Use one to two inches of water per week. Be careful not to over-water or drown your blueberry plants. The first year that you plant the blueberries, clip all of the blooms off of the plants. This will allow the plants to become resilient before they start producing fruit. Pruning also removes crowded or stagnant stems and allows productive parts of the plants to grow stronger.  Every year thereafter, remove low growth around the base of the bush by clipping at an angle at the node of each branch. Remove any dead branches and/or twigs from the plants, as well as any discolored, blotchy growths. Prune lowbush blueberries by cutting the stems to ground level, but do not prune the full plant, as the pruned stems will not bear fruit the next season. To ensure your plant produces each year, only prune half of the plant each year. The pruning process should eliminate about 1/3 to 1/2 of the wood growth on each plant. Thin out the branches further if necessary. If your blueberries grow less than a foot annually (or less than 4 inches for lowbush plants), try using a natural fertilizer to boost the plant's productivity. If possible, use an organic fertilizer to avoid hurting the roots and effectively deliver nitrogen to the blueberries.  Seed meals such as soybean and alfalfa are good organic options. Use 1/4 cup to 2 cups of fertilizer per plant depending on the size. Blood meal and cottonseed meal also work well as fertilizer. Fertilize the plants in early spring and again in late spring for best results. Always water well after fertilizing. Remember, if the pH level is higher than 5.0, you can enrich the soil to make it more acidic using acid compost or planting mix. If the soil pH is above 4.5, mix in granular sulfur to lower the pH level. Do this in late July or early August. Some varieties, including rabbiteye, take a bit longer to fully ripen. Each year, the time of harvest will vary slightly depending on climate conditions.

Summary: Water the plants. Prune the plants every winter. Fertilize the plants. Test the pH level of the soil every two years. Harvest your blueberries.


Place the pot with the okra on the stove, and turn the heat to high. Allow the water to come to a boil, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once the water is boiling, add ¼ cup (59 ml) of cider vinegar to the pot. Don't stir it in, though -- stirring can disturb the cooking process for the okra. You can substitute any type of vinegar or even lemon juice for the cider vinegar. After you've mixed in the vinegar, allow the okra to boil for 3 to 5 minutes. At the 3 minute mark, start testing the okra with a fork. When it's tender enough to pierce, it's finished boiling. Be careful not to overcook the okra or it may become slimy and mushy.

Summary: Bring the pot to a boil. Pour the vinegar into the pot. Boil the okra until it's fork tender.


It can be easy to feel shame, anger, or self-hatred when you encounter homophobia. You might hate yourself for being who you are, or wish that you were heterosexual so that, perhaps then, you would have an easier time of it. It's understandable to turn these feelings inward, but you shouldn't. Homophobia is a societal problem, and it can only be solved with information, self-awareness, and acceptance. Although it may be difficult to know that everyone from religious groups and conservative politics do not support who you are, this pain can be eased by having a few people who continuously show you love and support.  Identify those precious people in your life - classmates, coworkers, close friends, or relatives - who are there for you, or who may be going through a similar ordeal. Spend as much time with these people as possible. It can be very helpful to join a local support group for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. Participating in such groups can help you feel less alone and learn practical solutions for dealing with homophobia. Taking action to spread awareness about homophobia may help you feel worthwhile and cope with facing discrimination in your own life. Search for advocacy groups to become a member in your geographic area and make a difference today. If you have recently come out as gay, or are dealing with bullying or discrimination at school or work, it can be immensely helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor. This professional can help you process this confusing time in your life and maybe even help you develop strategies for reacting to homophobia. A family therapist may be able to help you address homophobic feelings of close relatives.

Summary: Don't take it personally. Find support. Join an advocacy group. See a mental health counselor.


Use medium grit sandpaper (60 to 100 rating) to take off rough, irregular edges and burrs from the wood. Use firm pressure and to rub the wood with the sandpaper.  Be patient with this process. Sanding can take a while, but a well sanded sword will look more professional made. To speed up this process, you could clamp your sword to a work bench and use a hand sander. This will make your sword look stylish, but will also provide you a better grip on the handle when using your sword. Wind electrical tape around the handle of your sword to make a grip.  Sweat from your hand along with the force of hitting something with your sword can jostle it from your grasp if you don't have a grip. Alternatively, you can use duct tape for the grip of your sword. Different patterns/colors of tape can be used to suit your preference. A file will allow you to make more precise, deeper notches in the top of the handle and bottom of the blade. Take your file and remove wood directly above and below the cross guard. Using a file in this fashion will better separate your cross guard from the handle and blade the sword. Cut a piece of wood, plastic, or metal in a circular shape that is roughly 2 in (5 cm) thicker than your sword handle. Cut a hole directly in the center of this that is just barely larger than your sword handle.  Slide the separate cross guard piece up the handle. The guard should catch where the blade thickens and go no farther. To hold your cross guard in place, wrap twine or string around the guard. Alternate between the top and bottom of the guard so the string winds along the base of the blade and top of the handle. Tie the string off in a simple knot. Tie tassels to the base of the handle of your sword. Use a marker to draw designs on the blade. Etch designs in your sword with a knife. To make a sheath, cut one long sleeve off of an old shirt. sew one end of a long sleeve closed. Slide your sword inside, and you're done.
Summary: Sand your sword blade, handle, and cross guard. Wrap the handle of your sword. File your cross guard to make it distinct. Add a separate cross guard piece, alternatively. Add accents to suit your preference and enjoy. Finished.