Giving a cat a bath

Bathing a cat can be a tough job, but with these steps a single person can safely and easily bathe a cat with only a small amount of fuss. Here is an easy way for one person to bathe a cat without getting scratched

How to bathe a cat

Step 1: Assemble the basic ingredients:

1. A clean sink or bathtub.
2. Cat shampoo - very important (the cat may lick the remnants of the shampoo from their coat after the bath, so the shampoo must be formulated to be non-toxic for feline ingestion). Available at pet stores.
3. Two to three towels.
4. A cup (normal drinking glass) and a bowl (preferably a mixing bowl that can hold enough water to rinse the shampoo off the cat). 
5. Cat treats for you to feed to the cat after the bath.
   

Step 2: Prepare the ingredients:

1. Fill the sink/bathtub with lukewarm water. The water shouldn't be hot to the touch, but it also should not give the cat the chills.
   
2. Pour a good amount of the cat shampoo into the sink water as well, making it a soapy bathwater.
   
3. Fill the cup with lukewarm water and mix it with the cat shampoo.
   
4. Fill the bowl with clean lukewarm water (this will be used to rinse the cat after shampooing).
   
5. Lay out a towel beside the sink (for drying the cat after the bath) and take the other towel and lay it out on the floor.
   
6. Gather the cat into the washing room (usually the bathroom) and shut the door. If the cat escapes, this way you will not have a wet cat running around the house.
   

Step 3: Readying the cat for the bath:

1. Pet the cat and have it lie on the towel on the floor. While the cat is stretched out on the towel, wrap the cat tightly in the towel, making a "cat burrito" as veterinarians call it. The cat should only have its head out of the top of the towel wrap; its feet should be safely and comfortably contained in the wrapped towel. (Wrapping a cat in a towel is a method often used by veterinarians to contain a cat while giving it shots.)
2. With the sink full of water, hold the cat facing you and away from the water and slowly lower the cat burrito into the water. The cat should not see the water while you are placing it in the bath.  Make sure to hold the cat tightly in the towel so that it cannot wiggle out.
3. The cat may not notice that it is getting wet for a few moments; if the water temperature is right it may be comfortable to be petted for awhile. Once the cat realizes that it is wet it will try to escape.  Hold the towel tight around the cat and press down upon its shoulders. The cat should be able to be restrained with one hand by keeping pressure on its shoulders.
4. Soak the cat in the water, holding it down with one hand. Never allow water to get near the cats face, especially its eyes. After soaking for a while loosen the towel of the cat burrito and use your one free hand to massage the soapy water in to its the hind legs and stomach.
5. Loosen the towel so that the cat's back is no longer covered and pour the cup of soapy water onto the cat's back.
6. Pull the plug on the sink/bathtub and drain out the soapy water.
7. Pour the clean water in the bowl over the cat and be sure to get all of the soap rinsed out of its coat. If the cat doesn't get too upset, you can turn on the faucet water and rinse the cat some more with that water.
8. Take the cat out of the bath and wrap it in the second towel, leaving the "burrito" towel sitting in the sink.
9. Help the cat dry off and give it treats.  If you have a space heater you can place it in front of it, or if your cat doesn't mind you can try to dry its coat with a hair dryer (some long haired cats may require their coats being dried with a hair dryer).

Cat Bath Video

Further Reading

4 Ways to Bath a Cat

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How to Dress for a 70s Party

Recreating that 70s look is both fun and easy. Unlike the 50s look that requires the hard to find Poodle Skirt, 70s clothing is versatile and, most importantly, back in style often enough to find. Of course, a person could just visit a costume shop and emerge with a bell-bottomed jump suit and a fake Afro wig (with belt tied around the head for grooviness). However, the look-alikes at the party might be plentiful.

To create that authentic 70s feel and look, participants should “time warp” to the era itself and see what it's all about. After mentally visiting the era, guests may emerge knowing how to dress for a 70s party.

The 70s in History

Historically, the 1970's were sandwiched between the war-dominated 60s and the self-indulgent 80s. Vietnam War protesting from the 1960's continued with the infamous Kent State killings occurring on May 4, 1970 in which four student protesters lost their lives. Though the United States would pull their troops out of the war in 1973, the American people remained at odds on the issue.

This decade also saw its share of political scandal. The 70s saw three presidents in Nixon, Ford and Carter. Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned among tax evasion charges followed by President Nixon's resignation due to impending impeachment. Nixon's Watergate scandal remains a sign of corruption to this day.

The decade celebrated happy times as well. July 4, 1976 marked the country's 200th anniversary and the word “bicentennial” adorned banners nationwide. As the nation approached the 80s, the seriousness of war gave way to less grave issues like making money and keeping fit with aerobics.

Their Hip Clothes

“Versatility” was the fashion word of the 70's. The “mini skirts,” made popular in the 60s, continued their reign in the early 70s. Soon, this hem-defying fashion was joined by its opposing partner, the “maxi dress.” This dress skimmed the floor in plaids and solids often with a belted waist.

Probably the most famous fashion feed from the 1970s was the bell-bottom. It began slowly in the decade with a slight flare to the legs of jumpsuits and jeans. By the mid 70s, the flare was dramatic, beginning at the knee and ending with a bell-shaped hem. Later in the decade, the flare would decline resulting in the straight leg 80's fashion. Skin-tight “hip huggers,” however would again make their presence known to later generations.

Like it or not, the Disco scene had a place in the 70s. Dance club attire, though not acceptable day wear, came out at night to make a shining statement. The Disco ball threw glimmering light on dancers in gold lame, tight stretch clothes and halter jump suits.

One foot trend, acceptable both on the dance floor and the street, was the platform shoe. Ranging from 1” to 4” (depending on how short the wearer), these shoes, coupled with bell bottoms, were the rage. Eventually, the clog replaced the platform shoe as a comfortable, but less dangerous, option.

Their Groovy Music

The 70s were ushered in by sugary chart toppers by the Jackson 5, The Carpenters and Simon and Garfunkel. In 1970, artists at the top of the Billboard Charts sang about being a “Bridge over Troubled Waters” and sweet, snuggling tunes like “Close To You” and “I'll Be There.”

By 1975, the Charts showed an eclectic choice of music. Country favorites like Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy" and John Denver's "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" rubbed shoulders in the Top 10 with crooners like The Captain and Tennille and Neil Sedaka. Americans tried out all kinds of music.

Later in the decade, Rock and Disco fought for the Charts. In 1979, The Knack's “My Sharona” battled for the top spot of the year with Donna Summer's “Bad Girls.” Eventually, rock would prevail and the 80's kept that tradition.

Their Far-Out Culture

Every era has their pop culture, ideas that form and later represent the era; the 70's were no exception. The “Brady Bunch” contributed with language like “far-out” and “groovy” and the much repeated phrase “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia.” The Brady's also symbolized 70s icons like the station wagon and the Ranch style home.

Farrah Fawcett Majors and her entourage on “Charlie's Angels” dictated the hair styles (and bikini wear) for women. The Afro became the male standard that everyone had to try at least once. The hippie-style shoulder length hair for men still appeared regularly.

On television, the decade opened with Westerns and Police Dramas as “Bonanza,” “Gunsmoke,” and “Hawaii Five-O” were the favorite shows. By the mid 70s, television lightened up with comedies like “All In the Family” and “Laverne & Shirley” topping the ratings. By the end of the decade, America showed they were ready to think about Vietnam again when “MASH” premiered (and stayed) as one of the top shows. Two new genres were introduced when the night-time soap opera “Dallas” and the news magazine “60 Minutes” became American favorites in 1979. Lastly, the “Dukes of Hazard” left an impression in 1979 with a final icon… the Daisy Duke shorts.

Putting Together an Authentic Outfit

As previously mentioned, costume stores sell 70s outfits for a “quick fix.” However, these thin, polyester versions are good in a pinch but they're not authentic material.

To create an authentic, homemade version, a person must first decide on their desired look. Will they show up at the party as a Disco Diva or Dude, a peace-loving Hippie, or a Brady.

Peace-loving Hippie Girl

Recreating the Disco look requires sparkly, tight clothing and high heels. This isn't a look for comfort. If the party will last long into the night, a shimmering halter and bell bottoms with 2” heels may cause fatigue. These clothes are also difficult to find as the Disco era hasn't made a comeback to date. Costume or vintage clothing stores (especially online) feature Disco attire.

D.I.Y Disco Diva

The Hippie is probably the easiest 70's costume to resurrect. Though hip huggers may be hard to find (and fit into), bell bottoms of some sort are plentiful. The term “bell bottom” did not survive past the 70s, but the pants did. Widely flared jeans are found in stores and thrift shops throughout the nation; the more ragged and faded, the better.

Hot pants and bell-bottomed trousers were 70s popular fashion trends

A long, belted top for women or a button-up shirt for men (especially with pointed collar) is authentic. Men should leave the shirt dramatically unbuttoned and sport a gold chain.

As for the hair, a fake Afro or long hair captures the look for men. Tying a belt around the hairdo and letting it hang down does create a care-free Hippie look. A pair of large sunglasses also say “groovy.” Women can try to recreate the “Farrah” look with large, tousled curls or the “Marcia Brady” look with straight gleaming hair. Of course, if going for the Marcia look, don't forget the lip gloss.

Video: What to wear when you're invited for a 70's Party

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Create a Resume Cover Letter

Writing is not everyone's greatest strength, but it is important to present a professional cover letter when hunting for a job. Even a great resume benefits from a strong cover letter that focuses the attention of the reader on your personal assets and makes the best case for why you should be hired.

Instructions to Make a Good Cover Letter for Resume

Step 1: Address the letter to a specific person. 

If possible, always address a cover letter to a specific person with the power to hire you. Not only does this increase the chances of the letter actually reaching the right person, but it also shows your seriousness about the job and your ability to do enough research to find a specific name.

Step 2: Tell why you want the job. 

Be specific; general statements are not as convincing as specific assertions about how a position fits into your career goals and is the obvious step from your current situation.

Step 3: Explain your qualifications. 

Rather than simply restating the information in your resume, use this opportunity to provide specific examples of accomplishments, experiences and qualities you've exhibited in the workplace that add color to the resume. The examples should relate back to the position you're now seeking and should make a strong case for your employment.

Step 4: Conclude strongly. 

The third and final paragraph should not repeat any information in your previous paragraphs. All it needs to do is refer to your enclosed resume, thank the recipient for his time and attention and establish the next step in communication. The next step will vary, but it usually establishes a means of communication and a time frame. If appropriate, request an interview.

Video Tutorial: How to Write a Cover Letter

Tips & Warnings

• A cover letter shouldn't be more than a page long. Brevity is key, so make every word count.
• Do a spell check and grammar check before submitting. If possible, have someone else read over your letter to check for errors.
• Don't lie. Show your best side, but don't embellish too much; otherwise, it can come back to haunt you.
• It's not necessary to explain how you heard about a job listing unless the employer specifically requests that you do.
• If sending a cover letter by email, don't send it as an attachment unless the employer specifically requests that you do. Putting the cover letter directly in the message makes it more likely that the employer will read it. Also, use plain text to ensure that all email services can show the letter.

Further Reading

Resume and Cover Letters
3 Sample Cover Letters that will teach you How to write an appealing Cover Letter

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About Tie Tacks

In the world of fashion, things can change in the blink of an eye. Once fashionable items can become an old trend, and an old trend can come back around to become the latest thing. Even in the business world, what you wear can affect the way you're judged. One accessory that is common among the suit-and-tie crowd is a tie tack.

Definition

an ornamented pin with a receiving button or clasp that is used to attach the two parts of a necktie together or to attach a necktie to a shirt

Ornamentation

Tie tacks can be made from metals like silver, gold and tungsten, be engraved with initials or have precious stones added to the tack.

Cost

How elaborate a tie tack is, and whether it's made of any expensive metals or has any stones, will determine how expensive it is.
Popularity

Since a tie tack is often an understated and functional accessory, it's become popular among the business elite. Younger professionals, emulating their bosses, may wear them also.

Accessorization

For those who are looking for the full, business look, a tie tack is just the beginning. Often tie tacks can be ordered with matching sets of cuff links, and for the truly classical look, could also be matched to a pocket watch chain. 

Video Tutorial: How to Use a Tie Tack 

Further Reading

Where Do You Put a Tie Tack?
What Is the Proper Way to Wear a Tie Tack?

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