Most mild cases of folliculitis will eventually go away on their own. However, it's possible to speed this process by taking good care of the infected area. Twice a day, use a gentle antibacterial soap to cleanse the infected area. Rinse and dry with a clean, dry washcloth or towel.  Be sure to wash gently. Don't use a harsh soap or scrub roughly—these things can irritate the area, worsening any redness and inflammation. If you happen to have folliculitis on your face, choose an antibacterial soap that's specifically labeled for facial use. These are often gentler than run-of-the-mill antibacterial soaps. Warm compresses are rags or other absorbent materials soaked in warm liquid and held against the affected area to sooth irritation, promote drainage, and speed the healing process. Using salt water for your compress conveys an added antibacterial benefit (albeit a minor one). To create a salt-water compress, first dissolve a few spoonfuls of table salt in a cup or two of warm water. Soak a clean cotton ball or washcloth in the salt water and hold it gently against the affected area. Apply twice a day—once in the morning, once at night. Also known as Burow's solution, aluminum acetate is an astringent and antibacterial that is commonly used as a cheap over-the-counter treatment for a variety of minor skin conditions. Aluminum acetate can be used to kill folliculitis-causing bacteria and to reduce swelling in the infected area, lessening irritation and speeding recovery.  To use Burow's solution, simply dissolve one packet in the recommended amount of warm water. Soak a clean washcloth in the aluminum acetate solution, wring it out, and then apply to the affected area gently. Hold the washcloth there, intermittently wetting the cloth in the acetate solution as needed. When done, clean out the receptacle used for the aluminum acetate and run the washcloth under cool water. Launder the washcloth in hot water and dry thoroughly to kill any bacteria or fungi on the cloth. Believe it or not, oatmeal has long been used as an ingredient in home remedies for skin irritations due to its anti-itching properties. Try soaking your body (or just the affected area) in a homemade oatmeal bath or covering the area with an oatmeal lotion. Enjoy the gentle soothing sensation of your oatmeal cure, but, to avoid aggravating your folliculitis further, avoid prolonged exposure to even these mild solutions. As above, be sure to use a clean towel or washcloth to gently dry the affected area. Minor skin ailments like folliculitis are easy targets for a wide variety of holistic or "natural" cures. Some practitioners swear by these types of cures, though they are often not supported by the medical establishment. If you decide to use a holistic cure, use common sense—don't do anything that's likely to aggravate your folliculitis, introduce additional bacteria to the affected area, or prevent healing. One common holistic cure involving vinegar is described below (many others can be found with a simple online search). Make a solution of two parts warm water to one part white vinegar and mix thoroughly. Soak a clean washcloth in the vinegar solution, wring out, and apply to affected area. Hold the compress in place for 5-10 minutes, intermittently wetting the cloth in the vinegar solution as needed.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Wash the area periodically with antibacterial soap. Try a simple salt-water compress. Soak the area with warm water and aluminum acetate. Treat with oatmeal. Consider using a holistic cure like vinegar.


Kindle Fires running FireOS 5.3.1 and older can be rooted. To check your Kindle Fire's operating system, swipe down from the top of the screen, tap Settings, tap Device Options, tap System Updates, and review the operating system number to the right of the "Your device is running Fire OS" heading.  If your Kindle Fire is running a newer operating system, you cannot root your Kindle Fire and thus cannot install Android on it.  You will not be able to install Android on a 2017 generation of Kindle Fire. Since you'll be wiping your Kindle Fire, make sure you have any photos, files, or other work backed up either to your Amazon account or to a computer. On a Windows or Mac computer, do the following:  Go to http://rootjunkysdl.com/files/?dir=Amazon%20Fire%205th%20gen/SuperTool in your computer's web browser. Click AmazonFire5thGenSuperTool.zip in the "File" section. You can install Android Studio, which installs the command line "adb" option, on both Windows and Mac computers:  Go to https://developer.android.com/studio/ in your computer's web browser. Check the "I have read and agree..." box, then click the blue DOWNLOAD button. Double-click the downloaded file. Follow the on-screen setup prompts. Open Android Studio, then follow any on-screen prompts. This will allow you to access the Kindle Fire on your computer:  Swipe down from the top of the screen, then tap Settings. Tap Device Options. Enable Developer Options by tapping the Build number heading seven times. Tap Developer Options. Tap USB computer connection. Tap Camera (PTP). Go back one page, then tap the "Enable ADB" switch.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Make sure your Kindle Fire is rootable. Back up any files you don't want to lose. Download the SuperTool ZIP. Install Android Studio on your computer. Enable debugging on your Kindle Fire.


This is an easy trick that makes it look like you're moving a coin from your left hand to your right, and then making it disappear in your right hand. In reality, you'll keep the coin in your left hand the whole time while tricking your audience into thinking you moved it. Here's how you do it:  Hold the coin between the thumb and first two fingers of your left hand. Move your right hand towards the left, pretending to reach down to pick it up with your three middle fingers, while really letting it "drop" into the left hand. Pretend that you're holding it between the index finger and thumb of your right hand. Blow on "the coin" and open up your right hand, showing that it has disappeared. Reach your left hand toward your elbow and reveal the coin, making it look like that was where you made it disappear. This simple trick is called the "throw away" card trick. For this trick, you have to place the card in your hand, snap it, and make the card in the hand appear to have disappeared. Here's how you do it:  Hold your hand with the index and pinkie fingers up and the other three fingers touching each other, doing the old "Rock n' Roll" symbol. Place the card so the last inch or so (2.5 cm) tucks into the area between the middle and ring finger and thumb. Gently snap your fingers and straighten out your hand. The card will be clipped between the first and second finger and the third and fourth finger, and will appear to have disappeared. Just make sure you're facing the audience with your palm and they can't see the card on other side of your hand. If you get more skilled, you can practice bringing the card back and making it disappear again. All you need for this trick is a pencil and to wear a loose, long-sleeved shirt. This simple trick requires you to first hold a pencil by its edges with both of your hands and then make it look like it has disappeared into thin air. In reality, you'll be snapping the pencil to the side of one arm and then making it disappear down your sleeve. Here's how you can pull it off:  Hold the pencil's edges with your thumb, index, and middle fingers, turning your hands so the backs of your fingers face the audience. Apply a bit more pressure to the pencil with the fingers of your right hand, making the pen bend a bit toward your right inner wrist. Move your hands up and down a bit to create some movement. Appear to snap the fingers on your left hand, making the pen move so it is lying along the right wrist. Discreetly move the pen into the sleeve on the right hand, showing that the pen has disappeared. The faster you can do this, the more convincing it looks.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Make a coin disappear. Make a card disappear. Make a pencil disappear.


Stress can have physical effects on your cat because his or her immune system is already weak. When an animal is stressed, its body releases a natural steroid—cortisol—in order to help the body cope with the stress. Long term exposure to cortisol suppresses the immune system and, in a cat that already has a weakened immune system, this will decrease his or her limited ability to fight infection.: Change can really stress a cat out, from having a new pet around to moving to a new house. Try to keep your cat’s environment as normal as possible. Don't forget to continue to play with your cat. Give it toys and spend quality time with it as usual. You don't want to exhaust a cat with FIV but you do want to continue to enjoy the company of your pet. You can purchase diffusers that emit feline pheromones that will keep your cat calm. Vets recommend Feliway, which contains a synthetic version of the pheromone (a hormone messenger) that a contented cat gives off. Feliway is odorless to people, but to cats it sends of a reassuring message that all is well with the world.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Minimize the amount of stress your cat feels. Keep your cat’s routine the same. Use a plug-in diffuser.


Keep in mind, however ,if you are cutting warm bread, you'll need to go for thicker slices. This will help keep the bread from going all mushy. Hold it just firmly enough to keep it in place, but not so firmly that you are squashing it. Keep the knife at a slight angle. Position the knife so that it is parallel to the cutting board. Carefully bring it down towards the board. If the bread is warm, you might have more luck with thicker slices.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Use an electric knife to get thin slices or to cut warm bread. Hold the bread lightly by the sides. Turn the knife on and cut into the bread slightly from the side. Cut straight down once you pierce the crust. Cut the slices as thin or as thick as you want them.


Although many jobs in modern times are sedentary and involve sitting, there are still some jobs that involve lots of standing, such as bank teller, cashier, factory worker, chef, hairdresser and various retail and construction jobs, to name a few. However, there are often opportunities to sit and rest your feet while still working and being productive, so look for those opportunities and be sure to tell your boss what you're up to. For example, sitting while answering the phone or filling out paperwork might be appropriate at your workplace, especially if there are no customers around. Aged people are more susceptible to foot/leg injuries from excessive standing because their tissues (ligaments, tendons, cartilage, fascia) lose elasticity and shock absorbency. When you take your lunch break, make sure to grab a seat and put your feet up while eating and hydrating. You may be in a hurry, but take advantage of the opportunity to take the weight off your feet. If your workplace is short of chairs or doesn't have a lunch room, then either bring your own folding chair or stool, or find a different location to eat where you can safely sit down. Food courts at malls, outdoor picnic tables, water fountains, or even some clean grass under a tree are all good places to take a load off and enjoy your lunch. Make sure to take all of your allotted breaks and try to sit the entire time, preferably with your legs up, which promotes better circulation because of the reduced effects of gravity. Taking off your shoes while resting will also allow your feet to cool down by evaporation. While on your break, consider rolling your bare feet over a golf ball. It will feel great, relieve some tension in the soles of your feet and maybe even help prevent plantar fasciitis (pain and inflammation of the connective tissue covering the bottom of your feet).

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Sit down more often while working. Sit down during lunch. Sit down during breaks.


Polyfill stuffing is available at all craft supply stores. The upper half of the sock will become the torso and head. The amount of stuffing is up to you. How firm do you want your monkey? If the sock is thin, you may want to err on the side of under stuffing, as overstuffing it may cause it to stretch. If your sock opening is the same color as the body of the sock, just make a nice rounded head and stitch it shut. If it is a contrasting color, you will need to decide if you want to cut it off (making a shorter body for the monkey) and make the head as usual or use the excess coloring as a "hat" by not stuffing the last inch or two and cinching the opening into a cone shape. To make the head: Stitch around the neck with quarter inch stitches. Use sturdy thread such as embroidery floss. Pull the stitches snugly until you get the size neck you want and knot the ends. Round out the head area with stuffing as desired and stitch the top opening shut. Gather the tip with large stitches and snug/cinch them closed. Fold the raw edges to the center and tuck inside. Then, stitch the opening closed. Winter ready!

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Turn the sock right-side out and stuff the entire thing. Sew the head and/or hat. If you are making a hat, start working with the cuff.


Roll up a piece of paper into a cone. Trim the bottom of the cone so that it will sit flat on your head. Tape or staple a ribbon or elastic to the bottom of the horn. Tie the horn to your head.  Decorate the horn with markers, crayons, glitter glue or stickers. You can also use a gold or silver party hat to make a horn. Unroll the party hat and cut out a 1-2 inch section from it. Re-roll the hat and tape it into cone shape. Tape or staple an elastic onto the bottom of the hat. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and leggings or pants. Wear white, pink, purple, or another pastel color. Put stickers on your shirt to add decorations. Use curling ribbon or yarn in pastel colors to make a tail. Cut several pieces of ribbon or yarn to reach from your waist to your knees. Tie these pieces together at one end and pin or tie them to the back of your pants. Wear black or brown shoes to stand in for hooves. You can also wear black or brown gloves as your front hooves.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Make a unicorn horn. Wear white or pastel colors. Make a tail. Complete the outfit.


In order to find a vision test online, you will need to complete a Google search. Search for “online vision test” and look through the results. The majority of vision tests available online are provided by companies that sell contact lenses and eye glass frames. In some cases you will be asked to create an account or provide your email address prior to taking an online vision test. There are a variety of different vision tests available online. For example, you can test your colour vision, visual acuity, light sensitivity, near vision, as well as test for astigmatism. If you are having trouble reading or seeing images on the television, you should test your visual acuity, light sensitivity and near vision. If you are concerned that you may have some form of colourblindness, you should test your colour vision. Determine which test makes sense for your particular situation. Once you have decided on a test you will need to read and follow all of the setup instructions provided. For example, the test will likely ask you to sit anywhere from 40 centimeters (16 inches) to one meter (three feet) from the computer screen.  Situate your computer on your desk and then move your chair so that you are the appropriate distance from the screen. You can measure the distance using measuring tape or a ruler. You will also be required to click on certain images while taking the test, so it is probably best to use a wireless mouse. You can purchase a wireless mouse at any computer supply store and they cost anywhere from $40 to $500.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Search for an online vision test. Choose a test. Ensure you are the proper distance from the screen. Use a wireless mouse.


If you enjoy an occasional alcoholic drink with family and friends, they’re bound to notice if you go cold turkey. Try discreetly ordering a virgin version of your favorite drink next time you’re out. Offer to mix the drinks yourself if you’re socializing at home—that way, you can mix your own alcohol-free cocktail without anyone noticing. If you’re out with your significant other or a friend who knows your secret, you can both order the same drink. Pretend to sip yours, then sneakily switch drinks when theirs starts to get low. Other people drinking with you are unlikely to notice. If a fake-out isn’t possible, have a plausible excuse ready for when someone offers you something you can’t eat or drink. You can pass it off as a lifestyle change or health issue unrelated to pregnancy.  For example, if someone offers to buy you a cup of coffee, you could tell them you’re trying to cut back on caffeine to improve your sleep at night. If you have to turn away a soft cheese hors d’oeuvre, you can say something like, “My stomach’s been upset a lot lately, so my doctor recommended I try going dairy free.” If you’re plagued with morning sickness, your friends and coworkers may notice that you’re feeling under the weather. Eating ginger candy or sipping ginger-based drinks (like ginger tea or old-fashioned ginger ale) can help settle your stomach and make your symptoms less obvious to others. Bland foods like plain crackers or dry cereal can also help combat nausea.  Make sure to sip plenty of water throughout the day, too—getting dehydrated can make morning sickness worse. If you do feel the need to vomit, try going into the bathroom or finding another secluded spot where you can sit with your head between your knees for a few minutes. This may help the feeling pass, or at least buy you time to find some privacy before you have to throw up. If you know that you tend to feel more tired and queasy at particular times of the day, avoid planning exercise or other tiring activities with friends at those times. Figure out when you’re at your most energetic, and make time then.  For example, if feel too tired and sick for a morning jog with a workout buddy, you might suggest doing some afternoon yoga instead. Try saying something like, “I’ve been wanting to check out this new yoga class for a while. Want to give it a shot?” You can also make an excuse, if necessary. If you’re too exhausted or nauseated to participate in an activity, you could say that you’ve got a mild stomach bug or that you’re busy trying to catch up on work deadlines. Even if you’re not ready to tell most people in your life, you might want or need to share your pregnancy news with a select few. If you do tell someone, let them know in simple terms that it’s just between the 2 of you. Ask them to respect your desire for privacy until you’re ready to tell others. Try saying something like, “I wanted to let you know that I’m pregnant, but I’m not ready to share the news with anyone else yet. Please don’t talk to anybody about it without asking me first.”

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Develop a fake-out strategy for social drinking situations. Make an excuse to avoid unsafe foods and drinks. Keep crackers and ginger candy on hand to stave off nausea. Schedule activities for times when you feel your best. Ask those in the know to keep the news to themselves.


Your spouse's body, personality, goals and dreams are going to change over the years, just like you are changing. Married couples need to accept each other as they change and mature, rather than struggling to hold on to youth that is no longer there.  Don't see your spouse's changing body as being full of flaws. Our culture views aging as something to resist, but this is a backwards view. Changing skin and hair can be beautiful in their own right. Be glad you and your spouse get to grow old together! Be flexible enough to accept your spouse's changing personality, too. People tend to get a little harder as they age, but they also get wiser. Help your spouse mature into a happy, whole, fulfilled person by being flexible and accepting. Remember when you took your marriage vows? You never could have imagined all you'd go through together as a couple. Look how far you've come, and how much you've accomplished, and be grateful for it. Expressing your gratefulness to your partner will re-energize your marriage and help you look forward to a long future together. Don't compare your spouse to his or her former self, and don't compare your marriage to its early stages. Life is full of changes, and that's a good thing. Wishing things were as they used to be isn't going to help your marriage to grow. And would you really want it to remain stunted forever, anyway? You can enjoy talking about memories and looking at old pictures, but try not to get overly wistful and nostalgic. Focus on the here and now, and planning for the future.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Be accepting of your spouse's aging. Be thankful for your life together. Don't dwell on the past too much.


People who fulfill their dreams tend to have a strong foundation. This means people who help you when you ask, people who encourage you, people who can act as your mentor, and so on. Without connecting with people you are far less likely to have the opportunities that come with community.  Networking is a big way to make things happen. It can lead to a job, to your book being published, to discovering a new dream. Take advantage of opportunities to meet people in your chosen area. For example, if there's a journalist convention in town and your dream is to be a journalist, make sure you go to it and talk to people.  Look at every interaction as an opportunity. You have no idea where your next connection might come from. It might be that girl you met on the plane, it might be your boss at work. Talk to people, let them know what you're interested in, and make sure you return that interest by paying attention to who they are and what they do. Build community. This means that you have a strong support group, which makes it easier when you have setbacks while fulfilling your dreams. It means that while you are focusing on your dreams, you are also focusing on benefiting and connecting with other people on a personal level. No one who has ever attempted to achieve their dreams has gotten a free ride. There are lots of obstacles that can crop up. Being prepared and being flexible can help you a lot when dealing with them.  One of the obstacles to fulfilling your dreams is the need to do everything perfectly. Perfectionism is going to make you unlikely to ever get started on your dreams. It's usually an excuse for procrastination. "I'll wait until I get my promotion..." "I'll wait until the kids are grown up..." "I can't start until I know exactly what I'm doing..." Another obstacle is fear. You're afraid to fail, you're afraid that you'll find out down the line that this isn't what you wanted after all, you're afraid other people will think your dreams are stupid. Letting go of fear is the same as letting go of control. You can't control how people think about you, you can't control how you're going to feel in a year, you have no idea what the future holds. When you find yourself obsessing over these fears, bring your mind back to the next task, without thinking about the overwhelming whole. Other obstacles may arise that you can't foresee. Ask yourself what do you need to overcome this obstacle? What happens if you don't? How did this obstacle come about? If there were no restrictions on solving this obstacle, what would you do? These questions can help unlock creative solutions to obstacles. This doesn't mean you have permission to be negative. Being negative and being realistic mean two very different things. Being negative means you don't think you can achieve your dreams. Being realistic means that you know it could take awhile and you know there will be obstacles along the way.  For example: instead of quitting your job and running away to L.A. to be an actor right off the bat, try out acting classes and maybe acting school to see if that's what you really want to do. Work and save up some money so that you have a safety net for any potential problems ahead. Being realistic doesn't mean that you use obstacles or perfectionism as an excuse to procrastinate. This is where setting goals is so important. In the above example, the hypothetical person isn't saying "well, when I have more money..." they set a timeline "I'm going to make X amount of money and when I have that I'm moving to L.A. to look into acting opportunities. Until that time, I'm going to take classes in acting and working in local theaters. Another problem that people have when trying to achieve their dreams, is staying motivated to do so. It's easy to get overwhelmed or distracted. Sometimes staying motivated means pushing through the times when things get hard.  Focus on the small steps. Avoid looking at the big picture, otherwise you're going to get overwhelmed. For the hypothetical person trying to become an archaeologist, there is going to be a lot of work and time to complete. Instead of focusing on the end goal (in ten years or so) focus on the next thing (that essay you have to finish, or graduating from college). Have a plan for staying motivated. it isn't necessarily a defeatist attitude to have plans for when your motivation flags. Along the way you're going to need a boost either because of a setback or simply exhaustion. Have a plan for those moments (taking a short break, reminding yourself what you're trying to accomplish, looking at what other people have accomplished!). Decide it this is what you really want. Sometimes when you're losing motivation for something, it's because you no longer have the same dreams that you once had. There's nothing wrong with this! It simply might be time to look in a new direction for fulfillment. You won't fulfill your dreams by always taking the safe option. Dreams involve risk. They involve putting yourself out there in the world and hoping for the best. Hard work, planning, and being flexible can get you a good long ways, but for the rest, you have to know that you won't always succeed, but being willing to try anyway. Don’t wait to start accomplishing your dreams, even if you're starting small. There is no “opportune moment.” If you want to run that marathon, then start training right away.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Connect with others. Deal with obstacles. Be realistic. Stay motivated. Take risks.


It's important to chill the pastry so it doesn't shrink as much when you bake it. Ensure that the shell chills for about 30 minutes. If you're using a frozen, store-bought pie shell, you can probably just leave it in the freezer until the oven is fully preheated. Carefully take the pastry shell out of the oven and lift away the parchment with the pie weights, rice, or beans. Return the pastry shell to the oven and cook it until it's just starting to become brown. Then remove the pie shell and let it cool a little while you make the filling. Keep the oven turned on to 350 °F (177 °C) so you can bake your quiche once you've assembled it.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and freeze the pie shell. Remove the weights and bake the shell for 10 to 15 minutes.


Holding yourself in an erect posture can help make your boobs bigger. Stand up straight with your shoulders back and your arms at your sides. Many companies now offer padded bras or sculpted shapewear that can make the size of your breasts appear larger, while also keeping your boobs feeling and looking natural. Buy and wear either padded bras or more structured shapewear like a corset to enhance the size of your breasts.  Get fitted for the right size bra by a professional. You can ask clerks in lingerie or department stores to fit you and suggest the best size bra for you. Purchase a bra or shapewear with underwire to help further boost your bust. Consider the different clothing that you want to wear the padded bras and shapewear under. Buy several different options for items such as low-cut tops or sweaters, dresses, or t-shirts. Look at your boobs in the bra. The cups should be full but not spilling over the front or out the sides. Cookies and cutlets are silicone implants you place inside your bra to make your boobs look even bigger. Insert a pair of cutlets or cookies at a strategic place in your bra to achieve the specific boob enhancing effect. For example:  Put the cookie on the outside of each breast for deeper cleavage Put the cutlet under your boob to give heavier boobs more lift Tape the cookie so that it touches just above your nipple, while still covering it, to make your boobs look perky and youthful.  Double-up with cutlets and a padded bra for maximum boost. The type of top you wear can make a big difference in how your boobs look. Wearing fitted tops or ones with details can make your chest look bigger and more curvaceous.  Buy tops that are fitted or have darts that cinch in your waist.  Wear tops with detailing that can enhance the size of your boobs like ruffles.  Wear a belt to cinch in your waist, which can make your boobs look bigger. Shadows and highlights can often help make your boobs look bigger. Apply highlighters or bronzers to strategic parts of your boobs to enhance their appearance.  Dab a bit of highlighter on the upper area of your breast. Make sure to blend it in so that it isn’t obvious and reflects the light to make your boobs look bigger.  Use a bronzer either between your breasts or to outline them to make them appear larger.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Stand up straight. Wear padded bras or sculpted shapewear. Insert “cutlets” or “cookies”. Put on fitted or detailed tops. Apply cosmetics.


Assertiveness is the ability to express your opinions or stand up for your own needs tactfully, without aggression or defensiveness. It's often seen as the opposite of passivity or shyness. There are a few different aspects to being assertive that include the ability to:  Request things from others (like favors), delegate, ask for help, and express needs or wants. Express negative emotions such as disagreement, complaints, the desire to be alone, and to refuse the requests of others. Show positive emotions such as pride or attraction and give compliments to others. Question authority and tradition by asking why with respect. This demonstrates your investment to make change happen and shows you share control in decision making. Start, continue, and stop conversations with others confidently, as well as the ability to change the topic of conversations and share opinions or experiences. Productively deal with daily irritations before they become reasons for anger. You may want to be more assertive at work. Or, maybe you want to become more assertive at home. Spend some time considering which parts of your life would benefit from you standing up for yourself. It may help to think about what you're struggling with right now.  For instance, maybe you'd like to be able to tell your boss that you're overloaded and want to delegate tasks to another team member. For example, if your partner repeatedly does something that bothers you, you might want the ability to express that frustration tactfully. Describe the situation or issue, while being as specific as possible about how you see things. Take care not to use "you" statements. These can sound accusatory and aren't usually taken well. Use "I" statements instead. Express your opinion firmly while maintaining eye contact and composure. Clearly and specifically describe how you'd like the situation to change.  For example, if a friend repeatedly cancels plans with you, you might say, "When you cancel plans, I feel frustrated and hurt. In the future, please only make plans you intend on keeping or give me extra notice."  Be reasonable with your requests and consider the other person’s needs or restraints. Be open to feedback and be willing to make changes as needed. Role-playing is an exercise where you ask someone to play the person you'll actually be speaking with. This gives you a great chance to practice having a strong personality before you actually interact with the person. Practice by assertively saying everything you're planning on expressing to the person.  This will help you work through rough points in the conversation and can boost your confidence for the actual talk. Role-playing is just as beneficial for you as it is for the person you'll eventually be speaking with. It can give you insight as to your communication style and lets you change the conversation based on what's working and what isn't.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Understand how assertiveness is a strength. Identify areas of your life in which you would like to be more assertive. Be assertive with another person. Practice by role-playing.


Dump in 1 tablespoon (14.3 grams) of salt for every cup (250 milliliters) of water you use. Make sure the caramel is completely submerged under water. Do not dump the water out beforehand, no matter how murky or dingy it may look. By now, the salt should have weakened the stuck-on caramel, causing it to lift off the sides of the pot as soon as the water heats up. Gently scrub the sides of the pot with a dish sponge. Any remaining caramel should lift off without much difficulty. Use running water to remove any residual flakes of caramel.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Fill an enamel pot or pan with salt water. Allow the salt water to sit in the pot overnight. Boil the salt water inside the pot the following day. Dump the water. Rinse the pot.


Hold the 2 uprights next to each other. Try to line them up as evenly as you can. Both supports should be facing the same direction so they’re lined up correctly. Place 1 crosspiece at the very front of the 2 uprights and align them so they’re even. Use a hammer and nail the crosspiece to the 2 uprights. Then, nail a crosspiece just behind the posts of both uprights. Nail 1 more piece of wood at the very end of the 2 uprights to connect them together. Aim carefully and use small hammer strokes to drive the nails without bending them or cracking the wood. Take an eye hook and use your hands to twist it into the wood. Use constant pressure and rotate it clockwise. Continue twisting it until only the loop of the hook is exposed and the entire screw is inside of the wood. Don’t yank or force the eye hook too hard or it could crack the wood. Use a ruler or tape measure and mark 3 inches (7.6 cm), 4 inches (10 cm), and 5 inches (13 cm) from the eye hook at the end of the wood. Mark the locations with a pencil or marker. Make the lines dark so you can clearly see them. Use a small drill bit, such as a 40mm, to bore holes through the marks on the wood. Start the drill before you press it onto the wood and maintain steady pressure as you drill through them.  The 3 distances allow you to adjust the trebuchet to launch projectiles different distances. Remove any sawdust or splinters so the swinging arm will be able to rotate smoothly. At the opposite end of the piece of wood, screw in an eye hook at an upward angle so the look as on the side of the piece of wood and the screw is near the end of the wood. Then, take a nail and insert it into the end of the wood at a downward angle so it’s pointing towards the loop of the eye hook. Leave about 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of the nail sticking out of the end of the wood. Use a small nail that doesn’t have a thick head on it. Use a ruler or tape measure to measure from the very tops of the uprights. Mark the location with a pencil or marker and place a dot at the center of the line. Then, take a power drill and use a small drill bit to bore through both of the uprights. Hold the uprights steady with 1 hand when you drill them so you don’t snap or crack the crosspieces. Untwist a wire hanger and measure out a segment of straight wire. Use a pair of wire cutters to clip the hanger and remove the piece. You can also use a smooth metal rod that fits inside of the holes. The 16 inches (41 cm) piece of wood with the eye hooks will serve as the swinging arm of the trebuchet. Push the wire through 1 upright, then slide it through the bottom-most hole of the swinging arm, then insert it into the other upright. You will now have a straight bar that the arm can swing around. Test the arm by rotating it back and forth to make sure it moves smoothly without any sticking or wobbling.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Stand the 2 uprights so they’re side by side. Nail 3 5 in (13 cm) pieces of wood across the 2 sides. Screw an eye hook into 1 end of a 16 in (41 cm) piece of wood. Mark 3 distances from the end of the 16 in (41 cm) piece of wood. Drill holes through the wood at the marks. Insert an eye hook and a nail at an angle on the other end of the wood. Measure 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the top of the uprights and drill a hole. Cut a 6 in (15 cm) length of wire hanger with wire cutters. Slide the wire hanger through the uprights and swinging arm.


This is one of several precautions you should take before you begin tearing apart your faucet to fix a leak. You don’t want to lose anything down there during disassembly! There should be two shut-off valves beneath the sink, one each for hot and cold. Turn the faucet handles to make sure both hot and cold are off, and to get rid of excess water in the lines. For mobile homes and some older homes that don't have shut off valves, you may need to turn off the water for the whole house. This will protect against damage to the faucet’s shiny finish. One layer of tape will do. Any kitchen faucet with separate handles for hot and cold is a compression faucet. Remove a handle by popping off the decorative (“H” or “C”) cap and loosening the screw beneath. Repeat the process on the other handle if it’s also leaking. Use a tape-wrapped wrench and turn counterclockwise. Pull out the stem. Install a new O-ring for leaky handles, or a seat washer for a leaky spout. Both are rubber, but the O-ring is thinner. Take them to the hardware store if you need to find a match. It’s the exact reverse process — so if you managed to pull out the faucet handle successfully, you can put it back in too! Turn the water lines back on, then try the faucet and check for leaks. Unless you already know what kind of faucet you have — either a “ball,” “cartridge,” or “ceramic disk” — you’ll need to look at the inner workings to figure it out.  Unscrew and remove the handle itself: it may be on the lower front or rear of the handle or under a  decorative cap which you can pop off to expose the allen screw.  A ball faucet has a free-moving ball (usually rubber) that seats in a metal socket, similar to your shoulder or hip joint. A cartridge faucet has a cylindrical mechanism (the “cartridge”) that will pull out in one piece. A ceramic disk faucet contains a shorter cylinder with several neoprene sealing rings on its underside. Your repair procedure will vary depending on whether you have a ball, cartridge, or ceramic disc faucet. In any case, the repair will involve several detailed steps, but the overall tools and techniques are not beyond the capability of most homeowners. Use the product instructions for your faucet, or print out a high-quality online guide with detailed images and instructions on repairing a ball, cartridge, and/or ceramic disk faucet. That said, there’s no shame in calling a plumber if you’re not sure what you’re dealing with!

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Plug up the drain with a stopper or rag. Turn off the water to the faucet. Wrap the teeth of wrenches and pliers with duct tape. Remove one or both leaky handles on a compression faucet. Loosen the nut that holds the stem in place. Replace one or both rubber washers in the assembly. Reassemble the faucet handle. Remove the handle of a single-handle faucet to investigate. Get detailed instructions for your specific faucet type.


Crested geckos are arboreal, meaning they live in trees, so make sure to get a vertical terrarium. Cresties will love having some space. If you're starting out with a baby gecko, look for a 10-gallon vertical glass terrarium at a pet store. If you have an adult gecko (or once your baby grows up), get a 20 gallon one. You could also get a 20 gallon (75.7 L) tank and flip it vertically because crested geckos naturally climb trees, and don't crawl on the ground. If using an Exo Terra, they need a tank that's 18x18x24 in inches minimum for a juvenile gecko and 45x45x60 cm for an adult.  Crested geckos need a lot of humidity. You need to mist down the entire tank at night and a small mist in the morning, in order for the water to naturally collect, so that the crested geckos can drink. you may also put a bowl of water. If it's normally very humid where you live, you can also try housing your crested gecko in a cage with screen sides. Be sure to use a digital hygrometer. Pet stores will stock soil meant to be used in reptile houses. A mixture of peat moss or coco fiber and soil will also work just fine but when first get your pet damp paper towel will do. Whichever substrate you use, place enough in your terrarium to cover the bottom well. Keep in mind that live plants need the correct type of soil and lighting. Your gecko will appreciate having lots of plants to climb on and hide under. Plants will also help regulate the humidity in the terrarium, making it more comfortable for the gecko .  Live plants are best, but fake plants will give your gecko something to play on, at least. Your local pet store should stock some plants that will work great in your terrarium and will be safe for your gecko. Make sure that the plants that you buy are waterproof. Pothos and bromeliad are good options. Remember that Cresties in the wild live in bushes, trees, and things they can climb on. You can buy suction cupped plants that you can attach to the sides of your tank and on the back. Cresties only go to the ground to shed, so it doesn't matter if their habitat isn't wide. Since your crested gecko will spend most of its time inside the terrarium, try to make it an interesting habitat. Place things like pieces of driftwood or bark in the terrarium. Your crestie will love climbing on and crawling under them. Cresties come from warm habitats, so they'll do best in a terrarium that's a little toasty, but make sure that it does not get too hot. The average temperature in the terrarium should hover a little below 78 °F (26 °C). It's fine if the temperature dips a below this at night, but the daytime temperature should not go below 65 °F (18 °C).  If the temperature in your area is higher than cresties tolerate, make sure to put the terrarium in a cooler room. The temperature in the terrarium should never go above 78 °F (26 °C) or your gecko may become stressed. If you need to warm to terrarium to keep it comfortable for your crestie, look for a ceramic heat emitter at a pet store. Connect it to a thermostat. Place the heater over just one side of the terrarium, so that the gecko can move to a cooler side when it needs to regulate its temperature, like reptiles naturally do. Be sure to use a digital thermometer. Crested geckos will thrive when the humidity is maintained at between 50 and 70 percent. To keep it humid, you can mist the terrarium once or twice per day with a spray bottle of water, or place a cool mist humidifier nearby. If you want to keep track of the exact humidity inside the terrarium, go to your pet store and buy a hygrometer that can be attached to its side. Spot clean the terrarium every day by wiping up any grimy spots with a paper towel. Deep clean the terrarium once a week. Wipe down the sides, clean your gecko's water dish thoroughly, and remove any debris from the plants or lay items. A cloth and water should take care of most messes inside the terrarium. If you have to use any soap, make sure to rinse it off thoroughly.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Set up a large terrarium. Add a layer of substrate to your crestie's home. Place live or fake plants in the terrarium. Give your crestie some things to play on. Keep the terrarium warm. Keep the terrarium humid. Clean your crestie's cage regularly.


" Both sayings mean something along the lines of "goodbye for now."  Translated more directly, à la prochaine means "to the next," essentially meaning "until the next time we meet." Pronounce à la prochaine as "ah lah pro-shen.  Directly translated, à bientôt means "to soon," but the basic meaning in English is "see you soon." Pronounce à bientôt as ah bee-ahn-toe. This phrase roughly means "see you later."  Translated more directly, it means "until later." The à means "to," plus means "more," and tard means "late." This phrase is already fairly informal, but you can make it even more informal by dropping off the tard and just saying à plus.  Pronounce à plus tard as ah ploo tahr. " This phrase means “see you tomorrow” or “until tomorrow.”   Demain means “tomorrow” in English. Pronounce the phrase as ah doo-man.  ("oo" as in 'book', "man" with short 'a' as in 'cat'.) Both phrases mean something along the lines of "see you in a little while."  Say à tout à l'heure to say "see you soon" or "see you in a while." Pronounce it as ah toot ah leur.  Say à tout de suite" to say "see you in a second" or "see you in a little while." Pronounce it as ah too' doo soo-eet. ("doo" with 'oo' as in 'book'.) " This statement roughly translates into "Happy to have met you."   Ravi means "delighted.  The rest of the phrase, "d’avoir fait ta connaissance," translates roughly when broken down into its individual parts. When kept together, though, it can be translated as "to have met you." Pronounce the statement as hah-vee da-vwahr fay tah kohn-nay-sahns.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Give a temporary goodbye with "à la prochaine" or "à bientôt. Use "à plus tard" instead. Tell someone goodbye for the day with "à demain. Use "à tout à l'heure" or "à tout de suite" when seeing someone soon. Tell someone new, "ravi d’avoir fait ta connaissance.


Always make sure the mounting style you choose is appropriate for the size and weight of your aluminum print. Some mounting supplies only work for smaller, lighter prints.  Choosing the wrong mounting supplies can cause injuries to yourself, your walls, and your aluminum print Your metal print will often come with a hanger, which you will select when ordering your print. If your aluminum print does not come with a hanger, use picture wire or a metal bracket. to locate a stud. Your aluminum print will weigh more than a canvas or paper print, so it is important to make sure your walls can support the weight. Slide the stud finder across your wall horizontally, and look for the blinking light. When the light flashes, the stud finder has located a stud. Hang your print from a stud in a flattering location. Position it a few inches above furniture and a few inches from the top of the wall. This will make your print look centered with your furniture. This will help you easily find the stud when you are ready to install your nail. Select a spot as close to the stud’s location as possible, and make a small, light mark with a pencil. This mark indicates where you will be hanging your aluminum print. Make sure you can clearly see the mark. Use either a drill or a screwdriver and secure your hanging hardware to the wall. Secure the screw in the wall so it has enough room to reach the stud deeply but also has enough room left over to hang your print.  Most hangers will use regular wall screws. If your hanger came with separate instructions, double check them to be certain of what hardware to use. If you are hanging your print using metal posts, follow the installation instructions that came with your metal posts. An extra screw will offer extra security to your print. You can put the screws immediately next to each other or spaced out across the location of your print. You can also use drywall screws or anchors for extra support. These provide a more stable hold, and you can purchase them at most hardware stores. Hold the aluminum print in your hands, and slide your print either onto the nail or into the hanger you selected. Release the piece after you are sure it will fit on the hanger comfortably and securely.  If you chose the metal posts, screw your print into the posts installed on the walls. Use your hands and twist the posts into place. If you used a metal bracket or Gatorboard, slide the nails into the designated hanging spots. Place the level at the top of the print, and look at the bubble. If the bubble is in the central position between both vertical lines, it is centered. Make adjustments as needed to your hanging location if your print is not level.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Ensure your hanger selection is right for your print and your wall. Use a stud finder Mark the wall with a pencil after you locate a stud. Mount the hanger of your choice to the wall. Secure multiple screws, depending on your print. Install your aluminum print onto the hanger. Verify that your print is straight with a level. Finished.


To get noticed, you’ll need to stand out from the masses. Therefore, you need to use your social media profiles to send a unique message about who you are. Ask yourself questions such as:  What kinds of posts align with the image I’m trying to portray?  What kinds of things would my role models post? What social media accounts do I need to have to portray myself well? Before tweeting, posting on Facebook, or putting a picture on Instagram, ask yourself if your message helps reinforce your personal image. For example, if you portray yourself as an easy-going indie music expert, you should avoid posting long anti-establishment rants on your social media accounts. If you need inspiration, look at the social media profiles of your favorite celebrities or role models. Draw attention to yourself online by popping up on your friend’s newsfeeds. This will help you stay relevant in their lives and keep people talking. However, don’t spam someone’s page just because you want attention. Only post when you have something interesting to say or to remind them of a recent shared experience. If someone else mentions you on their social media page, respond quickly and positively.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Consider what kind of image you want to portray online. Craft your posts carefully. Be active on other people’s social media profiles.


Although you may think that checking up on your ex on social media is stalking, it is actually a completely normal behavior following a breakup. You may want to see who your ex is with and what the person is doing in the hopes that your ex feels as miserable as you. But this can create a bad cycle of using social media for reassurance that ultimately makes you feel worse. Be aware that if you are using social media to find out where your ex is and then find him or her, this is actual stalking and potentially illegal. If you find yourself doing this, you may need to seek professional treatment. The expansive world of social media sites like Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram give people incredible access to the lives of others—including those you may not want to see. Blocking your ex entirely from any of your own social media sites may most extreme way to not stalk your ex, but it is also the most effective.  Be prepared to deal with either your ex or mutual friends asking you why you took this action. Your decision may hurt your ex or mutual friends even. However, explain that the pain of your breakup is too much and this was the best decision for you and not meant to hurt anyone. Realize that another added benefit of blocking someone is that you often need to refriend or refollow the person. The sheer embarrassment of having to ask permission to see so that you can stalk the person may keep you from doing this. A less extreme way to not have the temptation of stalking your ex is to unfriend or unfollow the person on social media. This can help prevent you from accessing your ex’s sites, limit how much of the person’s life you see, and also minimize how badly you feel. Prepare yourself to deal with invariable questions just as you may with blocking an ex. You can also use the same explanation, “Honestly, I need a break. Maybe in the future I can follow my ex on social media. For now, I need to just not see or be able to see what Gregory is doing.” If you’re concerned that blocking your ex might hurt the person or leave others questioning you, limit what you see on social media. You could simply unsubscribe from your ex’s posts or other features that might alert you to what your ex is doing. Some social media sites like Facebook will even automatically prompt you to limit exposure when you change your relationship status. Depending on your network of friends, your ex may appear in statuses, location updates, and photos on social media sites. These may upset you, especially if you find out your ex is with a new partner or having a ball without you. In order to avoid seeing your ex's name or image, consider un-following the social media feeds of mutual and/ or close friends.  Play off anything you may miss if you don’t want the person to know you’re no longer following his or her feeds. If a feed is mentioned, just say “oh, I must have missed that” or “I only got a quick glance because I didn’t notice it until I was at work.” Consider being honest to mutual friends. You can say, “I’m so sorry, but it’s just too painful to see Gregory in your news feeds. I really value your friendship and know he does, too. For now, I’d love to catch up with what you’re doing in other ways.” From time to time, you may be tempted to poke around social media and search engines for your ex. One innocent search or view of a news feed could lead you to a night of questioning about things such as whether or not the person who liked your ex’s recent profile picture is a relative or new love interest. By reminding yourself that it’s better for you to avoid your ex’s social media and web presence altogether, you aid the process of closure. A little self-control in this regard can give you more control over yourself and your emotions. Many smartphones, tablets, and other devices connect phone numbers with social media presences. You can prevent yourself from stalking your ex by removing the person’s contact information from devices. This can not only keep you from looking up your ex in a moment of weakness, but will also remove an ever-present reminder of the person. Write your ex’s contact information on a piece of paper if you may need to contact the person. This keeps you from having the reminder of the person as well as the temptation of looking up his or her sites.that you won’t see every day and store it in a safe place.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Recognize that your stalking is normal—but painful. Block your ex from all social media sites. Unfriend or stop following your ex. Limit your ex’s presence on your news feed. Stop following the feeds of mutual friends. Practice self-control. Remove contact information from your devices.


Add your yeast and sugar to the water (it should feel warm to the touch, but not warm enough to burn you) and lightly stir it. Let it sit for 6-7 minutes, until you see small bubbles forming at the surface of the water. Activating the yeast is feeding it -- it eats the sugar and drinks the water. The bubbles are carbon dioxide made when the yeast "breathes." Pour the flour in a little bit at a time, adding more as it absorbs the water and yeast. Use one hand to add the flour and the other to mix it. This keeps the dough from sticking to the bowl or your hands and keeps moisture in. Keep mixing until the dough is glossy and tacky, but not sticky. Pinch a small amount and stretch it thin enough so light passes through. If the dough doesn't rip, it's ready to kneed. With the dough still in the bowl, use one hand to gather the dough together, then press firmly into the center of the dough with the heel of your hand.  Fold the far edge of the dough upwards and towards you, press your hand in again, and repeat. Continue the "press-fold-turn" for 3-4 minutes, or until your dough holds its shape without you touching it.  If the dough is moist or sticky, sprinkle additional flour over the top and on your hands. If you need more time, you can put the dough in the refrigerator, where it takes 4-5 hours to rise. The dough will be roughly twice as big when it finishes rising as when it started. Sprinkle two or three tablespoons of flour on a cutting board out counter to prevent the dough from sticking. If you are making two smaller pizzas, cut the dough ball in half. Use your palm to push the dough ball into a disc, then use your fingers to push and pull the dough flat. This process takes some practice, but go slowly and use your fingers to massage the pizza into your desired crust shape. When done, fold 1/2 inch of the edge back over to create the crust. Work from the center of the dough outward to avoid ripping the dough. While you can make great crusts without the famous "pizza toss," there is something satisfying about prepping your crust like the experts.  Make a fist and drape the flattened dough over it. Make a fist of the other hand and slip it under the dough next to your other fist. Carefully move your fists apart stretching the dough more. Shift your fists (left towards your face, right away) so the dough rotates while stretching. When the dough has reached about 8 inches (20cm) in diameter, you can quickly move your left fist in an arc that goes backwards towards your face. Do this while twisting your right fist forward away from your face. If you give a a little push upwards with your right fist the dough will spin like a Frisbee. Practice how it feels to balance the force of the twists equally. Be sure to catch the falling, dough as gently as you can by lowering your fists as the pizza falls. If you notice that the dough is tearing, combine, kneed it again for 30 seconds, and start over.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Activate your yeast in warm water. Transfer the yeast to a large mixing bowl and add salt and flour. Add olive oil to the dough once you've added the flour. Knead the dough. Leave the dough alone for 1 hour to rise. Set the dough out on a floured countertop. Using your fingers, pull and flatten the dough into a crust. Toss you dough for a perfect, round crust if you feel confident.


Pranks can be a lot of fun, but you don’t want to leave a mess that takes days or weeks to clean up. Don’t use permanent marker if you draw on someone’s face or other body parts. You don’t want your friends’ parents to think you are a bad influence, so always avoid pranks that could get someone in trouble. Don’t do things that cause damage to people’s bodies or property. This means avoid toilet-papering people’s houses or egging cars. Try not to ruin your clothes or make a huge mess. And definitely don’t do anything dangerous that could get someone hurt. Nothing ruins a prank faster than a necessary trip to the hospital. Pranking is only enjoyable when it’s all in good fun. If you use pranking as a way to bully someone you don’t like or to make someone else feel like they don’t belong, then this isn’t a prank. It’s just you being a bully. Only prank people who you know will respond well to it and who you are really friends with. Don’t use pranks as a way to exclude someone else. People might start getting annoyed at you if they think you always prank them, but you never let yourself be pranked. If you want the pranks to be all in good fun, you have to let yourself be the target sometimes. This means letting other people prank you and not getting upset about it. You can also play pranks on yourself. For example, you could pour some water on the front of your pants and pretend that you accidentally wet yourself.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Don’t do something permanent. Avoid pranks that will get someone in trouble. Don’t be mean spirited. Prank yourself sometimes.


Cut the potatoes into ½ inch cubes. Combine the potatoes along with 2 diced medium onions, 2 sliced carrots, 2 sliced celery ribs, 2 (14 ½-oz.) cans of low-sodium fat-free chicken broth, 1 tsp. of dried basil, 1 tsp. of salt, and ½ tsp. of pepper together in the slow cooker.     Serve this tasty soup in an Italian bread bowl along with celery leaves for garnish.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Peel and cut 2.5 lbs. of potatoes. Combine the first 8 ingredients in a 4 ½-quart slow cooker. Cover the cooker and cook it on high for 3 hours or until the vegetables are tender. Stir ¼  cup of all-purpose flour and 1 ½ cups of fat-free half and half together in small bowl. Stir the flour and half and half mixture into the soup. Cover the cooker and cook for 30 more minutes or until it’s heated. Serve.


Khamis-Roche and bone age methods can also be used for children in this age range.  Released in 2005, this method utilizes the child’s sex, date of birth, date of test, height, sitting height, and weight. There are online calculators for this method as well. For example, a female child born May 5, 2003; tested May 5, 2015; height 63 inches; sitting height 49 inches; weight 120 pounds; can expect to reach 64.7 inches (5’5”). Even these methods used on teenagers who are nearing their final heights retain a margin of error.  There are so many factors in final height that no prediction method can be entirely accurate.  Growth spurts vary in occurrence and duration, environmental factors can change, and so on.  The only way to know for sure is to wait and see.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Use what is sometimes called the “Lauren Method” for females age 8-16 and males age 9-18. Temper your expectations, even for older children.


The most modern word for a boyfriend, someone who you are romantically involved with, is "copain." It is pronounced "co-pahn," where the "n" is almost silent. It sounds like the famous classical composer Frédéric Chopin. You can put the word "petit" ("peh-teet") before copain to make it slightly more endearing. . While this translates literally as "little friend," it is commonly used to refer to your boyfriend in French. It is pronounced "peh-teet ah-me." If it helps, remember that "petit" rhymes with the English "repeat" and "ami" rhymes (though only slightly) with the English name "Tommy."  The words are often said closely together so that they sound like one word. You do pronounce the "t" at the end of "petit," because the next word starts with a vowel. In general, the phrase "mon cheri" is a very affectionate, usually private term used for your boyfriend. It is pronounced "sherr-EE," much like the English drink "sherry." Note how your voice, however, should rise slightly on the last "ee" syllable. There are several other terms for your man that can be swapped around in informal context. Most of the following are not so familiar that they would gross out your friends, but not so loose that you should be using them all the time and in public:   Mec: Pronounced "meck," this translates best to "guy" or "bloke." "Mon mec" is used for boyfriends, as in "my guy."  Jules: Pronounced "jool." Another slang term for a guy or boyfriend.  Flirt: Pronounced similarly to English. While it means "flirting" directly, it can also be used colloquially for a boyfriend.  Amoureux: Pronounced "am-or-euh." Used in a variety of contexts, all generally colloquial. When used as an adjective, it means "loving" or "romantic." Quebecois French has evolved over the years in North America. While the other expressions will still make sense, you can use the slang "un chum," pronounced "tch-UH-m" when in eastern Canada. The slang term for a girlfriend is not, "une chume," but rather "une blonde."

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Use "copain" to talk about your boyfriend. Use "petit ami" to refer to your boyfriend in a slightly cutesier way. Use "cheri" to refer to your "darling" or boyfriend in an extra affectionate light. Mix and match a variety of slang terms to talk endearingly about your boyfriend. Use the slang "un chum" to talk about a boyfriend in Quebec.


The best place to work is outside. If you can't work outside, open up a window or turn on a fan. Bleach can get stinky and cause headaches if you don't have enough fresh air. Spread some newspapers, a plastic tablecloth, or some old towels over your work surface. This will help protect it from getting stained. If your shoes are dirty, you may not see the effects of the bleach as well. If necessary, wash your shoes in a bucket of soap and water, and let them dry.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Work in a well-ventilated area. Protect your work surface. Try to work on clean shoes.


Have the discussion in private without unwanted or uninvolved participants. Avoid distractions like computers and phones, so you can each turn your attention towards the conversation at hand. Have the discussion at a mutually convenient time, so each participant can reflect on what they’d like to discuss prior to the meeting. Making a conscious decision among all involved participants to abide by a set of ground rules will ensure a productive conversation to resolve conflict or advocate for a certain perspective. Ground rules might include:  Maintain professionalism in manner and language. Stay on topic. Do not threaten other participants. Do not attack other participants on a personal level. Determine the points that you can agree on before launching into fights about what you don’t agree on. This will enable a clearer route to resolution because you recognize that there is something positive to build upon. While workplaces often do not appreciate the emotional investment associated with certain projects or other aspects of one’s professional life, it is important to acknowledge the existence of that emotion. Demonstrate respect to your colleagues (or manager or subordinate) that you understand they have an emotional investment in their work. This will also serve to move the conversation back to solid ground. Allow your opponent to express their perspective fully. Wait a few seconds before responding so that you fully understand what they’re saying. Unproductive, combative conversations in which the same points are argued over and over should be set aside for a day or two before resuming discussions. If it seems like the conversation is degenerating into unproductive, unfair fighting, it may be necessary to bring in a third party to keep the dialogue on track.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Choose an appropriate setting. Establish ground rules. Find common ground. Acknowledge and validate emotion. Listen closely to all viewpoints. Have time-outs if necessary. Engage a mediator.


A tailored dress shirt is your best option, but any shirt that fits your shoulders correctly will work as long as that shirt has sleeves.  The accuracy of this measurement depends entirely on the shirt you choose to measure, so make sure you pick a good one. For the sake of accuracy, use a shirt that fits in the shoulder area as correctly as possible. If you want a looser fit, you can always add 1 inch (2.5 cm) or so to the measurement after you take it. This measurement can be substituted for your back or standard shoulder width measurement. Do not use it to substitute for your front shoulder width measurement, though. Since this measurement is not quite as accurate as one measured across your actual shoulders, you should only use this option if you are unable to use the traditional method of measurement. Place the shirt on a table or other flat working surface. Smooth it out so that the material lies as flat as possible. For the sake of consistency, you may want to keep the back facing up as you measure. This does not matter much, though, since the location of the shoulder seams will almost always be the same on both the front and back of you shirt. This measurement is your shoulder width. Consider marking it down and saving it in your records.  While not quite as accurate as a shoulder width measurement taken from your actual shoulders, this measurement will almost always provide a close enough approximation to your true shoulder width. This measurement is most commonly used for tailored men's pieces, but it can be used for both men's and women's tops.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Find a shirt that fits well. Lay the shirt flat. Write down your results.


Try not to chatter if you don't really have something to say. Instead, make your words count. Over time, people will start to listen to you better because they know that what you have to say is important. If you talk too often, you water down what you have to say, making it less important. Thoughtfully choosing your words makes them have impact. Unless the conversation is important -- such as a work meeting -- consider letting someone else control the conversation. You may not want to do this with every conversation, but it can be a great way to teach yourself to speak only when you need to.   This will help you become a better listener. You'll actively be focusing on the other person and how to keep the conversation central to them. You'll likely be surprised how much you end up learning, too. Try not to be too quiet when you're meeting a new person. The person may assume that you are strange or that you are not worth talking to. Instead, find a balance between listening to the other people around you and asking considerate questions. Don't speak unnecessarily. Think before you speak. Pause when you're agitated or excited. Be mindful of interrupting another person. Take the time to hear the meaning behind their words instead of just jumping in with your own opinions or comments. How does this person actually feel? How are they likely to react? What information are you noticing that you didn’t before? It's not that talkative people don't or can't do this, it's just much easier when you can focus on watching the other person rather than on talking. When you interrupt someone, you demonstrate a complete lack of respect for their thoughts and feelings. Let them finish before you start on what you think. If you’re not sure if you interrupted or not, just say, “I’m sorry. Did I interrupt? Go on.” This will make them feel more appreciated, too. Take a second to consider how much you've spoken in this conversation and how much the other person has. If it's been a while since you've really chimed in with something, go ahead. No conversation is fulfilling if the other person is practically mute. But the door swings both ways — if you've been talking for a while, let the other person grab the reins. Just make sure each person gets to finish their thought before you switch gears. People love talking about themselves, and if you allow them time to do it, they’ll love you for it, too. Being quiet doesn't mean not talking — it means using words succinctly, asking interesting questions, and making solid points worth talking about. So don't tell yourself to shut up; just tell yourself to ask the right questions. Let’s say an acquaintance of yours went skydiving. Instead of saying, “Oh, I went skydiving once; it was awesome!” you say, “That’s great! How was it? Was it your first time?” If they’re truly invested in the conversation, they’ll probably ask you if you’ve ever done it, too. Soften your delivery and talk quieter, but loud enough to be heard. Quiet people tend to be gentler in socializing, even when they do speak up. Fewer things rile them up and they learn to show their amazement or awe through their face and other vocal mechanisms (gasping, exclaiming to themselves, etc.). There is a fine, fine line to this, however. People that don't talk loud enough can get very annoying. It's easy for others to get frustrated with you if they can't hear you. So make sure that in lowering your volume, you're just using your inside voice, not your whispering voice. People who consider their words carefully before they speak tend to speak more wisely. Their ways will earn them the respect of others and will make them appear more competent. Speak up when you feel a point needs to be addressed, but don't feel the urge to fill awkward silences. When you reserve your words for things you actually need to say, they have more effect. Keep your words to the point to maintain your quiet demeanor and to make your words more important and meaningful. When you just have to spit out that comment and you’re dying keeping it in, let your face express how you’re feeling. An eye roll or a giggle to yourself can do wonders and it gets people noticing the little things about you. Have you ever caught a quiet friend of yours judging something with their face? Take a leaf out of their book and use your face as a substitute for your words if and when need be. Of course, do this carefully. It's easy to offend people even if you don't say anything. An eye roll to a particularly sensitive friend could launch them into a tizzy if you're not careful. Know your audience and know when these moments are appropriate. Do not assume that someone with a different position or opinion is therefore wrong, stupid, or malicious. Learn why they believe that way, and where it comes from. This will help you see both sides of the coin and formulate a thought-out opinion. It'll provoke you to ask questions and to step back and think about the conversation you're having.  This does not imply that quieter people are more understanding. It's just that when you're listening, it's easier to take in the other person's argument and to let them explain it fully. Avoid being quiet just to make other people angry. Being quiet to avoid confrontation is not helpful; it's cowardly. Make your points during an argument, but make them in a reasonable way without using a loud voice. Don't be impolite or unnecessarily curt — speak politely, but only when spoken to, and answer intelligently and not in an overly forward "yes/no" manner. Quiet is the goal, not impolite or snobby. Concise is the goal, not laconic or brusque.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Have a point when you speak. Let the other person dominate the conversation unless it's important. Observe the body language of the person you’re talking to. Stop interrupting people. Ask questions that focus on the other person. Lower your volume. Learn to command respect through using fewer words. Rely on your face to express yourself. Take a moment to open your mind.


A person's career and lifestyle may be interesting and desirable, but that doesn't necessarily make the person a good potential partner. They may be polite and funny on camera, but they could be boring, a snob, greedy, or mean to people less fortunate than them in real life. You don’t really know, so it's likely that outside of their work, your crush is just like anyone else with faults and flaws. Nobody is perfect, not even celebrities! It's likely that you will never meet your celebrity crush, since they’re busy and have tons of fans. Even if you do, it's also possible that they wouldn’t take an interest in you. This can be hard to accept, but celebrities are normal people who can choose who they date, just like you. While people in your real life might not be as attractive or famous as your celebrity crush, that does not mean that they’re not worth dating. True connection forms by trusting your partner, being able to communicate openly, and sharing common interests. You can’t really do that with a person you’ve never seen in person or talked to one-on-one.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Ask yourself whether you really know enough about that celebrity as a person to like them. Think about the likelihood of meeting them and having them start a relationship with you. Prioritize a relationship that is both real and mutual.


Beer batter comes out crispy and smooth. It's the perfect coating for fish, onion rings and other vegetables. Make sure all food pieces that you want to fry are cut into similar-sized pieces, so they'll fry evenly.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Prepare the food you want to fry.


The official DoTA website has many download mirrors to provide fast downloads to multiple users at once. Remember the location where you are saving the downloaded file. The directory is usually "C:\Program Files\Warcraft III\Maps\Download" unless you had changed it during the game's installation process. The DoTA map has now been successfully installed for your chosen World of Warcraft game but you should make some adjustments before playing it.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Download DoTA from the Internet. Move the downloaded file to the download directory of the Warcraft program in which you want to play the DoTA game.


If you try to swap out cables with your TV on, you can damage your set. Your TV quality can suffer from having too many video inputs plugged in at once so it's best to start with zero. The S-video slot is round with a series of small round holes clustered around the middle, to match the number of pins on your S-video cable. The small pins on the cable should go in the top of the input. If your TV requires a different number of pins than your component (or vice versa), count the pins first to make sure you're plugging in the correct end of the cable. Use an adapter if your setup requires it. These could be red and white composite cables (in which case leave the yellow video cable unplugged) or a higher-end setup. Your DVD player (for instance) should be fully on before you turn on your TV. If your DVD video appears, you plugged in the S-video cable properly! You may have to switch your TV's default input channel after changing to S-video. To do this, press the "Input" or "Source" button on your TV or TV remote.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Turn off your TV. Unplug any video input from your TV. Plug one end of your S-video cable into your component. Plug the other end of your S-video cable into your TV. Make sure your audio cables are attached. Turn on your component(s). Turn on your TV.


In the event that you’re a no-show for more than an hour, it may be a good idea to follow up your face-to-face apology with a written one. Taking the time to compose a formal letter will show that you’re genuinely remorseful and help you get back into your employer’s good graces. You should also think about writing an apology letter if you’ve already had one or more violations in the past, or if your tardiness caused a major problem for your company, such as a lost client or safety violation. Place your full name, address, and email address at the top of the letter.  On the following line, note the date that you’re writing. Beneath that, display your boss's name and email address and the physical address of the company. If you work for a large company, put down the local address of your workplace rather than the business’s headquarters. Start with the word “Dear,” followed by your boss’s appropriate title. It’s customary to use a given title like "Mr.", “Mrs.", or “Miss,” even if you’re ordinarily on casual terms. Never refer to your employer by their first name.  Most apology letters will open with a line like, “Dear Miss Morgan” or “Dear Mr. Singh.” If you don’t feel comfortable using the word “Dear,” it’s alright to drop it and just say “Miss Morgan,” followed by a comma. Be careful not to sound too familiar with your employer. Doing so could come across as disrespectful. Explain that the purpose of your letter is to go above and beyond a simple verbal apology. Then, summarize your reason for being late, even if you’ve already talked it out with your boss in person. Don’t forget to note the date and time to provide context for the situation.  Your explanation might read, "I want to offer my sincerest apologies for being two hours late to work this past Friday, August 10th, 2018. I had an unexpected crisis at home that demanded my attention. I understand that my absence came at an inopportune moment for the company, and I would like to say once again how sorry I am." Keep the body of your letter short and sweet. Ideally, it should consist of only a few lines—your opening, a brief explanation, and a final acknowledgement of wrongdoing. Since it’s hard to take away a sense of tone from a written apology, you’ll want to include a line that conveys that you regret being late. Acknowledge how your mistake impacted your employer and coworkers, or what it cost the company if there were financial consequences. As an example, you might write, "I realize that by missing my 10 am appointment I not only lost a potential client but also damaged our company’s credibility as a dependable consultant with an emphasis on customer satisfaction.” Explain how you plan to avoid being late in future. Describe the exact steps you’ll take to follow through on your pledge, such as leaving earlier or scheduling your appointments more prudently. This will show that you’re focused on actionable solutions, not just empty excuses. A closing line like, "I've asked a trusted neighbor to be available to help with the dogs so that a situation like this morning’s doesn’t happen again” will be taken as a sign of good faith. Thank your boss for their patience and understanding, and for taking the time to read your letter. Ending things on a gracious note will help soothe any lingering feelings of resentment and set a positive tone for future interactions.  Your final line doesn’t have to be anything too extravagant: "I appreciate how gracious you’ve been throughout this whole ordeal, and I’m eager for another chance to prove my loyalty to the company." If nothing else, include a short gesture of thanks like, “Thank you for being understanding of these difficulties and my plans to correct them.”

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Send an apology letter if you happen to be exceptionally late. Use a formal structure for your letter. Open your letter with a traditional greeting. Present your apology in the body of the letter. Show that you understand the consequences of your tardiness. End your letter by stating how you plan to make up for your mistake. Express your gratitude before signing off.


As long as your kitten is over five days old, she should be gently handled and pet every day to get used to being touched. This will help her bond with you and get her used to the smell of humans. Socializing kittens and getting them used to being touched is most important during the first seven weeks of their lives (minus the first week or two). As long as they're people you trust to be kind and gentle, get your kitten used to as many people as possible by letting friends and family pet her too. This socialization will increase the chances that she’ll develop into a loving and friendly adult cat. Many cats don’t like having their paws touched, but working your kitten up to this will help her learn to enjoy being pet, and will make clipping her nails much easier.  Start by gently rubbing your kitten’s chest between her two front legs, and slowly move your hand down one of her legs until you're touching her paw. Go back to her chest and repeat with the other leg. When you’ve done this, reward her with a treat.  Gradually increase the amount of time you spend touching her paws until your kitten becomes accustomed to having them touched. Be sure to reward her with treats. Start by scratching the back of her head around her ears. Then with one finger, gently stroke one of her ears and go back to scratching her head. Repeat with the other ear and reward her with a treat. Each time you do this, gradually increase the amount of time you spend touching her ear, until it’s no longer an issue. When you're getting her used to this, don’t forget to reward her with treats. Use a small brush or one that’s designed for cats. Brush in the direction that her fur grows (brush from head to tail) for a few minutes each week. Not only will this get her used to being touched in different ways, but it will also help to reduce shedding and fur balls.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Pet her daily. Let other people pet her too. Get her used to you touching her paws. Work your way to touching the ears. Brush her weekly.


This move is classic for a reason--it allows you to hold your girlfriend against you and invites her to rest her head on your shoulder.  When sitting side by side, drape your arm across her upper back. You can hold her arm or shoulder with your hand or run your hand up and down her arm. After a few minutes, try gently running your fingers through her hair. If you are very comfortable with each other, take your free arm and slide it under her knees, encouraging her to lift her legs and drape them across your lap. If she's resting her head on your shoulder, you can rest your head on the top of her head. Lie down on your side behind your girlfriend. She should also be on her side. Wrap your arm around her and pull her back against you, so her back is pressed against your chest.  You may have to move around a bit to figure out what to do with the arm that is beneath you. It can quickly become uncomfortable if your arm gets pinned underneath your body weight or your girlfriend. Make it even more intimate by intertwining your legs together while you're spooning. If you two are having a lovely day in the park and decide to stretch out on your backs and gaze at the sky, now is a perfect time to bring her close to you. If you are not already side by side, scoot over so you are close to her.  Slide your arm under her neck or have her lift her head so you can get your arm around her. Place your hand on her shoulder and gently pull her toward you. This position will allow her to rest her head on your chest or arm. She may remain laying on her back or roll onto her side so she is facing you. Use your free hand to run your fingers through her hair or caress her face.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Put your arm around her shoulder. Try spooning your girlfriend if you are lying together on the couch. Put your arm around her shoulders when you are lying down.


Stand close enough to them so that you can easily reach both of their shoulders while keeping a little bend in your arms. This is the simplest and most effective position for performing a shoulder massage.  If there isn’t a chair around, you can also have your recipient sit cross-legged on the edge of a bed or similar perch. Leave a little space between your recipient’s body and your own. Standing too close will make it difficult to work, and could make the other person uncomfortable. Extend your thumbs while pulling your fingers together and curling them slightly. Keep the top joint of each of your fingers straight—most of the bend should be in your third knuckles, where your fingers meet your palms. Your hands will remain in this same position throughout the massage. If needed, you can adjust your grip a little once you get started to better mold them to your recipient’s shoulders. Maintaining the “C” shape, turn your hands over so that your fingers point downwards. Slide your hands all the way down so that the webbing of your thumbs rests over the tops of their shoulders. Feel for the smooth contour of the muscles just above the collarbones with your fingertips.  If your recipient has long hair, brush it out of the way or ask them to put it up so it doesn’t get pulled accidentally during the massage. This hand position is sometimes called the “claw” or “duck” grip. Press the tips of your fingers and thumbs into the trapezius from both sides, starting at the inside of the shoulders closest to the neck. Roll the muscles up towards your recipient's collarbones without releasing your grip. The idea is to squeeze and lift instead of clamping down forcefully with your fingers. Relying on your whole arm rather than just your fingers will help reduce fatigue and prevent you from being too rough in sensitive spots, making the experience more comfortable for both you and your recipient. As you massage, try to get into a regular rhythm—bring your arms come up and loosen your grip, then lower them and channel the movement into small pulses of your fingers. Finding a comfortable rhythm will allow you to massage with proper technique for much longer. Don't get in a hurry. The slower you go, the better it will feel. After kneading the inner part of the trapezius for a few minutes, gradually spread your hands out towards your recipient’s arms. Then, change direction and work your way back towards the neck. Continue in this fashion until your recipient is relaxed, refreshed, and tension-free. Stop short of the bony protrusions of the shoulder joints themselves. Pressing directly on bones or joints can be painful.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Have your recipient sit down in front of you with their back to you. Form a loose “C” shape with both hands. Drape your hands over your recipient’s shoulders. Draw the muscles upwards with gentle, consistent pressure. Raise and lower your forearms and elbows with slow, smooth motions. Go over the entire length of the shoulders.


The morning of the cookout, fill a cooler with ice and put drinks in there that should be served cold. This includes beer, pop, juice, and other drinks that people typically don’t like warm. You may want to dust, vacuum, clean the bathrooms, and tidy the patio before your guests arrive. People probably won’t be spending too much time inside, but it will be nice to have a clean house regardless. To clean the patio, wipe down any outdoor furniture, remove items that don’t have to be there, and sweep or power wash the deck or patio. You don’t have to decorate for a cookout, but you certainly can. There are lots of decorations you can use, including flowers, plants, balloons, streamers, lights, torches, candles, and even special table cloths. Because barbecues are informal, guests usually take care of serving themselves food and drinks. Set up a large table with napkins, plates, utensils, and cups. When the guests start to arrive, you can put out snacks and drinks (ones that aren't in the cooler). When the food is ready, place the side dishes and mains on the table as well, along with serving utensils so that guests can get their own food. Before guests arrive, place a large garbage can outside with a fresh garbage bag in it. This will give guests a place to put trash, make your job easier, and make it so guests don’t have to go inside. This is especially important if you're using disposable serving ware and utensils. About an hour before guests are set to arrive, turn on the barbecue and preheat it for your food. This will make sure the grill is nice and hot and ready to go as soon as your guests arrive. When the grill is hot, put on long-cooking side dishes like baked potatoes and corn on the cob. Side dishes like corn and potatoes should go on the grill 30 to 60 minutes before you plan to eat. As soon as your first guests get there and lunch or dinnertime arrives, move your corn and potatoes off the grill and start cooking the main dish. To keep the sides warm while everything else cooks, wrap them in foil. Once the food is ready, put the side dishes, appetizers, and main food on the table so that guests can serve themselves and dress their food. Now that all the hard work is out of the way, it’s time to enjoy your cookout!

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Set up a cooler. Clean the house and patio. Put up decorations. Set up a food and drink station. Put out a large garbage can. Fire up the grill before guests arrive. Start cooking the main when guests arrive. Set food out on a table so guests can serve themselves.


. If there's just one skill you have, it should be public speaking. Your face, your voice, you is gonna be in the limelight at least until the election is over. People are going to be watching you and analyzing your every move. If you can convince them with your winning smile, calm demeanor, and persuasiveness that you're qualified for the job, it'll be smooth sailing. The most obvious examples are Barack Obama and JFK. When Barack steps up to the podium, his charisma just oozes out of him. His public speaking skills got him to where he is today. And then there's the famous JFK/Nixon debate, where JFK was so calm, cool, and collected that he made the nervous, twitchy Nixon look like a joke. So brush up! So while JFK schooled Nixon because of his charisma, it didn't hurt that he was 100x better looking and more put together. If you're gonna be in the public eye, you gotta look the part. That means ties, suits, and that wonderful pair of I'm-just-like-you khakis. And the shoes! Don't forget the shoes. You'll generally need two looks: the nice, fancy suit for your more formal functions and then the rolled-up Oxford and khakis when you're talking in the town hall. This goes for men and women, though a women's suit could either be a skirt or pants. If you expect people to vote for you, you gotta have your views and your views down pat. None of this wishy-washy flip-flopping -- or you'll be called on it faster than you can say "John Edwards." Hopefully you figured these out pre-campaign (though in the realm of politics, changes of heart aren't exactly uncommon). You'll probably be encouraged to align your views with the majority. There is no book that says you have to do this. Your team may want you to, but you don't have to do a damn thing. It can get you votes, but what's gonna happen when bill-passing time rolls around? Hope the Catholic guilt doesn't get to you? Once you're a politician, you're basically signing off on your privacy. You're the closest thing to a movie star there is. Your image will be plastered everywhere from buses to the Daily Show. And it won't always be nice. So while it's gonna be hard handling the constant photo ops and always faking a smile, it's gonna be harder handling the criticism. Can you take it? The association between politicians and scandals is so ridiculous it's almost funny. If you're running for office, expect to have to face that everything from your dishonorable discharge in the military to that appealed DUI charge to a speeding ticket from 27 years ago. If it's the slightest bit juicy, it could come back to haunt you. This is not a career for the faint of heart. It's gonna involve late nights, name calling, begging, brown-nosing, and lots and lots of putting up with the trivial. There will be times when you'll feel on top of the world and there will be times when you'll feel like it's on top of you. You gotta have a thick skin and an impermeable sense of confidence. You ready? This could be tough on your loved ones, too. Bristol Palin, anyone? So while this may be your dream, make sure you're looking out for them, too. You'll need them when it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Be a fantastic public speaker Have the wardrobe. Solidify your views. Be comfortable with the media and their antics. Get tough.


If you and your date do not live within walking distance of each other or are unable to take public transportation, ask someone you trust for a ride. Be courteous when asking. Be sure to plan everything for your date in advance, and involve the person driving you in your transportation plans, as they’ll be spending their time helping you.  When you ask for a ride, remember to be polite. For instance, try saying, “If you would be able to give me a ride this Friday to see my friend, I would really appreciate it,” or “Could you give me a lift this weekend to go out with someone special?” Plan exactly when you will need to be dropped off, and if necessary, when you will need to be picked up. Sometimes, if you can’t find a ride for your specific date, you may be able to “hitch a ride,” with people who are heading to an event or in the same direction you are. Grabbing a ride is a great way to get to your destination without having to ask for special favors, or worrying about answering any awkward questions during the trip. Whether you hitch a ride and meet your date out, or both of you are able to go on the ride, make sure you’re polite and thank the person who is driving.  For instance, if there is a sporting event or local fair that you want to attend with your date, plan ahead and find out if any of your licensed friends or family are going. Ask for a ride and meet your date there. If you have a sibling that is going out, ask if they, or whomever is driving them, can drop you, or you and your date, off on their way. Download the Uber  or  the Lyft  apps. Once you have set up your account, you can use these apps to call rides for yourself whenever you need them. Use the app to call a ride to head to where your date lives, or to go to a place that is close to where your date lives.  Use Uber or Lyft to pick your date up and take them to a movie. If your date wants you to come spend some time at their home, use Uber and Lyft to get there.

Provide a summary of the article in two or three sentences:

Ask for a ride. Catch a ride with friends or siblings. Use a ridesharing app, like Uber or Lyft.