First of all, there is very little oil in any of the commercial grade oil finishes. They are made up of a little oil mixed with mineral spirits and varnish.  The lingo in the cabinetmaking trade is “wiping varnish” due to the primary content. You can define it as thinned out varnish with a little teak oil mixed in. This type of finish should be applied only to bare wood to achieve a nice finish. The wood can be stained as long as the stain is completely dry before you apply the oil. Applying Teak oil finish over old finishes, such as varnish, lacquer, shellac, or polyurethane, is likely to result in a sticky finish that may take months to cure.  If the old finish is completely removed down to bare wood, you’ll have much better results. Oil finishes are designed to penetrate the unfinished pores of wood. Applying over a finished surface, other than if original finish is Teak oil, is fruitless. When you see a television commercial about a polish or oil product to be used to “nourish” or “revitalize” your furniture, it’s baloney! You cannot “nourish” finished wood with these products. They are surface products loaded with silicone to create a shiny slick surface. Always use safety glasses for all home improvement projects. When using a solvent-based finish, use only in a very well-ventilated area and wear a painter’s mask when possible. To apply a Teak oil finish to your kitchen cabinets, you will needs:  Teak oil finish (Enough for several coats for the entire project. See can for coverage details) Very fine (#0000) steel wool Several sheets of 600 grit silicone-carbide sandpaper (the dark gray stuff) Drop cloth or protective covering for work area A supply of clean rags (t-shirt material works best) Large metal can or metal bucket about half full of water Empty metal coffee can or similar Can of mineral spirits Phillips and flat head screwdrivers Masking or painters tape Saw horses or other elevated surface for the cabinet doors when finishing Household window cleaner
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One-sentence summary -- Know what ingredients teak oil products contain. Remove old finishes before applying the Teak oil. Don't believe the advertisements. Take the proper safety precautions. Gather the necessary materials.


If you can’t be enough support for them, it might be time to recruit the help of a professional. Behavioral therapists can often help people quit smoking. One-on-one therapy is an option or group therapy can offer more support. A lot of people are uncomfortable going to group therapy sessions, especially the first time. Offer to attend with them to help ease their anxiety until they feel more comfortable going alone. Many communities have groups similar to Alcoholics Anonymous for quitting smoking. Nicotine patches and gum have shown to be helpful for many people quitting smoking. You might suggest that your loved one give them a try. Consult with your doctor so you can start on the right dosage. Be ready to provide them with any resources they might need. So, if they can’t afford a therapist, give them a list of free or low-cost options. You can also give them resources to the same websites you found your own facts and stats. Look for smoking cessation programs online or help online at websites like https://smokefree.gov/. Their doctor may be able to offer resources or advice specialized to their profession. It’s always a good idea to let your healthcare professional know about things like this in case they can help. Prescription medications like Chantix can help if someone is struggling with quitting.
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One-sentence summary -- Suggest seeing a professional. Offer to go to a group session with them. Suggest nicotine patches or gum. Provide them with helpful resources. Suggest an appointment with their doctor.


Every racket is different. They all have their own feel and their own unique characteristics. If you want to sit back and relax, playing your top game, use your own racket. You know how to work it and what to expect from it unlike any other. If you use someone else's game, your performance will not be consistent. Because this racket is like your right arm, take good care of it. Keep it in a case when you're not using it. Wash it with warm soap and water if it has a smooth surface (inverted sponge rubber). Alternatively, use a racket cleaner to keep it in tip-top condition. If you need to get to a point where your strokes are consistent, try practicing alone against a wall. Practice each type of shot, working on your spin, length, and speed. This will also help you get a feel for your racket and know exactly what nuance each stroke needs. You can also use the floor for spins. Practice hitting it downward and getting it to come right back to you. Then move onto different angles, too. Practice doesn't make perfect, but it makes habit. If you're practicing all the time, you'll learn what to expect even from yourself. Your shots will be consistent and you'll be able to aim the ball within an inch of its life. So whether you're practicing alone, with a friend, or competitively, do it. However, in the beginning, stick to practice and not competing. It's easy to get frustrated with something that seems so simple, even though it's not. There's a reason it's a competitive sport in certain areas of the world. When you just start off in a sport or in developing a skill, all your mental energy and focus is going to think it out. In order to relax and truly develop your technique, you'll need to get past that stage. Keep playing until the strokes become automatic and you don't have to think about what you're doing with the ball or where it's going to go. Think of it like driving. At first, you were so nervous, taking in all the stimuli around you. Now you can drive and not even remember getting there. Ping pong is the same. Just relax and let it happen. If the only people you know who play are your uncle and the 8-year-old down the block, your game is never going to improve. Join a league or club in your area to find like-minded individuals that can put your skills to the test. And it doesn't matter your level, either; most clubs welcome all players, from beginner to practically professional. USA Table Tennis has a great website listing all clubs affiliated with their organization; take a gander at the page to find one in your area. Their clubs also come with coaches who can help you work on your weaknesses and develop your strengths, too.
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One-sentence summary --
Use only your own racket. Practice alone. Practice all the time. Train until your strokes become second nature. Join a league or club.