Minnows do not usually live that long, especially when they are kept in less than optimal conditions. This means that you should purchase them close to the time you plan on going fishing.  This can be a problem, however, if you plan on going fishing in the early morning, as many bait shops are not open early enough to accommodate buying minnows on the day you want to go fishing.  A bait fish that is kept in poor conditions, such as being overcrowded, can die in less than 24 hours. In order to have your fish last longer, you need to care for them properly.  The lifespan of a minnow varies greatly depending on the type of minnow and the conditions it is living in. Fathead minnows and bluntnose minnows, for example, can live several years in a natural environment, such as a pond. There are some minnows that can live as long as seven to ten years. When using minnows for fishing, however, the conditions are less than ideal. This means they are likely to die much, much quicker. Many people keep minnows in a foam camping cooler or some other disposable, insulated container. However, there are containers that you can buy that are made specifically to keep minnow in.  Foam coolers should be available at most grocery stores. Containers made specifically to keep minnow in are usually available at sporting goods stores or specialty fishing stores. Specialty containers can come with a variety of special features, such as the ability to float the container in a body of water and aerator attachments. Fill your container with distilled water or water from a lake or creek right before you buy the minnows or quickly after you do. The water should be cold, as the fish need a cool temperature to stay alive.  The chemicals in tap water can kill your minnows, so don't use it to keep the minnows in. The container you are using should maintain a constant temperature, helping keep your minnows alive longer.

Summary: Decide when to purchase the minnows. Get a container to put the minnow in. Prepare the container for the minnow.


There’s usually a white sticker or some other indicator prominently displayed on the front of the card if it requires activation. You should see a toll-free number and/or a website link on the sticker that you need to use to activate the card.  Your card is probably ready to use and doesn’t need activation if you don’t see a sticker or other indicators. Check the back of the card for specific instructions if you don’t see an activation sticker. Type the URL carefully and double check it before you press “enter.” There are gift card scams out there that prey on people who accidentally type in the wrong URL for activation. Typically, the first number that you enter is the identification number, but the spaces should be labeled accordingly on the web page. The second number that you enter is usually the activation code or PIN that activates the card. The activation code is usually shorter than the identification number.  If you have trouble working out what numbers to use, contact the customer service department phone number on the back of the card. The gift card is ready to use as soon as you activate it! Virtual gift cards are sent to your email address. The email will provide instructions and any necessary activation codes to complete the process online. Virtual cards may have directions about claiming eGifts rather than activating them. Some merchants offer gift card registration to protect them from loss or theft. If you are concerned about the safety of your gift card, or if it is of particularly high value, contact the customer service phone number or visit the merchant's website to register it. You'll need the identification number, the activation code or PIN, your name, and your address to register the card.

Summary: Locate the URL by checking the sticker on the front of the card. Type the provided URL into your search bar exactly as it appears. Enter the ID number, activation code, and/or PIN number. Use the emailed activation code if you received a virtual card or eGift. Register your card online or by phone to prevent theft.


Make sure to plan the conversation that you want to have with your parents. Preparation will help you to stay organized and demonstrate that you take this talk seriously. Now is the time to gather your research, your budget, and your list of benefits. Make sure to have them with you when you talk to your parents. Try making an outline of the points you want to bring up. Don't be afraid to rely on your notes as you speech. Again, this will just show your parents that you are being thorough. Make sure that you catch your mom or dad at a good time. Don't interrupt if they are busy with something else. It is also a good idea to avoid trying to have this conversation as they are leaving for work, or just arriving home. Try starting the conversation by asking, "Is this a good time to talk?". If the answer is no, ask when you can have an important conversation. Make sure to be clear and direct. You want your parents to know what you are asking for, and why. Be specific, and include details. Give yourself time to make your case, and give your parents time to consider your request.  Avoid making demands. For example, don't tell your parents that they "have" to give you an allowance. Try to use "I" statements. This method of communication will convey that you are responsible and mature. For example, say "I have been doing my chores, and I feel that I am earning an allowance." This is more effective than "You need to give me an allowance." Everyone wants to be treated with respect, including your parents. Speak to them in a friendly, reasonable tone of voice. Remember, they're people, too! Acknowledge that you appreciate their time. Thank them for taking the time to listen to you. Being an active listener is an important part of communication. Give your parents a chance to ask questions, and carefully consider what they are saying. When they give you an answer to your questions, listen to what they are saying and try to understand their reasoning.

Summary: Be prepared. Pay attention to timing. Choose your words carefully. Be respectful. Listen to your parents.


If ingrown hairs become chronic and you try to use some object to dig out the ingrown hair, scars can form. Avoid any “bathroom surgery” and don't use tweezers, needles, pins, or anything else to dig out an ingrown hair.  This will increase the risk of a scar forming and can increase the risk of spreading the infection. You need to hold off will all hair removal in the area until the infection is cleared. Ingrown hairs appear to form when the hair is cut at or below the level of the skin, leaving a sharp edge to the hair which then grows sideways into the skin. Continuing to remove hair from the area could result in additional ingrown hairs or further irritation to the infected area, both of which you want to avoid. Make sure you are not over-drying your skin. Use a bit of moisturizer on the infected hair after every treatment. This can help soften the skin and can reduce the risk of skin damage and scarring.
Summary: Never try to cut out an ingrown hair. Stop shaving, tweezing, waxing, or removing the hair in the affected area. Keep the skin moisturized.