Monday, 31 March 2014

13 Pictures Of Dogs Primping For The 2014 International Dog Show

Every dog has its day.

A Yorkshire Terrier practices prancing before the heated competition in Berlin, Germany.

AP Photo/Markus Schreiber

A Maltese dog gets groomed for the show.

AP Photo/Markus Schreiber

Close-up:

JOHANNES EISELE/AFP / Getty Images

Here an agile border collie guides geese during the herding competition:

JOHANNES EISELE/AFP / Getty Images

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How to Get Rid of White Spots on Your Nails

Medically speaking, those little white marks that sometimes appear as dots or lines on the fingernail are known as leukonychia. While the consensus still seems a bit out, most sources agree that it's probably due to nail injury. So be nicer to your hands and read on!

EditSteps

EditPreventing Injury

Be careful with your nails. About six weeks after an injury to your nailbed, a white spot can show up.^[1] That means you have a month and a half to forget about that one can of soda that was particularly hard to open. It doesn't take much -- if you have softer nails, even the tiniest of incidents can lead to a white spot.
- So avoid biting your nails, using them to cut things open, and in general putting any weight on them. They're not claws, you know! They're not built to withstand a lot of pressure. Just like you'd get a bruise on your skin, you'll get a white spot on your nail.

Tell your manicurist to be gentle. Most of us have had an experience or two with a manicurist that acted as if our nails killed her childhood dog. Even if your manicurist isn't taking her anger at her ex-husband out on your hands, exercise caution. All that buffing and filing can damage the nail, too.
- If your manicurist says the manicure has nothing to do with your white spots (which she very well may say), hand her this article and its list of sources. Loads of people say it's from nutritional deficiencies and she may be of the same school of thought. While that's possible maaaybe and on a good day, it's much, much more likely that it's due to injury.

Switch nail polish and other nail products. Your nails can actually negatively react to certain polishes and the products you use on them.They won't put up much of a fight; they'll just get spotty. To cover all your bases -- and if you consistently use the same stuff -- consider changing. Maybe your nails are just trying to let you know they're not diggin' on your lotion.

EditUsing Alternative Methods

Eat a healthy diet. If you'd like to make sure your nails are spic and span (and your teeth and your skin and everything else about you), eat healthy. Heck, if you feel like living not being a chore, eat healthy. There's no harm in it -- and it definitely will strengthen your nails (though not necessarily rid you of the spots) -- so why not?
- Get plenty of whole grains, fruits, veggies, lean meats, and low fat dairy. The more colorful your diet, the better. Stay away from processed goods and always go fresh if you can.
- Some say it's not enough zinc. Some say it's not enough protein. Some say it's not enough calcium. Regardless, all three of these things are good and should be a part of your diet, even if it's unrelated to spots.

Keep your hands as clean as possible. The other theory out there is that it's due to infection. No one seems to want to pinpoint exactly what that infection actually is, so the only real way to fight it is to keep your hands clean. So wash them at every wise opportunity and carry around sanitizer if you're feeling ambitious.

Let them grow out. In case it wasn't already clear, this whole white spot thing isn't that big of a deal. They're mostly in young women and they're pretty common (in fact, most people have them at least once^[2])^[3] While they're not exactly becoming, they're by no means head-turning. So let them grow out, stop banging your hands around, and call it a day. No need to lose sleep!

Paint your nails! Definitely one way to "get rid" of them. And by the time your nail polish wears off, they might be gone. It's almost as if the nail polish works miracles (it doesn't)! What a good excuse to try that new color you've been eying.
- Use a protein strengthener for good measure. One of those nice clear coats. The stronger your nails are, the less likely they are to get wounded by you messing with them.

EditTips

Try not to bite your nails.

Eat a balanced diet, and try to keep your nails from dirt and situations that could lead to damage, which can lead directly to white spots. Avoid activities such as washing dishes, gardening, lifting heavy items, closing stubborn slider doors, etc. Whenever you think your nails are in danger, avoid the situation!

The white half moons near your cuticles are perfectly normal. If you don't like these, then paint your nails.

Be very patient with the "growing out" thing. Just remember that they'll grow out. If you aren't the "patient type" of person and you are uncomfortable about those white spots, polish your nails. You'll feel better.

You can also use a neutral colored polish to cover white spots, if you so desire.

EditWarnings

White spots on your nails are not a sign of kidney and liver disease, although this is very common misconception.

If you're really concerned, talk to your doctor. If your entire nail is turning white, that's an issue. However, by the time your entire nail turns white, you're going to notice other problems (like liver, kidney or heart failure).^[4] But a pro's opinion never hurts, you know?

White spots and entire white nails are a totally different issue. The spots don't grow; they cannot take up the entire nail in time, resulting in your failing kidney. If that were the case, they'd gradually be changing in overall shade. Rest assured, your white spots are nothing to worry about.

EditRelated wikiHows

How to Eat Healthy

How to Force Yourself to Eat Healthy Food and Exercise if You Don't Like It

How to Give Yourself a Manicure

How to Airbrush Nails

How to Whiten and Moisturize Nails Naturally

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How to Freeze Ginger

Ginger can be frozen for longer keeping, either whole or minced. It is easy to prepare ginger for freezing and provided you use it regularly, you can keep quite a lot in the freezer at any one time.

EditSteps

EditWhole Ginger

This method is great for long-term storage and for doing something with the "just used" ginger piece that now has an open wound after cutting it.

Choose a fresh, unblemished piece of ginger (or more pieces, as required). Check that it is clean; if not, give it a gentle wipe and make sure it is dry before proceeding.

Wrap the ginger piece or pieces in plastic kitchen wrap or foil. Wrap each piece separately if freezing more than one piece.

Place the piece or pieces inside a resealable freezer bag. Try to match the bag size to the size or amount of ginger being frozen. Push down to expel as much air as possible before sealing tight.

Place in the freezer. Remove a whole ginger for use at a time. Allow to thaw, then use as usual.
- If making a stir-fry and you have a decent sharp knife, slices can be made before the ginger thaws; it will thaw quickly during the cooking process.

EditMinced Ginger

This method is useful if you like using minced ginger normally.

Select a suitable piece of ginger. Peel and mince finely. Use a fine grater or a food processor to mince the ginger.

Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper or foil.

Spread a teaspoon or tablespoon amount at a time of the minced ginger across a part of the parchment paper or foil. Keep the layer as even as possible. Repeat until all of the minced ginger has been used up.

Place a sheet of plastic wrap gently over the top of the spread ginger. Place the sheet or tray inside the freezer. Let freeze.

Remove from the freezer. Lift off the frozen portions of the minced ginger. Transfer each portion to either a resealable bag or an airtight container.
- If using a bag, try to expel as much air as possible before resealing.

Place back in the freezer. Use as needed. This ginger will keep for up to six months.^[1]

EditMedallion Ginger

Select the ginger. Choose a reasonably large sized ginger to make it easy to form medallion shapes. Peel the ginger.

Cut medallion shapes. Simply cut down along the line of the ginger to make "rounds" that look sort of like crooked medallions. Continue until all of the ginger piece or pieces are used up.

Put the medallions into a resealable freezer bag. Try to pack it as tightly as possible. Press down to expel the air out of the bag. Alternatively, arrange in layers inside a small freezer-proof container.

Place in the freezer. This ginger will keep for up to three months.^[2]

EditChopped Ginger

This method might be useful if you need chopped ginger for stir-fry, baking, etc.

Select suitable ginger. The ginger can be peeled or unpeeled, according to preference. If you want it peeled, peel now.

Chop the ginger into small pieces. Thumb-size or matchstick-length pieces are suitable shapes.

Place inside either a resealable bag or an airtight container for storage. If using a bag, try to fill as much as possible and press down to expel as much air as you can.^[3]

Place in the freezer. Use within three months.

EditThings You'll Need

Resealable bags suitable for freezing

Freezer-suitable airtight containers

Kitchen gear such as grater, processor, knife and cutting board, etc.

EditSources and Citations

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16 Ways Your Pets Make Springtime Awesome

Not sure how to maximize this sweet, fleeting season? Your pets have got you covered.

They teach you how to soak up some sweet rays...

Reddit: Fossheim / Via i.imgur.com

... and how to look good while doing it.

Reddit: CausticSabaist / Via i.imgur.com

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There's A Pug Who Looks Like Harry Potter

YOU’RE A WIZARD, HAIRY.

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EXPUGGIARMUS!

instagram.com / telegraph.co.uk

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Nothing Is Sweeter Than This Video Of A Bulldog Puppy Kissing A Baby

Slobbery kisses are the best kisses.

youtube.com

Wet Willy!

youtube.com

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Here's One Way To Get Your Cat Off The Furniture

Pro tip: trying to control a cat will never work.

Michelle Wang put tape on her desk to stop her cat from crawling all over the electronics. It didn't exactly go as planned.

youtube.com

Do the stanky leg.

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20 Puppies Cuddling With Their Stuffed Animals During Nap Time

What do you little puppies dream of … when they take their little puppy snooze?

Being this cute can be exhausting:

Via imgfave.com

So little puppies have to take little puppy naps:

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And puppy naps mean puppy cuddles!

Via thatcutesite.com

This little puppy cuddled with his carrot from the market:

Via funnypuppysite.com

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17 Pun Dog Puns That Will Instantly Brighten Your Day

If you’re already having a ruff one.

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20 Cutest Pictures Of Cat's Paws

Pawnography is the appreciation of just how cute cat’s paws are. What could pawsibly be better?

A cat's paws may be the cutest part of the cat.

Via Twitter: @FloPerry

It's time we appreciated them for all of their delicious cuteness.

Via minnesotalaboremploymentlawblog.com

Key features to look out for in the world of pawnography include the size…

The paw to cat ratio should be as large as possible. The bigger the better in paw world.

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Chubby paws = cute paws

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David Sedaris

"Writing gives you the illusion of control, and then you realize it's just an illusion, that people are going to bring their own stuff into it."

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Marcel Proust

"The only paradise is paradise lost."

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Woody Allen

"Life is full of misery, loneliness, and suffering - and it's all over much too soon."

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Sunday, 30 March 2014

How to Make Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is a healthy, low-calorie comfort food. It is also great way to warm up on a rainy day and it goes perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches. This recipe is for soup made from tomatoes that are roasted, then stewed and pureed.

EditIngredients

2 pounds tomatoes

4 cloves garlic, peeled

1 red bell pepper

1 large onion

3 sprigs fresh thyme

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 quart chicken or vegetable stock

salt and pepper to taste

EditSteps

EditPeeling the Tomatoes

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Fill the pot about halfway with water, then place it on a burner over high heat and allow it to come to a full boil.

Cut an "x" shape into the tomatoes. Use a sharp knife to cut an "x" on the tops or bottoms of the tomatoes. It's not necessary to cut too deep - just pierce the skin. This will make it easy to peel off the skin after the tomatoes have been blanched.

Blanch the tomatoes. Drop a few tomatoes into the boiling water. Let them blanch for about 30 seconds. Remove the tomatoes and place them on a cutting board to cool. Repeat with the remaining tomatoes.
- Don't leave the tomatoes in the water too long. Blanching loosens their skins, but leaving them in the pot for more than 30 seconds will cause them to actually start cooking, which will make them lose their flavor.
- Be careful when removing the tomatoes from the boiling water. The best tools to use are tongs or a large slotted spoon.

Peel the tomatoes. Take a cooled tomato and insert your finger under the skin where you cut the "x." Pull on the skin to peel it away in large strips. Continue until all the skin has been removed. Repeat with the remaining tomatoes, and discard the skin.

EditRoasting the Vegetables

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cut the vegetables into large slices. Cut up the peeled tomatoes, the bell pepper, and the onion. There's no need to make the slices even or bite-sized, since they will be pureed at a later stage.

Toss the vegetables with oil. Place the cut vegetables into a large bowl. Add the garlic and the sprigs of thyme. Pour the oil over the vegetables and use two large spoons to toss the ingredients together until all of the vegetables are coated in a thin layer of oil.

Place the vegetables on a baking sheet. Spread them evenly so that each piece is touching the baking sheet, which will ensure that they each caramelize a bit. Arrange the thyme sprigs evenly around the vegetables.

Roast the vegetables for 30 minutes. Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the vegetables cook. The tomatoes will release a fair amount of juice, which you might hear boiling over the rim of the baking sheet and sizzling in the oven. Let the vegetables keep cooking until the onions are slightly brown on top.

EditCombining the Vegetables and Stock

Transfer the roasted vegetables into a large stockpot. Use a spatula to help you scoop the tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic and thyme into the pot. Transfer all the juices, too.

Add the stock. Pour the quart of chicken or vegetable stock over the vegetables. If you like thicker tomato soup, you can scale back the stock by 1/2 cup. For thinner soup, add 1/2 cup water to the stock.

Season the soup and let it simmer. Taste the soup and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the pot on a burner and turn the heat to medium. Let the flavors simmer together for 30 minutes. Taste the soup again and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

EditFinishing the Soup

Puree the soup. Working in small batches, transfer the soup to a blender. Puree it until it's smooth in consistency. Pour the pureed soup into a separate container, then puree another batch. Continue until the entire pot of soup has been pureed, then transfer it back into the soup pot so you can keep it warm.
- If you like chunks of tomatoes in your soup, reserve half the soup and puree the rest. Combine the unblended soup with the pureed soup in the original soup pot.
- If you have a stick blender, you may find it easier to puree the soup using that rather than transferring it to a standar blender.