can alert you to potential issues so you can treat them quickly. The following traits are signs of a healthy seahorse:[17]
- Active, moving around
- Bright active eyes that swivel around searching for food
- Clear fins
- Full, round belly
- Watch for disease. Just as it's important to observe signs of health, it's vital to notice any potential symptoms of disease. This can ensure you get prompt care and treatment for your seahorse. Symptoms of disease in seahorses includes:[18]
- Cloudy eyes
- Little eye movement
- White, grey or inflamed growths
- Heavy breathing, panting or coughing
- Bloating
- Seek veterinary care. Consult a vet if your seahorse has any signs of disease. They can diagnose the problem and provide proper treatment. This may include popping air bubbles, prescribing medication or giving the seahorse an antibiotic. Prompt veterinary care can ensure the health of your seahorse and tank mates.[19]
- Let the vet know what specific symptoms your seahorse has, including when they started and what you've done to care for your pet.
EditMaintaining the Tank - Invest in a "cleaning crew." Introduce tank mates to your seahorse that have a dual purpose: company and cleaning. Certain species of marine life can help maintain the tank's cleanliness from day to day. The best and safest cleaning crew members for your seahorse's tank include:[20]
- Brittle or serpent star
- Lettuce nudibranch
- Sea cucumbers
- Sea hares
- Peppermint or coral banded shrimp
- Check the filters daily. Sea horses are sensitive to their water flow and environment. Make sure that the tank filters and working properly at least one a day. Remove and either clean or replace any filters that are clogged, dirty, or not functioning properly. This can keep your seahorse healthy by removing excess food, decaying organic matter, free-floating particulate, toxic chemicals, and waste products from the water.[21]
- Measure the water temperature every day. Place an aquarium thermometer inside tank. Check the water temperature every day during one of the feedings. The temperature should be between 74 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit (23-24 degrees Celsius). This can prevent reduce possible odors and ensure the health of your seahorse.[22]
- Clean the tank weekly. Fresh and clean water is important to maintaining the health of your seahorse. Replace 10-20% of the water once every week. Wipe down the tank walls and any decorations. Replacing the water regularly can prevent unpleasant odors and maintain the health of your seahorse.[23]
- Purchase a seahorse born in captivity directly from a reputable breeder. This can ensure the health and viability of a seahorse.[24]
EditThings You'll Need - Tank
- Seahorse food
- Tank filter
- Decorations including hitching posts
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
-Step-14.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment